No abstract

The practicality of real-time sonoelastography in the diagnosis of tendinopathy is being discussed since the beginning of its use in musculoskeletal system. The aims of this study were to compare the elasticity of pathologic supraspinatus tendon with the uninvolved side by sonoelastography and to determine the relationship between the sonoelastographic findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grade of the tendinosis. Eighty-2 patients (50 males, 32 females, mean ± SD age = 53.61 ± 16.15 years, range = 20–84 years) with unilateral supraspinatus tendinosis were included in this study. Three grades of tendinosis were identified in MRI (grade 1: mild, grade 2: moderate, and grade 3: severe). The strain ratio (SR) of the tendinosis area to the healthy normal area of the same tendon tissue and SR of the tendinosis area to ipsilateral subcutaneous fat tissue were evaluated with sonoelastography. The SRs of the tendinosis areas were also compared with the control (contralateral) side tendon tissue and subcutaneous fat tissue of the same patients. Between-groups comparisons were also done according to the MRI grading. Statistical analysis was done using paired t test (P < 0.005 was considered statistically significant). There was a statistically significant difference in the comparison of the SRs of the tendinosis areas to subcutaneous fat tissues on ipsilateral shoulders (TA/SFT) and the healthy supraspinatus tendon area (TA/ST) of the same shoulder. There was also statistically significant difference when compared with the control side measurements (P < 0.01). In patients who have grade 1 and grade 3 tendinosis on MRI, there was statistically significant difference between elastrographic evaluation of affected and unaffected sides. Real-time sonoelastography is a reliable diagnostic method in patients with rotator cuff tendinosis and shall be kept in mind as a noninvasive, inexpensive, and practical diagnostic test in suitable cases.

Objectives This study aims to mechanically compare five different extra-focal bi-cortical pin configurations (using two and three pins) employed for fixation of a simulated unstable extra-articular distal radius fracture with dorsal comminution using a sawbone model. Materials and methods This in vitro mechanical study was conducted between June 2019 and July 2019. A standard fracture model (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen [AO] type 23-A3.3) was created using a fourth generation composite artificial radius bone. Five groups with two- and three-pin configurations were tested under axial, volar, and dorsal loading with a universal test device. Mean stiffness values were compared statistically. Results Comparison of stiffness values from axial and volar loading tests between groups in paired comparison showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.194 and p=0.086, respectively). Dorsal loading tests showed statistically significant difference between the groups in pairwise comparison (p=0.002). Three-pin groups (Groups 3, 4, and 5) had higher stiffness values compared to two-pin groups (Groups 1 and 2) in dorsal loading tests (p=0.001). Three-pin configuration test groups with two divergent or convergent pins from the radial styloid performed better compared to both two-pin groups (p=0.01, p=0.002) in dorsal loading tests. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that the three-pin configuration with two divergent or convergent Kirschner wires from the styloid and a third wire from the dorsal/ulnar cortex had higher stiffness values compared to two-pin configurations in dorsal loading tests. When indicated, we suggest the use of a three-pin construct. Particularly in cases with a risk of volar angulation, we recommend a three-pin configuration with two divergent or convergent bi-cortical Kirschner wires.

Effects of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees on self-reported mobility, quality of life, and psychological states in patients with transfemoral amputations

Study Design: Biomechanical study.Purpose: This study investigates the benefits of supplemental hook fixation (SHF) on short-segment pedicle instrumentation (SSPI) in relation to anterior strut graft positioning. In addition, it seeks to determine whether the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) affects the stability of the spinal construct. Overview of Literature: Implant and/or bone failure with progressive kyphotic deformity after SSPI is common. To prevent this, several approaches are available, including SHF, anterior strut grafting, use of longer spinal constructs, and extension of the fusion to additional adjacent segments. Methods: A total of eight calf spines were instrumented with SSPI (n=4) and SHF (n=4) with strain gauges on the implants. Strain measurements were performed under axial compression in the following order: intact spine, corpectomy, ventral positioned strut grafting, posterior positioned strut grafting, ventral positioned grafting with resected PLC, and corpectomy with resected PLC. Results: The SHF group showed slightly lower strain values than SSPI in instrumented corpectomy-only specimens, but there were no statistically significant differences between them (p>0.05). The SHF group was significantly more stable than SSPI when strut grafting is employed, regardless of the location of the grafts (p=0.000). In the SSPI group, ventral positioning of the graft contributed significantly to the stability (p=0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between the ventral or posterior positioning of the graft in the SHF group (p=0.187). In addition, the integrity of the PLC did not affect stability in either group (p>0.005). Conclusions: Although not statistically significant, our investigation demonstrated that the most stable method was the SHF along with ventral positioned strut graft. However, if the SSPI is the treatment of choice, ventral positioned strut graft support will be useful in minimizing the risk of implant failure and progressive kyphotic deformity.