PLAR: a combined percutaneous and arthroscopic treatment for iliotibial band syndrome description of surgical technique and short-term results: description of surgical technique and short-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Description of a new surgical procedure (percutaneous lengthening and arthroscopic release, PLAR) that combines all the possible interventions on the iliotibial band (ITB), and evaluates its outcomes in a group of distance runners diagnosed with ITBS. METHODS: A prospective observational study was made of distance runners diagnosed with ITBS and operated upon using the PLAR technique between 1 and 2018 and 31 June 2020. The surgical technique is described in detail, and the demographic data and functional outcomes measured by the sports performance scales Activity Rating Scale (ARS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) are presented. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 12-42 months). All the patients resumed their previous sporting activity after an average of 4 (range 2.5-6) months, and no complications were recorded. In all cases, statistically significant improvement was evidenced by the ARS and IKDC scales following PLAR (p < 0.001), with excellent outcomes in 71% of the cases according to the ARS scale and in 86% according to the IKDC scale (mean difference between preoperative and final follow-up scores of 12.1/16 and 34.2/100 points, respectively). CONCLUSION: The PLAR technique is effective in allowing a return to previous sports performance levels in a short period of time among patients with ITBS refractory to conservative management, with a high satisfaction rate and the absence of complications.

Ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pelvic external fixator (US-SA FIX).

BACKGROUND: Between the different options in pelvic external fixation, the supra-acetabular pin placement is considered the best option by many authors. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique of the ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pelvic external fixator (US-SA FIX). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Description of the steps to perform the US-SA FIX technique. DISCUSSION: The supra-acetabular pin placement is considered the best option and it is the most wildly used because it combines three crucial qualities: safety, simplicity, and effectiveness. Notwithstanding, when a severely multiple injured patient arrives at the emergency room we need to perform an emergency external fixation, however trained x-ray technicians or pelvic surgeons are not always present, making it difficult to perform the surgery with the proper intra-operative imaging, increasing the surgical time with potentially serious repercussions, a case scenario where the ultrasound can be a very helpful tool. Ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pelvic external fixator pin placement is feasible without compromising the reliability of its placement, and the application of this new technique in clinical practice in our centre brings encouraging results.

Three dimensional-printed patient-specific cutting guides for femoral varization osteotomy: Do it yourself.

INTRODUCTION: In valgus knees of young patients, opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy is a valid treatment option for axial corrections. It allows the surgeon to achieve accurate correction, which is directly related to the functional outcome and survivorship of the osteotomy. This study presents a new technique based on three-dimensional (3D)-printed cutting guides for opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomies, in which pre-operative planning and intraoperative executional accuracy play a major role. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pursuing axial correction accuracy, 3D-printed patient-specific positioning guides and wedge spacers were both created and used by the surgeon to implement the femoral osteotomy. The proposed technique was performed in 12 consecutive patients (cases). The results were compared with 20 patients (controls) in which opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomies were performed following the traditional technique. Accuracy of the axial correction, surgical time, fluoroscopic time and costs were measured. RESULTS: More accurate axial correction with reduced surgical time (32min less), intraoperative fluoroscopic images (59 images less) and costs (estimated €412 less) were achieved with the use of the customized guides when compared with the traditional technique. DISCUSSION: Accurate correction of the axial alignment of the limb is a critical step in survivorship of the osteotomy. Improving the technique to enhance accuracy focused on this issue. CONCLUSIONS: The use of patient-customized cutting guides minimised human error; therefore, surgical time was reduced and accurate axial correction was achieved. The surgeon mastered all steps in a do-it-yourself philosophy style.