Augmented (Massachusetts General Hospital) Becker technique combined with static splinting in extensor tendons repairs zones III to VI: functional outcome at three months.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of the augmented Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Becker extensor tendon repair, a strong 4-strand technique that allows mobilization of repaired tendons after only 3 weeks of postoperative static splinting.

Methods: In the prospective study, we used the augmented Becker (MGH) suturing technique with 4-0 Ethilon. Eighteen patients had extensor tendon lacerations repaired with augmented Becker (MGH) technique.

Value of measuring subpopulations of T and B lymphocytes in patients with musculoskeletal tumours.

Background: Aims of our study were to assess the clinical value of measuring subpopulations of T and B lymphocytes in patients with musculoskeletal tumours as an immunodiagnostic procedure in the primary diagnosis of tumours.

Methods: In this prospective study, blood samples were obtained from 145 patients aged 04-98 years with musculoskeletal tumours. CD3, CD4, CD8, Helper/Suppressor ratio and CD19 subpopulations of lymphocytes were measured in specimens of whole blood in EDTA, upon the principle of Ortho Cytoron Absolute flow cytometry.