Int Orthop. 2025 May 7. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06555-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: One ongoing debate in orthopaedic surgery concerns using tourniquets in sickle cell trait (SCT) patients. SCT, a heterozygous carrier state of sickle cell disease (SCD), affects an estimated 300 million individuals globally with various genetic ancestries.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 940 SCT patients and 1263 matched non-SCT controls who underwent limb surgeries using tourniquets between 1978 and 2018. Patient data were gathered from hospital records, blood bank information, and postoperative haemoglobin electrophoresis. Outcomes assessed included the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), pulmonary embolism (PE), phlebitis, peripheral nerve impairment, and superficial infection. Covariates included age, sex, ethnicity, and diabetes status.

RESULTS: Among SCT patients, 75% were unaware of their carrier status at surgery. VTE incidence was significantly higher in SCT patients (10%) than non-SCT controls (2%), especially after prolonged tourniquet use and in upper limb procedures without anticoagulation. PE occurred in 3% of SCT patients, versus 1% in controls. Diabetes, more prevalent in SCT individuals (9% vs. 6%), further increased the complication risk. Tourniquet inflation time did not differ significantly between groups; however, neurologic complications and phlebitis were more common in SCT patients, particularly those with Mediterranean ancestry. Notably, SCT carriers of African and Mediterranean descent experienced higher complication rates than non-carriers, though complications were not confined to any single ancestry.

CONCLUSION: SCT is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic and neurologic complications during tourniquet, particularly in patients with undiagnosed SCT or diabetes and in procedures with extended ischaemia time. These results confirm the perception of SCT as a benign condition, but call for further clinical guidelines regarding tourniquet use in SCT carriers.

PMID:40332581 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06555-8

Int Orthop. 2025 May 7. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06460-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In this study we aimed to identify the impact of the weekend effect on complications in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) including total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the United States.

METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty (i.e. TKA and THA) from 2010 to 2022 across the United States. Patient records were queried from PearlDiver. The 90-days surgical outcomes were compared between patients who had the surgery on weekends and those who underwent the operation on a weekdays.

RESULTS: The study consisted of 2,208,713 patients who underwent TJA; 1,374,018 and 834,695 with TKA and THA, respectively. Ninety-days' incidences of peri-prosthetic joint infection, implant loosening, pneumonia, sepsis, and readmission were higher after TKA surgeries performed on weekends compared to weekdays (OR (95%CI): 4.20 (3.25, 5.44), 2.62 (1.06, 6.45), 1.65 (1.11, 2.43), 3.65 (2.51, 5.29), and 3.14 (2.74, 3.61), respectively). As for THA surgeries, 90 days' incidence of per-prosthetic joint infection, peri-prosthetic fracture, acute renal failure, respiratory failure, sepsis, systemic complications, and readmission were higher among surgeries performed on weekends (OR (95%CI): 4.61 (3.63, 5.85), 2.00 (1.41, 2.83), 1.60 (1.21, 2.11), 1.73 (1.15, 2.60), 2.61 (1.86, 3.67), 1.21 (1.06, 1.39), and 4.12 (3.61, 4.71), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: TJAs performed on weekends carry higher risk of post-operative complications and poor surgical outcomes. Also, patients undergoing TJA on weekends have a higher prevalence of pre-existing risk factors and poorer baseline health conditions. Findings from this study suggest that access to adequate physical therapy and a rehabilitation centre staffed with skilled nurses on a seven day basis could mitigate complications in patients undergoing TJA during the weekends. Furthermore, high-risk patients should undergo their procedures when hospitals are most well-prepared.

PMID:40329015 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06460-0

Int Orthop. 2025 May 3. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06548-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to analyse the clinical factors associated with failure of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (nHA/PA66) bracing rods combined with allogeneic bone in the treatment of early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHODS: In total, 96 patients were treated with nHA/PA66 bracing rods combined with allogeneic bone for ONFH between October 2016 and September 2020. The patients were classified according to aetiology, Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) type, Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) type, age, and body mass index(BMI). The outcome measures were the Hip Harris Score (HHS), imaging changes, and the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) (performed in cases of clinical failure, at which point follow-up was discontinued).

RESULTS: All patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up duration of 50.76 ± 17.94 months. The preoperative HHS was 79.00 ± 13.61 and that at the final follow-up was 81.73 ± 17.67(P = 0.149). The excellent and good rate improved from 43.88% preoperatively to 65.47% at the final follow-up(P = 0.000). The radiographic progression rate was 36.70% and the incidence of THA was 23.02%. Univariate analysis identified ARCO type (P = 0.000), JIC type (P = 0.000), and age (P = 0.003) as independent risk factors for postoperative failure. Postoperative multivariate analysis also confirmed ARCO type, JIC classification, and age as risk factors.

CONCLUSION: This technique is not recommended for patients older than 44 years or those with ARCO type 3 or JIC type C ONFH.

PMID:40317313 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06548-7

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 29. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06536-x. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40298955 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06536-x

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 29. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06537-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate changes in the coagulation profile of patients with knee periprosthetic infections (PJI) and determine its diagnostic value in this complication.

METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with 112 patients who underwent revision surgery for total knee arthroplasty in a single tertiary hospital between January 2021 and December 2022.

RESULTS: 51 patients were diagnosed with PJI. D-dimer (p = 0.001), fibrinogen (p = 0.0007), platelets (0.01), and international normalized ratio (p = 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with PJI.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PJI display altered coagulation profile. The evaluation of coagulation-related markers has limited value for diagnosing PJI. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of such alterations on patients' outcomes.

PMID:40298954 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06537-w

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 29. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06549-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. Knee arthroplasties have dramatically improved patient outcomes, allowing individuals to regain independence. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical option for patients with isolated single-compartment disease, offering the benefits of reduced surgical time and minimized surgical risks. However, the appropriateness of UKA is often underestimated. Therefore, this study aims to determine the proportion of patients with varus knee OA who are suitable candidates for UKA.

METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 knees undergoing knee arthroplasty surgery for varus knee OA. Pre-operative radiographs were graded using both the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) and modified Keyes classifications. Intra-operatively, the knees were inspected, and photographs of the tibial cut were reviewed by a neutral observer. The appropriateness of UKA was determined based on these evaluations.

RESULTS: The lateral compartment was not involved in 169 (81.6%) knees. Only six (2.9%) knees had a KL grade 4 involvement of the lateral compartment. After excluding patients with isolated medial compartment OA, no radiographic evidence of lateral and patellofemoral involvement, and a grade 1 on the modified Keyes classification, we found that 79 (38.2%) patients were suitable candidates for a medial UKA. Intraoperatively, 84 (40.6%) patients had a functional ACL with no observable wear in the lateral and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) compartments.

CONCLUSION: In patients with varus knee OA, a significant proportion have wear patterns suitable for management with a UKA. Identifying these patients requires targeted examinations and specific radiographic views.

PMID:40298953 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06549-6

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06546-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term efficacy of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in treating lumbar degenerative diseases.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 57 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent either ALIF or TLIF from March 2003 to October 2007. Patients were divided into an ALIF group (n = 27) and a TLIF group (n = 30). Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess clinical outcomes. Radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (rASD) was evaluated using the Modified Pfirrmann Scale. Three-dimensional CT was used to assess the fusion rate at the last follow-up.

RESULTS: Follow-up duration ranged from 58 to 120 months, with an average of 90.6 months. No significant difference was observed in VAS and ODI scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were noted before and after the operation (P < 0.05). The intervertebral disc height (IDH) and lumbar lordosis (LL) increased after the operation and during follow-ups. The IDH and LL in the ALIF group were significantly higher than those in the TLIF group both postoperatively and at follow-ups (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the incidence of rASD in the ALIF group was significantly lower than in the TLIF group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Both ALIF and TLIF provide satisfactory long-term outcomes for lumbar degenerative diseases. ALIF more effectively restores and maintains lumbar intervertebral height and lumbar lordosis, potentially reducing the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration.

PMID:40293512 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06546-9

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06531-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of physicians in the detection of arthroscopically confirmed meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with and without assistance from a deep learning (DL) model.

METHODS: We obtained preoperative MR images from 88 knees of patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair, with or without ACL reconstruction. Ninety-eight MR images of knees without signs of meniscus or ACL tears were obtained from a publicly available database after matching on age and ACL status (normal or torn), resulting in a global dataset of 186 MRI examinations. The Keros® (Incepto, Paris) DL algorithm, previously trained for the detection and characterization of meniscus and ACL tears, was used for MRI assessment. Magnetic resonance images were individually, and blindly annotated by three physicians and the DL algorithm. After three weeks, the three human raters repeated image assessment with model assistance, performed in a different order.

RESULTS: The Keros® algorithm achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96 (95% CI 0.93, 0.99), 0.91 (95% CI 0.85, 0.96), and 0.99 (95% CI 0.98, 0.997) in the detection of medial meniscus, lateral meniscus and ACL tears, respectively. With model assistance, physicians achieved higher sensitivity (91% vs. 83%, p = 0.04) and similar specificity (91% vs. 87%, p = 0.09) in the detection of medial meniscus tears. Regarding lateral meniscus tears, sensitivity and specificity were similar with/without model assistance. Regarding ACL tears, physicians achieved higher specificity when assisted by the algorithm (70% vs. 51%, p = 0.01) but similar sensitivity with/without model assistance (93% vs. 96%, p = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS: The current model consistently helped physicians in the detection of medial meniscus and ACL tears, notably when they were combined.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level III.

PMID:40293511 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06531-2

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 26. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06471-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate long-term radiological and functional outcomes in tibia plateau fractures (TPFs) patients treated using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) and Double Reverse Traction Repositor (DRTR).

METHODS: We reviewed 85 patients treated with MIPPO and DRTR at our hospital from January 2015 to December 2017. Radiologic outcomes, including tibial plateau angle (TPA), posterior slope angle (PSA), and Kellgren-Lawrence classification, were assessed, while functional outcomes were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short Form (SF)-36, and Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score (HSS score). Data from medium follow-up (4.39 ± 0.58 years) and final follow-up (7.75 ± 0.53 years) were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS: We included 65 patients with three(4.62%), 26(40.00%), eight(12.31%), six(9.23%), 11(16.92%), and 11(16.92%) were Schatzker I- VI, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 7.75 ± 0.53 years, with surgery performed in 5.72 ± 2.37 days post-injury and mean operation time of 96.72 ± 31.15 min. Short-term complications included two superficial infections (3.08%). Significant improvements in functional outcomes were observed at final follow-up: range of motion was 138.38° ± 8.49°, enhancements in WOMAC scores, HSS knee scores, and SF-36 (P < 0.05). No further progression of osteoarthritis was observed (K-L classification) during seven-year follow-up (P = 0.655).

CONCLUSIONS: MIPPO with DRTR is a promising and safe technique for the TPFs, leading to satisfactory outcomes up to seven years postoperatively, especially in reducing the incidence for knee osteoarthritis.

PMID:40285874 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06471-x

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 25. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06547-8. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40278855 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06547-8

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 25. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06518-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The risks associated with low body mass index (BMI) in arthroplasty patients are underexplored. While outcomes of patients with elevated BMI are well-documented, low BMI patients may also face unique challenges, including malnutrition, osteopenia, and increased surgical risks and postoperative complications. To evaluate the impact of low BMI on reoperation risk and other complications compared with normal BMI among patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health records of patients with BMI < 25 kg/m² who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty at Sunnybrook Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic centre, Toronto, Canada between April 2, 2012, and April 6, 2023. Patients were stratified into low BMI (< 20 kg/m²) and normal BMI (20-24.9 kg/m²) groups, with their outcomes followed until November 2024. The main exposure was BMI categorized as low or normal. Other covariates controlled for were relevant demographics and comorbidities. The primary outcome was the risk of reoperation. The secondary outcome was composite complications (persistent pain, wound issues, and radiographic abnormalities). Survival analysis was performed with probabilities visualized with Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were employed adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS: Among 1,162 included patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 68.8 [11.1] years; 70.1% women), 182 (15.7%) had low BMI and 980 (84.3%) had normal BMI. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated significantly higher risks of reoperation and composite complications in patients with low BMI compared to those with normal BMI (both p < 0.001). After adjusting for other covariates, low BMI was independently associated with increased risks of reoperation (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR), 5.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.8-12.1; p < 0.001) and composite complications (aHR, 7.5; 95% CI, 3.9-14.5; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of arthroplasty patients, BMI < 20 kg/m² was associated with elevated risks of reoperation and composite complications. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored preoperative optimization and vigilant postoperative care for this high-risk population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID:40278854 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06518-z

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 25. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06544-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This research investigates the benefits of robot-assisted navigation systems in retrograde intramedullary nailing for distal femoral fractures and contrasts their outcomes with conventional surgical methods. This is a retrospective clinical study designed to compare the outcomes of these two approaches.

METHODS: This study included 56 distal femoral fracture patients treated between February 2020 and May 2023. Among them, 28 patients underwent robot-assisted retrograde intramedullary nailing (robot group), while 28 received conventional retrograde intramedullary nailing (traditional group). Surgical duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, number of guidewire insertions into the femoral medullary cavity, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Healing progress and fixation stability status were observed, and postoperative articular function was assessed using Neer's scoring system at a one year follow-up.

RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, showing no statistically significant differences.The robot group demonstrated shorter operative time, fewer guidewire placements, reduced intraoperative hemorrhage and incision size compared to the traditional group (P < 0.05). While the Neer's score for postoperative joint function showed a higher excellent-to-good rate in the robot group, no significant difference was observed between the group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional surgical methods, robot-assisted retrograde intramedullary fixation for fractures of the distal femur offers advantages of being minimally invasive, more precise, requiring shorter operative times, and resulting in reduced blood loss, fluoroscopy exposure, and guidewire insertion attempts. These benefits may contribute to a reduction in postoperative complications.

PMID:40278853 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06544-x

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06535-y. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40266313 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06535-y

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06525-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess long term survivorship, patient reported (PROMs) and radiological outcomes, and rate of adverse events and hardware removal after lateral closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO) for the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) and varus malalignment.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent isolated CWHTO for medial OA in varus knee between 2009 and 2019 at the same institution was performed. Surgical failure was defined as conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or need for osteotomy revision procedure for varus recurrence, while clinical failure was defined by a Lysholm score under 65 points. Lysholm score, Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), and patients' satisfaction with the treatment were evaluated. Radiographic parameters assessed included OA degree with the Kellgren Lawrence scale (KL), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS). Adverse events and rate of hardware removal procedures were recorded through follow up visits and clinical records. Survival analysis was conducted through Kaplan-Meier method with surgical and clinical failure as endpoints.

RESULTS: 70 knees (mean age at surgery 43.3 years) were included in the survivorship analysis at a mean follow up of 11.6 ± 3.4 years. A failure rate of 12.85% (9/70) was recorded during the follow up period, with a survivorship of 92% and 75% at ten and 15 years of follow up, respectively. Mean Lysholm score and VAS at follow up were above the PASS threshold reported in literature. The 75.7% of patients were satisfied with the treatment. Radiological follow up indicated a residual mechanical varus of 2.1°, a decrease of 0.7° of intra articular deformity (JLCA), no change in PTS nor in KL index. The adverse events rate recorded was 5.7% (4/70). In nine knees (14.7%) among the patients survived from surgical failure a subsequent hardware removal procedure was performed.

CONCLUSION: CWHTO represents a safe procedure, which resulted in high survivorship (92% and 75% at ten and 15 years follow up, respectively), with satisfactory PROMs and radiological outcomes at long term follow up in patients affected by medial OA and varus malalignment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5, Case Series.

PMID:40266312 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06525-0

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06542-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of acellular hyaluronic acid matrix scaffold, BMAC, and autologous bone graft in providing biomechanical support and optimal microenvironment for OLTs treatment.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 81 ankles from 80 patients treated between 2018 and 2021 was conducted. The inclusion criteria included patients who underwent surgery for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and received acellular hyaluronic acid matrix scaffold, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) fibrin glue, and autologous bone graft. The exclusion criteria included prior ankle surgery, concurrent lateral instability surgery, malignancy, metabolic bone disease, or related medication. Clinical outcomes were assessed with FAOS, VAS, and SF-36 at a minimum of two years postoperatively. MRI findings were evaluated preoperatively, at six months, and 24 months postoperatively via MOCART. Subgroups were formed on the basis of age (< 45 vs. ≥45), BMI, and full weight bearing mobilization (FWBM) timing (4, 5, 6, or > 6 weeks).

RESULTS: Postoperative FAOS and SF-36 scores significantly improved (p = 0.000), whereas VAS scores decreased (p = 0.001). Early FWBM (4th week) was associated with superior FAOS, SF-36, and MOCART scores at 24 months (p = 0.039). Underweight and healthy individuals exhibited lower VAS (p = 0.001) and higher SF-36 scores (p = 0.000) at three months, alongside higher MOCART scores at 24 months compared to overweight patients (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of a tailored approach to optimize the microenvironment and biomechanical support in OLTs treatment. Further research is required to refine therapeutic strategies.

PMID:40266311 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06542-z

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06523-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the early clinical and radiological outcomes of robot assisted total knee arthroplasty, and to determine the efficiency and safety of its bone resection and implant positioning of the novel robot system.

METHODS: 144 patients who underwent primary TKA were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter RCT conducted in three hospitals. five patients were lost to follow-up at six weeks after surgery. Therefore, 139 patients (73 in the RA TKA group and 66 in the CI TKA group) remained in the final analysis. The primary outcome was the rate of patients whose postoperative alignment was less than 3° deviated from the planned evaluated by full-length weight-bearing X-rays of the lower limb at 12 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included coronal and sagittal alignment of the components, operation times, blood loss, 12-week range of motion(ROM), 12-week postoperative functional outcomes and satisfaction evaluated by the American Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS: At 12 weeks postoperatively, we found the rate of radiographic inliers was significantly higher in the RA TKA group (90.4% vs. 59.1%; p < 0.05). The difference between planned and postoperative frontal femoral component (FFC) angle, frontal tibia component (FTC) angle and lateral femoral component (LFC) angle are significantly smaller in the RA TKA group (p < 0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the RA TKA group than in the CI TKA group (133.01 vs. 92.33 min; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in blood loss, 12-week ROM, 12-week postoperative functional outcomes and satisfaction evaluated by KSS and WOMAC scores. There were no AEs or SAEs that were determined to be "related" to the robotic system.

CONCLUSION: The novel robot assisted TKA is safe and more precise in bone resection and implant positioning as demonstrated in this trial.

PMID:40266310 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06523-2

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 22. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06543-y. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40261340 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06543-y

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 22. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06538-9. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40261339 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06538-9

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 22. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06540-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Spondylodiscitis is a serious infection of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae, with rising incidence. This study provides an updated evaluation by analyzing causative microorganisms in tuberculous (TS), brucellar (BS), and pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS). Our findings offer contemporary data to enhance understanding and management of spondylodiscitis.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 109 adult patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis between 2011 and 2021 at a tertiary research center. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the causative pathogen. Demographic data, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, radiological imaging, and microbiological results were analyzed.

RESULTS: Among 109 patients, 59 (54.1%) had PS, 33 (32%) BS, and 17 (15.5%) TS. The cohort included 65 males (59.6%) and 44 females (40.4%), with a mean age of 57.6 ± 13.8 years. Back pain was the most common symptom (85.3%). Night sweats were more prevalent in BS (p < 0.001), while weight loss was less frequent in PS (p < 0.05). Diabetes was more common in PS (p < 0.001). PS cases had higher inflammatory markers (p < 0.001). Blood culture positivity was 53.6% in BS and 53.8% in PS. Surgery with tissue sampling was performed in 62 cases (56.9%). S. aureus was the most frequent pathogen, followed by Brucella spp.

CONCLUSION: Spondylodiscitis requires a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach due to its variable clinical presentations. PS is characterized by elevated inflammatory markers and concurrent infectious foci, BS by endemic risk factors and systemic symptoms, and TS by prolonged symptoms and thoracic involvement.

PMID:40261338 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06540-1

Int Orthop. 2025 Apr 22. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06541-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Surgical approaches in bone surgery have undergone a long evolution over more than 130 years. While a number of publications have been devoted to the history of internal fixation, surgical approaches have remained neglected from this perspective. The development of approaches in musculoskeletal surgery is inextricably linked to four personalities. Theodor Kocher, in 1892, pointed out that descriptions of surgical approaches must be an essential part of surgical textbooks of operative techniques; James Edwin Thompson, in 1918, formulated the basic requirements for the surgical approaches to the skeleton of limbs; Arnold Kirkpatrick Henry published the first textbook of surgical approaches in 1927 and presented the concept of internervous planes in 1945; in the same year, Toufick Nicola created the first comprehensive atlas of surgical approaches to bones and joints of limbs, the pelvis and spine.

PMID:40261337 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06541-0