Artur Stolarczyk

Influence of diabetes on tissue healing in orthopaedic injuries

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting from the defective action or secretion of insulin. Chronic hyperglycaemia can lead to the damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs. In the context of complications of healing and orthopaedic rehabilitation, vascular (microangiopathy) and nerve (neuropathy) disorders deserve particular attention. About 12% of the patients admitted to orthopaedic departments have diabetes. Studies indicate that there is an indisputable link between diabetes and: an increased risk of fractures, the difficult healing of injuries of bones, ligaments and musculotendinous. It appears that one of the main reasons for this is non‐enzymatic glycosylation (glycation) of collagen molecules, a phenomenon observed in the elderly and diabetic populations, as it leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Collagen is one of the major connective tissue components, and is therefore part of ligaments, tendons and bones. AGEs affect the weakening of its structure and biomechanical properties, and thus also affects the weakening of the structure and properties of the above‐mentioned tissues. The aim of the study is to undertake an overview of the current knowledge of the impact of diabetes on the risk of some injuries and subsequent healing and rehabilitation of patients following orthopaedic injuries.

Algorithm for management of a patient after hip or knee joint replacement in the context of return to social and occupational functions (social and occupational adaptation) – psychological and psychotherapeutic aspects

This article is a comprehensive summary of experiences of our Team in social and occupational rehabilitation of patients after artificial joint replacement. As commonly known, rehabilitation should be a comprehensive approach to the patient. It should not be limited to kinesitherapy and physical therapy improving patient’s physical condition. Another crucial elements comprise: resuming work and active participation in social life. This work was aimed at bringing attention to those aspects.

Diagnostics of the injuries of skeletal muscles on the basis of the literature from Pubmed database (years 2000–2010)

Muscle injuries are one of the most common types of injuries, affecting both athletes and people whose daily living activity is adequate to their age. The aim of the work was to analyse on the basis of the literature modern diagnostic methods of muscle injuries. Articles used in the report were searched for by means of electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, A–Z list. The following terms and key words were looked for: muscle injuries and sports people contusions, usg and mri diagnosis, markers of sceletal muscle tissue damage. The articles concerned the usefulness of USG, MRI and biochemic markers in early diagnosis of sceletal muscle injuries. However, due to limited number of research conducted, results of this review should be considered preliminary

Sports activity of patients after total knee arthroplasty

Every year the number of patients who decide on total knee replacement surgery (because of the long-term and arduous pain and functional limitations caused by osteoarthritis) rises. This paper reviews the results of studies that describe the physical activity of patients several years after arthroplasty surgery. Many authors argue that knee endoprosthesis does not necessarily need to result in discontinuation of favorite sports activities. It is recommended to avoid activities that place excessive stress on the knee joint after surgery, i.e.: running, playing soccer, playing basketball, playing volleyball. However, there is no need to discontinue practicing sports such as dancing, cycling or hiking. If the patient is motivated to practice sports, it is important to prepare the patient and reasonably modify that activity in cooperation with physician or physiotherapist.