There were no significant differences between the two techniques, since the observed stresses are well below the flow stress of the material, ensuring good safety factor (ranging from 3.5 to 4.1).

Objectives: To evaluate and compare bone tunnel positioning in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery using the arthroscopic technique and the open technique consisting of arthrotomy. Method: A comparative retrospective study on 70 patients with ACL lesions was conducted. Thirty-five patients underwent ACL reconstruction by means of the open technique and 35 by means of the arthroscopic technique using an anteromedial portal. All the patients underwent ACL reconstruction using an autologous graft from the middle third of the patellar tendon, fixed using interference screws. The postoperative radiographs were reviewed and the positioning of the femoral tunnel was evaluated using the methods proposed by Harner et al. and Aglietti et al., while the tibial tunnel was assessed using the method proposed by Rauschning and Stäubli. Results: Fifty-four of the patients were male and 16 were female. Their mean age at the time of the procedure was 34 years and 3 months, with a range from 17 to 58 years. The arthroscopic technique was shown to be more accurate than the open technique for positioning both the femoral and the tibial bone tunnels. Conclusions: Radiological analysis on the knees subjected to ACL reconstruction showed that the positioning of both the femoral and the tibial bone tunnels presented less variation when the surgery was performed arthroscopically.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar comparativamente o tratamento da discopatia degenerativa cervical por discectomia e artrodese cervical via anterior utilizando placas associadas a cages ou cages em PEEK isoladamente. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo comparativo entre dois grupos de pacientes operados pela técnica de discectomia e artrodese cervical via anterior. Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 70 pacientes, 35 operados com o método de fixação com placas associadas a cages - denominado Grupo I - e 35 com o cage em PEEK isoladamente - Grupo II. Realizou-se anamnese, exame físico, escores de dor (escala visual e analógica da dor) e função (critérios de Odom's, SF-36, Indice de incapacidade do pescoço) o pré e pós-operatório e exames de imagem. RESULTADOS: Houve predominância de pacientes do sexo feminino em ambos os grupos, com média de idade de 55 anos no Grupo I e 47 no Grupo II. Ambos os grupos apresentaram distribuição semelhante quanto ao número de níveis operados, assim como nas complicações encontradas e escores de dor, cervicalgia e SF36 no pré e pós-operatório. Houve 97.1% de fusão com 94.3% de bons resultados no Grupo I e 100% de fusão, com 97 % de bons resultados no Grupo II. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo comparativo da utilização de placas com cages e cages em PEEK isoladamente apresentou resultados semelhantes e satisfatórios para os grupos estudados, não se constatando superioridade ou inferioridade de um método com relação ao outro.

Objectives: The topography of the high cervical spine involves several traumatic, degenerative, and rheumatologic pathologies. With the evolution of surgical techniques and synthesis materials available for use in such region, an optimization of the anatomical understanding of this area is required. Methods: Therefore, this study evaluated 62 computed tomographies of the high cervical spine in an adult population, aiming at the study of the anatomical parameters of the axis pedicle. The measures analyzed in this observational study were pedicle length at axial section, pedicle length at sagittal section, pedicle thickness at axial section and interpedicular angulation. Results: Computed tomography is a necessary exam for the programming of C2 pedicle screws and is useful for determining the anatomical changes and evaluating the length of the screws that will be used. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was observed in the length, angulation, and diameter of the pedicles of the axis in relation to sex or age. Conclusion: Regarding sex and age, no statistically significant difference on length, angulation, and pedicle diameter occur. There is an urgent need for computed tomography for surgical planning. Level of Evidence II; Transversal Diagnostic Studies – Investigation of a Diagnosis Test.