Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Fractures of the coronoid process: state of the art
Marinelli A, Riva M, Coliva F, Minerba M, Carbone G and Guerra E
Coronoid fractures are rarely isolated and are much more frequently associated with other osseous or ligamentous structures injuries. On the basis of the coronoid fracture patterns, described by the O'Driscoll classification, it is possible to recognize three main patterns of injury that differ on traumatic mechanism and on associated lesions: posterolateral rotatory instability, posteromedial rotatory instability, and axial load injuries. The management of coronoid fractures is challenging and varies according to characteristics of the fracture, associated lesions, and amount of elbow instability. In general, operative treatment is indicated in every case the fracture is at least 50% of the whole coronoid, whether the sublime tubercle is involved, and whether the ulno-humeral joint is not perfectly reduced. In conclusion, the correct management of the coronoid, especially in the setting of complex elbow instability, represents a predictive factor for patient outcomes and functional results. The stability of the elbow, rather than the size of the coronoid fragment, is the main parameter for surgical indication, aimed to fix the coronoid and/or repair the associated lesions.
Short-term outcomes of robotic versus conventional unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: evidence from a national database
Shih CM, Chen KH, Jiang FC, Hsu CE, Wang CC and Wang SP
Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has gained popularity for its potential to improve implant precision and reduce surgical errors. However, comparative evidence on short-term outcomes versus conventional UKA is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted versus conventional UKA using a nationally representative database.
Total hip arthroplasty in Italy: an observational, population-based study on surgical volume growth from 2001 to 2023 and forecasts until 2050 with six different statistical models
Ciminello E, Cuccu A, Romanini E, Venosa M, Cazzato G, Tucci G, Boniforti F, Carpanese L, Falcone T, Ceccarelli S, Ciccarelli P and Torre M
The number of total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures has been steadily increasing worldwide, driven by aging population, improvements in surgical techniques and implant design. This study aimed to analyze the temporal trends of elective THA in Italy since 2001-2023 and forecast THA volumes up to 2050 to provide insights for healthcare planning.
Comparison of the Frosch approach and the supra-fibular head approach in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures combined with lateral column fractures
Wang L, Dai X, Dai X, Yue D, Zhong C, Wen Y, Qin J and Yuan T
This study aimed to investigate the indications and clinical effects of the Frosch approach versus the supra-fibular head approach in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures combined with lateral column fractures (PTPL) on the basis of the morphological classification of the posterolateral cortex.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting fasciotomy requirement in lower extremity arterial injuries: a retrospective case-control study
Zhang H, Jia H, Wang H, Dong Q, Zhang Y and Hou Z
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) following lower extremity arterial injuries necessitates urgent fasciotomy to prevent limb loss, yet current diagnostic tools lack specificity for ischemia-reperfusion pathophysiology. Our study aimed to develop a nomogram combining biomarkers and clinical indicators to predict fasciotomy risk, enhancing early risk stratification and optimizing surgical decision-making.
Additional cartilage treatment for small defects in chronic ankle instability shows no mid-term benefit and delays recovery: a randomized controlled trial
Figa Barrios R, Mora-Guix JM, Roza Miguel PO and Vila-Rico J
The presence of chondral lesions in patients with chronic ankle instability is common and has been suggested as a possible cause of persistent pain in some cases, even after successful ligament reconstruction. For this reason, some authors have proposed combining ankle stabilization with cartilage microfracture; however, the results reported in literature are contradictory.
Optimizing lordosis preservation in monosegmental lumbar spondylodesis: evaluating the efficacy of a novel noninvasive technique using intraoperative hip hyperextension
Contreras LAN, Karantzoulis V, Trenado C, Velazquez K, Suárez-Gutiérrez MA, Mantilla-Mayans P, Sanchez-Porras R, Santos E and Vazifehdan F
Loss of lumbar lordosis after spinal fusion can lead to complications such as chronic low back pain, abnormal sagittal balance, and accelerated adjacent segment degeneration. This study aims to evaluate a novel intraoperative positioning technique for lumbar spondylodesis, involving hip hyperextension in the prone position with an inflatable bladder under the thigh to preserve lumbar lordosis.
The role of subtalar extrarticular screw arthroereisis (SESA) in surgical treatment of tarsal coalitions
De Pellegrin M, Marcucci L, Guindani N, Brogioni L and Fracassetti D
Talocalcaneal (TCC) and calcaneonavicular (CNC) coalitions are the most common cause of rigid symptomatic flatfoot in children. After resection, calcaneal lengthening osteotomy or arthrodesis are usually reported as second step surgery for correction of the most frequent valgus hindfoot deformity. More recently, coalition resection and minimally invasive subtalar extraarticular screw arthroereisis (SESA) for hindfoot valgus correction in one step have been described. We report the functional mid-term results of patients treated in adolescence with resection and valgus correction with SESA.
Editorial: Bacteriophage therapy in orthopedics-Key questions and emerging answers
Migliorini F, Rivera F and Eschweiler J
Musculoskeletal infections remain among the most challenging conditions in orthopaedic practice, often requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy, repeated surgical interventions, and extensive rehabilitation. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the persistence of bacterial biofilms further complicate management, particularly in chronic osteomyelitis, infected fracture fixations, and periprosthetic joint infections. In this context, bacteriophage therapy has re-emerged as a promising adjunctive strategy. Bacteriophages offer targeted antibacterial activity, including the ability to disrupt biofilms and self-replicate at the site of infection. Contemporary approaches, such as phagograms, customised phage cocktails, and local delivery techniques, have addressed many historical limitations related to phage specificity and accessibility. A growing number of case reports and small clinical series have documented successful applications of phage therapy in orthopaedic infections, with encouraging safety profiles and infection resolution in refractory cases. Early-phase clinical trials are now systematically evaluating the feasibility, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of phage therapy in musculoskeletal settings. Furthermore, synergistic effects with antibiotics and the potential to overcome biofilm-related antibiotic tolerance highlight the added therapeutic value of this approach. While regulatory and manufacturing challenges persist, the integration of bacteriophages into multidisciplinary orthopaedic care marks a paradigm shift toward precision microbiology. Rather than replacing conventional treatment, phage therapy complements surgery and antibiotics, offering a biologically rational and patient-specific adjunct in the fight against recalcitrant infections.
Return to sport after acetabular and pelvic ring fractures in amateur athletes: A retrospective study
Rovere G, Smakaj A, De Mauro D, Mattiacci V, Vicenti G, Bosco F, Camarda L, Farsetti P and Liuzza F
Acetabular fractures are complex hip injuries with high social and economic costs, as they affect individuals of working age. These fractures often result in long-term complications, including chronic pain and sexual dysfunction, which impair quality of life and limit physical activity. With growing interest in fitness, understanding factors that impact return to sport post injury is critical. This study examines how fracture type and surgical approach influence functional recovery and return to sport after acetabular and pelvic fractures.
Active and passive physical therapy in patients with chronic low-back pain: a level I Bayesian network meta-analysis
Baroncini A, Maffulli N, Manocchio N, Bossa M, Foti C, Schäfer L, Klimuch A and Migliorini F
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is common. Physiotherapy is frequently indicated as a non-pharmacological management of these patients. This Bayesian network meta-analysis compared active versus passive physiotherapy versus their combination in terms of pain and disability in patients with mechanical and/or aspecific cLBP.
Comparison of treatment outcomes for patients with chronic lateral ankle instability with subtle cavus foot: Is calcaneal osteotomy an essential procedure?
Fu S, Wang C, Wang J, Wu C and Shi Z
Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI), frequently resulting from ankle sprains, is often associated with undiagnosed hindfoot varus deformities, specifically subtle cavus foot (SCF). While ligament reconstruction remains the standard treatment for CLAI with SCF, there is ongoing debate regarding the need for adjunctive calcaneal osteotomy to correct the underlying malalignment. Our study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and necessity of minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy combined with arthroscopic modified Broström procedure in patients with CLAI with SCF.
A study on the factors associated with the dimensions of the iliocapsularis muscle
Gao G, Zhou X, Jiesisibieke D, Zhang Z, Wang J and Xu Y
To identify the correlation between the iliocapsularis muscle and other imaging parameters, with the aim of enhancing understanding of its function and primarily exploring the influence on hip stability and function.
Soft tissue reconstruction of tumor-related proximal tibial hemiarthroplasty using synthetic mesh combined with a medial gastrocnemius flap
Li Z, Zhao J, Fan D, Deng Z, Yang Y, Niu X, Zhang Q and Liu W
This study was to evaluate the efficacy of soft tissue reconstruction using synthetic mesh and a medial gastrocnemius flap in patients who underwent proximal tibial hemiarthroplasty after resection of proximal tibial bone sarcomas.
The risk factors attributing to the avulsion fracture of anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) in surgically treated ankle fractures
Wang SP, Wu YH, Hsu WE, Tang SC and Chen KH
Avulsion fracture of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) combined with ankle fracture compromises the integrity of the ankle and affects its outcome. This study aimed to determine the incidence of AITFL fractures in surgically treated ankle fractures and to identify its related risk factors.
Second revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using achilles tendon allograft: a case series of 20 patients at mid-term follow-up
Pettinari F, Chirico M, Mazzon A, Corti J, Di Muro A, Civinini R and Matassi F
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes, failure rates, and complications associated with a second revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using an Achilles tendon allograft in a mono-loop fashion, which allows simultaneous reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and the anterolateral ligament. The hypothesis was that this combined technique is safe and leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up.
Five-year radiographic and clinical outcomes after arthroscopic synovectomy of the ankle in rheumatoid arthritis: A clinical trial
Zhang J, Wang C, Wang J, Wu C, Yang F, Ma X and Shi Z
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects ankle joints in up to one half of patients with established disease, causing inflammation and damage. Arthroscopic synovectomy removes inflamed tissue to improve joint function, but long-term outcomes and the potential role of adjunctive therapies are limited.
Application of internal brace ligament augmentation technique in knee ligament injury: a systematic review
Tang P, Tan X, Wen T, Zhang J, Li Y, Zhang K and Xiao W
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common and can lead to significant knee instability and an increased risk of long-term cartilage damage. Given the emerging role of internal brace ligament augmentation (IBLA) in treating these injuries, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the collective evidence on the safety and effectiveness of IBLA in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Exploring the role of hemiarthroplasty in revision shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review
Uccheddu G, Verona M, Dąbrowski F, Mazurek T, Capone A and Marongiu G
Hemiarthroplasty (HA) is a salvage option in revision shoulder arthroplasty when reimplantation (aTSA/rTSA) or secure glenoid fixation is not feasible. This systematic review evaluates indications, clinical outcomes, and complications after conversion to HA using an indication- and implant-stratified synthesis.
Prevalence and patterns of adductor lesions on MRI in athletes with osteitis pubis
Eraslan A and Kose O
Adductor lesions (ALs) frequently coexist with osteitis pubis (OP) in athletes, yet the prevalence and clinical impact of different AL types have not been comprehensively evaluated. This study aimed to determine the frequency of various AL types using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to investigate their association with clinical outcomes in athletes with OP.
Comparative analysis of machine learning algorithms for predicting tibial intramedullary nail length from patient characteristics
Hui Y, Hu H, Xiang J and Du X
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of five machine learning algorithms in predicting tibial intramedullary nail length using patient demographic data (gender, height, age, and weight), with the goal of developing a clinically relevant and accurate predictive model.