Safety of third-generation artificial turf in male elite professional soccer players in Italian major league.

Our hypothesis is that there are no difference in the injury incidence on artificial turf and natural grass. During the 2011/2012 season, we recorded injuries which occurred to two Italian stadiums equipped with third-generation artificial turf during 36 games (391 players). Data were compared with the injuries which occurred in the same season in two stadiums equipped with natural grass (372 players). We recorded 43 injuries during the playing time (16.7 per 1000 h). About 23 (18.1 per 1000 h) injuries occurred on artificial turf, while 20 (15.2 per 1000 h) on the natural grass with no statistical differences P > 0.05. We recorded 10 (7.87 per 1000 h) contact and 13 (10.23 per 1000 h) non-contact injuries on artificial turf, while 5 (3.8 per 1000 h) contact and 15 (11.4 per 1000 h) non-contact injuries on natural grass P > 0.05. The overall relative risk was 1.15; 95% CI: 0.64-2.07). Our study demonstrates a substantial equivalence in injury risk on natural grass and artificial turf in elite professional soccer athletes during official matches.

Muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration in rotator cuff tears: Can surgery stop muscular degenerative changes?

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears are closely related with muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration and both affect healing after surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to compare surgical versus conservative management of medium-to-large reparable rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Forty-one patients with clinical and radiological (MRI) diagnosis of medium-to-large rotator cuff tears were retrospectively identified and divided into two groups: Group A, arthroscopic repair; Group B, conservative treatment. At follow-up (T1) all patients underwent a new clinical (VAS, SST, Constant and Relative Constant Scale) and radiological evaluation (MRI). RESULTS: When comparing the two groups at T1 (mean follow-up: Group A, 50 months; Group B, 61 months), we registered better results in Group A in the SST (p < 0.05), the VAS score (p < 0.01), the Constant and the Relative Constant Scale (p < 0.05). Radiological evaluation did not show a significant increase of fatty infiltration (p = 0.16) in Group A (no progression in 15 out of 17 patients -82.3%-, and an increase in 2 out of 17 patients -11.7%-), while in Group B a significant increase was detected (p < 0.01) in all patients; in regard to muscle atrophy, no cases of progression were detected in Group A (4 out of 17 patients -23.5%- showed an increased post-operative supraspinatus trophysm), while a significant worsening (p < 0.05) was found in Group B. In Group B a significant worsening of tendon retraction (p < 0.01) and of tear size (p = 0.01) was also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of complete rotator cuff tears seems to decrease the irreversible changes that involve muscle belly.

A comparison between ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa approach in anterior column acetabular fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvis fractures are among the most difficult fractures to manage and treat for Orthopedic surgeons. Anatomic reduction is the main goal to reach in the acetabular fractures' treatment. The following study compares clinical outcomes and complications of Ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach in Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of anterior column acetabulum fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative analysis on 90 patients undergoing ORIF on acetabular fracture has been performed. Patients have been divided into two groups. The first group was treated by Ilioinguinal approach (n = 48), the second group by modified Stoppa approach (n = 42). The following parameters have been compareted: quality of fragment reduction; operative time; peri­ and post-operative blood loss; complications; clinical and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: The modified Stoppa approach has shown a shorter mean operative time (146 min vs 175 min), fewer complications (14/48 vs 6/42), less blood loss both in the perio-operative phase (0.8 Hb pt vs 1.3 Hb pt) than in postoperative one (1.1 Hb pt vs 1.5 Hb pt), a lower rate of nerve, infections and critical complications. On the other hand, the ilioinguinal approach has showed better results in terms of quality of fracture reduction (43/48 patiens with anatomical or near anatomical reduction vs. 37/42). No significant differences concerning vascular lesions, clinical and functional outcomes have been found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Stoppa approach results in shorter operative time, less intra-operative blood loss and fewer complications than the ilioinguinal one. Greater anatomic reduction is achieved by Ilioinguinal approach; however, this does not necessarily translate into better clinical and functional outcomes which, overall, are comparable in the two analysed approaches. In conclusion, the modified Stoppa approach is deemed to be a better alternative in treating these fractures.

The gymnast's shoulder MRI and clinical findings.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of shoulder overuse in elite symptomatic or asymptomatic gymnasts. METHODS: This was a university-based sport traumatology research, a cohort study, with a control group comparison. Patients included were: 21 elite male gymnasts performing in the Italian National team for at least 10 years and a control group of 10 patients (20 shoulders) of the same age and sex, randomly selected among a healthy non-athletic population who underwent shoulder MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging without contrast were performed to all participants and clinical findings were summarized. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists interpreted each MRI scan for multiple variables (rotator cuff tendons, labral signal, capsule), including type of measurements performed on soft tissues (muscles, tendons) to assess global modifications of the shoulders. RESULTS: Signal abnormalities were detected in 36/36 (100%) gymnasts' shoulders, and in 4/20 (20%) of the controls. Sixteen of 36 (44.4%) shoulders had findings consistent with SLAP tears, bilateral in four patients; anteroinferior labrum lesions were identified in 10/36 (27.7%) shoulders, as compared with none (0%) in the controls. Eight of 36 (22%) shoulders had findings consistent with partial- or full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff as compared with none (0%) of the controls. Increased thickness of rotator cuff tendons and hypertrophy of rotator cuff muscles and deltoid muscles were recorded: such reports were symmetrical between dominant and non dominant arms, and increased when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Gymnasts' shoulders are significantly different from those of the general population. MRI findings, especially SLAP tears, and hypertrophy are symmetrical. SLAP tears seem to be responsible of most early retirement.

Clinical, functional and radiological results of Achilles tenorraphy surgically treated with mini-open technique.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to report clinical, functional and radiological results of 80 patients surgically treated with a combined mini-open and percutaneous surgical repair as proposed by Kakiuchi. METHODS: All patients were evaluated with a physical examination, evaluation scales, a functional test (Ergo-jump Bosco System), and an ultrasonographic exam along with Power Doppler Ultrasonography (PDU) (S/S). RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 58 months no cases of rerupture were detected. VISA-A evaluation scale showed an excellent score in 63 patients (78.75%), a good score in 14 patients (17.5%), a fair score in two patients (2.5%), and a poor score in one patient (1.25%). Hannover scale showed an excellent score in 63 patients (78.75%), and a good score in 17 patients (21.25%). Ergo-Jump evaluation showed a 2.07% mean deficit of the affected limb at the Squatting Jump test, a 3.26% mean deficit at the Counter Movement Jump test, and a 0.0062% mean improvement at the Repetitive Jump test. Ultrasonographic exam showed in all cases a satisfactory recovery of the integrity of the operated tendon. The mean AP and LL widths showed a significant increase of 7.13±2.97 mm (+56.1%) and of 4.01±2.36 mm (+43.81%) respectively. According to the modified Öhberg score scale, PDU exam showed a grade +1 in 16 patients (20%) and a grade +2 in seven cases (8.7%). CONCLUSION: The absence of rerupture cases, the satisfactory functional and ultrasonographic results of the patients included in this study cause us to consider this technique as reliable and effective even in young high-demand patients.

Surgical repair of the distal biceps brachii tendon: clinical and isokinetic long-term follow-up.

Anatomical reinsertion of the avulsed distal biceps tendon is the recommended treatment, but the results are hampered by complications. The purpose of this study is to show the results of patients surgically treated with a non-anatomical reinsertion of this tendon. From 1972 to 2006, 26 non-professional athletic patients were surgically treated by suture of the tendon on the brachialis muscle tendon. At follow-up 23/26 patients underwent clinical and isokinetic evaluation. At a medium follow-up of 84 months, patients provided satisfactory subjective and objective clinical results. Flexion was restored in all patients, while a 10 degrees supination deficit was found in two patients. Dynamometric tests showed satisfactory results both regarding Maximum Strength Power and Endurance tests. Reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon on the brachialis tendon can be considered, in a long-term follow-up, a safe and effective procedure, with low complication rate.

Spontaneous Achilles tendon ruptures treated with a mini-open technique: clinical and functional evaluation.

AIM AND METHODS: Spontaneous ruptures of the Achilles tendon are frequent among occasional and high level athletes. Despite the frequency of this problem, there is no agreement about the treatment of this pathology. The purpose of this study was to show the results of 20 consecutive patients (14 males and 6 females) surgically treated between 1995 and 2001 with a mini-open technique (mean follow-up: 52 months; range 20-95 months). Postoperatively, all these patients were assessed with a new functional scoring scale and a functional jumping test (Ergo-Jump Bosco System). RESULTS: A very low rate of minor complications have been reported and most of these patients are now practicing their favoured sport at the same pre-injury level. CONCLUSIONS: Mini open repair should be considered an excellent method of treatment of this pathology, with a very low rate of complications. The authors recommend this technique for young professional and occasional athletes.

The effect of subscapularis tenotomy in athletes operated on for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation.

PURPOSE: Some authors consider preservation of the subscapularis tendon as one of the most important elements for a successful long-term outcome in patients operated on with open capsulorrhaphy for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether vertical tenotomy of the subscapularis tendon might affect internal rotation strength recovery in patients operated on with open capsulorrhaphy for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. METHODS: Ninety-six patients were retrospectively followed up at a mean of 72.5 months. They underwent clinical evaluation, Rowe and Walch-Duplay scoring scales, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and dynamometric measurements (side-to-side) of internal and external rotation, forward elevation, and abduction. All patients were athletes: 25% were practising risk-free sports, 44% contact sports, 14.5% sports with cocking of the arm, and 14.5% high-risk sports activities. RESULTS: Five (5.2%) recurrences were registered, and all patients returned to pre-operative sports activity. The Rowe score was 98.12, the Walch-Duplay score 92.25, and the VAS score 0.1. Dynamometric assessment showed no significant differences (side-to-side) in internal rotation (p = 0.34), external rotation (p = 0.9), flexion (p = 0.7), and abduction (p = 0.7). Dominant arms showed better results than non-dominant arms (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Complete tenotomy of the subscapularis tendon does not seem to negatively affect internal rotation strength recovery or external rotation movement in athletes.

Anterolateral ligament reconstruction with autologous grafting: A biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the reliability of the Iliotibial band compared to gracilis tendon as a graft to be used in anterolateral ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Gracilis tendon and a strip of Iliotibial band compared were harvested from 8 fresh human cadaveric knees. The gracilis tendon was prepared to obtain a graft of 10cm in length (Group 1). Iliotibial band compared was prepared to obtain a graft of 10cm in length and 0.5cm in width from the middle portion (Group 2). All the specimens were fixed on a servo hydraulic tensile machine with dedicated cryo-clamp. The loading protocol, used to compare the previously published results of ultimate failure load and Stiffness of the anterolateral ligament (Group 3), included a cyclic preconditioning between 10 and 25N at 0.1Hz for 10cycles and then a load to failure test at 20mm/min. FINDINGS: Gracilis tendon showed higher Ultimante Failure Load and stiffness when compared to a strip of Iliotibial band. Gracilis tendon and a strip of Iliotibial band compared showed higher Ultimante Failure Load and stiffness when compared with native anterolateral ligament as reported by Kennedy. INTERPRETATION: Both grafts tested in the present studies are suitable for an anatomical anterolateral ligament reconstruction.

EDIN Scale Implemented by Gestational Age for Pain Assessment in Preterms: A Prospective Study.

Background. Chronic neonatal pain can lead to long-term adverse effects on the immature brain. EDIN scale for prolonged pain might not be fully suitable for premature infants. We aimed to test a modified EDIN scale, adding postmenstrual age (PMA) as a sixth item (EDIN6). Methods. In a two-phase prospective study, pain was assessed in all neonates admitted in our NICU. In T1 EDIN was applied; in T2 EDIN6 with additional scores of 2, 1, and 0, respectively, for 25-32, 33-37, and >37 weeks PCA was tested. Scores > 6 suggested pain. The nursing staff was given a questionnaire to evaluate EDIN and EDIN6. Results. A total of 15960 pain assessments were recorded (8693 in T1; 7267 in T2). With EDIN6, cumulative detection of pain almost tripled (117/7267 versus 52/8693, p = 0.001). Main differences were found among less mature categories (50/1472 versus 17/1734, p = 0.001 in PCA 25-32; 26/2606 versus 10/4335, p = 0.001 in PMA 33-37; 41/3189 versus 25/2624, p = 0.26 in PMA > 37). Adequacy of pain assessment in lower PMA was judged "medium-high" in 13,4% of nurses in T1 and 71,4% in T2. Conclusions. EDIN6 may allow improved evaluation of pain in preterm infants.

Latarjet procedure: evolution of the bone block and correspondent clinical relevance-a clinical and radiological study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to correlate the bone block graft position, its dimension, its reabsorption and its integration with clinical outcome in patients operated on for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. METHODS: Twenty-four patients affected by recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation and operated on using the Latarjet procedure were enrolled in this study. At 6 and 24 months, patients were evaluated with the following scales: ROWE, WOSI, Oxford instability score, UCLA, DASH and Constant score. Patients underwent two postoperative CT scans: immediately after surgery (T0) and at 24 months post-op (T1). RESULTS: At 24 months, none of the 24 patients reported further episodes of dislocation. Clinically at the final follow-up, we found excellent results in all the evaluation scales. Mean reduction in bone graft from T0 to T1 was 42% of the overall volume; similarly reduction in the overall surface was 29.3%; decrease in length, width and depth was, respectively, 3.4, 2.2 and 1.0 mm; all these parameters decreased significantly (p < 0.05). No correlations were found between radiological parameters and clinical and functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that a lack of integration or a significant reabsorption of the graft is present in the Latarjet procedure, but they do not significantly affect the clinical and functional results.

Can an adjustable-loop length suspensory fixation device reduce femoral tunnel enlargement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A prospective computer tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare bone femoral tunnel enlargement in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transtibial reconstruction using an adjustable-loop length suspensory fixation device and a fixed-loop length suspensory fixation device. METHODS: All patients treated for ACL reconstruction with an ipsilateral hamstring between March 2013 and March 2014 were evaluated. Subjects were assigned to Group A (TightRope™ (TR) femoral fixation) or Group B (EndoButton® (EB) femoral fixation). All patients were evaluated with the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee examination and KT1000 arthrometer. The subjective evaluation was performed using the 2000 IKDC Subjective Knee score, the Lysholm knee score, and the Tegner activity scale. CT examination was performed to evaluate femoral tunnel enlargement at four different levels. All patients were assessed at a 12month follow-up visit. Power analysis was performed a priori in accordance with the femoral tunnel enlargement values from the CT scans. Differences with P-values of ≤0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The groups were homogenous at baseline with regard to age, gender, BMI, dominance and disease duration. At the final follow-up, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were found according to subjective and objective clinical outcome measures. According to the femoral tunnel enlargement, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In transtibial ACL reconstruction, the use of a fixed or adjustable-loop length device products, on the femoral side, led to similar clinical and radiological results.

Effect of age, birth cohort and period of death on Italian liver cirrhosis mortality, 1972-1986.

Liver cirrhosis is one of the main causes of death in Mediterranean countries. A trend towards a global reduction in the mortality rate has been recently reported. In order to clarify better this trend and in an attempt to hypothesize the future pattern of mortality, we analysed data from 254,834 Italian subjects aged 30-79 who died from liver cirrhosis during the period 1972-1986. We used a log-linear Poisson model to examine the effects of age, calendar period of death and birth cohort. Our data confirm that both in the population as a whole and after stratification for three geographical areas (Northern, Central and Southern Italy) the mortality rate is decreasing. The age-effect analysis showed an exponentially rising effect in the Southern population, in accordance with the viral aetiology of cirrhosis, whereas an increased effect followed by a decreased effect was observed in the Northern and Central population, suggesting the alcoholic aetiology for the disease. The results from the birth-cohort effect suggested that in the Northern and Central populations mortality should continue to decrease over the next decade, possibly due to the implementation of better prevention programmes for cirrhotics and to decreased alcohol consumption in Italy. In the Southern population, however, mortality is still rising and this will probably continue for the next decade, as the generations born between 1940 and 1950 who are at high risk of carrying chronic hepatitis B virus infection, reach the age of higher risk of death from liver cirrhosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diet or dialysis in the elderly? The DODE study: a prospective randomized multicenter trial.

There are no solid data on the real advantage of an early start of dialysis, as suggested by the DOQI guidelines. Uremic patients frequently have a poor nutritional status. However, we cannot distinguish between the detrimental effect on nutrition of too low a residual renal function or too long a period of low protein-diet, per se. However, it appears that a very-low-protein diet (VLPD) supplemented with essential amino acids and keto-analogs of amino acids, and with an adequate quantity of calories, can prevent hypoalbuminemia at the start of dialysis and can slow the progression of chronic renal failure. EDTA and USRDS data suggest that most patients starting dialysis nowadays are elderly, who also have the highest incidence of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, hospitalization rate becomes higher after the start of dialysis compared to the pre-dialysis period. Can an aminoacid-supplemented VLPD, prolonged beyond the GFR limits suggested by DOQI, offer elderly patients better survival and better quality of life than dialysis? The answer can only come from a prospective, randomized trial, in elderly patients, starting at the GFR values suggested by the NKF-DOQI for starting dialysis, comparing outcomes with a vegetarian VLPD supplemented with a mixture of keto-analogs of amino acids and essential amino acids, and with dialysis.

Injury of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch. The natural history of infraspinatus atrophy in volleyball players.

From 1985 to 1996, we observed 38 cases of isolated atrophy of the infraspinatus muscle in athletes; all were involved in volleyball at a competitive level. There were 20 men and 18 women with a mean age of 26 years (range, 15 to 27). At the time of the first examination, 35 of these athletes had no pain and were treated with exercises to strengthen the external rotators. The remaining three patients underwent surgery because of pain at the posterior aspect of the shoulder. Sixteen of the 35 players treated nonoperatively were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (range, 3 to 10). Thirteen were still involved in volleyball and three had retired symptom-free at the end of their careers. On physical examination, atrophy of the infraspinatus muscle was unchanged in all cases. The patients treated surgically were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 2 years. All of them were able to play volleyball at their preinjury levels, but one had pain at the anterior aspect of the shoulder after strenuous activity. Physical examination showed a notable reduction of the atrophy in one patient. Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch is a usually painless syndrome that is frequently observed in volleyball players. Surgical treatment is indicated in the rare cases of painful neuropathies after careful patient selection.

Open capsulorrhaphy with suture anchors for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

Forty of 42 consecutive open capsulorrhaphies with suture anchors for treatment of traumatic recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Follow-up was conducted according to the rating systems of Rowe and the Society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. The surgical outcome was satisfactory in 38 patients (95%). Eighteen of the 22 patients who were involved in competitive overhead or collision sports before surgery returned to their preoperative sports levels. One patient, whose operation was unsuccessful, experienced recurrent dislocation. In one patient a deep infection that occurred as a complication of the surgical technique healed after suture anchor removal. Although a longer follow-up is necessary, this technique appears to have encouraging results as it avoids the risks related to the use of screws and staples.

The frequency of Baker's cysts associated with meniscal tears.

We reviewed the films of 1760 patients who had magnetic resonance image scanning of the knee joint to assess the most common pathologic changes associated with an incidental finding of a Baker's cyst. Of the 1760 knees scanned, Baker's cysts were noted in 238. The cysts were classified as small (55%), medium (30%), or large (15%) and were primarily found on the medial side of the knee (94%). The menisci were evaluated and changes were classified as complete tears, where signal contacts the surface, or degenerative intrasubstance tears. One hundred eleven (47%) complete meniscal tears were found, and 88 (37%) degenerative tears. The majority of tears were found in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (65 complete tears and 45 degenerative tears). Thus, 199 tears were found in 170 knees, and 106 of the 170 knees (62%) had tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Baker's cysts are frequent findings on physical examinations and on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the knee. They are thought to be due to intraarticular pathologic changes, usually posterior meniscal tears. This study documents the association between Baker's cysts and meniscal tears and notes that a complete tear is not necessary for the cyst to be present.

Prognostic significance of the growth rate of breast cancer: preliminary evaluation on the follow-up of 196 breast cancers.

The doubling time (DT) of 196 consecutive breast cancers was studied by means of a double mammographic examination (average time between the 2 mammographies, 30 days) and calculated with the formula of exponential growth. On the basis of DT values the case series was divided into 3 groups of growth: fast (DT from 1 to 30 days), 31 cases (15.8%), intermediate (DT from 31 to 90 days), 84 cases (42.9%), slow (DT more than 90 days), 81 cases (41.3%). No relationship was found between growth rate and size of tumor, or menopausal status of the patient. After mastectomy fast and slow cases were equally distributed in the N- and N+ groups, whereas for the intermediate cases the N- : N+ ratio was 1 : 2. One hundred and thirty-four cases were followed for a period of 12 to 52 months. Evaluation was done on the basis of the subdivision into N- 2nd N+, and the latter group into N+ (1-3) and N+ (greater than 3). For N- tumors the course of the disease was apparently not affected by the growth rate. However, the case of fast growing tumors showed a higher proportion of recurrences with respect to N+ slow growing tumors. This difference was even more noticeable the higher the number of involved lymph nodes, but not statistically significant. The course of slow growing tumors was identical in the N- and N+ groups, but all the N+ tumors were subjected to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Neonatal stroke.

The perinatal ischemic stroke is defined as "a group of heterogenous conditions with a focal disruption of cerebral flow secondary to an arterial or a venous thrombosis or embolization between the 20 week of foetal life through the 28 post-natal day". Three subgroups are identified: arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) and haemorragic infarct. Many strokes are detected in the neonatal period due to early onset seizures, although symptoms can be more subtle leading to a significant delay in the diagnosis. MRI-DWI remains the best tool for a correct diagnosis, extension of the lesion and suggestion of timing. Lesions detected in utero or at early neonatal imaging with signs of tissue loss are considered "foetal stroke". The "neonatal stroke", with the symptoms in the first 4 days, shows the typical abnormalities of the acute phase evolving later in a white matter loss. The AIS shows the ischemic area of restriction at the early DWI in a arterial territory, mainly the middle cerebral artery. The MR-Venogram is useful in the CVST to detect the thrombus in a sinovenous vessel and the potentially associated lesion, such as intraventricular haemorrage and parenchymal oedema. The extension of the lesion and the involvement of the basal ganglia and thalami have a negative prognostic value for the development of hemiplegia especially in the presence of abnormal PLIC. An early diagnosis.

Tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with post-operative septic arthritis.

Tunnel enlargement is a frequent issue after ACL reconstruction and the "synovial bathing effect" is thought to be among the biological factors contributing to this phenomenon. Since the amount and the pressure of the synovial fluid inside the knee joint are higher and the length of its presence is longer in patients with post-operative septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction, we reviewed the tunnel enlargement in these cases in order to better evaluate this phenomenon in such a hostile environment. The null hypothesis of this study was that the highly represented phenomenon of the "synovial bathing effect" that occurs in an infected ACL reconstruction would not affect the amount of post-operative tunnel widening. A case-control study was done. At a mean follow up of 10 months (range 9-11 months) eight patients with septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction (group A) were radiologically reviewed using a CT scan and the diameters of femoral and tibial tunnels were measured. The results were compared with a control group (B) of uncomplicated ACL reconstruction cases operated by the same surgeon using the same technique. Although patients of Group A experienced a bigger amount of tunnel enlargement than patients of group B both on femoral (9.53 +/- 1.07 vs. 9.35 +/- 1.52 mm) and tibial side (10.07 +/- 1.3 vs. 9.92 +/- 0.74 mm), no clinical or statistically significant differences were detected between the groups (P > 0.05). No significant tunnel enlargement could be detected in patients of group A when compared with patients of group B. This seems to minimize the role of biological factors contributing to tunnel widening.