Lower limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail: a long-term follow-up study of 28 cases
DiscussionWe believe that limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail still represents a good method to treat limb length discrepancy because it reduces the time of external fixation, prevents axial deformities and fractures of regenerated bone, and allows early rehabilitation. The new intramedullary lengthening nails, which theoretically are the ideal device for treating limb length inequality, are still very expensive and need longer follow-up for definitive evaluation.Level of evidence4. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - September 9, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Volar locking plates not touching the flexor pollicis longus tendon appear as prominences on radiographs: a cadaver study
ConclusionsImplant protrusion was observed in 36% of plate –cadaver combinations, even if the plate did not touch the FPL. Estimating the risk of FPL rupture using lateral radiographs alone is likely insufficient. Our findings can be applied to accurately identify the presence of implant prominence following VLP surgery. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - August 19, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Epsilon-aminocaproic acid versus tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis study
ConclusionsThis study did not demonstrate TXA to be superior to EACA. In fact, both antifibrinolytic therapies demonstrated similar efficacy in terms of intra-operative blood loss, transfusion requirements and complication rates. Currently EACA has a lower cost, which makes it an appealing alternative to TXA for TKA surgery.Level of evidence3. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - July 17, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Technology applications in shoulder replacement
AbstractThe advancement of technologies in orthopaedic surgery should provide the surgeon with precise and trustworthy support for pre-operative planning, intra-operative guidance and post-operative follow-up. The request for greater accuracy, predictable results and fewer complications, is the engine of digital evolution in pre-operative planning and computer-assisted surgery (CAS). It is an evolution rather than a revolution, and in the last few years these developments have begun to involve shoulder replacement surgery, too. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - July 16, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Rotator cuff tear with concomitant long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) degeneration: what is the preferred choice? Open subpectoral versus arthroscopic intraarticular tenodesis
ConclusionLarge and massive rotator cuff tears (tears  >  3 cm) associated with LHBT pathologies benefited from intraarticular or subpectoral tenodesis similarly, with no differences in short- or mid-term results between these two techniques.Level of evidenceII. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - July 4, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Surgical treatment of primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition. Long-term results of 50 cases
ConclusionsBased on the reported experience, we believe that primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis surgically treated by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition allows good long-term results.Level of evidenceTherapeutic IV (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - July 1, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Acute medial clavicle fracture in adults: a systematic review of demographics, clinical features and treatment outcomes in 220 patients
ConclusionMedial third clavicle fractures represent a distinct subgroup of clavicle fractures. Nonoperative treatment of these fracture seems to result in high union rate and overall favourable functional outcome. Further high-quality research in this area is  warranted to investigate the outcomes and indication for nonoperative versus operative management of these fractures.Level of evidenceIV. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - June 27, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Enhancing biology and providing structural support for acetabular reconstruction in single-stage revision for infection
ConclusionMetal augments can convert massive acetabular defects to a more contained defect suitable for grafting. The combination of tantalum augments that provide strong structural support and antibiotic-loaded allograft is successful in the mid-term in single-stage revisions for infection.Level of evidenceLevel IV (prospective case series). (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - June 23, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Ilizarov bone transport and treatment of critical-sized tibial bone defects: a narrative review
ConclusionsThis narrative review shows that the patients with infected or noninfected critical-sized tibial bone defects treated by Ilizarov methods had a low rate of poor bone and functional results. Therefore, Ilizarov methods may be a good choice for the treatment of infected or noninfected tibial bone defects. The small number of cases in some studies, the absence of homogenity between studies and the fact that most data available are derived from retrospective studies are some of the difficulties encountered in the evaluation of evidence.Level of evidenceV. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - April 15, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

The ‘diamond concept’ for long bone non-union management
AbstractLong bone non-union continues to be a significant worldwide problem. Since its inception over a decade ago, the ‘diamond concept’, a conceptual framework of what is essential for a successful bone healing response, has gained great acceptance for assessing and planning the management of fracture non-unions. Herein, we discuss the epidemiology of non-unions, the basic science of bone healing in the context of the diamond concept, the currently available results and areas for future research. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - April 10, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Long-term functional outcome after a low-energy hip fracture in elderly patients
ConclusionLong-term functional outcome in elderly patients with hip fractures significantly deteriorated, with an increased dependency for mobility and housing conditions and a decreased physical quality of life. In addition, hip fractures are associated with high mortality rates at the 5-year follow-up.Level of evidenceLevel III, a retrospective cohort study. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - April 10, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Should evoked potential monitoring be used in degenerative cervical spine surgery? A systematic review
ConclusionsOn the basis of available evidence, MIOM could be a helpful tool in decompression cervical spine surgery in patients affected by degenerative spinal stenosis, since it is associated with high specificity and sensitivity for detection of intraoperative neural damage. However, evidence is still lacking regarding patient selection to identify individuals in whom monitoring is indicated.Level of evidenceIV (systematic review of studies with LOE II to IV). (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - April 1, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Final outcomes of radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture and nonunion
ConclusionsAll 27 (100%) patients presenting with or developing radial nerve palsy in our study recovered. No patient required further surgery for radial nerve palsy. Radial nerve exploration in conjunction with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) appears to facilitate speedier resolution of RNP when directly compared with observation in nonoperative cases, although not statistically significantly so. These findings provide surgeons valuable information they can share with patients who sustain radial nerve injury with associated humerus shaft fracture or nonunion.Level of evidenceLevel  III treatment study. (Sourc...
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - March 27, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Proximal medial patellar restraints and their surgical reconstruction
This article briefly reviews the proximal medial patellar restraints and surgical procedures for their reconstruction. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - March 25, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research

Temporal patterns of commonly used clinical outcome scales during a 5-year period after total knee arthroplasty
ConclusionsA decline in function and pain relief occurs 2  years after TKA. This decline is more evident in older patients with an MB prosthesis. Based on these findings, we believe that use of MB implants in older patients (≥ 68 years) requires further investigation.Level of evidenceLevel  3. (Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)
Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - March 24, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research