Treatment options for massive rotator cuff tears: a narrative review.

The treatment of massive rotator cuff tears poses a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The prevalence of massive rotator cuff tears is 40% of all rotator cuff tears. Compared with smaller tears, massive rotator cuff tears are often complicated by structural failure and poor outcomes and present a higher rate of recurrent tearing after surgical repair. Several management options are available but the selection of the most appropriate treatment for each patient can be challenging. To achieve the best outcomes, the orthopedic surgeon should have a good understanding of the indications, the pathomechanics and the clinical outcomes of the various treatment modalities. Treatment options include non-operative management, arthroscopic debridement with a biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, complete or partial repair, patch augmentation, superior capsular reconstruction, muscle/tendon transfer and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this article is to review treatment options and clinical outcomes for the management of massive rotator cuff tears.

Cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a patient affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a rare genetic condition. The use of total shoulder arthroplasty in these patients is very uncommon, with only two cases reported in the literature. This study describes a cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for a multi-fragmented fracture in a patient affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) type 1 and aims to review literature results of shoulder replacement in patients affected by this uncommon condition. METHODS: the case of a woman affected by OI type 1 treated with a cementless rTSA for a multi-fragmented proximal humerus facture is reported. Focusing on the fixation technique, a research of all articles regarding the orthopaedic treatments in patients affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta was performed and compared to the techniques used in the unaffected population. RESULT: Our patient shows good results in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes at the short term follow up. Few studies treat the orthopaedic manifestation of this rare genetic condition and only two are focused on shoulder arthroplasty. Cement is the preferred method for fixation in both papers. CONCLUSION: Cementless reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be an option in patients affected by OI type 1, although literature seems to support cement as the fixation method of choice.

Tracheal lesion during shoulder surgery: a case report and systemic review of the literature.

Pneumomediastinum (PNM) and pneumothorax (PNX) are documented complications of arthroscopic shoulder surgery (ATS). Plexus anesthetic block and tracheal lesions during endotracheal intubation are hypothesized to be the underlying risk factors; however, the actual evidence supporting this hypothesis is scarce.A case of bilateral laterocervical emphysema, subcutaneous edema, and signs of PNM after ATS performed under general anesthesia and supra-scapular nerve block is presented. An up-to-date systematic review of PNM/PNX during orthopedic surgery was performed, involving six databases: PubMed (1996-present), Embase (1974-present), Scopus (2004-present), SpringerLink (1950-present), Ovid Emcare (1995-present), and Google Scholar (2004-present).Twenty-five case studies met the eligibility criteria. In 24 cases, the patient underwent general anesthesia and orotracheal intubation; in 9 of these, a plexus anesthetic block was also performed. One case involved ATS under plexus anesthetic block only. In 10 cases, the diagnostic finding was PNM. In 5 cases, the diagnostic finding was associated with PNX. PNX was detected in 17 cases. In 2 cases, SE was found in the absence of any evidence of either PNM or PNX. A tracheal lesion was identified in 3 cases.Endotracheal intubation and loco-regional anesthesia are not the only predisposing risk factors at play in the pathogenesis of PNM/PNX. Rather, multi-factorial pathogenesis seems more probable, necessitating that specific attention is paid during ATS to the change in patient position on the operating bed, to any slipping of the endotracheal tube, to patient monitoring whilst under the drapes, and to the cuff pressure. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021260370.

Histological analysis of ACL reconstruction failures due to synthetic-ACL (LARS) ruptures.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an established surgical procedure. Synthetic ligaments represent an option for ACL reconstruction. Their popularity declined for the raising concerns due to re-ruptures, knee synovitis and early arthritis related to I and II generation artificial ligaments. The introduction of a III generation synthetic ligament (Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System-LARS) permitted renewed interest in the adoption of this kind of graft. Main purpose of our study was to describe the histological findings on samples obtained from a consecutive series of ACL revision surgeries due to LARS ACL reconstruction failures. Secondary aim was to determine the reason for LARS rupture. METHODS: In a period between 2016 and 2018 eleven patients underwent ACL revision surgery due to LARS ACL reconstruction failure. At the time of the arthroscopic procedure, samples of synovial membrane and remnants of the torn LARS were sent to the Pathological-Anatomy Institute of our Hospital for a histological analysis. RESULTS: Histological analysis of the synovial tissues confirmed the arthroscopic evidence of synovitis mainly characterized by chronic inflammation with predominance of multinucleated giant cells. The adoption of polarized light microscopy revealed the presence of brightly bi-refractive material (LARS wear particles) in the synovial tissue; at higher magnification wear debris were detected inside the cytoplasma of multi nucleated cells. The histological analysis of the removed LARS revealed a surrounding typical foreign body reaction with poor signs of fibrovascular ingrowth of the synthetic ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could not clearly advocate a unique mechanism of LARS-ACL reconstruction failure: biologic issues (poor tissue ingrowth) and mechanical issues (fibers properties and tunnel position) probably concur in a multi factorial manner. ACL reconstruction using artificial ligaments can not be considered a simple surgery. Artificial augments require some expertise and could therefore achieve better results if used by skilled sport surgeons other than trainees or low volume surgeons. The Authors believe that ACL reconstruction with synthetic devices still have restricted indications for selected patients (e.g. elderly patients who require a fast recovery, professional athlete, autologous tendons not available and/or refusing donor tendons). Our study arises additional suspicion on the unresponsiveness of synthetic fibers and claim some concern in the implantation of synthetic devices.

Reliability of open architecture anchors in biocomposite material: medium term clinical and MRI evaluation. Our experience.

OBJECTIVES: Comparing radiologic bone ingrowth and the clinical outcomes of an open-construct (PEEK) (polyether ether ketone) suture anchor with those of a bio-composite suture anchor (glycolic polylactic acid anchors, beta-tricalcium phosphate and calcium sulphate) in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: From August 2017 to January 2019, 33 patients of both sexes, aged between 44 and 78 years underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for tears considered repairable with an extension not exceeding4 cm. The bioabsorbable anchors used comprised glycolic polylactic acid/beta-tricalcium phosphate/ calcium sulphate, and the non-absorbable anchors in polyetheretherketone (PEEK). All patients underwent MRI evaluation at 12 months postoperatively to determine complications and identify any re-tear. RESULTS: Clinical scores showed an improvement from both clinical and functional point of view. There were no statistically significant changes compared to the physical examination. On radiographs, mobilizations, anchor pull-outs or other complications did not occur in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder function improved after complete repair of the rotator cuff and similar clinical results were achieved regardless of the material and shape of the suture anchor. The bioabsorbable anchors in innovative open architecture material seem to have results comparable to peek anchors. Unfortunately, further studies are needed to define the advantages in using one material compared to the other. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Clinical and radiological outcomes with PEEK suture anchors used in rotator cuff repair: our experience confirm that a perianchor fluid signal on RM does not affect clinical outcome at one year of follow up.

Introduction / objectives  Osteolytic-type reactions of the perianchor bone which in magnetic resonance are manifested as hyperintensity of the signal in T2 images are reported in many studies. T  The objective of the present study is to evaluate and compare to the literature data the clinical and radiological results of a group of patients who underwent arthroscopic suture of a rotator cuff tear using polyetherketone (PEEK) suture anchors. Materials and methods Twenty patients, aged between 44 and 73 years, who underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff for lesions smaller than 4 cm considered reparaible between August 2017 and January 2019, were enrolled in the present study. Patients were evaluated clinically with clinical examination, Constant scale and ASES scale pre and post surgery. MRI either pre and post operation at one year were evaluated to obtain data about tendon healing and evaluate bone reaction to PEEK anchors. Results: MRI analysis showed a tendon signal according to Sugaya classification of type 1 in the 25% of patients, type 2 in the 60% of cases and type 3 in the remaining 15% . Osteolysis was grade 0 in 65%, grade 1 in 30 % and grade 2 in 5% of cases. No anchors pull out or mobilization were reported. Conclusions: The presence of a T2 hyperintense signal osteolysis like on MRI control using PEEK anchors for the sutur of rotator cuff lesions does not find correlation whit the final clinical result of the procedure.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the role of lateral posterior tibial slope as a potential risk factor for failure.

Background and aim of the work Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an extremely frequent surgery. The analysis of anatomical factors is becoming increasingly important and the study of clinical, arthroscopic and radiological methods to evaluate and understand them aims to positively affect the patient's outcome. This work aims to analyze the role of Lateral Posterior Tibial Slope (LPTS) as a potential risk factor for ACL reconstruction failure Materials and Methods At the Clinic of Orthopedic of Udine, between November 2018 and August 2020, 47 revisions of the ACL were performed. We analyzed MRI scans with particular attention to the LPTS. Patient images were analyzed by a single senior orthopedic surgeon who was blinded to patient history, age and gender. Results Comparing with a value reported in literature as normal (LPTS estimated 6.5°) we see how the difference between the average LPTS values ​​in the sample is significantly higher than the normal values ​​(P <.0001). Furthermore, in our cohort, females show a LPTS  significantly higher than males (11,8° vs 8,7°; P <.005). Conclusion The data collected show how an increased posterior lateral tibial slope can be correlated with a higher risk of ACL reconstruction failure. The results are coherent with the literature. Our analysis is absolutely preliminary, but it is intended to be the starting point of a path that allows us to think of the reconstruction of the ACL as an intervention to be planned more carefully based on the individual characteristics of the patient.

Onlay versus Inlay humeral steam in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA): clinical and biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming treatment of choice in glenohumeral arthropathies with massive lesion of the rotator cuff, due to a gradual extension of indications and new designs that provide better outcome. In this study we compared two different reverse shoulder prosthesis designs, defined as Inlay (or typical Grammont type) and a relatively new model defined as Onlay (that preserves tuberosity bone stock). We analyzed clinical, biomechanical and radiological outcomes, as well as complications of RSA in these two groups. METHODS: We performed a prospective study on a population of 42 patients undergoing Reverse Shoulder Replacement by a single expert surgeon. We consider 21 patients (group A) who underwent to reverse shoulder replacement with a curved onlay steam with 145° inclination (Ascend Flex group, Wright medical, Memphis, TN, USA)  and 21 patients who underwent to reverse shoulder replacement with a traditional Inlay Grammont steam (Modular Shoulder System SMR, Systema Multiplana Randelli; Lima-LTO, San Daniele del Friuli, Italy) between August 2010 and October 2018. We studied the following items: active range of motion (AROM), radiological parameters (lateralization shoulder angle LSA, Distalization Shoulder Angle DSA), functional scale (Constant-Murley Score), post-operative complications (infection, aseptical implant mobilitazion, residual pain, scapular notching, fractures, tuberosity reabsorbtion, dislocation, bleedings, nerve palsy, pulmonary embolus). RESULTS: A significant improvement in ROM and functional score (Constant Shoulder Score) were observed in both groups. Group A (Onlay design 145°, medial tray) provides improvement in adduction, extension and external rotation compared to group B. No significant differences were found in abduction, external rotation and forward flexion. At 6 months follow-up, pain relief was detected in all patients. Although complications occur in a high percentage of patients in literature, no postoperative complications were observed in our cases series. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed how RSA is a real solution to improve quality of life and to restore pain-free shoulder ROM in patients where cuff tear arthropathy occurs. Onlay design 145° may provides better active external rotation, extension, adduction: it is necessary to continue follow up and include more cases to prove these data.

Groin pain caused by iliopsoas synovial cyst treated with endoscopic approach. A case report.

The diagnosis of iliopsoas synovial cyst is a rare finding. The normal approach to treat this condition has been conservative therapies or open surgery, with its associated complications and morbidity. The arthroscopic - endoscopic surgery is less invasive and with an increase in complications and days of hospitalization. We report the case of a 70-year old woman with clinical and imaging signs of a fluid-filled cyst near iliopsoas distal tendon. After fluid aspiration, the patient reported symptom-free interval of several weeks, but then groin pain and swelling feeling return, increased with hip movements. The cyst was removed through arthroscopy approach and the iliopsoas tendon was released. The removal of iliopsoas synovial cyst is necessary to avoid complications such as pain and functional limits. Arthroscopy has the advantage of less soft-tissue damage and quicker recovery. The treatment of associated tendon pathology can be done. Hip arthroscopy can be a safe and effective technique for the removal of iliopsoas synovial cyst.

Rotator cuff tears reparability index based on pre-operative MRI: our experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: It is recognised that a significant percetage of large and massive rotator cuff tears (RCT) cannot be anatomically repaired and this correlates with a worste outcome in terms of pain, active range of motion, increased incidence of retair. The aim of our work is to find reliable index on preoperative MRI shoulder image to assist orthopaedist in surgical planning of rotatator cuff tears repair. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on a population on 131 patients undergoing arthroscopic cuff repair by a single expert surgeon. Pre-operative MRI images were evaluated by a single orthopaedist, trained on MRI shoulder images ad blinded to surgical outcome. For each magnetic resonance we evaluated the following 9 parameters: fatty Infiltration (FI), Patte Stage (PS), tear size measured in medial-lateral (ML) and anterior- posterior (AP) dimension, Tangent Sign (TS), Occupation Grade (OG), Acromion-Humeral Distance (AHD), Inferior Gleno-Humeral Distance (IGHD), Glenoid Version Angle (GVA). We divided population into two groups: patients who obtained a complete repair of RCT (n=110) and patients who obtained only a partial repair of RCT (n=21). For each MRI index we conducted statistical analysis (Student's t test, Mann- Whitney U test, Shapiro-Wilk test, Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, ROC curves and maximum Youden index) to find a Cut Off value useful to predict partial repair. RESULTS: We have found statistical significance in predicting partial repair on MRI mesurements of Fatty Infiltration (FI grade ≥3; test di Fisher p<0.001), Patte Stage (grade= 3; test di Fisher p<0.001), Tear size measured in ML (>36 mm; Mann-Whitney p<0.001), Positive Tangent Sign (Chi-quadro p<0.001; sensitivity 95,3%, specificity 83,6%), Occupation Grade (OG <0,46; t-test p<0.001). Acromion-Humeral Distance (AHD <7 mm), Inferior Gleno-Humeral Distance (IGHD >5 mm). Tear size measured in AP (>21 mm; Mann-Whitney p<0.001) seems to be dependent on the contextual size of the lesion in ML. We haven't found statistical significance in predicting partial repair of Glenoid Version Angle. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic observation of seven independent MRI parameters (FI, PS, tear size ML, TS, OG, AHD, IGHD) can help the surgeon to predict the impossibility to obtain complete repair of RCT and to consider different surgical approach.

Heterotopic Ossification in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: which is the role of drainage?

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: The Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is a common complication following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Although there is no concordance in Literature regarding the etiopathogenic mechanism, various HO risk factors have been recognized, both related to the patient and associated with the surgical procedureLiterature does not consider the use of intra-articular drainage as a possible risk factor. Our hypothesis is that this item can contribute to the development of HO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 425 implants of hip arthroplasty performed between 2014 and 2017 at the Ortopedic Clinic of Udine were included in the study. No patient performed pre-operative or post-operative anti-HO prophylaxis during follow-up. Radiographs of preoperative and postoperative at 1 year were analyzed according to the Brooker Classification. RESULTS: The incidence of HO in patients with intra-articular drainage is 24.6%, while the incidence of HO in patients without intra-articular drainage is 15.3%, with a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained suggest to consider the use of intra-articular drainage as a possible intra-operative risk factor for HO. This is a retrospective cohort study, so we need more studies and more robust experimental designs to confirm these results.

Arthroscopic treatment of iliopsoas impingement syndrome after hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Groin pain after hip arthroplasty (HA) ranges from 0.4% to 18.3%. Defining the cause of groin pain after HA can be difficult. Iliopsoas impingement (IPI) has been reported to be the underlying cause of groin pain in up to 4.4% of cases. The purpose of this study is to present arthroscopic surgical outcomes in the treatment of IPI after HA. METHODS: Between September 2013 and March 2018, 13 patients, 11 total hip arthroplasty (THA), 1 hip endoprosthesis and 1 total hip resurfacing affected by groin pain due to unceasing iliopsoas tendinopathy for impingement after HA were treated arthroscopically. The patients underwent to physical examination, blood analysis, hip X-rays, bone scintigraphy and CT assessment. We performed the arthroscopic OUT-IN access to hip joint in all patients. VAS scale, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Medical Research Council (MRC) scale were performed before surgery and during follow up at 1-3-6-12 months. RESULTS: After 10 months of mean follow-up, average HHS and MRC scale improved significantly from preoperatively to postoperatively. No complications arose in our case series. CONCLUSIONS: Hip arthroscopy after hip arthroplasty is supported in the literature for a variety of indications. Hip arthroscopy is a viable and reproducible technique in treatment of IPI, being less invasive than the classic open technique. This simple arthroscopic release provides satisfactory results and preserves HA function. Moreover an arthroscopic OUT-IN access proves good clinical outcomes, few complications and iatrogenic lesions.

Can UKA after KineSpring system failure be a viable option? A case report.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: The KineSpring System is an alternative treatment offered in selected symptomatic patients suffering from mild to moderate medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). This device reduces medial compartment loads in the OA knee without compromising the integrity of the lateral or patellofemoral knee compartments, maintaining the normal knee anatomy. Currently, papers about KineSpring System installation show promising results. The current authors describe a case of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) employed to treat medial knee OA after Kinespring system failure. METHODS: A 64-year old male patient presented to our hospital after failure of a Kinespring system implantation into his left knee at an external hospital, where the outcomes obtained were not satisfactory. The surgical options discussed with the patient were the TKA or medial UKA. A medial UKA was preferred by the patient. RESULTS: One year from UKA, the patient complained of frequent joint effusions and weight bearing pain despite a good ROM without radiographic signs of implant loosening. Therefore, after two years we replaced UKA with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). CONCLUSIONS: Further experience is needed to provide reliable clinical data about the results of the UKA after KineSpring System discharge.

Rivaroxaban and early periprostethic joint infection: our experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Periprostethic joint infection (PJI) is a severe post-operative complication after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). According to the classification of PJI early acute PJI occurs within 4 weeks from surgery. Some authors think that Rivaroxaban is a risk factor in the incidence of early acute PJI. We analyze our experience about this item. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyze our experience from 1st January 2015 to 31th December 2016. We consider all consecutive hip arthroplasty implants in this period. RESULTS: In the 205 patients analysed we not find early acute PJI in Rivaroxaban group nor in the others assuming another kind of thromboprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: In our series there is no evidence of association between Rivaroxaban and early acute PJI. This is a retrospective cohort study, so we need more studies and more robust experimental designs to confirm these results.

Partial repair in irreparable rotator cuff tear: our experience in long-term follow-up.

AIM OF THE WORK: Massive rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain and dysfunction, especially in middle age patient; these lesions represent about 20% of all rotator cuff tears and 80% of recurrent tears. Some lesions are not repairable or should not be repaired: in this case, a rotator cuff partial repair should be recommended. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of rotator cuff partial repair in irreparable rotator cuff massive tear at medium and long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We have evaluated 74 consecutive patients treated with functional repair of rotator cuff by the same surgeon between 2006 and 2014. We divided patients into 2 groups, obtaining 2 average follow-up: at about 6,5 (group A) and 3 years (group B). In December 2015, we evaluated in every patient ROM and Constant Score. We analyzed difference between pre-operatory data and the 2 groups.  Results: We found statistical significant difference in ROM and in Constant Score between pre-operatory data and group A and group B. Between group A and group B there is relevant difference in Constant Score but not in ROM. CONCLUSIONS: Partial repair can give good results in a medium follow-up, in terms of pain relief and improvement of ROM, as well as in quality of life. Difference in ROM and Constant Score between group A and group B may indicate the begin of partial repair failure; according to our data, 6-7 years may be the time limit for this surgery technique.

The SMR reverse shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff arthropathy management.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) is a well-defined  degenerative pathology  of the shoulder. When conservative treatments are unable to permit a good quality of life, the reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) can guarantee a good restitution of range of motion, function and strength of the shoulder without pain. In this paper we show our clinical, functional and radiological outcomes, as well as complications of RSA in patients with CTA. METHODS: We analyzed 31 patients who underwent to reverse shoulder replacement with Modular Shoulder System (SMR, Systema Multiplana Randelli; Lima-LTO, San Daniele del Friuli, Italy) reverse shoulder system, between August 2010-July 2014. RESULTS: A significant improvement in ROM and functional scores (Constant Shoulder Score and UCLA score) were observed in our cases series. At the time of follow-up  pain relief was detected in 28 patients and 3 patients declared mild pain. Overall, 90.3% of patients rated their satisfaction as good or excellent. Although  complications occur in a high percentage of patients in literature, no postoperative complications was observed in our cases series. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed how reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a real solution to improve quality of life, to restore pain-free ROM, function and strength of the shoulder in patients where cuff tear arthropathy occurs.

Computer assisted total knee arthroplasty: a real navigation to better results?

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Computer assisted surgery in knee replacement is still in discussion, but majority of papers affirm an increase of the accuracy in alignment. Aim of our study is to evaluate the accuracy of mechanical axis, the posterior tibial slope and the femoral component rotation with navigation, x-ray and CT data. METHODS: We have analysed 145 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty between January 2012 and December 2014. We have checked each patient at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. During each visit, we did a clinical evaluation checking the ROM and a clinical score (KOOS). At 2 years, we did a CT evaluation and a plain x-ray evaluation. RESULTS: 125 patients have completed the follow-up. Mean follow-up time was 2,6 years. Both ROM and KOOS values increased during follow-up. About the mechanical axis, both x-ray and CT data showed a mean deviation <2° from the target. About posterior tibial slope and femoral component rotation, CT data showed a mean deviation of <3° from the target. Mean difference between navigation and CT data was <1°. CONCLUSIONS: According to literature data, our data confirm that computer assisted surgery in knee replacement have a good accuracy of coronal alignment, rotational alignment and posterior tibial slope.

Acute periprosthetic knee infection: is there still a role for DAIR?

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Periprosthetic knee infection is a rare complication associated with prosthetic failure; incidence change from 0,4-2% of primary total knee replacement and 5.6% in revisions. Indications for debridment, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) are early acute infections or acute delayed infection. Aim of the work is to check if this technique is still a successful in early infections. METHODS: We have analyzed recent literature data on DAIR and all DAIR procedures in our clinic in the last 10 years, the mean time between onset of symptoms and surgery, the mean antibiotic therapy duration and results we have obtained. We evaluate the diagnostic process and different treatments in early knee periprosthetic infections, especially the DAIR approach. RESULTS: If correct indications are followed, DAIR has a success rate in 31-100% of the cases; if it is applied in late chronic infection the success rate is 28-62%. In our experience DAIR has an 80% success rate: in 20 patients treated with DAIR we had 4 failures. CONCLUSIONS: DAIR can be considered a successful treatment, but it depends from individual patient factors, from the microorganisms involved, from the duration of antibiotic therapy and from correct choice in timing and in execution of DAIR by the orthopedic surgeon.

Two-stage revision after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Periprosthetic knee infection is a complication associated with prosthetic failure; incidence change from 0,4-2% of primary total knee replacement and 5,6% in revisions; incidence is increasing over the years. Two-stage revision is the technique used in chronic infection. Aim of the work is to check success rate in our data. Methods. We analyzed retrospectively data of patients who undergone two stage revision surgery between 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2015. We made a clinical and radiological control after 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months and we evaluate the outcome in December 2016. Results. Between 2010 and 2015 we treated 45 patients with two-stage revision. Mean follow-up was 3,4 years. Success rate is 89,9%. We had failure in 5 patients: everyone had knee surgery before first knee arthroplasty and Charlson Comorbidity Score was greater then 4 in 4 cases. Conclusions. Two stage revision can be considered a successful treatment in chronic periprosthetic knee infection. It has an optimal success rate, but it has some disadvantages as joint stiffness and pain in the interval between stages. This is a technique with two major surgery procedure with associated morbidity, discomfort, cost and prolonged stay in hospital.

Causes of Failure of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Revision Surgical Strategies.

PURPOSE: Long-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are good or excellent; however, 0.7%-20% of patients suffer from recurrent instability due to graft failure. The purpose of this paper was to analyse failure aetiology and the possibilities of revision surgical strategies, with a description of our experience. We obtained optimal and good results in most of our patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients who underwent revision surgery (43 revisions) due to relapsing instability after ACL reconstruction between 2006 and 2015. We used allografts in 39 cases and autografts in 4 cases. RESULTS: The 85.7% of the patients obtained optimal results (normal knee; group A) and the 7.2% obtained good results (nearly normal knee; group B) according to the International Knee Documentation Committee score. The most frequent failure causes were traumatic events, non-anatomic tunnel placement, and lack of graft incorporation. CONCLUSIONS: A correct revision surgery requires accurate patient evaluation and knee imaging. Preoperative planning starts with the identification of the cause of failure of the primary reconstruction. Then, the most suitable procedure should be determined for each case. It is also important to accurately inform the patient of all the complexity of an ACL revision surgery even if it is a procedure with high rates of excellent and good outcomes.