Vito Pavone - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Vito Pavone

Research paper thumbnail of Ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation

Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Is Supine Position Superior to Prone Position in the Surgical Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Children?

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Background: Supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a frequent injury in pediatric ages. Closed ... more Background: Supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a frequent injury in pediatric ages. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation is a common treatment of displaced SCHF. Surgery is usually performed in the supine position; otherwise the prone position allows an easier fracture reduction and a safe placement of pins. The aim of study is to compare the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of displaced SCHF, comparing two different intra-operative positionings. Methods: 59 SCHF affected children were retrospectively divided into supine (Group 1; n = 34) and prone (Group 2; n = 25), according to intraoperative position. All treated subjects were clinically evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and radiographically, including the measurement of the Baumann angle. Results: Clinically, Group 1, according Flynn’s criteria, had excellent cosmetic outcome in 32 subjects (94.1%). Mean MAYO Score was 96.0 ± 3.8. Group 2, according Flynn’...

Research paper thumbnail of Immediate Effects of Sforzesco® Bracing on Respiratory Function in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Healthcare

The thoraco-lumbar bracing is an effective management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). S... more The thoraco-lumbar bracing is an effective management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Studies have shown that brace wearing reduces lung volume. Whether or not the Sforzesco brace, frequently used in Italy, affects lung volume has not been investigated. We studied the immediate effect of Sforzesco bracing on lung volumes in 11 AIS patients (10 F, 1 M; aged 13.6 ± 1.6 yrs) mean Cobb angle 26 ± 4.49 degrees. Lung function variables and the perceived respiratory effort were recorded twice, before and 5 min after bracing. The one-way analysis of variance repeated measures, and multiple comparison tests, showed that means of unbraced variables were not significantly different from the corresponding means of predicted values, whereas means under brace were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to both predicted and baseline values of respiratory variables. In addition, a significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was found between unbraced and braced values, and linear regress...

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-Articular Injections in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review of Literature

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative, and progressive disease of articular cartila... more Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative, and progressive disease of articular cartilage, producing discomfort and physical disability in older adults. Thirteen percent of elderly people complain of knee OA. Management options for knee OA could be divided into the following categories: conservative, pharmacological, procedural, and surgical. Joint replacement is the gold standard, reserved for severe grades of knee OA, due to its complications rate and increased risk of joint revision. A nonsurgical approach is the first choice in the adult population with cartilage damage and knee OA. Yearly, more than 10% of knee OA-affected patients undergo intra-articular injections of different drugs, especially within three months after OA diagnosis. Several molecules, such as corticosteroids injection, hyaluronic acid (HA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), are managed to reduce the symptoms of patients with knee OA. The aim of this review was to offer an overview of intra-articular ...

Research paper thumbnail of Results of the Italian Pediatric Orthopedics Society juvenile flexible flatfoot survey

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Sarcopenia in Hip Fractured Patients: Where We Are and Where We Are Going: A Systematic Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of muscle mass and muscle strength associ... more Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of muscle mass and muscle strength associated to increased adverse events, such as falls and hip fractures. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse diagnosis methods of sarcopenia in patients with hip fracture and evaluate prevention and treatment strategies described in literature. Methods: Three independent authors performed a systematic review of two electronic medical databases using the following inclusion criteria: Sarcopenia, hip fractures, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention with a minimum average of 6-months follow-up. Any evidence-level studies reporting clinical data and dealing with sarcopenia diagnosis, or the treatment and prevention in hip fracture-affected patients, were considered. Results: A total of 32 articles were found. After the first screening, we selected 19 articles eligible for full-text reading. Ultimately, following full-text reading, and checking of the reference list, seven articles were ...

Research paper thumbnail of Perinatal Femoral Fracture: A Ten-Year Observational Case Series Study

Children

Background: perinatal femoral fractures (PFF) are relative rare birth-related fractures. Among tr... more Background: perinatal femoral fractures (PFF) are relative rare birth-related fractures. Among treatment options, Bryant traction reported satisfactory outcomes in PFF of children under 3 years of age. The aim of this study is to assess the risk factors, diagnosis, management, and outcome in the 10-year multicentric experiences of all newborns treated for PFF in Catania city hospitals. Methods: 15,628 children, hospitalized in four neonatal units, were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were collected: gender, birth weight, gestational age, presentation, mode delivery, and fracture type according to AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF). In each case, diagnosis was achieved after the clinical examination and X-Ray exam. Each patient underwent Bryant’s skin traction of the affected limb, and was clinically followed for at least two years. Results: eight newborns were included in the study (five males). The average birth weight was 2.656 kg ...

Research paper thumbnail of Rehabilitation Strategies for Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures in Sarcopenia: A Narrative Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Sarcopenia is defined as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal... more Sarcopenia is defined as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. It has been identified as one of the most common comorbidities associated with femoral neck fracture (FNF). The aim of this review was to evaluate the impact of physical therapy on FNF patients’ function and rehabilitation. The selected articles were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in the last 10 years. Seven full texts were eligible for this review: three examined the impact of conventional rehabilitation and nutritional supplementation, three evaluated the effects of rehabilitation protocols compared to new methods and a study explored the intervention with erythropoietin (EPO) in sarcopenic patients with FNF and its potential effects on postoperative rehabilitation. Physical activity and dietary supplementation are the basic tools of prevention and rehabilitation of sarcopenia in elderly patients after hip surgery. The most effective physical ...

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment of Infected Tibial Non-Unions with Ilizarov Technique: A Case Series

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: The Ilizarov external fixation technique has been widely used for the treatment of lo... more Background: The Ilizarov external fixation technique has been widely used for the treatment of long-bone infected non-unions. After surgical infected bone resection, to allow filling of the remaining bone gap, biomaterials with antibacterial properties could be used. The aim of this study was to report outcomes of infected tibial non-unions treated using the Ilizarov technique and antibacterial bioactive glass. Methods: Between April 2009 and December 2014, 26 patients with infected tibial non-unions were treated with the Ilizarov technique and possible use of the bioactive glass, S53P4. The Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria, a clinical and radiographic evaluating tool, was used for assessing the sample. Results: The average age at the start of treatment was 51 years. The mean follow-up time was 113 weeks. According to the ASAMI Functional Scoring System, 10 excellent (38.5%) cases and 12 good (46.1%) values were recorded. According to...

Research paper thumbnail of Open Tibial Fracture in a Non-Compliant Patient: A Case Report

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Open tibial fractures represent the most frequent fractures of long bones, comprising approximate... more Open tibial fractures represent the most frequent fractures of long bones, comprising approximately 1.9% of all fractures. Although locked intramedullary nailing is the gold standard for treating closed and unstable tibia diaphyseal fractures, for most exposed fractures, an external fixator can first be used, followed by conversion through an intramedullary nail. The present report describes the case of a 17-year-old male who presented with a complex multi-segmented displaced tibia fracture, type 42-C3, with exposure of IIIB type according to the Gustilo–Anderson classification, and with an attached disrupted fracture of peroneal malleolus, type 44-B2. External fixation was the preferred treatment method. Before the definitive surgical treatment, the patient had a second accident that caused refracture and damage to the soft tissues and external fixation system. This prolonged the time estimated for the conversion from the external fixator to the intramedullary nail. The reported ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Transverse cervical megapophysis as an uncommon cause of torticollis

Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports

Research paper thumbnail of Growing pains: What do we know about etiology? A systematic review

World Journal of Orthopedics

BACKGROUND Growing pains is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain in early childhood and ... more BACKGROUND Growing pains is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain in early childhood and was first described in 1823 by French physician Marcel Duchamp. Although it has been researched extensively, the etiology is still unknown. Several theories have been proposed throughout the years. AIM Analyze the available scientific literature to provide an update on the latest evidence on the etiology. METHODS According to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, the scientific literature on the etiology of growing pains was systematically reviewed using the following inclusion criteria: studies of any level of evidence reporting clinical or preclinical results and dealing with the etiology of growing pains. The medical electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched by two independent authors on October 20, 2018. The search string used was "(growing pains OR benign nocturnal limb pains OR musculoskeletal pains) AND (etiology OR pathogenesis) AND (pediatrics)". RESULTS A total of 32 articles were included. The etiology of growing pains still remains poorly understood. Many theories have been proposed, but none of them are decisive. A lower pain threshold has been found among patients suffering from growing pains in comparison to healthy controls. Furthermore, evidence suggests an association between growing pains and reduced bone strength in young patients, although this finding still remains controversial.

Research paper thumbnail of Functional Outcome at Short and Middle Term of the Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treatment in Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case-Series Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) of the humerus is a chronic degeneration of wrist extensor tendons at ... more Lateral epicondylitis (LE) of the humerus is a chronic degeneration of wrist extensor tendons at their attachments to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. There is not a common consensus on a specific therapeutic algorithm, but Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is widely used. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical benefits of low dose ESWT in LE-affected patients in short and medium follow-up. Between January 2015 and December 2017, 60 patients (38 male, mean age 52.2 ± 10.1 years, the duration of the disease was 3.6 ± 1.3 months) were clinically evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Test (PRTEE-I) scores before treatment, at one, three, six and 12 months after treatment. According to the VAS and PRTEE-I scoring systems, all patients achieved an improvement of pain and functional outcome comparing the baseline results with one, six and 12 months values. Low dose ESWT is a safe and effective treatment of LE in the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treatment in Upper Limb Diseases: A Systematic Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT), subacromial impingement (SAIS), and medial (MEP) and... more Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT), subacromial impingement (SAIS), and medial (MEP) and lateral (LEP) epicondylitis are the most common causes of upper limb pain caused by microtrauma and degeneration. There are several therapeutic choices to manage these disorders: extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has become a valuable option. Methods: A systematic review of two electronic medical databases was performed by two independent authors, using the following inclusion criteria: RCT, SAIS, MEP, and LEP, ESWT therapy without surgical treatment, with symptoms duration more than 2 months, and at least 6 months of follow-up. Studies of any level of evidence, reporting clinical results, and dealing with ESWT therapy and RCT, SAIS, MEP, and LEP were included. Results: A total of 822 articles were found. At the end of the first screening, following the previously described selection criteria, we selected 186 articles eligible for full-text reading. Ultimately, after full-text rea...

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of loss of reduction as risk factor for additional secondary displacement in children with displaced distal radius fractures treated conservatively

Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research

Research paper thumbnail of Focal Neuropathy Mimicking Focal Dystonia in a Child: Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Tools

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Object: Focal neuropathy results from an injury of any etiology that occurs in a peripheral nerve... more Object: Focal neuropathy results from an injury of any etiology that occurs in a peripheral nerve. The lesion may be followed by alteration of the sensory sphere (either dysesthesia or paresthesia with or without neuropathic pain), or by compensatory attitudes that are attributable to the altered contraction in muscles that are innervated by the injured nerve. Methods: We describe the case of a 13-year-old boy who attended our hospital for a focal neuropathy of the radial nerve. Conclusion: This neuropathy was revealed after the removal of a plaster Zimmer splint that was applied following a post-traumatic subluxation of the metacarpal-trapezoid joint.

Research paper thumbnail of Conservative Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Athletes, runners and jumpers, and th... more Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Athletes, runners and jumpers, and the sedentary are frequently affected. Numerous are the therapeutic choices to manage these kinds of disorders. The aim of this review is to analyze the available literature to document the up-to-date evidence on conservative management of Achilles tendinopathy. A systematic review of two medical electronic databases was performed by three independent authors, using the following inclusion criteria: conservative treatment consisted of pharmacologic, physical therapy without operative treatment, with more of 6 months symptoms and a minimum average of 6-months follow-up. Studies of any level of evidence, reporting clinical results, and dealing with Achilles tendinopathy and conservative treatment were searched for. A total of n = 1228 articles were found. At the end of the first screening, following the previously described selection criteria, we selected n = 94 articles eligible for full-te...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of body weight on the clinical and radiological outcomes of children with flexible flatfeet managed with the ‘calcaneo-stop’ procedure

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B

Research paper thumbnail of Le fratture della paletta omerale nei bambini

LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational

Research paper thumbnail of Early Motor Delay: An Outstanding, Initial Sign of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 1

Journal of orthopaedic case reports

Osteogenesis imperfect (OI) is a heterogeneous and complex connective tissue disorder that manife... more Osteogenesis imperfect (OI) is a heterogeneous and complex connective tissue disorder that manifests with low bone density and fragility. More than 15 types of OI have been distinguished on a clinical and molecular basis, but the classical clinical classification previously proposed in Types 1-4 with the recent inclusion of Type 5 appears to be more suitable. The diagnosis is mainly made on clinical and radiographic findings with fractures caused by mild trauma, bowing deformities of long bones, and growth deficiency. Non-skeletal features of the disorder include blue sclerae, hearing loss, decreased pulmonary function, cardiac valvular regurgitation, and muscle weakness. We report on a toddler girl affected by OI Type 1 who suffered from marked muscle weakness as the first initial sign, which led us to follow the diagnostic checklist for hypotonic children. The typical signs of the disorder later became evident and consistent with this diagnosis, including bone fractures and blue s...

Research paper thumbnail of Ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation

Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Is Supine Position Superior to Prone Position in the Surgical Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Children?

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Background: Supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a frequent injury in pediatric ages. Closed ... more Background: Supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a frequent injury in pediatric ages. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation is a common treatment of displaced SCHF. Surgery is usually performed in the supine position; otherwise the prone position allows an easier fracture reduction and a safe placement of pins. The aim of study is to compare the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of displaced SCHF, comparing two different intra-operative positionings. Methods: 59 SCHF affected children were retrospectively divided into supine (Group 1; n = 34) and prone (Group 2; n = 25), according to intraoperative position. All treated subjects were clinically evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and radiographically, including the measurement of the Baumann angle. Results: Clinically, Group 1, according Flynn’s criteria, had excellent cosmetic outcome in 32 subjects (94.1%). Mean MAYO Score was 96.0 ± 3.8. Group 2, according Flynn’...

Research paper thumbnail of Immediate Effects of Sforzesco® Bracing on Respiratory Function in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Healthcare

The thoraco-lumbar bracing is an effective management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). S... more The thoraco-lumbar bracing is an effective management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Studies have shown that brace wearing reduces lung volume. Whether or not the Sforzesco brace, frequently used in Italy, affects lung volume has not been investigated. We studied the immediate effect of Sforzesco bracing on lung volumes in 11 AIS patients (10 F, 1 M; aged 13.6 ± 1.6 yrs) mean Cobb angle 26 ± 4.49 degrees. Lung function variables and the perceived respiratory effort were recorded twice, before and 5 min after bracing. The one-way analysis of variance repeated measures, and multiple comparison tests, showed that means of unbraced variables were not significantly different from the corresponding means of predicted values, whereas means under brace were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to both predicted and baseline values of respiratory variables. In addition, a significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was found between unbraced and braced values, and linear regress...

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-Articular Injections in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review of Literature

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative, and progressive disease of articular cartila... more Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative, and progressive disease of articular cartilage, producing discomfort and physical disability in older adults. Thirteen percent of elderly people complain of knee OA. Management options for knee OA could be divided into the following categories: conservative, pharmacological, procedural, and surgical. Joint replacement is the gold standard, reserved for severe grades of knee OA, due to its complications rate and increased risk of joint revision. A nonsurgical approach is the first choice in the adult population with cartilage damage and knee OA. Yearly, more than 10% of knee OA-affected patients undergo intra-articular injections of different drugs, especially within three months after OA diagnosis. Several molecules, such as corticosteroids injection, hyaluronic acid (HA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), are managed to reduce the symptoms of patients with knee OA. The aim of this review was to offer an overview of intra-articular ...

Research paper thumbnail of Results of the Italian Pediatric Orthopedics Society juvenile flexible flatfoot survey

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Sarcopenia in Hip Fractured Patients: Where We Are and Where We Are Going: A Systematic Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of muscle mass and muscle strength associ... more Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of muscle mass and muscle strength associated to increased adverse events, such as falls and hip fractures. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse diagnosis methods of sarcopenia in patients with hip fracture and evaluate prevention and treatment strategies described in literature. Methods: Three independent authors performed a systematic review of two electronic medical databases using the following inclusion criteria: Sarcopenia, hip fractures, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention with a minimum average of 6-months follow-up. Any evidence-level studies reporting clinical data and dealing with sarcopenia diagnosis, or the treatment and prevention in hip fracture-affected patients, were considered. Results: A total of 32 articles were found. After the first screening, we selected 19 articles eligible for full-text reading. Ultimately, following full-text reading, and checking of the reference list, seven articles were ...

Research paper thumbnail of Perinatal Femoral Fracture: A Ten-Year Observational Case Series Study

Children

Background: perinatal femoral fractures (PFF) are relative rare birth-related fractures. Among tr... more Background: perinatal femoral fractures (PFF) are relative rare birth-related fractures. Among treatment options, Bryant traction reported satisfactory outcomes in PFF of children under 3 years of age. The aim of this study is to assess the risk factors, diagnosis, management, and outcome in the 10-year multicentric experiences of all newborns treated for PFF in Catania city hospitals. Methods: 15,628 children, hospitalized in four neonatal units, were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were collected: gender, birth weight, gestational age, presentation, mode delivery, and fracture type according to AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF). In each case, diagnosis was achieved after the clinical examination and X-Ray exam. Each patient underwent Bryant’s skin traction of the affected limb, and was clinically followed for at least two years. Results: eight newborns were included in the study (five males). The average birth weight was 2.656 kg ...

Research paper thumbnail of Rehabilitation Strategies for Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures in Sarcopenia: A Narrative Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Sarcopenia is defined as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal... more Sarcopenia is defined as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. It has been identified as one of the most common comorbidities associated with femoral neck fracture (FNF). The aim of this review was to evaluate the impact of physical therapy on FNF patients’ function and rehabilitation. The selected articles were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in the last 10 years. Seven full texts were eligible for this review: three examined the impact of conventional rehabilitation and nutritional supplementation, three evaluated the effects of rehabilitation protocols compared to new methods and a study explored the intervention with erythropoietin (EPO) in sarcopenic patients with FNF and its potential effects on postoperative rehabilitation. Physical activity and dietary supplementation are the basic tools of prevention and rehabilitation of sarcopenia in elderly patients after hip surgery. The most effective physical ...

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment of Infected Tibial Non-Unions with Ilizarov Technique: A Case Series

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: The Ilizarov external fixation technique has been widely used for the treatment of lo... more Background: The Ilizarov external fixation technique has been widely used for the treatment of long-bone infected non-unions. After surgical infected bone resection, to allow filling of the remaining bone gap, biomaterials with antibacterial properties could be used. The aim of this study was to report outcomes of infected tibial non-unions treated using the Ilizarov technique and antibacterial bioactive glass. Methods: Between April 2009 and December 2014, 26 patients with infected tibial non-unions were treated with the Ilizarov technique and possible use of the bioactive glass, S53P4. The Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria, a clinical and radiographic evaluating tool, was used for assessing the sample. Results: The average age at the start of treatment was 51 years. The mean follow-up time was 113 weeks. According to the ASAMI Functional Scoring System, 10 excellent (38.5%) cases and 12 good (46.1%) values were recorded. According to...

Research paper thumbnail of Open Tibial Fracture in a Non-Compliant Patient: A Case Report

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Open tibial fractures represent the most frequent fractures of long bones, comprising approximate... more Open tibial fractures represent the most frequent fractures of long bones, comprising approximately 1.9% of all fractures. Although locked intramedullary nailing is the gold standard for treating closed and unstable tibia diaphyseal fractures, for most exposed fractures, an external fixator can first be used, followed by conversion through an intramedullary nail. The present report describes the case of a 17-year-old male who presented with a complex multi-segmented displaced tibia fracture, type 42-C3, with exposure of IIIB type according to the Gustilo–Anderson classification, and with an attached disrupted fracture of peroneal malleolus, type 44-B2. External fixation was the preferred treatment method. Before the definitive surgical treatment, the patient had a second accident that caused refracture and damage to the soft tissues and external fixation system. This prolonged the time estimated for the conversion from the external fixator to the intramedullary nail. The reported ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Transverse cervical megapophysis as an uncommon cause of torticollis

Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports

Research paper thumbnail of Growing pains: What do we know about etiology? A systematic review

World Journal of Orthopedics

BACKGROUND Growing pains is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain in early childhood and ... more BACKGROUND Growing pains is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain in early childhood and was first described in 1823 by French physician Marcel Duchamp. Although it has been researched extensively, the etiology is still unknown. Several theories have been proposed throughout the years. AIM Analyze the available scientific literature to provide an update on the latest evidence on the etiology. METHODS According to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, the scientific literature on the etiology of growing pains was systematically reviewed using the following inclusion criteria: studies of any level of evidence reporting clinical or preclinical results and dealing with the etiology of growing pains. The medical electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched by two independent authors on October 20, 2018. The search string used was "(growing pains OR benign nocturnal limb pains OR musculoskeletal pains) AND (etiology OR pathogenesis) AND (pediatrics)". RESULTS A total of 32 articles were included. The etiology of growing pains still remains poorly understood. Many theories have been proposed, but none of them are decisive. A lower pain threshold has been found among patients suffering from growing pains in comparison to healthy controls. Furthermore, evidence suggests an association between growing pains and reduced bone strength in young patients, although this finding still remains controversial.

Research paper thumbnail of Functional Outcome at Short and Middle Term of the Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treatment in Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case-Series Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) of the humerus is a chronic degeneration of wrist extensor tendons at ... more Lateral epicondylitis (LE) of the humerus is a chronic degeneration of wrist extensor tendons at their attachments to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. There is not a common consensus on a specific therapeutic algorithm, but Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is widely used. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical benefits of low dose ESWT in LE-affected patients in short and medium follow-up. Between January 2015 and December 2017, 60 patients (38 male, mean age 52.2 ± 10.1 years, the duration of the disease was 3.6 ± 1.3 months) were clinically evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Test (PRTEE-I) scores before treatment, at one, three, six and 12 months after treatment. According to the VAS and PRTEE-I scoring systems, all patients achieved an improvement of pain and functional outcome comparing the baseline results with one, six and 12 months values. Low dose ESWT is a safe and effective treatment of LE in the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treatment in Upper Limb Diseases: A Systematic Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT), subacromial impingement (SAIS), and medial (MEP) and... more Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT), subacromial impingement (SAIS), and medial (MEP) and lateral (LEP) epicondylitis are the most common causes of upper limb pain caused by microtrauma and degeneration. There are several therapeutic choices to manage these disorders: extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has become a valuable option. Methods: A systematic review of two electronic medical databases was performed by two independent authors, using the following inclusion criteria: RCT, SAIS, MEP, and LEP, ESWT therapy without surgical treatment, with symptoms duration more than 2 months, and at least 6 months of follow-up. Studies of any level of evidence, reporting clinical results, and dealing with ESWT therapy and RCT, SAIS, MEP, and LEP were included. Results: A total of 822 articles were found. At the end of the first screening, following the previously described selection criteria, we selected 186 articles eligible for full-text reading. Ultimately, after full-text rea...

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of loss of reduction as risk factor for additional secondary displacement in children with displaced distal radius fractures treated conservatively

Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research

Research paper thumbnail of Focal Neuropathy Mimicking Focal Dystonia in a Child: Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Tools

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Object: Focal neuropathy results from an injury of any etiology that occurs in a peripheral nerve... more Object: Focal neuropathy results from an injury of any etiology that occurs in a peripheral nerve. The lesion may be followed by alteration of the sensory sphere (either dysesthesia or paresthesia with or without neuropathic pain), or by compensatory attitudes that are attributable to the altered contraction in muscles that are innervated by the injured nerve. Methods: We describe the case of a 13-year-old boy who attended our hospital for a focal neuropathy of the radial nerve. Conclusion: This neuropathy was revealed after the removal of a plaster Zimmer splint that was applied following a post-traumatic subluxation of the metacarpal-trapezoid joint.

Research paper thumbnail of Conservative Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Athletes, runners and jumpers, and th... more Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Athletes, runners and jumpers, and the sedentary are frequently affected. Numerous are the therapeutic choices to manage these kinds of disorders. The aim of this review is to analyze the available literature to document the up-to-date evidence on conservative management of Achilles tendinopathy. A systematic review of two medical electronic databases was performed by three independent authors, using the following inclusion criteria: conservative treatment consisted of pharmacologic, physical therapy without operative treatment, with more of 6 months symptoms and a minimum average of 6-months follow-up. Studies of any level of evidence, reporting clinical results, and dealing with Achilles tendinopathy and conservative treatment were searched for. A total of n = 1228 articles were found. At the end of the first screening, following the previously described selection criteria, we selected n = 94 articles eligible for full-te...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of body weight on the clinical and radiological outcomes of children with flexible flatfeet managed with the ‘calcaneo-stop’ procedure

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B

Research paper thumbnail of Le fratture della paletta omerale nei bambini

LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational

Research paper thumbnail of Early Motor Delay: An Outstanding, Initial Sign of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 1

Journal of orthopaedic case reports

Osteogenesis imperfect (OI) is a heterogeneous and complex connective tissue disorder that manife... more Osteogenesis imperfect (OI) is a heterogeneous and complex connective tissue disorder that manifests with low bone density and fragility. More than 15 types of OI have been distinguished on a clinical and molecular basis, but the classical clinical classification previously proposed in Types 1-4 with the recent inclusion of Type 5 appears to be more suitable. The diagnosis is mainly made on clinical and radiographic findings with fractures caused by mild trauma, bowing deformities of long bones, and growth deficiency. Non-skeletal features of the disorder include blue sclerae, hearing loss, decreased pulmonary function, cardiac valvular regurgitation, and muscle weakness. We report on a toddler girl affected by OI Type 1 who suffered from marked muscle weakness as the first initial sign, which led us to follow the diagnostic checklist for hypotonic children. The typical signs of the disorder later became evident and consistent with this diagnosis, including bone fractures and blue s...