Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic debilitating disorder causing pain and gradual degeneration of weight-bearing joints with detrimental effects on cartilage volume as well as cartilage damage, generating inflammation in the joint structure. The etiology of OA is multifactorial. Currently, therapies are mainly addressing the physical and occupational aspects of osteoarthritis using pharmacologic pain treatment and/or surgery to manage the symptomatology of the disease with no specific regard to disease progression or prevention. Herein, we highlight alternative therapeutics for OA specifically considering innovative and encouraging translational methods with the use of adipose mesenchymal stem cells.

Phalangeal fractures are common events among the upper limbs accounting for 10% of all human body fractures. Fracture complete healing process may persevere several months or years. Most phalangeal fractures present favorable union within 3 to 6 weeks. In the literature, biophysical stimulation has yielded favorable outcomes in the treatment of hand fractures. A survey involving hospitals in the US reported the use of biophysical stimulation (72%) in relation to nonhealing fractures at three months after trauma. A noninvasive procedure such as biophysical stimulation may be preferential prior to consideration of invasive procedures. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 80 phalangeal fractures, 43 of which did not show any radiographic sign of healing 30 days after surgery; on radiograms, we calculated radiographic data and the total active motion (TAM) for clinical comparison. All radiographic images were evaluated using Adobe Photoshop CS3 (version 10.0, Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). We calculated the index of relative bone healing each month after surgery starting from 30 days, which was considered as T1, and followed up for a total of 6 months after stimulation (T6) with better results in stimulated groups. We concluded that prompt administration of biophysical stimulation supports fracture healing and yields an important improvement in the union rate compared with nontreatment. Above all, our patients experienced less injury-related distress between the fracture and repair period, which consequently reduced immobilization time, envisaging an early rehabilitation interval, with a better patient hand outcome.

A bstract Background Complex elbow injuries (CEIs) are severe and rare lesions, difficult to treat correctly due to the different patterns of clinical presentations. Standard methods cannot often be applied. The main goals of the treatment are performing a stable osteosynthesis of all fractures, obtaining a concentric and stable reduction of the elbow by repairing the soft tissue constraint lesions, and allowing early motion. Since the introduction of virtual reality (VR) approaches in clinical practice, three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) and 3D printing have revolutionised orthopaedic surgeries, thus helping to understand the anatomy and the pathology of complex cases. Case description We discussed a case of CEI, characterised by an extended soft tissue (IIIB Gustilo classification) and neurovascular lesions associated with bone loss in a young female patient. Olecranon fracture was type IIIB according to Mayo classification. We outlined the steps of a pluri-tissue reconstructive approach and stressed the importance of 3D printing in the preoperative planning for such cases. Finally, peculiar final functional patient outcomes were reported. Conclusion In this case, we found out that triceps reinsertion and scar process may provide for the joint stability in a low-demanding patient. 3D printing and VR approaches in clinical practice can be useful in the management of CEIs associated with an important bone and soft tissue loss. How to cite this article Facco G, Politano R, Marchesini A, et al. A Peculiar Case of Open Complex Elbow Injury with Critical Bone Loss, Triceps Reinsertion, and Scar Tissue might Provide for Elbow Stability? Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(1):53–59.

Complex trauma of the upper limb is a common consequence of involvement in serious accidents. Loss of substance including nerve, bone, tendons and vascular defects are challenging surgical issues. A 27- year-old male presented with complex upper limb trauma and loss of a proximal third of the posterior forearm structure as well as loss of active finger extension, ulnar and radial nerve territory anesthesia and ulnar fracture. A composite nerve-tendon-muscle-skin gracilis free flap was retrieved from the contralateral leg, related to tendon transfer of BR to ELP, to supply active hand extension. The patient was required to adhere to intensive post-surgical rehabilitation and monitored for a 3-year follow-up period. Our assessment revealed adequate skin trophism and sufficient muscle strength recovery against resistance (M5). The functional flap associated with tendon transfer was considered an efficient procedure for the management of a complex trauma with loss of posterior interosseous nerve and bone exposition. The free re-innervated gracilis flap may be used to repair complex soft tissue defects with exposed bone and to restore finger extension following severe forearm injuries.

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