Despite ongoing efforts to enhance diagnostic and treatment processes, the success rate for eradicating infections, particularly prosthetic joint infections (PJIs), currently stands at around 50%. For acute infections occurring shortly after arthroplasty, guidelines recommend a treatment known as DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention). This approach is suggested for infections within 30 days post-arthroplasty or with less than 3 weeks of symptoms, provided that there is a stable implant and adequate soft-tissue mass. Several authors have suggested extending the use of DAIR beyond the initial 3-week period in specific cases. This extension practice seems increasingly feasible due to the rapid diagnostic capabilities offered by BioFire^®. This technology allows for quick pathogen identification, aiding in the exclusion of cases that do not fit the criteria for the DAIR/DAPRI (debridement, antibiotic pearls and retention of the implant) protocol based on pathogen identification. The aim of this review is to re-examine the current literature on acute infections and present our proposed “prosthesis-saving” protocol, which integrates the BioFire^® molecular diagnostic system. Continued research and assessment of the efficacy and safety of these protocols, especially regarding extended treatment timelines, are crucial for advancing the management of acute infections and enhancing outcomes for PJI patients.

Background: Chronic ankle instability is a common condition that develops after lateral ankle sprains. Many surgical techniques have been described in case of failure of conservative treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present the results in terms of clinical outcomes, return to sport and recurrence rate after reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle with a minimally invasive approach at a minimum follow up of five years. Methods: This retrospective study involved forty-seven patients treated for chronic ankle instability from January 2013 to November 2017. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot score (AOFAS score), the University of California–Los Angeles Rating Scale (UCLA Rating Scale), the Karlsson–Peterson ankle instability score and the Halasi scale at a mean follow up time of 80 months. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42 years (23–63). The mean VAS pain score decreased from 5.6 (2–9) pre-operatively to 0.7 (0–7) post-operatively. The mean UCLA Rating Scale score improved from 7.7 (4–8) before surgical treatment to 9.2 (6–10) afterwards. The AOFAS score increased from a pre-operative mean value of 66.5 (40–95) to a post-operative mean value of 94 (88–100) and the Halasi scale from a pre-injury mean value of 4.3 (2–8) to 4.5 post-operatively (2–8). The mean Karlsson–Peterson ankle instability score increased from 71 (40–90) pre-operatively to 87.9 (70–90) post-operatively. During this period of follow up, the procedure survival rate was 95.7%, with two cases of recurrence of ankle sprain post-operatively after twelve months in one case and forty months in the other case. Conclusions: The described technique of reconstruction of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament with a minimally invasive approach with a semitendinosus autograft is a viable treatment option for chronic ankle instability and enables the majority of patients to regain their activity and sport level with a low recurrence rate at a mid-term follow up.

Background: Robotic-assisted technologies and evolving implant designs have been introduced in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of component positioning. However, the relative contribution of robotic assistance compared with conventional instrumentation to radiographic outcomes in experienced, high-volume centers remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 96 consecutive medial UKAs performed at a single high-volume institution. Patients were stratified into three groups: Journey I UKA implanted with NAVIO imageless robotic assistance ( n = 38), Journey II Uni UKA implanted using conventional instrumentation ( n = 27), and Journey II UK UKA implanted with CORI imageless robotic assistance ( n = 31). Standardized standing long-leg weight-bearing radiographs were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation included hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle, femoral component coronal angle (FCCA), tibial component coronal angle (TCCA), and sagittal alignment parameters. Tibial coronal alignment was interpreted according to the Cartier metaphyseal alignment philosophy. Intergroup comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Baseline demographic characteristics and preoperative radiographic parameters were comparable among the three groups (all p > 0.05). Postoperative mean HKA was 177.1° ± 2.1° in the Journey I NAVIO group, 177.3° ± 2.5° in the Journey II Uni conventional group, and 177.7° ± 2.2° in the Journey II UK CORI group, with no statistically significant differences ( p = 0.56). Femoral and tibial component coronal alignment, including TCCA, showed no significant intergroup differences. All cases across the three cohorts were within predefined safe zones for HKA, FCCA, and TCCA. Sagittal alignment parameters were also comparable between groups. Conclusion: In a high-volume center adopting a consistent alignment philosophy, medial UKA achieves equivalent and highly accurate radiographic outcomes regardless of robotic assistance or conventional instrumentation.