BackgroundWe conducted this study to determine the optimal length of patellar and tibial bone blocks for the modified transtibial (TT) technique in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft.MethodsThe current single-center, retrospective study was conducted in a total of 64 patients with an ACL tear who underwent surgery at our medical institution between March 2015 and February 2016. After harvesting the BPTB graft, we measured its length and that of the patellar tendon, patellar bone block, and tibial bone block using the arthroscopic ruler and double-checked measurements using a length gauge. Outcome measures included the length of tibial and femoral tunnels, inter-tunnel distance, length of the BPTB graft, patellar tendon, patellar bone block, and tibial bone block and graft-tunnel length mismatch. The total length of tunnels was defined as the sum of the length of the tibial tunnel, inter-tunnel distance and length of the femoral tunnel. Furthermore, the optimal length of the bone block was calculated as (the total length of tunnels − the length of the patellar tendon) / 2. We analyzed correlations of outcome measures with the height and body mass index of the patients.ResultsThere were 44 males (68.7%) and 20 females (31.3%) with a mean age of 31.8 years (range, 17 to 65 years). ACL reconstruction was performed on the left knee in 34 patients (53%) and on the right knee in 30 patients (47%). The optimal length of bone block was 21.7 mm (range, 19.5 to 23.5 mm). When the length of femoral tunnel was assumed as 25 mm and 30 mm, the optimal length of bone block was calculated as 19.6 mm (range, 17 to 21.5 mm) and 22.1 mm (range, 19.5 to 24 mm), respectively. On linear regression analysis, patients' height had a significant correlation with the length of tibial tunnel (p = 0.003), inter-tunnel distance (p = 0.014), and length of patellar tendon (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results indicate that it would be mandatory to determine the optimal length of tibial tunnel in the modified TT technique for ACL reconstruction using the BPTB graft. Further large-scale, multi-center studies are warranted to establish our results.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a deep infection of the subcutaneous tissue that progressively destroys fascia and fat; it is associated with systemic toxicity, a fulminant course, and high mortality. NF most frequently develops from trauma that compromises skin integrity, and is more common in patients with predisposing medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, alcoholism, renal disease, liver disease, immunosuppression, malignancy, or corticosteroid use. Most often, NF is caused by polymicrobial pathogens including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. NF caused by Staphylococcus aureus as a single pathogen, however, is rare. Here we report a case of NF that developed in a healthy woman after an isolated shoulder sprain that occurred without breaking a skin barrier, and was caused by Staphylococcus aureus as a single pathogen.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of bipolar hemiarthroplasty using calcar replacement stem for comminuted intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: Between March 1998 and March 2008, the clinical records of 79 cases who were older than 75 years of age and underwent bipolar hemiarthroplaty, using calcar replacement stem with figure of eight and cerclage wiring, were reviewed. Their mean age was 82.4 years(75-92 years) and the mean follow-up period was 68 months(24-92 months). Results: The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 82.1(62-92), and preoperative walking ability was recovered in 56 cases(71%). Bony ingrowth fixation was achieved in 70 cases(89%), and fibrous stable fixation was in 9 cases(11%). Stress shields were revealed in 21 cases(27%). Nonunion of trochanter was found in 3 cases(4%), and wire fixation breakages were in 3 cases after bony union. The mean duration of bony union was 16.3 weeks(12-38 weeks). Aseptic loosening was observed in 1 case and protrusio acetabuli were in 2 cases. Conclusion:The result of clinical and radiological evaluations of bipolar hemiarthroplasty, using calcar replacement stem with figure of eight and cerclage wiring, were satisfactory in elderly patients with comminuted intertrochanteric fracture.

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