Background: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the single-incision technique with a distal biceps repair system versus the modified double-incision technique, specifically the Morrey-modified approach, Krackow sutures, and drill holes, for the management of acute and chronic distal biceps tendon rupture. The study was conducted at the Orthopedic-Traumatology Clinic II of SCJUPBT Timisoara, Romania, between 2014 and 2022. Methods: A total of sixty-nine patients with acute distal biceps tendon rupture and five patients with chronic distal tendon rupture were included in the study. Forty-eight cases underwent the single-incision technique with the distal biceps repair system, while twenty-four patients were treated with the modified double-incision technique. Results: Both surgical techniques demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of successful tendon repair and functional restoration. However, the single-incision technique exhibited slightly superior results in terms of patient satisfaction, range of motion, and postoperative rehabilitation. The modified double-incision technique showed comparable outcomes but had a higher incidence of complications, particularly related to wound healing. Conclusion: The single-incision technique with the distal biceps repair system and the modified double-incision technique, including the Morrey-modified approach, Krackow sutures, and drill holes, are effective surgical approaches for the management of distal biceps tendon rupture. The single-incision technique yielded better functional outcomes and patient satisfaction, while the modified double-incision technique had a higher risk of complications. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is necessary to validate these findings and determine the most appropriate surgical approach for distal biceps tendon rupture.

(1) Background: Since the advent of zidovudine in 1987, antiretroviral therapy has undergone significant evolution, marked by the introduction of 34 antiretroviral drugs and 24 fixed-dose combinations. Despite these advances, hepatotoxicity remains a formidable challenge, influencing morbidity, mortality, and treatment adherence in HIV-infected patients. This study aims to compare the hepatotoxic effects of latest-generation antiretroviral medications with those of older-generation therapies, assessing their long-term impact on liver health in HIV patients. (2) Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 304 HIV patients treated with either latest-generation or older-generation antiretroviral drugs over four years. Patients were monitored for hepatotoxicity through liver function tests at diagnosis, six months, and one-year post-treatment initiation. (3) Results: Initial and six-month liver function tests showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, at one-year post-treatment, patients on latest-generation antiretrovirals exhibited significant improvements in ALT, AST, and ALP levels, suggesting a better safety profile regarding hepatotoxicity. Additionally, a significantly lower incidence of splenomegaly was observed in patients treated with newer medications. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that the latest-generation antiretroviral medications may offer a safer profile in terms of hepatotoxicity compared to older therapies, with potential benefits for long-term liver health. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and further research to optimize ART strategies, ensuring improved patient outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with HIV.

The management of tibial pilon fractures is challenging and often leads to complications and limitations in ankle function. The study aims to investigate myotonometric parameters and muscle strength of ankle muscles, as well as gait pattern and balance among patients following surgical treatment of pilon fractures. The randomized controlled study will analyze the differences between the patients who will follow a 3-month physical exercise program and will wear customized foot orthoses (i.e., customized orthotic arch support insoles) versus patients who will attend only the physical exercise program. For each group, at least 21 patients will be required. The assessment involves four different testing procedures: myotonometry (anterior tibialis, medial and lateral gastrocnemius, and longus peroneus assessed using MyotonPRO), muscle strength testing (ankle dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, and peroneal muscles assessed using MicroFET2 dynamometer), analysis of gait parameters (using Scheinworks treadmill), and double-leg and single-leg balance tests (using K-Force plate). After 3 months, the assessments will record which of the two treatments (physical exercise program with or without wearing customized foot orthoses) has better outcomes in regaining ankle muscle properties and tone, as well as the restoration of gait and balance.

Background/Objectives: Studies have reported that patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have decreased postural stability in comparison to healthy subjects. Our study aims to compare static plantar pressure and stabilometry parameters in AS patients who performed an 8-week exercise program (spine motion and flexibility exercises; stretching of hamstring, erector spine, and shoulder muscles; control abdominal and diaphragm breathing exercises and chest expansion exercises), in three different testing conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, and head retroflexed). Methods: Plantar pressure (the loading of the first and fifth metatarsal heads (MT1, MT5) and calcaneus) and stabilometry (CoP path length, 90% confidence ellipse area, and maximum CoP speed) were recorded in 28 AS patients (age 56.64 ± 10.3 years; body mass index 29.4 ± 4.9 kg/m²) at the beginning of rehabilitation and after 8 weeks. At first evaluation, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) for the foot loading sites (MT1, MT5, and calcaneus), both for the right and left feet, when comparing eyes open with the other two testing situations. Results: After rehabilitation, significant differences were recorded between eyes-open and head-retroflexed conditions for MT1 (p = 0.03 for right; p = 0.004 for left) and calcaneus (p = 0.014 for right; p = 0.011 for left). A significantly higher CoP path length was registered in both initial and final assessments when tested with eyes closed. The maximum CoP speed had increased values at both evaluations when tested with head retroflexed. Conclusions: The CoP path length decreased after the physical exercise program, with a better postural stability after rehabilitation.

Background/Objectives: The main aim of our study was to analyze the stabilometric parameters in relation to hip and knee muscle force in children with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) who had undergone surgical treatment. Another objective was to compare the stabilometry in three testing situations (eyes open, eyes closed, and head retroflexed). Methods: In total, 26 patients with unilateral right SCFE treated via in situ fixation with one percutaneous screw performed stabilometry assessments under three different situations (with their eyes open, with their eyes closed, and with their head retroflexed) and isometric muscle force assessment of the bilateral hip flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors and bilateral knee flexors and extensors. Results: No significant differences between the right side (affected hip) and left side (non-affected hip) were recorded for all of the tested muscle groups. We found significant negative correlations between the 90% confidence ellipse area (eyes open condition) and left knee extensors (p = 0.028), right knee flexors (p = 0.041), and left knee flexors (p = 0.02), respectively. When performing the comparison between the eyes open and eyes closed situations, there were significant differences in CoP path length (p < 0.0001) and maximum CoP speed (p = 0.048); the parameters increased in the eyes closed situation. Conclusions: Better postural stability is acquired when assessed with eyes open or with the head retroflexed in contrast with eyes closed testing.

Background: Tibial pilon fractures are usually high-energy fractures that are linked to higher rates of complications and poor clinical outcomes, particularly concerning pain and walking impairments. However, few studies have evaluated postural stability among patients surgically treated for pilon fractures. Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate static and dynamic balance in patients who have undergone unilateral pilon fracture fixation, compared to matched healthy controls. Methods: Ten adult patients, post-fixation for unilateral pilon fracture (with clinical and radiological evidence of fracture healing and ability to bear full weight on the affected lower limb), completed a series of balance tests on K-Force plates. Ten matched healthy controls performed the same tests. Outcomes included CoP path length, CoP mean velocity, time to stabilisation (TTS), and peak force normalized to body weight. Results: Patients showed significantly increased mediolateral sway during bipodal stance (mean CoP velocity of 33.7 vs. 22.4 mm/s, p < 0.01), especially under eyes-closed conditions. In single-leg stance, CoP velocity on the affected limb was more than double that of controls (118 vs. 54 mm/s, p = 0.036). Dynamic tests revealed longer TTS after landing (1563 vs. 501 ms, p = 0.048) and lower force output during squats. The unaffected limb performed nearly normally in static tasks but was slower during dynamic stabilization. Conclusions: Even after fracture healing, patients with tibial pilon fractures show persistent sensorimotor deficits and impaired balance.