Publications by authors named "Dragos Cristian Popescu"

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the biomechanical performance of two Kirschner (K) wire configurations-the intra-focal and interfragmentary techniques-for the fixation of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. The study also assesses the impact of K-wire diameter (1.6 mm vs.

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Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is a complex condition that can severely affect forearm function, causing pain, limited range of motion, and reduced strength. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of DRUJ instability, emphasizing a new classification system that we propose. The review synthesizes anatomical and biomechanical factors essential for DRUJ stability, focusing on the interrelationship between the bones and surrounding soft tissues.

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Hyaluronic acid, in the form of a gel or viscoelastic colloidal solution, is currently used for the viscosupplementation of joints affected by osteoarthritis, but its effectiveness is under debate in relation to newer alternatives. Based on meta-analytical arguments, the present article reinforces the opinion that there are still no decisive arguments for its complete replacement but for its use adapted to the peculiarities of the disease manifestation and of the patients. A "broad" comparison is first made with almost all alternatives studied in the last decade, and then a meta-regression study is performed to compare and predict the effect size induced by viscosupplementation therapy and its main challenger of clinical interest, the platelet-rich plasma treatment.

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Numerous studies report the success and outcomes of the total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, few papers present patients with knee osteoarthritis and ipsilateral hip fusion. One controversy when treating patients requiring a TKA with prior ipsilateral hip fusion is whether to first perform a total hip arthroplasty (THA) of the fused hip, followed by the ipsilateral TKA, or to proceed with the TKA without replacing the hip; studies suggest that the position of the fused hip is a key factor when making this therapeutical decision. In addition, performing a TKA in patients with an ipsilateral fused hip may require modifications to the surgical technique generated by the lack of joint mobility in the hip.

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One of the most popular and effective orthopedic surgical interventions for treating a variety of hip diseases is total hip arthroplasty. Despite being a radical procedure that involves replacing bone and cartilaginous surfaces with biomaterials, it produces excellent outcomes that significantly increase the patient's quality of life. Patient factors and surgical technique, as well as biomaterials, play a role in prosthetic survival, with aseptic loosening (one of the most common causes of total hip arthroplasty failure) being linked to the quality of biomaterials utilized.

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