Anabolic androgenic steroids reverse the beneficial effect of exercise on tendon biomechanics: an experimental study.

Background: The effect of anabolic androgenic steroids on tendons has not yet been fully elucidated. Aim of the present study was the evaluation of the impact of anabolic androgenic steroids on the biomechanical and histological characteristics of Achilles tendons.

Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups with exercise and anabolic steroids (nandrolone decanoate) serving as variables.

Mechanical comparison of two types of fixation for ludloff oblique first metatarsal osteotomy.

The Ludloff oblique metatarsal osteotomy is an effective method to correct hallux valgus deformity, although a number of problems have been associated with it, including inherent instability, delayed union, dorsal malunion, and fixation failure. The purpose of the present study was to compare the mechanical characteristics of fixation of the Ludloff osteotomy in 20 identical synthetic bone models, 10 fixated using 2 screws (group I) and 10 fixated using 2 screws augmented with a mini locking plate (group II). Each specimen was loaded to failure, and the mean average load to failure, stiffness, and absorbed energy to failure were compared using unpaired Student's t test.