Quality Control of Boar Sperm Processing : Implications from European AI Centres and Two Spermatology Reference Laboratories

In recent years, increased automatization has resulted in a higher efficiency of boar semen processing in AI laboratories. Sophisticated laboratory management and efficient quality control programmes are needed for current tendencies in major pork-producing countries to reduce the sperm number per AI dose, to lengthen semen storage times and to adopt responsible methods for bacterial control and prevention of the development of multiresistant bacteria. The objective of the present review was to outline current trends in boar semen production and the critical steps in semen processing which affect sperm quality. In addition, integrated elements of a quality assurance programme in use by thirty European AI centres in association with the two German spermatology reference laboratories are described

Double Plating for Complex Proximal Humeral Fractures: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes

Double plating for proximal humeral fractures (PHF) is an option to increase the primary fixation stability. Clinical data is missing for assessment of clinical and radiological outcome, as well as complications. We retrospectively examined 35 patients with unilateral PHF, who were treated with double plating for PHF between 2013 and 2019. The mean age was 59.5 ± 12 years and the leading fracture type was a varus dislocation (Resch type IV in 55.3%). A head-split was present in 22.9% of the cases. The primary outcome measurement was the radiological neck shaft angle (NSA). The radiological follow-up was 21 ± 16.6 months and the NSA did not differ between the intraoperative and follow-up time point (131.5 ± 6.9° vs. 136.6 ± 13.7°; p = 0.267). The clinical follow-up was 29.5 ± 15.3 months. The Constant-score was 78.5 ± 17 points, the simple-shoulder-test (SST) was 9.3 ± 3.2 points and the subjective shoulder value (SSV) was 78.8 ± 19.5%. The over-all complication rate was 31.4%, and without stiffness 14.3%. An avascular necrosis occurred in two patients (5.7%). In conclusion, this study shows good radiological and functional outcomes after double plating of highly complex proximal humeral fractures, while the complication rate is comparable to the literature. Double plating is a viable option especially for younger patients with complex fractures as a potential alternative to fracture arthroplasty