-Introduction: Painful Synovial Plicae (SP) in the posterolateral corner of the radiohumeral joint may be confused with lateral epicondylitis. The SP may impinge between the radial head and the humeral capitellum causing pain and snapping. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term results after arthroscopic plica resection of the elbow. Methods: In this case series, we included a consecutive series of 64 arthroscopies (60 patients) with arthroscopic plica resection of the elbow. Inclusion criteria were six months of lateral elbow pain and unsuccessful conservative treatment. Patients had either ultrasonography verified plicae or pain on palpation of the plica. Patients were evaluated with an Oxford Elbow Score (OES) preoperatively, after three months and after mean 22 months (range: 12-31) of follow-up. Furthermore, baseline characteristics were recorded including, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), occupation, smoking and cartilage damage. Results: The mean age was 44 years (range: 18-66). In 13 elbows, International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade 1 lesions were present in association with the plica. Preoperatively the mean OES was 19 (95% CI: 17-20). At three and 22 month follow-up the OES increased to 33 (95% CI: 30-36) and 35 (95% CI: 32-38), respectively (p < 0.001). Cartilage injury and gender did not affect the outcome. We reported no complications. Discussion: Arthroscopic plica resection of the elbow indicates an improved OES after three and 22 months. A randomized prospective trial is needed to validate the effect of arthroscopic treatment of synovial elbow plicae.

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Background: Previous outcome studies in open tibial fractures have commonly assessed young patients and there is a paucity of data regarding outcomes in the elderly. The aim of this study is to assess functional outcomes for patients over 75 years with Gustilo-Anderson Grade III open tibial fractures, including mobility and residential status. Methods: Outcomes for all patients over 75 years admitted with grade III open tibial fractures to a UK level 1 trauma centre during a 5-year period (January 2010eMay 2015) were analysed. Long-term follow up of surviving patients (median 44 months post injury) was undertaken in February 2016. Results: Twenty-nine patients (24 female, 5 male -median 85 years) were included. Prior to injury 48% (n ¼ 14) patients were independently mobile and 45% (n ¼ 13) were living at home without care. Twothirds of injuries were low energy; all patients sustained a grade III open tibial fracture. The 12-month mortality rate was 28% (n ¼ 8) and mortality at long-term follow-up 48% (n ¼ 14). From pre-injury to long-term 8% (n ¼ 1) patients did not change mobility status, 75% (n ¼ 9) reduced by one grade (e.g. independent to walking aid) and 16% (n ¼ 2) by two grades. Fifty eight percent (n ¼ 7) of patients retained residential status, 17% (n ¼ 2) reduced by one grade and 25% (n ¼ 3) by two grades. Conclusion:Grade III open tibial fractures are a significant injury in the elderly associated with poor outcomes with respect to return to mobility and pre-injury residential status. Our results suggest that a greater emphasis on intensive rehabilitation should be considered in this patient group.