Dislocation of primary total hip arthroplasty:Analysis of risk factors and preventive options

Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is one of the most successful elective operations in orthopedic surgery for improving pain and functional disability in patients with end-stage joint disease.However,dislocation continues to be a troublesome complication after THA,as it is a leading cause of revision and is associated with substantial social,health,and economic costs.It is a relatively rare,usually early occurrence that depends on both the patients’characteristics and the surgical aspects.The most recent and important finding is the special attention to be given preoperatively to spinopelvic mobility,which is closely related to the incidence of dislocation.Consequently,clinical and radiographic assessment of the lumbar spine is mandatory to identify an altered pelvic tilt that could suggest a different positioning of the cup.Lumbar spinal fusion is currently considered a risk factor for dislocation and revision regardless of whether it is performed prior to or after THA.Surgical options for its treatment and prevention include the use of prostheses with large diameter of femoral head size,dual mobility constructs,constrained liners,and modular neck stems.

BCD020 rituximab bioanalog compared to standard treatment in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: The data of 12 months casecontrol study

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is the most frequent and serious systemic connective tissue disease.Nowadays there is no clear guidance on its treatment in childhood.There are a lot of negative effects of standard-of-care treatment(SOCT),including steroid toxicity.Rituximab(RTX)is the biological B-lymphocyte-depleting agent suggested as a basic therapy in pediatric SLE.AIM To compare the benefits of RTX above SOCT.METHODS The data from case histories of 79 children from the Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University from 2012 to 2022 years,were analyzed.The diagnosis of SLE was established with SLICC criteria.We compared the outcomes of treatment of SLE in children treated with and without RTX.Laboratory data,doses of glucocorticosteroids,disease activity measured with SELENA-SLEDAI,RESULTS Patients,treated with RTX initially had a higher degree of disease activity with prevalence of central nervous system and kidney involvement,compared to patients with SOCT.One year later the disease characteristics became similar between groups with a more marked reduction of disease activity(SELENA-SLEDAI activity index)in the children who received RTX[-19 points(17;23)since baseline]compared to children with SOCT[-10(5;15.5)points since baseline,P=0.001],the number of patients with active lupus nephritis,and daily proteinuria.During RTX therapy,infectious diseases had three patients;one patient developed a bi-cytopenia.CONCLUSION RTX can be considered as the option in the treatment of severe forms of SLE,due to its ability to arrest disease activity compared to SOCT.

Locking plates for distal fibula fractures in young and elderly patients:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are common injuries in the young and elderly populations.To prevent post-traumatic arthritis,an anatomic reconstruction of the ankle structure is mandatory.Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice among orthopaedics.Conventional plates allow stability of the fracture if bone quality is present.Locking plates might offer an advantage for the treatment of lateral malleolar fracture in patients with comminution,severe instability,distal fractures,or osteoporotic bone.Our hospital introduced a new locking plate for fracture of the distal fibula.AIM To evaluate locking plates in terms of outcomes and complications in young and elderly patients.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a total of 67 patients treated for displaced distal fibula fractures.Demographic data,number of comorbidities,use of inter fragmentary screw,complication,time of fracture healing,partial or full weight bearing,and reoperation were recorded for all patients.Clinical outcome was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical scoring system.Radiographs were obtained at 4,8,12,16,20,and 24 wk until radiographic union was obtained.RESULTS All patients displayed complete bony union on radiographic assessment,and no patients developed any serious complications.We observed two superficial infections,one delayed wound healing,and two plate intolerances.Significant differences were observed between the two age groups in terms of radiographic healing(11.9 wk in younger patients vs 13.7 wk in older patients;P=0.011)and in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 6 mo after surgery(88.2 in younger patients vs 86.0 in older patients;P=0.001)and at 12 mo after surgery(92.6 in younger patients vs 90.0 in older patients;P=0.000).CONCLUSION Locking plates provide a stable and rigid fixation in multifragmentary and comminuted fractures or in the presence of poor bone quality.

Prolotherapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders, Guideline for Orthopedic Application

Purpose: Prolotherapy is a therapeutic method that involves injecting an irritant substance into injured areas of tendons, ligaments, and articular spaces. It has a wide application in orthopedic fields, including arthritis, tendinopathies, and back pain. Protocol of injection varies extensively based on the pathological condition. This review aims to discuss orthopedic applications of prolotherapy and its related outcomes, intending to introduce more specific injection protocols in each field. Methods: In a narrative review of literature, various musculoskeletal indications and contraindications of prolotherapy, as well as the method and location of injection, solution type, procedure intervals and frequencies, outcomes and side effects are investigated to reveal all aspects of the current knowledge about this new approach. Results: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and tendinopathies are considered the most common indications for prolotherapy. Protocol of injection varies from one condition to another. The actual concentration of administered dextrose ranges from 12.5% to 25%. Results of the different studies indicate that prolotherapy could have a pleasing effect on improving patient’s pain and functional outcomes. No severe complication has been mentioned in previous investigations. Conclusion: Prolotherapy is a new therapeutic option that can be suggested as an effective method in recalcitrant musculoskeletal conditions.

Knee Osteoarthritis Progression after Distal Femur Closing Wedge Osteotomy

Background: Despite the conservative treatment of tibio-femoral osteoarthritis through realignment osteotomies, the rate of total knee replacements following an osteotomy is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis after a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy. Methods: Hospital-based observational study on 20 patients who underwent a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy evaluating the progression of osteoarthritis using the Kellgren and Laurence classification. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the variation in the progressive stage of the Kellgren and Laurence classification of knee osteoarthritis preoperatively and at the final follow up. Univariate analysis made it possible to determine the factors associated with progression. The final significance threshold for statistical tests was set at 5% (p Results: Overall, the mean follow-up of 46 months ± 6.6 months, with a mean age of 43 years (range: 27 - 69 years) and a female predominance (M: F = 3/7). The progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis following a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy is associated with valgus or varum malalignment been a moderate valgus (OR 6.2 [1.5 - 42.7] at 95% CI;p-value = 0.02), a correction of the mechanical deviation angle with a valgus alignment (OR 2.7 [0.9 - 8.3] at 95% CI), and loss of correction (OR 3.8 [1.3 - 11.6] at 95% CI;p -value) for the lateral compartment while varus alignment (OR 1.7 [0.9 - 8.3] 95% CI, p-value = 0.05) and with rupture of the lateral cortex (OR 2.8 [1.7 - 11.5] 95% CI, p-value = 0.02) were those of the medial compartment. Conclusion: Distal femur closing wedge osteotomy does not definitively interrupt the progression of valgus knee osteoarthritis. The factors associated with the progression of this pathology are modifiable. Taking them into account when performing this surgical technique could improve the osteotomy survival curve.

Myelopathy as a Presentation of Cervical Spine Metastasis: A Case Report

Cervical myelopathy is a consequence of spinal cord compression in the cervical spine. Degenerative cervical spondylosis, osteophytes, discosteophyte complex, degenerative spondylolisthesis and hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum are the main etiologies of cervical myelopathy. Metastasis to cervical spine could be a rare cause of cervical myelopathy. The present study is a case report;presented a 36-year-old male with severe pain in cervical region, gait disability and impairment in sensory and motor function of upper left extremity. The patient had a history of thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node dissection due to follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) with improper follow-ups. He was diagnosed with metastatic cervical myelopathy and underwent surgical treatment. Cervical myelopathy due to metastasis is a rare condition and only few cases have been reported so far. So myelopathies can be a complication of metastatic cancers, and it should be considered by health professionals.

RANK-ligand and osteoprotegerin as biomarkers in the differentiation between periprosthetic joint infection and aseptic prosthesis loosening

AIM To assess serum levels of RANK-ligand(RANKL) and osteoprotegerin(OPG) as biomarkers for periprosthetic joint infection(PJI) and compare their accuracy with standard tests.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients presenting with a painful total knee or hip arthroplasty with indication for surgical revision were included in this prospective clinical trial. Based on standard diagnostics(joint aspirate, microbiological, and histological samples) and Musculoskeletal Infection Society consensus classification,patients were categorized into PJI, aseptic loosening,and control groups. Implant loosening was assessed radiographically and intraoperatively. Preoperative serum samples were collected and analyzed for RANKL, OPG, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase(AP), and the bone-specific subform of AP(b AP). Statistical analysis was carried out, testing for significant differences between the three groups and between stable and loose implants. RESULTS All three groups were identical in regards to age, gender, and joint distribution. No statistically significant differences in the serum concentration of RANKL(P = 0.16) and OPG(P = 0.45) were found between aseptic loosening and PJI, with a trend towards lower RANKL concentrations and higher OPG concentrations in the PJI group. The RANKL/OPG ratio was significant for the comparison between PJI and non-PJI(P = 0.005). A ratio > 60 ruled out PJI in all cases(specificity: 100%, 95%CI: 89, 11% to 100.0%) but only 30% of non-PJI patients crossed this threshold. The positive predictive value remained poor at any cut-off. In the differentiation between stable and loose implants, none of the parameters measured(calcium, phosphate, AP, and b AP) showed a significant difference, and only AP and b AP measurements showed a tendency towards higher values in the loosened group(with P = 0.09 for AP and P = 0.19 for b AP). CONCLUSION Lower RANKL and higher OPG concentrations could be detected in PJI, without statistical significance.

Emergent and delayed hybrid external fixation management of tibial pilon fractures: A multicentric retrospective analysis of 80 patients

Objective:To report our experience with the hybrid external fixator in emergency.Methods:We assessed 80 cases of pilon fracture treated with the external fixator during the period of January 2009 and December 2016:55 men (69%) and 30 women (33%) with a mean age of 40 years (range between 16 and 70 ). About 45 occurred as isolated trauma, 35 instead were politrauma. Each patient underwent standard radiographic examination and a CT examination. There were 28 open fractures (35%), (Gustilo type 1, 2 and 3) while closed fractures showed soft tissue involvement of various grade (2-3 Tscherne classification). In all cases, the external fixation, sometimes associated with other reduction and synthesis techniques, was used. The timing of surgery was dictated by the condition of the soft tissues. For clinical evaluation, the Mazur score with mean follow-ups at 12 months was utilized.Results:The final range of ankle motion was 15 dorsal and 10 plantar flexion. In about 80 cases there was an average Mazur score of83. The mean score was 90;in open fractures 85 to 72. Radiographic healing of fractures in 60 patients occurred in 120 days (mean 105 days), at the time when the external fixator was removed.Conclusion:Pilon fractures are complex and often present complications;the definitive treatment, in emergency or delayed, with hybrid external fixator permits a stable synthesis with minimal soft tissue damage. Weight bearing maybe allowed early and functional recovery is generally good.

Tendon injuries of the hand

Tendon injuries are the second most common injuries of the hand and therefore an important topic in trauma and orthopedic patients.Most injuries are open injuries to the flexor or extensor tendons,but less frequent injuries,e.g.,damage to the functional system tendon sheath and pulley or dull avulsions,also need to be considered.After clinical examination,ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have proved to be important diagnostic tools.Tendon injuries mostly require surgical repair,dull avulsions of the distal phalanges extensor tendon can receive conservative therapy.Injuries of the flexor tendon sheath or single pulley injuries are treated conservatively and multiple pulley injuries receive surgical repair.In the postoperative course offlexor tendon injuries,the principle of early passive movement is important to trigger an"intrinsic"tendon healing to guarantee a good outcome.Many substances were evaluated to see if they improved tendon healing;however,little evidence was found.Nevertheless,hyaluronic acid may improve intrinsic tendon healing.

Osteolysis in total hip arthroplasty in relation to metal ion release: Comparison between monolithic prostheses and different modularities

BACKGROUND Among the various complications associated with total hip arthroplasty(THA)periprosthetic osteolysis and wear phenomena due to the release of metal particles,are two of the most common and have been reported to be correlated because of inflammatory responses directed towards released particles that generally activate macrophagic osteolytic effects.Therein,new masses known as pseudotumors can appear in soft tissues around a prosthetic implant.To date,there is paucity of reliable data from studies investigating for any association between the above mentioned adverse events.AIM To investigate for the existence of any association between serum and urine concentrations of metal-ions released in THA and periprosthetic osteolysis for modular neck and monolithic implants.METHODS Overall,76 patients were divided into three groups according to the type of hip prosthesis implants:Monoblock,modular with metal head and modular with ceramic head.With an average f-up of 4 years,we conducted a radiological evaluation in order to detect any area of osteolysis around the prosthesis of both the femur and the acetabulum.Moreover,serum and urinary tests were performed to assess the values of Chromium and Cobalt released.Statistical analysis was performed to determine any association between the ion release and osteolysis.RESULTS For the 3 study groups,the monolithic,modular ceramic-headed and modular metal-headed implants had different incidences of osteolysis events,which were higher for the modular implants.Furthermore,the most serious of these(grade 3)were detected almost exclusively for the modular implants with metal heads.A mapping of the affected areas was performed revealing that the highest incidences of osteolysis were evidenced in the pertrochanteric region at the femur level,and in the supero-external region at the acetabular level.Regarding the evaluation of the release of metals-ions from wear processes,serum and urinary chromium and cobalt values were found to be higher in cases of modularity,and even more so for those with metal head.Statistical linear correlation test results suggested positive correlations between increasing metal concentrations and incidences areas of osteolysis.However,no cases of pseudo-tumor were detected.CONCLUSION Future studies are needed to identify risk factors that increase peri-prosthetic metal ion levels and whether these factors might be implicated in the triggering of local events,including osteolysis and aseptic loosening.

Estimate of the lower-limb-specific muscle parameters during bipedal walking for humans,apes and early hominids with the implications for the evolution of body proportion

Modern human has different body proportion from early hominids and great apes.Comparing with others,in general,modern human adults have relatively long lower limb and heavier body weight.Since the lower limbs provide support to the whole body and play an important role in walking,it is proposed that the ratio of the lower limb to the whole body for modern human could be beneficial to bipedal walking.This study tried to estimate the muscle parameters of the lower limb in walking for the subjects with various body proportions.Using a simplified musculoskeletal model,some muscle parameters of the lower limb,e.g.muscle force,stress,work and power,were estimated for modern human adult,child,AL 288-1(the fossil specimens of Australopithecus afarensis,3.18 million years old)and apes.The results show that with the body proportion modern human adult spends less muscle work and power in walking than other subjects.The results imply that using the cost of transport(i.e.the muscle work of the lower limb per unit of displacement)as the criteria,the early hominids,if their body proportions were structurally similar to AL 288-1,could evolve towards what modern human adult looks like,in order to save energy during bipedal walking.

Method for assessing the similarity and distance between curves/trials and its applications in gait analysis

In clinical assessment or sports exercise,it is common that a subject is required to repeat a specific per- formance so that a stable movement pattern is obtained and analysed.In practice,however,the trials done by a sub- ject vary more or less,depending on the psychological or physical conditions.Some of the trials can be used as rep- resentatives of the stable movement pattern,and some not.Therefore,there is a demand for a new method to identify which trials/curves are similar.The traditional methods used to assess curve similarity are not perfectly suitable for the case where there are only a few of trials available.This study proposes a similarity-distance coefficient to assess the similarity of curves/trials.A group of designed curves are used to validate the coefficient.The results show that given joint kinematic data during gait as examples,the proposed coefficient can be used to quantitatively evaluate the similarity of trials,and thus find which trials would be representative (s) for the gait investigated.The proposed method could be applied in various situations where repeat movements have to be measured and analysed.

First immunohistochemical evidence of human tendon repair following stem cell injection: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Current clinical treatment options for symptomatic,partial-thickness rotator cuff tear(sPTRCT)offer only limited potential for true tissue healing and improvement of clinical results.In animal models,injections of adult stem cells isolated from adipose tissue into tendon injuries evidenced histological regeneration of tendon tissue.However,it is unclear whether such beneficial effects could also be observed in a human tendon treated with fresh,uncultured,autologous,adipose derived regenerative cells(UA-ADRCs).A specific challenge in this regard is that UA-ADRCs cannot be labeled and,thus,not unequivocally identified in the host tissue.Therefore,histological regeneration of injured human tendons after injection of UA-ADRCs must be assessed using comprehensive,immunohistochemical and microscopic analysis of biopsies taken from the treated tendon a few weeks after injection of UA-ADRCs.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old patient suffered from sPTRCT affecting the right supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon,caused by a bicycle accident.On day 18 post injury[day 16 post magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)examination]approximately 100 g of abdominal adipose tissue was harvested by liposuction,from which approximately 75×10^(6) UA-ADRCs were isolated within 2 h.Then,UA-ADRCs were injected(controlled by biplanar X-ray imaging)adjacent to the injured supraspinatus tendon immediately after isolation.Despite fast clinical recovery,a follow-up MRI examination 2.5 mo post treatment indicated the need for open revision of the injured infraspinatus tendon,which had not been treated with UAADRCs.During this operation,a biopsy was taken from the supraspinatus tendon at the position of the injury.A comprehensive,immunohistochemical and microscopic analysis of the biopsy(comprising 13 antibodies)was indicative of newly formed tendon tissue.CONCLUSION Injection of UA-ADRCs can result in regeneration of injured human tendons by formation of new tendon tissue.

Stress fractures in uncommon location:Six case reports and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Individuals’interest in sports activities has been increasing,contributing to more stress fracture occurrences in uncommon locations on the skeleton.In this study,several cases of stress fractures in atypical locations are presented,and the possibility of combining diagnostic methods to make accurate and quick diagnoses is explored.Additionally,different causes of stress fractures,as well as various modalities of treatment,are highlighted.Other potential factors of stress fractures were identified by a literature review.CASE SUMMARY Six cases of stress fractures in the calcaneus,intermediate cuneiform bone,sacrum,tibia(bilateral),navicular bone and femoral neck are presented,with different types of diagnostic imaging and treatments.All of the cases were associated with an aspect of mobility because all of the patients were physically active in various sport disciplines.CONCLUSION The type of therapeutic procedure selected should depend on the specific clinical case,i.e.,the patient’s condition and level of physical activity.

Ligamentotaxis versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Distal Radius Intra-Articular Fractures

Objectives: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of two different methods for the treatment of distal radial intra-articular fractures. Patients and Methods: Forty-six patients with distal radius intra-arti-cular fractures were divided into two groups. Group I included 24 patients with type C fracture treated by external fixator augmented by percutaneous K-wires. Group II included 22 patients with type C fracture treated by volar locked distal radial plate augmented by K-wires. Two patients had complex injuries necessitating double plating (sandwich). All patients were evaluated clinically by Mayo Wrist Score and radiologically by Sarmiento’s radiological score. Results: Both groups reported good personal satisfaction according to Mayo Wrist Score, and the results were not statistically different between the two groups. In Group I, 19 patients (79.2%) had excellent radiological outcome and five patients (20.9%) had good radiological outcome according to Sarmiento’s radiological score. In Group II, 20 patients (90.9%) had excellent outcome, and two (9.1%) had good radiological outcome;there was no or insignificant deformity. Conclusions: Complex distal radial fractures can be treated either by external fixation (ligamentotaxis) or by locked pre-contoured plating. The clinical outcome of plating and external fixator in our study did not show any statistically significant difference. The radiological outcome had no correlation with the clinical outcome.

Major Limb Amputations: Etiological and Clinical Profile in a Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Wars were the cause of many amputations among military and civilians. Despite the absence of armed conflict in our country, we notice a high frequency of major amputations in our activity. Objective: The aim of this work was to study the causes of major amputations observed in our practice in order to develop preventive measures. Materials and Method: This was a descriptive retrospective study over a 6-year period, from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014. The following parameters were studied: epidemiological aspects (age according to WHO age groups and gender of patients), type of amputation, level of amputation and causes. Results: Two hundred and fifty-two patients were included. The distribution of amputations by cause and age group showed two distinct entities: The forms of the young subject where there was a predominance of tumour and traumatic causes;and the forms of the elderly person caused by vascular infections and conditions. Infections were the main cause of amputation in both sexes. Conclusion: The causes of major limb amputations vary according to age and limb: tumor and trauma in young people and for the upper limb, infectious and vascular in the elderly and for the lower limb.

Intra- and Periarticular Ganglia (Synovial Cysts) of the Hip with Compression of the Obturator Nerve, Concomitant with Lesions of the Ligamentum Teres—A Report of 3 Cases

Background: Synovial cysts of the hip are commonly found in patients with intra- or extraarticular pathologies of the joint. Symptoms are mostly unspecific. To date there are no guidelines for a gold standard of treatment. Aim of this article is to show up how lesions of the ligamentum teres (LT) might possibly lead to a specific formation of synovial cysts of the hip joint and how this can be treated arthroscopically. Methods: This case series included 3 patients with ganglia of the hip. All patients had impingement symptoms, combined with untypical location of pain. All patients qualified for joint preserving surgery and underwent hip arthroscopy with pre- and postoperative MRI imaging. The mean follow-up time was 22 months. Results: MRI imaging showed extensive ganglia, presumably originating from the pelvic root of LT, extending to the obturator lodge. In 2 of 3 cases MRI showed lesions of the LT. Hip arthroscopy revealed damage of the LT in all cases, caused by chronic instability of the joint. The postoperative MRI showed a complete regression of the ganglia in all patients after offset correction. After follow-up, 2 of 3 patients were mostly symptom free. One patient was still suffering from a chronic weakness of the gluteus medius muscle. Conclusion: Whenever unspecific radiating pain of surrounding areas of the hip is encountered and cannot be explained by common pathologies of the hip, possible compression of nerves by ganglion cysts should be excluded. This should be done by MRI arthrography. A partial rupture of the LT can occur during FAI with consecutive formation of ganglia in the obturator canal, compressing the obturator nerve. Primarily the articular pathology needs to be repaired. In our cases, this was feasible by hip arthroscopy, as a minimally invasive and safe technique.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Pseudofractures in Child-Bearing Egyptian Women: Successful Medical Treatment Helps to Avoid Fractures and Surgical Interference

Background: Recent evidence for the effects of vitamin D and recognition of the high prevalence of its deficiency has increased the interest in it. Vitamin D-sub nutrition may contribute to the risk of a wide range of disorders. Methods: The females in the child-bearing period attending the endocrinology and orthopedic out-patient clinics complaining of pain and/or tenderness at the groin were evaluated. Patients with chronic metabolic or skeletal illness, primary hyperparathyroidism, and patients receiving drugs that interfere with bone mineral metabolisms were excluded. One hundred accepted and consented to participation in the study. All the participants were subjected to full history taking, clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations including serum Ca, Ph, PTH, ALP, TSH, F T4, F T3, Cortisol level, and 25(OH)D level. Plain X-ray was done for the regions of bony tenderness. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of pseudo-fractures (looser zones). They were treated and followed up till normalization of the laboratory parameters and healing of the looser zones. Results: The mean age for patients was 30.45 ± 5.8, their mean 25(OH) vitamin D level was 14.7 ± 5.9 ng/ml, the mean PTH was 195.7 ± 162.6, and looser zones were evident in the X-rays of 34 patients. The serum 25(OH)D showed significant negative correlations with veiling, parity, localized hip pain, and tenderness, ALP, PTH, but, a significant positive correlation with sun exposure, dairy products consumption, vitamin D supplementation, and serum calcium levels. The independent factors associated with hypovitaminosis D were the lack of sun exposure, lack of vitamin D supplementation, and the presence of pseudo- fracture (p ≤ 0.009, 0.038, and 0.001 respectively). No surgery was required in any of our patients. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is common in our region. The main risk factors are decreased sun exposure, low dairy products consumption, and lack of vitamin D supplementation. Successful medical treatment may be helpful to satisfy the patient, avoid true fracture and further major surgical treatments.

Subtalar Dislocation:Long-Term Follow-Up and CT-Morphology

Introduction: Although rare, subtalar dislocations are severe injuries with long-term alterations such as clinical dysfunction or painful posttraumatic arthritis. The objective of this study was to investigate long-term morphological changes of subtalar dislocations and to correlate them to clinical function. Based on the conclusions, suggestions for therapy guidelines were made in order to improve the functional outcome. Methods: Twenty-two patients (12 with a medial, 9 with a lateral and 1 with an anterior dislocation) were re-examined with an average follow-up time of 10 years. Radiological results of a computer tomography examination of the hindfoot were related to the clinical outcome, and both were discussed in the context of further parameters, such as additional injuries, time until reduction, and post-reduction treatment. Results: Additional injuries were found to affect the clinical outcome and/or the radiological changes. Predictive factors for limited range of motion were severe skin trauma and traumatic brain injuries. Factors that predicted both poor clinical function and clear signs of arthritis included complex talus, ankle and calcaneus fractures, long time until reduction, and infection. Conclusions: In many cases, radiological results can be correlated to clinical outcomes. However, the modulating effects of additional injuries should be considered when planning therapy. In cases with additional fractures of the talus and the calcaneus, suffering pain may be reduced by an early arthrodesis of the talo-cal-canear joint. In cases involving a long stay on an intensive care unit, early functional treatment by passive motion should be discussed in special cases to improve the clinical outcome.

Hypoxic pre-conditioned adipose-derived stem/progenitor cells embedded in fibrin conduits promote peripheral nerve regeneration in a sciatic nerve graft model

Recent results emphasize the supportive effects of adipose-derived multipotent stem/progenitor cells(ADSPCs)in peripheral nerve recovery.Cultivation under hypoxia is considered to enhance the release of the regenerative potential of ADSPCs.This study aimed to examine whether peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat model of autologous sciatic nerve graft benefits from an additional custom-made fibrin conduit seeded with hypoxic pre-conditioned(2%oxygen for 72 hours)autologous ADSPCs(n=9).This treatment mode was compared with three others:fibrin conduit seeded with ADSPCs cultivated under normoxic conditions(n=9);non-cell-carrying conduit(n=9);and nerve autograft only(n=9).A 16-week follow-up included functional testing(sciatic functional index and static sciatic index)as well as postmortem muscle mass analyses and morphometric nerve evaluations(histology,g-ratio,axon density,and diameter).At 8 weeks,the hypoxic pre-conditioned group achieved significantly higher sciatic functional index/static sciatic index scores than the other three groups,indicating faster functional regeneration.Furthermore,histologic evaluation showed significantly increased axon outgrowth/branching,axon density,remyelination,and a reduced relative connective tissue area.Hypoxic pre-conditioned ADSPCs seeded in fibrin conduits are a promising adjunct to current nerve autografts.Further studies are needed to understand the underlying cellular mechanism and to investigate a potential application in clinical practice.