Objective: This paper deals with scoliosis treatment over the past 50 years. The review of the literature from the point of view of the current formation of opinion. From conservative forms of treatment, the pendulum has swung to surgical measures. To visualize this temporarily rejection of conservative treatment is the goal of this article. Materials and Methods: A review of the literature over the last 50 years was performed from the perspective of current opinion, this with a pinch of personal experience in bracing and scoliosis surgery since 1972. The MESH terms (scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) are presented in their number in a flow diagram and the publications on conservative therapies (brace, physiotherapy) are compared to surgical therapies (surgery). Opinions of “eminences” in the 1980s have been replaced by the rules of evidence-based medicine (EBM) at end of the 1990s. This transition will be visualized in the graph of PubMed statistics. In a statement, the future scoliosis treatment is derived from history. Results: The total number of publications shows a ratio of brace to surgery of 13.9% and physiotherapy to surgery of 6.7% for the MESH terms “scoliosis”. When “scoliosis” is supplemented with “idiopathic”, the brace to surgery ratio changes from 24.5% and physiotherapy to surgery 8.2%. Focusing on adolescent scoliosis the addition of “adolescent” changes the brace to surgery ratio from 24.8% and physiotherapy to surgery 8.1%. In the total number of publications, “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis” is treated by 25.26%. The patient numbers of our own scoliosis outpatient clinic (1482 patients) over the last 15 years show a ratio of brace (Cobb angle 20°–50° brace-indication) to surgery (Cobb angle >50° indication to surgery) of 1 to 0.06. The scientific focus on surgical therapy is evident from the figures of PubMed mentioned. The number of conservative publications shows a depression in the 1990s. In the remainder of this article, opinion-forming developments are outlined and supported by literature citations, responsible for the recovery of publications on conservative scoliosis treatment. New technologies provide additional treatment options. Conclusions: In this sense, brace therapy is a success story with a future in the digital world of AI (artificial intelligence), mathematical model calculations, and production perhaps from the 3D printer. The central message from the history of the last 50 years is: “The scientific review of treatment results is essential for the further acceptance of brace treatment.”

Background: The isolated rectus femoris tendon (RT) is a less commonly used autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Graft selection is a critical part of ACL reconstruction, especially in revision surgery. Hypothesis: This study compares patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) between revision ACL reconstruction with an RT autograft and a hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. We hypothesized that the RT autograft will yield comparable functional results and high patient satisfaction. Study Design: This was a cohort study; the level of evidence is III. Methods: Fifty-five patients (RT n = 28; HT n = 27) who underwent revision ACL reconstruction were included in this study, with a mean follow-up time of 40.3 months (range, 16.4–64.8) for RT and 61.2 months (range, 34.6–86.3) for HT. Apart from the harvesting technique, the surgical technique was the same for both groups. Clinical and intraoperative data were collected for our postoperative registry. In addition, funcinal outcome was measured using the International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), the Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and numeric rating scale (NRS). The type and frequency of postoperative complications were documented. Results: At the final follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the RT and HT groups in the IKDC (mean ± SD: 74.7 ± 10.9 vs. 74.9 ± 12.9), Lysholm score (90.9 ± 15.0 vs. 89.0 ± 14.6), or Tegner activity scale (median [IQR]: 5 [4–6] vs. 5 [4–6]). The mean femoral tunnel diameter was 9.0 mm (range, 7.5–10 mm) for the RT and 8.2 mm (range 7.0–9.5 mm) for the HT. The use of the RT reduced the need for a two-stage procedure by 50% compared to HT (n = 5 vs. n = 10), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). Stability measured by the Lachman test improved significantly in both groups from the pre- to postoperative period. Retear of the ACL graft was observed in two patients in both groups (7.1% RT and 7.4% HT). Conclusions: The RT and HT autografts achieved similar outcomes in PROMs for revision ACL reconstruction. Good tendon quality with parallel fibers and adjustable thickness characterize the RT. A tendency for a reduced rate of two-stage surgery with RT was noticed. Clinical Relevance: The incidence of revision ACL reconstruction is rising. Surgeons should be aware of all the available graft options. The isolated RT expands the range of autografts available for ACL reconstruction.

The regeneration of an intervertebral disc can only be successful if the cause of the degeneration is known and eliminated. The lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) offer itself as a model for IVD (intervertebral disc) regeneration. The aim of this work is to support this statement. In our scoliosis outpatient clinic, 1482 patients were radiologically examined, and ambiguous lumbosacral junction underwent MRI examination. Patients with Castellvi classification type II–IV were included and the results are compared with the current literature in PubMed (12 October 2022). The LSTV are discussed as a possible IVD model. A total of 115 patients were diagnosed with LSTV Castellvi type II–IV. A Castellvi distribution type IIA (n-55), IIB (n-24), IIIA (n-20), IIIB (n-10) and IV (n-6) can be found. In all, 64 patients (55.7%) reported recurrent low-back pain (LBP). Scoliosis (Cobb angle >10°) was also confirmed in 72 patients (58 female and 14 male) and 56 (75.7%) had unilateral pathology. The wide variation in the literature regarding the prevalence of the LSTV (4.6–35.6%) is reasoned by the doubtful diagnosis of Castellvi type I. The LSTV present segments with reduced to absent mobility and at the same time leads to overload of the adjacent segments. This possibility of differentiation is seen as the potential for a spinal model.

Background: Cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) injuries represent a significant challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, resources, and training. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current strategies and solutions proposed in the literature to improve CMF fracture care in LMICs, focusing on education, patient transfer, and off-label solutions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline from January 2000 to June 2023. Studies were selected based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Statement (PRISMA). Solutions were categorized into three main areas: education (digital and on-site teaching, fellowships abroad), patient transfer to specialized clinics, and off-label/non-operative solutions. Results: Twenty-three articles were included in the review, revealing a consensus on the necessity for enhanced education and training for local surgeons as the cornerstone for sustainable improvements in CMF care in LMICs. Digital platforms and on-site teaching were identified as key methods for delivering educational content. Furthermore, patient transfer to specialized national clinics and innovative off-label techniques were discussed as immediate solutions to provide quality care despite resource constraints. Conclusions: Effective CMF fracture care in LMICs requires a multifaceted approach, prioritizing the education and training of local healthcare professionals, facilitated patient transfer to specialized centers, and the adoption of off-label solutions to leverage available resources. Collaborative efforts between international organizations, local healthcare providers, and educational institutions are essential to implement these solutions effectively and improve patient outcomes in LMICs.

Background: The current literature is not conclusive for spinal orthosis treatment in low back pain. Therefore, two questions have to be answered: Does the current literature support the indication of spinal orthosis treatment in low back pain? Which treatment concept can be derived from the result? Method: The 30 highest-rated literature citations (PubMed: best match, 30 December 2021) dealing with low back pain and spine orthosis were included in the study. Excluded were all articles related to Kinesio Taping, scoliosis, physical exercise, or dealing with side effects and unrelated to treatment effect. Thus, the literature list refers only to “low back pain and spine orthoses”. These articles were analyzed according to the PRISMA criteria and divided according to “specific diagnosis”, when the cause of pain was explained (group A), or when “specific diagnosis is not given” (group B). The articles were also distinguished by the information about the orthosis. Articles with biomechanical information about the function of the orthoses were called “diagnosis-based orthosis” (group C). All other articles were part of the group “unspecific orthotic treatment” (group D). The results were compared to each other in terms of effectiveness. According to anatomical causes, a concept of orthosis selection depending on diagnosis of low back pain for clinical practice was developed. The risk of bias lies in the choice of the MESH terms. The synthesis of the results was a clinical treatment concept based on findings from the current literature. Results: The literature citations with 1749 patients and 2160 citations of literature were processed; 21 prospective clinical or biomechanical studies and 9 review articles were included. The combination of literature citations according to “specific diagnosis” (group A) and “diagnosis based orthosis” (group C) was very likely to lead to a therapeutic effect (seven articles). No positive effect could be found in four articles, all dealing with postoperative treatment. When “specific diagnosis is not given” (group B) and combined with “unspecific orthotic treatment” (group D), therapy remained without measurable effect (15 articles). An effect was described in four articles (three biomechanical studies and one postoperative study). In review articles, according to specific diagnosis, only one article dealt with fractures and another with stenosis. In all review articles where specific diagnosis was not given, no effect with spine orthoses could be found. Using this knowledge, we created a clinical treatment concept. The structure was based on diagnosis and standardized orthoses. According to pain location and pathology (muscle, intervertebral disc, bone, statics, postoperative) the orthoses were classified to anatomical extent and the mechanical limitation (bandage, bodice, corset, orthosis with shoulder straps and erecting orthosis). Conclusion: The effectiveness of spinal orthoses could not be deduced from the current literature. The most serious limitation was the inconsistency of the complaint and the imprecise designation of the orthoses. Interpretation: Articles with a precise allocation of the complaint and a description of the orthosis showed a positive effect. The treatment concept presented here is intended to provide a basis for answering the question concerning the effectiveness of spinal orthoses as an accompanying treatment option in low back pain.

Aseptic loosening is a feared and not yet fully-understood complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Hypersensitivity reactions may be the underlying cause within some susceptible patients. Metal-free implants have been developed as a possible solution. The aim of this prospective, observational long-term study was the assessment of a completely metal-free ceramic knee replacement system compared to its identical metal counterpart 8 years after implantation, conducted as a follow-up of a previous report. A total of 88 patients (mean age 69 years) were enrolled in this prospective, observational long-term 8-year follow-up study. The “ceramic group” with a completely metal-free total knee replacement system was compared to the “conventional group” with an identical metal TKA system at the final follow-up. Clinical assessment included Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-L), European Quality of Life 5 Dimension Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) and High Activity Arthroplasty Score (HAAS) as well as perioperative or postoperative complications and need for revision. The tibial/femoral positioning, signs of periprosthetic fissures/fractures or radiolucent lines were documented radiographically. All postoperative clinical scores in the ceramic group primarily improved from baseline to 4-year follow-up, but then decreased at the final 8-year follow-up. At the final follow-up, statistically non-significant differences were found in comparison of both groups for the KSS (ceramic: 166 ± 31, conventional: 162 ± 29; p > 0.05), OKS (ceramic: 37, conventional: 39; p > 0.05), EQ-VAS (ceramic: 77 ± 17, conventional: 72 ± 18; p > 0.05), and HAAS (ceramic: 8.29 ± 3.32, conventional: 9.28 ± 4.44; p > 0.05). A significant difference was found for EQ-5D-L (ceramic: 0.819 ± 0.284, conventional: 0.932 ± 0.126; p ≤ 0.05). Progressive radiolucent lines have been found around the uncemented tibial stem (0.8 mm at initial diagnosis (mean 19 months); 1.3 mm at 4-year follow-up; 1.6 mm at 8-year follow-up) without any clinical signs of loosening. One revision surgery was performed after a traumatic polyethylene inlay-breakage. No allergic reactions could be detected. The used ceramic TKA system meets the functional performance standards of an established identical metal TKA system after an 8-year follow-up period, offering a safe option for patients with prior hypersensitivity reactions to metallic materials. Full cementation of ceramic components is recommended.