Adipose tissue (AT) is an endocrine metabolically dynamic active tissue that plays a central role in the systemic energy balance and metabolic regulation. Brown AT represents approximately 1% of adult human AT, with an energy-burning function that uses fat to create heat. Brown AT activity was measured using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. It has been shown that cold exposure could promote brown AT activation. However, many factors, such as aging and body mass index, may interfere with this activity. Many authors have discussed the role of factors specifically secreted by the AT in response to cold exposure. The aim of this review is to properly understand the effects of cold on AT and biomarkers and their possible application in rehabilitation medicine. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify published studies regarding biomarkers of cold effects on Brown AT searching the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, from 2012 to 2022. After evaluation of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 studies were included in this review. We reported the overall influence of cold exposure on brown AT activity, its related biomarkers, and metabolism, demonstrating that the therapeutic role of cold exposure needs to be better standardized. From our data, it is important to design proper clinical trials because most cold applied protocols lack a common and homogeneous methodology.

Background: Adverse local tissue reactions to metal debris are due to a metal-on-metal bearing complication caused by micromotions at modular interfaces that induce corrosion of the protective oxide layer. This process could lead to wear, fretting, and abrasion with the release of metal ions locally and systemically, which may cause adverse local reactions in nearby tissues. The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients with painful local adverse tissue reactions secondary to corrosion at the modular neck–body interface, to document the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and surgical findings of our research, and to search for a possible correlation between metallosis and infection. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with adverse local tissue reactions due to metal surface corrosion was performed. Blood samples were collected to identify erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, and procalcitonin, and a magnetic resonance imaging protocol was performed. Results: Serum cobalt and chromium levels of the 43 patients tested were significantly higher on average. However, both erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significantly elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed adverse reactions to metal debris with large soft tissue masses and surrounding tissue damage. Conclusions: Corrosion in hip prosthesis can lead to the release of metal ions and debris locally and systemically, resulting in local soft tissue changes. A “tumor-like” debridement can reduce this complication.

The purpose of this article is to investigate the effects of the fibula on the torsional stiffness of the lower limb. A comprehensive model of the lower limb was constructed, including the resected femur, patella, tibia, fibula, and foot, with tendons and ligaments. Two configurations were developed, with and without the presence of the fibula, to evaluate the resulting stress state and consequently determine the contribution of the fibula to the torsional stiffness of the lower limb. The finite element method was used to analyse how the fibula affects the stress distribution in the lower extremity under body weight loading and torsional forces. A detailed three-dimensional solid model of the lower extremity with and without the fibula was constructed. Loading conditions were imposed simulating an axial compressive load of 700 N applied to the upper extremity of the resected femur and a torsional load of 6000 Nmm applied to the proximal femur, and a fixed constraint was imposed on the foot. Removing the fibula results in an increase in stress on all the tendons and ligaments tested. The increases ranged from 4 % (patellar tendon) to 21 % (lateral retinaculum). This suggests that the fibula plays a significant role in the distribution of mechanical stress in the lower extremity. The most affected structures are the lateral retinaculum and the posterior cruciate ligament, both with a 21 % increase in stress, suggesting that these structures may compensate more for the absence of the fibula. The fibula plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity and biomechanical function of the lower extremity. It acts as a lateral strut, contributing to the stability of the ankle and knee by providing an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments that are essential for coordinating complex movements and providing stability during dynamic activities.

The impact of COVID-19 on sport and physical activity has been a subject of considerable interest and concern. Padel satisfies the desire for social interaction and a return to sport after a period of inactivity. The aim of this study is to show a correlation between return to sport and related injuries in a population of Padel players. The study was carried out in a survey mode, consisting of a questionnaire with four sections and fifty questions on the biographical data of the individual, lifestyle before and after the pandemic, knowledge and playing level of Padel and injuries. The self-administered online questionnaire was developed and validated by a panel of physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons, and physiatrists with experience in clinical practice and/or musculoskeletal research. The study was conducted in a survey mode from a smartphone or computer via a link to a multiple-choice document. The link to the questionnaire was distributed via mailing lists, social media, and chat applications.