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Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and sonographic impact on the rotator cuff (RC) of the use of the anterolateral approach for nailing. Clinical assessment using the Constant score, simple shoulder test and through shoulder examination tests was carried out. The sonographic study investigated the integrity of the RC. Results Mean score on Constant's scale was 78.21 points, with most patients achieving a good result (79 % obtained more than 65 points). One patient had a limited functional outcome (Constant's score of 49 points). The sonographic findings described for supraspinatus tendon were a partial ruptures of less than 30 mm in three patients and a complete tendon rupture in one case.Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the use of the anterolateral approach for antegrade humeral nailing ensures a good functional result with no significant clinicalsonographic impact on the rotator cuff and a satisfactory long term clinical outcome.

The purpose of this technical note and accompanying video is to describe a modified arthroscopic suture fixation technique to treat tibial spine avulsion fractures. Twenty-one patients underwent arthroscopic treatment for tibial spine avulsion with our technique; they were clinically and biomechanically evaluated at 2 years' follow-up and showed optimal clinical and radiographic outcomes. Repair with this arthroscopic technique provides a significant advantage in the treatment of type III and IV fractures of the tibial eminence by obtaining arthroscopic fixation within the substance of the anterior cruciate ligament: suture methods based on the avulsed bone fragment are technically impossible, but sutures through the base of the ligament itself provide secure fixation, reducing the risks of comminution of the fracture fragment and eliminating the time for hardware removal. This arthroscopic technique restores the length and the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament and provides a simplified, reproducible method of treating patients, including young patients, with low hardware costs in comparison to sutures using anchors or other hardware.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common in young, active patients. In case of surgical indications, Rockwood type IV, type V and selected type III dislocation, we use modified Phemister procedure. At mid-term follow-up, by an average of 35.1 months, we reassessed the records of 14 patients surgically treated for acute AC dislocation from February 2007 to November 2010. In patients with a diagnosis of grade III lesion, indication for surgery was given on the basis of the patient's functional demand. Full recovery was obtained on average 3 months after surgery. Constant Score accounted for 92.7 points, mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score for 3.2 points, and mean Simple Shoulder Test Score for 11.4 points. X-ray findings were partial loss of reduction (9 cases), subclinic re-dislocation (2 cases), calcification (5 cases) and post-traumatic arthritis (2 cases). Modified Phemister is a reliable technique, technically easy, a low learning curve procedure and cheap with low hardware's costs.

Transosseous rotator cuff tear repair was first described in 1944. Over the years, it has represented the gold standard for such lesions. Through open and mini-open approaches, as well as the arthroscopic approach, the transosseous repair system represents one of the most reliable surgical techniques from a biological and mechanical perspective. Nevertheless, further improvements are required. This article describes an arthroscopic rotator cuff tear transosseous repair system, developed in collaboration with NCS Lab (Carpi, Italy): the Sharc-FT using the Taylor Stitcher. Our first experience in the clinical application of the arthroscopic technique using the transosseous suture system has shown encouraging clinical outcomes, confirming its efficacy. The patient satisfaction rate was high, and no patient expressed concern about the implant. The complication rate was very low. By improving the suture technique in the treatment of rotator cuff tears, a remarkable increase in the success rate in the treatment of this pathology could be reached; nevertheless, complications such as retears of the rotator cuff still occur.