PurposeTo compare the “all‐inside technique” for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a short, quadrupled semitendinosus tendon (ST4) autograft and suspensory cortical fixation on both the femoral and tibial side vs the “conventional technique” using a semitendinosus/gracilis (ST/G) autograft fixed with a suspensory device on the femoral side and with an interference screw on the tibial side, in terms of clinical and functional outcomes. MethodsA total of 90 patients were enrolled, randomised into two groups, and prospectively followed. Group A comprised 45 patients treated with the all‐inside technique and Group B included 45 patients treated with the conventional ACL technique (55 males, 35 females; mean age 28.7 ± 11.3 years). Patients completed the Lysholm knee score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS), and the Knee Society Score (KSS) preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Anterior tibial translation measurement (KT‐1000 arthrometer) and isokinetic testing of the operative vs non‐operative limb were also conducted and the limb symmetry index (LSI) was determined. ResultsAt 24 months, the Lysholm, IKDC, KOOS, and KSS scores between the two groups were similar (n.s.). Anterior tibial translation between the operative and non‐operative knee was also similar among the two groups (n.s.). Patients of Group A had significantly higher mean LSIs in terms of flexor peak torque (1.0 ± 0.1 vs 0.9 ± 0.1; p < 0.001), time‐to‐peak (0.9 ± 0.1 vs 0.8 ± 0.1; p < 0.001) and total work (0.9 ± 0.1 vs 0.8 ± 0.1; p < 0.001) at 180°/s, and significantly better mean LSI for isometric flexor/extensor ratio at 90° (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 0.8 ± 0.2; p < 0.001). ConclusionThe all‐inside ACL reconstruction with an ST4 autograft and cortical button fixation on both ends is a viable alternative to the conventional technique. It affords preservation of knee flexor strength, which is of advantage, especially when treating athletes with ACL injury. Level of evidenceI.

Background:Osteitis pubis represents a non-infectious inflammation of the pubic symphysis causing varying degrees of lower abdominal and pelvic pain. Although, the disease is believed to affect mainly young athletic patients, it is also encountered in other specific patient groups. Both conservative and surgical treatment options are available. While for elite athletes surgical treatment is indicated, leading to fast pain relief and mobilization, for non-athletic patients no clear indication can be established.Methods:Eight non-athletic women with osteitis pubis, referred to our Department for treatment, were evaluated. All were initially treated conservatively with bed rest, per os non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy.Results:Seven patients improved significantly with conservative treatment while one displayed no improvement and was treated surgically with arthrodesis.Conclusion:We conclude that, for non-athletic female patients suffering from osteitis pubis, surgery is rarely required and that conservative treatment by means of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and physical modalities represents a fair option regarding pain and limitation of everyday activity.

Purpose. The rectofemoral fistula represents a devastating complication of colorectal surgery. Its early diagnosis and treatment are critical to obtain a good patient outcome. Case Presentation. A 75-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with high fever, ileus, low back pain, sciatic nerve palsy, and infection of the right knee. After numerous surgical debridements and antibiotic therapies, a rectofemoral fistula was diagnosed. Conclusion. Increased doctors' alertness is mandatory for the early identification and surgical treatment of patients suffering from a rectofemoral fistula before the stage of diffuse infection has significantly decreases their postoperative morbidity and mortality.

There are several reports of iatrogenic injury to the saphenous nerve branches during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction attributed to tendon harvesting through an anterior approach. Other investigators advocate that there is virtually no nerve damage when the tendons are harvested through a posteromedial knee incision. The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence of iatrogenic injury to the infrapatellar and sartorial branches of the saphenous nerve with anterior and posterior tendon harvesting. A prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted comparing patients treated with ACL reconstruction employing the conventional technique with a semitendinosus/gracilis autograft versus the all-inside technique with a short, quadrupled semitendinosus autograft. Tendon harvesting for these two groups was performed through the anterior and the posterior approach, respectively. Skin sensation of the anterior aspect of the operated knee and tibia was assessed by the pin prick test and was compared to the contralateral side. No sensory alterations were noted on the anteromedial aspect of the operated knee and tibia in patients of the posterior harvest group.

We present a case of a young woman with multilevel spinal injuries. The injury includes a rotational atlantoaxial dislocation associated with concomitant injury at C5 and at the sacrum. Rotational dislocation at C1-C2 level is not frequently encountered in young adults, and the presence of associated lesions to the spine makes this condition a challenging one. The medical record of a patient who sustained three spinal injuries at diVerent levels of the spine was evaluated. The prevalence of this type of injury, the diagnosis, the clinical behavior, and the applied treatment are evaluated. The patient was treated non-operatively, and a satisfactory clinical outcome was recorded at the last follow-up visit.