Interfragmentary suture fixation for displaced acute type II distal clavicle fractures.

Objectives: Stable fixation of displaced type II distal clavicle fractures presents a challenge to the surgeon because of distal fragment comminution and the large deforming forces created by the weight of the arm. We hypothesized that suture fixation around the coracoid and interfragmentary suture fixation would adequately counteract these forces and lead to a high rate of union and restoration of function.

Design: This is a retrospective study of 20 sequential patients treated between 1997 and 2009.

The effect of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein 2 on initial healing of a rotator cuff defect in a rat model.

This animal study evaluated the healing of supraspinatus tendon tears by use of a cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein 2 growth factor (CDMP-2) delivered to the repair. Forty-eight rats had bilateral, surgically created complete tears repaired by sutures with the growth factor introduced on one side. They were killed at 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks, and the strength of the repairs was determined and histologic analysis performed.