Background: Peripheral nerve injuries with substance loss are challenges to surgeons because direct suture repair may result in malfunction due to nerve suture tension. Autologous nerve grafts are alternatives for treating those lesions; however, harvesting grafts adds morbidity at donor sites. Synthetic substitutes are options to bridge the gaps in these situations. The caprolactone neurotubes are used to assist nerve regeneration, but the literature lacks studies that evaluate their results. Methods: This research was designed to clinically evaluate patients undergoing repair of peripheral nerves with that conduit. We described results of 12 case series consisting of operations with Neurolac®. All nerves severed were sensory and had small gaps (ie, less than 25 mm). Subjective and objective clinical evaluations were performed and registered. Results: Physical examination by monofilament testing and 2-point discrimination showed results rated as good or excellent. However, the patients had complaints regarding sensory changes. Conclusions: Synthetic bioabsorbable guides for nerve repair are promising. The caprolactone conduits were demonstrated to be a safe option treatment and with a simple technique. Although in our study there were some operative complications, they were in line with previous descriptions in the literature. This case series added information about the treatment prognosis, but a higher evidence level study is necessary for decision making.

Objective: This study assessed 47 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with implants manufactured in Brazil, with a mean follow-up of five years. Methods: This was a retrospective study at Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, from January 1993 to December 2002. The sample comprised 47 patients (44 females and three males) who underwent TKA, totaling 58 knees. The patients’ ages ranged from 46 to 83 years. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatic disease was confirmed in all the patients. Results: In this investigation, all the patients underwent cemented TKA with preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament. The length of follow-up ranged from 5 to 17 years. The functional assessment criterion used was the one of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), and this yielded an average of 87 points after the operation. The radiographic criterion used was the Knee Society Total Knee Arthroplasty Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System. We had three cases with a radiolucent line without implant loosening, which were asymptomatic from a clinical standpoint. Conclusion: The total knee arthroplasty procedures using an implant made in Brazil were performed by a trained and experienced team. To date, over the clinical follow-up on these patients with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the results have been seen to be satisfactory.

Objective To evaluate the results of the open palm technique for the treatment of Dupuytren's disease. Method The authors used the technique described by McCash. Twelve patients (13 hands) were surgically treated, between october 2002 and september 2011. Results The wounds healed in a medium of 25 days (variation of 17 to 30 days). There were no complications, such as infection, haematoma formation, skin necrosis, residual edema. Conclusion The open palm technique remains a safe alternative for the treatment of Dupuytren's disease, with satisfactory results and low risk of complications.

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