Good clinical and radiological outcomes of ACL reconstruction by a screw/sheath tibial fixation have been reported showing comparable results with respect to screw/staples fixation. There were no failures associated with loss of fixation with either of tibial fixation methods. A fewer number of surgical removals of tibial devices were also recorded in patients treated by the screw/sheath fixation system, related to the absence of local intolerance or infection compared to subjects with a standard tibial fixation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes and complications in patients affected by rheumatic diseases treated with the Universal 2 (U2) total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). We reviewed, in a retrospective, noncontrolled cohort study, 22 patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who underwent U2 total wrist replacement between March 2003 and January 2014 for the treatment of 23 rheumatoid wrists with the aim of obtaining the remission of pain and a range of motion (ROM) useful for daily activities, according to the patients' demands, as an alternative to total wrist arthrodesis. The cohort of patients included 20 females and 2 males, with a mean age of 54.9 years. Residual pain, preoperative ROM, postoperative ROM increases, grip strength, radiographic changes, long-term complications, and reasons for revision or failures were evaluated. In this study, 22 patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 82.3 months (range: 2-12 years). All patients had good or complete pain relief, the mean visual analogue scale pain score was 0.82. The mean grip strength improved and postoperatively was 11 kg (Jamar). The mean total ROM of flexion-extension was 72.3 degrees; radial-ulnar deviation 24.9 degrees. The mean QuickDASH score of 49 and patient rate wrist/hand evaluation of 41.7 a revision surgical procedure in six cases (26%): in two cases, a carpal component revision procedure and in four cases, total implant failures requiring either conversion to a Swanson spacer or wrist joint fusion. TWA provides pain relief, preserves motion, and improves function in severe degenerative RA. Our results at a mid- to long-term follow-up with the U2 prosthesis were encouraging and represent, when indicated, a valid alternative to fusion which is less appealing for RA patients. Level of evidence is therapeutic IV.

SummaryIntroduction. The appropriate surgical timing for the treatment of proximal femur fractures is still debated. Advantages of a delayed surgery may be: stabilization of systemic diseases, decrease of the risk of perioperative mortality and morbidity. An early timing of surgery may allow: early mobilization, reduction of the risks of disability and hospital stays, early return to home of the patients. However, the effects on mortality are still discussed. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of the surgical timing on clinical outcomes, complications, and mortality in a preliminary experience of the early management of these fractures vs the delayed surgery. Methods. A series of 176 patients was retrospectively evaluated. 132 patients were followed-up for one year after surgery. The evaluation was performed by the assessment of the comorbidities, preoperative wait for surgery, type of fracture and procedures, hospital stay, and functional outcomes: 33 patients were operated with an early timing, 99 with a delayed surgery. Results. The mean mortality rate was 18.2% in the early timing (6/33 patients), and 23.2% in the delayed timing (23/99 patients): no significant difference was recorded in the preliminary analysis. Postoperative complications were recorded in 28 patients (21.2%): 4 patients were operated within 48 hours (12.1%) and 24 after 48 hours (24.2%) with no substantial differences. The postoperative hospital stay showed no correlation with the timing of surgery, as no evidence was found on the functional recovery and postoperative disability.

We report the outcomes of delayed primary repair of flexor tendons in Zone 2 in 31 fingers and thumb (28 patients) averaging 15 days (range 4–37) after injury in 2020. The delay was longer than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tendons were repaired with a 6-strand core suture (M-Tang method) or a double Tsuge suture and a peripheral suture. This was followed by an early, partial-range, active flexion exercise programme. Adhesions in four digits required tenolysis. These patients were not with longest delay. Outcomes of two improved after tenolysis. The other two patients declined further surgery. One finger flexor tendon ruptured in early active motion. This was re-repaired, and final outcome was good. Overall excellent and good results using the Tang criteria were in 27 out of 31 fingers and thumbs (87%). The time elapsed between the injury and surgery is not an important risk factor for a good outcome, rather it depends on proper surgical methods, the surgeon's experience and early mobilization, properly applied. Adhesions may occur, but they can be managed with tenolysis. Level of evidence: IV

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