The open tendon suture is the most commonly used method of treatment for Achilles tendon rupture in Germany. Over the last decade the therapeutic spectrum of operative methods has been further enlarged by the development of new minimally invasive surgical techniques. Important criteria for planning treatment are the location and age of the rupture and comorbidities. For recent Achilles tendon ruptures minimally invasive suturing is indicated but for older ruptures a reconstruction often has to be carried out. The decisive disadvantage of an open tendon suture is the relatively high risk of infection. Using minimally invasive surgical techniques the frequency of postoperative infection could be significantly reduced. The suture methods without opening the ruptured region can be collectively grouped under the term percutaneous suture techniques and the minimally invasive methods with opening of the rupture region as combined open percutaneous techniques. Documented problems with the Ma-Griffith technique, such as injury of the sural nerve, low stability of the suture and insufficient adaption of the tendon stumps have been minimized by new minimally invasive operation techniques. Achilles tendon ruptures which nearly always arise without any external influence or accidents can have substantial psychological consequences regarding the integrity of one's own body especially for people actively engaged in sport. This aspect should be considered and accepted in particular during postoperative treatment.

Introduction Informed consent documentation is often the first area of interest for lawyers and insurers when a medico-legal malpractice suit is concerned. However, there is a lack of uniformity and standard procedure about obtaining informed consent for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We developed a solution for this need for a pre-designed, evidence-based informed consent form for patients undergoing TKA. Materials and methods We extensively reviewed the literature on the medico-legal aspects of TKA, medico-legal aspects of informed consent, and medico-legal aspects of informed consent in TKA. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with orthopaedic surgeons and patients who had undergone TKA in the previous year. Based on all of the above, we developed an evidence-based informed consent form. The form was then reviewed by a legal expert, and the final version was used for 1 year in actual TKA patients operated at our institution. Results Legally sound, evidence-based Informed Consent Form for Total Knee Arthroplasty. Conclusion The use of legally sound, evidence-based informed consent for total knee arthroplasty would be beneficial to orthopaedic surgeons and patients alike. It would uphold the rights of the patient, promote open discussion and transparency. In the event of a lawsuit, it would be a vital document in the defence of the surgeon and withstand the scrutiny of lawyers and the judiciary.

Lateral ankle sprains account for 15% to 45% of all sports related injuries. Although often considered minor, they can lead to persistent disability in athletes and long term complications. Over the last decade, several studies have provided the opportunity to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Range of Motion is an important physical characteristic in athletes in terms of performance and injury prevention. Goniometry is an easy and cheap method to assess active ankle range of motion (AROM) to establish normative values. We assessed AROM in elite track and field athletes.During 1999-2011, we measured bilaterally the Ankle AROM with the knee extended during an in-season period with a plastic double-arm goniometer in 137 Elite Greek Track and Field Athletes.Male runners (dominant leg=70.90, non dominant leg=70.60) and jumpers(dominant leg=70.90, non dominant=70.90) had a higher mean AROM than throwers (dominant leg=69.20, non dominant=68.60).Female jumpers had a higher mean AROM(dominant leg=73.20, non dominant=72.30 than both runners(dominant leg=69.60, non dominant=69.50) and throwers (dominant leg=69.1, non dominant=69.50) Br J Sports Med 2013;47:e3 31 of 39