Can Chat-GPT assist orthopedic surgeons in evaluating the quality of rotator cuff surgery patient information videos?

BACKGROUND: Patients and healthcare professionals extensively rely on the internet for medical information. Low-quality videos can significantly impact the patient-doctor relationship, potentially affecting consultation efficiency and decision-making process. Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is an artificial intelligence application with the potential to improve medical reports, provide medical information, and supplement orthopedic knowledge acquisition. This study aimed to assess the ability of ChatGPT-4 to detect deficiencies in these videos, assuming it would be successful in identifying such deficiencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: YouTube was searched for "rotator cuff surgery" and "rotator cuff surgery clinic" videos. A total of 90 videos were evaluated, with 40 included in the study after exclusions. Using the Google Chrome extension ''YouTube Summary with ChatGPT & Claude,'' transcripts of these videos were accessed. Two senior orthopedic surgeons and ChatGPT-4 evaluated the videos using the rotator cuff surgery YouTube score (RCSS) system and DISCERN criteria. RESULTS: ChatGPT-4's RCSS evaluations were comparable to those of the observers in 25% of instances, and 40% for DISCERN. The interobserver agreement between human observers and ChatGPT-4 was fair (AC1: 0.575 for DISCERN and AC1: 0.516 for RCSS). Even after correcting ChatGPT-4's incorrect answers, the agreement did not change significantly. ChatGPT-4 tended to give higher scores than the observers, particularly in sections related to anatomy, surgical technique, and indications for surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of ChatGPT-4 as an observer in evaluating rotator cuff surgery-related videos and identifying deficiencies is not currently recommended. Future studies with trained ChatGPT models may address these deficiencies and enable ChatGPT to evaluate videos at a human observer level.

Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerases-Inhibitor Talazoparib Inhibits Muscle Atrophy and Fatty Infiltration in a Tendon Release Infraspinatus Sheep Model: A Pilot Study.

Structural muscle changes, including muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration, follow rotator cuff tendon tear and are associated with a high repair failure rate. Despite extensive research efforts, no pharmacological therapy is available to successfully prevent both muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration after tenotomy of tendomuscular unit without surgical repair. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) are identified as a key transcription factors involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. PARP inhibitors have been shown to influence muscle degeneration, including mitochondrial hemostasis, oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic activity, and reduced degenerative changes in a knockout mouse model. Tenotomized infraspinatus were assessed for muscle degeneration for 16 weeks using a Swiss Alpine sheep model (n = 6). All sheep received daily oral administration of 0.5 mg Talazoparib. Due to animal ethics, the treatment group was compared with three different controls from prior studies of our institution. To mitigate potential batch heterogeneity, PARP-I was evaluated in comparison with three distinct control groups (n = 6 per control group) using the same protocol without treatment. The control sheep were treated with an identical study protocol without Talazoparib treatment. Muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration were evaluated at 0, 6 and 16 weeks post-tenotomy using DIXON-MRI. The controls and PARP-I showed a significant (control p < 0.001, PARP-I p = 0.01) decrease in muscle volume after 6 weeks. However, significantly less (p = 0.01) atrophy was observed in PARP-I after 6 weeks (control 1: 76.6 ± 8.7%; control 2: 80.3 ± 9.3%, control 3: 73.8 ± 6.7% vs. PARP-I: 90.8 ± 5.1% of the original volume) and 16 weeks (control 1: 75.7 ± 9.9; control 2: 74.2 ± 5.6%; control 3: 75.3 ± 7.4% vs. PARP-I 93.3 ± 10.6% of the original volume). All experimental groups exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.001) augmentation in fatty infiltration following a 16-week period when compared to the initial timepoint. However, the PARP-I showed significantly less fatty infiltration (p < 0.003) compared to all controls (control 1: 55.6 ± 6.7%, control 2: 53.4 ± 9.4%, control 3: 52.0 ± 12.8% vs. PARP-I: 33.5 ± 8.4%). Finally, a significantly (p < 0.04) higher proportion and size of fast myosin heavy chain-II fiber type was observed in the treatment group. This study shows that PARP-inhibition with Talazoparib inhibits the progression of both muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration over 16 weeks in retracted sheep musculotendinous units.

Challenges in Extubation: A Case of a Non-removable Tracheal Tube Following Surgery.

This report details a challenging case of difficult extubation due to a lodged tracheal tube following surgery, presenting an unexpected and complex clinical situation. An inspection of the airway using videolaryngoscopy revealed an over-inflated cuff beneath the vocal cords. Initial efforts to deflate the cuff with various methods were unsuccessful. The situation was ultimately resolved through the intervention of an otolaryngology surgeon. This case not only reviews various mechanisms of difficult endotracheal tube removal reported in the literature, but also underscores the potential for serious complications and highlights the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing extubation challenges. Additionally, our manuscript discusses alternative strategies that can be employed in scenarios where an otolaryngology surgeon is not available, offering practical guidance for anesthesiologists confronted with similar situations.

Does the presence of arthroscopically detected stage 1-2 glenohumeral osteoarthritis have any clinical impact on the outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs?

BACKGROUND: : Rotator cuff rupture (RCR) and glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHO) are two common disorders of the shoulder joint. However, there are very few reports that examine the relationship between them. This study aimed to present at least two years' clinical results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of full-thickness and massive tears accompanied by arthroscopically detected early-stage osteoarthritis. METHODS: From August 2016 to December 2017, three hundred and twenty patients with total or massive rotator cuff tears were evaluated retrospectively. Thirty-five patients who were determined as stage 1 and 2 according to the Outerbridge scale for cartilage lesions were found appropriate for investigation. Patients were assessed using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and a visual analog scale (VAS) score before surgery and at the final follow-up. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score was used to evaluate the final outcomes and compare the UCLA shoulder scores. RESULTS: The UCLA scores increased from the preoperative value of 19.1 ± 3.2 to 29.8 ± 4.8 at the last follow-up and increased by an average of 10.7 ± 6.0 (p < 0.001). The median VAS score decreased from the preoperative value of 3.0 to 1.0 (p < 0.001). Besides, the mean ASES score was found as 80.2 ± 10.6. An excellent positive correlation was found between postoperative UCLA scores and ASES scores (r = 0.887; p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first arthroscopic comparative studies about the effect of early glenohumeral osteoarthritis on clinical outcomes after rotator cuff tear treatment. Finding good and excellent results up to 71% after RCR repair in patients with early-stage osteoarthritis was an indication that arthroscopic repair could be planned as the first-line treatment option for RCR pathologies in patients with early-stage degenerative arthritis without considering the rerupture rate.

Protecting the tracheal tube cuff: a novel solution.

We describe the successful insertion of a nasotracheal tube following repeated cuff rupture. The patient was a 55-year-old woman with a history of nasal trauma and multiple rhinoplasties, who underwent elective Lefort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for correction of skeletal facial deformity. During fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided nasal intubation after the induction of general anesthesia, the tracheal tube repeatedly ruptured in both nares, despite extensive preparation of the nasal airways. We covered the cuff with a one-inch tape, intubated to the level of the oropharynx, pulled the tracheal tube out through the mouth, and removed the tape. The tracheal tube was then backed out to the level of the uvula, and was successfully advanced.

Small Bowel Evisceration after Spontaneous Vaginal Cuff Rupture.

Small bowel evisceration after vaginal cuff rupture is a seldom seen surgical emergency. We report on a case of rupture seen in the emergency department in a patient eight weeks post hysterectomy. She presented to the emergency department by ambulance in the early morning hours with the complaint of acute severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis of this condition was confirmed after a thorough physical exam. Following manual reduction in the emergency department and immediate transfer for surgical repair helped the patient avoid the morbidity and mortality associated with this complication. This allowed her to be discharged home later the same day.

[Contribution of ultrasound in the diagnosis of rotator cuff rupture at the hospital of Béthune, France]. / Apport de l'echographie dans le diagnostic des ruptures de la coiffe des rotateurs au centre hospitalier de Bethune, France.

AIM: Describe the ultrasound aspects of rotator cuff tear by specifying the contribution of this technique in the shoulder scan. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We conducted a prospective six-month analytical study from January 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014, on the rupture of the shoulder rotator cuff in the radiology department of the Béthune hospital center. Ultrasound examinations were performed using a Toshiba Aplion300 device using two linear probes of 13 and 15 Mhz. Data processing is done with SPSS 17.0 software. The Chi-square test was used to compare data with a significant threshold for p <0.05. RESULTS: Our work focused on 28 patients who had a cuff tear during the ultrasound examination. The age group between 50 and 59 years was the most represented, 32.1%. Ultrasound showed calcification tendinopathy of the rotator cuff in 46.4% of cases. The rotator cuff tears were present in the supraspinatus, infra-spinal and subscapular tendons in 96.4% (27 cases), 32% (9 cases) and 21.4% (6 cases), respectively. In 58.3% there was a transfixing rupture of the supraspinatus with 72.3% non-transfixing ruptures. Seven patients had supraspinous tendon retraction including 6 cases of retraction stage 1 and 5 cases of stage 2 retraction. The infraspinatus was the second tendon of the cuff affected with 9 cases (32%) followed by the subscapularis 6 cases (21, 4%). We did not record lesions (rupture or calcification) of Teres minor. Radiography was normal in 7 patients, ie 32%. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography, coupled with standard radiography, is the firstline examination in the imaging assessment of the symptomatic shoulder. It allows, as in our work, a better morphological analysis of tendon rotator cuff.

OBJECTIF: Décrire les aspects échographiques de la rupture de la coiffe des rotateurs en précisant l'apport de cette technique dans le bilan d'exploration de l'épaule. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODE: Nous avons mené une étude prospective à visée analytique sur six mois allant du 1er janvier 2014 au 31 mai 2014 portant sur la rupture de la coiffe des rotateurs de l'épaule dans le service de radiologie du centre hospitalier de Béthune. Les examens échographiques ont été réalisés à l'aide d'un appareil Toshiba Aplion300 en utilisant deux sondes linéaires de 13et 15 Mhz. Le traitement des données a été effectué avec le logiciel SPSS 17.0. Le test de Khi2 a été utilisé pour la comparaison de données avec un seuil significatif pour p < 0,05. RÉSULTATS: Notre travail a porté sur 28 patients qui présentaient une rupture de coiffe lors de l'examen échographique. La tranche d'âge comprise entre 50 -59 ans était la plus représentée soit 32.1%.L'échographie retrouvait une tendinopathie calcifiante de la coiffe des rotateurs dans 46.4% des cas. Les ruptures de coiffe des rotateurs siégeaient sur les tendons supra épineux, infra épineux et subscapulaire dans respectivement 96,4% (27 cas), 32% (9 cas) et 21,4% (6 cas).Dans 58.3% on retrouvait une rupture transfixiante du supraépineux avec 72.3% de ruptures non transfixiantes. Sept patients présentaient une rétraction du tendon supraépineux dont 6 cas de rétraction stade 1 et 5 cas de rétraction stade 2.L'infra épineux était le second tendon de la coiffe atteint avec 9 cas (32%) suivi du subscapulaire 6 cas (21,4%).Nous n'avons pas enregistré de lésions (rupture ou calcifications) du Teres minor. La radiographie était normale chez 7 patients soit 32%. CONCLUSION: L'échographie, couplée à la radiographie standard, constitue l'examen de première intention dans le bilan d'imagerie de l'épaule symptomatique. Elle permet comme dans notre travail, une meilleure analyse morphologique des tendons de la coiffe des rotateurs.

Subacromial Decompression Yields a Better Clinical Outcome Than Therapy Alone: A Prospective Randomized Study of Patients With a Minimum 10-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcome after the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) with either nonsurgical or surgical methods has not been thoroughly investigated. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome and the presence of rotator cuff injuries and osteoarthritis (OA) after the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of SAIS. The hypothesis was that, at a minimum 10 years after the initial treatment, patients who had undergone acromioplasty would have a better clinical outcome and run a lower risk of developing rotator cuff ruptures and OA as compared with those treated with physical therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with SAIS were randomized to 3 groups: open acromioplasty (open surgery group [OSG]), arthroscopic acromioplasty (arthroscopic surgery group [ASG]), and nonsurgical treatment (physical therapy group [PTG]). The Constant score, the Watson and Sonnabend score, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire were used as outcome measurements. Furthermore, bilateral ultrasound examinations were performed to detect rotator cuff ruptures and bilateral radiographs to detect OA. Sixty-six patients (76%) attended the clinical follow-up at least 10 years after the initial treatment. RESULTS: The groups were demographically comparable at baseline. The Constant score improved significantly at follow-up for the OSG ( P = .003) and ASG ( P = .011), while no significant improvement was detected for the PTG. The OSG revealed a significant improvement versus the PTG at follow-up ( P = .011); otherwise, no significant differences were found. For the Watson and Sonnabend score, the OSG revealed a significant improvement in 13 of 14 questions. The corresponding finding was made for the ASG and PTG in 9 of 14 questions ( P = .14). According to ultrasound, 1 of 20 patients in the OSG had a full-thickness rotator cuff rupture on the index side. The corresponding finding was made for 1 of 18 patients in the ASG and 4 of 28 in the PTG ( P = .29). Per the radiographs, 3 of 20 patients in the OSG had moderate or severe OA in the index shoulder. The corresponding finding was made for 1 of 18 patients in the ASG and 0 of 28 in the PTG ( P = .12). CONCLUSION: After a minimum 10 years of follow-up, the surgical treatment of SAIS appears to render better clinical results than physical therapy alone. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of the presence of full-thickness rotator cuff ruptures and OA.

The influence of critical shoulder angle on secondary rotator cuff insufficiency following shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary cuff failure after shoulder replacement is disabling and often requires additional surgery. Increased critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been found in patients with cuff tear compared to normal subjects. The interobserver reliability of the CSA and the relationship between CSA and symptomatic secondary cuff failure after shoulder replacement were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with symptomatic cuff failure after anatomic shoulder replacement (mean FU 45 months) were compared to a control group of 29 patients showing no signs of symptomatic cuff failure (mean FU 105.7 months). The CSA was measured by two blinded surgeons at a mean follow-up of 45 and 105.7 months, respectively. Inter-observer reliability was calculated. RESULTS: The mean CSA in the study group in neutral, internal and external rotations were 33°, 34° and 34°, respectively. Corresponding values in the control group were 32°, 32° and 32°. The interclass correlation coefficient for the whole population between the two examiners were 0.956 (P < 0.01), 0.964 (P < 0.01) and 0.955 (P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences of CSA values between patients who had undergone shoulder replacement and experienced late cuff failure and those in whom the same procedure had been successful. A good inter-observer reliability was found for the CSA method.

Serial clinical and MRI examinations after arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction using double-row technique.

PURPOSE: Rotator cuff reconstruction using arthroscopic double-row technique enables a better repair of the anatomical footprint at the tendon insertion. Objective of this serial study was to illustrate structural and functional results during recovery following double-row reconstruction. METHODS: Forty-five patients with mid-sized ruptures of the supraspinatus tendon were assessed prospectively and underwent arthroscopic surgery using the double-row technique. Rupture localization, size, form, and extent of retraction were recorded intraoperatively. Clinical and MRI follow-up examinations were carried out for all patients after 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. A A standard protocol was used during the follow-up examinations to determine tendon integration, signal changes in the tendon, extent of bone marrow edema near the enclosed absorbable suture anchors, muscle changes. The clinical results were correlated with the MRI appearance. RESULTS: After 26 weeks, the Constant score (CS) showed a highly significant increase for the first time with a value of 78 (p < 0.001). Tendon integration according to Sugaya showed a left shift over time, with higher CS-values for lower Sugaya classifications. Significant improvements in strength were first measured between the 26-week and 52-week follow-ups (9->19/p < 0.001). Highly significant improvement (p < 0.001) of the tendon signal and the fatty infiltration was found in the same time interval. The hypotrophy showed slight improvement, while a highly significant reduction of the bone marrow edema was found between weeks 12 and 26 (p < 0.001). There were no re-ruptures after week 26. CONCLUSIONS: The present serial study showed that it took 26 weeks to reach a significant clinical improvement concerning CS. With regard to tendon healing, no further deterioration of the structural results occurred between week 26 and week 52 postoperative. There were slightly but not significant better clinical results according to the the Sugaya classification. However, parameter "strength" was significantly increased between weeks 26 and 52. This was consistent with a significant decrease in the signal intensity at the repaired tendon site, an additional improvement in the fatty infiltration, and the atrophy according to Thomazeau in the same time interval. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Post operative pain management in shoulder surgery: Suprascapular and axillary nerve block by arthroscope assisted catheter placement.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain management is the part of shoulder surgery to improve patient satisfaction, start rehabilitation process rapidly and decrease for hospital stay. Various treatment modalities have been used for pain management, but they have some limitations, side effects and risks. Throughout intraoperative and postoperative period, nerve blocks have been used more popularly than others because of efficacy. For the regional nerve block, local anesthetic should be infiltrated close to the nerve for maximum effect. Consequently, aim of this study was to evaluate analgesic efficacy when catheters are placed with assistance of arthroscope to block suprascapular and axillary nerves in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff under general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 patients (5 males, 19 females; mean age: 54.3 years) who underwent arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff between June 2014 and September 2014 and were catheterized to block suprascapular and axillary nerves during shoulder arthroscopy were included in the study. Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) scores preoperatively and at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h, and postoperative day 2. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h, and day 2 mean VAS scores were 6.38 ± 0.77, 0.44 ± 0.42, 0.58 ± 0.42, 0.63 ± 0.40, 0.60 ± 0.44, 0.52 ± 0.42, and 1.55 ± 0.46, respectively. No statistical difference was found among 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h time points; however, comparison of postoperative day 2 and postoperative 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18h and 24 h VAS scores showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). All patients were discharged at the end of 24 h with no complication. The mean time (in minutes) required for blocking suprascapular nerve and axillar nerve were 14.38 ± 3.21 and 3.75 ± 0.85, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that blocking two nerves with arthroscopic approach was an excellent pain management method in postoperative period. Accordingly, patients could recover rapidly and patients' satisfaction could be improved.

Enhanced function and quality of life following 5 months of exercise therapy for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears - an intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff rupture is associated with dysfunction, pain and muscular weakness related to the upper extremity. Some evidence exists to support the beneficial effect of exercises but there is lack of evidence of which exercises imply the best effect and how physiotherapy should be administered. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a neuromuscular exercise program for patients with irreparable rotator cuff rupture. METHODS: Based on sample-size calculations thirty patients with chronic irreparable rotator cuff tears (of at least m. supraspinatus and m. infraspinatus) was consecutively included. Twenty-four patients completed the five months training to restore function with focus on centering the humeral head in the glenoid cavity trough strengthening m. deltoideus anterior and m. teres minor. The primary outcome measure was Oxford Shoulder Score which was completed at baseline, 3 and 5 months follow-up. One-way, repeated-measure ANOVA was used if data was normally distributed. Secondary outcome measures included EQ-5D, range of motion, strength and muscle activity. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to the appropriate outcomes. RESULTS: Improvements was seen for both primary and secondary outcomes from baseline to follow-up. Oxford Shoulder Score improved from 25.6 (SD 8.1) at baseline to 33.8 (SD 8.7) at 3 months (p = 0.004) and 37.2 (SD 8.2) at five months (p < 0.001). Range of motion in abduction significantly increased by 34.4° (95 % CI: 11.6-57.2). Strength measured in flexion 45, flexion 90 and abduction also significantly increased at 5 months by 10.2 (95 % CI: 0.8-19.6), 7.0 (95 % CI: 0.0-14.0) and 12.3 (95 % CI: 3.4-21.3) respectively. The remaining outcomes for range of motion and strengths only showed small and non-significant changes. Furthermore patients reported higher levels of quality of life and reduced level of pain after five months. CONCLUSION: Following a five months exercise protocol patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears showed increased function in their symptomatic shoulder, reduced pain and increased quality of life. This study therefore supports the use of exercise therapy in patients with irreparable rotator cuff rupture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is approved by The National Committee on Health Research Ethics (N-20120040) and registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov in April 2016 ( NCT02740946 ).

[Irreparable rotator cuff tears. Debridement, partial reconstruction, tendon transfer or reversed shoulder arthroplasty]. / Irreparable Rupturen der Rotatorenmanschette. Debridement, Partialrekonstruktion, Muskeltransfer oder inverse Schulterprothese.

Therapeutic options for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears are fluent, are dependent on the patients' claims and demands and on the grade of the ongoing cuff tear arthropathy.A partial rotator cuff reconstruction with sufficient tenolysis combined with interval slide techniques to restore the anterior and posterior force couple may be indicated if there is no fatty degeneration > grade 3 of the rotator cuff muscles in a well-centered joint. The margin convergence technique with side-by-side adaptation of the tendon limbs may reduce the load on the reconstructed tendons.The role of the suprascapular nerve, which can probably be constricted by the retracted rotator cuff, and its therapy has not been completely clarified. When distinct symptoms are present neurolysis may be reasonable.Tendon transfers can be indicated in a cooperative patient < 65 years with a higher grade of muscular atrophy but without degenerative changes > grade II according to Hamada with the loss of active external rotation but performable active flexion. For posterosuperior tears the latissimus dorsi or recently the teres major tendon transfer to the rotator cuff footprint may be appropriate. For nonreconstructable anterosuperior tears a partial transfer of the pectoralis major tendon is possible.Careful subacromial debridement combined with biceps tenotomy and a cautious or reversed decompression may reduce the pain temporarily without having an influence on active motion until with the loss of active elevation the indication for a reversed shoulder arthroplasty is reached.In the mean time, absorbable subacromial spacers may re-center the humeral head, but the effectiveness of this therapy on clinical outcome should be analyzed in further studies.

Preventing cuff rupture during tracheostomy: importance of endotracheal tube positioning.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to describe the technique of distal endotracheal tube (ETT) positioning for avoiding cuff rupture and validate the technique in a virtual tracheostomy model. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized case series of 129 patients who had undergone tracheostomy using the senior author's technique were evaluated. Primary outcome was ETT cuff rupture. One hundred normal patient computed tomography (CT) scans were used to generate a virtual tracheostomy model, and the probability of cuff rupture, among other values, was obtained. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three of 129 patients underwent tracheostomy without cuff rupture when the distal tip of the ETT was placed just proximal to the carina. After analysis of 100 3-dimensional CT scans, the average distance from the tracheotomy to the superior aspect of the cuff was 54.6 mm in men and 39.87 mm in women when a 6.5-size ETT was used, and 44.8 mm in men and 30.07 mm in women when a 7.5-size ETT was used. Virtual tracheotomy between the second and third tracheal rings resulted in no probability of inadvertent ETT cuff rupture. CONCLUSION: Distal ETT positioning during tracheostomy should be considered for avoiding inadvertent ETT cuff rupture.

Diagnostic value of US, MR and MR arthrography in shoulder instability.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to compare US, conventional MRI and MR arthrography findings in patients with anterior shoulder instability and with a clinical diagnosis of labral capsular ligamentous complex lesion. At the same time we evaluated the accuracy of MR arthrography in the diagnosis of this lesion. METHODS: After approval of the local Ethics Committee, our department's Trauma Registry from July 2008 up to February 2012 was retrospectively reviewed to identify all eligible patients. Eligibility criteria included: 1)history of acute or chronic shoulder instability (more than three dislocations over a period of more than two months); 2) diagnosis of labroligamentous lesion. All patients were investigated with plain radiographs, Ultrasound Scans (US), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography. Finally, all patients underwent an arthroscopy that confirmed the diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 200 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The mean age was 39 years (range 15 to 83); 147 were male and 133 involved the right shoulder. Chronic instability was documented in 133 patients, whereas acute instability was documented in 67 patients. We detected a statistically significant difference between US and MR arthrography in SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) lesions (TypeII, III and IV), in Bankart lesions, in glenohumeral ligament lesions (superior, middle, anterior-inferior and anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament) in Hill-Sachs lesions, in diagnosing internal subacromial impingement and in normal findings. MR arthrography was superior to the US. A statistically significant difference was evident between MRI and MR arthrography findings in SLAP lesions (III and IV Type lesions), in glenohumeral ligament lesions (anterior inferior and posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament), in partial rotator cuff ruptures and in normal findings. MR arthrography diagnosed this lesion better than MRI without contrast. We also found a statistically significant difference between US and MRI findings in SLAP Type II lesions, in partial rotator cuff ruptures, in Hill-Sachs lesions and in diagnosing internal subacromial impingement. CONCLUSION: The US scan is a valuable diagnostic technique for rotator cuff complete or incomplete ruptures. For evaluating Hill-Sachs lesions or bony Bankart lesions, MRI is more accurate. In the case of labral capsular ligamentous complex lesions, MR arthrography is superior.

Biological aspects of rotator cuff healing.

Tendon tears of the rotator cuff show a high prevalence in today's population. Patients suffer from permanent pain and disability, and surgical reconstruction may be the only possibility for abatement. The complex process of tendon-bone healing leads to mechanically inferior scar-tissue, which often results in retears or non-healing. In the current literature, factors such as patients age, sex and fatty muscle infiltration are highly correlated to the presence of rotator cuff tears and the incidence of retears. To improve the tendon tissue quality after surgical reconstructions biologically based strategies with use of growth factors arouse more and more interest in the last years. However, to optimize the treatment of rotator cuff tears the biological background of tears and retears must be investigated in more detail. This article will elucidate different aspects that have an impact on rotator cuff healing and give a brief insight in tendon/ligament cell culture and animal studies focusing on growth factor treatments.