Endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release for external snapping hip syndrome: a functional assessment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical follow-up of patients with external snapping hip syndrome (ESHS) treated with endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release and to compare the residual muscular strength and thigh circumference as an indirect outcome measure. METHODS: Patients of all ages with external snapping hip syndrome were treated with endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release. Outcome measures evaluated included: visual analog scale (VAS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). The gluteus maximus strength and the circumference of the thigh were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 25 patients, 23 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and one patient was lost to follow-up. The series included 22 patients, 6 males and 16 females with a mean age of 27.9 ± 13.4 years (range 16-76 years). All patients had resolution of the snapping symptoms after the procedure. The mean follow-up was 18 ± 9.3 months. All outcomes improved in a statistically significant manner: VAS value decreased from 6.8 (range 6-8) to 0.6 (range 0-4) (p < 0.001), mHHS increased from 48.6 (range 17.6-67) to 88.2 (range 67-94.6) (p < 0.001), NAHS increased from 49.0 (range 21.5-66) to 90.8 (range 66-98.75) (p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction of operated limb thigh circumference compared to the contralateral side (3.7%) was also found, while there were no statistical differences regarding the strength of gluteus maximus muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release is an excellent surgical option to treat snapping hip syndrome. The evaluated muscle strength revealed no functional impairment. The significance of the limb circumference reduction has yet to be determined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV: retrospective comparative trial.

Management of osteitis pubis in athletes: rehabilitation and return to training - a review of the most recent literature.

Osteitis pubis is a common cause of chronic groin pain, especially in athletes. Although a precise etiology is not defined, it seems to be related to muscular imbalance and pelvic instability. Diagnosis is based on detailed history, clinical evaluation, and imaging, which are crucial for a correct diagnosis and proper management. Many different therapeutic approaches have been proposed for osteitis pubis; conservative treatment represents the first-line approach and provides good results in most patients, especially if based on an individualized multimodal rehabilitative management. Different surgical options have been also described, but they should be reserved to recalcitrant cases. In this review, a critical analysis of the literature about athletic osteitis pubis is performed, especially focusing on its diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Single Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Early Stage of Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the safety efficacy and outcomes of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections for early stages of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Twenty-five patients affected by grade I and II knee primary OA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale received a single intra-articular PRP injection. Patients were prospectively evaluated for 6 months. Visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scoring scales were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate significance of improvement of WOMAC, KOOS, and VAS scores. Results Twenty-one patients completed 6-months follow-up. The median WOMAC score improved from 29.1 points (range: 17.4-60.4; standard deviation [SD] = 13.0) at baseline to 42.41 (range: 24.3-71.2; SD = 12.5) at final follow-up. Improvements in median KOOS and VAS score have been also found, from 37.49 points and 64.2 mm before injection to 59.71 points and 42.8 mm, respectively. All these improvements were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). No adverse reactions have been observed. Conclusion Treating knee OA with PRP injection is safe. A single dose of PRP seems to be effective in managing pain and improving quality of life in patients with low-grade knee OA. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture.

BACKGROUND: The Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, is nevertheless one of the tendons which most commonly undergoes a complete subcutaneous tear. Achilles tendon ruptures are especially common in middle aged men who occasionally participate in sport. Even though Achilles tendon ruptures are frequent, up to 25% of acute injuries are misdiagnosed, and present as chronic injuries. METHODS: This is a review article about diagnosis and management of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. Minimally invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction is discussed. RESULTS: The optimal surgical procedure is still debated, however, less invasive peroneus brevis reconstruction technique and free hamstring autograft provide good functional results. CONCLUSION: The management of chronic ruptures is more demanding than acute tears, because of the retraction of the tendon ends, and the gap makes primary repair impossible. Wound complications and infections are frequent after open procedures. Minimally invasive treatments provide good functional results and lower complications rate.

I.S.Mu.L.T. first-time patellar dislocation guidelines.

Primary traumatic patellar dislocation is common, particularly in young active individuals. A consensus on its management is still lacking. The present work provides easily accessible guidelines to be considered as recommendations for a good clinical practice developed through a process of systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, to improve the quality of care and rationalize the use of resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Ia.

Subtalar Arthroereisis Implant Removal in Adults: A Prospective Study of 100 Patients.

Subtalar joint arthroereisis (STA) can be used in the management of adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), including posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The procedure is quick and normally causes little morbidity; however, the implant used for STA often needs to be removed because of sinus tarsi pain. The present study evaluated the rate and risk factors for removal of the implant used for STA in adults treated for AAFD/posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, including patient age, implant size, and the use of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. Patients undergoing STA for adult acquired flatfoot were prospectively studied from 1996 to 2012. The inclusion criteria were an arthroereisis procedure for AAFD/posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, age >18 years, and a follow-up period of ≥2 years. The exclusion criteria were hindfoot arthritis, age <18 years, and a follow-up period of <2 years. A total of 100 patients (average age 53 years) underwent 104 STA procedures. The mean follow-up period was 6.5 (range 2 to 17) years. The overall incidence of implant removal was 22.1%. Patient age was not a risk factor for implant removal (p = .09). However, implant size was a factor for removal, with 11-mm implants removed significantly more frequently (p = .02). Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession did not exert any influence on the rate of implant removal (p = .19). After STA for AAFD, 22% of the implants were removed. No significant difference was found in the incidence of removal according to patient age or endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. However, a significant difference was found for implant size, with 11-mm implants explanted most frequently.

Comparison Between Sinus Tarsi Approach and Extensile Lateral Approach for Treatment of Closed Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

The purpose of our investigation was to prospectively review and compare the early outcomes of Sanders II and III closed displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) in a group of patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws using the extended lateral approach or the sinus tarsi approach (STA). Thirty-eight patients with DIACFs were prospectively enrolled and operatively treated using either the extended lateral approach or the STA. Patients underwent a careful clinical and radiographic examination and were evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, visual analog scale, and the Foot Function Index. The results from our study showed similar clinical and radiographic outcomes between the 2 groups. In our series, Sanders II and III DIACFs were sufficiently exposed using the STA to achieve anatomic reduction and stable fixation. The STA group had a lower incidence of wound complications (p ≥ .05), the surgical procedure was faster, and the waiting time to surgery was shorter (p ≤ .05). Despite the limited number of patients and the short follow-up period, our results suggest that the STA is a useful method for the treatment of DIACFs, with a low incidence of complications and results comparable to those for patients treated using the extended lateral approach.

Cell therapy for cartilage defects of the hip.

BACKGROUND: Chondral injuries are commonly related to poor clinical outcome, but recent data showed some improvements in function and pain after hip arthroscopy. Cell-based therapies represent an appealing alternative strategy for cartilage regeneration, and interesting results have been recently reported after intra-articular injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The results of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and intra-articular injections of autologous expanded bone marrow - MSCs (BM-MSCs) are reported in this retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (29 hips) received hip arthroscopy for FAI and focal cartilage injuries or mild to moderate osteoarthrosis (OA). Three intra-articular injections of 20×106 BM-MSCs were injected from 4 to 6 weeks postoperative. The modified Harris Hip score (mHHS), the WOMAC score, the VAIL score and VAS score were administered to all patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51.8 years, and the mean follow-up was 24 months. The median preoperative mHHS, WOMAC and VAIL scores were 64.3, 73 and 56.5 respectively, and they increased to 91, 97 and 83 at final follow up (p<0.05). The VAS score also improved from a median of 6 to 2. Four patients received a THA (13% of the hips) at the median of 9 months post intervention (range 6-36 months). Six patients referred pain after the injection of MSCs, which improved with oral pain killers. No major complications were reported. CONCLUSION: BM-MSCc injections in combination with hip arthroscopy may improve the quality of life and functional score in patient with FAI and cartilage injuries which are still not candidate to a THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV case series.

Endoscopic release of internal snapping hip: a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Internal snapping hip is a common clinical condition, characterized by an audible or palpable snap of the medial compartment of the hip. In most cases it is asymptomatic, while in a few patients, mostly in athletes who participate in activities requiring extremes of hip range of motion, the snap may become painful (internal snapping hip syndrome - ISHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a review of current literature, focused on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ISHS. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of ISHS is multifactorial, and it is traditionally believed to be caused by the tendon snapping over the anterior femoral head or the iliopectineal ridge. Most cases of ISHS resolve with conservative treatment, which includes avoidance of aggravating activities, stretching, and NSAIDs. In recalcitrant cases, surgery may be indicated. Better results have been reported with endoscopic iliopsoas tendon release compared with open techniques, which may be related to the treatment of concomitant intra-articular pathologies. Furthermore, endoscopic treatment showed fewer complications, decreased failure rate and postop erative pain. It is important to remember that in most cases, a multiple iliopsoas tendon may exist, and that the incomplete release of the iliopsoas tendon can be a reason for refractory pain and poor results. Then, even if of not clinical relevance at long term follow-up, patients should be told about the inevitable loss of flexion strength after iliopsoas tenotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Arthroscopic release of iliopsoas tendon in patients with femoro-acetabular impingement: clinical results at mid-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The iliopsoas tendon is a recognized cause of extra-articular hip pain, and tenotomy has been described as an effective treatment in patients who do not respond to conservative treatments. Endoscopic release showed higher success rate, lower recurrence, fewer complications compared to open surgery. The aim of the study is to report the results at a mean of 4 years follow-up of a series of patients affected by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and an associated iliopsoas tendinopathy, treated with hip arthroscopy and transcapsular tendon release. METHODS: Fifteen patients were retrospectively reviewed. Assessment of radiographic signs of FAI was performed, the alpha angle, the femoral head-neck offset and the lateral center edge angle (LCEA) were collected. Osteoarthritis was assessed from the AP pelvic and graded according to the Tönnis classification. Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), VAIL score and VAS score were administered to all patients before surgery, at follow-up at 1 year (T1) and final follow-up (T2). RESULTS: We found a statistical significant improvement in functional scores (mHHS and VAIL score) from the baseline to T2. According to VAS score, a statistical significant improvement was also found from T0 to T2, from a median of 5.5 (range 3-7) to 0 (range 0-5) (P<0.001). Two patients referred a recurrence of pain one year after surgery who were treated conservatively. No other complications have been reported. CONCLUSION: Iliopsoas tendinopathy can be associated to FAI in some patients, and failure in diagnosing and treating may be the reason of poor results and a revision surgery. Arthroscopic iliopsoas tendon release seems to produce good clinical outcome, reducing pain and the rate of a revision surgeries. Level of evidence: IV case series.

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement in patients older than 60 years.

BACKGROUND: The indications of hip arthroscopy increased over the past decade. Although mostly recommended for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in young patients, well-selected older patients (> 60 years old) may benefit from this surgery. However, the role of hip arthroscopy for the management of older patients is controversial. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a series of patients aged 60 years and older who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI at mid-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-year-old patients and older, with a joint space greater than 2 mm, and a grade I and II hip osteoarthrosis (OA) according Tönnis scale were included into the study. Twenty-three patients (28 hips) met the inclusion criteria. The T-Student test was used to detect for differences between variables (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 63.4 years, and the mean follow-up was 4.4 years (2-9 years). We found an improvement in mHHS and VAS score from the baseline to the final follow-up in 87% of patients (p<0.05). Three patients (13%) were submitted to a THA at a mean of 12 months, while the survivorship rate at the final follow-up was 75%. No major complications have been reported. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of FAI in patients over 60 years old, with no signs of advanced osteoarthrosis, showed a significant improvement of functional score and pain in most of cases, and it can be consider a reasonable option in well selected patients. Level of evidence: IV case series.

Chronic Achilles Tendon Disorders: Tendinopathy and Chronic Rupture.

Tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon involves clinical conditions in and around the tendon and it is the result of a failure of a chronic healing response. Although several conservative therapeutic options have been proposed, few of them are supported by randomized controlled trials. The management is primarily conservative and many patients respond well to conservative measures. If clinical conditions do not improve after 6 months of conservative management, surgery is recommended. The management of chronic ruptures is different from that of acute ruptures. The optimal surgical procedure is still debated. In this article chronic Achilles tendon disorders are debated and evidence-based medicine treatment strategies are discussed.

Intramedullary Fixation System for the Treatment of Hammertoe Deformity.

Hammertoe is one of the most common foot deformities. Arthrodesis or arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint using temporary Kirschner wire fixation is the most widespread method of surgical stabilization. However, this type of fixation is associated with some potential complications that can be obviated if percutaneous fixation is avoided. The purpose of the present study was to prospectively collect clinical and radiographic outcomes of operative correction of hammertoe deformity using a permanently implanted 1-piece intramedullary device. A total of 29 patients with 60 painful, rigid hammertoes were prospectively enrolled, clinically and radiographically examined, operatively treated, then followed and re-examined. The outcomes were measured in terms of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society lesser toe and visual analog pain scores. After ≥18 months of follow-up, the incidence of fusion with satisfactory radiographic alignment was 85% (51 of 60 toes). One toe (1.67%) developed early postoperative implant failure because of dislocation of the device, there were no cases of infection, and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society lesser toe score was 87.4 ± 1.3 and the mean visual analog scale pain score was 1.78 ± 0.94. Twenty-five patients (86.21%) stated that they had no symptoms in the involved toes after surgery, and 4 (13.8%) experienced occasional pain, 2 (6.9%) of whom reported limitations of recreational activities and 2 (6.9%) reported persistent swelling without activity limitations. All the patients stated that they would undergo the surgery again if they had the same preoperative condition.

Acute compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is one of the few true emergencies in orthopedics and traumatology. It is a painful condition caused by the increase interstitial pressure (intracompart-mental pressure - ICP) within a closed osteofascial compartment which impair local circulation. It occurs most often in the legs, but it can affects also the arms, hands, feet, and buttocks. It usually develops after a severe injury such as fractures or crush injury, but it can also occurs after a relatively minor injury and it may be iatrogenic. Uncommon causes of ACS have been also described, that suggest surgeons to pay great attention to this serious complication. Diagnosing ACS is difficult in clinical practice, even among expert surgeons. Currently, the diagnosis is made on the basis of physical examination and repeated ICP measures. ICP higher than 30 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure is significant of compartment syndrome. Once diagnosis is made, fasciotomy to release the affected compartment should be performed as early as possible because delayed decompression would lead to irreversible ischemic damage to muscles and peripheral nerves. CONCLUSION: acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency. There is still little consensus among authors about diagnosis and treatment of these serious condition, in particular about the ICP at which fasciotomy is absolutely indicated and the timing of wound closure. New investigations are needed in order to improve diagnosis and treatment of ACS.

I.S.Mu.L.T - Rotator Cuff Tears Guidelines.

Despite the high level achieved in the field of shoulder surgery, a global consensus on rotator cuff tears management is lacking. This work is divided into two main sessions: in the first, we set questions about hot topics involved in the rotator cuff tears, from the etiopathogenesis to the surgical treatment. In the second, we answered these questions by mentioning Evidence Based Medicine. The aim of the present work is to provide easily accessible guidelines: they could be considered as recommendations for a good clinical practice developed through a process of systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, in order to improve the quality of care and rationalize the use of resources.

All arthroscopic stabilization of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation with fiberwire and endobutton system.

INTRODUCTION: acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is common in athletes and in contact sports and about 9% of shoulder injuries involves this joint. The majority of these AC lesions can be successfully treated conservatively but high grade dislocation and some cases of type III dislocation need a surgical treatment. Many different operative techniques have been described over the years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic stabilization of AC joint dislocation with TightRope® system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: nineteen patients with acute AC dislocation were treated by arthroscopic fixation with TightRope® system. Any associated lesions were repaired. All patients were assessed before surgery (T0), at 3 months (T1), at 6 months (T2) and at 1 year after the surgery (T3) using a visual analogic scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley Score (CMS). All patients were evaluated with X-ray. RESULTS: six AC-joint dislocations involved the right shoulder and thirteen the left shoulder. Ten were type III dislocation, three were type IV and six were type V dislocation. We found a statistically significant reduction of pain (p< 0.01) at T1 compared to the pretreatment scores. The CMS measures showed an improvement between T1, T2 and T3, but the difference was statistically significant only between T1 and T3 (p= 0.017). The postoperative X-Ray of the shoulder showed a good reduction of the AC joint dislocation. We had 1 case of recurrence and 2 cases of loss of intraoperative reduction. CONCLUSION: arthroscopic technique for acute AC joint dislocations with the use of the TightRope® device is minimally invasive and it allows an anatomic restoration of the joint. It is a safe and effective procedure ensuring stable AC joint reconstruction and good cosmetic results.

Clinical and biological aspects of rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff tears are common and are a frequent source of shoulder pain and disability. A wide variation in the prevalence of rotator cuff tears has been reported. The etiology of rotator cuff tear remains multifactorial and attempts to unify intrinsic and extrinsic theories tried to explain the etiopathogenesis of rotator cuff tears. Knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of rotator cuff tears is important to improve our therapies, surgical techniques and promote tendon repair. Several strategies have been proposed to enhance tendon healing and recently research has focused on regenerative therapies, such as Growth Factors (GFs) and Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP), with high expectations of success.

ISMuLT Guidelines for muscle injuries.

Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific literature. ISMuLT, the "Italian Society of Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons", in line with its multidisciplinary mission, is proud to cover this gap.

Surgical repair of muscle laceration: biomechanical properties at 6 years follow-up.

Muscle injuries are challenging problems for surgeons. Muscle trauma is commonly treated conservatively with excellent outcome results while surgical repair is advocated for larger tears/lacerations, where the optimal goal is restore of function. Repair of muscle belly lacerations is technically demanding because the sutures pull out and the likelihood of clinical failure is high. Different suture techniques have been described but still the best suture is debated. We show a case of a pure vastus medialis muscle laceration surgically repaired at 6 years of follow-up.