International orthopaedics
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of subcoracoid pectoralis major transfer for the treatment of irreparable anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. This type of tear involves complete rupture of the subscapularis in combination with either the supraspinatus alone or the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. These ruptures are characterised by a poor quality of the rotator cuff that does not allow for a direct tendon-to-bone reconstruction. ⋯ Nine patients (70%) had an intact transferred pectoralis major muscle, two (15%) had one that was thin but intact and two patients a rupture (one complete). Two patients had postoperative haematoma and one patient developed cuff tear arthropathy. The good results confirm that pectoralis major transfer is a reliable treatment option for irreparable anterosuperior rotator cuff injuries with significant improvement in pain and function.
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Loss of joint space, formation of osteophytes and deformation are common features of osteoarthritis. Little information exists about the radiological features of arthrosis in relation to clinical findings and the radiological appearance in degenerative shoulder joint disease especially with regard to decision making about the timing of joint replacement. We retrospectively examined 120 standardised X-rays of patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the shoulder. ⋯ The study illustrates that joint space narrowing and development of osteophytes are reliable but independent parameters of primary shoulder arthrosis and should be recorded separately. The size of the caudal humeral osteophyte is a predictive factor for function and should be taken into account for clinical decision making. The primary clinical feature, pain, as the main indication for surgery is not related to radiological parameters.
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We present our series of 72 patients with periprosthetic fractures. The Vancouver classification was used to evaluate the fractures; there was one type A, seven type B1, 42 type B2, 17 type B3 and five type C fractures. Demographics, pre and postoperative data using Charnley-D'Aubigne-Postel score for assessment of function were recorded. ⋯ In our series 79% (n = 57) had good or excellent results following surgical intervention and 21% (n = 15) had complications; they all had undergone re-operation for various reasons such as nonunion, loosening, dislocation or infection. In B2 fractures the stem is unstable and hence revision of the prosthetic stem has been recommended with or without additional fixation. For B3 fractures an allograft prosthesis composite or tumour prosthesis is considered the treatment choice.
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Morton's neuroma is a common cause of metatarsalgia caused by intermetarsal digital nerve thickening. This study reviews the pathology, presentation, symptoms and signs, and patient satisfaction with surgical treatment. Seventy-eight patients (82 feet) were treated for Morton's metatarsalgia by excision of the interdigital nerve. ⋯ In 74 patients the Foot Functional Index was more than 85 (maximum score 100). Seventy-one patients scored more than 90 on the American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society scoring system with two patients scoring 100 (maximum score). Postoperatively, 82% reported excellent or good results, 10% had a fair result with restriction of activities or pain and 8% had no improvement at all after surgery while 71% had restrictions with footwear.
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This study reports the results of the clinical use of a new tourniquet system for surgery of foot and ankle that can determine tourniquet pressure in synchrony with systolic blood pressure (SBP). We prospectively applied additional pressure of 100 mmHg based on the SBP recorded before the skin incision in 100 consecutive procedures. There were 34 open reduction internal fixation procedures, 26 lateral colateral ligament repair or reconstruction, 16 Achilles tendon repairs, nine arthroscopic procedures such as removal of loose body or accessory bone and synovectomy, seven corrective osteotomy and eight others such as removal of tumour, ankle fusion, and bone graft. ⋯ All cases maintained an excellent operative field without measurable bleeding and there were no postoperative complications. Fifty-five cases had a lower intra-operative SBP than the initial value. Since a tourniquet should be applied at the lowest pressure possible for maintaining a bloodless surgical field, the new system appears to be practical and reasonable, as compared to conventional tourniquets, which maintain the initial pressure.