A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing open and percutaneous repair of closed ruptured Achilles tendons was performed over a period of 30 months. Sixty-six patients from seven district general hospitals were entered into the study with 33 patients randomized into each group. A modification of the technique described by Ma and Griffith was used in the percutaneous group and a Kessler suture supplemented with interrupted sutures was used in the open group. Patients were followed up for a minimum of six months. The mean age was 38.5 years (26 to 53 years). Forty patients were male and 26 female. After the rupturing event but prior to surgery, it was noted that seven patients had paresthesia in the territory of the sural nerve. The mean duration of immobilization was 12.4 weeks (10 to 14). The complications in the open group included seven wound infections (21%), two adhesions (6%) and two cases of re-rupture (6%). In the percutaneous group there were three cases of wound puckering (9%), one re-rupture (3%) and one case with persistent paresthesia in the sural nerve territory (3%). The difference in infective wound complications between the two groups was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test P = 0.01). Percutaneous repair is advocated on the basis of the low rate of complications and improved cosmetic appearance.

purpose. To report outcomes of 21 total wrist arthroplasties (TWA) using the Universal 2 prosthesis. Methods. Five men and 14 women aged 44 to 82 (mean, 62) years underwent 21 total wrist arthroplasties for rheumatoid arthritis (n=19) and post-traumatic arthritis (n=2) by a single surgeon using the Universal 2 prosthesis. Pre-and post-operative pain and function were assessed by a single surgeon using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score. Range of motion, stability, dislocation rate, and neurovascular status were also assessed. Radiographs were evaluated for implant alignment and fit, screw positioning, and implant loosening. results. The mean time to assessment of the range of motion was 3.1 (range, 1.8-3.9) years, and the mean time to assessment of the PRWE score was 4.8 (range, 2.1-7.3) years. The range of motion in each direction and the mean DASH and PRWE scores improved significantly following TWA. Two patients Total wrist arthroplasty using the Universal 2 prosthesis 2012;20(3):365-8 had restricted range of motion, which was treated by manipulation under anaesthetic (after 6 months in one and 8 weeks in the other). One patient underwent excision of a palmar bony bridge. One patient endured extensor pollicis longus rupture and underwent tendon transfer after 5 months. Radiographs revealed no evidence of implant loosening, migration, or malalignment. There was no sign of osteonecrosis in the remaining carpals or metacarpals. conclusion. The Universal 2 TWA achieved significant improvement in range of motion and functional outcome of the wrist, with reduced rates of early joint instability, dislocation, and implant loosening, compared to previous implants. The small implant size and cementless design reduce bone loss and osteonecrosis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery

Frozen shoulder is a common, disabling but self-limiting condition, which typically presents in three stages and ends in resolution. Frozen shoulder is classified as primary (idiopathic) or secondary cases. The aetiology for primary frozen shoulder remains unknown. It is frequently associated with other systemic conditions, most commonly diabetes mellitus, or following periods of immobilisation e.g. stroke disease. Frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed clinically requiring little investigation. Management is controversial and depends on the phase of the condition. Non-operative treatment options for frozen shoulder include analgesia, physiotherapy, oral or intra-articular corticosteroids, and intra-articular distension injections. Operative options include manipulation under anaesthesia and arthroscopic release and are generally reserved for refractory cases.

Rotator cuff disorders are considered to be among the most common causes of shoulder pain and disability encountered in both primary and secondary care.The general pathology of subacromial impingment generally relates to a chronic repetitive process in which the conjoint tendon of the rotator cuff undergoes repetitive compression and micro trauma as it passes under the coracoacromial arch. However acute traumatic injuries may also lead to this condition.Diagnosis remains a clinical one, however advances in imaging modalities have enabled clinicians to have an increased understanding of the pathological process. Ultrasound scanning appears to be a justifiable and cost effective assessment tool following plain radiographs in the assessment of shoulder impingment, with MRI scans being reserved for more complex cases.A period of observed conservative management including the use of NSAIDs, physiotherapy with or without the use of subacromial steroid injections is a well-established and accepted practice. However, in young patients or following any traumatic injury to the rotator cuff, surgery should be considered early. If surgery is to be performed this should be done arthroscopically and in the case of complete rotator cuff rupture the tendon should be repaired where possible.

The assessment and management of patients with instability of the shoulder joint can be challenging, due to the varying ways patients present, the array of different classification systems, the confusing terminology used and the differing potential management strategies. This review article aims to provide a clear explanation of the common concepts in shoulder instability and how they relate to the assessment and management of patients.There are sections covering the mechanisms of shoulder stability, the clinical assessment of patients and imaging techniques. Beyond that there is a discussion on the common classifications systems used and the typical management options.Some patients fall into reasonably well defined categories of classification and in these cases, the management plan is relatively easy to define. Unfortunately, other patients can elude simple classification and in these instances their management requires very careful consideration. Further research may help to facilitate a better understanding of management of the patients in this latter group.