Distal ruptures of the biceps are rare when compared to proximal ruptures, with a different epidemiology and mechanism of trauma. There is no exact pathophysiology, though the hypovascular distal insertion and the mechanical impact during movement should be considered important factors. The surgical treatment of chronic cases presents worse prognosis due to muscle shortening with tendon retraction, making anatomical repair of the injury difficult, requiring the use of grafts for its reconstruction. This is a prospective study involving four patients with chronic distal biceps injury. The tendons were reconstructed with an autologous graft from the semitendinosus tendon from the ipsilateral knee and secured to the radial tuberositywith the help of two anchors. The surgical technique proved to be a simple and viable procedure for the reconstruction of chronic ruptures of the distal biceps.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and to compare the Spaso and Kocher reduction maneuvers in terms of efficiency, time of reduction, facileness, pain, discomfort to the patient, complications and risks, besides promoting the comparison between the two maneuvers, aiming to ground the emergency conduct. METHODS: A prospective study with 105 patients with acute shoulder dislocations were enrolled in the study between February 2011 and September 2012. The patients were randomized into two groups and they were submitted to the reduction of dislocation using the Spaso maneuver (group A) or the Kocher technique (group B) by first, second or third-year orthopedic surgery residents from our service. The results were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, timing of reduction, number of precedent episodes and complications after reduction. However, reduction was achieved in more cases using the Spaso method than it was among the Kocher group, as well as the mean duration of the reduction maneuver and discomfort were shorter in the group A patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods presented good results in terms of dislocation reduction and low complications rates. Nevertheless, the Spaso maneuver was more efficient, fast and easily applicable in comparison with Kocher's method. Level of Evidence I, Therapeutic.

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Introduction The ingestion of foreign bodies is a frequent occurrence, especially among children. The majority of these objects travel safely through the gastrointestinal tract, without causing symptoms or leaving sequelae. Acute appendicitis is the emergency surgical pathology of greater prevalence. However, the impaction of a foreign body into the appendicular lumen as an etiologic agent of appendicitis is a very rare event. Case report We describe the case of a 21-year-old male patient with lower abdominal pain over approximately six days, in association with vomiting, fever and abdominal distension. After imaging studies, a radiopaque foreign body was identified in a pelvic topography, with distention and air-fluid levels in intestinal loops. Our patient was submitted to an open appendectomy, evidencing acute perforated appendicitis and the presence of two foreign bodies in its lumen. The patient progressed satisfactorily in the post-operative period, with use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Discussion Foreign bodies impacted in the gastrointestinal tract are usually removed by endoscopic techniques. When these bodies cause infections, there should be a resolution, preferably by surgical laparoscopy, which will serve both for diagnostic as therapeutic purposes.

Leônidas de Souza BomfimMestre em ciências da saúde aplicada ao esporte e à atividade física