Traumatology and Orthopedics of Russia

The aims of the study — to identify variants and combinations of acetabular structural damage in patients with Paprosky type 3B defects based on the three-dimensional reconstructions of the pelvis, as well as to determine the degree of heterogeneity among these variants within type 3B defects and the dependence of the formation of different damage variants on various factors.

Methods. The study included 132 patients with Paprosky type 3B acetabular defects who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty. Based on the computer tomography data, three-dimensional reconstructions of the pelvis were created. Acetabular supporting structures were assessed. Each structure was evaluated according to three levels of integrity: anatomically preserved, partially preserved/lytic destruction, and complete loss of support/full defect. The heterogeneity of defect variants was assessed using the Shannon index. The association between identified defect variants and patient-related factors was evaluated using multivariate ordinal logistic regression with calculation of odds ratios for each factor.

Results. Five main variants of acetabular damage within Paprosky type 3B defects were identified. The most common variant was the combination of a complete medial wall defect and an anterior column defect. The normalized Shannon index was 0.91 (H/Hmax), suggesting that, for the five identified variants, the heterogeneity of type 3B defects approaches the maximum possible level. A prior periprosthetic joint infection increased the odds ratios of developing a defect pattern with more extensive involvement of load-bearing structures by nearly 2.5 times, while each additional revision procedure increased the risk by 65%.

Conclusions. At least five distinct variants of acetabular load-bearing element damage within Paprosky type 3B defects can be identified. Among the five identified variants, the diversity approaches its maximal possible level. Significant factors influencing the variant of defect were a history of periprosthetic joint infection and the number of previous revision operations. Mandatory three-dimensional visualization for extensive acetabular defects gives the surgeon a more informative picture of the lost and preserved supporting elements. Mandatory three-dimensional modeling in cases of extensive acetabular defects provides the surgeon with a more informative understanding of the lost and preserved load-bearing structures.

Background. Infectious complications after arthroplasty pose a serious problem for both the patient and the health facility. Therefore, their prognosis is of great clinical importance.

The aim of the study — to determine the feasibility of using systemic inflammation indices (SII, SIRI, AISI) to predict the development of early periprosthetic joint infection at the stage of planning major joint arthroplasty.

Methods. A single-center retrospective non-randomized comparative study of cases of primary hip or knee arthroplasty (n = 6036) was conducted: Group 1 — patients without subsequent development of infection at a period of ≤ 4 weeks after surgery (n = 5843); Group 2 — with subsequent development of periprosthetic joint infection (n = 193). Threshold values of quantitative indicators (BMI, age, inflammation indices SII, SIRI, and AISI) were calculated. The contribution of variables (including categorical ones such as sex and joint) to the risk of developing early infection was determined using AI-driven machine learning based on multivariate logistic regression.

Results. The study groups were comparable in terms of sex, BMI, and operated joints, but differed in terms of age (p = 0.0067). The values of SIRI, SII, and AISI were statistically significantly higher in Group 2. SII (with a logistic regression coefficient of 0.2108) was the most significant factor in predicting the development of infection. The obtained SII and SIRI threshold values were 498.9 and 0.8 (respectively), with an AUC of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.54-0.56). The constructed model for predicting the risk of early infection after arthroplasty based on multivariate logistic regression showed an average accuracy level of AUC = 0.62 (95% CI: 0.30-0.72), indicating a low risk of infection with a coefficient between 0.30 and 0.50, and a high risk with a coefficient between 0.51 and 0.72.

Conclusion. The use of systemic inflammation indices (SII, SIRI, AISI) in a mathematical model for predicting early periprosthetic infection can help in taking necessary measures for preoperative preparation of the patient before primary arthroplasty to reduce the incidence of this infectious complication.

Background. Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation is a modern method of stabilizing the thoracic and lumbar spine. Systematic analysis of errors and complications makes it possible to identify risk predictors, improve screw installation techniques, and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

The aim of the study — to analyze errors and complications during percutaneous pedicle screw fixation of the thoracic and lumbar spine and to identify risk factors for their development.

Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 228 patients (median age 38.5 years) with single-level injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine who underwent surgery between 2003 and 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: the main group, in which reposition of the damaged segment was performed to the calculated target parameters, and the control group, in which target parameters were not calculated. The following factors were assessed: sex, age, time from injury, morphology of injury, neurological status, and volume of surgical intervention. Morphometric parameters were analyzed using CT scans: AVH — anterior vertebral body height; PVH — posterior vertebral body height; angle α — segmental angle; A-VDCH — anterior vertebral-disc complex height; P-VDCH — posterior vertebral-disc complex height. The time to complication onset was analyzed using the Kaplan-Mayer method. The impact of risk factors was assessed by building a regression model.

Results. Complications were detected in 32 (14.0%) patients: intraoperative — in 2 (0.9%), early postoperative — in 8 (3.5%), late (mechanical) — in 22 (9.7%). Statistically significant differences in the incidence of complications were found between the groups (χ² = 7.471, p = 0.006). The risk of complications in the control group was 3.9 times higher than in the main group (HR = 3.948; 95% CI 1.326-11.757; p = 0.014).

Conclusions. The most common complications were mechanical ones caused by errors in spinal reposition. Restoration of the calculated target parameters, including the measurements of the vertebral-disc complex and segmental angle, significantly reduced the incidence of complications in patients with thoracic and lumbar spine injuries.

Background. Proximal femoral nail (PFN) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) are widely used for the management of intertrochanteric femur fractures (ITFs). Proximal femoral nailing offers biomechanical advantages but may cause iatrogenic displacement during the insertion.

The aim of the study — to compare the degree of fracture displacement, specifically femoral shaft lateralization and neck-shaft angle changes, following dynamic hip screw and proximal femoral nail fixation in minimally displaced or non-displaced intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 40 patients with AO 31A1 ITFs from January to June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: DHS (n = 20); PFN (n = 20). Radiological outcomes including postoperative neck-shaft angle and femoral shaft lateralization were measured on both injured and non-injured sides.

Results. In the PFN group, the mean postoperative neck-shaft angle (131.30±4.54°) showed a varus change compared to the intact side (134.70±3.77°), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.109). In the DHS group, there was no significant difference (p = 0.827). Femoral shaft lateralization on the injured side was significantly higher in the PFN group (56.60±7.07 mm) than in the DHS group (49.50 ± 6.59 mm; p = 0.002). No significant difference was found on the non-injured side (p = 0.261).

Conclusion. Both PFN and DHS yield comparable neck-shaft angle outcomes in minimally displaced ITFs. However, PFN is associated with greater lateralization of the femoral shaft, which may reflect iatrogenic displacement during fixation.

Background. Infectious complications arising from combat wounds are one of the most serious problems in military medicine. Their microbiological monitoring is a necessary foundation for choosing the initial antimicrobial treatment, predictive risk stratification, optimization of surgical tactics, and implementation of local patient management protocols.

The aim of the study — to explore the species composition of wound infection pathogens in combat injuries of the limbs based on the results of microbiological testing conducted in a hospital functioning during a military conflict.

Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of microbiological data from 249 patients with combat wounds admitted to the hospital between July 2023 and March 2025. Microorganisms were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Results. Among the 383 isolates, Staphylococcus aureus dominated (30.03%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.62% each). S. aureus occurred significantly more often than A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa combined. We identified 59 unique pathogens, including 13.31% relatively rare pathogens. Polymicrobial associations were found in 37.34% of patients. The proportion of Gram-positive microflora (55.1%) significantly predominated over Gram-negative microflora (43.1%).

Conclusions. The obtained data confirm the statistically significant dominance of S. aureus in the structure of pathogens in infected gunshot wounds. The high frequency of polymicrobial associations and the presence of rare pathogens necessitate the use of modern diagnostic methods, combined antimicrobial therapy, and an individualized treatment approach.

Background. The impact of regular sports activities and specific types of sports on the effectiveness of conservative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has not been sufficiently studied. Understanding this relationship is essential for personalizing programs of physiotherapeutic specific scoliosis exercises (PSSE) and preventing deformity progression.

The aim of the study — to compare the results of conservative therapy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis among rhythmic gymnasts, swimmers, and patients not engaged in regular sports activities, as well as to evaluate the influence of sport type on changes in frontal and sagittal trunk balance parameters and flexibility.

Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 54 patients: 21 rhythmic gymnasts (Group 1), 11 swimmers (Group 2), and 22 non-athletic patients (Group 3, control). The groups were comparable in terms of key anthropometric and radiological parameters. All patients underwent PSSE according to the BSPTS Rigo method. TLSO bracing was used when indicated. Before and after treatment, the Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal index, angle of trunk inclination (ATI), and flexibility (sit-and-reach test) were assessed.

Results. Significant intergroup differences were found only for the Cobb angle (H = 9.366; p = 0.007) during treatment. Post-hoc analysis revealed that gymnasts showed a statistically significantly greater reduction in Cobb angle compared with the control group (p < 0.0167). Differences between the control group and swimmers, as well as between gymnasts and swimmers, did not reach statistical significance after adjustment. No significant intergroup differences were found for other parameters (thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal index, flexibility, body mass, and height). Intragroup analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in Cobb angle and ATI among gymnasts, and improved flexibility in both gymnasts and the control group. Deformity progression greater than 5° occurred less frequently in athletes (3.1%) than in non-athletic patients (27.3%; p = 0.0144).

Conclusion. Conservative treatment based on physiotherapeutic specific scoliosis exercises is effective in all patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Rhythmic gymnasts demonstrated a more pronounced correction of frontal plane deformity and a greater reduction in trunk inclination compared with non-athletic patients. Swimming did not show advantages for correction of deformities in either the frontal (Cobb angle) or sagittal (lordosis, kyphosis) planes.

Background. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a fundamental role in maintaining knee joint stability, primarily by preventing the forward translation of the tibia relative to the femur. The functional effects of ACL injuries can be seen in patients, irrespective of their surgical intervention.

The aim of the study — to compare knee functional results, quality of life, quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths, and muscle thickness differences using ultrasonography between patients diagnosed with total anterior cruciate ligament injury who have undergone surgery and those who have not.

Methods. Male patients aged 18 to 40 with total ACL rupture were evaluated during chronic period. The study evaluated patients’ pain levels, joint range of motion, thigh circumference measurements using the visual analog scale, and quadriceps and hamstring muscle thickness measurements using ultrasonography. Functionality was assessed using the single-leg jump test, Lysholm Knee Scale, and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Results. The study involved 21 non-operated and 20 operated patients. The rate of rehabilitation was significantly higher in the operated group, despite no significant difference between the groups in terms of the injured side. Furthermore, the operated group exhibited a statistically significant difference in thigh circumference between the right and left sides. The evaluation conducted by USG found a significant difference in hamstring muscle thickness between the operated group and the control group. However, there was no significant difference observed between the groups in terms of knee functionality, as indicated by the Lysholm knee scale and jump tests, and flexor and extensor isokinetic muscle strengths.

Conclusion. Patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries may exhibit no significant difference between knee functionality and isokinetic muscle strength evaluations, regardless of whether they have undergone surgery or not. However, the group that underwent surgery showed significant muscle loss.

Background. Traditional socket prostheses suffer from several limitations, including skin complications, unstable fixation, and restricted patient mobility. Osseointegrated exoprostheses represent a promising alternative as they attach to the human body via an implant surgically placed in the residual bone. This solution provides secure fixation and is particularly effective for patients with short or pathological residual limbs.

The aim of the study — to evaluate the biocompatibility and safety of a domestically developed osseointegration system for femoral exoprosthetics using a large animal model.

Methods. A customized titanium osseointegrated implant, adapted based on CT data, was placed in one sexually mature minipig using a two-stage surgical protocol. During the 3-month observation period, a comprehensive set of clinical, laboratory, and radiographic examinations was performed. The study also involved routine stoma care and bacteriological monitoring. At the end of the period, an implant pull-out test was conducted.

Results. The animal was able to endure weight-bearing on the prosthesis while standing and walking. Body weight increased by approximately 10 kg. The implant pull-out force was 400 N, indicating the formation of a mechanical bond with the bone. Manageable complications were noted during the observation, specifically the development of anemia and asymptomatic bacterial colonization of the stoma with Staphylococcus spp. at 10⁷ CFU/ml. There were no clinical signs of infection or systemic inflammatory response.

Conclusion. The study demonstrated the feasibility of the successful and safe application of the evaluated osseointegration system in a large animal model. The observed complications were not critical. The findings confirm the biocompatibility and functionality of the system, justifying the need for further expansive preclinical studies.

Background. Anterior pelvic ring fractures, including pubic symphysis disruption and pubic rami fractures, represent a complex clinical challenge in traumatology. They are associated with significant pain syndrome, loss of weight-bearing function, and often with damage to the anterior abdominal wall caused by stomas, drains, etc. There remains a strong demand in pelvic surgery for effective treatment methods that provide stable bone fixation in this anatomical region, shorten rehabilitation, and improve functional outcomes with minimal complications.

The aim of the study — to demonstrate a new method of simultaneous fixation of pubic symphysis disruption and pubic rami fractures using the nail-plate combination.

Surgical technique. A 10-cm Pfannenstiel incision was made directly along the superior edge of the pubic symphysis, followed by vertical incision of the aponeurosis and dissection of the prevesical space. After revision of the symphyseal rupture zone, the identified diastasis was reduced using Weber or small Jungbluth forceps. Sequential fixation of the pubic rami fractures was then performed with interlocking nails on both sides, but without inserting the locking screws. Without removing the guide from the last inserted nail, a plate was positioned so that its midpoint corresponded precisely to the midline of the reduced pubic symphysis. The nail was then interlocked with two 3.5--mm cortical screws through the plate holes. The guide was removed and connected to the remaining nail (the nail ends usually protrude 1-2 mm from the entry points and are easily palpable).

Conclusion. The method of combined fixation using the nail-plate system is a technically feasible and safe approach for the treatment of pubic symphysis disruptions and pubic rami fractures.

Background. The relevance of this study is determined by the need for an objective assessment of the current state of the trauma and orthopedics service in the Russian Federation and the search for effective tools that can support informed management decisions in this field.

The aim of the study — to conduct a preliminary analysis of the performance of trauma and orthopedics services in three federal districts of Russia based on the data from an automated information system for collecting annual reports.

Methods. Data for the analysis were obtained from the automated information reporting system (AIRS). To demonstrate the capabilities of this system, we analyzed not all available indicators, but only those what were most relevant to the research question.

Results. At the time of writing, information was available on the performance of 644 (44.1%) inpatient and outpatient trauma and orthopedics units out of 1460 registered in the system. The highest reporting completeness (61.1-71.7%) was observed in the North Caucasian, Northwestern, and Southern Federal Districts, as these districts are supervised by the Vreden National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics and began working with the AIRS one year earlier than the others. Not all regions within these districts participated in filling out the AIRS: in the Northwestern Federal District, data were provided by 10 out of 11 regions; in the North Caucasian Federal District, by 7 out of 7; and in the Southern Federal District, by 7 out of 8. At present, information from inpatient facilities is reported more completely than from outpatient clinics: data are available for 218 inpatient facilities and 210 outpatient institutions.

Conclusion. The analysis of the results demonstrated that data from the AIRS make it possible to elevate the assessment of the current state of trauma and orthopedics services in any region to a new qualitative level by providing detailed information on the nature of injuries and therapeutic interventions. A fundamental component of decision-making regarding patient routing should be an understanding of the highly specialized aspects of service operations and the key challenges in delivering specialized care. As the number of organizations contributing data to the AIRS increases, the validity of the information will improve, and the analytical capabilities for evaluating the performance of trauma and orthopedics services will expand. With long-term functioning, the accumulated database will enable not only screening studies but also the monitoring of processes over time.

Background. Vertebral body replacement is one of the key surgical methods for the treatment of spinal tumors. One of its most common complications is vertebral body implant subsidence.

The aim of the review — to compare the subsidence rates of various types of vertebral body implants used in the surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors in order to determine the optimal reconstruction methods for patients with spinal tumors.

Methods. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLIBRARY databases. Studies were included if they involved vertebral body replacement in patients aged 18 years and older with oncologic lesions, provided a clear definition of subsidence, and analyzed risk factors. Various implant types were evaluated, including expandable, mesh, 3D-printed commercial, and patient-specific prostheses.

Results. Thirteen studies were included in the analysis (12 retrospective and 1 prospective) comprising a total of 661 patients. The highest subsidence rates were observed with titanium mesh cages, ranging from 63.8 to 71.4%. Expandable implants demonstrated more favorable outcomes, with subsidence rates from 5.3 to 35.3%. The results for 3D-printed implants were the most inconsistent, ranging from 0 to 100% across studies. The follow-up period varied from 7.4 to 101 months.

Conclusions. Expandable implants demonstrate the most favorable subsidence rates in vertebral body replacement for patients with spinal tumors. The high subsidence rates of titanium mesh cages may be attributed to a mismatch between the elastic modulus of the implant and bone tissue. 3D-printed implants require further investigation to optimize their design and clinical use. An individualized approach to prosthesis selection considering risk factors is essential.