Evaluation of 3 Fixation Devices for Tibial-Sided Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Backup Fixation.

We conducted a study to biomechanically evaluate 3 methods of tibial-sided fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: fully threaded interference screw only, interference screw backed with 4.75-mm SwiveLock anchor, and fully threaded bio-interference screw backed with 4.5-mm bicortical screw (all Arthrex).

A comparison of standard and high-flexion knees: are we getting what we expected?

Some patients have been less than satisfied with flexion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). As early designs provided limited flexion, companies have developed high-flexion designs. We conducted a study to compare flexion between 2 standard and 3 high-flexion designs and to compare clinical and radiographic postoperative flexion.

Angle stable nails provide improved healing for a complex fracture model in the femur.

Background: Conventional nails are being used for an expanding range of fractures from simple to more complex. Angle stable designs are a relatively new innovation; however, it is unknown if they will improve healing for complex fractures.

Questions/purposes: When comparing traditional and angle stable nails to treat complex open canine femur fractures, the current study addressed the following questions: do the two constructs differ in (1) radiographic evidence of bone union across the cortices; (2) stability as determined by toggle (torsional motion with little accompanying torque) and angular deformation; (3) biomechanical properties, including stiffness in bending, axial compression, and torsional loading, and construct failure properties in torsion; and (4) degree of bone tissue mineralization?

Methods: Ten hounds with a 1-cm femoral defect and periosteal stripping were treated with a reamed titanium angle stable or nonangle stable nail after the creation of a long soft tissue wound.

Measured flexion following total knee arthroplasty.

Postoperative flexion is an important factor in the outcome of total knee arthroplasty. Although normal activities of daily living require a minimum of 105° to 110° of flexion, patients from non-Western cultures often engage in activities such as kneeling and squatting that require higher flexion. The desire to achieve greater flexion serves as the driving force for prosthetic modifications, including high-flexion designs.

Surface roughness of femoral head prostheses after dislocation.

The effects of damaged femoral heads on long-term wear in total hip arthroplasties are not well known. In the study reported here, we compared the surface roughness of dislocated femoral heads, retrieved at time of revision, with that of heads revised for reasons other than dislocation. The dislocated heads, including 6 cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr), 2 oxidized zirconium, and 2 alumina (ceramic) heads, were compared with nondislocated Co-Cr and ceramic heads.

The pathology of the end-stage osteoarthritic lesion of the knee: potential role in cartilage repair.

The purpose was to explore whether there were any pathological characteristics of the end-stage osteoarthritic sclerotic lesion that have potential to participate in cartilage repair. Specimens harvested following total knee surgery were examined for gross pathology including staining with Safranin O. Multiple small sections of the lesion were placed in tissue culture for 6 weeks.

Cementless femoral fixation in total hip arthroplasty.

Cementless femoral fixation by means of bone ingrowth has been successful in total hip arthroplasty in patients with sufficient bone quality. Consistent bone ingrowth and resultant long-term success involve many factors, including surgical technique, initial mechanical stability achieved at time of implantation, stem design and material, and implant surface. One potential method for achieving faster, more consistent initial bone ingrowth is use of the osteoconductive ceramic hydroxyapatite.

Incidence of 'squeaking' after ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty.

Unlabelled: The incidence of hip "squeak" associated with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings has been variably reported, ranging from 0.7% to 20.9%.