Carmelo D’Arrigo

Learning curve in tissue sparing total hip replacement: comparison between different approaches

BackgroundThe tissue sparing surgery (TSS) concept means not only smaller incisions but also less tissue disruption, allowing decreased blood loss and improved function. However, TSS techniques can result in more complications related to the learning curve. The aim of this study was to compare the learning curve of an experienced surgeon with different TSS approaches for total hip replacement (THR) from a clinical and surgical point of view, focussing especially on complications related to the use of different geometric stems.Materials and methodsSixty patients scheduled to be operated for a primary THR were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to surgery by one of three different TSS approaches: lateral with mini incision (group A), minimally invasive anterior (group B) and minimally invasive antero-lateral (group C). Results from the three TSS groups were compared with a control group of 149 patients (group D).ResultsOur results reveal significantly reduced blood loss in the TSS groups compared with the control group, with no differences between the TSS groups. We found better early functional scores in the two minimally invasive groups (anterior and anterolateral), and a lower rate of complications with the antero-lateral TSS approach.ConclusionThe antero-lateral TSS approach seems to be safer and less demanding than standard THR surgery, and is suitable for use with different stems.

Biomechanical evaluation of different anterior cruciate ligament fixation techniques for hamstring graft

BackgroundA number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fixation techniques are currently in use. Slippage or failure of the graft by excessive loading or aggressive rehabilitation may result in an unstable knee. Load and slippage of the ACL graft varies according to the fixation technique used.MethodsGraft slippage, load to failure, and stiffness were evaluated using an animal model. Six soft tissue ACL fixation techniques and bone cement as a fixation device were tested: group A, Endo Button CL-Bio RCI; group B, Swing Bridge-Evolgate; group C, Rigidfix-Intrafix; group D, Bone Mulch-Washer Lock; group E, Transfix-Retroscrew; group F, Transfix-Deltascrew; group G, Kryptonite bone cement. Maximum failure load, stiffness, and slippage at the 1st and 1000th cycles and mode of failure were evaluated.ResultsThe maximum failure load was significantly higher in group B (1030 N) and significantly lower in group E (483 N) than in the others. The stiffness of group B (270 N/mm) was significantly higher than the others. As for the mode of failure, group C showed failure in the femoral side in all tests (four device ruptures and two tendon ruptures on the femoral side). All failures of the other groups occurred on the tibial side except one test in group A. All failures in group G were due to slippage of the tendons.ConclusionLoad to failure and stiffness was significantly different between the ACL fixation techniques. All but one of the fixation techniques showed sufficient properties for adequate postoperative rehabilitation. Bone cement used as a fixation device in soft tissue grafts did not seem to provide adequate initial fixation suitable for early rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

Reliability of cup position in navigated THA in the lateral decubitus position using the ‘flip technique’

Malpositioning of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty (THA) increases the risk of dislocation, reduces the range of motion and may contribute to bearing surface wear. During computer assisted navigation, the anterior pelvic plane is registered intraoperatively by percutaneous palpation, but this may be unreliable. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability of imageless navigation in acetabular positioning employing data acquisition in the supine position and surgery in the lateral position (‘flip technique’). We report 24 patients affected by primary osteoarthritis undergoing THA in which implants were placed with a conventional free-hand technique using the acetabular transverse ligament for cup orientation. For imageless navigation we used Orthopilot-Aesculap software. All patients had a postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan at three months, using previously validated dedicated software for cup orientation. Data collected using navigation software were compared with CT measurements. The mean acetabular inclination and anteversion recorded intra-operatively using navigation software were respectively 41°5’ (SD: 9.61) and 9°5’ (SD: 4.01) respectively. The mean inclination and anteversion calculated post-operatively by the CT based image software were 44°2’ (SD 5.83) and 14°4’ (SD 6.42) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the anteversion values (p=0.04). Therefore, the acquisition of parameters in the supine position with surgery performed in the lateral decubitus position creates unreliable data concerning cup anteversion using an imageless navigation system, and therefore the ‘flip technique’ cannot be recommended.

Revision ACL reconstruction using doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendons: a follow-up study

Few papers report the results of revision ACL reconstruction with hamstrings tendons. We report our results with revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery using a doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendons (DGST) graft, in association with an exta-articular procedure. Twelve patients underwent ACL revision surgery using autogenous homolateral DGST graft in association with an extra-articular procedure and were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 35 months. At follow-up evaluation, all patients scored negatively on the Lachman test and normally or near normally on the jerk test. The KT 1000 evaluation showed a average side-to-side difference at 30 lb and MM of 1.4±1.7 mm and 1.6±1.6 mm, respectively. The Lysholm score was 98±2 (range, 94–100); excellent results (score 95–100) were obtained in 83% of cases, good results (score 84–94) in 17%, and no fair or poor results. At the IKDC evaluation, the result was excellent (normal) in one-thirds of cases and good (nearly normal) in twothirds. Therefore, the use of hamstring tendons in association with lateral tenodesis seems to be a good alternative to the use of allografts or contralateral bone-patellar tendon-bone graft in revision ACL reconstructions.

Lussazione dell’articolazione sternoclavicolare

Dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a rarely injury. Dislocations can be anterior or posterior. Anterior dislocation is a usually relatively benign injury, while posterior dislocations may be very serious. In addition to the standard projections, there are also special views for joint evaluation. Computed tomography remains the gold standard. In anterior dislocations, and degree I and II posterior instability, the treatment is conservative, while in case of degree III dislocations, the treatment consists in closed reduction. Operative stabilisation must be considered if closed reduction is unsuccessful.