Tendon graft through the coracoid tunnel versus under the coracoid for coracoclavicular/acromioclavicular reconstruction shows no difference in radiographic or patient-reported outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective study was to report the outcomes of two different methods in CC and AC reconstruction for the treatment of AC separation using a tendon graft and knot-hiding titanium clavicular implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with Rockwood grade III and V acromioclavicular (AC) separations were randomized into two groups. The primary outcome was whether taking the tendon graft through the coracoid risked a fracture. The following were secondary outcomes: follow-up of clavicular wound healing and Nottingham Clavicle score, Constant score, and Simple Shoulder Test results obtained preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. The anteroposterior radiographic change between the clavicular and coracoid cortexes and the clavicular tunnel diameter was measured postoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. General patient satisfaction with the outcome (poor, fair, good, or excellent) was assessed 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: No coracoid fractures were detected. No issues in clavicular wound healing were detected. The mean Nottingham Clavicle score increased from a preoperative mean of 42.42 ± 13.42 to 95.31 ± 14.20 (P < 0.00). The Constant score increased from a preoperative mean of 50.81 ± 17.77 to 96.42 ± 11.51 (P < 0.001). The Simple Shoulder Test score increased from a preoperative mean of 7.50 ± 2.45 to 11.77 ± 1.18 (P < 0.001). The changes were significant. The coracoclavicular distance increased from 11.88 ± 4.00 to 14.19 ± 4.71 mm (P = 0.001), which was significant. The clavicular drill hole diameter increased from 5.5 to a mean of 8.00 ± 0.75 mm. General patient satisfaction was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between the two groups. There were no implant related complications in the clavicular wound healing. The results support the notion that good results are achieved by reconstructing both the CC and AC ligaments with a tendon graft. STUDY REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov.

Arthroscopic Bankart versus open Latarjet as a primary operative treatment for traumatic anteroinferior instability in young males: a randomised controlled trial with 2-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the success rates of arthroscopic Bankart and open Latarjet procedure in the treatment of traumatic shoulder instability in young males. DESIGN: Multicentre randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Orthopaedic departments in eight public hospitals in Finland. PARTICIPANTS: 122 young males, mean age 21 years (range 16-25 years) with traumatic shoulder anteroinferior instability were randomised. INTERVENTIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart (group B) or open Latarjet (group L) procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the reported recurrence of instability, that is, dislocation at 2-year follow-up. The secondary outcome measures included clinical apprehension, sports activity level, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, the pain Visual Analogue Scale, the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score, the Constant Score and the Subjective Shoulder Value scores and the progression of osteoarthritic changes in plain films and MRI. RESULTS: 91 patients were available for analyses at 2-year follow-up (drop-out rate 25%). There were 10 (21%) patients with redislocations in group B and 1 (2%) in group L, p=0.006. One (9%) patient in group B and five (56%) patients in group L returned to their previous top level of competitive sports (p=0.004) at follow-up. There was no statistically significant between group differences in any of the other secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart operation carries a significant risk for short-term postoperative redislocations compared with open Latarjet operation, in the treatment of traumatic anteroinferior instability in young males. Patients should be counselled accordingly before deciding the surgical treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01998048.

Operative versus conservative treatment of small, nontraumatic supraspinatus tears in patients older than 55 years: over 5-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nontraumatic rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder problem that can be treated either conservatively or operatively. In the previous publications of the 1- and 2-year results of this trial, we found no significant between-group clinical differences. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in mid-term clinical and radiologic outcomes in patients older than 55 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty shoulders with symptomatic, nontraumatic supraspinatus tears were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 cumulatively designed treatment groups: physiotherapy (group 1); acromioplasty and physiotherapy (group 2); and rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty, and physiotherapy (group 3). The change in the Constant score was the primary outcome measure. The secondary outcome measures were the change in the visual analog scale score for pain and patient satisfaction. Radiologic analysis included evaluation of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) and rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). RESULTS: A total of 150 shoulders (mean age, 71 years) were available for analysis after a mean follow-up period of 6.2 years. The mean sagittal tear size of the supraspinatus tendon tear at baseline was 10 mm in all groups (P = .33). During follow-up, 8 shoulders in group 1 and 2 shoulders in group 2 crossed over to rotator cuff repair. The mean baseline Constant score was 57.1, 58.2, and 58.7 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = .85). There were no significant differences (P = .84) in the mean change in the Constant score: 18.5 in group 1, 17.9 in group 2, and 20.0 in group 3. There were no statistically significant differences in the change in the visual analog scale pain score (P = .74) and patient satisfaction (P = .83). At follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in the mean progression of glenohumeral OA (P = .538) or CTA (P = .485) among the groups. However, the mean progression of glenohumeral OA from baseline to follow-up was statistically significant in the trial population (P = .0045). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this study, operative treatment is no better than conservative treatment regarding small, nontraumatic, single-tendon supraspinatus tears in patients older than 55 years. Operative treatment does not protect against degeneration of the glenohumeral joint or CTA. Conservative treatment is a reasonable option for the primary initial treatment of these tears.

Arthroscopy-Assisted Reconstruction of the Coracoclavicular and Acromioclavicular Ligaments Using a Tendon Graft and Knot-Hiding Clavicular Implants in Chronic Acromioclavicular Separations.

The purpose of this study is to introduce an arthroscopy-assisted technique to treat chronic acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation. The method involves reconstructing both the coracoclavicular (CC) and AC ligaments in a practical and reliable way using a semi-tendon graft and knot-hiding implants. In the CC reconstruction, the anterior graft limb replaces the trapezoid ligament, whereas the dorsal limb is wrapped around the dorsal edge of the clavicle to reconstruct the conoid ligament. One 5.5-mm drill hole is needed in the clavicle since the semitendinosus graft and the interconnecting supportive suture share the same drill hole. A 2.4-mm drill hole through the coracoid is needed for the interconnective suture. The technique uses knot-hiding titanium implants that are designed to be used with a tendon graft. After finishing the arthroscopic CC reconstruction, the dorsal end of the tendon graft is openly taken over the AC joint to openly reconstruct the superior AC ligament. The AC capsule is then plicated over the reconstruction. The arthroscopic part of the reconstruction is not technically difficult for an experienced arthroscopic shoulder surgeon. For success, it is essential to achieve a tension-free reduction of the distal clavicle and to provide sufficient recovery time postoperatively.

Trends of shoulder instability surgery in Finland: a nationwide register study.

OBJECTIVE: Rate of shoulder instability surgery (SIS) has increased in different specific populations. We analysed nationwide trend of SIS in adults in Finland between 1997 and 2014. DESIGN: A retrospective register study. SETTING: National Hospital Discharge Register of Finland. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 22 550 adult patients with SIS in Finland (1997-2014). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Analysis included appropriate diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases 10) and procedure coding combinations applicable for SIS. The primary outcome variable was the incidence of SIS per 100 000 person-years, and the secondary outcomes were the study year, sex, age groups (18-29, 30-49 and over 50 years of age) and the type of hospital (public or private). RESULTS: The overall nationwide rate of SIS in adults increased 177% between 1997 and 2014 in Finland. The rate was the lowest (13/100 000 person-years) in 1997, and the peak rate (40/100 000 person-years) was noted in 2007. The increase in rate was rapid between 1997 and 2007, after which the rate became stable. During the study period, the highest increases were noted in the young adults age group (270%), and especially in the middle-aged group who were operated on in private hospitals (930%). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of SIS increased almost threefold in Finland from 1997 to 2014. The increase was most significant in young and middle-aged adults (18-50 years), in men, and in private hospitals.

Platelet-rich Plasma or Autologous Blood Do Not Reduce Pain or Improve Function in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous blood are commonly used therapies for lateral epicondylitis, but the evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled trials is conflicting. Thus, it is still unclear if patients benefit from these treatments. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In the setting of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we compared PRP, autologous blood, and saline injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with respect to: (1) VAS pain scores, and (2) functional outcomes (DASH score and grip strength) 1 year after treatment. METHODS: We performed a parallel-group, randomized, controlled participant- and assessor-blinded study including adults with clinically diagnosed lateral epicondylitis. We defined lateral epicondylitis as pain in the lateral humeral epicondyle area exacerbated during resisted wrist extension and epicondyle compression. The participants were recruited from a secondary referral center, after not responding to initial nonoperative treatment. Patients with other concomitant upper-limb symptoms and surgical treatment of the elbow were excluded. Randomization sequence was generated with computer software and concealed from the investigators. We randomized 119 participants to receive an injection of PRP, autologous blood, or saline (1:1:1) in the proximal insertion of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle; 40 participants received PRP, 40 received autologous blood, and 39 received a saline injection. To prepare the PRP, we collected venous blood with a syringe kit followed by centrifugation, whereas autologous blood group received unprepared blood injection. Two unblinded investigators gave injections while the participant was unable to see the injection. There was no formal postinjection rehabilitation protocol and the use of NSAIDs was similar between different treatment arms. Follow-up visits were at 4, 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after the injection. The primary outcome measure was improvement in pain, measured with VAS scale (without specification as to whether the pain was activity related or at rest; range 0-10; a higher score indicates worse pain; the minimum clinically important difference [MCID] on the 10-cm scale was 1.5 cm), from baseline to 52 weeks. The secondary outcomes were the DASH score (range 0-100; a higher indicates a poorer outcome, and the MCID was 10.2 points) and grip strength. All patients were included in the analyses, and analyses were performed using the intention-to-treat principle. There was no crossover between treatment groups. At 52 weeks, nearly all (95% [38 of 40]) participants in autologous blood group were available for analysis whereas 78% (31 of 40) and 82% (32 of 39) were available in PRP and saline groups. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and funded by the local hospital district. With 40 patients in each group, we had 80% power to detect a clinically important improvement in pain (1.5 cm on the 10-cm VAS pain scale). RESULTS: There were no clinically important differences in the mean VAS pain or DASH scores among the groups at any timepoint. At 52 weeks, the mean difference in the VAS score for pain was -0.2 (95% CI -1.5 to 1.1; p = 0.75) for PRP versus saline and 0.5 (95% CI -0.7 to 1.7; p = 0.40) for autologous blood versus saline. The corresponding mean differences in the DASH score were 0.0 (95% CI -9.2 to 9.2; p > 0.99) and 7.7 (95% CI -1.3 to 16.7; p = 0.09) and those for grip strength were 1.4 kg (95% CI -3.3 to 6.1; p = 0.56) and -0.2 kg (95% CI -5.0 to 4.5; p = 0.92). No complications occurred because of the injections. CONCLUSIONS: PRP or autologous blood injections did not improve pain or function at 1 year of follow-up in people with lateral epicondylitis compared with those who were given a saline injection. However, because the 95% CIs did not exclude the MCID in VAS scores for autologous blood versus saline at 52 weeks, it is possible that a larger study could identify a between-group difference that we missed, but the effect size of that difference (based on our findings), even if present, is likely still to be small. Until or unless future randomized trials convincingly show a benefit either to PRP or autologous blood injections, we recommend against their use in patients with lateral epicondylitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Enhancement of Superconductivity by Amorphizing Molybdenum Silicide Films Using a Focused Ion Beam.

We have used focused ion beam irradiation to progressively cause defects in annealed molybdenum silicide thin films. Without the treatment, the films are superconducting with critical temperature of about 1 K. We observe that both resistivity and critical temperature increase as the ion dose is increased. For resistivity, the increase is almost linear, whereas critical temperature changes abruptly at the smallest doses and then remains almost constant at 4 K. We believe that our results originate from amorphization of the polycrystalline molybdenum silicide films.

Thermionic junction devices utilizing phonon blocking.

Electrothermal elements are used in various energy harvesters, coolers, and radiation detectors. The optimal operation of these elements relies on mastering two competing boundary conditions: the maximization of the electrothermal response and the blockade of lattice (phonon) thermal conduction. In this work, we propose and demonstrate that efficient electrothermal operation and phonon blocking can be achieved in solid-state thermionic junctions, paving the way for new phonon-engineered high-efficiency refrigerators and sensors. Our experimental demonstration uses semiconductor-superconductor (Sm-S) junctions where the electrothermal response arises from the superconducting energy gap and the phonon blocking results from the acoustic transmission bottleneck at the junction. We demonstrate a cooling platform where a silicon chip, suspended only from the Sm-S junctions, is cooled by ~40% from the bath temperature. We also show how the observed effect can be used in radiation detectors and multistage electronic refrigerators suitable for cooling of quantum technology devices.

Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction of Chronic Acromioclavicular Dislocations Using Autogenous Semitendinosus Graft: A Two-Year Follow-up Study of 58 Patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the results of operatively treated chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations after 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with chronic acromioclavicular separations underwent arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament reconstructions using semitendinosus autografts. Constant and Simple Shoulder Test scores were determined before and 2 years after surgery as a part of standard clinical practice. General patient satisfaction with the outcome (poor, fair, or excellent) also was assessed. In addition, for purposes of routine clinical follow-up, the coracoclavicular distance was measured from the inferior cortex of the clavicle to the superior cortex of the coracoid using anteroposterior radiographs taken 2 years after surgery. The results were compared with postoperative radiographs and changes in the distance were recorded. The clavicular drill hole was similarly measured 2 years after surgery to detect possible tunnel widening. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Constant score increased from a preoperative mean of 52.6 ± 16.5 to 94.7 ± 7.9 at 2 years postoperatively (P = .000). The Simple Shoulder Test score increased from a preoperative mean of 7.7 ± 1.64 to 11.8 ± 0.7 (P = .000). The mean coracoclavicular distance increased from 10.5 ± 3.4 to 12.4 ± 3.9 mm (P = .009). The diameter of the clavicular drill hole increased from 6.0 mm to a mean of 8.4 mm. Two coracoid fractures were observed, but no clavicular fractures. One patient experienced a deep infection, leading to total reconstruction failure, and 2 patients had superficial postoperative infections. Forty-five patients (85%) reported excellent subjective outcomes, and 8 (15%) reported a fair outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this series of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction were favorable and the number of serious complications was small. However, clavicular wound issues were a significant problem. Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is a challenging procedure, but satisfactory results can be achieved with careful patient selection and good technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

High dynamic resistance elements based on a Josephson junction array.

A chain of superconductor-insulator-superconductor junctions based on Al-AlO x -Al nanostructures and fabricated using conventional lift-off lithography techniques was measured at ultra-low temperatures. At zero magnetic field, the low current bias dynamic resistance can reach values of ≈1011 Ω. It was demonstrated that the system can provide a decent quality current biasing circuit, enabling the observation of Coulomb blockade and Bloch oscillations in ultra-narrow Ti nanowires associated with the quantum phase-slip effect.

Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Graft Augmentation and Titanium Implants.

Several techniques have been introduced to treat acromioclavicular separation with coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using graft augmentation. A modified arthroscopic technique for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction was used based on a previous technique where the supportive device and tendon graft share the clavicular and coracoid drill holes. A notable problem with the previous technique was large protruding suture knots on the washer and clavicle, which could predispose to wound infection. In this modified technique, titanium implants were introduced. The implants hid the suture knot on the clavicle, and less foreign material was needed between the clavicular and coracoid implants.

Current Surgical Treatment Options of Rheumatoid Shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease with destructive pattern. Patients are suffering from pain and decreased functional outcome as the disease progress. Certain joints are widely discussed in the literature as well as shoulder girdle, but shoulder girdle surgical treatment options' indications and superiorities to each other were not compared entirely. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment options, such as; synovectomy and bursectomy, resection interposition arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, humeral resurfacing arthroplasty, anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, are examined for their timing, advantages, disadvantages and comparison. RESULTS: Patients' age is the main factor about the decision making in rheumatoid arthritis. Young aged patients demand high activity level, but as a result loosening of the implant is frequently encountered. Thus, the protection of the bone stock as much as possible must be the priority. For a young patient with disabling pain should be evaluated for less invasive surgeries such as; synovectomy and bursectomy, resection interposition arthroplasty and also for hemiarthroplasty for preservation of glenoid bone stock. But rotator cuff status, glenoid bone stock evaluation and grading of the glenoid defect become more important in old aged patients and the correct decision making can only be made by combining these factors. CONCLUSIONS: Age, functional demand, rotator cuff status and adequacy of glenoid bone stock are defined as major criteria for an optimal treatment. Even though RA patients require additional care for a good functional outcome; with correct decision-making, high quality of life is achievable.

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus placebo surgery for a degenerative meniscus tear: a 2-year follow-up of the randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is superior to placebo surgery in the treatment of patients with degenerative tear of the medial meniscus. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomised, participant-blinded and outcome assessor-blinded, placebo-surgery controlled trial, 146 adults, aged 35-65 years, with knee symptoms consistent with degenerative medial meniscus tear and no knee osteoarthritis were randomised to APM or placebo surgery. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the change from baseline in the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET) and Lysholm knee scores and knee pain after exercise at 24 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of unblinding of the treatment-group allocation, participants' satisfaction, impression of change, return to normal activities, the incidence of serious adverse events and the presence of meniscal symptoms in clinical examination. Two subgroup analyses, assessing the outcome on those with mechanical symptoms and those with unstable meniscus tears, were also carried out. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat analysis, there were no significant between-group differences in the mean changes from baseline to 24 months in WOMET score: 27.3 in the APM group as compared with 31.6 in the placebo-surgery group (between-group difference, -4.3; 95% CI, -11.3 to 2.6); Lysholm knee score: 23.1 and 26.3, respectively (-3.2; -8.9 to 2.4) or knee pain after exercise, 3.5 and 3.9, respectively (-0.4; -1.3 to 0.5). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the secondary outcomes or within the analysed subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: In this 2-year follow-up of patients without knee osteoarthritis but with symptoms of a degenerative medial meniscus tear, the outcomes after APM were no better than those after placebo surgery. No evidence could be found to support the prevailing ideas that patients with presence of mechanical symptoms or certain meniscus tear characteristics or those who have failed initial conservative treatment are more likely to benefit from APM.

No difference in long-term development of rotator cuff rupture and muscle volumes in impingement patients with or without decompression.

Background and purpose - Arthroscopic acromioplasty is still commonly used in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome, even though its benefits are questioned; randomized controlled studies have not shown any benefits when compared to non-operative treatment. In this randomized study, we investigated whether operative treatment protects from later rotator cuff rupture and whether it has any effect on the development of rotator cuff muscle volume. Patients and methods - 140 stage-II impingement patients were randomized to a structured exercise group (n = 70) or to an operative group (n = 70). In the operative group, arthroscopic acromioplasty was performed, after which a similar structured exercise program was begun. MRI of the shoulder was done at baseline and at 5 years. Results - There were no statistically significant differences in either the amount of perforating ruptures of the supraspinatus tendon or in the changes in muscle volume at 5 years. The grading of muscle fatty degeneration showed worse results in the operative group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Interpretation - In this study, we found that arthroscopic acromioplasty does not have any long-term benefit based on radiological findings of muscle volumes. Also, the frequency of later rotator cuff rupture was similar irrespective of whether or not surgery was performed. Acromioplasty is not justified as a treatment for dynamic shoulder impingement syndrome.

Treatment of Nontraumatic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Two Years of Clinical and Imaging Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for symptomatic, nontraumatic rotator cuff tear is unknown. The purpose of this trial was to compare the effectiveness of physiotherapy, acromioplasty, and rotator cuff repair for this condition. We hypothesized that rotator cuff repair yields superior results compared with other treatment modalities. METHODS: One hundred and eighty shoulders with symptomatic, nontraumatic, supraspinatus tears were randomized into one of three cumulatively designed intervention groups: the physiotherapy-only group (denoted as Group 1), the acromioplasty and physiotherapy group (denoted as Group 2), and the rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty, and physiotherapy group (denoted as Group 3). The Constant score was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were visual analog scale for pain, patient satisfaction, rotator cuff integrity in a control imaging investigation, and cost of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven shoulders (160 patients) were available for analysis at two years. There were no significant differences (p = 0.38) in the mean change of Constant score: 18.4 points (95% confidence interval, 14.2 to 22.6 points) in Group 1, 20.5 points (95% confidence interval, 16.4 to 24.6 points) in Group 2, and 22.6 points (95% confidence interval, 18.4 to 26.8 points) in Group 3. There were no significant differences in visual analog scale for pain scores (p = 0.45) and patient satisfaction (p = 0.28) between the groups. At two years, the mean sagittal size of the tendon tear was significantly smaller (p < 0.01) in Group 3 (4.2 mm) compared with Groups 1 and 2 (11.0 mm). Rotator cuff repair and acromioplasty were significantly more expensive than physiotherapy only (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between the three interventions at the two-year follow-up. The potential progression of the rotator cuff tear, especially in the non-repaired treatment groups, warrants further follow-up. On the basis of our findings, conservative treatment is a reasonable option for the primary initial treatment for isolated, symptomatic, nontraumatic, supraspinatus tears in older patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Which patients do not recover from shoulder impingement syndrome, either with operative treatment or with nonoperative treatment?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shoulder impingement syndrome is common, but treatment is controversial. Arthroscopic acromioplasty is popular even though its efficacy is unknown. In this study, we analyzed stage-II shoulder impingement patients in subgroups to identify those who would benefit from the operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a previous randomized study, 140 patients were either treated with a supervised exercise program or with arthroscopic acromioplasty followed by a similar exercise program. The patients were followed up at 2 and 5 years after randomization. Self-reported pain was used as the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: Both treatment groups had less pain at 2 and 5 years, and this was similar in both groups. Duration of symptoms, marital status (single), long periods of sick leave, and lack of professional education appeared to increase the risk of persistent pain despite the treatment. Patients with impingement with radiological acromioclavicular (AC) joint degeneration also had more pain. The patients in the exercise group who later wanted operative treatment and had it did not get better after the operation. INTERPRETATION: The natural course probably plays a substantial role in the outcome. Based on our findings, it is difficult to recommend arthroscopic acromioplasty for any specific subgroup. Regarding operative treatment, however, a concomitant AC joint resection might be recommended if there are signs of AC joint degeneration. Even more challenging for the development of a treatment algorithm is the finding that patients who do not recover after nonoperative treatment should not be operated either.

The effect of glenohumeral osteoarthritis on the outcome of isolated operatively treated supraspinatus tears.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tear is considered to be a common source of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint (OAG) may coexist with rotator cuff tear, especially in elderly patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of associated OAG on the treatment outcome of rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A total of 85 consecutive shoulders with an arthroscopically repaired isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear in males were included in this study. The grade of OAG was estimated preoperatively from shoulder radiographs using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification, and peroperatively using the Outerbridge classification. Supraspinatus tendon tear was re-inserted anatomically to the native footprint in all cases. The Constant score was used as an outcome measure and was measured preoperatively and 1 year after the operation. The effect of OAG on the Constant score was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: 82 shoulders (96.5 %) were available for the 1-year follow-up. Preoperative OAG was detected in 22/82 patients (26.8 %). Any OAG above K-L grade 0 was associated with a lower Constant score preoperatively [49.9 (SD 17.6) vs. 60.1 (SD 16.7) (p = 0.0185)] and also at the 1-year follow-up [73.9 (SD 17.5) vs. 82.8 (SD 10.9) (p = 0.0074)]. 16/60 patients (26.7 %) with K-L grade 0 radiographs had peroperatively detected OAG. Furthermore, any peroperatively detected OAG was associated with a lower Constant score preoperatively [53.2 (SD 19.0) vs. 60.9 (SD 15.2) (p = 0.0445)] and at the 1-year follow-up 76.8 [(SD 14.8) vs. 83.5 (SD 11.4) (p = 0.0223)]. CONCLUSION: OAG is a relatively common finding in operated supraspinatus tear patients. Pre- and peroperatively detected OAG during rotator cuff reconstruction is predictive for lower pre- and postoperative Constant scores.

Escherichia coli K-12 (pEGFPluxABCDEamp): a tool for analysis of bacterial killing by antibacterial agents and human complement activities on a real-time basis.

Photorhabdus luminescens luxCDABE genes were integrated into E. coli K-12 using a high copy number plasmid containing modified luxABCDE genes under the control of the powerful Lac promoter. This strain emitted 10 times higher bioluminescence (BL) than P. luminescens. BL production under different growth conditions was studied. In both bacterial strains, the increase in BL signal correlated with the increase in optical density (OD) in a rich growth medium. However, at the logarithmic growth phase, the BL signal was roughly constant. By contrast, in minimal growth media, there was no substantial growth and the BL/cell was approximately five times higher than in the rich medium. The dynamic measurement range of BL was 10(2) -10(7) colony-forming units (CFU) in E. coli and 10(3) -10(7) CFU in P. luminescens. Because the decrease in the BL signal correlated with the decrease in CFU and OD, i.e. the number of bacterial cells killed, it proved to be very suitable for assessing the antibacterial effects of different antimicrobial agents. Unlike with plate counting, the kinetics of killing can be monitored on a real-time basis using BL measurements. Complement activities in different samples can be estimated using only one serum dilution. The transformed E. coli strain appeared to be superior to P. luminescens in these applications because E. coli was complement sensitive, the detection limit of E. coli was one order lower and the BL-producing system of P. luminescens appeared to be quite unstable.

Modified arthroscopic latarjet procedure with coracoid exteriorization for treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability.

The Latarjet procedure for treating anterior glenohumeral instability includes transfer of the coracoid and biceps tendon to the anterior glenoid. A modified method for the arthroscopic procedure was developed to facilitate the procedure and minimize the risk of injury to the brachial plexus. The detached coracoid was exteriorized through the anteroinferior portal for drilling and shaping. A Coracoid Drill Guide (Arthrex, Naples, FL) was used to help cut the coracoid to the desired size and make 2 drill holes in the coracoid for fixation to the glenoid. The Coracoid Transfer Instrument (Acierart, Masku, Finland) was designed to facilitate coracoid transfer and serve as a pin guide for fixation. Ten patients with severe anterior glenohumeral instability were treated with this technique. They had only mild to moderate postoperative pain. There were no postoperative infections or recurrent dislocations. The safety of this operation was similar to that of other operations on the coracoid process in the proximity of the brachial plexus. The modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure may be applied successfully to the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability, with good patient satisfaction and functional outcome.