International orthopaedics
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Outcomes of acute Achilles tendon rupture repair with bone marrow aspirate concentrate augmentation.
Optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures remains controversial. Positive results using stem-cell-bearing concentrates have been reported with other soft-tissue repairs, but no studies exist on outcomes of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) augmentation in primary Achilles tendon repair. ⋯ IV - Therapeutic.
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Unstable pelvic ring disruptions have been associated with high rates of morbidity. Accurate reduction with fixation diminishes pain, permits early patient mobility, and allows the pelvic ring to improve functional outcome. ⋯ The external fixation stabilizes the anterior pelvic ring lesions and it can be combined with the posterior stabilization using percutaneous sacro-iliac screws in case of associated lesions of the posterior ring. The external fixator is very useful especially in the acute phase, acquiring an acceptable reduction and an adequate stability in the partially unstable lesions (Tile B) and also reduces the pelvic volume and bleeding, being considered essential within the resuscitation protocols. The external fixator can be used as a permanent stabilization method when it guarantees a satisfying reduction.
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Implant-associated osteomyelitis still represents a demanding challenge due to unfavourable biological conditions, bacterial properties and incremental resistance to antibiotic treatment. Therefore different bactericide or bacteriostatic implant coatings have been developed recently to control local intramedullary infections. Controlled local release of gentamicin base from a highly lipophilic gentamicin palmitate compound achieves extended intramedullary retention times and thus may improve its bactericide effect. ⋯ Gentamicin palmitate appears to be a viable coating for the prevention of implant-associated infections. These findings will have to be confirmed in larger animal models as well as in clinical trials.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Subsartorial adductor canal vs femoral nerve block for analgesia after total knee replacement.
Providing effective analgesia for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients remains challenging. Femoral nerve block (FNB) offers targeted pain control; however, its effect on motor function, related fall risk and impact on rehabilitation has been the source of controversy. Adductor canal block (ACB) potentially spares motor fibres of the femoral nerve, but the comparative effect of the two approaches has not yet been well defined due to considerable variability in pain perception. Our study compares both single-shot FNB and ACB, side to side, in the same patients undergoing bilateral TKA. ⋯ Although we could not confirm a benefit in motor function between ACB and FNB, given the equivalent analgesic potency combined with its potentially lower overall impact if neuropraxia should occur, ACB may represent an attractive alternative to FNB.
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Meniscus injuries are the most commonly reported in athletes. Meniscectomy is the most common treatment. Stable peripheral tears may heal, while degenerative tears do well with physical therapy. However, the exact role of physical therapy in treating symptomatic unstable meniscal tears is not known. We aimed to identify the role of physical therapy in treating such patients and clarify the role of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in treating unstable meniscal tears. ⋯ Pain and swelling improved after physical therapy. However, patients were not satisfied as limited range of knee motion persisted. APM was superior to physical therapy in treating symptomatic unstable meniscal tears, with high patient satisfaction and restored knee function.