Tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction with different fixation techniques: aperture fixation with biodegradable interference screws versus all-inside technique with suspensory cortical buttons. 5-year data from a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to examine tunnel widening and clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using two different fixation methods: aperture fixation with biodegradable interference screws versus all-inside ACLR with suspensory cortical buttons. METHODS: Tunnel widening was assessed using volumetric and diameter measurements on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans directly after surgery, as well as 6 months and 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed after 5 years with instrumented tibial anteroposterior translation measurement (KT-1000), single-leg hop testing, and the IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner activity scores. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the study population consisted of 21 patients, 12 of whom underwent screw fixation and 9 of whom had button fixation. 3 patients with all-inside ACLR had sustained early repeat ruptures within 6 months after surgery and had to be excluded from the further analysis. With screw fixation, the tibial tunnel volume changed significantly more over time compared to all-inside button fixation, with a larger initial increase at 6 months (from postoperative 2.9 ± 0.2 to 3.3 ± 0.2 cm3 at 6 months versus 1.7 ± 0.1 to 1.9 ± 0.2 cm3) and a greater final decrease over 2-5 years postoperatively (from 3.1 ± 0.2 to 1.9 ± 0.2 cm3 versus 1.8 ± 0.2 ± 0.1 to 1.3 ± 0.1 cm3) (P < 0.001). The femoral tunnel volume remained comparable between the two groups throughout the follow-up period, with an initial 1.6 ± 0.1 cm3 in both groups and 1.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± 0.1 after 5 years in the screw and button groups, respectively (P ≥ 0.314). The maximum tibial and femoral tunnel diameters were significantly larger with screw fixation at all four time points. Tibial diameters measured 11.1 ± 0.2, 12.3 ± 0.3, 12.3 ± 0.4, and 11.2 ± 0.4 mm in the screw group versus 8.1 ± 0.3, 8.9 ± 0.3, 9.1 ± 0.4 and 8.2 ± 0.5 mm in the button group (P < 0.001). Femoral diameters measured 8.6 ± 0.2, 10.5 ± 0.4, 10.2 ± 0.3, and 8.9 ± 0.3 versus 7.3 ± 0.3, 8.4 ± 0.4, 8.4 ± 0.3, 7.5 ± 0.3, respectively (P ≤ 0.007). Four patients (33%) in the screw group exceeded a diameter of 12 mm on the tibial side after 5 years versus none in the button group (not significant, P = 0.104). Tibial anteroposterior translation measurement with KT-1000 after 5 years was 2.3 ± 2.4 mm in the screw group versus 3.2 ± 3.5 mm in the button group (not significant, P = 0.602). There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the other clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Tibial tunnels in ACLR with screw fixation were associated with a larger increase in tunnel volume within the first 2 years and a greater decrease up to 5 years after surgery, while femoral tunnel volumes did not differ significantly. On the tibial side, the need for staged revision ACLR may be greater after biodegradable interference screw fixation if repeat ruptures occur, especially within the first 2 years after primary ACLR. Concerns may remain regarding a higher graft failure rate with all-inside ACLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II. RCT CONSORT: NCT01755819.

ACL reconstruction with adjustable-length loop cortical button fixation results in less tibial tunnel widening compared with interference screw fixation.

PURPOSE: To compare tunnel widening and clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with interference screw fixation and all-inside reconstruction using button fixation. METHODS: Tunnel widening was assessed using tunnel volume and diameter measurements on computed tomography (CT) scans after surgery and 6 months and 2 years later, and compared between the two groups. The clinical outcome was assessed after 2 years with instrumented tibial anteroposterior translation measurements, hop testing and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Tegner activity scores. RESULTS: The study population at the final follow-up was 14 patients with screw fixation and 16 patients with button fixation. Tibial tunnels with screw fixation showed significantly larger increase in tunnel volume over time (P = 0.021) and larger tunnel diameters after 2 years in comparison with button fixation (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in femoral tunnel volume changes over time or in tunnel diameters after 2 years. No significant differences were found in the clinical outcome scores. CONCLUSIONS: All-inside ACLR using button fixation was associated with less tibial tunnel widening and smaller tunnels after 2 years in comparison with ACLR using screw fixation. The need for staged revision ACLRs may be greater with interference screws in comparison with button fixation at the tibial tunnel. The clinical outcomes in the two groups were comparable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II. RCT: Consort NCT01755819.

High complication rate following dynamic intraligamentary stabilization for primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament.

PURPOSE: New strategies for dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) in the primary repair of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are currently under debate. It has been proposed that these might serve as alternative techniques to conventional ACL reconstruction procedures using tendon autografts. The aims of the present investigation were to evaluate the functional results and critically assess the complication rate following primary ACL repair with DIS and to review existing reports of favourable clinical results with the method in relation to knee joint stability and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients received dynamic intraligamentary stabilization a mean of 14 days after ACL rupture. Fifty-seven patients (96.6%, male:female = 37:20; mean age 27.6 years) were available for follow-up examinations including the Tegner activity level, anteroposterior stability in comparison with the uninjured knee, subjective satisfaction, and range of knee motion. Complications after 3 and 12 months were also analyzed. Associated lesions requiring surgical measures were found in 30 patients. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in Tegner activity levels was detected between the preoperative status (median 7) and the 12-month follow-up (median 5). The overall complication rate was 57.9%, including rerupture or non-healing (n = 10, 17.5%), repeat arthroscopy (n = 13, 22.8%) as a result of meniscus tears (n = 2, 15.4%), cyclops syndrome (n = 4, 30.8%) or restricted range of motion (n = 7, 53.8%), arthrofibrosis (n = 3, 5.3%), and implant interference (n = 7, 12.3%). Anteroposterior KT-1000 stability of 3 mm or below was achieved in 29 (50.9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The DIS procedure does not appear to be appropriate for providing predictable results in a young and active cohort of patients following ACL rupture, as it has an unacceptably high complication rate and leads to residual anteroposterior knee joint laxity of 3 mm or more in 28 (49.1%) of cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (prospective case series).

Influence of the anterior notch in mobile-bearing UKA on patellofemoral radiotracer uptake and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that in partial knee arthroplasty smooth transitions to the remaining native parts of the knee are important. However, in mobile-bearing unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) it is mandatory to create an anterior osteochondral notch adjacent to the femoral component to get clearance for the anterior lip of the bearing in full knee extension. This notch is, however, part of the femoral trochlea. It was the aim of the study to test for a potential association between a) an obligatory anterior notch in mobile-bearing UKA located at the margin of the medial aspect of the femoral trochlea and b) postoperative patellofemoral joint (PFJ) bone remodelling and discomfort. METHODS: In patients who underwent routine mobile-bearing UKA (11 male, 13 female; 64.5 years / IQR 14) the following parameters were prospectively determined i) size of the surgically created anterior notch, ii) knee score sensitive to PFJ disorders, iii) bone remodelling in the PFJ (radiotracer uptake in SPECT-CT). RESULTS: Notch size was not correlated with radiotracer uptake at the PFJ. Similarly, no significant correlations were observed between radiotracer uptake (patella or trochleocondylar junction) and knee scores (KOOS or Kujala Score). Significant positive correlations were found between notch size and knee scores. CONCLUSIONS: From the findings made in our study it is concluded that a larger size of the anterior notch in mobile-bearing medial Oxford UKA is not associated with increased osteochondral remodelling processes at the patella or the trochleocondylar junction. Neither is a larger sized notch associated with worse clinical PFJ outcome. Surprisingly, a larger notch was even associated with superior clinical outcome. The exact mechanism for this contraintuitive finding remains unclear but may be the basis for future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered in a public trials registry. Link: (9/12/2017) ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT01407042 ; Date of registration: July, 26, 2011.

Preparation techniques for all-inside ACL cortical button grafts: a biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: Performing all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using cortical button fixation, the tendon graft has to be secured in a closed loop with sutures. In the present study, the graft secured with four sutures was compared with two reduced-suture material graft preparation techniques. METHODS: A bovine tendon graft folded over two adjustable-length loop cortical button devices was secured using the following techniques: 1, four buried-knot sutures; 2, two sutures on the tibial end only; and 3, two sutures on the tibial graft end with additional suspension on the tibial cortical button. Each group consisted of eight specimens and underwent cyclic loading followed by a load-to-failure test. RESULTS: The least graft elongation after cyclic loading was observed for the graft with four sutures (6.1 ± 0.6 mm), followed by the graft with two sutures and additional suspension (6.3 ± 0.8 mm) and the graft with two sutures (7.0 ± 0.7 mm). The difference in graft elongation between four sutures and only two sutures was significant (P < 0.05). The ultimate failure loads were highest for the graft with two sutures and additional suspension (801 ± 107 N), followed by the graft with four sutures (766 ± 70 N), and the graft with two sutures (699 ± 87 N). No significant (n.s.) differences were observed between the ultimate failure loads in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: For the reduction in suture material to two sutures, additional suspension can be used in order to reduce the graft lengthening. Performing a suture-reducing graft can save operating time and costs. However, each of the three all-inside button graft techniques showed considerable graft elongation indicating a risk of graft lengthening in the early postoperative period.

Trochlea morphology demonstrates variability but no gender difference in osteoarthritic patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, coronal lower leg alignment has received significant attention. Two classifications recently described the variability in both femoral and tibial morphology, resulting in differing native lower limb alignment. The native trochlea and the variability in morphology has received less attention. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of 200 patients undergoing robotically assisted TKA. Preoperative transverse CT scans were used to determine the posterior condylar axis (PCA), transepicondylar axis (TEA), lateral trochlear inclination (LTI), the sulcus angle (SA) and the anterior trochlear line (ATL). Outliers were defined as values > 1.5 IQR from median value. Trochlea dysplasia was defined as LTI < 12°. Gender differences were compared. RESULTS: In total, 99 patients were female (49.4%). SA had a median of 137.0° (IQR 12°), ATL 4° (IQR 4), LTI 18° (IQR 7°). Median TEA-PCA was 5° external (IQR 3°). There were 5.0% outliers in SA, 3.0% of outliers in ATL, 3.5% outliers in LTI and 4.5% outliers in the TEA-PCA. Trochlear dysplasia was present in 11.5% of the measurements. There was no difference in any of the angles between the genders. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates no difference in trochlea morphology between the genders, rather a significant number of overall outliers in trochlear morphology. Larger cohorts but also, more investigations, are needed to better understand the trochlear morphology of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The personalized alignment strategies and implants need to account for this variability in the population.

The Patellar Instability Probability Calculator: A Multivariate-Based Model to Predict the Individual Risk of Recurrent Lateral Patellar Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Predicting the risk of recurrence is of great interest when counseling patients after primary lateral patellar dislocation (LPD). PURPOSE: To investigate a multivariate model to predict the individual risk of recurrent LPD. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study population included patients with primary LPD, knee imaging, and a minimum 2-year follow-up after nonoperative treatment. Data including patient characteristics and anatomic patellar instability risk factors were collected retrospectively from 7 national study centers. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors for recurrent LPD and to generate an accuracy-optimized model for out-of-sample prediction. RESULTS: In total, 115 of 201 patients (57%) experienced recurrent LPD within 2 years after primary LPD. Age ≤16 years at primary LPD (odds ratio [OR], 5.0), history of contralateral instability (OR, 2.4), and trochlear dysplasia (Dejour type B-D: OR, 2.5; lateral trochlear inclination ≤12°: OR, 2.7) were significant risk factors for recurrent LPD (P < .05). The prediction accuracy including these 3 risk factors was 79%. Patella alta, an increased tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance, and patellar tilt had neither an association with increased recurrence rates nor an influence on prediction accuracy of recurrent LPD. CONCLUSION: Young age and trochlear dysplasia are major risk factors for early recurrent LPD. A multivariate model including age at primary LPD, lateral trochlear inclination, and history of contralateral LPD achieved the highest prediction accuracy. Based on these findings, the patellar instability probability calculator is proposed to estimate the individual risk of early recurrence when counseling patients after primary LPD.

Reduction of Phantom Limb Pain and Improved Proprioception through a TSR-Based Surgical Technique: A Case Series of Four Patients with Lower Limb Amputation.

Four patients underwent targeted sensory reinnervation (TSR), a surgical technique in which a defined skin area is first selectively denervated and then surgically reinnervated by another sensory nerve. In our case, either the area of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve or the saphenous nerve was reinnervated by the sural nerve. Patients were then fitted with a special prosthetic device capable of transferring the sense of pressure from the sole of the prosthesis to the newly wired skin area. Pain reduction after TSR was highly significant in all patients. In three patients, permanent pain medication could even be discontinued, in one patient the pain medication has been significantly reduced. Two of the four patients were completely pain-free after the surgical intervention. Surgical rewiring of existing sensory nerves by TSR can provide the brain with new afferent signals seeming to originate from the missing limb. These signals help to reduce phantom limb pain and to restore a more normal body image. In combination with special prosthetic devices, the amputee can be provided with sensory feedback from the prosthesis, thus improving gait and balance.

Corrective osteotomy in symptomatic midshaft clavicular malunion using elastic stable intramedullary nails.

INTRODUCTION: It is our goal to present an alternative, less invasive surgical technique for corrective osteotomy in symptomatic midshaft clavicular malunion using elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN) and to present our results in a consecutive patients series. METHOD AND PATIENTS: Between January 2003 and December 2006, five patients aged between 23 and 44 years presented with a symptomatic malunion after nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Corrective osteotomy was performed without bone grafting. RESULTS: The osteotomy sites united in all patients after a mean of 4.4 months. The nails were removed in all patients after 7 months. At final follow-up, DASH and Constant Scores were significantly improved compared to preoperative values. Patients were significantly more satisfied with cosmetical appearance and overall outcome. Clavicular shortening was also significantly improved. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing leads to favourable results in corrective osteotomy of malunited midshaft clavicular fractures. CONCLUSION: We therefore recommend this technique for corrective osteotomy of symptomatic midshaft clavicular malunions.

Radiological radio-carpal and mid-carpal motion after operative treatment of dorsal radio-carpal fracture dislocations.

PURPOSE: Radio-carpal fracture dislocations are rare severe injuries typically seen following high energy trauma. This injury is characterized by complete dislocation of the radio-carpal joint with avulsion fracture of dorsal or palmar cortical rim of the distal radius combined with disruption of the radio-carpal ligament complex. The purpose of our study is to assess the radiological motion outcome of the radio-carpal joint after Moneim type 1 radio-carpal fracture dislocations following surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Only Moneim type 1 injuries were included in this study. Eight patients with Moneim type 1 injuries were identified by retrospective examination of our fracture registry and included in this study. All patients were initially treated with closed reduction and plaster immobilization. CT scans were performed after reduction. Operative treatment consisted of anatomic reduction of the distal radial rim fractures and fixation with a small T-plate through a dorsal approach. Cancellous bone graft was utilized if necessary to support the articular surface. Repair of the palmar radio-carpal ligament complex was performed through a palmar wrist approach. Antero-posterior, lateral, as well as lateral flexion and extension radiographs were taken at an average follow-up of 4.1 years. RESULTS: Follow-up radiologic evaluation of standard lateral radiograph revealed a mean scapholunate angle of 55.6°. The mean capitolunate angle was found to be −11.6° and the mean radio-capitate angle was 10.5°. The average noted angles in maximum flexion were as follows: radiolunate 15.3°, capitolunate 18° and radiocapitate 30°. The average angles in maximum extension were: radiolunate −23.9°, capitolunate −31° and radiocapitate −55°. At follow-up, arthritic changes were assessed radiographically using the classification described by Knirk and Jupiter. Fifty-six percent of the patients were found to exhibit stage 1 traumatic arthritis, 33% had stage 2 traumatic arthritis and 11% exhibited stage 3 traumatic arthritis with radio-carpal joint space obliteration. CONCLUSION: Rigid bony fixation and palmar radio-carpal ligament repair of Moneim Type 1 radio-carpal dislocations resulted in preservation of sagittal plane motion of the proximal carpal row in eight of nine cases. Our data suggest that surgical reconstruction of Moneim type 1 injuries is the preferred treatment and usually leads to satisfactory range of motion.

Real-time sonoelastography findings in healthy Achilles tendons.

OBJECTIVE: Real-time sonoelastography is a new ultrasound-based technique able to assess tissue elasticity that has already shown feasibility in tumor diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of real-time sonoelastography in depicting the Achilles tendons of healthy volunteers and to compare sonoelastography findings with conventional ultrasound findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty asymptomatic Achilles tendons of 40 healthy volunteers (19 men, 21 women; mean age, 38 years; range, 20-76 years) were examined on real-time sonoelastography and ultrasound. The Achilles tendons were divided into the following thirds for image evaluation: proximal (musculotendinous junction), middle (2-6 cm above insertion at the calcaneus), and distal (insertion at the calcaneus). Longitudinal and axial images of each tendon third were obtained using ultrasound and real-time sonoelastography. Real-time sonoelastography images were evaluated by reviewers using an experimentally proven color grading system. RESULTS: The Achilles tendons showed mainly a hard structured pattern (86.7%) (208/240 tendon thirds) on sonoelastography; however, mild softening was found in 12.1% (29/240) of the tendons. Distinct softening corresponding to alterations found also on ultrasound and, therefore, suggesting subclinical changes was detected in 1.3% (3/240). The overall correlation (kappa) between real-time sonoelastography and ultrasound findings was 1.00. CONCLUSION: In healthy volunteers, the Achilles tendon appeared hard on real-time sonoelastography with excellent correlation to ultrasound. Further investigation including pathologic tendons should be performed to prove the value of real-time sonoelastography in the assessment of Achilles tendinopathy.

Shaft fractures of the clavicle: current concepts.

Fractures of the clavicle are common and have been typically addressed to nonoperative treatment. Favorable results, which predominantly were achieved in the young and adolescents, were supposed to be usual in midshaft clavicular fractures. However, in the presence of comminution or complete displacement, especially when occurring in females or elderly patients, there is a marked risk of nonunion, malunion, and poor outcome. Thus, many authors prefer primary surgical stabilization, when risk factors add up. Plate fixation and intramedullary stabilization seem to be equally favored. Though, indications for operative management remain controversial. Further prospective randomized comparative clinical trials are necessary for a well-founded risk-benefit analysis.

Normal glenoid rim anatomy and the reliability of shoulder instability measurements based on intrasite correlation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the glenoid shape and to evaluate if the contralateral glenoid can be used as size reference. METHODS: Two independent investigators prospectively analysed shoulder computer-tomographies of 90 patients. The glenoids were positioned in a true "en face" view and evaluated for size and shape. The intraindividual correlation of these parameters between left and right side were assessed. RESULTS: In the 90 computer tomographically evaluated shoulder pairs a significant intraindividual correlation of size and shape was seen (P < 0.001). The intraindividual difference in glenoid surface area averaged 1.8% of the total glenoid surface. The shape of the inferior hemisphere correlated 100%. We found all the inferior glenoids to be circular. CONCLUSION: Our study clearly shows that the inferior glenoid in healthy individuals has the shape of a circle. The high side-to-side correlation of the glenoid surface area can be applied when measuring bony defects by evaluation of the contralateral side.

[Transpatellar refixation of acute quadriceps tendon ruptures close to the proximal patella pole using FiberWire]. / Transpatellare Refixation der frischen patellanahen Quadrizepssehnenruptur mittels FiberWire.

OBJECTIVE: Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism of the knee joint by stable suture of the quadriceps tendon. Early functional treatment. INDICATIONS: Acute or partial disruption of the quadriceps tendon close to the proximal patella pole with loss of extensor function of the knee joint. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Open rupture of the quadriceps tendon with extended soft-tissue damage and high risk of or ongoing inflammation until healing of the soft tissues. Chronic quadriceps tendon rupture. Ruptures at the musculotendinous junction. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine positioning of the patient on a standard operating table with the knee in 30 degrees of flexion. Securing of the proximal tendon stump with two Bunnell sutures using no. 2 Fiber-Wire (Arthrex GmbH, Karlsfeld/Munich, Germany). Creation of a transverse, central trough in the superior pole of the patella. Transosseous refixation of the quadriceps tendon through longitudinal transpatellar drill holes. Intraoperative evaluation of the stability of the suture at 60 degrees of flexion. Repair of the retinacula with multiple interrupted sutures. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Partial weight bearing (15-25 kg) for 6 weeks. Knee orthesis for 6 weeks, with increase of the initially allowed flexion of 30 degrees every 2 weeks by another 30 degrees . Initially, continuous passive motion (CPM) and passive movement exercises up to 60 degrees of flexion. After discharge from hospital, outpatient physical therapy with prone active flexion exercises. At the beginning of the 5th week, start with active and passive extension of the knee joint. From the 7th week on, full weight bearing is allowed and coordinative and strengthening exercises should be commenced. Sport activities can gradually be taken up after 3 months. RESULTS: Early diagnosis, timely surgical repair and early functional treatment are important for the outcome of quadriceps tendon ruptures. With the presented method, ruptures close to the upper patella pole can be treated. The majority of quadriceps tendon ruptures takes place in this area since the avascular zone found here predisposes to degenerative changes.

Screw oversizing for anterior cruciate ligament graft fixation in primary and enlarged tibial tunnels: A biomechanical study in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Ideal diameter for tibial interference screw fixation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft remains controversial. Tibial graft fixation with screws matching the tunnel diameter vs. one-millimetre oversized screws were compared. METHODS: In 32 cadaveric porcine tibiae, bovine extensor tendons with a diameter of eight millimetres were fixed in (I) a primary ACL reconstruction scenario with eight-millimetre tibial tunnels (pACL), with eight-millimetre (pACL-8) vs. nine-millimetre (pACL-9) screws, and (II) a revision ACL reconstruction scenario with enlarged tunnels of 10 mm (rACL), with 10-mm (rACL-10) vs. 11-mm (rACL-11) screws. Specimens underwent cyclic loading with low and high load magnitudes followed by a load-to-failure test. Graft slippage and ultimate failure load were recorded. RESULTS: In comparison with matched-sized screws (pACL-8), fixation with oversized screws (pACL-9) showed with significantly increased graft slippage during cyclic loading at higher load magnitudes (1.19 ±â€¯0.23 vs. 1.98 ±â€¯0.67 mm; P = 0.007). There were no significant differences between the two screw sizes in the revision scenario (rACL-10 vs. rACL-11; P = 0.38). Graft fixation in the revision scenario resulted in significantly increased graft slippage in comparison with fixation in primary tunnels at higher loads (pACL vs. rACL; P = 0.004). Pull-out strengths were comparable for both scenarios and all screw sizes (P > 0.316). CONCLUSIONS: Matched-sized interference screws provided better ACL graft fixation in comparison with an oversized screw diameter. In revision cases, the fixation strength of interference screws in enlarged tunnels was inferior to the fixation strength in primary tunnels.

[Pectoralis major transfer in the treatment of chronic subscapularis insufficiency]. / Pectoralis-major-Transfer bei chronischer Subskapularisinsuffizienz.

OBJECTIVE: Pain-free movement and stability of the shoulder joint after restoration of muscular balance between the internal and external rotators. Eradication of anterior impingement. INDICATIONS: Irreparable rupture of the subscapularis tendon in active patients. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Less active patients who are older than about 60 years. Concomitant infraspinatus tendon rupture. Frozen shoulder. Rotator cuff arthropathy. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: General anesthetic and beach-chair position with the arm freely mobile. Deltopectoral approach. Exposure of the lesser tubercle and the conjoined tendon of coracobrachialis and the short head of the biceps. Half to two thirds of the insertion of pectoralis major at the humeral shaft are detached proximally, held in a suture loop, and passed under the conjoined tendon. The tendon is then fixed transosseously to the lesser tubercle, and range of motion is evaluated. External rotation of up to 30 degrees without tension must be confirmed. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: A shoulder strap is worn for 6 weeks and passive physiotherapy is commenced on day 2 postoperatively. External rotation can only be practiced after week 7. RESULTS: 23 patients were available to follow-up. There were 13 cases of anterosuperior defect with irreparable supraspinatus tendon. The preoperative Constant Score of 35 points improved to a postoperative score of 68 points. It was not possible to restore powerful internal rotation. Preoperative impingement syndrome was eradicated.

Tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction with aperture screw fixation or all-inside reconstruction with suspensory cortical button fixation: Volumetric measurements on CT and MRI scans.

BACKGROUND: Tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is influenced by the surgical and fixation techniques used. Computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate image modality for assessing tunnel widening, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might also be reliable for tunnel volume measurements. In the present study tunnel widening after ACLR using biodegradable interference screw fixation was compared with all-inside ACLR using button fixation, with tunnel volume changes being measured on CT and MRI scans. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Thirty-three patients were randomly assigned to hamstring ACLR using a biodegradable interference screw or all-inside cortical button fixation. CT and MRI scanning were done at the time of surgery and six months after. Tunnel volume changes were calculated and compared. RESULTS: On CT, femoral tunnel volumes changed from the postoperative state (100%) to 119.8% with screw fixation and 143.2% with button fixation (P=0.023). The changes in tibial tunnel volumes were not significant (113.9% vs. 117.7%). The changes in bone tunnel volume measured on MRI were comparable with those on CT only for tunnels with interference screws. Tibial tunnels with button fixation were significantly underestimated on MRI scanning (P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: All-inside ACLR using cortical button fixation results in increased femoral tunnel widening in comparison with ACLR with biodegradable interference screw fixation. MRI represents a reliable imaging modality for future studies investigating tunnel widening with interference screw fixation.

[High frequency sonography in the detection of finger injuries in sport climbing]. / Hochauflösende Sonographie zur Erkennung von Fingerverletzungen beim Sportklettern.

Sport climbing shows an increasing popularity, including even school sport activity on high climbing levels. Climbing related injuries are predominantly located in fingers/ hands ("climber's finger"), and can present as annular pulley rupture or more common as overuse injury. Beside clinical examination imaging modalities such as MRI and high frequency sonography have shown to allow for detection of climbing related injuries. High frequency sonography enables for exact differential diagnosis of climbing related finger/hand injuries and therefore plays a central role in adequate therapeutic management.

Arthroscopically assisted reconstruction and percutaneous screw fixation of a Pilon tibial fracture.

We report a case of closed distal tibial fracture (AO 43C3), treated successfully with arthroscopically assisted minimally invasive reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. Techniques and postoperative treatment are described.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is best for mid-shaft clavicular fractures without comminution: results in 60 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures is a minimally invasive technique which was reported to be an easy procedure with low complication rates, good cosmetic and functional results, restoration of clavicular length and fast return to daily activities. Recent studies, however, also report on higher complication rates and specific problems with the use of this technique. This prospective study compares ESIN with non-operative treatment of displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures. METHODS: Between December 2003 and August 2007, 120 patients volunteered to participate. Of these, 112 patients completed the study (60 in the operative and 52 in the non-operative group). Patients in the non-operative group were treated with a simple shoulder sling. In the operative group, intramedullary stabilisation was performed within 3 days of the trauma. Clavicular shortening was determined after trauma and after osseous consolidation on thorax posteroanterior radiographs as the proportional length difference between the left and right side with the uninjured side serving as a control for clavicular length (100%). Radiographic union was assessed every 4 weeks on 20 degrees cephalad anteroposterior and posteroanterior radiographs of the clavicle. Constant shoulder scores and DASH scores (DASH, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) were assessed at final follow-up after 2 years. RESULTS: ESIN led to faster osseous healing and better restoration of clavicular length in simple fractures. We were not able to restore clavicular length in comminuted fractures using ESIN. Functional outcome at a mean follow-up of 24 months (range: 22-27 months) was better in the operative group. Delayed union and non-union accounted for the majority of complications in the non-operative group. In the operative group, telescoping was the main complication, which occurred in complex fractures with severe post-traumatic shortening only. CONCLUSION: We recommend ESIN for all simple displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures in order to minimise the rate of delayed union, non-union and symptomatic mal-union. We also recommend ESIN in comminuted fractures with moderate (< or = 7%) post-traumatic shortening, as they will heal with moderate shortening. In comminuted fractures with severe shortening, however, we recommend plate osteosynthesis in order to provide for stability, clavicular length and endosteal blood supply.