The objective of this study was to investigate quality and scientific accuracy of videos related to rotator cuff tear on YouTube. Methods Term of "rotator cuff tear" was entered to the searching bar of YouTube and the first 50 YouTube videos about rotator cuff tear with the highest view counts were recorded and evaluated by two orthopedists. Title of the videos that met the inclusion criteria were recorded. The videos were evaluated with DISCERN and JAMA scoring system, and Video Power Index. Results The mean DISCERN score was calculated as 35.7±8.9, and the mean JAMA score was found as 2.9±0.4. The mean DISCERN score was statistically significantly higher in the physician group compared to the non-physician group. There was a very strong and statistically significant correlation and an excellent compliance between both observers. Conclusion In general, quality of videos published on YouTube about rotator cuff tear was low.

Background. Spinal fusion has been shown to be the preferred surgical option to reduce pain, recover function, and increase quality of life in the treatment of a variety of lumbar spinal disorders. The main goal of the present study is to report our clinical experience and results of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PELIF) applications using the expandable spacer in a single institution. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of 18 patients with >12-month follow-up who had been operated on PELIF using expandable spacer from 2001 to 2007. Their clinical and radiological data were collected and analyzed. Results. The mean follow-up period was 46 months. The mean DH before the surgery was 8.3 mm which improved to 11.4 mm at the early postoperative period and regressed to 9.3 mm at the last follow-up visit. The VAS-B, VAS-L, and ODI scores at the last follow-up showed a 54%, 72%, and 69% improvement from the preoperative period, respectively. Conclusions. The presented PELIF technique with the expandable spacer seems to be a promising surgical technique for the treatment of a variety of lumbar spinal disorders. Conversely, radiological results including disc space subsidence make the stand-alone application of the expandable spacer debatable.

Level II, prospective case series.

No abstract

Purpose Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a derivative of methylxanthine and is used in peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular diseases for its effect on the regulation of blood circulation. We investigated whether PTX could be beneficial for femoral head osteonecrosis associated with steroid through these effects. Methods Sixty mature Leghorn type chickens were chosen and divided into three groups. The 25 chickens in group A were given a weekly dose of 3 mg/kg/week methylprednisolone acetate intramuscularly. Four chickens in group B died after the first drug injection and were excluded from the study. Therefore, the remaining 21 chickens in group B were additionally given 25 mg/kg/day pentoxifylline intramuscularly, along with the steroid medication as given in group A. The ten chickens in group C were not given any injections, as they were accepted as the control group. After the sacrifice of the animals at week 14, both femoral heads were taken from each animal. The animals which died along the course of the study also underwent pathological examination but were not a part of the statistical analysis. Results In this study, steroid induced femoral head osteonecrosis has been experimentally observed in chickens after high doses of corticosteroid therapy. The chickens were given pentoxifylline in order to prevent the effects of steroid on bones and bone marrow. The results showed that chickens are suitable osteonecrosis models, and that steroid causes adipogenesis and necrosis in the bone marrow and the death of the subchondral bone. Conclusions The results of this study hint at the assumption that PTX may have a positive benefit on ONFH. PTX seems to minimise the effects of the steroid and reduce the incidence of ONFH.