Endoscopic treatment of the posterior ankle impingement syndrome on amateur and professional athletes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether professional and amateur athletes showed differences in ankle function when treated with endoscopic technique for posterior ankle impingement syndrome, to verify the impact of the presence of associated lesions in clinical evolution and to assess time to return to sport (we hypothesize that time will be the only difference between groups). METHODS: Thirty-two athletes with a diagnosis of posterior impingement syndrome underwent surgery endoscopically. The American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale was used to compare functional results between amateur (15) and professional athletes (17). The satisfaction, time to return to sport, operative time, intraoperative findings and complications were evaluated, and the presence of associated injuries interfering in these results was verified. RESULTS: The preoperative AOFAS score range for the professional group was 62.9 ± 14 preoperatively and 92.3 ± 7.7 postoperatively, and for the amateur group was 67.9 ± 19.7 and 94 ± 9.3. The satisfaction was excellent or good in 94 % of all cases and fair in 6%. The average time of surgery was 48.3 + 25 min. Bone involvement was present in 100% of cases and complications in three cases. Time to return to sports was similar (n.s.) in both groups, and the mean time was 15.6 ± 13.7 and 16.3 ± 9 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: No significant difference regarding functional results and time to return to sports between professionals and amateur athletes operated was found. Athletes showed mainly good and excellent results and low complication rate. The presence of associated injuries did not significantly influence the results. With these results, the high-level athlete can better programme their surgeries so they can fully recover and perform better in the most important competitions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Patellar Height Decreasing After Distal Femur Endoprosthesis Reconstruction Does Not Affect Functional Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: The patellar height can influence extensor mechanism and the knee function. Thus, during knee arthroplasty, the surgeon seeks to maintain the correct patellar height. However, it is more difficult to define and maintain the correct patella height in megaprosthesis reconstructions after tumor resections. The objective of this study was to evaluate patellar height after distal femur endoprosthesis reconstruction and its association to knee function. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 108 patients who underwent distal femur resections and endoprosthesis reconstruction. The minimum follow-up was 1 year or until the patients underwent patellar resurfacing or endoprosthesis revision. Patellar height was calculated using Insall-Salvati ratio (ISR) and Insall-Salvati patellar tendon insertion ratio (PTR) at 2 different times: postoperatively and at the final follow-up. The postoperative ratio was calculated using the best postoperative radiograph taken at least 1 month after the procedure. The final measures were based on the radiograph available at the last follow-up consultation. The ISR and PTR were associated to anterior knee pain (AKP), range of motion (ROM), and extension lag (EXL). RESULTS: The average follow-up was 4.5years. The mean postoperative ISR was 1.02, and the mean ISR at final follow-up was 0.95 (P<.0001). The mean postoperative PTR was 1.45, and the mean PTR at final follow-up was 1.40 (P=.016). There was no association between patellar height and AKP, ROM, and EXL. Patellar height decreases significantly after distal femur resections but does not affect AKP, ROM, and EXL.

FRACTURE-DISLOCATIONS OF THE ELBOW: CAN THEY INFLUENCE THE PATTERN FRACTURE OF RADIAL HEAD?

Introduction: Radial head fractures are consistently part of a terrible triad of the elbow and can occur in association with Monteggia fracture-dislocations, transolecranon fractures, and their variations. Understanding the degree of comminution of the radial head fracture and the location of fragments determines the course of action to be taken. Objectives: To correlate fracture-dislocations with the pattern of radial head fracture (number of fragments) and involvement in the proximal radioulnar region. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study (level II) of patients undergoing surgery for radial head fractures associated with fracture-dislocations. Patients had radiographs in anteroposterior and lateral views, as well as tomography. The number of radial head fracture fragments and the presence of fractures in the proximal radioulnar region were correlated with the type of fracture-dislocation and demographic variables. Conclusion: Elbow fracture-dislocation types could not predict the number of fragments and the location of radial head fractures. However, most injuries presented three or more fragments in the radial head, and many had involvement of the proximal radioulnar region, suggesting high-energy trauma. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective Study.

Introdução: As fraturas da cabeça do rádio estão sempre presentes em uma tríade terrível do cotovelo e podem ocorrer associadas a uma fratura-luxação de Monteggia, fratura transolecraniana e suas variações. Conhecer o grau de cominuição da fratura da cabeça do rádio e a localização dos fragmentos determinam a conduta a ser tomada. Objetivos: Correlacionar as fraturas-luxações com o padrão da fratura da cabeça do rádio (número de fragmentos) e o acometimento na região radioulnar proximal. Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo (nível II) de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia devido fraturas de cabeça de rádio associadas às fraturas-luxações. Os pacientes possuíam radiografia nas incidências anteroposterior e perfil e tomografia. O número de fragmentos da fratura da cabeça do rádio e a presença de fratura na região radioulnar proximal foram correlacionadas com o tipo de fratura-luxação e as varáveis demográficas. Conclusão: Os tipos de fratura-luxação do cotovelo não foram capazes de predizer o número de fragmentos e a localização da fratura da cabeça do rádio. Entretanto, a maioria das lesões apresentaram três ou mais fragmentos na cabeça do rádio e muitos apresentaram acometimento da região da radioulnar proximal sugerindo traumas de alta energia. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo Retrospectivo.

Muscle strength and psychometric properties of the health-related quality of life in patients with soft tissue sarcoma resection in the thigh.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of STS resection in the thigh on MS and the HRQoL. METHODS: Fourteen adults patients with STS in the thigh who underwent wide resection and limb preservation were evaluated. The patients were submitted to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure the MS the flexors, adductors, abductors, and extensors muscles of the operated and non-operated thighs and between the dominant and non-dominant operated sides. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were applied to quantify the psychometric properties of the HRQoL. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test (MS), and Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation (MSTS and SF-36) (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in MS between the operated side and the non-operated side, and between the dominant and non-dominant operated side (ρ > 0.05). The MSTS presented a significant difference in the emotional acceptance for patients submitted to radiotherapy (ρ = 0.029). The SF-36 showed significant differences in the emotional aspect for patients submitted to chemotherapy (ρ = 0.027) and in the social aspect between the dominant and non-dominant operated side (ρ = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The HRQoL of adult patients is hampered after the treatment of STS even when MS is maintained.

The Hertel classification can't predict the risk of humeral head osteonecrosis after osteosynthesis using an anterolateral approach.

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 Kaplan-Meier 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 Mann-Whitney 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.

COMPLICATIONS AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT OF JUPITER'S MONTEGGIA TYPE II FRACTURES.

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.

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.

Screening tool development for hand surgery referrals in systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients may need hand surgery. OBJECTIVE: To develop a screening tool for rheumatologists to identify potential candidates with systemic sclerosis for hand surgery, optimizing referrals. METHODS: A pilot cross-sectional study from January 2015 to December 2016. SAMPLE SIZE: 51 participants. INCLUSION CRITERIA: ≥ 18 years old, meeting the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for SSc and hand impairment. DATA COLLECTED: age, sex, race, disease duration, SSc subtypes, vasodilator use, skin thickness, finger stiffness, presence of Digital Ulcers (DU) and/or calcinosis, presence of Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) attacks, health status and disability, disease status, pain intensity and functional status of the hands. Data were analyzed by a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Fulfillment of surgical criteria: 68.8%. The surgical group had higher scores on the HAQ-DI (1.39 vs. 0.96, p = 0.032) and CHFS (25.0 vs. 12.0, p = 0.005) questionnaires, and a higher frequency of DU (91.43% vs. 18.75%, p < 0.0010), calcinosis (60.0% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001), use of vasodilators (100.0% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.007) and digital stiffness (28.57% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.017). The presence of DU increased the chance of surgical indication by 46.2 times (ORIC 95% = 8.23 to 259.49). The statistical model showed good accuracy (86.3%, p < 0.001), sensitivity (91.4%), and specificity (81.2%). CONCLUSION: The presence of DU in SSc could be used as a screening feature for early identification and referral of potential candidates for hand surgery.

Functional Shoulder Evaluation after Osteosynthesis of Greater Tuberosity Fracture: Is There any Influence of Glenohumeral Dislocation?

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.

Association of Fibrinolytic Potential and Risk of Mortality in Cancer Patients.

Cancer is a leading cause of death, and the fibrinolytic system shows cooperative effects that facilitate the growth of tumors and the appearance of metastases. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the fibrinolytic potential in cancer patients and its association with mortality outcomes using the fluorometric method of simultaneous thrombin and plasmin generation. The study included 323 cancer patients and 148 healthy individuals. During the 12-month follow-up, 68 patients died. Compared to the control group, cancer patients showed alterations in thrombin production consistent with a hypercoagulability profile, and an increase in plasmin generation. Mortality risk was associated with two parameters of thrombin in both univariate and multivariable analysis: maximum amplitude (Wald 11.78, p < 0.001) and area under the curve (Wald 8.0, p < 0.005), while such associations were not observed for plasmin. In conclusion, this was the first study able to demonstrate the simultaneous evaluation of thrombin and plasmin generation in newly diagnosed untreated cancer patients. Patients with cancer have been observed to exhibit a hypercoagulable profile. During the study, two parameters linked to thrombin generation, MA and AUC, were identified and found to have a potential association with mortality risk. However, no associations were found with parameters related to plasmin generation.

Analysis of morbidity and mortality in patients with primary bone tumors who underwent sacrectomy: A systematic review.

Background: Sacrectomy is indicated for the resection of life-threatening tumors in the sacrum area. Several studies have been conducted to investigate important aspects of sacrectomy to help reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients who underwent the procedure. This aim of this systematic review was to highlight the prognoses of patients who underwent sacrectomy for the resection of primary bone tumors by analyzing information related to the intraoperative and perioperative periods of the procedure. Methodology: Several databases were searched for relevant articles using the keywords "sacrectomy" and "survival" associated with the Boolean operators "or" and "and" ([SACRECTOMY OR SACRECTOM*] AND SURVIVAL). Results: A total of 13 articles were selected for data collection. The studies reported in the articles included a total of 384 patients, 140 of whom underwent partial sacrectomy, whereas 244 underwent total sacral resections. The results of the analysis indicated that the average volume of blood lost during a resection performed using the combined anterior and posterior approaches (average duration, 8.35 h) was 4571.94 mL. Regarding poor outcomes and adverse events in the included studies, 10 patients died in the early postoperative period, whereas four patients had hemorrhagic shock. The most prevalent complications reported were surgical wound infection and sphincter dysfunction. Conclusion: The optimal surgical approach for sacrectomy depends on the location of the tumor. The anterior approach, preferably with laparoscopy, is currently widely used to reduce the amount of blood lost during the procedure. Although the most prevalent complications of sacrectomy have a high incidence rate, the procedure has a low mortality rate.

MORTALITY AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURES IN OLDER PATIENTS.

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.

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.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SURGICALLY TREATED HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES - A 10-YEAR REVIEW.

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.

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.

Prevalence and risk factors for pseudarthrosis in humeral shaft fractures treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis: A 10-year review.

Introduction: Fractures of the humeral shaft account for about 3% to 5% of all fractures. Although conservative treatment remains the first choice, there are a number of surgical indications. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis shows good functional results. However, complications have been reported, such as non-union. Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors for non-union after treatment of humeral shaft fractures using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was carried out in patients treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis between 2009 and 2019. Demographic data and variables related to the fracture that could influence bone healing were analysed. The unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for the statistical analyses. Categorical variables were analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: The study population showed a male predominance (53 of 75, 70.7%). The average time for fracture healing was 19.8 ± 15.3 weeks. Seven patients developed non-union. Only the presence of an open fracture increased the likelihood of non-union. Conclusions: The prevalence of non-union in patients treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis was 9.3%. Patients with open fractures were six times more likely to progress to non-union. Fracture characteristics (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen classification, fracture location and plate working length) did not influence progression to non-union.

Extremities Soft Tissue Sarcomas, more Common and as Dangerous as Bone Sarcomas.

Musculoskeletal sarcomas are rare diseases that require attention. They often present high degree of malignancy at diagnosis and, if underestimated, they can evolve aggressively locally and systemically. They present as soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcomas, with soft tissue being four to five times more common. Most soft tissue sarcomas occur in the extremities. The most common subtypes in children and adolescents are rhabdomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma; in adults, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma and synovial sarcoma; all with a high degree of histological malignancy. Many soft tissue sarcomas are confused with benign soft tissue tumors, 100 times more common, so they are resected without the necessary planning, resulting in amputation of a limb that could have been preserved. As in all cancers, the most important prognostic factor is metastatic disease. When it is present, the overall survival rate falls around 20 to 30%. Survival rates are generally similar between bone and soft tissue sarcomas. So soft tissue sarcomas, in addition to being more prevalent, are as aggressive as bone sarcomas, deserving a lot of attention from orthopedic surgeons, who are often the first line of care of carriers of these tumors.

Expression of Amphiregulin in Enchondromas and Central Chondrosarcomas.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of amphiregulin protein, an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, in cartilaginous tumors. METHODS: Amphiregulin expression was examined in 31 enchondromas and 67 chondrosarcomas using immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 15 enchondromas (48.40%) and 24 chondrosarcomas (35.82%) were positive for amphiregulin. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve test, no difference in amphiregulin expression was observed between enchondromas and low-grade chondrosarcomas (p=0.0880). Additionally, 39 lesions (16 in short bones, 13 in long bones, and 10 in flat bones) were positive for amphiregulin, exhibiting a higher percentage of positive cells (p=0.0030) and intensity of immunohistochemical expression (p=0.0055) in short bone lesions than in others. Among 25 enchondromas localized in short bones, 15 expressed amphiregulin; however, all 6 cases localized in long bones were negative for this marker (p=0.0177). CONCLUSIONS: Amphiregulin did not help in distinguishing enchondromas from low-grade chondrosarcomas. The present study is the first to document the expression of this immunohistochemical marker in enchondromas. Furthermore, amphiregulin expression in enchondromas was localized in short bones, indicating a phenotypic distinction from that in long bones. This distinction may contribute to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of these lesions.

Treatment of scaphoid nonunion with vascularised and nonvascularised dorsal bone grafting from the distal radius.

We conducted a prospective randomised study comparing the clinical, functional and radiographic results of 46 patients treated for scaphoid nonunion using a vascularised bone graft from the dorsal and distal aspect of the radius (group I), relative to 40 patients treated by means of a conventional non-vascularised bone graft from the distal radius (group II). Surgical findings included 30 sclerotic, poorly-vascularised scaphoids in group I versus 20 in group II. Bone fusion was achieved in 89.1% of group I and 72.5% of group II patients (p=0.024). Functional results were good to excellent in 72.0% of the patients in group I and 57.5% in group II. Considering only patients with sclerotic, poorly-vascularised scaphoids, the mean final outcome scores obtained were 7.5 and 6.0 for groups I and group II, respectively. We conclude that vascularised bone grafting yields superior results and is more efficient when there is a sclerotic, poorly-vascularised proximal pole in patients in scaphoid nonunion.

Reinsertion of Distal Brachial Biceps Tendon Rupture through Single Incision Using Anchors.

Objective To evaluate 15 patients with ruptured distal biceps tendon submitted to reinsertion via a single, anterior and transverse approach using two anchors. They were submitted to a rehabilitation protocol and, within six months, to an evaluation of the range of motion and strength intensity during flexion and supination of the operated elbow. Methods The data were collected prospectively, and were analyzed through the Mann-Whitney test and the mixed-model test to evaluate the force between the operated and non-operated elbows. Results A total of 80% of the patients were men, 60% were injured on the dominant side, 46% were manual workers, and 73% led sedentary lifestyles. The use of anabolic steroids was reported by two patients. After the treatment, the patients recovered supination strength by 98% and flexion by 94%. According to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, 73% of the patients presented the score expected of a normal population. Conclusion The single, anterior and transverse approach associated with tendon repair using anchors was esthetically satisfactory, with good strength recovery during flexion and supination, and no occurrence of heterotopic ossification.

Open resection of osteoid osteoma guided by a gamma-probe.

Osteoid osteoma is the third most common type of bone tumour. Radiofrequency ablation and other percutaneous procedures are the treatment of choice. However, in some sites these methods are difficult or dangerous. Our objective of this study was to evaluate whether open resection and intraoperative nidus detection with a hand-held gamma probe is an efficient method for treating this type of tumour. Fifty-three patients with osteoid osteomas were submitted to surgical treatment. The first group (gamma group) consisted of 34 patients submitted to open nidus resection guided by a hand-held gamma probe. The control group consisted of 19 patients operated on by conventional technique. In the postoperative period, histopathology, imaging studies, and clinical outcome were evaluated. The gamma group patients were followed up for an average 26.2 months; the control group patients were followed up for an average 38 months. There was no difference with regard to pain relief and histopathology findings between the two groups. However, in the postoperative imaging studies, there was significantly less nidus present in the gamma group (p = 0.01).The gamma probe helped to locate the osteoid osteoma nidus more precisely, as demonstrated by the postoperative imaging studies.

SHOULDER ISOKINETIC PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY PROFESSIONAL JUDO ATHLETES: NORMATIVE DATA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate normative data of shoulder isokinetic strength in healthy professional judo athletes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 20 professional male and female athletes (10 female), evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer. The strength assessment was carried out in external and internal rotation, flexion, extension, adduction and abduction. All data collected on muscle torque were normalized with body mass index. RESULTS: Athletes demonstrated higher peak torque and joint work in shoulder adduction, abduction, flexion, and extension for the dominant limb compared to the non-dominant limb (p <0.05), with most of these deficits below 10%. Shoulder internal/external rotation ratios for male and female athletes had no significant differences between dominant and non-dominant sides, demonstrating values at 60°/s of 49.4 ± 7.2 on the dominant side of males and 49.1 ± 4.9 for females. CONCLUSION: The normative data are described to assist during treatment, return to sport and injury prevention. Level of evidence IV, cross-sectional study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar dados normativos da força isocinética do ombro de judocas profissionais, saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 20 atletas profissionais de ambos os sexos (dez mulheres) avaliados com dinamômetro isocinético. A avaliação da força foi realizada em rotação externa e interna, flexão, extensão, adução e abdução. Todos os dados coletados do torque muscular foram normalizados com o índice de massa corporal. RESULTADOS: Os atletas demonstraram maior pico de torque e trabalho articular em adução, abdução, flexão e extensão do ombro para o membro dominante, comparado ao contralateral (p < 0,05), com a maioria desses défices abaixo de 10%. As razões de rotação interna/externa do ombro para atletas de ambos os sexos não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre o lados dominante e não dominante, demonstrando valores a 60°/s de 49,4 ± 7,2 no lado dominante dos homens e 49,1 ± 4,9 no das mulheres. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados normativos são descritos para auxiliar durante o tratamento, o retorno ao esporte e a prevenção de lesões. Nível de evidência IV, estudo transversal.

PROXIMAL HUMERAL FRACTURES TREATED WITH OSTEOSYNTHESIS USING THE ANTEROLATERAL APPROACH.

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.

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.