The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical behavior under cyclic loading test of single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair with suture anchors in an ex-vivo animal model. For the present study, 50 fresh porcine shoulders were used. On each shoulder, a crescent-shaped full-thickness tear of the infraspinatus was performed. Width of the tendon tear was 2 cm. The lesion was repaired using metal suture anchors. Shoulders were divided in four groups, according the type of repair: single-row tension-free repair (Group 1); single-row tension repair (Group 2); double-row tension-free repair (Group 3); double-row tension repair (Group 4); and a control group. Specimens were subjected to a cyclic loading test. Number of cycles at 5 mm of elongation and at failure, and total elongation were calculated. Single-row tension repair showed significantly poorest results for all the variables considered, when compared with the other groups. Regarding the mean number of cycles at 5 mm of elongation and at failure, there was a nonsignificant difference between Groups 3 and 4, and both of them were significantly greater than Group 1. For mean total elongation, the difference between Groups 1, 3, and 4 was not significant, but all of them were significantly lower than the control group. A single-row repair is particularly weak when performed under tension. Double-row repair is significantly more resistant to cyclic displacement than single-row repair in both tension-free and tension repair. Double-row repair technique can be primarily considered for large, unstable rotator cuff tears to improve mechanical strength of primary fixation of tendons to bone.

Four patients with chronic posterior dislocation of the shoulder underwent surgical treatment after an average delay of 10 months from injury. They were examined clinically and radiographically at an average follow-up of 32 months. Treatment consisted of subscapularis tendon transfer (McLaughlin procedure) into the humeral defect in one case, transfer of the lesser tuberosity (McLaughlin modified procedure) in two cases, and in the fourth case-a patient with a 19-month missed dislocation and 50% humeral head lesion-a transposition of the coracoid process and conjoined tendon was performed. X-rays and CT scan excluded avascular necrosis or severe post-traumatic arthrosis. All patients achieved complete pain relief without limitation of daily or work activities. A slight limitation of anterior elevation and external rotation was present in all patients. Our results confirm that McLaughlin's original or modified procedure is suggested in cases of chronic, unreduced posterior dislocation of the shoulder (type I according to Randelli). The transposition of the coracoid process is a valid alternative to prosthesis and to autologous or homologous bone graft implants.

Objective: To assess pain and function of the ankle in patients with injuries up to 1.5 cm diameter by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score after arthroscopic treatment. Methods: The AOFAS scale was applied before and after arthroscopy, as well as the degree of subjective satisfaction of ambulatory patients. Patients with type I osteochondral injuries, acute trauma, using plaster, presenting lesions in other joints of the lower limbs and cognitive impairment that would prevent the application of the satisfaction questionnaire were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t test with Welch correction, Mann Whitney test, and ANOVA, with Kruskal Wallis test and Dun test, considering p value lower than 0.05. Results: There was an increased AOFAS scores after arthroscopic treatment in 52 (94.5%) patients. The mean values of AOFAS score in 55 patients was 77.32 ± 6.67 points preoperative and 93.10± 8.24 points postoperative, with a mean variation of 15.8 points, p<0.001. Patients with stage II, III and IV injuries showed an increased AOFAS scores after arthroscopic treatment, p<0.001. No difference was found between medial and lateral injuries, p >0.05. Conclusion: Patients with stage II, III or IV osteochondral injuries of the talus of up to 1.5 cm diameter, whether medial or lateral, showed a significant improvement after arthroscopic treatment. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Objective: To analyze the functional outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic calcaneoplasty for the treatment of Haglund deformity. Methods: This study consists of a case series of patients undergoing endoscopic calcaneoplasty. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, was used to evaluate patients before and 12 months after the procedure, providing preoperative and postoperative scores. Results: Nineteen patients were evaluated for a total of 24 endoscopic calcaneoplasties. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale provided a mean preoperative score of 31.4 and a mean postoperative score of 93.3, which shows a significantly increased score after surgery. The mean patient age was 52 years, and the youngest patient was 25 years old and the oldest patient was 73 years old. However, no significant relationship was found between age and change in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score. No complications were observed in the immediate or late postoperative periods. Conclusion: Arthroscopic resection is efficient in the treatment of Haglund deformity given the significant improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score observed after the procedure. Also, no postoperative complications were seen in patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Level of Evidence: IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case series.

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a surgery (plantar fasciotomy) to treat plantar fasciitis using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaire. Methods: Patients were retrospectively identified using their postoperative orthopedic (medical) records after receiving medial plantar fasciotomy for plantar fasciitis between 1997 and 2009. Results: A significant difference was observed between the pre- and postoperative AOFAS score; this result indicates that patient health improved after the fasciotomy to treat plantar fasciitis. Conclusions: A strength of this study was its long follow-up time of patients undergoing plantar fasciotomy to treat plantar fasciitis. This surgery is indicated for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis after 6 months without response to conservative treatment. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.