One-day surgery is safe and effective in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A prospective comparative study at 1 year of follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes and complications of two perioperative protocols for the management of patients who underwent medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA): 24 h (1-day surgery [OS]) versus 72 h (enhanced recovery after surgery [ERAS]) of the length of hospital stay (LOS). In our hypothesis, the reduction of the LOS from 3 to 1 day did not influence the outcomes and complications. METHODS: A total of 42 patients (21 in each group) with isolated anteromedial knee osteoarthritis and meeting specific criteria were prospectively included in the study. Clinical outcomes included Knee Society Score (KSS) and Forgotten joint score while pain evaluation was performed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Functional outcomes were assessed measuring the knee range of motion (ROM) while radiographic outcomes were evaluated measuring the amelioration of the varus deformity through the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA). RESULTS: Clinical and functional outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups. Complications occurred in 9.5% of OS and 4.7% of ERAS group patients. Significant improvements in knee ROM, VAS pain, KSS and HKA angle were observed postsurgery, with no significant differences between groups except in KSS expectations and function trends. CONCLUSION: The OS protocol is safe and effective and LOS, in a well-defined fast-track protocol, did not significantly impact clinical and functional outcomes. OS may lead to reduced hospitalisation costs and potential reductions in complications associated with prolonged stays, benefiting both patients and healthcare facilities. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings. Early mobilisation and rehabilitation protocols are key components of successful patient recovery following UKA procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Genetic factors in rotator cuff pathology: potential influence of col 5A1 polymorphism in outcomes of rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Investigations in genetics have provided valuable information about the correlation between gene variants and tendinopathy. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of COL5A1 gene are reported to be involved in Achilles tendinopathy, chronic degenerative tendon changes at the elbow, and other tendinopathies. The influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of COL5A1 was previously analyzed in rotator cuff disease with confounding results. Moreover, the rs12722 polymorphism in COL5A1 gene has been implicated in the aetiology of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries in several association studies. This study aims to analyse the possible influence of rs12722 polymorphism in COL5A1 in the outcomes of rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients were included in the study. DNA was extracted from 1.2 ml of venous blood and genotyped for COL5A1 SNPs rs12722. Rotator cuff muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) in anterior elevation, external and internal rotation of the shoulder were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients presenting COL5A1 SNP rs12722 CC showed a ROM of passive external rotation statistically significantly higher compared to patients with CT genotype and TT genotype. CONCLUSIONS: COL5A1 SNP rs12722 may influence the functional outcomes of RCRs, even though further studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without subacromial decompression is safe and effective: a clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Subacromial decompression, that consists of the release of the coracoid-acromial ligament, subacromial bursectomy and anterior-inferior acromioplasty, has traditionally been performed in the management of this pathology. However, the purpose of subacromial decompression procedure is not clearly explained. Our reaserch aimed to analyse the differences among the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) made with suture anchors, with or without the subacromial decompression procedure. METHODS: 116 shoulders of 107 patients affected by rotator cuff (RC) tear were treated with Arthroscopic RCR. In 54 subjectes, the arthroscopic RCR and the subacromial decompression procedure (group A) were executed, whereas 53 took only arthroscopic RCR (group B). Clinical outcomes were evaluated through the use of the modified UCLA shoulder rating system, Wolfgang criteria shoulder score and Oxford shoulder score (OSS). Functional outcomes were assessed utilizing active and passive range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder, and muscle strength. The duration of the follow up and the configuration of the acromion were used to realize the comparison between the two groups. RESULTS: In patients with 2 to 5 year follow up, UCLA score resulted greater in group A patients. In subjectes with longer than five years of follow up, group B patients showed considerably greater UCLA score and OSS if related with group A patients. In subjectes that had the type II acromion, group B patients presented a significant greater strength in external rotation. CONCLUSION: The long term clinical outcomes resulted significantly higher in patients treated only with RCR respect the ones in patients underwent to RCR with subacromial decompression.

Metallic versus biodegradable suture anchors for rotator cuff repair: a case control study.

BACKGROUNDS: Repair of full-thickness rotator cuff (RC) tears is routinely performed using suture anchors, which produce secure and effective soft tissue fixation to bone. The aim of this prospective study is to compare the long-term outcomes of single row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) performed using metal or biodegradable suture anchors. The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in shoulder function using metal or biodegradable suture anchors as evaluated by UCLA shoulder score, Wolfgang criteria, and Oxford shoulder score. METHODS: Arthroscopic RCR was performed in 110 patients included in this case control study. They were divided into 2 groups of 51 and 59 patients respectively. Metal suture anchors were used in group 1, and biodegradable suture anchors in group 2. Results were obtained at a mean follow up of 4.05 + 2 years. Clinical outcomes and functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean modified UCLA shoulder score was 26.9 + 7.1 in group 1, and 27.7 + 6.5 in group 2 (P = 0.5); the mean Wolfgang score was 13.3 + 3.3 in group 1, and 14 + 2.6 in group 2 (P = 0.3); the mean OSS was 23.7 + 11.4 in group 1, and 20.7 + 9.2 points in group 2 (P = 0.1). The mean active anterior elevation was 163.5° + 28.2° in group 1 and 163.6° + 26.9 in group 2 (P = 0.9); the mean active external rotation was 46° + 19.7° in group 1 and 44.6° + 16.3° in group 2 (P = 0.7). The mean strength in anterior elevation was 4.8.02 + 23.52 N in group 1, and 43.12 + 17.64 N in group 2 (P = 0.2); the mean strength in external rotation was 48.02 + 22.54 N in group 1 and 46.06 + 17.64 N in group 2 (P = 0.6); the mean strength in internal rotation was 67.62 + 29.4 N in group 1, and 68.6 + 25.48 N in group 2 (P = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: There are no statistically significant differences at a mean follow-up of 4.05 + 2 years in clinical and functional outcomes of single row arthroscopic RCR using metallic or biodegradable suture anchors for RC < 5 cm.

Arthroscopic Latarjet for Recurrent Shoulder Instability.

Background and Objectives: The all-arthroscopic Latarjet (aL) procedure was introduced to manage recurrent shoulder instability. Our study aimed to report the outcomes of aL procedures with the Rowe, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), simple shoulder test (SST) scores, and range of motion (ROM) in external rotation at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Material and Methods: A total of 44 patients presenting recurrent shoulder instability were managed with aL procedure. Clinical outcomes were assessed at a mean follow-up of 29.6 ± 6.9 months. The postoperative active ROM was measured and compared with the contralateral shoulder. The Rowe, UCLA, and SST scores were administered preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: No patients experienced infections or neuro-vascular injuries. Seven (15%) patients required revision surgery. After surgery, the external rotation was statistically lower compared to the contralateral shoulder, but it improved; clinical outcomes also improved in a statistically significant fashion. Conclusions: The aL produced good results in the management of recurrent shoulder instability, but the complication rate was still high even in the hands of expert arthroscopist.

One-staged combined hip and knee arthroplasty: retrospective comparative study at mid-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: To date, few knowledge is available about safety and effectiveness of one-staged combined hip and knee arthroplasty. The aim of our study was to evaluate, in a comparative fashion, complications and outcomes in patients who underwent one-staged hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Forty-two patients were enrolled and allocated into two groups of 21 patients each: one-staged hip and knee arthroplasty (group A) and two-staged hip and knee arthroplasty (group B). The follow-up averaged 50.2 months. Postoperative complications and implant survivorship were assessed prospectively. Outcomes were evaluated with Harris Hip score (HSS), Western Ontario Mc-Ministry score for the hip (h-WOMAC), Knee Society score (KSS), and Western Ontario Mc-Ministry knee score (k-WOMAC). Hip and knee range of motion (ROM) were measured both preoperatively and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Two (9.5%) patients in group A and three (14.3%) patients in group B developed complications (P = 0.8). Although a significant decrease in postoperative haemoglobin (Hgb) values was found in group A patients during the hospital stay, no differences in blood transfusions were found (P = 0.8). No significant differences were found comparing clinical-functional outcomes between the two groups, while a significant reduction of hospital length of stay was shown in group A patients. CONCLUSIONS: One-staged combined hip and knee arthroplasty could be considered in patients with co-existing severe hip and knee osteoarthritis, providing similar complications and mid-term outcomes of two-staged procedures. However, the reproducibility safety and reliability of these procedures should be confirmed in prospective comparative randomised trials with more numerous patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Conservative Rehabilitation Provides Superior Clinical Results Compared to Early Aggressive Rehabilitation for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background and objectives: To compare the long term clinical outcomes, range of motion (ROM) and strength of two different postoperative rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) for full-thickness rotator cuff (RC) tears. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing RCR were divided into two groups. In 51 patients (56 shoulders), rehabilitation was performed without passive external rotation, anterior elevation ROM, and active pendulum exercises in the first 2 weeks after surgery (Group A). In 49 patients (50 shoulders) aggressive rehabilitation was implemented, with early free passive external rotation, anterior elevation ROM, and active pendulum exercises were allowed from the day after surgery (Group A). Results: No statistically significant differences were found in clinical scores, muscle strength, passive forward flexion, passive and active internal/external rotation between the two groups. However, the mean active forward flexion was 167.3° ± 26° (range 90-180°) in group A and 156.5° ± 30.5° (range 90-180°) in group B (p = 0.04). Conclusions: A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was found in active forward flexion ROM, which was better in patients of group A.

Double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Failure rate and patients-reported outcomes at 4-11 years of follow up.

BACKGROUND: Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that single bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (SB-ACLr), which represents the gold standard for the management of ACL lesions, is not sufficient to completely restore the rotational stability and resistance to valgus stress of the knee. PURPOSE: To evaluate the failure rate and patients reported outcomes at a long-term follow-up of double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (DB-ACLr). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database of arthroscopic DB-ACLr procedures performed from 2006 to 2015 at our Institution was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were screened for eligibility according to the following inclusion criteria: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) lesion, positive anterior drawer test and/or Lachman test; age ≤ 45 years at the time of surgery; DB-ACLr with autologous hamstrings, minimum follow up of 24 months. Patients were excluded if they presented associated lesions of the knee preoperatively or at the time of surgery, expect for meniscal lesions, or in case of inability to complete clinical questionnaires. Clinical outcomes were assessed at a mean follow up of 95.4 ±â€¯21.9 months (range 51-129 months; median 98 months) using the Tegner-Lysholm score and the IKDC subjective score. Failures were defined as Tegner-Lysholm score ≤65 points, and were confirmed with MRI. RESULTS: 58 (81.7%) male and 13 (18.3%) female patients (mean age 29.7 ±â€¯7.8 years) were included in the study. 2 (2.8%, 95% CI 0.3-9.8%) patients had a failure of DB-ACLr both occurred after a sports trauma. The IKDC subjective score was statically better in patients younger than 30 years. Tegner-Lysholm and IKDC subjective score were statistically better in professional athletes and in patients with isolated medial or lateral meniscus lesion instead of combined medial and lateral meniscus lesion. CONCLUSION: DB-ACLr technique provides excellent clinical results at a long term follow-up. Low failure rate and high percentage of return to sports participation at the same pre-injury level was found in our cohort of patients.

High incidence of hip and knee arthroplasty in former professional, male football players.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of hip and knee arthroplasty in Italian male professional football (soccer) players who have played for a minimum 10 years in the Italian major football leagues. METHODS: The study group was formed by 104 male professional football players who were interviewed to evaluate the incidence of hip and knee arthroplasty. The data were collected through a questionnaire and the results collected were compared with a control group of 100 volunteers matched for age, weight and height, who did not present orthopedic diseases but had never practiced sport. RESULTS: In the study group, 26 subjects (25%) underwent hip and knee arthroplasty at an average mean age of 62.1±6 years. The frequency of arthroplasty was: 13.5% for the hip, 5.8% for the knee and 5.8% for both hip and knee. In the control group, the incidence of arthroplasty was 1% for the knee and no subjects presented hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Italian male, former professional football players present a higher than normal incidence of hip and knee arthroplasty. Further studies are necessary to understand the pathological pathways underlying the etiology of hip and knee osteoarthritis in male populations of former professional football players in order to develop effective preventive programs to reduce the percentage of arthroplasties.

Genetics of rotator cuff tears: no association of col5a1 gene in a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of RC tears increases with aging, affecting approximately 30 to 50% of individuals older than 50 years, and more than 50% of individuals older than 80 years. Intrinsic factors (age or gender), extrinsic factors (sports activity or occupation), and biological factors were identified in the onset and progression of RC tears. The attention in the study of aetiology of RC tendinopathy has shifted to the identification of gene variants. Genes encoding for proteins regulating the concentration of pyrophosphate in the extracellular matrix and genes encoding for fibroblastic growth factors, defensin beta 1 and estrogen-related receptor-beta were analyzed. However, only in one study the role of variants of collagen type V alpha 1 (col5a1) gene in RC tears was assessed. The objective of this study was to determine whether a col5a1 DNA sequence variant, rs12722 (C/T) was associated with rotator cuff (RC) tears in a case-control study. METHODS: The study included 93 Caucasian patients undergoing surgery for RC tears and 206 patients with no history and sign of RC disease as evaluated by MRI. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included patients with RC tear diagnosed on clinical and imaging grounds and confirmed at the time of surgery. Group 2 (control group) included patients without history or clinical symptoms of RC disorders and with a MRI negative for RC disease. DNA was obtained from approximately 1.2 ml of venous blood using the MagCore extractor system H16 with a MagCore Genomic DNA Large Volume Whole Blood Kit (RBC Bioscience Corp., Taiwan). All study participants were genotyped for SNPs rs12722. RESULTS: We first estimated that our study had 92% power at p < 0.05 to detect a genetic effect size of 2.05 in the RT tears (93 individuals) and healthy population (206 individuals) cohorts, assuming a minor allele frequency for col5a1 variant rs12722 of 0.5707 in the Italian population (gnomAD frequency). No significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies was observed between RT tears patients and healthy controls. Similarly, no significant association was seen between the RT tears and healthy controls participants in the combined genotype distributions. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, no correlations between the SNP rs12722 of col5a1 gene and RC tears susceptibility was found.

Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee in former male professional soccer players.

Background: Professional soccer (PS) players are at great risk of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip. Sources of data: Following the PRISMA guidelines, the key words 'osteoarthritis' and 'soccer' or 'football' were matched with 'players' or 'former' or 'retired' and with 'hip' or 'knee' on December 24, 2017 in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Google scholar, Embase and Ovid. Only comparative studies reporting the prevalence rate of OA of both hip and knee joint in former PS athletes (fPSa) and age and sex matched controls were considered. Areas of agreement: In fPSa, the prevalence rate of OA of both hip and knee is significantly higher compared to age and sex matched controls. Areas of controversy: The pathological pathways responsible for the development of OA of the hip and knee in PS athletes (PSa) are still not clearly understood. Growing points: The prevalence rate of clinical OA of the hip was 8.6% in fPSa and 5.6% in controls (odd ratio (OR) = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.06-2.31). The radiographic rate of OA was 21.2% in fPSa and 9.8% in controls (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.66-3.69). A total of 14.6 and 53.7% of fPSa presented clinical and radiographic signs of OA of the knee, respectively, vs 12.9% (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.86-1.55) and 31.9% (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 2.03-3.00) of controls. Sonographic evidence of OA of the knee was found in 52% of fPSa and 33% of controls (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.24-3.89). Areas timely for developing research: Preventive training programmes should be developed to reduce the number of fPSa presenting early OA.

Management of combined injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner of the knee: a systematic review.

Background: Approximately 60% of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury are associated with a posterolateral corner (PLC) tear. Sources of data: We performed a systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines. The following key words were searched on Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Ovid: 'posterior cruciate ligament' or 'PCL' with 'posterolateral corner' or 'PLC' and 'chronic'; 'injury'; 'management'; 'reconstruction'; 'outcomes'; 'complications'. Areas of agreement: There was a statistically significant improvement of all clinical scores after surgery regardless of the procedure performed to reconstruct both PCL and PLC. Areas of controversy: No randomized control trials were identified on the topic. Standardized methods of functional outcomes assessment are necessary to improve communication on the functional results of the management of PC-PLC. Growing points: Single stage surgical reconstruction of PCL and PLC is recommended in patients with posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee. Areas timely for developing research: Adequately powered randomized trials with appropriate subjective and objective outcome measures are necessary to reach definitive conclusions.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: research models.

PURPOSE: the past decade has seen a considerable increase in the use of research models to study reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Nevertheless, none of these models has been shown to completely reflect real in vivo conditions. METHODS: we performed a systematic review of the literature matching the following key words: "reverse total shoulder arthroplasty" or "reverse total shoulder replacement" or "reverse total shoulder prosthesis" and "research models" or "biomechanical models" or "physical simulators" or "virtual simulators". The following databases were screened: Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, CINAHIL and Ovid. We identified and included all articles reporting research models of any kind, such as physical or virtual simulators, in which RTSA and the glenohumeral joint were reproduced. RESULTS: computer models and cadaveric models are the most commonly used, and they were shown to be reliable in simulating in vivo conditions. Bone substitute models have been used in a few studies. Mechanical testing machines provided useful information on stability factors in RTSA. CONCLUSION: because of the limitations of each individual model, additional research is required to develop a research model of RTSA that may reduce the limitations of those presently available, and increase the reproducibility of this technique in the clinical setting.

Current Concepts in the Management of Rheumatoid Hand.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by a T cell-driven autoimmune process, which majorly involves the diarthrodial joints. It affects 1% of the US population, and approximately 70% of patients with RA develop pathologies of the hand, especially of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP). Furthermore, also the extensor and flexor tendons of the fingers are frequently involved. The first line of treatment should be conservative. Three general classes of drugs are currently available for RA: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Encouraging results have been obtained using DMARDs. However, when severe deformities occur or when patients are unresponsive to medical management and injections therapy, surgical intervention should be performed to relieve pain and restore function. Several surgical options have been described for the management of MCP joint deformities, including soft tissue procedures, arthrodesis, and prosthetic replacement. Tendons ruptures are generally managed with tendon transfer surgery, while different surgical procedures are available to treat fingers deformities. The aim of the present review is to report the current knowledge in the management of MCP joint deformities, as well as tendons damage and fingers deformities, in patients with RA.

Management of cervical fractures in ankylosing spondylitis: anterior, posterior or combined approach?

INTRODUCTION: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can lead to an increased risk of cervical fractures. SOURCES OF DATA: A systematic review was undertaken using the keywords 'ankylosing spondylitis', 'spine fractures', 'cervical fractures', 'surgery' and 'postoperative outcomes' on Medline, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Ovid and Embase, and the quality of the studies included was evaluated according to the Coleman Methodology Score. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Surgery ameliorates neurological function in patients with unstable AS-related cervical fractures. The combined anterior/posterior and the posterior approaches are more effective than the anterior approach. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: The optimal approach, anterior, posterior or combined anterior/posterior, for the management of AS related cervical fractures has not been defined. GROWING POINTS: Open reduction and internal fixation allows avoiding worsening and enhances neurological function in AS patients with cervical fractures. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Adequately powered randomized trials with appropriate subjective and objective outcome measures are necessary to reach definitive conclusions.

The effect of humeral version on teres minor muscle moment arm, length, and impingement in reverse shoulder arthroplasty during activities of daily living.

BACKGROUND: External rotation can be compromised after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). A functional teres minor (TM) is relatively common in patients with posterosuperior tears of the rotator cuff, and its function should be enhanced for better postoperative results. The aim of this study was to investigate how the version of humeral fixation can affect the TM rotational moment arm and muscle length as well as impingement after RTSA. METHODS: A 3-dimensional shoulder model was used to describe RTSA. Four humeral fixation versions were tested: +20°, 0°, -20°, and -40° (+, anteverted; -, retroverted). TM rotational moment arm and length as well as impingement-free range of motion were calculated for a set of 3 simple clinical motions: (1) scapula plane abduction (0°-150°); (2) internal/external rotation with the arm in adduction; and (3) internal/external rotation with the arm in abduction. Six common activities of daily living were also evaluated. RESULTS: An anteverted fixation maximized TM moment arms, but it also resulted in very short muscle length (compared with normal) and increased inferior impingement. In contrast, 40° humeral retroversion resulted in the longest TM muscle length, but it also showed the smallest moment arms and increased anterior impingement in some of the activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Even if TM external rotation moment arm is higher in RTSA than in a normal shoulder, the decreased length could impair its force generation. The 0° and 20° retroversion was the optimum compromise between sufficient TM length and moment arm with minimum impingement.

Role of serum fibrinogen levels in patients with rotator cuff tears.

Although rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is a frequent pathology of the shoulder, the real understanding of its aetiopathogenesis is still unclear. Several studies showed that RC tendinopathy is more frequent in patients with hyperglycemia, diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome. This paper aims to evaluate the serum concentration of fibrinogen in patients with RC tears. Metabolic disorders have been related to high concentration of serum fibrinogen and the activity of fibrinogen has been proven to be crucial in the development of microvascular damage. Thus, it may produce progression of RC degeneration by reducing the vascular supply of tendons. We report the results of a cross-sectional frequency-matched case-control study comparing the serum concentration of fibrinogen of patients with RC tears with that of a control group of patients without history of RC tears who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy. We choose to enrol in the control group patients with pathology of the lower limb with a likely mechanic, not metabolic, cause, different from tendon pathology. We found no statistically significant differences in serum concentration of fibrinogen when comparing patients with RC tears and patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy (P = 0.5). Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of fibrinogen in RC disease.

Prevalence of accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones in hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Sesamoid bones and accessory ossicles of the foot and ankle, although mostly asymptomatic, can be sources of pain or degenerative changes in response to overuse and trauma. We investigated the prevalence of accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones in a population of Italian women with hallux valgus. METHODS: A single-center study was performed to determine the prevalence of accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones in the ankle and foot. A total of 505 women with hallux valgus aged 26 to 80 years at the time of hallux valgus correction were examined. Anteroposterior, oblique, lateral foot radiographs and a Muller view were examined regarding the presence, prevalence, coexistence, and distribution of accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones in both feet. The radiographs were analyzed independently by three experienced specialists in foot and ankle surgery. Disagreements were discussed in a consensus meeting, where the radiographs were reevaluated and a final decision was made. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between data of the accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones according to the χ(2) test. Sesamoid bones were detected in 404 of the 505 patients. The fifth metatarsal sesamoid bone was found in 97 patients. All of the patients presented hallucal sesamoid bones. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first detailed report of the prevalence of accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones of the feet in Italian women with hallux valgus. These findings could help clinicians in the diagnosis and management of disorders of accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones, which are often undiagnosed, painful foot syndromes.

Acute achilles tendon rupture in athletes.

The incidence of AT rupture has increased in recent decades. AT ruptures frequently occur in the third or fourth decade of life in sedentary individuals who play sport occasionally. Ruptures also occur in elite athletes. Clinical examination must be followed by imaging. Conservative management and early mobilization can achieve excellent results, but the rerupture rate is not acceptable for the management of young, active, or athletic individuals. Open surgery is the most common option for AT ruptures, but there are risks of superficial skin breakdown and wound problems. These problems can be prevented with percutaneous repair.