Alessandro Marinelli | Università di Bologna (original) (raw)
Papers by Alessandro Marinelli
Muscle Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 2019
Introduction: Chronic elbow instability is a disable complication. This prospective study reports... more Introduction: Chronic elbow instability is a disable complication. This prospective study reports our experience with the box-loop reconstruction technique, compared with traditional Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) and eventual Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) reconstruction, showing its functional outcome at 12-month follow-up. Methods: From January 2013 to February 2017, 27 patients with complex elbow instability were recruited. Group-A patients were managed using box-loop technique; in Group-B patients LCL reconstruction was performed and MCL lesions were always intraoperatively tested, under fluoroscopy, and eventually treated. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline (T0) and at 1month (T1), 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-up. X-rays were performed at T0 and T3. Intergroup and intragroup variability was assessed. Results: In all the patients, an improvement of both the range of movement and the joint stability was observed after surgery. The mean increase in flexion-extension arch was 52° in Group-A patients at 12-month follow-up. A significant improvement (p<0.05) of Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Oxford Elbow Scores and Visual Analogue Scale was observed at 12-month follow-up in both groups. Conclusion: Box-loop technique revealed safe and effective in the management of multidirectional elbow instability. Level of evidence: IV, Cases Series.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Background: This study aimed to describe the ARIF (Arthroscopic Reduction Internal Fixation) tech... more Background: This study aimed to describe the ARIF (Arthroscopic Reduction Internal Fixation) technique for radial head fractures and to compare the results with ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) at mean 10 years. Methods: A total of 32 patients affected by Mason II or III fractures of the radial head who underwent ARIF or ORIF by screws fixation were retrospectively selected and evaluated. A total of 13 patients were treated (40.6%) by ARIF and 19 patients (59.4%) by ORIF. Mean follow-up was 10 years (7–15 years). All patients underwent MEPI and BMRS scores at follow-up, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: No statistical significance was reported in Surgical Time (p = 0.805) or BMRS (p = 0.181) values. Significative improvement was recorded in MEPI score (p = 0.036), and between ARIF (98.07, SD ± 4.34) and ORIF (91.57, SD ± 11.67). The ARIF group showed lower incidence of postoperative complications, especially regarding stiffness (15.4% with ORIF at 21.1%). Concl...
Radiologic Clinics of North America
Joints
Purpose The aims of this study were to measure the distance of the posterior interosseous nerve (... more Purpose The aims of this study were to measure the distance of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) from the radial head (RH) and its variations with forearm movements. Methods Five fresh frozen cadaver specimens were dissected under arthroscopy. An anterior capsulectomy extended to the entire lateral compartment was performed. The need of soft tissue dissection to isolate the nerve in the extracapsular space was recorded. The distance between the nerve and the anterior part of the RH was then measured with a graduated caliper inserted via the midlateral portal with the forearm in neutral position, full pronation, and full supination. Results The PIN was identifiable in all the specimens. In four cases, it was surrounded by a thick layer of adipose tissue, and further dissection was necessary to isolate it. Damage of the PIN during dissection occurred in one case, in which the proximal part of the nerve was accidentally cut. In three of the remaining cases, an increased distance w...
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2016
Chronic coronoid deficiency can occur subsequent to coronoid fracture malunion/nonunion or to cor... more Chronic coronoid deficiency can occur subsequent to coronoid fracture malunion/nonunion or to coronoid hypoplasia or dysplasia resulting from injury during development. Several surgical options have been described to treat this difficult condition, but results are equivocal. We hypothesized that a modified coronoid reconstruction using a radial head osteochondral graft could restore elbow stability and congruity and that a technique involving rigid internal fixation would promote graft union. The coronoid was reconstructed using an osteochondral fragment from a frozen allograft radial head in 3 young women affected by complex post-traumatic elbow instability and incongruity resulting from coronoid deficiency. To promote bone healing, the fragment was kept as large as could be fitted in place, the cut surface compressed onto the remaining coronoid was as large as possible, the medial portion of the radial head (containing dense bone) was used, and 3 lag screws were inserted in different directions. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, all 3 patients achieved a painless, congruent stable joint with a functional range of motion. Computed tomography scans performed 3 months after surgery showed complete union of the graft in all the patients. Each patient rated herself as "almost normal" or "greatly improved" on the Summary Outcome Determination scale. Coronoid reconstruction with a radial head osteochondral allograft was successful in restoring stability and function in chronically unstable elbows with coronoid deficiency. Strong fixation using a large segment of the medial radial head achieved rapid graft healing.
L’artroscopia di gomito è oggi una tecnica chirurgica standardizzata. Nel corso degli ultimi diec... more L’artroscopia di gomito è oggi una tecnica chirurgica standardizzata. Nel corso degli ultimi dieci anni si è rapidamente perfezionata e oggi vengono comunemente eseguiti per via artroscopica interventi un tempo considerati eseguibili solo con tecnica a cielo aperto. I motivi che spingono a preferire l’artroscopia alle tecniche open tradizionali (più semplici e meglio conosciute) sono l’esecuzione di incisioni più piccole con ridotti rischi di successiva formazione di tessuto cicatriziale, la migliore visualizzazione delle superfici articolari e la più rapida ripresa funzionale dell’arto. Ancora in evoluzione sono le indicazioni, strettamente dipendenti dall’esperienza raggiunta dal chirurgo. L’artroscopia è da ritenere indicazione elettiva in presenza di corpi mobili o distacchi ossei nell’osteocondrite del capitulum humeri e nelle forme iniziali di patologie sinoviali; rappresentano indicazione relativa la rigidità del gomito e l’epicondilite, mentre indicazioni limite – alla porta...
LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational
La Chirurgia degli Organi di Movimento, 2008
We reviewed our experience in the surgical treatment of 12 cases of proximal ulna nonunion. The p... more We reviewed our experience in the surgical treatment of 12 cases of proximal ulna nonunion. The primary injuries were 2 fracture-dislocations of the olecranon, 6 Monteggia lesions and 3 isolated fractures of the proximal ulna. According to the type of primary injury and its anatomical site, the nonunions were classified into 2 groups, considering that the nonunions nearest to the humerus-ulna joint present a more disabling clinical profile and are more difficult to treat: group A (6 patientsnonunion within 5 cm from the olecranon tip of the olecranon) and group B (6 patients -nonunion between 5 and 10 cm from the olecranon tip of the olecranon). In all cases, after fibrous callus debridement and bone surface remodelling, fixation was performed with plate and screws and homoplastic cortical bone graft (orthogonal or parallel to the plate) and an intercalary bone cylinder when the bone defect was severe. In 3 patients (group A), where the defect was smaller than 1 cm, fixation of the ulna was combined with a resection of the radial neck. Clinical-radiographic healing was achieved in all patients followed for a mean of 27 months. Complications included a case of nonunion due to failure of the intercalary graft with plate breakage. The patient healed after a new surgery performed with same technique. The score, according to the Broberg-Morrey scoring system, was 78 in group A patients and 93 in group B patients. The use of homoplastic cortical bone graft represents an effective technique to improve the mechanical properties of the fixation and supports biological union, even when the bone defect is severe.
Orthopedics, 2003
Four hundred ninety-three patients aged > 65 years with proximal femur fractures were examined... more Four hundred ninety-three patients aged > 65 years with proximal femur fractures were examined to assess the mortality rate within 1 year postoperatively. The risk factors that are most often associated with death were identified. Within the inhomogeneous group of patients, mortality was significantly higher in patients with poor mental status, with > or = 2 pre-existing diseases, a 3 or 4 American Society of Anesthetists class rating, and a lateral fracture. Regarding treatment and rehabilitation, special attention needs to be paid to these patients postoperatively.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2010
Sterno Clavicular Joint (SCJ) dislocations are rare injuries of the shoulder girdle. Their manage... more Sterno Clavicular Joint (SCJ) dislocations are rare injuries of the shoulder girdle. Their management is controversial due to a not guaranteed outcome after any kind of treatment (conservative or open). Open reduction is challenging because of the anatomical site, while the conservative treatment does not always improve pain or instability discomfort. We report a case of traumatic and painful anterior SCJ dislocation of a young policewoman treated with open reduction by a new surgical technique. Functional result is extremely good at 2 years of follow-up.
LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational, 2008
Abstract Irreparable rotator cuff tears are infrequent but well defined lesions consisting of ma... more Abstract Irreparable rotator cuff tears are infrequent but well defined lesions consisting of massive or not rotator cuff tears that are not completely reparable, because of their size and retraction. Patients can present with a variety of manifestations. They may have no or mild symptoms, or may be completely disabled and in severe pain. The true incidence is unknown. The presenting
Eklem hastalıkları ve cerrahisi = Joint diseases & related surgery, 2012
A 14-year-old girl who was engaged in farming was admitted with the complaints of right elbow pai... more A 14-year-old girl who was engaged in farming was admitted with the complaints of right elbow pain and limited range of motion in the elbow joint. Plain radiograph revealed capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. After the loose fragment was removed from the capitellum and the defect was curetted, a palmaris longus tendon graft harvested from the same hand was implanted into the capitellar defect. Elbow joint was immobilized for three weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that tendon graft was successfully adapted into defect. The range of motion was preserved and she had no pain in the elbow joint. In conclusion, we suggest that tendon autograft can be used in the treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2012
Radial head prosthetic replacement is indicated in case of comminuted fracture not amenable to in... more Radial head prosthetic replacement is indicated in case of comminuted fracture not amenable to internal fixation, especially when the radial head fracture is part of a pattern of lesions configuring a complex instability of the elbow. Thirty-one SBi radial head prostheses were implanted in 30 patients (one bilateral simultaneous fracture) over a 2 years period. In 10 patients, the mean time from trauma to surgical treatment was 2.4 days, while the remaining 20 patients were treated as ''second opinion'' cases presenting with elbow stiffness or instability after an average of 19 days from trauma. The implants were monopolar in 12 cases and bipolar in 19. The clinical results were evaluated through the Mayo Elbow performance scoring system. At an average follow-up of 2 years (range 13-36 months), the mean MEPS was 90 points (range 65-100). At late radiographic analysis, radiolucent lines around the stem were found in 11 of the 31 cases. Heterotopic ossifications were found in 14 cases. Bone resorption was observed in 9 cases. Two of the 31 prostheses were removed after 16 and 20 months, in one case to correct stiffness in pronation/supination, in the other one for asymptomatic aseptic mobilization. These short-term results are satisfactory, especially when considering that they were obtained in complex elbow lesions treated in many cases at a delayed stage. Our preference over time went more and more to bipolar implants, but from a comparison of the results we could find no evidence of a superiority of bipolar or monopolar implants. The evolution of these prostheses needs to be evaluated with further studies to assess mid-term and long-term follow-up results.
Simple and Complex Fractures of the Humerus, 2014
Simple and Complex Fractures of the Humerus, 2014
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2011
The high incidence of recurrent tendon tears after repair of massive cuff lesions is prompting th... more The high incidence of recurrent tendon tears after repair of massive cuff lesions is prompting the research of materials aimed at mechanically or biologically reinforcing the tendon. Among the materials studied upto now, the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds of human origin have proved to be the safest and most efficient, but the current laws about grafts and transplants preclude their use in Europe. In order to overcome this condition in 2006, we started a project regarding the production of an ECM scaffold of human origin which could be implanted in Europe too. In 2009, the clinical study began with the implantation of dermal matrix scaffolds in 7 middle-aged patients affected with large/massive cuff lesions and tendon degeneration. Out of 5 cases, followed for at least 1 year in which the scaffold was employed as an augmentation device, there were 3 patients with complete healing, 1 partial re-tear, and 1 total recurrence. The absence of adverse inflammatory or septic complications allows to continue this line of research with a prospective controlled study in order to define the real advantages and correct indications offered by scaffold application.
La Chirurgia degli Organi di Movimento, 2008
Tissue engineering may play a major role in the treatment of rotator cuff tendon lesions through ... more Tissue engineering may play a major role in the treatment of rotator cuff tendon lesions through replacement of an injured tendon segment. Tendons have very poor spontaneous regenerative capabilities, and despite intensive remodelling, complete regeneration is never achieved and the strength of tendon and ligaments remains as much as 30% lower than normal even months or years following an acute injury. Tendons seem to be the least complex of the connective tissues with respect to their composition and architecture and this leads to the expectation that they would be more amenable to tissue engineered approaches than other tissues. An accurate literature revision was done in order to know the state of the art of tissue engineering therapies in the field of rotator cuff regeneration. The following techniques of tissue engineering were considered: local injection of stem cells or growth factors, gene transfer, in situ tissue engineering and in vitro production of bioengineered tendons to be further transplanted in the lesion site. So far, few experimental or clinical studies have been done on tendon tissue engineering compared to the extensive work on other tissues of orthopaedic interest, such as bone and cartilage. The existing studies are related to the following tissue engineering methodologies: gene transfer, in situ tissue engineering and in vitro production of bioengineered tendons. In our opinion the previously described literature revision showed the necessity for future studies in this area also because of recent advances in biological and bioactive scaffolds.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2010
Invalidating elbow contractures, a frequent problem after injury, are commonly treated by physica... more Invalidating elbow contractures, a frequent problem after injury, are commonly treated by physical therapy or surgical release. In both cases, results can be frustrating: physical therapy is often not sufficient to gain functional range of motion, and after surgical release it is common to lose part of the motion gained in operating room. Thanks to the viscous-elastic properties of the soft tissue, the mobilization elbow braces can stretch the retracting or retracted tissues inducing a biological lengthening of collagen fibres. In post-traumatic contracture, mobilization braces are effectively employable in two main critical situations: to treat recent onset contractures which do not respond to simple physical therapy and to help in preserving range of motion gained after surgical release. We report our experience with mobilization brace used in 42 patients, 5 for post-traumatic contracture, 4 for contracture following articular fracture fixation and 33 after surgical release. Classification, indications and treatment protocols of the mobilization braces utilized are reported.
Treatment of Elbow Lesions, 2008
... Following the splint classification system pro-posed by Garner in 1992 (American Society of H... more ... Following the splint classification system pro-posed by Garner in 1992 (American Society of Hand Therapist, cited by Jacobs ML) [2] we can classify the elbow brace (Table 1). Immobilization brace: this type can be a nonarticulated or articulated locked brace; the purpose of this ...
Muscle Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 2019
Introduction: Chronic elbow instability is a disable complication. This prospective study reports... more Introduction: Chronic elbow instability is a disable complication. This prospective study reports our experience with the box-loop reconstruction technique, compared with traditional Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) and eventual Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) reconstruction, showing its functional outcome at 12-month follow-up. Methods: From January 2013 to February 2017, 27 patients with complex elbow instability were recruited. Group-A patients were managed using box-loop technique; in Group-B patients LCL reconstruction was performed and MCL lesions were always intraoperatively tested, under fluoroscopy, and eventually treated. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline (T0) and at 1month (T1), 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-up. X-rays were performed at T0 and T3. Intergroup and intragroup variability was assessed. Results: In all the patients, an improvement of both the range of movement and the joint stability was observed after surgery. The mean increase in flexion-extension arch was 52° in Group-A patients at 12-month follow-up. A significant improvement (p<0.05) of Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Oxford Elbow Scores and Visual Analogue Scale was observed at 12-month follow-up in both groups. Conclusion: Box-loop technique revealed safe and effective in the management of multidirectional elbow instability. Level of evidence: IV, Cases Series.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Background: This study aimed to describe the ARIF (Arthroscopic Reduction Internal Fixation) tech... more Background: This study aimed to describe the ARIF (Arthroscopic Reduction Internal Fixation) technique for radial head fractures and to compare the results with ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) at mean 10 years. Methods: A total of 32 patients affected by Mason II or III fractures of the radial head who underwent ARIF or ORIF by screws fixation were retrospectively selected and evaluated. A total of 13 patients were treated (40.6%) by ARIF and 19 patients (59.4%) by ORIF. Mean follow-up was 10 years (7–15 years). All patients underwent MEPI and BMRS scores at follow-up, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: No statistical significance was reported in Surgical Time (p = 0.805) or BMRS (p = 0.181) values. Significative improvement was recorded in MEPI score (p = 0.036), and between ARIF (98.07, SD ± 4.34) and ORIF (91.57, SD ± 11.67). The ARIF group showed lower incidence of postoperative complications, especially regarding stiffness (15.4% with ORIF at 21.1%). Concl...
Radiologic Clinics of North America
Joints
Purpose The aims of this study were to measure the distance of the posterior interosseous nerve (... more Purpose The aims of this study were to measure the distance of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) from the radial head (RH) and its variations with forearm movements. Methods Five fresh frozen cadaver specimens were dissected under arthroscopy. An anterior capsulectomy extended to the entire lateral compartment was performed. The need of soft tissue dissection to isolate the nerve in the extracapsular space was recorded. The distance between the nerve and the anterior part of the RH was then measured with a graduated caliper inserted via the midlateral portal with the forearm in neutral position, full pronation, and full supination. Results The PIN was identifiable in all the specimens. In four cases, it was surrounded by a thick layer of adipose tissue, and further dissection was necessary to isolate it. Damage of the PIN during dissection occurred in one case, in which the proximal part of the nerve was accidentally cut. In three of the remaining cases, an increased distance w...
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2016
Chronic coronoid deficiency can occur subsequent to coronoid fracture malunion/nonunion or to cor... more Chronic coronoid deficiency can occur subsequent to coronoid fracture malunion/nonunion or to coronoid hypoplasia or dysplasia resulting from injury during development. Several surgical options have been described to treat this difficult condition, but results are equivocal. We hypothesized that a modified coronoid reconstruction using a radial head osteochondral graft could restore elbow stability and congruity and that a technique involving rigid internal fixation would promote graft union. The coronoid was reconstructed using an osteochondral fragment from a frozen allograft radial head in 3 young women affected by complex post-traumatic elbow instability and incongruity resulting from coronoid deficiency. To promote bone healing, the fragment was kept as large as could be fitted in place, the cut surface compressed onto the remaining coronoid was as large as possible, the medial portion of the radial head (containing dense bone) was used, and 3 lag screws were inserted in different directions. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, all 3 patients achieved a painless, congruent stable joint with a functional range of motion. Computed tomography scans performed 3 months after surgery showed complete union of the graft in all the patients. Each patient rated herself as "almost normal" or "greatly improved" on the Summary Outcome Determination scale. Coronoid reconstruction with a radial head osteochondral allograft was successful in restoring stability and function in chronically unstable elbows with coronoid deficiency. Strong fixation using a large segment of the medial radial head achieved rapid graft healing.
L’artroscopia di gomito è oggi una tecnica chirurgica standardizzata. Nel corso degli ultimi diec... more L’artroscopia di gomito è oggi una tecnica chirurgica standardizzata. Nel corso degli ultimi dieci anni si è rapidamente perfezionata e oggi vengono comunemente eseguiti per via artroscopica interventi un tempo considerati eseguibili solo con tecnica a cielo aperto. I motivi che spingono a preferire l’artroscopia alle tecniche open tradizionali (più semplici e meglio conosciute) sono l’esecuzione di incisioni più piccole con ridotti rischi di successiva formazione di tessuto cicatriziale, la migliore visualizzazione delle superfici articolari e la più rapida ripresa funzionale dell’arto. Ancora in evoluzione sono le indicazioni, strettamente dipendenti dall’esperienza raggiunta dal chirurgo. L’artroscopia è da ritenere indicazione elettiva in presenza di corpi mobili o distacchi ossei nell’osteocondrite del capitulum humeri e nelle forme iniziali di patologie sinoviali; rappresentano indicazione relativa la rigidità del gomito e l’epicondilite, mentre indicazioni limite – alla porta...
LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational
La Chirurgia degli Organi di Movimento, 2008
We reviewed our experience in the surgical treatment of 12 cases of proximal ulna nonunion. The p... more We reviewed our experience in the surgical treatment of 12 cases of proximal ulna nonunion. The primary injuries were 2 fracture-dislocations of the olecranon, 6 Monteggia lesions and 3 isolated fractures of the proximal ulna. According to the type of primary injury and its anatomical site, the nonunions were classified into 2 groups, considering that the nonunions nearest to the humerus-ulna joint present a more disabling clinical profile and are more difficult to treat: group A (6 patientsnonunion within 5 cm from the olecranon tip of the olecranon) and group B (6 patients -nonunion between 5 and 10 cm from the olecranon tip of the olecranon). In all cases, after fibrous callus debridement and bone surface remodelling, fixation was performed with plate and screws and homoplastic cortical bone graft (orthogonal or parallel to the plate) and an intercalary bone cylinder when the bone defect was severe. In 3 patients (group A), where the defect was smaller than 1 cm, fixation of the ulna was combined with a resection of the radial neck. Clinical-radiographic healing was achieved in all patients followed for a mean of 27 months. Complications included a case of nonunion due to failure of the intercalary graft with plate breakage. The patient healed after a new surgery performed with same technique. The score, according to the Broberg-Morrey scoring system, was 78 in group A patients and 93 in group B patients. The use of homoplastic cortical bone graft represents an effective technique to improve the mechanical properties of the fixation and supports biological union, even when the bone defect is severe.
Orthopedics, 2003
Four hundred ninety-three patients aged > 65 years with proximal femur fractures were examined... more Four hundred ninety-three patients aged > 65 years with proximal femur fractures were examined to assess the mortality rate within 1 year postoperatively. The risk factors that are most often associated with death were identified. Within the inhomogeneous group of patients, mortality was significantly higher in patients with poor mental status, with > or = 2 pre-existing diseases, a 3 or 4 American Society of Anesthetists class rating, and a lateral fracture. Regarding treatment and rehabilitation, special attention needs to be paid to these patients postoperatively.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2010
Sterno Clavicular Joint (SCJ) dislocations are rare injuries of the shoulder girdle. Their manage... more Sterno Clavicular Joint (SCJ) dislocations are rare injuries of the shoulder girdle. Their management is controversial due to a not guaranteed outcome after any kind of treatment (conservative or open). Open reduction is challenging because of the anatomical site, while the conservative treatment does not always improve pain or instability discomfort. We report a case of traumatic and painful anterior SCJ dislocation of a young policewoman treated with open reduction by a new surgical technique. Functional result is extremely good at 2 years of follow-up.
LO SCALPELLO-OTODI Educational, 2008
Abstract Irreparable rotator cuff tears are infrequent but well defined lesions consisting of ma... more Abstract Irreparable rotator cuff tears are infrequent but well defined lesions consisting of massive or not rotator cuff tears that are not completely reparable, because of their size and retraction. Patients can present with a variety of manifestations. They may have no or mild symptoms, or may be completely disabled and in severe pain. The true incidence is unknown. The presenting
Eklem hastalıkları ve cerrahisi = Joint diseases & related surgery, 2012
A 14-year-old girl who was engaged in farming was admitted with the complaints of right elbow pai... more A 14-year-old girl who was engaged in farming was admitted with the complaints of right elbow pain and limited range of motion in the elbow joint. Plain radiograph revealed capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. After the loose fragment was removed from the capitellum and the defect was curetted, a palmaris longus tendon graft harvested from the same hand was implanted into the capitellar defect. Elbow joint was immobilized for three weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that tendon graft was successfully adapted into defect. The range of motion was preserved and she had no pain in the elbow joint. In conclusion, we suggest that tendon autograft can be used in the treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2012
Radial head prosthetic replacement is indicated in case of comminuted fracture not amenable to in... more Radial head prosthetic replacement is indicated in case of comminuted fracture not amenable to internal fixation, especially when the radial head fracture is part of a pattern of lesions configuring a complex instability of the elbow. Thirty-one SBi radial head prostheses were implanted in 30 patients (one bilateral simultaneous fracture) over a 2 years period. In 10 patients, the mean time from trauma to surgical treatment was 2.4 days, while the remaining 20 patients were treated as ''second opinion'' cases presenting with elbow stiffness or instability after an average of 19 days from trauma. The implants were monopolar in 12 cases and bipolar in 19. The clinical results were evaluated through the Mayo Elbow performance scoring system. At an average follow-up of 2 years (range 13-36 months), the mean MEPS was 90 points (range 65-100). At late radiographic analysis, radiolucent lines around the stem were found in 11 of the 31 cases. Heterotopic ossifications were found in 14 cases. Bone resorption was observed in 9 cases. Two of the 31 prostheses were removed after 16 and 20 months, in one case to correct stiffness in pronation/supination, in the other one for asymptomatic aseptic mobilization. These short-term results are satisfactory, especially when considering that they were obtained in complex elbow lesions treated in many cases at a delayed stage. Our preference over time went more and more to bipolar implants, but from a comparison of the results we could find no evidence of a superiority of bipolar or monopolar implants. The evolution of these prostheses needs to be evaluated with further studies to assess mid-term and long-term follow-up results.
Simple and Complex Fractures of the Humerus, 2014
Simple and Complex Fractures of the Humerus, 2014
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2011
The high incidence of recurrent tendon tears after repair of massive cuff lesions is prompting th... more The high incidence of recurrent tendon tears after repair of massive cuff lesions is prompting the research of materials aimed at mechanically or biologically reinforcing the tendon. Among the materials studied upto now, the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds of human origin have proved to be the safest and most efficient, but the current laws about grafts and transplants preclude their use in Europe. In order to overcome this condition in 2006, we started a project regarding the production of an ECM scaffold of human origin which could be implanted in Europe too. In 2009, the clinical study began with the implantation of dermal matrix scaffolds in 7 middle-aged patients affected with large/massive cuff lesions and tendon degeneration. Out of 5 cases, followed for at least 1 year in which the scaffold was employed as an augmentation device, there were 3 patients with complete healing, 1 partial re-tear, and 1 total recurrence. The absence of adverse inflammatory or septic complications allows to continue this line of research with a prospective controlled study in order to define the real advantages and correct indications offered by scaffold application.
La Chirurgia degli Organi di Movimento, 2008
Tissue engineering may play a major role in the treatment of rotator cuff tendon lesions through ... more Tissue engineering may play a major role in the treatment of rotator cuff tendon lesions through replacement of an injured tendon segment. Tendons have very poor spontaneous regenerative capabilities, and despite intensive remodelling, complete regeneration is never achieved and the strength of tendon and ligaments remains as much as 30% lower than normal even months or years following an acute injury. Tendons seem to be the least complex of the connective tissues with respect to their composition and architecture and this leads to the expectation that they would be more amenable to tissue engineered approaches than other tissues. An accurate literature revision was done in order to know the state of the art of tissue engineering therapies in the field of rotator cuff regeneration. The following techniques of tissue engineering were considered: local injection of stem cells or growth factors, gene transfer, in situ tissue engineering and in vitro production of bioengineered tendons to be further transplanted in the lesion site. So far, few experimental or clinical studies have been done on tendon tissue engineering compared to the extensive work on other tissues of orthopaedic interest, such as bone and cartilage. The existing studies are related to the following tissue engineering methodologies: gene transfer, in situ tissue engineering and in vitro production of bioengineered tendons. In our opinion the previously described literature revision showed the necessity for future studies in this area also because of recent advances in biological and bioactive scaffolds.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY, 2010
Invalidating elbow contractures, a frequent problem after injury, are commonly treated by physica... more Invalidating elbow contractures, a frequent problem after injury, are commonly treated by physical therapy or surgical release. In both cases, results can be frustrating: physical therapy is often not sufficient to gain functional range of motion, and after surgical release it is common to lose part of the motion gained in operating room. Thanks to the viscous-elastic properties of the soft tissue, the mobilization elbow braces can stretch the retracting or retracted tissues inducing a biological lengthening of collagen fibres. In post-traumatic contracture, mobilization braces are effectively employable in two main critical situations: to treat recent onset contractures which do not respond to simple physical therapy and to help in preserving range of motion gained after surgical release. We report our experience with mobilization brace used in 42 patients, 5 for post-traumatic contracture, 4 for contracture following articular fracture fixation and 33 after surgical release. Classification, indications and treatment protocols of the mobilization braces utilized are reported.
Treatment of Elbow Lesions, 2008
... Following the splint classification system pro-posed by Garner in 1992 (American Society of H... more ... Following the splint classification system pro-posed by Garner in 1992 (American Society of Hand Therapist, cited by Jacobs ML) [2] we can classify the elbow brace (Table 1). Immobilization brace: this type can be a nonarticulated or articulated locked brace; the purpose of this ...