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Bone tunnel enlargement associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has recently become a topic of interest in the literature. This association was examined, along with the effect of femoral and tibial tunnel enlargement on the clinical results of ACL reconstruction performed with either bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring (HST) autografts. Forty-six patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (23 receiving BPTB autograft and 23 HST) between March 1999 and July 2001. Thirty patients (13 receiving BPTB autograft and 17 HST) completed the last clinical and radiologic evaluations and were included in the study. The mean age of patients in the HST group was 29.8 years (range 18-39) and that in the BPTB group was 27.6 years (range 20-37). The mean follow-up period was 24.6 months (range 12-36) in HST group and 18.5 months (range 12-40) in BPTB group. The effect of tunnel enlargement on the clinical results was evaluated by comparing preoperative and postoperative Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee scores and ligament laxity measurements between and within the groups. Postoperative femoral and tibial tunnel diameters in both groups were significantly larger than their corresponding preoperative tunnel diameters. In an intergroup evaluation, the enlargement of the tibial tunnel was similar in both groups (P=.556), but the femoral tunnel diameter was significantly larger in the HST group than in the BPTB group (P>.001). Preoperative laxity of the knees significantly improved after the operations in both groups, but no difference between the groups was evident at the final follow-up visit. No correlation between tunnel widening and the clinical results of the BPTB and HST procedures was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: This study evaluated the postoperative analgesic efficacies of fascia iliaca block and periarticular drug injection techniques after TKA (total knee arthroplasty) surgeries., Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial., Setting: University Teaching and Research Center., Patients: Seventy-one American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-III patients between 48 and 70 years of age who underwent total knee arthroplasty were randomized., Interventions: Tenoxicam (20 mg) was administered intramuscularly to both groups of patients 30 minutes before surgery. Patients were randomized into two groups to receive fascia iliaca block before the induction of anesthesia (Group FI) or periarticular drug injection during the surgery (Group PI). All surgeries were performed under general anesthesia using standard techniques. Postoperative analgesia was provided with patient-controlled intravenous morphine., Measurements: Total morphine consumption was the primary outcome measure and was recorded postoperatively at 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Pain levels at rest and on movement (knee flexion) were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and recorded at the same time points. Patients' demographics, rescue analgesic demands, side effects, hemodynamics, and satisfaction scores were also recorded., Main Results: The groups had similar VAS scores both at rest and on movement (P>.05). However, the amount of cumulative morphine and use at each follow-up period was higher in Group PI (P<.0001). The groups did not differ significantly in rescue analgesic use or side effects, such as nausea/vomiting, hemodynamic variables, and patient satisfaction scores (P>.05)., Conclusions: Fascia iliaca block may be used as an alternative method to periarticular injection, and it effectively reduces the amount of morphine used to relieve post-TKA pain., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare calcium sulfate (CAS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cements used for the augmentation of a failed pedicle screw with biomechanical pull-out strength (POS) testing., Methods: Thirty lumbar vertebrae were harvested from 6 calves and bone mineral densities (BMD) were measured. Primary polyaxial pedicle screws were randomly inserted and pulled out and the POSs of the specimen were recorded. For revision, specimens were randomly assigned to the CAS-augmented pedicle screws group (Group 1) or PMMA-augmented pedicle screw group (Group 2). Pull-out tests were repeated to compare both groups., Results: Mean BMD of the specimens was 1.006 ± 0.116 g/cm(2). There were no statistically significant differences between BMD results of the two groups (p=0.116). For Group 1, mean POS of primary screws was 2,441.3 ± 936.4 N and was 2,499.5 ± 1,425.1 N after CAS augmentation, demonstrating no statistically significant difference (p=0.865). In Group 2, mean POS of the primary screws was 2,876.6 ± 926.6 N and significantly increased to 3,745.5 ± 1,299.2 N after PMMA augmentation (p=0.047). There was also a significant difference in mean POS between the CAS and PMMA groups (p=0.026)., Conclusion: Although CAS augmentation facilitates a revision screw POS as strong as that of primary screws, it is not as strong as PMMA augmentation.

Thirty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used to assess the nature of healing tissues in hyaline cartilage defects and to compare the healing in defects treated with shock waves, with those in defects without treatment. A 2 × 2 mm cartilage defect with exposed cancellous bone was created in a nonweight-bearing area of each medial femoral condyle. Each right knee defect was received extracorporeal shock waves (Swiss Dolorclast) of 500 impulses in 5 min at 2 bar (comparative to 0.09 mJ/mm(2)), and the left knee defects were assigned as controls. The rat groups were sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks postsurgery. Sections from each knee were stained with hematoxylin-eosin to analyze synovial adhesion, synovial thickness, bone maturation, and chondroid metaplasia and with masson trichrome to analyze collagen fiber intensity. There was not a significant difference found between the study and control groups (P > 0.05). Extracorporeal shock waves did not effect healing of the chondral defects.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation between tendon integrity and functional results following the arthroscopic treatment of small- and medium-sized rotator cuff tears., Methods: Arthroscopic repair was performed on 26 consecutive patients (21 women, 5 men;mean age: 55.9 years; range: 33-72 years) with small- and medium-sized tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Patients were postoperatively evaluated at 12 and 24 months using the Constant and UCLA functional outcome scores and ultrasound examinations., Results: The supraspinatus tendon did not heal in nine patients (34.6%) and was partially healed in three (11%), 12 months after surgery. Mean postoperative Constant and UCLA scores of these patients were 73.1 and 27.8, respectively, which were not significantly different from those with an intact tendon on the final follow-up (Constant: 78 and UCLA: 30; p=0.107 and p=0.164). Both rating systems reflected significant improvement with treatment (p<0.01). The mean age of patients with a re-tear was 66.8 years, which was significantly higher than those with an intact repair (54 years; p<0.01)., Conclusion: The arthroscopic repair of small and medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears yields good long-term results independent of tendon integrity. Healing potential may be decreased with increased age.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate both the technical problems of surgery and the clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients treated with unicondylar knee arthroplasty., Patients and Methods: Forty-one unicondylar knee prosthesis were performed in 40 patients (3 males, 37 females; mean age 58.2 years; range 44 to 76 years) diagnosed with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Technical problems encountered during surgery were noted. For evaluation of clinical outcomes, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and WOMAC score were used. Radiologic evaluations were performed using the Oxford Knee Group criteria., Results: The radiologic evaluation determined there was more than 10 degrees varus-valgus malposition in eight patients, more than 2 mm medial tibial overhang in seven patients, the insertion of a femoral component in extension in one patient, and joint distraction in one patient. The patient with joint distraction underwent a total knee replacement after six months because of progressive pain. The mean HSS knee score improved 21 points; perfect results were obtained in 33 patients and good results in seven patients. The mean postoperative WOMAC score was reduced by 18 points, with perfect results in 33 patients, good results in six patients and a moderate result in one patient. The mean follow-up was 19 months (range 9-42)., Conclusion: Unicondylar knee arthroplasty is a surgical treatment method with a long-term recovery and high frequency of technical faults. Minor errors diagnosed on radiographs do not have an effect on early clinical results. Unicondylar knee arthroplasty is a good alternative surgical technique for appropriately selected patients with medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis.

Allograft has been shown to be highly successful for managing large osseous defects in total knee arthroplasty. We report a 68-year-old woman in whom a bone allograft had been used during total knee arthroplasty owing to a massive segmental medial tibia plateau defect 4 years earlier. Eighteen months after surgery, a 10x10 cm knee synovial cyst was detected by computed tomography scanning on the anteromedial side of the tibial plateau, and an en-bloc surgical excision was performed. At 36-month follow-up, a 16x12 cm cyst was found. Excision was again performed with removal of the allograft and application of an autologous iliac graft. After allograft removal, clinically and radiologically satisfactory results were achieved at the final follow-up.

Objectives: We investigated the effects of anatomic and non-anatomic tunnel fixations on femoral tunnel widening and clinical results in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 35 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring tendon graft. Fixation was performed in the tunnel using the transcondylar RigidFix pin (group 1) in 18 patients (mean age 32 years), and from outside the tunnel using the EndoButton-CL device (group 2) in 17 patients (mean age 30 years). The patients were assessed using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm knee scores and tunnel widening was assessed by computed tomography. Ligament laxity was measured bilaterally using the Rolimeter knee tester. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range 21 to 38 months) in group 1, and 24.6 months (range 12 to 36 months) in group 2., Results: The two groups were similar with respect to age and sex distribution, operated side, the size of the tunnel created, and follow-up period (p>0.05). Postoperative knee scores did not show a significant difference (p>0.05). There was marked and excessive tunnel enlargement in 14 patients (77.8%) in group 1, and in 15 patients (88.2%) in group 2, with no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Ligament laxity exceeded 3 mm in eight patients (44.4%) in group 1, and in three patients (17.7%) in group 2 (p<0.001). There was no relationship between tunnel widening and ligament laxity (p>0.05; r=0.175 and r=-0.01 for group 1 and group 2, respectively)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that differences in the localization of the tunnel fixation have no effect on tunnel enlargement and that joint laxity may be affected by biomechanical properties of fixation materials.

We investigated whether there is a correlation between coronal plane correction magnitude and tibial slope in patients treated with medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and also measured changes in patellar height. Thirty-four knees treated with for varus deformities were retrospectively reviewed and the follow-up period of the patients was averaged 24.1 months. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Insall-Salvati index, posterior tibial slope angle, mechanical axis deviation, proximal medial tibial angle (PMTA) was used to determine. All patients had a significant increase in their HSS score postoperatively (P < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between the differences in patellar heights (P = 0.368). The mechanical axis deviation was altered by a mean of 25.5 +/- 10.9 mm and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean posterior tibial slope angle on preoperative radiographs was 9.0 +/- 5.1 degrees ; on postoperative radiographs it was 11.7 +/- 5.7 degrees and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.007). Seventeen knees (50%) demonstrated postoperative posterior tibial slope angle increases; 7 knees (21%) had a decrease in this angle, while 10 knees (29%) showed no change. Statistical analyses revealed that the mechanical axis deviation was not correlated with change in tibial slope (P = 0.837). Although we could not find a correlation between tibial slope change and the amount of coronal correction, 50% of our patients demonstrated increased tibial slope.

Introduction: Shortening the period of time for the external fixator after limb lengthening decreases the complication rate and increases the patient satisfaction., Material and Method: We describe the plating after lengthening (PAL) as a new technique on five patients with limb length discrepancy (1 femoral, 4 tibial) who had lengthening procedure with Ilizarov technique. The mean amount of lengthening was 50 mm. The mean lengthening period was 100 days (5-135 days). When the lengthening period ended, the locking compression plate was applied percutaneously by using the technique of minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis, and the Ilizarov external fixator was removed., Results: The fixator-free period was achieved at the beginning of the consolidation phase, except in two patients, which were delayed for plating because of pin-tract infection. No complication was encountered except in one patient who had limited flexion of knee joint. There was no need for blood transfusion., Discussion: The PAL, which shortened the period of time for the external fixator, was an easy and safe method for the fixation of the bone after limb lengthening.

Pigmented villo-nodular synovitis/tenosynovitis (PVNS) is a rare cause of combined ulnar and median nerve compression neuropathy at the wrist. In our case, a 53-year-old house-wife had sensorial and motor complaints at her left hand. In clinical examination, painless soft tissue mass was palpated at her wrist and both the tenar and hypotenar muscles were atrophic. Electromyography showed prolonged distal latencies for median and ulnar nerve. A space-occupying soft tissue lesion was revealed in magnetic resonance imaging. Carpal tunnel and Guyon canal were released and lesion was excised. PVNS was confirmed by histopathological examination. If compression neuropathy of medial and ulnar nerves together is caused by a space-occupying lesion, PVNS should be considered in etiology.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and often fatal soft-tissue infection. Prompt diagnosis and immediate aggressive surgical debridement of all compromised tissues are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality in these rapidly progressive infections. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation and evaluate factors that determine mortality associated with this uncommon surgical emergency., Methods: The study retrospectively investigated the medical records of 22 patients who were diagnosed and treated for necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity, 14 of whom had involvement of the foot (nine patients) or foot and ankle (five patients) at our hospital. The data collected for each of the 22 patients were age, sex, underlying systemic factors, location of infection, duration of symptoms, portal of entry of infection, initial diagnosis on admission, physical, radiographic and laboratory findings, microbiological cultures, the type of therapy used (debridement or amputation), treatment outcome, and number of days in the hospital., Results: A total of 23 extremities of 22 consecutive patients with necrotizing fasciitis who underwent surgical debridement or amputation were retrospectively reviewed. Radical surgical debridement was done in 16 extremities initially, and this treatment was repeated a mean of two times (range one to four debridements) to completely remove all the necrotic tissue. Nine patients (41%) required below-knee or above-knee amputation. There were three deaths, one related directly to sepsis and organ failure, one due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and one caused by pulmonary embolism. There were no significant differences between patients who had the amputations and those who did not with respect to mortality rate or age (p = 0.538 and p = 0.493, respectively). Those who died were significantly older than the survivors (p = 0.038)., Conclusions: The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis should be considered for any individual who has unexplained limb pain, especially if that person has diabetes mellitus or chronic liver disease. There was no difference in mortality rates between patients with or without amputation. The primary treatment is early and aggressive debridement of involved skin, subcutaneous fat, and fascia.

The aim of this study was to compare the alteration of patellar tracking by time, which was performed through two different approaches: midvastus and medial parapatellar. Twenty-one patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral primary total knee replacements were randomized prospectively to perform the surgery via a medial parapatellar approach on one knee and midvastus approach on the other knee. All of the patellae were resurfaced. Preoperative, early and late postoperative (mean 22 month) skyline views of the patellae were taken. We found that preoperative 2.24 degrees lateral tilt of patella had not changed by time at the midvastus side (2.95 degrees and 2.57 degrees ). Moreover, preoperative 0.48% lateral subluxation of the patella for midvastus approach had not changed (1.48% and 1.67%). Although 2.19 degrees patellar lateral tilt had not significantly changed at the early postoperative period, which was performed via medial parapatellar approach, there had been a significant increase to 5.38 degrees by time (P=0.037) compared to the preoperative radiographs. Additionally, the preoperative lateral subluxation of the patella (0.57%) at the medial parapatellar side had increased to 5.43% at the early (P=0.009) and 5.62% at the late (P=0.012) postoperative measurements. Midvastus approach is superior to medial parapatellar approach concerning the late patellar tracking.

We report the case of a 41-year-old man with right ankle pain and swelling who had an intraosseous talar ganglion in the medial part of talar dome. A surgical procedure was performed using the 3-portal arthroscopic approach. The softened chondral surface was removed and the content of the cyst was discharged arthroscopically. The sclerotic rim was abraded until the bleeding spongious layer was seen. A grafting procedure was also performed arthroscopically. A trocar was introduced into the defect from the superomedial portal. Autografts were impacted using a cylindrical rod through the trocar into the defect. The clinical and radiologic results at the 1-year follow-up were satisfactory. We encountered no complications postoperatively. We conclude that arthroscopic debridement and grafting of an intraosseous ganglion adjacent to the articular surface may be a better option compared with open surgery.

Four cases of osteonecrosis of hallucal sesamoids are reported here. Surgical excision of necrotic sesamoid tissue yielded satisfactory results, with the patients reporting no residual pain. Although it has not been frequently addressed in the literature, avascular necrosis of the sesamoid bones should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent forefoot pain.

Clear cell sarcoma (malignant melanoma of soft tissues) is a very rare soft tissue neoplasm. It generally arises in tendons and aponeuroses. Although metastasis of malignant melanoma to bone is not uncommon, primary clear cell sarcoma of bone is an extremely rare neoplasm. To our knowledge five cases have been reported in the English literature. We present a case of primary clear cell sarcoma of bone in a 28-year-old woman arising in the left ninth rib. We treated the patient with total excision of the mass and postoperative radiotherapy. The patient is alive and well without local recurrence or distant metastasis at 33 months after surgery.

Purpose: Most cases of knee locking and giving-way are caused by meniscal tears, loose bodies, or chondral lesions. Intra-articular benign tumors or tumor-like lesions can present with symptoms that resemble acute mechanical derangement. From a database of 2,200 arthroscopic interventions, 19 cases of intra-articular masses that presented with catching and locking symptoms in the knee were retrospectively analyzed., Type of Study: Case series., Methods: Our review revealed 33 patients with benign intra-articular masses in the knee joint. Nineteen of these individuals had sought medical attention for mechanical symptoms of catching or locking. The other 14 patients had a variety of symptoms including pain, swelling, and limitation of knee motion, but did not have mechanical symptoms. Age, sex, history of trauma, knee pain and effusion, medical illnesses, physical examination, arthroscopic findings, and pathologic findings were noted., Results: The average age of the 6 male and 13 female patients was 37.5 years (range, 18 to 58 years). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis in 7 cases and 12 cases were diagnosed during knee arthroscopy. The mean follow-up time after surgery was 52.5 months (range, 6 to 120 months). Pathologic examination of the lesions revealed 15 cases of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (79%), 1 lipoma arborescens (5%), 1 pseudocyst (5%), and 2 nonspecific synovial masses (11%). None of the lesions showed malignant transformation., Conclusions: Solitary benign intra-articular lesions should be considered a rare cause of mechanical knee symptoms. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis originating from the extensor mechanism or fat pad is the most common solitary intra-articular mass lesion in the knee and usually arises in the patellofemoral compartment. Recurrence has not occurred in our series, which includes 14 of 19 patients with greater than 24 months follow-up., Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Introduction: Synovial cyst of the proximal tibiofibular joint is a very rare condition, for which there is no consensus regarding treatment., Case Presentation: We present three patients who had synovial cysts of proximal tibiofibular joint that caused peroneal nerve palsy. We discuss the special features of synovial cysts and review the literature., Conclusion: We consider the best treatment of synovial cysts originating from proximal tibiofibular joint and causing peroneal nerve palsy to be total surgical removal as soon as possible after the diagnosis is made. It should be kept in mind that despite surgical treatment the neurological symptoms may not recover.

Background: Iatrogenic hallux varus is a rare deformity linked to bunion surgery at late adult age. Here reported is the first adolescent case of acquired hallux varus and medial dislocation of both sesamoid bones., Case Report: The patient had had a surgical intervention under his first metatarsophalangeal joint when he was 10 years old. Correction of the deformity with a tendon transfer and medial capsular release alone-as was recommended for adults-was impossible in this adolescent, 8 years after the index surgery. Excision of the contracted medial structures and repair of the lateral retinaculum of the fibular sesamoid obtained a perfect correction of the dislocated sesamoid bones.

We performed a prospective, randomized study on 76 patients (82 knees) scheduled for total knee arthroplasty to determine the effect of tourniquet release and hemostasis on the peri- and postoperative blood loss. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. Posterior cruciate retaining tricompartmental total knee prostheses were used in all. In group 1, the tourniquet was deflated intraoperatively after the prosthetic components were settled and hemostasis was done. In group 2, the tourniquet was released after the wound was closed and a compressive bandage was applied. Mean blood drainage was 880.85 ml (320-1,315) in group 1 and 745.36 ml (220-1,175) in group 2 ( p=0.03). The mean number of blood transfusions given, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, operation time, and tourniquet time were similar in both groups. Intraoperative tourniquet release and hemostasis does not reduce total blood loss in total knee arthroplasty.

Objectives: We compared bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) operations performed at a single session or at two separate sessions with respect to perioperative complications, the amount of blood loss and transfusion, the length of hospital stay, and the overall cost., Methods: The study included 39 patients (34 females, 5 males; mean age 68.1 years; range 52 to 88 years) and 16 patients (13 females, 3 males; mean age 66.8 years; range 52 to 83 years) who underwent bilateral TKA for osteoarthritis at a single session and at two separate sessions, respectively. Staged operations were interspersed with a mean interval of 8.3 months (range 2 to 24 months). The two groups were compared with respect to perioperative complications, the amount of blood loss and transfusion, the length of hospitalization, and the overall cost., Results: The amount of blood loss and transfusion, the length of intensive care unit stay, and the occurrence of perioperative complications did not differ significantly between single- and two-staged operations (p>0.05). However, the mean length of hospital stay (10.48 days versus 17.19 days; p=0.01) and the mean overall cost (p=0.03) were significantly less in single-staged operations. Perioperative complications accounted for 12.8% (n=5) and 25% (n=4) in single- and two-staged operations, respectively, all of which developed in patients who had a preexisting cardiologic disease., Conclusion: In view of its advantages, single-staged bilateral TKA seems to be an appropriate alternative in selected patients.

Unlabelled: CASE STUDIED: Median nerve entrapment is a rare, serious complication of elbow dislocation. We report a Type 4 median nerve entrapment after elbow dislocation in a 10-year-old boy. Radiologically Matev's sign and a new radiological finding-a sclerotic tunnel at the lateral side of the olecranon-were seen., Treatment: The patient was treated by excising the damaged segment and reanastomosing the nerve 13 months after the injury.

A 17-year-old girl presented pain and subcutaneous crepitation in the left hand. Because of lack of systemic symptoms, non-infectious cause was considered. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging revealed subcutaneous emphysema. A chest x-ray was reported as normal but chest computerised tomography revealed pneumomediastinum. On the third day of the hospitalisation, subcutaneous emphysema spread to arm, shoulder, head, left hemithorax, back, bilateral supraclavicular, cervical, submandibular and periorbital regions. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema disappeared during 6 weeks of follow up with conservative methods. This might have prevented unnecessary surgical intervention. This report demonstrates that benign non-infectious subcutaneous emphysema of the hand due to pneumomediastinum should be kept in mind in hand surgery.

Background: Hydatidosis is a protozoal infestation which generally involves the liver and the lungs. Primary skeletal muscle hydatidosis without involving the thoracic and abdominal organs is extremely rare., Methods: A 48-year-old farmer presented with a mass in the quadriceps muscle that had persisted for 10 years. Clinical and radiological investigations revealed a primary hydatid cyst of the vastus medialis of the quadriceps muscle. We did not find any visceral organ involvement. Wide excision was performed without destroying the cyst wall. Then 400 mg albendazole was given daily for 3 months postoperatively., Results: At the 7th postoperative month, the patient was symptom-free, and the laboratory test results were in the normal ranges., Conclusion: Primary muscular hydatidosis is a rare disease and should be kept in mind in the diagnostic work-up of a cystic mass of a skeletal muscle.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the results and technical considerations of arthroscopic capsular release of the glenohumeral joint in frozen shoulder disease., Methods: Arthroscopic capsular release was performed in 16 patients (11 women, 5 men; mean age 51 years; range 40 to 60 years) unresponsive to physical therapy. The affected shoulder was on the right in 10 patients, and on the left in six, being on the dominant side in 12 patients. The duration of the patients' complaints ranged from six to 24 months. Preoperatively, the mean forward flexion was 92 degrees, external rotation was 14 degrees; the ranges of internal rotation were the trochanter in four patients, the gluteal region in seven patients, the lumbosacral region in one patient, the L3 level in one patient, and T12 level in three patients. Functional evaluations were made according to the Constant scoring system. The mean follow-up was 17.3 months (range 12 to 30 months)., Results: Postoperatively, the mean forward flexion and external rotation increased to 135 and 27 degrees, respectively. Internal rotation reached the gluteal region in two patients, the lumbosacral region in two patients, the L3 level in two patients, T12 level in nine patients, and the interscapular region in one patient. The mean Constant score improved by 47 points., Conclusion: Arthroscopic capsular release is a safe and effective surgical procedure in the management of frozen shoulder disease unresponsive to conservative treatment.

Objectives: Functional results of arthroscopic assisted biceps tenodesis were evaluated in patients with chronic biceps tendinitis., Methods: The study included six patients (4 women, 2 men, mean age 55 years, range 47 to 60 years) who underwent arthroscopic assisted biceps tenodesis with a diagnosis of chronic biceps tendinitis. During tenodesis, the biceps tendon was secured with the use of key-hole technique in one patient, and with suture anchors in five patients. The patients were evaluated by the Constant shoulder scoring system. The mean follow-up was 12 months (range 6 to 36 months)., Results: All the patients had shoulder impingement syndrome, five patients had rotator cuff lesions, and one patient had os acromiale. The mean preoperative and postoperative Constant scores were 62 (range 60 to 65) and 84.2 (range 82 to 87), respectively. All patients returned to work within a mean of six weeks. No complications were observed during follow-up., Conclusion: Arthroscopic assisted biceps tenodesis may give successful results in patients with chronic biceps tendinitis with coexistent shoulder impingement syndrome or rotator cuff lesions.

Thirty-one female Sprague-Dawley rats were used to determine the effects of subacromial corticosteroid injections on the rotator cuff. The injection technique was tested in 6 animals, which were excluded from the study. The remaining 25 rats were randomly divided into three groups of 8 animals each; a single rat received no injections. Every other week for 8 weeks, one shoulder in each rat was injected with methylprednisolone, betamethasone, or saline in a dosage equivalent to that used in humans. The supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons were removed 10 days after the last injection and evaluated. There were no pathologic changes in the tendons injected with saline. In 43% of the methylprednisolone-treated rats and 29% of the betamethasone-treated rats, the tendons were abnormally soft and light-colored. In 43% of the methylprednisolone group and 71% of the betamethasone group, fragmentation of collagen bundles and inflammatory cell infiltration were evident. Subacromial injections of methylprednisolone or betamethasone repeated frequently can cause deleterious changes in the normal structure of the rat rotator cuff. In light of these findings, therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder with frequent, repeated steroid injections is potentially harmful.

Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment in patients with rotator cuff calcifying tendinitis unresponsive to conservative treatment., Methods: Arthroscopic treatment was performed in 10 patients (6 females, 4 males; mean age 46 years; range 34 to 53 years) in whom pain and functional disability persisted for more than a year despite conservative therapy for rotator cuff calcifying tendinitis. Arthroscopic bursectomy was also carried out. One patient underwent repair for rotator cuff tear. The patients were evaluated before and after surgery with the use of Constant scores and direct radiographs. The mean follow-up period was 12 months (range 6 to 19 months)., Results: The mean Constant scores were 66 (range 45 to 70) and 93 (range 89 to 96) before surgery and on final examinations, respectively. Postoperative radiographs demonstrated incomplete removal of calcifications in four patients; however, complaints of pain disappeared in these patients and radiologic controls showed that residual deposits underwent spontaneous resorption., Conclusion: Arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits together with bursectomy seems to be effective and reliable in patients with chronic calcifying tendinitis unresponsive to conservative treatment.

Objectives: We investigated the efficacy of diagnostic arthroscopy and mini-open lateral retinacular release in the treatment of excessive lateral compression syndrome., Methods: Twenty patients (21 knees) with excessive lateral compression syndrome underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and longitudinal mini-open lateral retinacular release. The patients were comprised of four men and 16 women (mean age 48.6 years; range 21 to 60 years). The results were evaluated according to the Lysholm scoring system. Preoperative and postoperative congruence angles were compared on the tangential patella roentgenograms. Statistical analysis was made using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The mean follow-up was 10.5 months (range 3 to 18 months)., Results: The mean preoperative Lysholm score increased from 61.28 (range 29 to 76) to 85.57 (range 59 to 99) postoperatively. Only two patients (9%) exhibited decreases in the postoperative Lysholm scores. The mean preoperative congruence angle was +14.94 degrees. In all but two patients, the congruence angle was within normal ranges, with a mean correction of 12.42 degrees. None of the patients developed hemarthrosis postoperatively. Pain relief and functional recovery were achieved in 91% of patients., Conclusion: Lateral retinacular release and proper patellofemoral realignment may provide a successful outcome in patients presenting with anterior knee pain due to excessive lateral compression syndrome.

Osteoid osteoma in the base of the coracoid process of the scapula is very rare and diagnosis and treatment often is delayed. A lesion in this atypical location may seem surgically unreachable. This report is of a case of osteoid osteoma in the base of coracoid process in a 14-year-old female. The lesion had been diagnosed as a nontumorous condition and overlooked for four years. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a nidus in the base of the coracoid process. The en bloc excision of the osteoid osteoma was managed by an anterior approach using an osteotomy of the coracoid process. A 12-month follow-up examination revealed no symptoms and computed tomography showed bone healing with no recurrence of the tumor.