Search

Two major earthquakes struck Pazarcık and Elbistan, towns in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, on 6 February 2023, approximately 9 h apart. The first earthquake, recorded at 04:17 local time, had a Mw = 7.7, with a focal depth of 8.6 km. At 13:24 local time, a second earthquake occurred with Mw = 7.6 at a focal depth of 7 km, approximately 90 km north of the first one. A total of 11 provinces were severely affected by these earthquakes. As of 15 April 2023, they caused close to 51,000 deaths and almost 215,000 completely destroyed/severely damaged buildings. At some locations, the largest horizontal peak ground acceleration (PGA) values of the first and second earthquakes exceeded the code-generated PGAs by almost 3 and 1.75 times, respectively. A technical team visited these areas within 15 h of the first earthquake. The purpose of this article is to present their observations, findings, and the characteristics of the two earthquakes, with comprehensive site survey results supported by photographs. This study concludes that most of the collapsed and severely/moderately damaged buildings in the region were built between 1975 and 2000, when site inspections were rare or non-existent. In addition to the high PGAs recorded in these earthquakes, it was verified that the design and construction of these buildings did not fully comply with the earthquake codes valid at the time. The collapsed buildings and their damage patterns confirm inadequate development length, violation of bending stirrup ends at 135°, deficiencies in construction materials and reinforcement configuration, noncompliance with confinement zones, violation of the strong beam-stronger column analogy, and issues related to building inspection. Based on the extent of the damage, it is strongly recommended that the structural performance inspection of all other buildings located near major fault lines, specifically those constructed between 1975 and 2000, should be completed. Since these earthquakes generated much higher PGAs, which is believed to be one of the main reasons for the extensive damage, a re-evaluation of all other PGAs along major fault lines is also recommended.

INTRODUCTION[|]Antibodies against the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) on podocyte membranes result in the formation of immune complexes that cause loss of function of the glomerular basement membrane in primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). It has also been demonstrated that there is a deposition of complement 4d (C4d) in the glomeruli in PMN. The present study aims to evaluate PLA2R and C4d immunoexpressions in PMN cases and search the correlation with the clinical parameters.[¤]METHODS[|]In this study, clinicopathological data and paraffin-embedded specimens were collected from 51 patients. The formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were stained using routine hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and silver methenamine stains and immunostained for anti-PLA2R and C4d. Ten normal kidney tissues and 10 focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) cases were selected as controls for PLA2R and C4d immunoexpression.[¤]RESULTS[|]Of the PMN cases, 51 (100%) cases were positive for PLA2R, including 15 (29%) cases that scored 2+, and 36 (71%) cases that scored 3+. Forty of the 51 cases (78%) were positive for C4d. The percentages of cases staining positively for C4d, per scoring group, were as follows: 31 (61%) cases faintly (1+) positive and 9 (18%) cases moderately (2+) positive. No strong positivity was observed. All of the control cases (100%) were negative for PLA2R and C4d. There was no statistically significant difference between the intensity of the staining of PLA2R and the staining of C4d, proteinuria levels, creatinine levels, and complement 3 (C3) positivity. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between the intensity of the staining of C4d and proteinuria levels, creatinine levels, and C3 positivity. [¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Immunohistochemical detection of PLA2R and C4d is a safe and easy method for the diagnosis of PMN. In cases where fresh tissue is not available for the detection of IgG and C3 using the immunofluorescence method, positivity for PLA2R and C4d with immunohistochemistry may be beneficial for the diagnosis of PMN.[¤]

Inactivating mutations in SMARCB1 confer an oncogenic dependency on EZH2 in atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs), but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. We found that the sensitivity of ATRTs to EZH2 inhibition (EZH2i) is associated with the viral mimicry response. Unlike other epigenetic therapies targeting transcriptional repressors, EZH2i-induced viral mimicry is not triggered by cryptic transcription of endogenous retroelements, but rather mediated by increased expression of genes enriched for intronic inverted-repeat Alu (IR-Alu) elements. Interestingly, interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) are highly enriched for dsRNA-forming intronic IR-Alu elements, suggesting a feedforward loop whereby these activated ISGs may reinforce dsRNA formation and viral mimicry. EZH2i also upregulates the expression of full-length LINE-1s, leading to genomic instability and cGAS/STING signaling in a process dependent on reverse transcriptase activity. Co-depletion of dsRNA sensing and cytoplasmic DNA sensing completely rescues the viral mimicry response to EZH2i in SMARCB1-deficient tumors., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Spontaneous hepatic hemorrhage (SHH) is a rare condition that occurs due to a breach in the liver parenchyma in the absence of an external cause, most commonly from hepatocellular cancer. If a solid liver lesion is absent, then it has been linked with diffuse hepatic diseases or systemic diseases. Although SHH has been linked with the use of warfarin, it has not been thus far linked with enoxaparin. SHH can present with non-specific symptoms, and lab parameters can reveal substantial drops in hemoglobin. It is diagnosed most commonly with computed tomography (CT) imaging and conservative treatment is effective in the majority of cases. We present one such rare case of SHH., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Jog et al.)

Introduction Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency and a common cause of hospital admissions worldwide. It has traditionally been treated with resuscitation and endoscopic intervention as the first-line therapy. In this study, we assessed the adjunctive role of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with uncontrolled UGIB after an endoscopic intervention. Material and methods A retrospective chart review of patients requiring TAE of UGIB which was not controlled by endoscopic intervention in BronxCare Health System from 2018 to 2021 was done. Patients who were more than 18 years of age and required TAE during the time period of the study were included in the study. Patients' charts were reviewed for patients' demographics, comorbidities, hospital course, imaging findings, esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings and intervention, and interventional radiology intervention and clinical outcome. Results A total of 10 patients were included in the study. A majority of the patients were male. Transcatheter atrial embolization was successful in all the 10 patients. Coils were used in seven patients while particulate polyvinyl alcohol 500 micron particle was used in two patients and vascular plug was used in two patients. Out of the 10 patients, four expired during the hospital course. None of the patients died secondary to UGIB. Three of the patients expired due to severe sepsis with septic shock secondary to pneumonia while one patient died because of respiratory failure due to lung collapse secondary to endobronchial lesion. Conclusion Refractory acute UGIB is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. TAE is a minimally invasive measure that should be considered early in the treatment of UGIB which is refractory to conventional endoscopic management. Our case highlights the importance of TAE in a patient with refractory UGIB after endoscopic intervention., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Ishak et al.)

This study investigated the demographic differences, newborn outcomes, and psychological experiences of English speaking (ES) and non-English speaking (NES) fathers in antenatal and delivery rooms. One thousand fathers completed antenatal and delivery questionnaires. Thirty-three percent of NES fathers were smokers, compared to 26% of ES fathers. NES fathers also reported significantly lower elective cesarean surgery rates. However, intrauterine growth restriction was significantly higher amongst the NES newborn cohort. Further, nursery admission of newborns born to NES fathers was more than double that of ES fathers. NES fathers self-reported more psychological symptoms after delivery than ES fathers (31% vs 19%). This study highlights the dual need for more research into NES perinatal experiences and change in pregnancy management for NES families., (© Copyright 2022 Lamaze International.)

BACKGROUND Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a critical disorder with a high incidence and a high disease burden. Multiple acquired and genetic factors leading to hypercoagulation, venous injury, and venous stasis account for its basic pathophysiology. One of the rarely considered underlying etiologies of DVT is May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), also known as iliac vein compression syndrome. MTS is an anatomical variant in which the left common iliac vein is extrinsically compressed by the right common iliac artery against the lumbar spine, leading to the development of iliofemoral DVT. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with chronic unilateral lower-extremity swelling and pain. Ultrasound was consistent with extensive DVT extending from the left common femoral vein to left popliteal vein. Further workup revealed left common iliac venous outflow obstruction due to the extrinsic compression by the overlying atherosclerotic calcified right common iliac artery crossing against the lumbosacral region. CONCLUSIONS MTS usually presents in the second to fourth decades of life, making it challenging to consider it as a differential diagnosis in older patients. The conventional treatment of DVT with anticoagulation alone is insufficient to address thrombotic MTS and can lead to recurrent DVT, post-thrombotic syndrome, and life-threatening complications. Our patient presented in the seventh decade of life, warranting a high index of clinical suspicion of MTS in patients presenting with unilateral leg DVT, regardless of patient age, for timely diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management.

Cancer therapies that target epigenetic repressors can mediate their effects by activating retroelements within the human genome. Retroelement transcripts can form double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that activates the MDA5 pattern recognition receptor 1-6 . This state of viral mimicry leads to loss of cancer cell fitness and stimulates innate and adaptive immune responses 7,8 . However, the clinical efficacy of epigenetic therapies has been limited. To find targets that would synergize with the viral mimicry response, we sought to identify the immunogenic retroelements that are activated by epigenetic therapies. Here we show that intronic and intergenic SINE elements, specifically inverted-repeat Alus, are the major source of drug-induced immunogenic dsRNA. These inverted-repeat Alus are frequently located downstream of 'orphan' CpG islands 9 . In mammals, the ADAR1 enzyme targets and destabilizes inverted-repeat Alu dsRNA 10 , which prevents activation of the MDA5 receptor 11 . We found that ADAR1 establishes a negative-feedback loop, restricting the viral mimicry response to epigenetic therapy. Depletion of ADAR1 in patient-derived cancer cells potentiates the efficacy of epigenetic therapy, restraining tumour growth and reducing cancer initiation. Therefore, epigenetic therapies trigger viral mimicry by inducing a subset of inverted-repeats Alus, leading to an ADAR1 dependency. Our findings suggest that combining epigenetic therapies with ADAR1 inhibitors represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment.

Jugular foramen paragangliomas (JFP) are benign tumors of neural crest origin that are located along the temporal bone in the region of the jugular bulb and middle ear. The optimal management of these lesions includes surgical excision with or without preoperative embolization as well as stereotactic radiotherapy. The use of preoperative embolization in the treatment of JFP has shown great promise to bridge patients to surgery by diminishing complication rates and decreasing intraoperative bleeding. We present three successful polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particle embolizations of patients presenting with symptomatic JFPs. All patients recovered completely in the short term with no bleeding during or after resection of paragangliomas and they were discharged free of their presenting symptoms. Early clinical and imaging diagnosis followed by adequate treatment including preoperative transcatheter particle embolization and surgical or radiosurgical interventions can lead to excellent outcomes.

RAS-MAPK signaling mediates processes critical to normal development including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Germline mutation of RAS-MAPK genes lead to the Noonan-spectrum of syndromes. Here, we present a patient affected by a 6p-interstitial microdeletion with unknown underlying molecular etiology. Examination of 6p-interstitial microdeletion cases reveals shared clinical features consistent with Noonan-spectrum disorders including short stature, facial dysmorphia and cardiovascular abnormalities. We find the RAS-responsive element binding protein-1 (RREB1) is the common deleted gene in multiple 6p-interstitial microdeletion cases. Rreb1 hemizygous mice display orbital hypertelorism and cardiac hypertrophy phenocopying the human syndrome. Rreb1 haploinsufficiency leads to sensitization of MAPK signaling. Rreb1 recruits Sin3a and Kdm1a to control H3K4 methylation at MAPK pathway gene promoters. Haploinsufficiency of SIN3A and mutations in KDM1A cause syndromes similar to RREB1 haploinsufficiency suggesting genetic perturbation of the RREB1-SIN3A-KDM1A complex represents a new category of RASopathy-like syndromes arising through epigenetic reprogramming of MAPK pathway genes.

Immune deficiency is usually the underlying predisposing factor for cryptococcal meningitis, though there have been case reports of immunocompetent patients presenting with same. The portal of entry for Cryptococcus neoformans is the respiratory tract, and by hematogenous spread, it causes systemic symptoms. The presence of CSF leak is described to have predisposed our immunocompetent patient to infection by this organism possibly through direct spread. The gold standard for diagnosing CSF leak is by cisternography. In this case, we added a technique where nasal gauze is inserted during the procedure and scanned afterwards for dye, thus increasing the confidence of diagnosis of CSF leak through the nares. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent adverse outcomes, and we propose that in patients with cryptococcal meningitis without any identifiable risk factor, evaluation for CSF leak should be considered especially with history of head trauma.

Splenic rupture following colonoscopy is rare, first reported in 1974, with incidence of 1-21/100,000. It is critical to anticipate splenic trauma during colonoscopy as one of the causes of abdominal pain after colonoscopy especially when located in the left upper quadrant or left shoulder. Postoperative adhesions is a predisposing factor for splenic injury, and management is either operative or nonoperative, based on hemodynamic stability and/or extravasation which can be seen on contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen. We present a case of a splenic rupture after colonoscopy in a patient with splenocolic adhesions, requiring splenectomy as definite treatment.

Massive pulmonary embolism not amenable to systemic thrombolysis is a therapeutic challenge. Catheter directed clot fragmentation and thrombolysis have been efficacious in this setting. We describe successfully treating a massive pulmonary embolism with catheter-directed thrombolysis and clot fragmentation using local tPA, aspiration, and the Cleaner™ device in a patient with an absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolysis.

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cystography is rapidly becoming the most recommended study for evaluation of the bladder for suspected trauma. This article reviews the bladder trauma with emphasis on the application of MDCT cystography to traumatic bladder injuries using a pictorial essay based on images collected in our level I trauma center.

The subscapularis tendon, coracohumeral ligament, and transverse humeral ligament are all believed to contribute to biceps tendon stability within the bicipital groove. In order to examine the relative contribution of these soft tissue structures to proximal biceps tendon stability, 11 fresh frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens were prepared and mounted onto a custom jig. A three-dimensional digitizer was utilized to record biceps tendon excursion in various shoulder positions. In sequential order, these structures were then sectioned, and biceps tendon excursion was again recorded. We found that sectioning of the subscapularis tendon significantly increased biceps tendon excursion, compared to intact specimens (8.1 +/- 4.1 mm vs. 4.3 +/- 3.6 mm; p < 0.006). In contrast, isolated sectioning of the transverse humeral ligament or the coracohumeral ligament did not significantly increase biceps excursion (5.4 +/- 2.5 mm, p = 0.26; 5.6 +/- 1.3 mm, p = 0.24). When two structures were sectioned, significant excursion in the biceps tendon only occurred in specimens where the subscapularis tendon was one of the sectioned structures. The preliminary data suggest that, of the three tested soft tissue structures, the subscapularis tendon is the most important stabilizer of the proximal biceps and that clinically significant lesions of the proximal biceps tendon may be associated with a defect in the subscapularis tendon.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate any differences in the accuracy of knee MRI interpretation between radiology and orthopaedic surgery residents as well as to evaluate differences in quality of interpretation relative to resident training level. In this study, 20 MRI scans demonstrating specific pathology of the knee were identified. From one institution, two radiology residents and two orthopaedic surgery residents of each postgraduate year (PGY) of training (2 to 5) were recruited. Each resident was asked to interpret all the studies and choose up to 16 diagnoses for each scan from the list provided. Orthopaedic surgery residents showed improvement in overall accuracy and specificity with each year of additional training. Level of training did not correspond with increased sensitivity in the orthopaedic residents tested. Radiology residents did not demonstrate a consistent trend toward improved accuracy, sensitivity, or specificity with additional years of training. The only statistically significant differences in specificity observed between the two groups were seen in the readings of ACL tears, lateral femoral condyle chondromalacia, and chondromalacia patella. This study found that the accuracy of knee MRI interpretations between radiology and orthopaedic surgery residents did not demonstrate any differences. Level of training had no effect on the interpretation of the MRIs by radiology residents. Orthopaedic surgery residents did show an improvement with each year of additional training.

Acute distal clavicular osteolysis was first described in 1936. Since then, distal clavicular osteolysis (DCO) has been separated into traumatic and atraumatic pathogeneses. In 1982 the first series of male weight trainers who developed ADCO was reported. The association of weightlifting and ADCO is especially important considering how routine a component weights are to the male athlete's training. The pathogenesis of DCO has often been debated. The most widely accepted etiology involves a connection between microfractures of the subchondral bone and subsequent attempts at repair, which is consistent with repetitive microtrauma. Symptoms usually begin with an insidious aching pain in the AC region that is exacerbated by weight training. On examination, patients have point tenderness over the affected AC joint and pain with a cross-body adduction maneuver. Although DCO may seem like an easy and quick diagnosis, one must rule out other possibilities. Avoidance of provocative maneuvers, modification of weight training techniques, ice massage, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) constitute the basis of initial treatment. Much of the literature supports the same general indications for surgery. These include point tenderness of the AC joint, evident abnormal signs with AC joint scintigraphy and AC radiographs, lack of response to conservative treatment, and an unwillingness to give up or modify weight training or manual labor. Distal clavicle resection has provided good results. Distal clavicle osteolysis is a unique disease most likely due to an overuse phenomenon.

This study was performed to determine if a meniscal al- lograft with attached bone plug and suture offers superior ixation when compared to allograft afixed with suture alone through a bony tunnel. Seven pairs of human cadaver proximal tibia specimens were obtained. The specimens were then randomly assigned to either Group 1 (suture alone) or Group 2 (bone plug plus suture). All Group 1 specimens had the meniscus detached at the bony insertion of the anterior and posterior horns, with two No. 2 Ethibond sutures placed at the posterior root insertion. All Group 2 specimens had a posterior horn with a bone plug and two No. 2 Ethibond sutures. Both groups had their respective sutures passed through a 7 mm tibial tunnel and secured over a screw and post on the proximal tibia. The specimens were then loaded to failure. The mean failure load for Group 1 was 111.8 N (SD: 21 N) and for Group 2 was 112 N (SD: 32 N). Based on the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum analysis, the two groups were not signiicantly different. This study demonstrated no difference in the mean pullout strength of medial meniscal allograft posterior horn ixation between the two groups. This biome- chanical cadaveric study demonstrated that it may not be necessary to use an attached bone plug for medial meniscal transplant ixation, as using suture alone will sufice. The choice of using suture alone for the posterior horn meniscal attachment eases the technique of surgery when compared to using a bone plug plus suture.

Purpose: To retrospectively review the clinical outcome and incidence of post-operative complications after open end-to-end repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures., Methods: Seventy consecutive patients (74 open Achilles tendon repairs) operated on between 1989 and 2002 were identified for inclusion in this investigation. The medical records were reviewed and patients were contacted for a follow up interview in order to survey their post-operative function. Outcome scores were calculated based on the Boyden outcome and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scoring systems. Post-operative complications were documented during the chart review and follow up interview, including an additional nine patients (nine repairs), who were not included in the clinical evaluation portion of the study., Results: Fifty-two patients (54 repairs) were successfully contacted and completed the follow up interview. Within this cohort there were 44 males and 8 females with a mean age of 41 years. Achilles tendon rupture in this population was attributable to participation in athletic activity in 87% of cases. At a mean post-operative follow up of 45 months, 96% of cases achieved an overall Boyden outcome score of good to excellent. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 96, with 74% of cases scoring greater than 90. Forty-two cases (78%) reported no pain and 40 cases (74%) reported no activity limitations. Fourteen post-operative complications were identified after 83 open Achilles tendon repairs, resulting in an institutional complication rate of 16.8%. The complications included four superficial wound infections, five deep wound infections requiring irrigation and debridement, one heel ulcer secondary to post-operative boot wear, three partial Achilles tendon re-ruptures, and one complete Achilles tendon re-rupture., Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that open end-to-end repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures provides long-term functional outcomes with consistent good to excellent results. However, this high clinical success rate was associated with a relatively high incidence of post-operative complications. With careful attention to the surgical wound and patient adherence to post-operative rehabilitation protocols, operative repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is a reliable treatment for active patients.

Sliding knots are commonly used in arthroscopic surgery and can be problematic in terms of strength and loop security. A new sliding knot for arthroscopic surgery, a modified racking hitch (MRH) knot, is described. The knot is essentially a modified cow's hitch knot that includes two self-locking loops. By tensioning the loop strands, a snug knot is created without backward sliding and provides excellent knot and loop security. In laboratory testing, the MRH knot provided comparable strength and security to other sliding knots. Experience gained from approximately 5 years of clinical use has added to the promise of the useful application of the MRH knot in arthroscopy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hybrid femoral fixation with bioabsorbable interference screws (BioRCI; Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) and EndoButton CL (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy) fixation., Methods: Biomechanical testing of 3 different fixation techniques was performed by use of porcine hind-limb distal femurs and mature bovine extremity common extensor tendons. Two independent testing sessions were examined. The first testing session (group A) compared femoral fixation via the EndoButton CL device (n = 6) with femoral fixation via the EndoButton CL device with the addition of a BioRCI screw (n = 6). The second testing session (group B) compared femoral fixation via BioRCI screws alone (n = 6) with femoral fixation via the EndoButton CL device with the addition of a BioRCI screw (n = 6). The femur-graft complex was cyclically loaded between 50 and 250 N at 1 Hz for 1,000 cycles. After cycling, the amount of graft slippage was determined by measuring the change in grip-to-grip distance. The complex was then loaded to failure at 1 mm/s, and the ultimate tensile strength, stiffness, and mode of failure were determined., Results: In group A the addition of an interference screw to the EndoButton CL fixation increased the ultimate tensile strength (1,364.7 +/- 102.4 N for EndoButton CL alone v 1,449.3 +/- 94.4 N for combined technique, P = .035) and stiffness (195.5 +/- 12.1 N/mm for EndoButton CL alone v 307.3 +/- 54.9 N/mm for combined technique, P = .004) and decreased the amount of graft slippage (2.6 +/- 0.5 mm for EndoButton CL alone v 2.0 +/- 0.3 mm for combined technique, P = .017). In group B the addition of the EndoButton CL device to interference screw fixation significantly increased the ultimate tensile strength (643.5 +/- 148.4 N for BioRCI screws alone v 1,290.3 +/- 254.4 N for combined technique, P = .004) but had no effect on stiffness (315.7 +/- 38.9 N/mm for BioRCI screws alone v 341.5 +/- 64.0 N/mm for combined technique, P = .267) or graft slippage (2.7 +/- 1.0 mm for BioRCI screws alone v 2.0 +/- 0.6 mm for combined technique, P = .087)., Conclusions: Our study shows that hybrid femoral fixation of double-looped gracilis-semitendinosus grafts via the EndoButton CL device and a bioabsorbable interference screw is stronger than interference or EndoButton CL fixation alone with respect to ultimate tensile strength, stiffness, and slippage. The addition of an interference screw to suspensory fixation via the EndoButton CL device increased the ultimate tensile strength from 1,360 N to 1,450 N, improved reconstruction stiffness from 200 N/mm to 300 N/mm, and decreased the amount of graft slippage resulting from cyclic loading from 2.6 mm to 2.0 mm., Clinical Relevance: The hybrid fixation of the EndoButton CL device and an interference screw is a stronger and stiffer construct than either device alone and allows for aperture fixation, which may translate into better clinical results.

Introduction: It has been shown that the asymptomatic, dominant elbow of professional baseball pitchers can demonstrate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging signal abnormalities of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) consistent with a strain. The purpose of this study was to determine if younger, asymptomatic, adolescent baseball pitchers exhibit similar signal abnormalities in the UCL., Methods: Magnetic resonance images of both elbows of 14 asymptomatic, young male baseball pitchers (ranging in age from 12 to 20 years) were performed on an outpatient basis using a 1.5-T Sigma MRI unit with a dedicated extremity coil to obtain T1 and T2 coronal and axial images which were subsequently evaluated by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Chronic tears of the UCL were suspected if the signal was attenuated or absent. Magnetic resonance images of the UCL were also evaluated for high-intensity signal or thinning. Morphologic changes such as complete tears, avulsions or thickening were identified. The images were classified into 4 grades from 0 to 3 depending on the degree of signal abnormality., Results: No discrete tears were found in any of the subjects. For the dominant pitching arm, 4 of 14 subjects had increased thickness of the ulnar collateral ligament, 3 of 14 demonstrated Grade 1 changes, and 11 of 14 demonstrated no abnormal signal within the ligament. No focal tears were present in any of the subjects. Contralateral elbows in 13 of 14 patients demonstrated Grade 0 signals with 1 patient demonstrating morphological thickening of the ligament without increased signal., Discussion: Signal abnormalities in the throwing elbow of asymptomatic, adolescent pitchers were uncommon. These pitchers may not have experienced sufficient pitching time to develop changes in the UCL.

To encourage consistent care for patients with musculoskeletal complaints, the AAOS developed treatment algorithms to aid primary care physicians in the management of these patients. A survey was designed to assess whether a random group of primary care physicians treated their patients in a manner consistent with these algorithms. The AAOS algorithm for shoulder pain was used to develop a questionnaire for primary care physicians. An Internet company provided access to a national base of physicians who volunteered to complete the survey. Ten questions were presented on five shoulder conditions: rotator cuff disease, fractures, instability, arthritis, and frozen shoulder The "correct" answer was based upon the AAOS algorithm. The survey was completed by 706 physicians who treated variable (one to greater than ten) numbers of shoulder patients per month. Forty-eight percent of the physicians treated acute trauma according to the algorithm, 87% treated arthritis, and 58% treated instability. Only 46% of physicians chose the correct answer for an acute rotator cuff tear and 29% for chronic rotator cuff symptoms. Forty-four percent followed the algorithm for frozen shoulder. Overall only 49% of the patients described were treated according to the AAOS algorithms. Based on the number of shoulder patients seen each month, in one month over 2000 patients could be tested by the surveyed physicians in a manner inconsistent with the treatment algorithms, suggesting the need for improved musculoskeletal education for primary care physicians.

In a recent experiment examining the effect of interference screw sizing on the fixation stability of multi-strand anterior cruciate ligament grafts, we noticed a large variation in fixation strengths and attributed it to the suturing of the grafts and its interaction with the screw. We performed an experiment using interference screws for fixation of hamstring grafts within a bone tunnel model to compare how the presence of sutures affected graft fixation. We found that having sutures along the region of the graft that contacts the screw within the bone tunnel can increase graft fixation strength 100%.

The fixation of displaced greater tuberosity fractures with 5-0 Fiberwire, Fiberwire tape, and 5-0 Ethibond sutures was compared in 12 pairs of cadaveric humeri. A simulated fracture was created and fixed with suture in a figure-of-eight pattern. The tuberosity was cyclically loaded and its displacement measured. There was no statistical difference in fixation stability between the three suture types.