Charcot arthropathy of the foot is a rare but devastating complication of diabetes that remains to be a challenging issue for the foot and ankle surgeons. Charcot foot fails to be an obvious diagnostic option that comes to mind, even in a pathognomonic clinical appearance. The rarity of the disorder, more common pathologies that mimic the condition, and the self-limiting prognosis deviate the clinician from the right diagnosis. The clinical challenges in the diagnosis of Charcot foot require in-depth investigations of its enigmatic nature to establish useful guidelines. Yet, this goal seems to be beyond reach, without a holistic view of the immense literature concerning the pathophysiology of the disorder. The primary objective of this article is to put together and review the recent advancements about the etiology and intrinsic mechanisms of diabetic Charcot foot.

Background: Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal-dominant myopathy characterized by facial and shoulder girdle muscle weakness with scapular winging. Scapulothoracic arthrodesis is a successful treatment approach for patients with <90° of shoulder elevation. The purpose of the present study was to assess functional outcomes and complications following scapulothoracic arthrodesis in patients with FSHD. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 40 patients (64 shoulders) in whom scapulothoracic arthrodesis was performed. To achieve fusion, multiple multifilament cables were used together with autologous bone and allograft bone. Preoperative and postoperative shoulder elevation and abduction; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick version, qDASH) scores; and pulmonary function were compared. Recorded complications were classified as pulmonary or scapular. Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of the operation was 25.4 years (range, 15 to 60 years), and the mean duration of follow-up was 71.2 months (range, 12 to 185 months). When the preoperative values were compared with those at the latest follow-up, significant improvement was noted in terms of elevation (from a mean [and standard deviation] of 60.6° ± 17.2° to 123.7° ± 26.7°; p < 0.001), abduction (from 52.7° ± 15.8° to 98.8° ± 20.3°; p < 0.001), and qDASH scores (from 34.7 ± 11.4 to 13.3 ± 13.1; p < 0.001). The overall complication rate was 26.6%. There were 7 pulmonary complications (4 pneumothoraxes, 2 pleural effusions, and 1 major atelectasis), and 5 chest tube placements were required. Ten complications (including 3 rib fractures, 1 brachial plexus palsy, 2 cases of implant irritation, 2 nonunions, 1 delayed union, and 1 scapular fracture) were related to the scapular fixation, and 7 revision procedures were required. Scapulothoracic fusion was achieved in all patients but 1, who had a scapular fracture. Pulmonary function tests were performed for 19 patients, and no difference was observed between preoperative and postoperative results. Conclusions: Scapulothoracic arthrodesis with use of multifilament cables is a successful surgical technique with high fusion rates and low morbidity. Pulmonary complications are common but resolve with careful attention. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Relationship between the tilt angle of bipolar radial head prostheses and radiological radiocapitellar instability

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine factors associated with the likelihood of a better clinical outcome after the peritendinous injection of PRP for the treatment of chronic tendinopathy and identify whether PRP represents an effective treatment option for chronic tendinopathies.MethodsThe study included 214 patients (86 males and 128 females; mean age: 39.3 (18–75) years) who received PRP injections for tendinopathy refractory to conventional treatments. The mean duration of symptoms at the moment of the PRP treatment was 8.3 months. Primary outcome measurement was perceived improvement in symptoms for each anatomic compartment for upper and lower limbs at 6 months after treatment. Also, a visual analog scale (VAS) score (pain intensity on a 0–10 scale) was used for pain scoring questionnaire before treatment, 6 weeks and 6 months following the PRP injection(s). To identify factors associated with the likelihood of a better clinical outcome, patients were categorized on the basis of their perceived improvement in symptoms 6 months after the PRP injection(s)—that is, as lower (less than 50% global improvement) or higher (more than 50% global improvement).ResultsA visual analogue scale score and perceived improvement in symptoms were significantly lower after peritendinous injection in 6-week and 6-month follow-ups compared with the baseline (P < 0.001) except for peroneal and Achilles tendons. Overall, 83% of patients indicated moderate to complete improvement in symptoms. The most common injection sites were the lateral epicondyle, Achilles, and patellar tendons. Furthermore, 30% of patients received only 1 injection, 30% received 2 injections, and 40% received 3 or more injections. A total of 85% of patients were satisfied (more than 50% global improvement) with the procedure. In addition, upper limb tendons, increase in the age, and female gender were associated with a higher likelihood of perceived improvement in symptoms.ConclusionsIn the present retrospective study assessing PRP injections in the treatment of chronic tendinopathy, a moderate improvement (>50%) in pain symptoms was observed in most of the patients. Our research found that results were most promising with patellar and lateral epicondylar tendinopathy in the short to medium term. Female patients, patients with upper extremity tendinopathy and older patients appeared to benefit more from PRP injection.Level of evidenceLevel IV, Therapeutic study.

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