The nature of implant-related infections is complex. Currently, there is no definitive test for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and diagnosis remains challenging despite recent developments. Failure to diagnose and investigate pathologies of the hip appropriately results in delayed management and prolonged patient morbidity. A systematic approach to establishing clear diagnostic criteria for PJI is needed to improve our ability to avoid devastating outcomes associated with these infections. In the current review, we describe an algorithmic approach to the diagnosis of PJI and current controversies surrounding novel diagnostic methods.

Purpose: Management of pediatric subtrochanteric femur fractures (SFFs) is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of adolescent SFFs treated with adult proximal humeral locking plates (PHLPs).
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 18 adolescents (11 male, 7 female) with a diagnosis of SFF who underwent internal fixation with a PHLP was conducted. Data regarding injury mechanism, fracture pattern, and time to union were recorded for all patients. In addition, a clinical and functional evaluation of patients was performed using the Harris hip score (HHS), Iowa hip score (IHS), modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel score (MMAPS), Flynn criteria, and hip range of motion (ROM).
Results: The mean age of the patients was 12.72±2.05 years (range, 10-16 years). Radiological observation was performed for evaluation of five different injury mechanisms and different fracture patterns in patients. The mean postoperative HHS was 92.27±5.61, the mean IHS was 90.88±6.46, and the mean MMAPS was 17.22±0.94. According to the Flynn criteria, excellent results were achieved in 14 cases and satisfactory results were obtained in four cases. Measurements of the patients’ mean hip ROM values were as follows: 17.77±3.52°in extension, 115.27±6.74°in flexion, 43.05±3.48°in abduction, 27.50±4.28°in adduction, 42.22±4.60°in internal rotation, and 42.22±3.91°in external rotation.
Conclusion: Surgery performed on adolescent patients using an adult PHLP showed good, safe results. Therefore, it should be considered as an alternative option.

The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for comparison of the effectiveness of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with that of other analgesic techniques for reduction of postoperative pain and consumption of opioids after total hip arthroplasty (THA). A search of records in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was conducted in order to identify studies comparing the effect of the PENG block with that of other analgesics on reduction of postoperative pain and consumption of opioids after THA. Determination of eligibility was based on the PICOS (participants, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design) criteria as follows: (1) Participants: patients who underwent THA. (2) Intervention: patients who received a PENG block for management of postoperative pain. (3) Comparator: patients who received other analgesics. (4) Outcomes: numerical rating scale (NRS) score and opioid consumption during different periods. (5) Study design: clinical RCTs. Five RCTs were finally included in the current meta-analysis. Significantly lower postoperative opioid consumption at 24 hours after THA was observed in the group of patients who received the PENG block compared with the control group (standard mean difference=– 0.36, 95% confidence interval –0.64 to –0.08). However, no significant reduction in NRS score at 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery and opioid consumption at 48 hours after THA was observed. The PENG block showed better results for opioid consumption at 24 hours after THA compared with other analgesics.