Abstract Objective To evaluate the postoperative functional and radiographic outcomes of the shoulder of patients submitted to transosseous suturing of a greater tuberosity fracture (GTF) through an anterolateral route and the influence of the glenohumeral dislocation on these outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective study and functional assessment using the Constant-Murley score. The distance between the greater tuberosity and the joint surface of the proximal humerus (in true anteroposterior radiographs) after the union was calculated. We used the Fisher exact test for the categorical independent variables, and the Student t or Mann-Whitney test for the non-categorical variables. Results In total, 26 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 38% of the sample presented an association between glenohumeral dislocation and GTF. The mean Constant-Murley score was of 82.5 + 8.02 points. The presence of an associated dislocation did not alter the functional outcome. The mean distance between the greater tuberosity of the humerus and the joint surface of the humeral head after the union was of 9 + 4.3 mm below the articular line of the humeral head. The dislocation led to a lower level of reduction, but this did not influence the Constant-Murley score. Conclusion The cases of GTF submitted to surgical treatment with transosseous sutures had good functional outcomes. The presence of dislocation made the anatomical reduction of the greater tuberosity difficult. However, it did not influence the Constant-Murley score.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados funcional e radiográfico pós-operatórios do ombro, em pacientes submetidos a sutura transóssea de fratura da tuberosidade maior (FTM) por acesso anterolateral, e a influência da luxação glenoumeral nesses resultados. Métodos Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo e avaliação funcional (pela escala de Constant-Murley). Calculou-se a distância entre a tuberosidade maior e a superfície articular do úmero proximal (por meio de radiografia em incidência anteroposterior verdadeira) após a consolidação. Usou-se o teste Exato de Fisher para as variáveis independentes categóricas, e os testes tde Student ou de Mann-Whitney para as não categóricas. Resultados Ao todo, 26 pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A associação de luxação glenoumeral com FTM foi observada em 38% da amostra. A média da pontuação na escala de Constant-Murley foi de 82,5 + 8,02. A presença de luxação associada não alterou o resultado funcional. A distância média da consolidação da tuberosidade maior do úmero em relação à superfície articular da cabeça umeral foi de 9 + 4,3 mm abaixo da linha articular da cabeça umeral. Pacientes com luxação associada evoluíram com redução menor, mas isso não influenciou na pontuação na escala de Constant-Murley. Conclusão As FTMs submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico com sutura transóssea evoluíram com bom resultado funcional. A presença de luxação dificultou a redução anatômica da tuberosidade maior. Entretanto, isso não influenciou na pontuação na escala de Constant-Murley.

ABSTRACT Background: Proximal humeral fractures can progress to osteonecrosis of the humeral head. Hertel developed a binary classification system (12 subtypes) and demonstrated that some patterns have more risk to develop osteonecrosis. Hertel described the prevalence and the risk factors for Humeral head osteonecrosis after osteosynthesis using a Deltopectoral approach. Few studies have evaluated the prevalence and the capacity of Hertel’s classification to predict Humeral Head osteonecrosis following osteosynthesis of proximal Humeral fractures through the anterolateral approach. The objectives of this study were to correlate osteonecrosis predictors established by the Hertel classification with the risk of developing osteonecrosis and its prevalence after osteosynthesis using the anterolateral approach. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures using an anterolateral approach. Patients were divided into two groups: high risk for necrosis (group 1) and low risk for necrosis (group 2) according to Hertel’s criteria. The overall prevalence of osteonecrosis and the prevalence in each group were calculated. A radiological examination was performed in the true anteroposterior (Grashey), scapular, and axillary views, before and after the operation (minimum 1 year after surgery). A KaplanMeier curve was used to assess the pattern of the temporal evolution of osteonecrosis. The groups were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. The unpaired t-test (parametric variables - age) and the MannWhitney test (non-parametric time between trauma and surgery) were used. Results: In total, 39 patients were evaluated. The postoperative follow-up time was 14.5 ± 3.3 months. The time to onset of necrosis was 14.1 ± 3.9 months. Sex, age, and time between trauma and surgery did not influence the risk of necrosis. Type 2, 9, 10, 11, and 12, or fractures with posteromedial head extension less than or equal to 8 mm, or diaphysis deviation greater than 2 mm, as well as grouping did not influence the risk for osteonecrosis. Conclusions: Hertel’s criteria were not able to predict the development of osteonecrosis after osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures performed through the anterolateral approach. The total prevalence of osteonecrosis was 17.9% with a tendency toward an increased incidence after 1 year of surgical treatment.

ABSTRACT Monteggia fracture-dislocations are rare injuries, affecting about 2-5% of the population. Jesse Jupiter subdivided Bado’s Type II fractures into four types, all of which presented an associated radial head fracture. Associated chondral and ligament injuries can evolve with postoperative complications. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of complications and risk factors that may influence the postoperative outcomes of Jupiter lesions. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted with surgically treated patients. The characteristics related to fractures and surgical approaches were evaluated and these variables were correlated with radiographic and functional postoperative complications. Results: A total of 15 patients were evaluated, mostly men and with a higher prevalence of Types IIA and IID. The most frequent complications were heterotopic ossification and osteolysis around the radial head prosthesis. Postoperative instability occurred only in the lateral collateral ligament. According to MEPS functional score, 53% of the patients evolved with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion: The studied cases evolved with high rates of postoperative complications, mainly in Jupiter’s Type IID fractures and associated coronoid fractures. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Study.

RESUMO A fratura-luxação de Monteggia é uma lesão rara que acomete cerca de 2-5% da população. Jesse Jupiter subdividiu as fraturas tipo II de Bado em quatro tipos, todos eles associados à fratura da cabeça do rádio. As lesões condral e ligamentares associadas podem evoluir com complicações pós-operatórias. Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência das complicações e os fatores de risco que podem influenciar os resultados pós-operatórios nas fraturas de Monteggia tipo II de Jupiter. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com pacientes tratados cirurgicamente. Avaliaram-se as características relacionadas às fraturas e as técnicas cirúrgicas utilizadas e, em seguida, tais variáveis foram correlacionadas com complicações pós-operatórias radiográficas e funcionais. Resultados: Foram avaliados 15 pacientes, havendo predomínio do sexo masculino e maior prevalência das fraturas tipo IIA e IID. As complicações mais frequentes foram a ossificação heterotópica e a osteólise ao redor da prótese da cabeça do rádio. A instabilidade pós-operatória ocorreu somente no complexo ligamentar lateral. Funcionalmente, segundo o Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 53% dos pacientes evoluíram com resultados desfavoráveis. Conclusão: Observou-se alta taxa de complicação pós-operatória, principalmente nas fraturas tipo II-D de Jupiter e naquelas com fratura do coronoide associada. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Terapêutico.

RESUMO A mortalidade de pacientes após osteossíntese de fratura de úmero proximal (FUP) é pouco estudada em comparação com as fraturas do fêmur proximal. Objetivo: Avaliar a mortalidade de pacientes idosos com FUP submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico FUP entre 2009 e 2019. Foram avaliados dados demográficos, classificação de Neer e a mortalidade dessa coorte de pacientes. As variáveis não categóricas foram testadas pelo teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Utilizou-se o teste t não pareado para variáveis paramétricas. As variáveis categóricas foram testadas pelo teste exato de Fisher. Construiu-se a curva de mortalidade pelo método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: Foram avaliados 59 pacientes, havendo predomínio do sexo feminino na faixa dos 60 anos. As fraturas mais prevalentes foram as do tipo III de Neer. A maior mortalidade ocorreu nos quatro primeiros anos pós-operatórios (4,1 + 3,2 anos). A única comorbidade capaz de mudar a curva de sobrevida foi o diabetes mellitus (p = 0,03). Conclusão: A mortalidade geral foi de 11,3%. A maior mortalidade ocorreu nos primeiros quatro anos de seguimento. Pacientes diabéticos evoluem com mortalidade mais precoce e possuem sete vezes mais chance de óbito. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

ABSTRACT Mortality of patients after osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures (PHF) has been poorly studied in contrast to fractures of the proximal femur. Objective: To evaluate the mortality of older patients with PHF undergoing surgical treatment. Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing surgical treatment PHF between 2009-2019. Demographic data, Neer classification, and mortality of this cohort of patients were evaluated. Non-categorical variables were tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The unpaired t-test (parametric variables) was used. Categorical variables were tested by Fisher’s exact test. A Kaplan-Meier mortality curve was constructed. Results: 59 patients were evaluated. There was a predominance of females in the sixth decade of life. The most prevalent fractures were Neer’s type III. The highest mortality occurred in the first 4 years after surgery (4.1 + 3.2 years). The only comorbidity capable of changing the survival curve was DM (p = 0.03) Conclusion: Overall mortality was 11.3%. The highest mortality occurred in the first 4 years of follow-up. Diabetic patients evolve with earlier mortality and have 7 times more chance of death. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO A maior parcela dos estudos epidemiológicos não aborda exclusivamente as fraturas tratadas cirurgicamente, mas engloba as de tratamento conservador. No Brasil existem poucos estudos epidemiológicos que versam sobre a prevalência das fraturas submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência, os dados demográficos e as lesões associadas das fraturas da diáfise do úmero tratadas cirurgicamente. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo conduzido entre 2009 e 2019, com pacientes submetidos a osteossíntese de fratura diafisária do úmero. As variáveis categóricas foram testadas pelo teste qui-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher, enquanto as não categóricas foram medidas pelo teste t não pareado. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Foram avaliados 115 pacientes. A média de idade foi de 37,9 ± 15,6 anos, com uma predominância de pacientes do sexo masculino (66,9%) devido a acidentes automobilísticos. A fratura tipo 12 A3 foi a mais prevalente. A prevalência de fratura exposta foi de 11,3%. A lesão nervo radial ocorreu em 33%, principalmente em traumas de baixa energia. Conclusão: As fraturas diafisárias do úmero tratadas cirurgicamente foram mais prevalentes em homens jovens e relacionadas a traumas de alta energia, com padrão de traço transverso. Fraturas secundárias e traumas de baixa energia tiveram maior associação com lesão do nervo radial. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Epidemiológico, Retrospectivo.

ABSTRACT Most epidemiological studies do not exclusively address fractures treated surgically but include those with conservative treatment. In Brazil, few epidemiological studies address fractures prevalence undergoing surgical treatment. Objective: To assess the prevalence, demographics, and associated injuries of surgically treated humeral shaft fractures. Methods: A retrospective study between 2009 and 2019 with patients undergoing osteosynthesis of humeral shaft fracture. Categorical variables were assessed using Fisher’s chi-square or exact test, and non-categorical variables were assessed using the unpaired t-test. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: A total of 115 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 37.9 ± 15.6 years, with a male predominance (66.9%) due to car accidents. The most prevalent fracture type was 12 A3. Open fracture prevalence was 11.3%. Radial nerve damage prevalence was 33% and low-energy trauma was twice as likely. Conclusion: Surgically treated humeral shaft fractures were more prevalent in men, young, and related to high-energy trauma, with a transverse line pattern. Fractures secondary to low-energy trauma had a greater association with radial nerve injury. Level of Evidence III, Epidemiological, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: As vias de acesso anterolaterais para a osteossíntese do úmero proximal permitem a exposição direta do aspecto lateral do úmero sem necessitar das retrações musculares da via deltopeitoral. Contudo, há grande preocupação com a possibilidade de lesão iatrogênica do nervo axilar e consequente piora no resultado funcional pós-operatório. Identificar a incidência de lesões iatrogênicas do nervo axilar e avaliar os resultados funcionais da osteossíntese do úmero proximal com placas bloqueadas, utilizando as vias anterolaterais. Métodos: Revisão da literatura seguindo o protocolo PRISMA. Resultados: Foram selecionados 23 artigos do total de 786 indivíduos submetidos às vias de acesso anterolaterais. Foram confirmados 3 casos (0,38%) de lesões iatrogênicas do nervo axilar. Os resultados dos testes funcionais foram semelhantes aos da via deltopeitoral. Conclusão: As vias de acesso anterolaterais são uma alternativa viável e segura para a osteossíntese do úmero proximal com placas bloqueadas. Nível de Evidência II, Revisão Sistemática.

ABSTRACT Objective: Anterolateral approaches for proximal humerus osteosynthesis have great advantages because they allow direct exposure of the lateral aspect of the humerus without the muscular retraction seen in the deltopectoral approach. However, much resistance is found among surgeons due to the potential risk of iatrogenic injury to the axillary nerve. To identify the incidence of axillary nerve iatrogenic lesions and evaluate the functional results of proximal humerus osteosynthesis with locking plates using anterolateral approaches. Methods: The literature review followed the PRISMA protocol. Results: A total of 23 articles were selected from 786 patients submitted to anterolateral approaches. Three cases (0.38%) of iatrogenic axillary nerve lesions were confirmed. The results of the functional tests were similar to those of the deltopectoral approach. Conclusion: Anterolateral approaches are a viable and safe alternative for proximal humerus osteosynthesis with locking plate. Subacromial impingement was the most frequent complication. Level of Evidence II, Systematic Review.

RESUMO Objetivo: A via de acesso mais utilizada na osteossíntese das fraturas de úmero proximal é a deltopeitoral. A via anterolateral sofre resistência, pois muitos temem suas complicações, principalmente lesão do nervo axilar. Objetivo é avaliar a função do ombro e as complicações nas fraturas de úmero proximal, tratados pela via anterolateral com observação direta do nervo axilar. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com avaliação radiológica e funcional (Constant e DASH scores) pós-operatórios e complicações. A associação entre a classificação da fratura e a diferença dos escores entre os membros, bem como o ângulo final de consolidação, foram analisados pelo Teste de Fisher ou Anova. A comparação dos escores Constant entre os membros foi conduzida pelo teste t pareado. Resultados: foram avaliados 35 pacientes. Houve diminuição da função do ombro em relação ao contralateral (p<0,005). O único fator relacionado à piora funcional foi fratura Neer IV. A principal complicação foi consolidação viciosa. Não se observou alterações clínicas relacionadas ao nervo axilar. Conclusão: A osteossíntese das fraturas do úmero proximal realizada pela via de acesso anterolateral estendida, apesar da diminuição da função do ombro (fraturas Neer IV), evoluiu com bom resultado funcional e mostrou-se segura na proteção do nervo axilar. Nível de evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

ABSTRACT Objective: The main surgical approach in proximal humeral fractures is the deltopectoral approach. Many surgeons avoid the anterolateral approach, fearing its complications, especially axillary nerve injury. The objective of this study is to evaluate shoulder function and complications in patients with proximal humeral fractures treated using an anterolateral approach with direct observation of the axillary nerve. Methods: Retrospective study with postoperative radiological and functional evaluations (Constant and DASH scores) and review of the complications. The associations between fracture classification and the difference in Constant scores among the subjects and the final angle of consolidation were analyzed using Fisher's test or analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Constant scores were compared among the shoulders using the paired t-test. Results: The study evaluated 35 patients. Shoulder function was decreased, compared with the contralateral side (p<0.005). The only factor related to functional worsening was the Neer IV fracture. The main complication was malunion. There were no clinical changes related to the axillary nerve. Conclusion: The treatment using the extended anterolateral approach produced good functional results, although the function was decreased (Neer IV fractures). The main complication was malunion. There were no side effects due to exposure of the axillary nerve. Level of evidence III, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a via de acesso de escolha entre os ortopedistas brasileiros e se a formação de especialista em cirurgia do ombro e/ou tempo de experiência influenciam nessa decisão. Métodos: Realizou-se questionário entre ortopedistas, com e sem especialização em ombro, sobre qual a via de acesso preferida e as complicações observadas. Aplicou-se o teste do qui-quadrado ou o teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 114 ortopedistas, 49 (43,0 %) traumatologistas, 36 (31,5 %) cirurgiões especialistas e 29 (25 %) residentes de especialização em cirurgia do ombro. Nas fraturas sem luxação a formação especializada e o tempo de experiência não influenciaram na escolha (maioria deltopeitoral). Na fratura/luxação, 97,2% dos especialistas optaram pela deltopeitoral, comparado com 82,1% dos traumatologistas (p=0,034). Nas fraturas/luxação, cirurgiões com experiência superior a 5 anos optaram pela deltopeitoral (92,5%) e aqueles com menos de 5 anos optaram pela via deltopeitoral (78,7%) (p=0,032). A diminuição do arco de movimento (ADM) foi a complicação mais relatada. Conclusão: A especialização em cirurgia do ombro não influenciou na escolha nas fraturas sem luxação. Na fratura/luxação, a especialização e o tempo de experiência associaram-se à escolha da via deltopeitoral. A complicação mais frequente foi a diminuição do ADM, principalmente entre os cirurgiões do Ombro. Nível de Evidência V, Opinião de especialistas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the choice of surgical approach among Brazilian orthopedists and whether shoulder surgery specialty training or duration of experience influences the decision-making. Methods: A questionnaire on the preferred approach and complications was administered to orthopedic surgeons with and without shoulder specialization training. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was applied. Results: We interviewed 114 orthopedists, 49 (43.0%) traumatologists, 36 (31.5%) specialist surgeons, and 29 (25%) shoulder surgery specialist residents. In cases of fracture without dislocation, specialized training and duration of experience did not influence the approach used (primarily deltopectoral). In cases of fracture/dislocation, 97.2% of the specialists versus 82.1% of the traumatologists opted for the deltopectoral approach (p = 0.034). In cases of fractures/dislocation, 92.5% of surgeons with more than 5 years of experience and 78.7% with less than 5 years of experience opted for the deltopectoral approach (p = 0.032). Conclusion: Specialization in shoulder surgery did not influence surgeons' approaches to manage fractures without dislocation. In cases of fracture/dislocation, shoulder surgery specialization training and duration of experience were associated with selection of the deltopectoral approach. Level of Evidence V, Expert opinion.

Objective : To evaluate the results of displaced radial neck fractures in children trated surgically with flexible titanium intramedullary nails. Method : This is a retrospective study of five cases of radial neck fractures with displacement greater than 30° fixed with flexible intramedullary nails. Patients were evaluated regarding functional outcome through range of motion and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), as well as radiographic exams. Results : Five patients, with a mean age of 8.4 years were assessed, during a mean post-operative follow up of 12.2 months. Open reduction was necessary in three cases with major displacement. At the end of the follow up, 80% of the patients had excellent results, 20% good results, and all fractures healed. As complications we observed: heterotopic ossification, superficial infection and radial head necrosis. Conclusions : In spite of the small sample, our results with flexible titanium intramedullary nails were similar to the current literature, with good functional outcomes. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional outcome of patients with surgically treated terrible triad of the elbow. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed using the MEPS score (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) of patients diagnosed with terrible triad of the elbow who underwent surgical treatment. RESULTS: 14 patients (nine men and five women) and 15 elbows (one bilateral case) were evaluated. A MEPS average score of 78 points and 86% good and excellent results was obtained. As complications, we had one case of infection and three of neuropraxia of the ulnar nerve. CONCLUSION: The patients had stable elbow with good function, however with reduced range of motion. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes in patients treated for humerus distal third fractures with MIPO technique and visualization of the radial nerve by an accessory approach, in those without radial palsy before surgery. METHODS: The patients were treated with MIPO technique. The visualization and isolation of the radial nerve was done by an approach between the brachialis and the brachiorradialis, with an oblique incision, in the lateral side of the arm. MEPS was used to evaluate the elbow function. RESULTS: Seven patients were evaluated with a mean age of 29.8 years old. The average follow up was 29.85 months. The radial neuropraxis after surgery occurred in three patients. The sensorial recovery occurred after 3.16 months on average and also of the motor function, after 5.33 months on average, in all patients. We achieved fracture consolidation in all patients (M=4.22 months). The averages for flexion-extension and prono-supination were 112.85° and 145°, respectively. The MEPS average score was 86.42. There was no case of infection. CONCLUSION: This approach allowed excluding a radial nerve interposition on site of the fracture and/or under the plate, showing a high level of consolidation of the fracture and a good evolution of the range of movement of the elbow. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O carcinoma de mama é um tumor maligno comum no mundo desenvolvido. O diagnóstico tardio da doença está associada com metástases ósseas. O fêmur é comumente afetado. Fatores prognósticos de mortalidade em pacientes com metástases ósseas provenientes de cânceres em geral têm sido relatados. No entanto, não há nenhum relatório específico de fatores prognósticos em relação à metástase do câncer de mama no fêmur tratados cirurgicamente. A determinação de fatores prognósticos em pacientes com metástases ósseas pode auxiliar a tomada de decisões terapêuticas. OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores clínicos e ortopédicos relacionados com a mortalidade em pacientes com câncer de mama e metástases ao fêmur tratados cirurgicamente. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo que incluiu 41 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico de metástases femorais. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: (i) número e a localização das metástases ósseas, (ii) metástases viscerais, (iii) presença de fratura patológica, (iv) método de fixação e (v) testes de laboratório. Esses fatores foram correlacionados com a mortalidade por meio de regressão logística multivariada Cox e curvas Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Houve uma alta prevalência de metástases múltiplas associadas com fraturas patológicas, no momento da cirurgia. A mortalidade foi alta e precoce. Localização subtrocantéricas, a presença de fraturas, anemia e alterações na função renal foram associados a maior mortalidade. O método de fixação, o número de metástases ósseas, e a presença de metástases em outros órgãos não alterou a mortalidade. CONCLUSÕES: O câncer de mama com metástase para o fêmur é uma doença avançada, com mortalidade precoce. Factores clínicos e ortopédicas deve ser considerado. A cirurgia é recomendada quando ocorrem lesões, independente do tipo de implante utilizado.

BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma is a common malignancy in the developed world. Late diagnosis of the disease is associated with bone metastasis. The femur is commonly affected. Prognostic factors of mortality in patients with bone metastases originating from cancers in general have been reported. However, there is no specific report of prognostic factors in relation to breast cancer metastasis in the surgically treated femur. The determination of prognostic factors in patients with bone metastasis can assist in therapeutic decisions. OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and orthopedic factors related to mortality in patients with breast cancer and metastases to the femur treated surgically. METHOD: This was a retrospective study and included 41 patients undergoing surgical treatment of femoral metastases. We analyzed the following variables: (i) number and location of bone metastases, (ii) visceral metastases, (iii) presence of pathological fracture, (iv) fixation method, and (v) laboratory tests. These factors were correlated with mortality using Cox Multivariate Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of multiple metastases associated with pathological fractures at the time of surgery. Mortality was high and early. Subtrochanteric location, the presence of fractures, anemia, and alterations in renal function were associated with higher mortality. The fixation method, the number of bone metastases, and the presence of metastasis in other organs did not affect mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer with metastasis to the femur is an advanced disease with early mortality. Clinical and orthopedic factors should be considered. Surgery is recommended when lesions occur, regardless of the type of implant used.

INTRODUCTION: The present study examines cardiovascular risk factor profiles and 24-month mortality in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. DESIGN STUDY: Prospective observational study including 75 consecutive patients with PAD (67 ± 9.7 years of age; 52 men and 23 women) hospitalized for planned peripheral vascular reconstruction. Doppler echocardiograms were performed before surgery in 54 cases. Univariate analyses were performed using Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test. Survival analysis at 24-month follow-up was performed using the Cox regression model and Kaplan-Meier method including age and chronic use of aspirin as covariates. Survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Hypertension and smoking were the most frequent risk factors (52 cases and 51 cases, respectively), followed by diabetes (32 cases). Undertreated dyslipidemia was found in 26 cases. Fasting glycine levels (131 ± 69.1 mg/dl) were elevated in 29 cases. Myocardial hypertrophy was found in 18 out of 54 patients. Thirty-four patients had been treated with aspirin. Overall mortality over 24 months was 24% and was associated with age (HR: 0.064; CI95: 0.014-0.115; p=0.013) and lack of use of aspirin, as no deaths occurred among those using this drug (p<0.001). No association was found between cardiovascular death (11 cases) and the other risk factors. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of uncontrolled (treated or untreated) cardiovascular risk factors in patients undergoing planned peripheral vascular reconstruction, and chronic use of aspirin is associated with reduced all-cause mortality in these patients.