Proximal humerus chondrosarcoma is a rare localization of the common primary malignant cartilaginous tumor. Management is based on oncological surgical excision because of the inherent resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The most important prognostic factors with great impact on treatment strategy are histological grading and localization of the tumor. Proximal humerus chondrosarcoma carries a slightly better prognosis, especially for the low and moderate grade tumors. We present the case of a young patient with proximal humerus chondrosarcoma surgically managed in our Department, with the purpose of underlining the challenges posed by this localization for oncological excision and reconstruction but also the importance of histological grading for the treatment algorithm.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) covered implants are widely used in orthopedic reconstructive surgery. Their biological benefits were highlighted by several studies in the past decades in which the most important ones are the osteoconductive and osteoinductive capacity, which enhances osteoblast adherence, proliferation and bone extracellular matrix formation. In bone sarcomas the micro-environmental changes are crucial for tumor growth, new bone formation especially in osteoblastic osteosarcomas (OS). Nowadays limb sparing surgery and maintaining the quality of patient�s life are the main two goals in bone sarcoma treatment. The survival rate of patients with OS has been significantly improved in the past 3-4 decades due to the advanced chemotherapy protocols. The prognosis still depends on the early diagnosis and the histological type of the sarcoma. Tumor removal and reconstruction is a crucial moment for prognosis, studies showed that high grade sarcomas have a greater potential for local recurrence and early distant metastases. Metastasis can occur in early stages, even if there are not detectable at the time of surgery. Furthermore, the micro-environmental changes can facilitate sarcoma cell proliferation even if the tumor resection was performed in macroscopically normal bone tissue. We present a case of osteosarcoma in which local recurrence has occurred despite of chemotherapy and wide resection of the tumor. We can ask the following question can an implant increases the risk of local recurrence in sarcoma surgerys The aim of the study was to understand the underlying molecular pathway for sarcoma cell proliferation in HA covered implants.

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Hallux valgus represents an acquired foot deformity defined by medial deviation of the first metatarsal bone combined with lateral shift of the hallux and medial metatarsophalageal joint eminence enlargement. The functional impairment and metatarsalgia generated stem from the biomechanical imbalance which does not allow for normal transfer of weight trough the first ray during walking. The results generated with our experience with the 1.1mm Mini TightRope® Disposable Kitin the treatment of hallux valgus are analyzed in this paper. A total number of 24 feet (12 bilateral cases) with hallux valgus, surgically treated in our department were followed for a period of minimum twelve months and evaluated. The results showed an improvement of the mean preoperative IMA 14.6°to 7.9° postoperatively and 9.2° at six months after surgery. The preoperative measured HVA was reduced from 28.4to 14.2° at once and 16.1° after six months. The AOFAS hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score resulted improvement reflects the functional benefits. These results confirm the good correction potential of the technique and support it as avalid treatment option for mild to moderate severity hallux valgus.

"Total hip replacement surgery (THR) is one of the most common surgeries performed in modern orthopedics, and in most cases offers a significant improvement in the quality of the patient's life. However, after some time, wear and osteolysis do appear, which leads to the need for revision surgery. With the indication being widened to a more young and active population, the need for extending the lifespan of the prosthesis is mandatory. Although several bearing surfaces have been studied over the years, and a lot of couplings are in use, the choice of the right combination of materials is still controversial. Biotribology tries to answer some of the current questions regarding the best bearing surface to use, being the branch of science and technology that studies friction, wear, and lubrication of different materials in the human body. In the present day, a large number of materials are in use for total hip replacement, but choosing the right combination of materials is still controversial, and is being done on one hand by the surgeon’s experience and on the other hand by the age and activity of the patient. The objective of this review is to try to present the main advantages and disadvantages of different materials and try to answer the most difficult question of them all: What is the right material to use for THR-bearing surfaces? "