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Purpose The ischiofemoral distance (IFD), defined as the distance between the ischial tuberosity and the lesser trochanter of the femur, is gaining recognition as an extra-articular cause of hip pain. It is unknown whether the IFD is influenced by the frontal knee alignment. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of realignment surgery around the knee on the IFD. It was hypothesized that valgisation osteotomy around the knee is associated with reduction of the IFD. Methods A consecutive series of 154 patients undergoing frontal realignment procedures around the knee in 2017 were included in this study. Long-leg standing radiographs were obtained before surgery and postoperatively. The IFD was measured between the ischium and the lesser trochanter at three different levels (proximal, middle and distal margins of the lesser trochanter parallel to the horizontal orientation of the pelvis) on standardized long-leg radiographs with the patient in upright standing position. The knee alignment was determined by measuring the hip knee ankle angle, mechanical lateral distal femur angle and the medial mechanical proximal tibia angle. Linear regression was performed to determine the influence of the change of frontal knee alignment on the IFD. Results Linear regression showed a direct influence of the overall change in frontal knee alignment on the IFD of the hip, regardless of the site of the osteotomy (β-0.4, confidence-interval − 0.5 to − 0.3, p  < 0.001). Valgisation osteotomy around the knee induced a significant reduction of the ipsilateral IFD ( p  < 0.001), while varisation osteotomy induced a significant increase ( p  < 0.001). The amount of ISD change was 0.4 mm per corresponding degree of change in frontal knee alignment. Conclusion These findings are relevant to both the hip and knee surgeons when planning an osteotomy or arthroplasty procedure. Correction of a malalignment of the knee may resolve an ischiofemoral conflict in the hip. The concept deserves inclusion in the diagnostic workup of both the hip and knee joints. Level of evidence IV.

Purpose (1) To determine the overall accuracy of synovial alpha-defensin, synovial C-reactive protein (sCRP), interleukin-6 (sIL-6), and leukocyte esterase (sLE) as diagnostic markers for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and (2) to independantly evaluate the accuracy of both the laboratory-based ELISA alpha-defensin test and the Synovasure™ alpha-defensin test kit. Methods An EMBASE and MEDLINE (PubMed) database search was performed using a set of professionally set search terms. Two independent reviewers rated eligible articles. Sensitivity and specificity were meta-analysed using a bivariate random-effects model. Results Accuracy values were extracted from 42 articles. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of the represented biomarkers were: alpha-defensin ELISA 0.97 (95% CI 0.91–0.99) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.98), respectively; Synovasure™ test kit assay 0.80 (95% CI 0.65–0.89) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.76–0.96), respectively; sLE 0.79 (95% CI 0.67–0.87) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.87–0.92), respectively; sIL-6 0.76 (95% CI 0.65–0.84) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.94), respectively; sCRP 0.86 (95% CI 0.81–0.91) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.86–0.93), respectively. Conclusion The labararory-based alpha-defensin ELISA test showed the highest ever reported accuracy for PJI diagnosis. However, this did not apply for the Synovasure™ alpha-defensin test, which was comparable in its overall diagnostic accuracy to sCRP, sIL-6 and sLE. The later biomarkers also did not yield an overall diagnostic accuracy higher than that previously reported for synovial white cell count (sWBC) or culture bacteriology. Based on current evidence, no synovial biomarker should be applied as a standalone diagnostic tool. Furthermore, the use of the laboratory-based alpha-defensin ELISA test should be encouraged, still, the Synovasure™ alpha-defensin test kit should be critically appreciated. Lever of evidence III.

Hyponatremia remains one of the most prevalent electrolyte disorders among geriatric inpatients but is frequently under-recognized in clinical coding. This study aimed to (1) estimate the corrected prevalence of uncoded hyponatremia (ucHn) by integrating laboratory and administrative data, and (2) quantify its incremental social and economic burden on elderly patients. A retrospective analysis covered 72,730 inpatient cases ≥70 years (2016-2024) in a Swiss hospital network. Hyponatremia was classified as coded (cHn; ICD-10 E87.1) or uncoded (ucHn; Na <135 mmol/L). Incremental costs were estimated via generalized linear models and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Among 13,657 patients with hyponatremia (18.7%), only 2,070 (2.8%) were coded. Prevalences were as follows: coded 2.8%, hidden15.9%, true prevalence 18.7%. ucHn was more prevalent in men (p<0.0001), presented with more mild cases (83.1/34.9%, p<0.0001), more incident cases (14.3/4.7%, p<0.0001), lower chronic hyponatremia (20.8/39.6% p<0.0001), significantly more frequent heart failure and lung cancer (p<0.0001), had higher asset cost (2,463 vs 1,654, p<0.0001), lower contribution margin 1 and 2 (p<0.0001) and a markedly higher 30-day mortality (46% vs 7%, p<0.0001). Mean length of stay (LOS) was 9.9 days vs 7.4 days (p<0.0001). ucHn generated incremental costs of CHF per case with a total systemic burden (2016-2024) amounted to ≈ 355 to 473 MCHF. Losses of autonomy, mobility, cognitive control and life years underline the impressive social impact for nearly every ucHn case. For the first time, the detected ucHn is evaluated. It presents a substantial social and economic burden with a previously unquantified excess mortality associated with uncoded hyponatremia. ucHn is widely underestimated in administrative hospital data. This COI study supports policy measures to improve documentation and awareness of hyponatremia in elderly patients with the aim of reducing its social impact.

Background Periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are an increasing problem and challenging to treat. The tibial side is commonly less affected than the femoral side wherefore few studies and case reports are available. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of periprosthetic tibial fractures and compare our data with current literature. Methods All periprosthetic tibial TKA fractures that were treated at our Level 1 Trauma Center between 2011 and 2015 were included and analyzed consecutively. The Felix classification was used to assess the fracture type and evaluation included the radiological and clinical outcome (Knee Society Score/KSS, Oxford Knee Score/OKS). Results From a total of 50 periprosthetic TKA fractures, 9 cases (7 female, 2 male; 2 cruciate retaining, 7 constrained TKAs) involving the tibial side were identified. The mean age in this group was 77 (65–85) years with a follow-up rate of 67% after a mean of 22 (0–36) months. The Felix classification showed type IB ( n  = 1), type IIB ( n  = 2), type IIIA ( n  = 4) and type IIIB ( n  = 2) and surgical intervention included ORIF ( n  = 6), revision arthroplasty ( n  = 1), arthrodesis ( n  = 1) and amputation ( n  = 1). The rate of adverse events and revision was 55.6% including impaired wound healing, infection and re-fracture respectively peri-implant fracture. Main revision surgery included soft tissue surgery, arthrodesis, amputation and re-osteosynthesis. The clinical outcome showed a mean OKS of 29 (19–39) points and a functional/knee KSS of 53 (40–70)/41 (17–72) points. Radiological analyses showed 4 cases of malalignment after reduction and plate fixation. Conclusions Periprosthetic tibial fractures predominantly affect elderly patients with a reduced bone quality and reveal a high complication rate. Careful operative planning with individual solutions respecting the individual patient condition is crucial. If ORIF with a plate is considered, restoration of the correct alignment and careful soft tissue management including minimal invasive procedures seem important factors for the postoperative outcome.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the subjective ankle function within the first year following matrix-induced bone marrow stimulation (M-BMS) of patients with a solitary osteochondral lesion of the talus (OCLT) with and without concomitant chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods Data from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU) for 78 patients with a solitary OCLT and a follow-up of at least 6 months were included. All patients received M-BMS for OCLT treatment. The cohort was subdivided into patients with OCLT without CAI treated with M-BMS alone ( n  = 40) and patients with OCLT and CAI treated with M-BMS and additional ankle stabilisation ( n  = 38). The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS) were used to assess patient-reported outcomes (median (minimum–maximum)). Results From preoperatively to 12 months postoperatively, patients with OCLT without CAI treated with M-BMS alone had a significant improvement of all subscales in the FAAM [activity of daily living 64.3 (10–100) to 88.1 (39–100); sports 34.4 (0–100) to 65.6 (13–94), functional activities of daily life 50 (0–90) to 80 (30–100), functional sports 30 (0–100) to 70 (5–100)] and FAOS [pain 61.1 (8–94) to 86.1 (50–100), symptoms 60.7 (18–96) to 76.8 (29–100), activities of daily living 72.1 (24–100) to 91.9 (68–100), sport/recreational activities 30.0 (0–70) to 62.5 (0–95), quality of life 31.3 (6–50) to 46.9 (19–100)]. Within the first year, patients with OCLT and CAI treated with M-BMS and ankle stabilisation also showed significant improvement in the FAAM [activity of daily living 68.8 (5–99) to 90.5 (45–100); sports 32.8 (0–87.5) to 64.1 (0–94), functional activities of daily life 62.5 (25–100) to 80 (60–90), functional sports 30 (0–100) to 67.5 (0.95)] and the FAOS [pain 66.7 (28–92) to 87.5 (47–100), symptoms 57.1 (29–96) to 78.6 (50–100), activities of daily living 80.1 (25–100) to 98.5 (59–100), sport/recreational activities 35.0 (0–100) to 70.0 (0–100), quality of life 25.0 (0–75) to 50.0 (19–94)]. The pain level decreased significantly in both groups. No significant difference was found between both groups regarding the subscales of FAAM, FAOS and the NRS 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion Improvements in subjective ankle function, daily life activities and sports activities were observed within the first year following M-BMS. Our results suggest that preexisting and treated ankle instability did not compromise subjective outcome in patients treated with M-BMS in the first postoperative year. Level of evidence Level IV.

Background Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries of the lower extremity. Tibial plateau fractures have an impact not only on physically demanding jobs but notably on general professional life too. The aim of this study was to assess how the professional activity of patients will be affected after a tibial plateau fracture. Methods 39 consecutive patients (ages 20–61 years) were retrospectively included in the study and were clinically examined at a minimum of 14 month postoperatively. Inclusion criteria were surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures between November 2009 and December 2012. The clinical evaluation included the Lysholm score and the Oxford Knee Score. Fractures were classified and analyzed using the AO classification. Intensity of work was classified as established by the REFA Association. The patients themselves provided postoperative duration of the incapacity of work and subjective ratings. Results 17 (43.6%) women and 22 (56.4%) men were examined with a mean follow-up of 29.7 ± 10.4 months (range 14–47). According to the AO classification there were 20 (51.3%) B-type-fractures and 19 (48.7%) C-type-fractures. The median incapacity of work was 120 days (range 10–700 days) with no significant differences between B- and C-type-fractures. Four (10.3%) patients reduced their working hours by 10.5 h per week on average. Patients with low workload (REFA 0–1, median incapacity of work 90 days, range 10–390 days) had a significant shorter incapacity of work than patients with heavy workload (REFA 2–4, median incapacity of work 180 days, range 90–700 days) ( p  < 0.05). The median Lysholm score decreased significantly from 100 points (range 69–100) before the injury to 73 points (range 23–100) at the time of the follow-up. All patients received postoperative physiotherapy (median 25 appointments, range 6–330), with a significant higher number of appointments for C-type-fractures than for B-type-fractures ( p  = 0.004). Conclusion A relationship was found between workload and the duration of incapacity of work after tibial plateau fractures. The post-injury shift to less demanding jobs and the reduction of working hours highlight the impact of a tibial plateau fracture on a patient’s subsequent physical ability to work.

Background Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an established method for the treatment of patients with varus malalignment and medial compartment osteoarthritis. In these patients, health-related quality of life (HRQL) can be improved by using this procedure. The purpose of the present study consisted in evaluating HRQL up to 18 months after HTO, comparing the results to values of the German normal population, and in analyzing the impact of preoperative HRQL on the postoperative clinical result. It was hypothesized that normal values in physical and mental health can be achieved within 18 months after operation. Study design: Prospective case series. Level of evidence: IV. Methods 120 patients were included in this prospective case series from 12/2008 to 12/2011. All patients underwent open wedge HTO without a bone graft using the TomoFix TM plate. HRQL was assessed by using the SF-36 questionnaire, preoperatively, as well as 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. Regular scoring, norm-based scaling, and the physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS) were evaluated. Clinical outcome was assessed by using Lequesne, Lysholm, HSS and IKDC Score. Results HRQL could be described in 96 patients. The PCS of HRQL showed a statistically significant pre- to postoperative improvement (30.2 ± 13.4 to 45.9 ± 13.5 after 18 months). A reduced preoperative mental component summary score (MCS) resulted in lower values of each clinical score ( p  < 0.05) and in a prolonged duration of incapacity for work (MCS < 50:15.0 ± 12.8 weeks, vs. MCS ≥ 50: 9.1 ± 4.8 weeks, p  < 0.05). MCS values improved from the pre- to postoperative measurements and comparable values to the normal population were reached already within 6 months after surgery (46.0 ± 14.9 pre-operatively and 48.5 ± 13.7 after 6 months), and after 18 months even a score of 49.5 ± 12.4 was achieved. Conclusion Lower preoperative mental component score results in reduced postoperative clinical outcome and prolonged duration of incapacity for work after HTO. In contrast to PCS, MCS showed comparable values to the normal population within 6 months after HTO.

Background Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear-prevention programs may be effective in the (secondary) prevention of a subsequent ACL injury, little is known, yet, on their effectiveness and feasibility. This study assesses the effects and implementation capacity of a secondary preventive motor-control training (the Stop-X program) after ACL reconstruction. Methods and design A multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled, prospective, superiority, two-arm design is adopted. Subsequent patients (18–35 years) with primary arthroscopic unilateral ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring graft are enrolled. Postoperative guideline rehabilitation plus Classic follow-up treatment and guideline rehabilitation plus the Stop-X intervention will be compared. The onset of the Stop-X program as part of the postoperative follow-up treatment is individualized and function based. The participants must be released for the training components. The endpoint is the unrestricted return to sport (RTS) decision. Before (where applicable) reconstruction and after the clearance for the intervention (aimed at 4–8 months post surgery) until the unrestricted RTS decision (but at least until 12 months post surgery), all outcomes will be assessed once a month. Each participant is consequently measured at least five times to a maximum of 12 times. Twelve, 18 and 24 months after the surgery, follow-up-measurements and recurrence monitoring will follow. The primary outcome assessement (normalized knee-separation distance at the Drop Jump Screening Test (DJST)) is followed by the functional secondary outcomes assessements. The latter consist of quality assessments during simple (combined) balance side, balance front and single-leg hops for distance. All hop/jump tests are self-administered and filmed from the frontal view (3-m distance). All videos are transferred using safe big content transfer and subsequently (and blinded) expertly video-rated. Secondary outcomes are questionnaires on patient-reported knee function, kinesiophobia, RTS after ACL injury and training/therapy volume (frequency – intensity – type and time). All questionnaires are completed online using the participants’ pseudonym only. Group allocation is executed randomly. The training intervention (Stop-X arm) consists of self-administered home-based exercises. The exercises are step-wise graduated and follow wound healing and functional restoration criteria. The training frequency for both arms is scheduled to be three times per week, each time for a 30 min duration. The program follows current (secondary) prevention guidelines. Repeated measurements gain-score analyses using analyses of (co-)variance are performed for all outcomes. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, identification number DRKS00015313 . Registered on 1 October 2018.

This study was conducted according to GCP criteria as a prospective randomized cross-over study. The primary goal of the study was to determine clinical findings and patient satisfaction with postoperative treatment. 29 patients with a distal radius fracture that was surgically stabilized from volar and who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled over a 12-month period. Each patient randomly received either a dorsal plaster splint or a vacuum-fit flexible but blocked orthosis applied postoperatively in the operating theatre to achieve postoperative immobilization. After one week all patients were crossed over to the complementary device maintaining the immobilization until end of week 2. After week 2 both groups were allowed to exercise wrist mobility with a physiotherapist, in the orthosis group the device was deblocked, thus allowing limited wrist mobility. After week 4 the devices were removed in both groups. Follow-up exams were performed after postoperative weeks 1, 2, 4 and 12. Results were determined after week 1 and 2 using SF 36 and a personally compiled questionnaire; after weeks 4 and 12 with a clinical check-up, calculation of ROM and the DASH Score. Comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in ROM for volar flexion after 4 weeks, but no significant differences in DASH Score, duration of disability or x-ray findings. With regard to satisfaction with comfort and hygiene, patients were significantly more satisfied with the dynamic orthosis, and 23 of the 29 patients would prefer the flexible vacuum orthosis in future. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00006097.

Purpose Angular stable implants reduced the complication rate in the treatment of humeral head fractures. But the failure rate is still high. To further reduce the risk of cut-out, cement augmentation of screws was introduced. A reason for failure of plate osteosynthesis might be the extremely high stiffness of the screw-plate interface leading to a loss of reduction and cut-out of screws. A more homogeneous distribution of the forces on all screws may avoid secondary dislocation. We hypothesize that dynamic osteosynthesis minimizes screw loosening and results in a higher load to failure than standard locking screws. Methods Twelve paired human humerus specimens were analysed. A standardized three-part fracture model with a metaphyseal defect was simulated. Within each pair of humeri, one was fixed with a Philos plate and standard locking screws (LS), whereas the other humerus was fixed with a Philos plate and dynamic locking screws (DLS). A cyclic varus-bending test or a rotation test with increasing loading force was performed until failure of the screw-bone-fixation. Results In the varus bending test, pairs failed by screw loosening in the humeral head. The LS-group reached 2901 (601–5201) load cycles until failure, while the DLS-group failed after 3731 (2001–5601) cycles. This corresponds to a median loading of 195 N for the LS-group and 235 N for the DLS-group ( p  = 0.028). In the rotation test the LS-group reached a median of 1101 (501–1501) load cycles until failure of fixation occurred, while the DLS-group failed after 1401 (401–2201) cycles ( p  = 0.225). Conclusions Plate fixation using dynamic locking screws for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures demonstrated more load cycles until failure compared to standard locking plate osteosynthesis.