ABSTRACT
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is considered the treatment of choice in patients with single compartment arthritis of the knee at early stages or with osteonecrosis limited to one compartment. However, results in the literature are still controversial and it is a technically difficult procedure. The main goal of UKA is to restore the articular space of the afflicted compartment, without influencing the limb alignment. Selection of patients and pre-operative planning are crucial. The necessity to improve functional results and to reduce immobilization of the patients has led to the development of minimally invasive surgery. Applied to UKA, this approach reduces blood loss and surgical time, causes fewer symptomatic postoperative complications, and permits earlier recovery compared to the traditional incision. The shorter incision makes careful pre-operative planning essential. We briefly review the indications for UKA, the pre-operative clinical and radiological assessment, and the surgical procedure.
ABSTRACT
A standardized and universal neurologic evaluation is of essential importance in defining the prognosis, treatment, and long-term results in patients with spinal cord injury. The American Spinal Injury Association was the first to publish a neurologic classification in 1992. This classification, which was subsequently submitted to numerous revisions, was also adopted by the International Medical Society of Paraplegia and by the national scientific associations of many other countries. In Italy, too, the ASIA/IMSOP form has been accepted as a standard for neurologic evaluation, but with the exception of specialized centers, it is still not well-known. The authors critically analyze the international terminology and its translation, they define the technical aspects of the neurologic examination in relation to priorities, and to the specific goals. Finally, they report several thoughts deriving from clinical practice in the Spinal Unit of Florence.
