Background Fixation of pertrochanteric fracture is undoubtedly an additional trauma after the fracture itself. In elderly patients, it might have an important impact on the whole organism. In the literature we find various techniques to perform this type of surgery. Up to now, there are no parameters validated for quantification of the invasiveness of a surgical procedure; it is therefore still not demonstrated that any method is less invasive than any other. In an effort to find a way to quantify the invasiveness of a surgical procedure, inflammatory markers were collected in patients undergoing fixation of trochanteric fracture with gliding hip screw [dynamic hip screw (DHS)] using either a conventional (DHS conv) or minimally invasive (DHS MIO) technique. Method Two groups of patients were investigated prospectively; 36 of them were treated with conventional DHS technique and 32 with minimally invasive technique. Mean age was 84.7 ± 7.20 and 82.78 ± 7.71 years, respectively. Fracture type was classified according to the AO classification. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured 1 h before and 1 h after surgery. Student’s t test, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results Preoperative levels of interleukins showed no significant differences between the two groups. In contrast, the postoperative blood level of IL-6 in patients operated with DHS conv technique (78.41 ± 67.04 pg/ml) was on average higher than in patients operated by DHS MIO technique (39.02 ± 37.36 pg/ml), the mean difference being 39.39 pg/ml [95 % confidence interval (CI) 12.65–66.13 pg/ml; p = 0.0045]. Multivariate logistic regression (backward method with limit of significance 0.05) confirmed that patients operated by conventional technique were significantly more likely to have increased IL-6 after surgery than those operated by MIO technique. IL-8 was measured in only 36 patients (20 for DHS conv, 16 for DHS MIO). No significant differences were found between the two groups; however, there was a drastic decrease postoperatively ( p < 0.0001) regardless of the type of surgery performed. IL-10 and TNF-α were tested in all subjects, but did not show significant differences between the two groups. Average length of incision was significantly different (4.61 cm, 95 % CI 3.50–5.71 cm; p < 0.001) between the two groups, being 11.65 ± 2.64 cm for DHS conv and 7.05 ± 1.77 cm for DHS MIO. Similarly, average units of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused [performed for hemoglobin (Hb) <9 g/dl and/or hematocrit (HCT) <27 %] was higher (2.22 ± 0.99) in the DHS conv group compared with the DHS MIO group (1.09 ± 1.20), with average difference of 1.13 (95 % CI 0.59–1.66; p < 0.001). Conclusions This attempt to quantify the invasive...

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Optimal management of deep infections in orthopedic and trauma surgery is often challenging. Traditional prophylactic and treatment approaches are based on the systemic administration of relatively high doses of antibiotics, which may result in a number of side effects. Furthermore, systemically administered antimicrobials may not reach adequate concentration at the desired site. Finally, traditional approaches are based on two-step protocols, thus delaying definite fixation. In recent years, antibiotic-coated intramedullary nails (ACINs) have been introduced, which offer the advantage of delivering antibiotics locally, thus increasing their local concentrations and length of action. In addition, ACINs offer the great advantage of combining antimicrobial prophylaxis / treatment and stabilization in a single step. Preliminary evidence by small clinical studies appears to support the effectiveness of ACINs in the management of chronic osteomyelitis and infected non-unions, with high rates of infection eradication and bone union. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to definitely establish ACINs' effectiveness and safety.

Parosteal osteosarcoma is a low-grade malignant bone tumor arising from the distal femur and tibia. Wide resection of a parosteal osteosarcoma usually prevents local recurrence. In literature, hemicortical resections of low-grade malignant bone tumors and allograft reconstruction are described. We describe a new method of resection and reconstruction of parosteal osteosarcoma located in the popliteal paraosseous space of the distal part of the femur using cement and plate (LISS-SYNTHES) through dual medial and lateral incisions. The patient did not present infections and fractures and the functional results were good. After one year, no metastases developed and there were no local recurrences.