Structuralizing Culture: Multicultural Neoliberalism, Migration, and Mental Health in Santiago, Chile.

The arrival of Afro-descendant migrants, mainly from Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has led to the emergence of new discourses on migration, multiculturalism, and mental health in health services in Chile since 2010. In this article, I explore how mental health institutions, experts, and practitioners have taken a cultural turn in working with migrant communities in this new multicultural scenario. Based on a multisited ethnography conducted over 14 months in a neighbourhood of northern Santiago, I focus on the Migrant Program-a primary health care initiative implemented since 2013. I argue that health practitioners have tended to redefine cultural approaches in structural terms focusing mainly on class aspects such poverty, social stratification, and socioeconomic inequalities. I affirm that this structural-based approach finds its historical roots in a political and ideological context that provided the conditions for the development of community psychiatry experiences during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as in multicultural and gender policies promoted by the state since the 1990s. This case reveals how health institutions and practitioners have recently engaged in debates on migration and intersectionality from a structural approach in Chile.

Becoming a (Neuro)migrant: Haitian Migration, Translation and Subjectivation in Santiago, Chile.

Based on a multi-sited ethnography conducted over 14 months in northern Santiago, I examine how the introduction of a series of health policies and the global mental health agenda has interacted with and impacted Haitian migrants in the context of a postdictatorship neoliberal Chile (1990-2019). Specifically, I explore the interactions between health and social institutions, mental health practitioners, psy technologies, and Haitian migrants, highlighting migrants' subjectivation processes and everyday life. I argue that Haitian migrants engage with heterogeneous subjectivation processes in their interactions with health and social institutions, challenging normative values of integration into Chilean society. These processes are marked not only by the presence of, or exposure to, psy interventions and mental health discourses but also by the degree of compatibility between a psychiatric and neurological language and Haitians' ideals and moral frameworks.

Exogenously Scavenged and Endogenously Synthesized Heme Are Differentially Utilized by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Heme is both an essential cofactor and an abundant source of nutritional iron for the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While heme is required for M. tuberculosis survival and virulence, it is also potentially cytotoxic. Since M. tuberculosis can both synthesize and take up heme, the de novo synthesis of heme and its acquisition from the host may need to be coordinated in order to mitigate heme toxicity. However, the mechanisms employed by M. tuberculosis to regulate heme uptake, synthesis, and bioavailability are poorly understood. By integrating ratiometric heme sensors with mycobacterial genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry, we determined that de novo-synthesized heme is more bioavailable than exogenously scavenged heme, and heme availability signals the downregulation of heme biosynthetic enzyme gene expression. Ablation of heme synthesis does not result in the upregulation of known heme import proteins. Moreover, we found that de novo heme synthesis is critical for survival from macrophage assault. Altogether, our data suggest that mycobacteria utilize heme from endogenous and exogenous sources differently and that targeting heme synthesis may be an effective therapeutic strategy to treat mycobacterial infections. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects ~25% of the world's population and causes tuberculosis (TB), the second leading cause of death from infectious disease. Heme is an essential metabolite for M. tuberculosis, and targeting the unique heme biosynthetic pathway of M. tuberculosis could serve as an effective therapeutic strategy. However, since M. tuberculosis can both synthesize and scavenge heme, it was unclear if inhibiting heme synthesis alone could serve as a viable approach to suppress M. tuberculosis growth and virulence. The importance of this work lies in the development and application of genetically encoded fluorescent heme sensors to probe bioavailable heme in M. tuberculosis and the discovery that endogenously synthesized heme is more bioavailable than exogenously scavenged heme. Moreover, it was found that heme synthesis protected M. tuberculosis from macrophage killing, and bioavailable heme in M. tuberculosis is diminished during macrophage infection. Altogether, these findings suggest that targeting M. tuberculosis heme synthesis is an effective approach to combat M. tuberculosis infections.

An assessment of Veterans attitudes and willingness to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: While several safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines have been available since December 2020, many eligible individuals choose to remain unvaccinated. This vaccine hesitancy is an important factor affecting our ability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The objective of the study was to examine the attitudes and willingness among US Veterans toward receiving COVID-19 vaccination. The study used a quantitative qualitative mixed methods design with a telephone survey and then in-depth interviews in a subset of those surveyed. Participants were unvaccinated Veterans (N = 184) selected randomly from a registry of patients who had received VA healthcare during the pandemic and had a diagnostic test for COVID-19. The primary outcome was willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination. Survey data collection and in-depth interviews were conducted by telephone. Analyses of the survey data compared the primary outcome with demographics, clinical data, and survey responses using bivariate and multiple regression analyses. A subset (N = 10) of those surveyed, participated in an in-depth interview. Interview transcripts were analyzed to derive themes using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Almost 40% of participants disagreed they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Participants who were younger, female, and had fewer comorbid conditions were more likely (P < 0.05) to disagree with COVID-19 vaccination. In multiple regression analysis, willingness to accept vaccination was associated with reliance on a doctor or family member's recommendation and with a belief that vaccines are effective. In-depth interviews revealed several barriers to COVID-19 vaccination, including lack of trust in the government and vaccine manufacturers, concerns about the speed of vaccine development, fear of side effects, and fear the vaccine was a tool of racism. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the complexity of patients' deliberation about COVID-19 vaccination and may help physicians and other health care providers understand patients' perspectives about COVID-19 vaccination. The results highlight the importance of patients' trust in physicians, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers and the government when making health decisions.

Más allá de la "falla hormonal": concepciones de profesionales de atención primaria sobre el climaterio en Santiago, Chile / Beyond the "ovarian failure": primary healthcare practitioners' views on climacteric in Santiago, Chile

OBJETIVO: El presente artículo busca conocer cómo los profesionales conciben la sexualidad de mujeres en etapa de climaterio, enfatizando aspectos relativos a la salud sexual, al deseo sexual y a los problemas de la sexualidad. MÉTODOS: Enfoque cualitativo basado en la Teoría Fundamentada (Grounded Theory). Se realizaron diez entrevistas en profundidad a profesionales de dos Centros de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) del sector sur de Santiago. RESULTADOS: Los resultados muestran que, si bien existe cierta tendencia a concebir el climaterio desde un punto de vista biologicista centrada principalmente en la "falla hormonal", los/as profesionales muestran diversos grados de reflexividad respecto a cómo aspectos socioculturales, económicos y de género moldean la sexualidad de mujeres en la etapa de climaterio. CONCLUSIONES: Los/as profesionales asumen posturas críticas respecto al rol de las instituciones y programas en salud, a las limitaciones laborales en los centros de salud (por ej. materiales, tiempo, etc.) y a la formación profesional. Este artículo promueve la formulación de políticas de salud en la materia, así como la revisión de los planes de estudio de las carreras de la salud.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to examine how professional practitioners view womens sexuality in the climacteric stage, emphasizing aspects related to sexual health, sexual desire, and sexual disorders. METHODS: Qualitative approach based on the Grounded Theory. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals from two Family Health Centers (CESFAM) in southern Santiago. RESULTS: The results show that, although there is a certain tendency to approach the climacteric from a biological viewpoint focused mainly on the “ovarian failure”, practitioners show different degrees of reflexivity regarding how sociocultural, economic and gender aspects shape womens sexuality in the climacteric stage. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners adopt critical positions regarding the role of health institutions and programs, work limitations in health centers, and the practitioners training. This article promotes the development of health policies in the matter, as well as the revision of study plans of health careers.

Towards a "transitioning": Biographical clues on gender transition, malaise, and health services in Chile.

We analyze how the interactions between the trans population and the Chilean healthcare system shape specific processes of malaise associated with gender transition ("tránsito de género"). Adopting psychoanalytic and transfeminist conceptual approaches, as well as a biographical methodology, we examine autobiographical narratives of three trans subjects. We discuss three topics: childhood as a critical period for gender transition and malaise; the role of institutions; and the ways through which subjects manage malaise. We argue that trans subjects face specific sociocultural conditions that lead to unique processes of malaise associated with gender transition. We show how politicization and the construction of an institutional framework, bodily aesthetical modifications, and the self-administration of medical knowledge emerge as some of the paths to navigate the gender transition process. Besides, we foreground the notion of "transitioning" ("transicionar") by considering the criticism voiced by the participants. By using this notion, they interrogate the rigidity and psychopathologization of identity that is implicitly present in the notion of gender transition, as well as they enrich the transfeminist discourse in favor of their agency/autonomy.

Towards a "transitioning": Biographical clues on gender transition, malaise, and health services in Chile / Rumo a "transição": pistas biográficas sobre trânsito de gênero, mal-estar e serviços de saúde no Chile

Abstract We analyze how the interactions between the trans population and the Chilean healthcare system shape specific processes of malaise associated with gender transition ("tránsito de género"). Adopting psychoanalytic and transfeminist conceptual approaches, as well as a biographical methodology, we examine autobiographical narratives of three trans subjects. We discuss three topics: childhood as a critical period for gender transition and malaise; the role of institutions; and the ways through which subjects manage malaise. We argue that trans subjects face specific sociocultural conditions that lead to unique processes of malaise associated with gender transition. We show how politicization and the construction of an institutional framework, bodily aesthetical modifications, and the self-administration of medical knowledge emerge as some of the paths to navigate the gender transition process. Besides, we foreground the notion of "transitioning" ("transicionar") by considering the criticism voiced by the participants. By using this notion, they interrogate the rigidity and psychopathologization of identity that is implicitly present in the notion of gender transition, as well as they enrich the transfeminist discourse in favor of their agency/autonomy.

Resumo Analisamos como as interações entre a população trans e o sistema de saúde chileno conformam processos específicos de mal-estar associados à transição de gênero ("tránsito de género"). Adotando abordagens conceituais psicanalíticas e transfeministas, bem como uma metodologia biográfica, examinamos narrativas autobiográficas de três sujeitos trans. Discutimos três tópicos: a infância como um período crítico para a transição e mal-estar de gênero; o papel das instituições; e as maneiras pelas quais os sujeitos lidam com o mal-estar. Argumentamos que sujeitos trans enfrentam condições socioculturais específicas que levam a processos únicos de mal-estar associados à transição de gênero. Mostramos como a politização e a construção de um arcabouço institucional, as modificações estéticas corporais e a autogestão do saber médico surgem como alguns dos caminhos para navegar o processo de transição de gênero. Além disso, colocamos em primeiro plano a noção de "transição" ("transicionar") considerando as críticas expressas pelos participantes. Ao utilizar essa noção, interrogam a rigidez e a psicopatologização da identidade que está implicitamente presente na noção de transição de gênero, bem como enriquecem o discurso transfeminista em favor de sua agência/autonomia.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Combined P188 Treatment and Surgical Intervention in Preventing Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Following a Traumatic Knee Injury.

Previous studies have shown that reconstructive surgery alone following injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not prevent the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Poloxamer 188 (P188) has been shown to prevent cell death following trauma in both articular cartilage and meniscal tissue. This study aims to test the efficacy of single or multiple administrations of P188 in conjunction with reconstructive surgery to help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. Thirty skeletally mature rabbits underwent closed-joint trauma that resulted in ACL rupture and meniscal damage and were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups with varying doses of P188. ACL reconstruction was then performed using an autograft from the semitendinosus tendon. Animals were euthanized 1-month following trauma, meniscal tissue was assessed for changes in morphology, mechanical properties, and proteoglycan content. Femurs and tibias were scanned using microcomputed tomography to determine changes in bone quality, architecture, and osteophyte formation. The medial meniscus experienced more damage and a decrease in the instantaneous modulus regardless of treatment group, while P188 treatment tended to limit degenerative changes in the lateral meniscus. Both lateral and medial menisci had documented decreases in the equilibrium modulus and inconsistent changes in proteoglycan content. Minimal changes were documented in the tibias and femurs, with the only significant change being the formation of osteophytes in both bones regardless of treatment group. The data suggest that P188 was able to limit some degenerative changes in the meniscus associated with PTOA and may warrant future studies.

Assessment of changes in the meniscus and subchondral bone in a novel closed-joint impact and surgical reconstruction lapine model.

Despite reconstruction surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), patients often still show signs of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) years following the procedure. The goal of this study was to document changes in the meniscus and subchondral bone due to closed-joint impact and surgical reconstruction in a lapine model. Animals received insult to the joint followed by surgical reconstruction of the ACL and partial meniscectomy. Following euthanasia of the animals at 1, 3, and 6-months post-impact, meniscal tissue was assessed for changes in morphology, mechanical properties and proteoglycan content. Femurs and tibias were scanned via micro-computed tomography to determine changes in bone quality, morphometry, and formation of osteophytes. Both the lateral and medial menisci showed severe degradation and tearing at all-time points, with higher degree of degeneration being observed at 6-months. Decreases in both the instantaneous and equilibrium modulus were documented in both menisci. Minimal changes were found in bone quality and morphometry, with most change documented in the tibia. Bones from the reconstructed limbs showed large volumes of osteophyte formations, with an increase in volume over time. The initial changes that were representative of PTOA may have been limited to the meniscus, but at later time points consistent changes due to the disease were seen in both tissues. This study, which builds on a previous study by this laboratory, suggests that the addition of surgical reconstruction of the ACL to our model was not sufficient to prevent the development of PTOA.

Characterization of novel, pathogenic field strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in poultry in Trinidad and Tobago.

Avian coronaviruses, including infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and turkey coronavirus (TCoV), are economically important viruses affecting poultry worldwide. IBV is responsible for causing severe losses to the commercial poultry sector globally. The objectives of this study were to identify the viruses that were causing outbreaks of severe respiratory disease in chickens in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and to characterize the strains. Swab samples were collected from birds showing severe respiratory signs in five farms on the island of Trinidad. Samples were tested for the presence of IBV, as well as avian influenza virus (AIV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). All samples from the five farms tested negative for AIV, NDV and aMPV; however, samples from clinically affected birds in all five of the farms tested positive for IBV. Genetic data revealed the presence of TCoV in chickens on two of the farms. Interestingly, these two farms had never reared turkeys. Phylogenetic analysis showed that IBV S1 sequences formed two distinct clusters. Two sequences grouped with vaccine strains within the GI-1 lineage, whereas three sequences grouped together, but separately from other defined lineages, forming a likely new lineage of IBV. Pairwise comparison revealed that the three unique variant strains within the distinct lineage of IBV were significantly different in their S1 nucleotide coding regions from viruses in the closest lineage (16% difference) and locally used vaccine strains (>20% difference). Results also suggested that one of the samples was a recombinant virus, generated from a recombination event between a Trinidad virus of the GI-1 lineage and a Trinidad virus of the newly defined lineage. Many amino acid differences were also observed between the S1 coding regions of the circulating field and vaccine strains, indicating that the IBV vaccines may not be protective. Vaccine-challenge studies are however needed to prove this.

ADHD and Gender: subjective experiences of children in Chile / TDA-H y género: experiencias subjetivas de niños y niñas en Chile

Abstract Although research on ADHD has tended to ignore gender differentials, recent contributions produced mainly from epidemiology have revealed that this diagnostic category seems to be strongly related to gender. However, these contributions seem to limit their scope to the study of the symptoms as well as cognitive, affective and social functioning of children, leaving aside subjective aspects associated with the ADHD practices of diagnosis and treatment. Thus, this article aims to explore how the gender dimension crosses the subjective experience of children diagnosed with ADHD. Based on open interviews conducted with children between the ages of 7 and 13, we show general trends that articulate gender and characteristics associated with the ADHD diagnosis, while at the same time, with children's experiences that dislocate such trends. The findings were grouped according to four emerging axes: (1) locations, (2) abilities, (3) approches, (4) interactions. Thus, we will show how the experience of boys and girls is multiple in relation to the diagnosis and it is not possible to be reduced to a gender binary perspective.

Resumen Si bien las investigaciones sobre TDA-H han tendido a dejar los aspectos diferenciales de género en un lugar secundario, recientes contribuciones emanadas principalmente desde la epidemiología han revelado que esta categoría diagnóstica parece estar fuertemente relacionada con el reparto de los géneros. Sin embargo, dichas contribuciones parecen limitar sus alcances al estudio de la sintomatología y funcionamiento cognitivo, afectivo y social de los(as) niños(as), dejando de lado aspectos subjetivos asociados a las prácticas de diagnóstico y tratamiento de TDA-H. De este modo, el objetivo de este artículo es explorar cómo la dimensión de género configura la experiencia subjetiva de niños(as) diagnosticados(as) con TDA-H. A partir de la realización de entrevistas abiertas realizadas a niños entre 7 y 13 años, damos cuenta de tendencias generales que articulan género y características asociadas al diagnóstico de TDA-H, a la vez que, con experiencias infantiles que dislocan tales tendencias. Los resultados se agruparon en función de cuatro dimensiones emergentes del material producido en las entrevistas: (1) localizaciones; (2) habilidades; (3) abordajes; (4) interacciones. Así, mostraremos cómo la experiencia de niños y niñas es múltiple en relación al diagnóstico y no es posible reducirla a una perspectiva binaria en torno al género.

"No hay salud mental sin justicia social": desigualdades, determinantes sociales y salud mental en Chile / "No mental health without social justice": inequalities, social determinants and mental health in Chile

Las desigualdades en las condiciones de vida impactan negativamente sobre la salud mental de las personas y comunidades. Este artículo tiene por objetivo describir algunas de las principales líneas de investigación y reflexión en torno a la relación entre desigualdad y salud mental. Más que una revisión sistemática, se trata de una discusión orientada a contribuir al debate público en torno a las dimensiones materiales, simbólicas y subjetivas de la desigualdad, mencionando algunos mecanismos que permiten comprender su relación con la salud mental. Entre estas dimensiones abordamos las desigualdades de ingreso y de género, además de otras que han recibido menor atención en los estudios nacionales e internacionales: las desigualdades en la participación, en la interacción cotidiana, y las desigualdades socio-territoriales y en el uso del tiempo. Finalmente, mencionamos algunas limitaciones teóricas de la investigación tradicional sobre desigualdad en salud y sugerimos potenciales líneas de investigación que pueden orientar los estudios en torno a desigualdades y salud mental

Molecular Identification of Eimeria Species in Broiler Chickens in Trinidad, West Indies.

Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease of chickens of major economic importance to broiler industries worldwide. Species of coccidia found in chickens include Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria mitis, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria praecox, and Eimeria tenella. In recent years, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been developed to provide accurate and rapid identification of the seven known Eimeria species of chickens. The aim of this study was to use species-specific real-time PCR (qPCR) to identify which of the seven Eimeria species are present in Trinidad poultry. Seventeen pooled fecal samples were collected from 6 broiler farms (2-5 pens per farm) across Trinidad. Feces were also collected from birds showing clinical signs of coccidiosis in two live bird markets (pluck shops). qPCR revealed the presence of five species of Eimeria (E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. mitis, E. necatrix, and E. tenella), but not E. brunetti or E. praecox. Mixed infections were detected on all broiler farms, and DNA of two highly pathogenic Eimeria species (E. tenella and E.necatrix) was detected in feces taken from clinically sick birds sampled from the two pluck shops.

Inmigración y salud mental infanto-juvenil: análisis de los artículos publicados en revistas nacionales de psicología durante el periodo 2003-2013 / Immigration and infant-juvenile mental health: an analysis of articles published in national psychology journals during the 2003-2013

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo describir el estado actual de las publicaciones en revistas de Psicología a nivel nacional respecto del tema migratorio, particularmente de la salud mental en población infanto-juvenil inmigrante. Para ello se revisaron 1.094 artículos publicados en seis revistas de Psicología en Chile durante el periodo 2003-2013. Se encontraron 26 artículos referidos a temas migratorios, los que posteriormente fueron clasificados según: tipo de investigación, proyecto asociado, apoyo institucional, nivel de análisis, población objetivo, y contexto del estudio. Los resultados indican una baja tasa de publicación en temas migratorios, y la inexistencia de artículos sobre inmigración y salud mental infanto-juvenil. Finalmente, se enfatiza en la necesidad de publicaciones en Psicología que aborden la temática, contemplando dimensiones socioculturales en sus análisis...

This paper aims to describe the current state of the national publications in journals of Psychology respect to the subject of immigration, particularly mental health in infant-juvenile immigrant population. In order to do so, 1.094 articles published in six journals of Psychology in Chile during the period 2003-2013 were reviewed. Twenty-six articles on immigration were found, which were subsequently classified by: type of research, associated project, institutional support, level of analysis, targeted population, and context of study. The results indicate a low rate of publication on the subject of immigration issues, and the lack of articles on immigration and infant-juvenile mental health. Finally, it is emphasized the need for publications in Psychology to address immigration, considering socio-cultural dimensions in their analysis...

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy: the clinical effect of deltoid lengthening and center of rotation medialization.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for cuff tear arthropathy improves shoulder function and reduces pain. Implant position and soft tissue balancing are important factors to optimize outcome. Tensioning the deltoid and increasing the deltoid moment arm by medializing the center of rotation are biomechanically advantageous. The purpose of this study was to correlate RSA functional outcomes with deltoid lengthening and center of rotation medialization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 49 consecutive patients who underwent RSA for cuff tear arthropathy. Preoperative and serial postoperative physical examinations, radiographs, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Simple Shoulder Test scores were evaluated. Deltoid lengthening and medialization of the center of rotation were measured radiographically and correlated with functional outcome scores, range of motion, and complications. RESULTS: At final follow-up (average, 16 ± 10 months), 37 of 49 patients (76%) were available for analysis. Deltoid lengthening (average, 21 ± 10 mm) correlated significantly (P = .002) with superior active forward elevation (average, 144° ± 19°). Medialization of the center of rotation (average, 18 ± 8 mm) did not correlate with active forward elevation or subjective outcomes. Deltoid lengthening that achieved an acromion-greater tuberosity distance exceeding 38 mm had a 90% positive predictive value of obtaining 135° of active forward elevation. Two patients (4%) required revision surgery, and 68% of patients developed scapular notching (average grade, 1.3 ± 1.2) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Deltoid lengthening improves active forward elevation after RSA for cuff tear arthropathy.

Virulence of Brucella abortus isolated from cattle and water buffalo.

Brucellosis has been documented in domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) but published literature is limited despite the importance of this species in tropical agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to compare the virulence of Brucella abortus isolates recovered from cattle and water buffalo. Nineteen strains of B. abortus from cattle and domestic water buffalo in Trinidad were intraperitoneally inoculated into BALB/c mice. Spleens were cultured for B. abortus and histopathological severity scores were calculated based on lymphoid depletion, lymphoid necrosis, splenitis, and macrophage accumulation. A general linear model approach was used to estimate the effect of isolate source (cattle versus water buffalo) on virulence. Isolates of water buffalo origin were significantly less virulent in the mouse model based on recovered B. abortus from splenic tissues, spleen/weight ratio, and lymphoid necrosis but not overall histopathological severity scores. Further investigation of isolates recovered from water buffalo might provide the key to the development of procedures for brucellosis control in tropical environments.

A surgical approach to posterior pilon fractures.

Posterior pilon fractures are injuries of the posterior tibial plafond that likely occur through a combined rotational and axial load mechanism and are often difficult to treat with standard surgical approaches to the ankle. We describe an alternative surgical approach to this injury using posteromedial, posterolateral, or combined approaches and present a series of patients with either radiographic or functional outcomes at a minimum of 1-year follow up that were treated by this method.

The docking technique for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: surgical technique and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: Current techniques of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction vary with respect to methods of fixation on the femur and the patella. This article presents the outcomes of a surgical technique for reconstruction of the MPFL that uses a soft tissue graft with interference screw fixation on the femur and a docking technique for fixation on the patella. HYPOTHESIS: Patients with patellar instability who are treated with the docking technique for MPFL reconstruction will have improvements in knee symptoms and function, with a high percentage achieving good to excellent results at early follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with patellar instability underwent reconstruction of the MPFL. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by physical and radiographic examination and subjectively with the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee), Tegner, Kujala, and Lysholm questionnaires. Nineteen patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 31 months (range, 24-39). No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation were reported. A firm endpoint to lateral patellar translation was noted in all patients at most recent follow-up. The IKDC subjective knee evaluation score improved from 42 preoperatively to 82 postoperatively (P < .001); Kujala, from 50 to 88 (P < .001); Lysholm, from 50 to 89 (P < .001); and Tegner, from 3.6 to 5.6 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The docking technique for MPFL reconstruction is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of patellar instability.

Combined medial patellofemoral ligament and medial patellotibial ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.

Patellar instability is a common knee disorder encountered in young athletes. Patients with normal osseous anatomy and mechanical alignment of the lower extremity are candidates for soft-tissue reconstructive procedures. In skeletally immature patients, surgical techniques that address patellar instability must avoid disruption of open physes and therefore must rely on soft-tissue techniques. Biomechanical research demonstrates that the medial patellofemoral ligament is the primary soft-tissue restraint to lateral subluxation of the patella, and the medial patellotibial ligament is an important secondary stabilizer. We present a novel physeal-sparing surgical technique that anatomically reconstructs both the medial patellofemoral and medial patellotibial ligaments using semitendinosus autograft.