Short-term to medium-term outcomes of cemented Vitallium radial head prostheses after early excision for radial head fractures.

Studies show that the radial head is a significant stabilizer to valgus and varus stresses and external rotatory stability. We review the outcomes of patients who had radial head replacement in our institution. Six patients with Mason-Johnston type III or IV radial head fractures underwent radial head replacement and were evaluated by radiologic and clinical assessment. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, DASH (Disabilities Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, and Broberg and Morrey Performance Index were calculated. Average follow-up was 29.7 months. The Broberg and Morrey score was excellent for 1 patient, good for 3, fair for 1, and poor for 1. Complications included prosthetic loosening in 4 patients and 1 patient each with ulnar neuropathy, heterotrophic ossification, and wrist pain. Outcomes did not necessarily correlate with the severity of the initial injury or the eventual range of motion. Longer follow-up is required to see if the radiologic loosening will lead to clinical instability.

Arthroscopic management of superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) and associated lesions: clinical features and functional outcome.

INTRODUCTION: The superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesion is a cause of chronic shoulder pain and significant disability. This study aims to review the distribution of types of SLAP lesions, associated lesions and the outcome of arthroscopic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This series involved all 33 patients who underwent arthroscopic management of SLAP and associated lesions by a single surgeon. The pre- and postoperative disability scores were assessed using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure. RESULTS: Type 2 SLAP lesion (64%) was the most common. Forty-eight per cent of the cases were associated with an ipsilateral shoulder lesion. A 10- point pre- and postoperative DASH score reduction was noted in 63% of the patients with isolated SLAP lesions and 73% of those with associated lesions. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic management of the SLAP and its associated lesions results in improved functional outcome. The presence of associated lesions should be actively sought and managed in the same operative session.

A simple method of meniscus repair using the arthroscopic outside-in technique.

We describe a simple method of arthroscopic outside-in meniscus repair that is easy to perform using readily available materials. The technique uses a 19-gauge venepuncture needle, a 16-gauge epidural needle, a No. 3 Prolene suture as a lasso loop, and No. 2 polydioxanone (PDS) sutures for meniscus repair. The venepuncture needle is used to puncture the meniscus from outside-in to deliver the Prolene lasso loop suture. The epidural needle is used to deliver one end of the PDS repair suture through the lasso loop. This suture end is captured by tightening the lasso loop, and delivered out of the joint by withdrawing the venepuncture needle. The epidural needle is kept in the joint. A second pass is made with the venepuncture needle at an appropriate site on the meniscus, and the lasso loop delivered. The other free end of the repair suture is threaded through the epidural needle and through the lasso loop. This other repair suture end is similarly captured and delivered out of the joint. The repair is completed by pulling on the free ends of the repair suture to apply it across the meniscus tear site, and secured by tying the suture to the capsule through a small incision.

An alternative portal for scapulothoracic arthroscopy.

Access to the superior angle of the scapula during scapulothoracic arthroscopy with current standard portals can be difficult. A safe, effective alternative portal for scapulothoracic arthroscopy, located superior to the scapula, is described, which enables easier resection of the superomedial angle for treatment of the snapping scapula.