Orthopaedic Trauma and Reconstruction

Background: Hemophilic ankle arthropathy is manifested by degenerative functional alterations (reduced muscle strength, mobility, and proprioception) and chronic pain. Myofascial release techniques are used to treat soft tissue adhesions, relieve pain, and reduce tissue sensitivity. The aim was to evaluate the safety of self-induced myofascial release in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy and to assess possible changes in musculoskeletal variables. Methods: We recruited 20 patients with ankle hemophilic arthropathy. Patients carried out a daily self-induced myofascial release exercise program using a foam roller over a period of 8 weeks. The primary variable was the frequency of hemarthrosis (regular telephone follow-up). Secondary variables were pain intensity (visual analog scale), range of motion (goniometry), and functional capacity of the lower limbs (six-minute walk test). Three evaluations were performed: pre-treatment (T0), post-treatment (T1), and at 8 weeks follow-up (T2). Results: There was a lower, non-significant, association in the frequency of hemarthrosis between the experimental and follow-up periods, compared to the pre-study period (SE = 0.50; 95%CI: −1.67; 0.28). There were significant within-subject changes in intensity of pain (T0: 4.91; T1: 2.79; T2: 2.46; p < 0.001), plantar flexion (T0: 125.55; T1: 131.5; T2: 130.30; p = 0.01), and functionality of the lower limbs (T0: 173.06; T1: 184.85; T2: 178.39; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Self-induced myofascial release is safe in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. A protocol based on self-induced myofascial release can lead to changes in pain intensity, range of ankle motion in plantar flexion, and functionality in hemophilic patients. Full article

Although long term pain and mobility outcomes in total knee arthroplasties (TKA) are successful, many patients experience significant amount of debilitating pain during the immediate post-operative period that necessitates narcotic use. Percutaneous cryoneurolysis to the infrapatellar saphenous and anterior femoral cutaneous nerves may help to better restore function and rehabilitation after surgery while limiting narcotic consumption. A retrospective chart review of primary TKA patients receiving pre-operative cryoneurolysis from 2019 to 2020 was performed to assess total opioid morphine milligram equivalents (MME) consumed inpatient and at interval follow-up. Demographics and medical comorbidities were compared between cryoneurolysis and age-matched control patients to assess baseline characteristics. Functional rehabilitation outcomes, including knee range of motion (ROM), ambulation distance, and Boston AM-PAC scores, as well as patient reported outcomes using the KOOS JR and SF-12 scores were analyzed using STATA 17 Software. The analysis included 29 cryoneurolysis and 28 age-matched control TKA patients. Baseline demographics and operative technique were not significant between groups. Although not statistically significant, cryoneurolysis patients had a shorter length of stay (2.5 vs. 3.5 days) and overall less inpatient and outpatient MME requirements. Cryoneurolysis patients had statistically significant improved 6-week ROM and 1-year follow-up KOOS JR and SF-12 mental scores compared to the control. There were no differences in complication rates. Cryoneurolysis is a safe, effective treatment modality to improve active functional recovery and patient satisfaction after TKA by reducing MME requirements. Patients who underwent cryoneurolysis had on average fewer MME prescribed during the perioperative period, improved active ROM, and improved patient-reported outcomes with no associated increased risk of infections, deep vein thrombosis, or neurologic complications. Full article

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) represents a sensible treatment option for patients with moderate unicondylar osteoarthritis of the knee and extraarticular malalignment. The possibility of a continuously variable correction setting and a surgical approach low in complications has meant that the medial opening osteotomy has prevailed over the past decades. The objective of the present study was to determine whether anteromedially positioned small plates are nevertheless forgiving under biomechanically unfavourable conditions (overcorrection and lateral hinge fracture). In this study, a simulated HTO was performed on composite tibiae with a 10-mm wedge and fixed-angle anteromedial osteosynthesis with a small implant. Force was applied axially in a neutral mechanical axis, a slight and a marked overcorrection into valgus, with and without a lateral hinge fracture in each case. At the same time, a physiological gait with a dual-peak force profile and a peak load of 2.4 kN was simulated. Interfragmentary motion and rigidity were determined. The rigidity of the osteosynthesis increased over the cycles investigated. A slight overcorrection into valgus led to the lowest interfragmentary motion, compared with pronounced valgisation and neutral alignment. A lateral hinge fracture led to a significant decrease in rigidity and increase in interfragmentary motion. However, in no case was the limit of 1 mm interfragmentary motion critical for osteotomy healing exceeded. The degree of correction of the leg axis, and the presence of a lateral hinge fracture, have an influence on rigidity and interfragmentary motion. From a mechanically neutral axis ranging up to pronounced overcorrection, the implant investigated offers sufficient stability to allow healing of the osteotomy, even if a lateral hinge fracture is present. Full article

Background: Acetabular microfractures for cartilage lesions have been shown to be a safe procedure able to improve patient reported outcomes (PROs). Nevertheless, the return to sport activity rate represents a crucial outcome to be investigated in these young athletic patients. Methods: Patients undergoing acetabular microfracture for full chondral acetabular lesions were compared to a 1:1 matched-pair by age and gender control group undergoing hip arthroscopy without microfractures. Clinical assessment was performed with PROs and participation in sports in terms of type and level of activities was evaluated preoperatively and at 2-years follow-up. Results: A total of 62 patients with an average age of 35.1 ± 8.1 (microfracture group) and 36.4 ± 6.3 (control group) were included. In both groups, the average values of PROs significantly increased from preoperatively to the last follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of patients playing at the amateur and elite level preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Microfractures for the management of full-thickness acetabular chondral defect provides good clinical results at a minimum follow-up of two years, which are not inferior to a matched-pair control group. Patients undergoing this procedure are likely able to return at the same level of sport before surgery. Full article

Total knee replacement (TKA) is a frequent modality performed in patients with osteoarthritis. Specific circumstances can make it much more difficult to execute successfully, and additional procedures such as osteotomy may be required. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review of osteotomies combined with TKA. Methods: In June 2022, a search PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials was undertaken, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The search included the terms “osteotomy” and “total knee arthroplasty”. Results: Two subgroups (tibial tubercle osteotomy and medial femoral condyle osteotomy) were included in the meta-analysis. Further subgroups were described as a narrative review. The primary outcome showed no significant difference in favor to TTO. Secondary outcomes showed improved results in all presented subgroups compared to preoperative status. Conclusion: This study showed a significant deficit of randomized control trials treated with osteotomies, in addition to TKA, and a lack of evidence-based surgical guidelines for the treatment of patients with OA in special conditions: posttraumatic deformities, stiff knee, severe varus, and valgus axis or patella disorders. Full article

Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are common complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), affecting the length of hospital stay and increasing medical complications. Although many papers have been published on both conditions in this setting, no reviews have currently been written. Thus, the purpose of our study is to summarize the current literature and provide information about POD and POCD following elective THA or TKA. Our literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed and the Cochrane library. We found that POD is a common complication following elective THA or TKA, with a median incidence of 14.8%. Major risk factors include older age, cognitive impairment, dementia, preoperative (pre-op) comorbidities, substance abuse, and surgery for fracture. Diagnosis can be achieved using tools such as the confusion assessment method (CAM), which is sensitive, specific, reliable, and easy to use, for the identification of POD. Treatment consists of risk stratification and the implementation of a multiple component prevention protocol. POCD has a median incidence of 19.3% at 1 week, and 10% at 3 months. Risk factors include older age, high BMI, and cognitive impairment. Treatment consists of reversing risk factors and implementing protocols in order to preserve physiological stability. POD and POCD are common and preventable complications following TKA and THA. Risk stratification and specific interventions can lower the incidence of both syndromes. Every physician involved in the care of such patients should be informed on every aspect of these conditions in order to provide the best care for their patients. Full article

The case describes the revision of an upper ankle prosthesis because of loosening. When ankle replacement is the first choice and actual bone quality does not allow a replacement of the prosthesis, arthrodesis is the only way of reducing pain and gaining stability. The amount of missing bone due to the removed prosthesis was severe. Shark Screws^®, made of human allograft cortical bone, were used to fix an allograft femoral head and tibia as well as fibula and talus to each other for stabilization. This was performed without any autologous bone graft and without metal screws. The human matrix of the cortical allograft allows the creation of new vessels followed by osteoblastic activity and production of new bone. The revascularization of the allografts reduces the risk of infection and wound problems. Over time, the patient’s bone metabolism allows the allografts to be remodeled into the patient’s bone. The case reported here had severe multimorbidity. The loosening of the prosthesis mainly affected the ability to perform housework, mobility, enjoying leisure, and it had a great impact on the emotion and well-being of the patient. One year after surgery, the patient is very satisfied to be able to walk without pain and scratches for about 90 min. Full article

The SuperPATH approach is a direct superior portal-assisted approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) that utilizes the interval between the gluteus minimus and the piriformis to access the hip capsule. Patients and Methods: SuperPATH arthroplasty was performed by a single surgeon between December of 2016 and December of 2021 in 344 cases. The technique described by Chow was performed in all cases. The average length of stay was 1.3 days, and all patients were discharged for home. All patients were mobilized on the day of the operation. Six cases presented complications: four intraoperative femur fractures and two peroneal nerve palsies. No infection and no hip dislocation were noticed in any case. Modifications: We recommend that the patient be placed as far from the surgeon as possible as well as the use of a sterilized standard linen pack to elevate the foot and internally rotate the hip. In addition, regarding instrumentation, we recommend the use of a 4.5 mm drill for the first guidance femur drilling and a standard corkscrew for femoral head removal. Finally, we propose a different reduction technique using a hook. The use of the SuperPATH approach allows for maximal tissue sparing through preservation of external rotators and minimizing stretching of the gluteus medius. There is no range of motion restrictions postoperatively and patients can achieve a high level of function with a very low dislocation risk and reduced inpatient stay. Furthermore, an incision extension is possible if needed in complex cases. For surgeons familiar with the standard posterolateral approach, the SuperPATH approach is a reliable and safe method with promising results for the patient. In order to improve the surgical effect and facilitate some steps in the procedure, we share our experience and recommend some modifications. Full article

Background: Femoral head fractures are rare injuries with or without traumatic dislocations. The management of these fractures is crucial to prevent the development of severe complications and to achieve optimal functional outcomes. Wide treatment options for Pipkin 1 femoral head fractures range from fragment excision, fixation following open reduction with internal fixation, or conservative treatment such as close reduction alone after fracture dislocation. However, the best decision making remains controversial not only due to lack of large trials, but also inconsistent results reported. Therefore, we aim to compare the operative with nonoperative outcomes of Pipkin type 1 patients. Patients and Methods: We systemically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations to identify studies assessing outcomes of Pipkin type 1 patients after conservative treatment, and open reduction with excision or fixation. Data on comparison of clinical outcomes of each management were extracted including arthritis, heterotopic ossification (HO), avascular necrosis (AVN), and functional scores (Thompson Epstein, Merle’ d Augine and Postel Score). We performed a meta-analysis with the available data. Results: Eight studies (7 case series and 1 RCT) were included in this study. In a pooled analysis, the overall rate of arthritis was 37% (95% CI, 2–79%), HO was 20% (95% CI, 2–45%), and AVN was 3% (95% CI, 0–16%). In comparison of management types, the excision group reached the best functional outcomes including Thompson Epstein Score (poor to worse, 9%; 95% CI, 0–27%) and Merle d’ Aubigne and Postel Score (poor to worse, 18%; 95% CI, 3–38%); ORIF group had the highest AVN rate (11%; 95% CI, 0–92%); conservative treatment had the highest arthritis rate (67%; 95% CI: 0–100%) and lowest HO rate (2%; 95% CI, 0–28%). Discussion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that different procedures lead to various clinical outcomes: fragment excision may achieve better function, conservative treatment may result in a higher arthritis rate, while ORIFs may have a higher AVN rate. These findings may assist surgeons in tailoring their decision-making to specific patient profiles. Future RCTs with multicenter efforts are needed to validate associations found in this study. Level of Evidence: II, systematic review and meta-analysis. Full article