Outcomes After Rheumatic Mitral Valve Repair in Children.

Background: It has been shown that mitral valve repair is superior to mechanical replacement in children with rheumatic heart disease; however there are limited data on the factors affecting the long-term durability of repaired mitral valves. This study describes outcomes after rheumatic mitral valve repair, with adaptation of a risk score to clarify some novel predictors of repair instability.

Methods: A total of 79 children (median age, 11.

Total knee replacement and patellofemoral pain.

Background: The decision to resurface the patella or not during total knee replacement (TKR) is a controversial issue. During primary TKR some surgeons routinely resurface the patella, others operate a selective policy and a third group never resurfaces the patella.

Aim: This study attempts to investigate the relationship of patellofemoral knee pain and TKR.

A new mechanical testing device for measuring anteroposterior knee laxity.

Background: The authors assessed a new instrument, the Rolimeter, for the measurement of anteroposterior translation in the knee; it was compared to the KT-1000 arthrometer.

Purpose: To determine if the Rolimeter offers a valid method for the measurement of anteroposterior translation that is as reproducible and reliable as the KT-1000 arthrometer.

Methods: Two of 3 observers examined 16 normal subjects (32 knees) and 36 patients (72 knees) with ligament ruptures twice, using both the Rolimeter and the KT-1000 arthrometers, 30 minutes apart.

Hemiarthroplasty for severe fractures of the proximal humerus.

Twenty-two patients were followed up at a mean of 33 months after hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures. Of these, 13 underwent surgery within 30 days of injury and 9 after a mean of 13 months. Outcome was assessed by pain, range of motion, function, stability, and strength.