RESULTS SH was observed in 1/39 (3%) otosclerotic ears and BLB impairment in 8/39 (21%) while 8/29 patients with otosclerosis (28%) had vertigo. No significant associations were found between SH or BLB impairment on MRI, and the presence of vertigo or the degree of sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSION Clinical manifestations of otosclerosis (sensorineural hearing loss and rotatory vertigo) were not significantly associated with MRI findings such as BLB impairment and endolymphatic hydrops. SH was only observed in one patient with obstruction of the vestibular aqueduct by an otosclerotic focus. The removal of ectoparasites is a common behavior found across animal taxa and is a determinant to avoid the negative effects of parasites' presence. Eventually, the elimination of ectoparasites is associated with mutualistic interactions. Cleaner birds remove ectoparasites, providing benefits to its mutualistic host by reducing parasite burden while they obtain a protein food source. Here we report some evidence that giant cowbirds (Molothrus oryzivorus) may have an important role as a cleaner bird. We found 74 adult ticks inside the ventriculus of one male giant cowbird. The ticks belonged to three different species Amblyomma dubitatum, A. sculptum and A. triste. We found that the sex-ratio of the consumed adult ticks was not different from 11. Although additional data are necessary, the large number of ticks found suggests that the giant cowbird may have developed a mutualistic association with large, social mammals such as capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), since this animal is an important host species for the three tick species found in the present study. BACKGROUND No study has evaluated the effect of topical powdered vancomycin in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The goal of this study is to determine if this method reduces postoperative infection rates following primary TKA. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective study reviewed 855 consecutive patients undergoing TKA. The first 418 patients, who did not receive topical vancomycin, were grouped into the control group and the subsequent 437 patients, who received powdered vancomycin applied to the target joint prior to wound closure, were grouped into the treatment group. RESULTS The control group was found to have 18 infectious complications (4.3%) compared with 6 (1.4%) in the treatment group, which differed significantly (p0.05), while the difference in prevalence of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) was statistically significant (1.2% vs. 0; p less then 0.05). No serious adverse events (AEs) occurred. DISCUSSION Topical application of powdered vancomycin may present a reasonable means of decreasing the risk of infectious complications following TKA. There were no serious AEs associated with topical vancomycin. Further research is needed to focus on its long-term efficacy and safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, retrospective, cohort study. BACKGROUND The costs incurred by management of displaced femoral neck fracture are a public health issue. The anterior approach can be used for partial hip replacement, but costs in terms of equipment and time incurred by using a traction table have not to our knowledge been estimated in this indication. We therefore performed a case-control study, comparing (1) installation and deinstallation times (IT, DT) in partial hip replacement using a standard versus a traction table (ST, TT), and (2) operating times, limb-length radiography and intraoperative complications. HYPOTHESIS Performing the anterior approach on a standard table saves installation and deinstallation time and operating time, without leading to more intraoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comparative retrospective study included 102 patients (mean age, 84.8±8 years; 46 ST, 56 TT). Installation time (IT) was calculated between entry in the operating room and performance of the incision; operating time (OT) between incision and closure; and deinstallation time (DT) between closure and leaving the operating room. RESULTS Mean IT in ST (25.5±6.2min) was significantly shorter than in TT (33.9±6.2min) (p=1.1*10-9), as were DT (13±4.7 versus 17±3.4min) (p=4.1*10-6) and OT (73.5±15.9 versus 82.6±21.3minutes) (p=0.01). There were 4 intraoperative complications 1 greater trochanter fracture in ST and 2 greater trochanter fractures and 1 proximal femoral fracture in TT. Limb-length discrepancy was comparable between ST (3.7±3.2mm (range, 0-15mm)) and TT (5.3±4.6mm (range, 0-20mm)) (p=0.06). DISCUSSION Patient installation on a standard table reduced installation, deinstallation and operating time compared to use of a traction table, without increasing the complications rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, case-control study. BACKGROUND Bone defects during revision procedures for failed UKA represent a challenge even for the most experienced surgeons; therefore, an accurate preoperative planning remains essential to prevent dramatic scenarios in the surgical theatre. HYPOTHESIS Our hypothesis is that bearing thickness used in original UKA represents a reliable predictor of severe tibial bone loss, requiring a metallic augment or constrained implant, during revision to TKA. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-two patients who underwent a total knee arthroplasty from failed UKA were identified from our institutional database and evaluated clinically using the Knee Society Score (KSS). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using the presence of tibial augments or the need of varus-valgus constrained (VVC) prosthesis as depend variables, and patients' gender, age at revision procedure, side (medial or lateral), UKA tibial tray (all-polyethylene or metal back), bearing thickness (composite thicknesses of the metal-backed trahickness, represents a helpful support in this context. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, retrospective case series. INTRODUCTION Collagen scaffolds are a good surgical option for covering large focal osteochondral defects in the knee. In the recent literature there is a wide range of patient profiles and chondral defect treatments (chondral and osteochondral defects, associated procedures, etc.). https://www.selleckchem.com/products/acetosyringone.html The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and imaging outcomes with collagen scaffolds and to assess any correlation between medium-term clinical outcome and MRI features. The hypothesis was that there is no correlation between clinical outcome and MRI after 2 years postoperatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS A single-center retrospective observational study included all patients receiving a MaioRegen® scaffold for large painful focal osteochondral defect of the femoral condyle. There were 17 patients, with a mean age of 28±9 years. Defect locations comprised 12 medial femoral condyles, 4 lateral femoral condyles and 1 lateral tibial plateau. Mean defect area was 4.5±1.4cm2. All patients were evaluated clinically and on KOOS and objective and subjective IKDC scales, with MRI at last follow-up.