RSA is an established treatment option for elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures, particularly when general and local conditions are predictive of failure with hemiarthroplasty. Even though clinical results were quite variable in this series of patients, the adoption of a standardized surgical technique allowed to minimize postoperative complications. Subscapularis repair does not seem a critical factor for preventing implant dislocation, but its influence on functional results needs further investigation.

Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are rare, frequently comminuted, and are without consensus for treatment. The aim of this paper is to review the current concepts on the diagnosis, classification, treatment options, surgical approaches, and complications of capitellar and trochlear fractures. Computed Tomography (CT) scans, along with the Dubberley classification, are extremely helpful in the decision-making process. Most of the fractures necessitate open reduction and internal fixation, although elbow arthroplasty is an option for comminuted fractures in the elderly low-demand patient. Stiffness is the most common complication after fixation, although reoperation is infrequent.

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Purpose Metal ion release may cause local and systemic effects and induce hypersensitivity reactions. The aim of our study is first to determine if implant-related hypersensitivity correlates to patient symptoms or not; second, to assess the rate of hypersensitivity and allergies in shoulder arthroplasty. Methods Forty patients with shoulder replacements performed between 2015 and 2017 were studied with minimum 2-year follow-up; no patient had prior metal implants. Each patient underwent radiographic and clinical evaluation using the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), 22 metal and cement haptens patch testing, serum and urine tests to evaluate 12 metals concentration, and a personal occupational medicine interview. Results At follow-up (average 45 ± 10.7 months), the mean CMS was 76 ± 15.9; no clinical complications or radiographic signs of loosening were detected; two nickel sulfate (5%), 1 benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) and 1 potassium dichromate (2.5%) positive findings were found, but all these patients were asymptomatic. There was an increase in serum aluminum, urinary aluminum and urinary chromium levels of 1.74, 3.40 and 1.83 times the baseline, respectively. No significant difference in metal ion concentrations were found when patients were stratified according to gender, date of surgery, type of surgery, and type of implant. Conclusions Shoulder arthroplasty is a source of metal ion release and might act as a sensitizing exposure. However, patch test positivity does not seem to correlate to hypersensitivity cutaneous manifestations or poor clinical results. Laboratory data showed small constant ion release over time, regardless of gender, type of shoulder replacement and implant used. Levels of evidence Level II.

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Total knee arthroplasty ensures patients a safe recover of function and pain relief. It is performed on millions of patients worldwide. Nevertheless, in a certain percentage of case there is an unexplainable persistence of pain in presence of a well-performed surgery. This is called mystery knee or persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) and the surgical treatment is difficult since the factors to correct are unknown. Radiofrequencies are used for the treatment of chronic nervous pain and also in some cases of osteoarthritis. They function with well-demonstrated and safe physical and microbiological processes. Therefore, the idea to apply radiofrequencies on one or several nervous braches of the knee (superolateral, superomedia, middle, inferolateral (recurrent), inferomedial and lateral retinacular) is quite interesting and can provide pain relief for this particular group of patients. The procedure is safe and not permanent and can be repeated if necessary. There are not many studies on this topic, but the first results report good outcomes. Costs may be an issue, but once the patient has no pain, the rehabilitation is more effective and the surgery con is postponed or deleted. This review discusses the basis of PPSP after knee surgery, the biological mechanism of action of the radiofrequencies and the clinical application after total knee arthroplasty.