SPECT/CT Use as an Indicator of Low-Grade Infection in the Spine: Report of Two Cases.

Low back pain is one of the most common pathologies worldwide. When conservative treatment fails to yield good results, surgery is the recommended approach. Despite spinal fusion, some patients continue to experience persistent low back pain. This is where a series of studies come into play to detect the source of treatment failure. The use of bone scintigraphy with SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) in combination with computed tomography (CT) has greatly improved the anatomical localization of abnormalities found in SPECT. While pseudoarthrosis is a significant cause of spinal fusion failure, in recent years, it has been observed that certain low-virulence pathogens are also implicated in persistent low back pain. This is the focus of our study, in which we identified two patients with persistent low back pain after surgery, both of whom tested positive for chronic low-grade infection using SPECT/CT.

Contribution of Sonication to the Identification of Megaprosthesis Infection in Culture Negative Oncologic Patient.

Conventional central osteosarcoma mainly affects the metaphysis of long bones in young people. The use of megaprostheses in oncological patients has increased in recent years. However, this type of surgery is not exempt from complications, with infections being the most common. In recent years, the presence of biofilm-forming bacteria has increased. Biofilm characteristics allow bacteria to resist hostile environmental conditions. The application of long wave ultrasound (process known as sonication) on the rescued inert material before culture interrupts the biofilm and generates a significantly higher recovery of bacterial growth compared to conventional tissue culture. We present the case of a 12-year-old patient with osteosarcoma of the femur, who, after surgery, developed a prosthetic infection detected by sonication, with negative soft tissue culture.

Effectiveness of two-stage revision with commercial polymethylmethacrylate articulated hip spacer: similar outcomes against monomicrobial and polymicrobial hip periprosthetic joint infections.

Background: orthopaedic surgeons still struggle against a devastating complication - periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). A two-stage revision is considered the gold standard for chronic PJI for several authors, with success rates over 90 %. This strategy implies the remotion of the prosthesis and the implantation of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer in the joint. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a two-stage revision approach using a commercial prefabricated antibiotic-impregnated cement hip spacer for the treatment of hip PJI regarding monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections. Secondly, to assess risk factors for failure of two-stage revision. Material and methods: we conducted a retrospective study on patients that underwent revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA) between January 2002 and January 20218. We included adult patients with a diagnosis of chronic hip PJI that underwent two-stage revision using a prefabricated gentamicin-impregnated cement of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) hip spacer. We assessed whether it was monomicrobial or polymicrobial infections and comorbidities. Treatment success was defined when eradication of the infection was observed and no further procedures or mortality were registered after the second stage. Persistence or recurrence of infection was considered a failure of treatment. Results: the final series consisted of 84 patients treated with the same hip spacer: 60 (71.4 %) monomicrobial and 24 (28.6 %) polymicrobial joint infections with an overall follow-up of 59.0 (36.0-84.0) months. The overall success rate was 90.5 %. Eight (9.5 %) patients failed. Smoking and BMI greater than 30 m kg-2 were identified independent risk factors for failure in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: our study suggests that prefabricated gentamicin-impregnated PMMA spacer is an effective tool for the treatment of PJI, achieving similar outcomes whether it is monomicrobial or polymicrobial infections. Randomized prospective studies are needed to obtain more reliable conclusions.

Unexpected Bacteriological Finding Using Sonication in Revision Spine Surgery (Report of Two Cases).

The number of spine surgeries around the world is increasing in recent years. Each time, new techniques and minimal invasive procedures are developing. However, the incidence of postoperative spinal infections (PSII) ranges from 0.7% to 20%. In cases of infection, identification of the pathogen is essential to apply the appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Most of the usual techniques are based on the recovery of samples from the periprosthetic tissue followed by inoculation in culture media. In the last years, the presence of biofilm-forming bacteria has increased, which has the ability to decrease the sensitivity of the traditional culture method. The application of sonication prior to culture on the rescued inert material, disrupts the biofilm and generates a significantly higher recovery of bacterial growth compared to conventional tissue culture. We present a case series from our service of patients undergoing apparently aseptic lumbar spine revision surgery with positive culture by sonication.

Functional results and return to sports on recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability. Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic; Comparative retrospective study and short-term results.

AIMS: Our objective is to compare the functional results in patients that underwent surgery for recurrent anterior shoulder instability (RAGHI) during the COVID-19 pandemic with remotely-based rehabilitation, to those who had surgery before the pandemic and had in-person rehabilitation therapy. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 68 patients were included and divided into two groups: In person-group and Home-based group. Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) scores were used to evaluate objective and subjective clinical parameters. Time and level of return to sports was studied by the Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sports (SPORTS) score. RESULTS: The mean SSV score was 82% (40-100) on the In-Person group compared with 87% (65-100) for the Home-Based group. Results for WOSI score were similar, with an average of 210.42 (90%) for In-Person and 261.45 (88%) for the Home-Based group (p 0.12). Return to sports was carried out in an average of 6.6 (4-16) months for In-Person group, compared to 6.5 (5-8) months for Home-Based. CONCLUSION: Follow-up and rehabilitation methods for patients who underwent surgery for RAGHI, during COVID-19 lockdown, were not significantly (p 0.12) affected on functional and athletic return in comparison to traditional methods according to WOSI scale. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Retrospective series of cases.

Descompresión artroscópica para la neuropatía del nervio supraescapular. Reporte de un caso y revisión anatómica / Arthroscopic decompression in suprascapular neuropathy. Case report and anatomical review

La neuropatía del nervio supraescapular es una causa poco común de dolor y debilidad en el hombro y, por lo tanto, a menudo, es mal diagnosticada. Como consecuencia, el diagnóstico erróneo puede llevar a indicar un tratamiento conservador inapropiado o un procedimiento quirúrgico fallido. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 55 años con síndrome de atrapamiento del nervio supraescapular. El paciente fue sometido a una artroscopia de hombro y se le diagnosticó una compresión del nervio supraescapular por el ligamento transverso escapular superior. La liberación artroscópica del nervio supraescapular alivió el dolor, la debilidad y la atrofia de los músculos supraespinoso e infraespinoso. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Suprascapular neuropathy is a rare cause of shoulder pain and weakness and is therefore often misdiagnosed. As a consequence, misdiagnosis may lead to inappropriate conservative treatment or a failed surgical procedure. A case of a 55-year-old man suffering from suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome is presented. The patient underwent shoulder arthroscopy, where the compression of the suprascapular nerve by the superior transverse scapular ligament was diagnosed. Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve relieved pain, weakness, and atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Level of Evidence: IV

Morbimortalidad en pacientes con fracturas intertrocantéricas de cadera tratadas con clavos cefalomedulares. Valor predictivo del Índice de Movilidad de Parker / Morbidity and mortality in intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with cephalo-medullary nailing. Predictive value of the Parker mobility score

Introducción: La fractura de cadera es un factor independiente que aumenta la morbimortalidad. El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo fue determinar la morbimortalidad en ancianos con fracturas intertrocantéricas de cadera tratadas con clavos cefalomedulares. Materiales y métodos: Se analizó a pacientes tratados con clavo cefalomedular por fractura intertrocantérica de cadera, entre 2018 y 2021, y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Se registraron: datos demográficos, comorbilidades, capacidad funcional con el Índice de Movilidad de Parker, complicaciones y tasa de mortalidad a los 12 meses y al final del seguimiento. Se identificaron las variables independientes relacionadas con complicaciones o muerte. Resultados: Se incluyó a 68 pacientes (seguimiento medio 23 meses). La tasa de complicaciones fue del 8,8%: infección urinaria, neumonía, trombosis venosa profunda y tres pérdidas de fijación del tornillo cefálico. Al comparar pacientes con complicaciones o sin ellas, hubo diferencias significativas en la edad cuando se produjo la fractura. Las tasas de mortalidad anual y al concluir el estudio fueron del 2,9% y 29,4%, respectivamente. Las diferencias fueron significativas en la incidencia de comorbilidades renales, demencia, el Índice de Comorbilidad de Charlson >4 y el puntaje de Parker <5 en quienes fallecieron. El puntaje de Parker <5 fue la variable independiente relacionada con muerte. Conclusiones: Las tasas de complicaciones y de mortalidad a los 12 meses del tratamiento de las fracturas intertrocantéricas inestables de cadera con clavos cefalomedulares es aceptable en ancianos. El riesgo de muerte aumenta significativamente si el puntaje de Parker es <5 antes de la fractura. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Hip fracture represents an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the morbidity and mortality associated with intertrochanteric hip fractures fixed with cephalomedullary nails. materials and methods: We analyzed all patients treated between 2018 and 2021 with a cephalomedullary nail for an intertrochanteric hip fracture, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. We evaluated the demographic data, comorbidities, functional level through the Parker Mobility Score (PMS), complications, and mortality (12 months and at the end of follow-up). Variables related to postoperative complications or death were identified by bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results: 68 patients were included. The mean follow-up was 23 (range 12-40) months. The rate of complications was 8.8% (n=6), 1 urinary tract infection, 1 pneumonia, 1 deep vein thrombosis, and 3 (4.4%) cephalic screw fixation losses. Patients who had complications presented significant differences in age at the time of fracture. Mortality at 12 months and at the end of the study was 2.9% (n=2) and 29.4% (n=20) respectively. Those patients who died presented significant differences in the incidence of kidney comorbidities, dementia, a Charlson Comorbidity Index > 4, and a PMS < 5. PMS < 5 was the only independent variable related to mortality. Conclusions: Cephalomedullary nailing in unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients represents a treatment option that offers an acceptable complication rate and a low 12-month mortality rate. The risk of death is significantly increased in patients with low functional scores (Parker < 5) pre-fracture. Level of Evidence: IV

Resultados iniciales del uso de cotilos de doble movilidad en pacientes >65 años con fractura de cadera. Análisis retrospectivo de 102 casos / Preliminary outcomes with dual mobility cups in patients older than 65 with hip fractures. A retrospective analysis of 102 patients

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo fue evaluar los resultados funcionales y la tasa de luxación en pacientes >65 años con fractura de cadera operados con prótesis de doble movilidad. materiales y métodos: Se analizó a los pacientes tratados por una fractura de cadera entre 2017 y 2021. Se incluyó a pacientes >65 años, tratados con copas de doble movilidad y un seguimiento mínimo de 24 meses. Se analizaron los datos demográficos, las comorbilidades, los resultados funcionales (Parker y puntaje de Harris), las complicaciones (infección, luxación, aflojamiento), las reoperaciones y revisiones. Resultados: Se trataron 102 fracturas de cadera (75 mediales y 27 intertrocantéricas) en 102 pacientes. El 72,5% eran mujeres (media de la edad 80.59 ± 6.92 años), el Índice de Comorbilidad de Charlson promedio fue de 4,71 y el puntaje ASA, 2,47. El 93,1% comenzó a caminar al segundo día de la cirugía. Según el puntaje de Harris, los resultados fueron excelentes o muy buenos en el 94,1%; los puntajes de Parker preoperatorio y posoperatorio no difirieron significativamente (p <0,05). El seguimiento promedio fue de 30 meses. Hubo 8 (7,84%) complicaciones: 2 (1,9%) casos de trombosis venosa profunda, 4 (3,9%) de tromboembolismo pulmonar, tres infecciones (2,9%) y una (0,9%) luxación. La tasa de reoperaciones fue del 2,9%. Conclusiones: Con el empleo de copas de doble movilidad se obtuvieron resultados funcionales aceptables y una tasa de luxación relativamente baja (0,9%). Esto sugiere que estos implantes representan una opción en el tratamiento de estas lesiones. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to assess the functional outcomes and dislocation rate in the treatment with dual mobility prostheses in patients older than 65 with hip fractures. materials and methods: We analyzed all patients treated between 2017 and 2021 for hip fractures in our service. We included patients older than 65 years, treated with dual mobility cups, and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. We analyzed demographic data, comorbidities, functional outcomes (Parker score and Harris Hip Score, HHS), complications (infection, dislocation, loosening), reoperations, and revisions. Results: We included 102 hip fractures (75 medial and 27 intertrochanteric) in 102 patients. Seventy-four (72.5%) were women, the mean age was 80.59 ± 6.92 years, the mean Charlson index was 4.71 (range 3-10), and ASA was 2.47 (1-4). 93.1% started walking on the second postoperative day. 94.1% presented excellent or very good outcomes according to the HHS, the postoperative Parker index did not show significant differences in comparison to the preoperative one (p < 0.05). The average follow-up was 30 months (range 24-60). There were 8 (7.84%) complications: 2 (1.9%) deep vein thrombosis, 4 (3.9%) pulmonary thromboembolism, 3 infections (2.9%), and 1 (0.9%) dislocation. The reoperation rate was 2.9%. Conclusions: We obtained acceptable functional outcomes using dual mobility cups with a relatively low dislocation rate (0.9%). This suggests that these implants are an option to consider in treating these lesions. Level of Evidence: IV

Tumor mesenquimático fosfatúrico de pelvis: abordaje multidisciplinario / Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of the pelvis: A multidisciplinary approach

El tumor mesenquimático fosfatúrico es una entidad clinicopatológica sumamente infrecuente. Además de provocar dolor óseo insidioso y polimialgias, se acompaña de alteraciones del metabolismo fosfocálcico de difícil manejo clínico. El abordaje multidisciplinario resulta la clave del éxito en esta enfermedad. Presentamos una paciente de 52 años de edad con antecedente de tumor mesenquimático fosfatúrico en la hemipelvis derecha con extensión a la cadera homolateral de 10 años de evolución. Clínicamente presentaba osteomalacia oncogénica (hipofosfatemia e hiperfosfaturia) que no se corregía, pese a un agente de última generación, el burosumab, un inhibidor del factor de crecimiento fibroblástico 23, que aumenta la reabsorción tubular renal de fosfatos. En un comité multidisciplinario, se decidió la resección con márgenes oncológicos y se logró una mejoría clínica franca. Comunicamos este caso, debido a que es un cuadro infrecuente. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) is an infrequent clinicopathological entity. It presents insidious bone pain and polymyalgia, accompanied by alterations in calcium and phosphorus metabolism that are difficult to resolve clinically. A multidisciplinary approach is a key to success in this pathology. We present the case of a 52-year-old female patient with a 10-year history of PMT in the right hemipelvis with ipsilateral hip extension. From the clinical point of view, she presented oncogenic osteomalacia (hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia) that did not correct despite being administered the latest generation medication, burosumab, an FGF-23 inhibitor that increases renal tubular phosphate reabsorption. Resection with oncological margins was decided by a multidisciplinary committee resolving her clinical condition. Due to the rarity of this pathology, we decided to report the case. Level of Evidence: IV

Artritis séptica acromioclavicular por Staphylococcus argenteus. Reporte de un caso / Acromioclavicular septic arthritis by Staphylococcus argenteus. Case report

La artritis séptica acromioclavicular es un cuadro sumamente infrecuente que, por lo general, se presenta en articulaciones con alta vascularización, como cadera, rodilla y hombro. El microorganismo aislado con más frecuencia es Staphylococcus aureus. Describimos a una paciente de 56 años con artritis séptica acromioclavicular, que requirió una intervención quirúrgica de urgencia. Otra particularidad del caso es el germen aislado, Staphylococcus argenteus, una bacteria muy infrecuente en este tipo de enfermedad. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Acromioclavicular septic arthritis is an extremely rare condition that usually occurs in highly vascular joints such as the hip, knee, and shoulder. The most frequently isolated pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus. In this presentation we describe a 56-year-old patient with septic arthritis at the acromioclavicular level, requiring emergency surgical intervention. As another peculiarity, the isolated germ was Staphylococcus argenteus, an extremely rare bacterium in this type of pathology. Level of Evidence: IV

Paciente con síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay. Reporte de un caso de reemplazo articular de cadera suspendido durante la cirugía / Patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Case report of an intraoperatively aborted hip joint replacement

El síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay es un trastorno congénito infrecuente. Por lo general, afecta uno de los miembros inferiores. Los hallazgos típicos son angiomas, malformaciones venosas, várices hipertróficas con comunicaciones arteriovenosas e hipertrofia del miembro afectado que, en algunos casos, altera la estructura ósea. El objetivo de esta presentación es describir el caso de un paciente de 54 años en el que se programó un reemplazo articular de la cadera izquierda durante un año y la cirugía debió suspenderse por el riesgo de exanguinación, y analizar la bibliografía al respecto. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder. It usually affects one of the lower limbs. It is characterized by the presence of angiomas, venous malformations, hypertrophic varices with arteriovenous communications and hypertrophy of the affected limb, altering in some cases the bone structure. The aim of this presentation is to describe the case of a 54-year-old patient for whom a joint replacement of the left hip had been scheduled for one year and the surgery had to be aborted due to the risk of exsanguination of the patient, and to analyze the literature in this regard. Level of Evidence: IV