Predictor of hip fracture type: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIM In literature, many risk factors have been related to proximal femur fracture, but most of the studies do not explore differences between femoral neck fractures (FNF) and pertrochanteric fractures (PF). The aim of the paper is to review the current literature n order to assess risk factors associated with a specific pattern of proximal femur fracture.   METHODS Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were taken into consideration in the review. Data reported from the included articles were age, gender of the patient, type of femoral fracture, BMI, height, weight, soft tissue composition, BMD, vitamin D levels, PTH levels, hip morphology and hip osteoarthritis.   RESULTS Bone mineral density (BMD) of the intertochanteric region result significant lower in PF, while BMD in femoral neck regione was lower in FNF. Low levels of Vit D with high PTH are observed in TF whereas low levels of vit D and normal PTH in FNF. Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is significant less present and less severe in FNF, while in PF is usually more frequent or higher grade.   CONCLUSIONS Patients with pertrochanteric fracture are older, with a low cortical thickness in the femoral isthmus, low BMD in the intertrochanteric region, severe HOA, low mean haemoglobin and albumin levels and hypovitaminosis D with a high PTH levels. Patients with FNF are younger, taller, with higher body fat mass, with lower BMD levels in femoral neck region, mild HOA, hypovitaminosis D without PTH response.

Spring Plates as a Valid Additional Fixation in Comminuted Posterior Wall Acetabular Fractures: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The posterior wall fracture is the most frequent pattern of acetabular fractures. Many techniques of fixation have been described in the literature and involve plates, screws, or a combination of both. This study aims to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of spring plates in the treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures. (2) Methods: A retrospective multicenter (four level I trauma centers) observational study was performed. Patients with a comminuted posterior wall acetabular fracture treated with a spring plate (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA) were included. Diagnosis was made according to the Judet and Letournel classification. Diagnosis was confirmed with plain radiographs in an antero-posterior view and Judet views, iliac and obturator oblique views, and thin-slice CT with multiplanar reconstructions. (3) Results: Forty-six patients (34 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 51.7 years (range 19-73) were included. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident (34 cases). In all cases, spring plates were placed under an overlapping reconstruction plate. The mean follow-up was 33.4 months (range 24-48). The mean period without weight-bearing was 4.9 weeks (range 4-7), and full weight-bearing was allowed at an average of 8.2 weeks (range 7-11) after surgery. (4) Conclusions: According to the present data, spring plates can be considered a viable additional fixation of the posterior wall acetabular fractures.

Computer-assisted navigation for intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric femur fractures: a preliminary result.

Aim To demonstrate a reduction of risk factors ray-depending in proximal femur nailing of intertrochanteric femur fractures, comparing standard technique with computer-assisted navigation system. Methods One hundred patients hospitalised between October 2021 and June 2022 with intertrochanteric femur fractures type 31-A1 and 31-A2 were prospectively enrolled and divided randomly into two groups. A study group was treated with computer-assisted navigation system ATLAS (Masmec Biomed, Modugno, Bari, Italy) (20 patients), while a control group received the standard nailing technique. The same intertrochanteric nail was implanted by a single senior surgeon, Endovis BA 2 (EBA2, Citieffe, Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy). The following data were recorded: the setup time of operating room (STOR; minutes); surgical time (ST; minutes); radiation exposure time (ETIR; seconds) and dose area product (DAP; cGy·cm2). Results Patients underwent femur nailing with computer-assisted navigation system reported more set-up time of operating room (24.87±4.58; p<0.01), less surgical time (26.15±5.80; p<0.01), less time of radiant exposure (4.84±2.07; p<0.01) and lower dose area product (16.26±2.91; p<0.01). Conclusion The preliminary study demonstrated that computerassisted navigation allowed a better surgical technique standardization, significantly reduced exposure to ionizing radiation, including a reduction in surgical time. The ATLAS system could also play a key role in residents improving learning curve.

Surgical strategies in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: our experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Supracondylar humeral fractures are the most common skeletal injury of childhood elbow. Treatment option for Gartland type II-III-IV fractures is based on closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) fixation using Kirshner wires. Seldom open reduction is needed. Literature described different method of CRPP. The aim of the study is to report our experience in the surgical management of supracondylar humeral fractures comparing it with the literature, in order to identify useful information for a correct and better approach to reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes. METHODS: 148 patients with a mean age of 5.72 ± 2.52 years and with Gartland type II-III-IV humeral supracondylar fractures were treated with CRPP at our Orthopedic Pediatric Unit. They were divided into three groups according to surgical technique. Group A was represented by patients treated with cross pinning (1 medial and 1 lateral pin), Group B represented by 2 lateral pins while Group C represented by 2 lateral and one medial pin. Evaluation criteria are based on Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI); Bauman's and Carrying Angle and Flynn's criteria. Data were recorded at the following times: T0 (before surgical procedure); T1 (one-month post-surgery); T2 (six months post-surgery). RESULTS: The three surgical techniques showed comparable results according to MEPI, Bauman's angle, Carrying's angle and Flynn's criteria from T0 to T1. There is an improvement for all Groups. Group C reported the best MEPI outcome at T2. However, 2 patients in this group did not show excellent results according to Flynn's criteria. CONCLUSIONS: There is no single and superior treatment for displaced humeral supracondylar fractures and that each fracture has its own personality.

Continuous Cold Flow Device Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Myths and Reality.

Background and Objectives: To assess the effect of continuous cold flow (CCF) therapy on pain reduction, opioid consumption, fast recovery, less perioperative bleeding and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Patients affected by knee osteoarthritis between September 2020 and February 2022 were enrolled in this case-control study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50, each): the study group received postoperative CCF therapy while the control group was treated by cold pack (gel ice). The CCF device is a computer-assisted therapy with continuous cold fluid, allowing a selective distribution, constant and uniform, of cold or hot on the areas to be treated. In both groups, pre- and postoperative evaluations at 6, 24, 72 h and at the fifth day were conducted using Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), opioid consumption, passive range of motion, preoperative hematocrit, total blood loss by Gross formula, transfusion requirement and patient satisfaction questionnaire. Results: One hundred patients, 52 women (52%), were included in the study. Reduction of pain, opioid consumption and increase in passive range of movement were statistically significantly demonstrated in the study group on the first and third days. Patients were satisfied with adequate postoperative pain management due to CCF therapy (p = 0.01) and they would recommend this treatment to others (p = 0.01). Conclusions: A continuous cold flow device in the acute postoperative setting after total knee arthroplasty is associated with pain reduction and improving early movement. Patients were almost satisfied with the procedure. The management of perioperative pain control could improve participation in the early rehabilitation program as demonstrated by the increase in ROM, psychological satisfaction and reduction in opioid use.

Direct Anterior versus Lateral Approach for Femoral Neck Fracture: Role in COVID-19 Disease.

Background: During the COVID-19 emergency, the incidence of fragility fractures in elderly patients remained unchanged. The management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. The study aimed to assess the best surgical approach to treat COVID-19 patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing hemiarthroplasty (HA), comparing direct lateral (DL) versus direct anterior approach (DAA). Methods: A single-center, observational retrospective study including 50 patients affected by COVID-19 infection (30 males, 20 females) who underwent HA between April 2020 to April 2021 was performed. The patients were allocated into two groups according to the surgical approach used: lateral approach and anterior approach. For each patient, the data were recorded: age, sex, BMI, comorbidity, oxygen saturation (SpO2), fraction of the inspired oxygen (FiO2), type of ventilation invasive or non-invasive, HHb, P/F ratio (PaO2/FiO2), hemoglobin level the day of surgery and 1 day post operative, surgical time, Nottingham Hip Fractures Score (NHFS) and American Society of Anesthesiologists Score (ASA). The patients were observed from one hour before surgery until 48 h post-surgery of follow-up. The patients were stratified into five groups according to Alhazzani scores. A non-COVID-19 group of patients, as the control, was finally introduced. Results: A lateral position led to a better level of oxygenation (p < 0.01), compared to the supine anterior approach. We observed a better post-operative P/F ratio and a reduced need for invasive ventilation in patients lying in the lateral position. A statistically significant reduction in the surgical time emerged in patients treated with DAA (p < 0.01). Patients within the DAA group had a significantly lower blood loss compared to direct lateral approach. Conclusions: DL approach with lateral decubitus seems to preserved respiratory function in HA surgery. Thus, the lateral position may be associated with beneficial effects on gas exchange.

The effects of a new protocol on blood loss in total knee arthroplasty.

The aim of study was to evaluate the efficacy of blood loss prevention with Tranexamic acid in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The Authors defined a new protocol that foresees the use of Tranexamic acid both pre-intra and post-operatively. Seventy patients indicated for TKA were enrolled. Thirty-five patients (control group) followed standard protocol without Tranexamic acid and the other 35 patients (study group) followed standard protocol with Tranexamic acid. We analyzed the values of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT) and red blood cells (RBCs) both pre-operatively (T0) and post-operatively: immediately after surgery (T1), at one day (T2) and three days post-op (T3). We observed statistical differences at T0 and T3 regarding the Hb, HT and RBCs value between the two groups. Moreover, 11.4% in the study and 28.5% in the control group required blood transfusion. No thrombotic or thrombo-embolic events were reported. We conclude that Tranexamic acid use, as in our protocol, reduces postoperative bleeding in primary knee arthroplasty, with the absence of thrombo-embolic events.

Periprosthetic knee fractures in an elderly population: open reduction and internal fixation vs distal femur megaprostheses.

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of distal femur (PPDFFx) after primary total knee arthroplasties is described around 0.3% and 2.5% and it is increasing as the number of patients with total knee arthroplasty continues to arise. surgical options treatments for PPDFFx include fixation in the form of eather Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN), or conventional (non locked) plating, or locked plating such as the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS), or dynamic condylar screws. In recent years, however, the use of megaprostheses has been increasing. Patients with periprosthetic fractures of distal femur after primary total knee arthroplasties treated with ORIF or with the use of Distal femur replacement (DFR) were retrospectively analyzed in this to evaluate differences in intra-operative blood loss, need of blood trasfusion, weight bearing, range of motion, rate of complications, rate of revision surgery and functional outcome according Oxford Knee Score between two groups. Treatment of Periprosthetic distal femur fracture remains controversial. While ORIF seems to guarantee less percentage of complications and reoperation rate, those treated with megaprosthesis seem to gain better range of motion in a very short post-operative time. In the future it will be necessary to investigate with greater numbers possible advantages and disadvantages of the various treatments in periprosthetic distal femur fractures.

Revision Surgery Using Retrograde Nail versus Replating in Nonunion Distal Femur Fracture Treated with Plate.

Articular distal femur fractures represent 4% to 6% of femur fractures. Locking compression plates (LCPs) are the main treatment option. Nevertheless, a reoperation rate of 12.9% has been reported; nonunion is reported at 4.8%, delayed union at 1.6%, and malunion at 0.6%. Treatment of nonunions can be challenging as no unanimous consensus regarding the best surgical technique has been reached. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare two types of revision surgery as treatment of LCP-treated articular distal femoral fracture nonunion: retrograde nail or replating. A retrospective cohort study of patients admitted from January 2015 to February 2017 for nonunion of AO/OTA 33C2 fractures previously treated with a lateral LCP was conducted. Patients were treated either with intramedullary nailing (Group A) or with replating (Group B). One independent observer performed clinically and radiographically followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. The nonunion scoring system (NUSS) was used. Nine patients were included in our study. The mean follow-up was 2 years. Five patients were treated with intramedullary nailing and four with replating. The NUSS score was 24.2 ± 6.8 in the nailing group and 37.3 ± 3 in the replating group (P=0.03). In the nailing group, radiographic consolidation was obtained in all cases. In the replating group, nonunion was found in 3 patients and failure of osteosynthesis in one patient. Therefore, four patients (Group B) underwent implant removal and retrograde femoral nailing, obtaining radiological healing. The union time was 7.6 months in the nailing group. Retrograde intramedullary nailing can be used as an effective treatment of aseptic AO-33C distal femoral nonunion following primary locking plating.

Thermal versus cooled radiofrequency in patients with sacroiliac joint pain: a systematic review of the literature and pooled analysis of clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic low back pain (LBP) can be caused by sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disease. Many conditions could cause SIJ dysfunction. The lateral branches of the L4-S3 dorsal rami are responsible for the primary innervation of the posterior SI joint. Radiofrequency (RF) denervation represent an emerging promising treatment for refractory sacroiliac joint pain. There are different types of RF denervation such as thermal or cooled. Use of irrigation cooled electrodes allows targeted tissues to reach the neuroablative temperatures slowly, preventing collateral damage of adjacent tissue. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted electronic database (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and Google Scholar) research (time frame: January 1st, 2010 to May 31st, 2021) for clinical studies that had tested conventional radiofrequency (RFT) and cooled radiofrequency (RFC) to treat sacroiliac joint pain. These studies were evaluated according to Level of Evidence. Quantitative assessment of qualifying studies was done using the random effects model. We calculated the pooled size effect using standardized mean difference (SMD) as the main effect measure. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We identified nine studies, with a total of 276 patients affected by sacroiliac joint pain and treated with radiofrequency. The analysis revealed a small and non-significant difference in pain reduction and an improvement in quality of life in RFT subgroup (Pain measured in Visual Analogic Scale: RFT subgroups SMD=-3.643 (95% CI -4.478, -2.807), RFC subgroup SMD=-3.285 (95% CI -4.428, -2.141), P=0.587; Quality of Life measured in Oswestry Disability Index: RFT subgroup SMD=-35.969 (95% CI -53.993%, -17.945%), RFC subgroup SMD=-20.589% (95% CI -33.424%. -7.754%), P=0.123). Publication bias was found in quality-of-life assessment due to the low number and high heterogeneity of studies. Two techniques showed no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence indicates no statistical difference between two techniques examined. The literature is currently lacking, and well-constructed randomized clinical trials are necessary to evaluate this deficient aspect.

Quality of Life and Clinical Evaluation of Calcaneoplasty with a Balloon System for Calcaneal Fracture at 5 Years of Follow-Up.

Calcaneal fractures are a challenging clinical problem. Management of this type of injury remains controversial, especially in the context of intra-articular fractures. Surgical treatment with open reduction and internal synthesis (ORIF) is considered the standard treatment for CF, but it is associated with many complications. Several minimally invasive techniques such as balloon-assisted reduction, pin fixation, and tricalcium phosphate augmentation have been proposed to avoid the frequent and recurrent postoperative problems related to these fractures. We retrospectively examined 20 patients (mean age was 54.5), all undergoing minimally invasive calcaneoplasty surgery at our Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology between 2012 and 2016. X-ray and CT scan were performed preoperatively and at 5 years of follow-up (57.9 ± 6 months). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was used for clinical examination, and the Short-Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). All 20 patients were available at the final follow-up. The mean AOFAS score was 82.25/100. The VAS results attest an overall average of 2.7/10 (0-9). The average of the parameters "Physical Health" and "Mental Health" was, respectively, 81.25 and 83.55. In terms of postoperative complications, we observed no cases of superficial or deep infections. Clinical response after balloon-assisted reduction, pin fixation, and tricalcium phosphate augmentation has shown a comparable or better outcome according to the AOFAS and VAS score. Quality-of-life scores, obtained according to the SF-36 questionnaire, are considered high. From both a clinical and quality-of-life point of view, our study highlights that there is not gender distinction. Further comparative studies with a higher number of patients are needed which assess the quality of life in the various techniques used to treat calcaneal fractures.

Volar locking plate versus external fixation in distal radius fractures: A meta-analysis.

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of plate or external fixator treatments in distal radius fractures, based not only on clinical and radiographic parameters but on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) parameters. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when conducting this systematic review. The Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (RAMSTAR) checklist was additionally consulted in order to ensure a high-quality methodological process, encompassing such elements as an 'a priori' design, independent reviews and comprehensive search. The literature search was carried out on PubMed, MEDLINE and Scopus. The search terms used were "Radius fracture AND osteosynthesis", "Wrist fracture AND external fixator" and "Wrist fracture AND plate". Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts. To determine inter-reviewer agreement, a k score was calculated after each screening state. Of the 5753 studies collected through the initial databases search, two studies were included in the final meta-analysis (125 treated with external fixator vs 132 with volar plate). There was a substantial inter-reviewer agreement as to the title (0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.79) abstract (0.65; 95% CI, 0.46-0.83) and fulltext screening stages (0.89; 95%CI, 0.67-1). The meta-analysis reported a mean difference equal to 0.00 (95%CI= -0.05 - 0.05), in accordance with I2= 0% and p test for the heterogeneity value=0.089. This meta analysis confirms and quantifies that the two techniques are superimposable as regards the quality of life reported by patients at least one year of follow-up.

Thoracic spine fracture associated with an extradural lipoma: Case report and systematic review of the literature.

Isolated extradural lipoma (IEL), not associated to spinal dysraphisms, is a rare condition. Frequently IEL was confused with much more frequent diffuse lipomatosis. The lesion can be completely asymptomatic and occasionally diagnosed with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. This paper describes a case of a patient with an axial compression fracture of the thoracic spine associated with an extradural lipoma. We also performed a systematic review of the pertinent literature in order to retrieve the key information regarding: the diagnosis, the clinical features and the treatment.

Locking plate fixation in pediatric femur fracture: evaluation of the outcomes in our experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Femoral shaft fracture is a common traumatic musculoskeletal injures in pediatric population. The treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures depends on age patient and pattern fracture. We present our record about the use of locking plate fixation and their outcomes. METHOD: We conduct a retrospective analysis in 22 patients, surgically treated for 26 diaphyseal femur fracture between 2008 and 2013. The mean age was 13 years. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiological follow-up for two years. We recorded time to weight bearing, time to union, complication (malalignment, dysmetria, infection), time to resumption to sport, plate removal, parents' satisfaction. RESULTS: All the patients had a minimal clinical e radiological follow-up of 24 months. The average fracture healing time was of 7.4 weeks. All the patients had a full hip and knee range of movements. Fifteen patients developed minor malalignment (varovalgus or procurvatum femur) without clinical effects. No cases of infections. The mean time to a full weight bearing was 12 weeks and the return to sportive activity was 24 weeks. Four patients required a plate and screws removal. The average result of parents' satisfaction was 8/10. CONCLUSIONS: Locking plate fixation is to be considered a successful way of treatment for pediatric femur fractures, especially in patients older than 6 years, head-injured or in the treatment of polytrauma. The anatomic and functional outcomes are comparable to those of other fixation techniques for this kind of fracture.

Extensive Spinal Epidural Abscesses Resolved with Minimally Invasive Surgery: Two Case Reports and Review of the Recent Literature.

PURPOSE: An extensive spinal epidural abscess is a rare condition and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Few authors have described this uncommon entity, which requires early diagnosis and optimal treatment to avoid devastating complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a minimally invasive technique for treatment of an extensive spinal epidural abscess by describing two cases. Furthermore, we conducted a review of the recent literature on the management of this rare condition. METHODS: We report two cases of spinal abscesses extending to the whole epidural space, successfully treated by use of a minimally invasive technique consisting of multilevel laminotomy and catheter irrigation to decompress and drain the epidural space. RESULTS: This technique is able to decompress the spinal cord, isolate the pathogen and evacuate the abscess. No complications, late spine deformity or dura penetration were observed in our patients. CONCLUSION: Urgent surgical decompression, in combination with long-term antibiotic treatment, is generally considered the treatment of choice for an extensive spinal epidural abscess. A minimally invasive technique can be very useful as a surgical option.

Intramedullary nailing through a suprapatellar approach. Evaluation of clinical outcome after removal of the device using the infrapatellar approach.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Since 2006, It has been developed the possibility to introduce a tibia nail through a suprapatellar access. However, the removal of device must be carried out using the classic infrapatellar approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical scores of a group of patients that removed a tibial nail by infrapatellar approach, previously introduced through a suprapatellar access. METHODS: Seven patients received removal, through infrapatellar access, of tibial nail previously introduced by suprapatellar approach. Despite being VAS <5, patients requested the device to be removed. The variables studied were the distance between the apex of the nail and the tibial plateau (TPD) and between the apex of the nail and the anterior tibia (ATD), oxford knee score (OKS), Kujala score (KJS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and SF 36 before surgery and 1 year. A1 year of follow up the Sidky-Buckley questionnaire was administered. The follow-up was 1 year. RESULTS: The mean VAS was 2.8 before surgery and 0.5 at 1 year after surgery, OKS average pre-surgery is 38 (good), while at 1 year it becomes 44 (excellent). The Sidky-Buckley questionnaire showed that all patients would have the intramedullary nail removed again. The widest improvement in all parameters is seen in the two patients with less distance from the tibial plateau. CONCLUSIONS: Although the patients had received initial suprapatellar access and a second infrapatellar for the removal of the device, no complications were reported regarding the use of the two accesses.

Lateral wedge osteotomy for pediatric post-traumatic cubitus varus: Kirschner-wires or locking angular plate?

This study aimed to evaluate and compare two types of internal fixation, locking angular plate (group 1) and Kirschner-wires (group 2), for post-traumatic cubitus varus. The parameters used were Laupattarakasem's criteria (for range of motion in extension/flexion, correction of carrying angle, and the 'lazy S' deformity) and the Barrett's questionnaire (for patient satisfaction). In group I (plate+screws), we had three excellent results and five good. In group II (Kirschner-wires), we had two good results, three fair, and two poor. Statistical analysis showed a better outcome for group I (plate+screws) considering the correction of the humeral-elbow-wrist angle (P<0.003), the postoperative lateral prominence index (P<0.048), and the patient satisfaction (P<0.011). We recommend the locking angular plate, because it can rigidly stabilize the osteotomy, ensuring an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome.

Association between spondylolisthesis and L5 fracture in patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

PURPOSE: To investigate if an association between spondylolisthesis and L5 fracture occurs in patients affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I.). METHODS: Anteroposterior and lateral radiograms were performed on the sample (38 O.I. patients, of whom 19 presenting listhesis); on imaging studies spondylolisthesis was quantified according to the Meyerding classification. Genant's semiquantitative classification was applied on lateral view to evaluate the L5 fractures; skeleton spinal morphometry (MXA) was carried out on the same images to collect quantitative data comparable and superimposable to Genant's classification. The gathered information were analyzed through statistical tests (O.R., χ 2 test, Fisher's test, Pearson's correlation coefficient). RESULTS: The prevalence of L5 fractures is 73.7 % in O.I. patients with spondylolisthesis and their risk of experiencing such a fracture is twice than O.I. patients without listhesis (OR 2.04). Pearson's χ 2 test demonstrates an association between L5 spondylolisthesis and L5 fracture, especially with moderate, posterior fractures (p = 0.017) and primarily in patients affected by type IV O.I. CONCLUSIONS: Spondylolisthesis represents a risk factor for the development of more severe and biconcave/posterior type fractures of L5 in patients suffering from O.I., especially in type IV. This fits the hypothesis that the anterior sliding of the soma of L5 alters the dynamics of action of the load forces, localizing them on the central and posterior heights that become the focus of the stress due to movement of flexion-extension and twisting of the spine. As a result, there is greater probability of developing an important subsidence of the central and posterior walls of the soma.

Stage-related results in treatment of hip osteonecrosis with core-decompression and autologous mesenchymal stem cells.

Our aim is to analyse the clinical outcome of a series of patients affected by avascular necrosis of the femoral head and treated with core-decompression technique and autologous stromal cells of the bone marrow.We enrolled in our study 29 patients with 31 hips in total affected by avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The clinical and radiological outcome has been assessed through self-administered questionnaires (HHS, VAS and SF12) X-ray and Magnetic Resonance.Of all the examined hips, 25 showed a relief of the symptoms and a resolution of the osteonecrosis, 11 of these were at Stage I and 14 at Stage II. The progression of the disease occurred in 6 hips (2 Stage II, 2 Stage III and 2 Stage IV). Our results show a significant decrease in joint pain level and a success in avoiding or delaying the need of hip replacement in early stages of osteonecrosis.