Background: Vitamin D deficiency is reported in rheumatological diseases in adults. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to investigate potential correlations between vitamin D status and clinical factors, laboratory traits, and medical treatment, including methotrexate (MTX) and glucocorticoids (GCs). Methods: In 189 patients aged 3–17.7 years, with JIA in the stable stage of the disease, anthropometry, clinical status, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO₄), total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. Results: Median 25(OH)D level was 15.00 ng/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 12.00 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 67.2% and was independent of sex, disease manifestation, and CRP, ESR, ALP, or PO₄ levels. Higher doses of MTX corresponded with lower 25(OH)D levels using both univariate and multivariate models (p < 0.05). No such trend was found for GCs treatment. Serum Ca was lower in patients treated with GCs (p = 0.004), MTX (p = 0.03), and combined GCs/MTX (p = 0.034). Conclusions: JIA patients are vitamin D depleted independently of disease activity or inflammatory markers. MTX therapy may be an iatrogenic factor leading to inadequate 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D supplementation should be considered in all children with JIA, particularly those receiving long-term MTX therapy.

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Although it is well‐known that the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) should be released during HTO, there is still no agreement on performing its reattachment. Considering the function of the sMCL, after its release during HTO, increased medial joint instability may be expected. We present a technique for sMCL reattachment that prevents medial gapping development and maintains nearly native pressure on the medial compartment of the knee joint by matching the tension on the sMCL to the size of the osteotomy gap. This technique is suitable for any correction angle. Technique Video: video See video under supplementary data.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare results of suture‐tape augmented anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair (internal bracing [IB]) and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring autograft in terms of laxity, proprioception and neuromuscular control. The hypothesis was that with strict indications IB may provide better results in proprioception and neuromuscular control.Methods: Patients with unilateral ACL injury treated with IB or ACLR with hamstring autograft were enroled in this retrospective study. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) in 30° and 90° of flexion was measured with Rolimeter. The joint position sense (JPS) test was performed in 30° and 60° of flexion using Biodex System 4Pro. The time‐synchronized motion capture system and surface electromyography set were used during dynamic tasks to assess knee valgus and semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris (BF) activities. Comparisons between both techniques and operated versus contralateral healthy knees were performed.Results: The study groups involved 28 patients after ACLR (21.8 ± 4.8 years) and 20 patients after IB (25.8 ± 10.5 years) with the average follow‐up 30 ± 18 and 28 ± 15 months, respectively. The ATT did not differ significantly between operated groups. In 30° of flexion ATT for ACLR was significantly higher in operated than in contralateral knee (5.8 ± 2.4 mm vs. 4.3 ± 1.3 mm, p < 0.001). The JPS test and dynamic knee valgus presented no significant differences. The ACLR group presented significantly higher ST (p = 0.048) and BF (p = 0.012) activity comparing operated to contralateral knee in dynamic tasks.Conclusion: Suture‐tape augmented ACL repair and ACLR with hamstring autograft yield similar results in terms of laxity, proprioception and neuromuscular control.Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective comparative study.

The purpose of this study is to review the surgical methods of enhancing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft maturation. Several methods of ACL maturation enhancement were identified through research of the literature available in the PubMed database. ACL remnant preservation was the most extensively investigated technique. ACL reconstruction with a pedunculated hamstring graft provides superior revascularization of the graft along with higher mechanical strength. The usage of a graft enveloped with a periosteum was proposed to enhance the tendon-bone unit formation, and consequently, to prevent the bone tunnel widening. The muscle tissue on the graft is a potential source of stem cells. However, an excessive amount may weaken whole graft strength despite its enhanced remodeling. Similarly, amniotic tissue may augment the ACL reconstruction with stem cells and growth factors. Despite the existence of several surgical techniques that utilize amnion, the outcomes of these augmentation methods are lacking. Lastly, the intra-articular transplantation of the synovium on the surface of an ACL was proposed to augment the graft with synovial tissue and blood vessels. In conclusion, diverse approaches are being developed in order to enhance the maturation of an ACL reconstruction graft. Although these approaches have their foundation in on well-established scientific research, their outcomes are still equivocal. Clinical trials of high quality are needed to evaluate their utility in clinical practice.

Injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee may have a devastating impact on whole joint. Posterolateral rotatory instability, despite getting more and more popular among orthopedic surgeons, still remains challenging to diagnose and even more challenging to treat. Available surgical techniques are demanding and require advanced surgical skills. In this chapter we are going to review the diagnostic tools which help to recognize posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee, to outline its importance and consequences of misdiagnosis as well as present arthroscopic popliteus tenodesis and arthroscopic-assisted posterolateral corner reconstruction which are our minimally invasive techniques used to treat this condition depending on PLC injury pattern and grading. Presented techniques are reproducible, safe and do not require advanced surgical skills being a useful alternative for available open PLC reconstructions.

Ankle joint injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the general population, being reported as the most frequent of all injuries in athletes. A complex anatomy of this region, providing an ideal balance between high stability and joint mobility, makes it very susceptible to injuries and their consequences. In particular, the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis tears, in particular its anteroinferior part, can be easily missed, as they usually occur in combination with other damage to the ankle joint. When left untreated, it can result in chronic instability, impaired joint function and may lead to early osteoarthritis development. This Technical Note describes a minimally invasive technique for anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament repair combined with dynamic syndesmosis stabilization to address chronic tibiofibular instability. Presented surgery is not technically demanding, reproducible, and may facilitate the healing process, shortening the recovery time. Technique Video: video See video under supplementary data.