Evaluation of the treatment of hallux rigidus by percutaneous surgery.

This longitudinal prospective study of 22 patients (26 feet) aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous surgery in the treatment of hallux rigidus, and to assess patient satisfaction with the result of this surgical approach. Pain levels (VAS), quality of life (SF-12) and clinical stage (AOFAS) were scored prior to surgery and 18 months after surgery. Pain relief was noted in all cases, with mean pain scores falling from 7.

Predictors for blood transfusion following total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomised study.

A prospective randomised study was conducted on 121 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, to identify factors predicting the need for postoperative transfusion. Patients were additionally distributed into two groups, one of which received local adrenaline into the surgical field before wound closure, while the other served as control. A statistically significant correlation was noted between preoperative haemoglobin level, haematocrit and erythrocyte count and the need for transfusion; haemoglobin level emerged as the main predictor.

Hydroxyapatite-coated stems with metaphyseal and diaphyseal press-fit. Eleven-year follow-up results.

We report the 11-year follow-up results of 52 unilateral primary hip arthroplasties performed with hydroxyapatite-coated stems. The femoral prosthesis used was a collarless titanium alloy implant, with proximal circumferential hydroxyapatite coating and increased distal thickness to fit the proximal diaphyseal region of the femur. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Merle d'Aubigné Hip Score.

Modifications of the normal sonographic image in gluteal fibrosis.

There is no reference in the literature to the use of sonography in the diagnosis of muscular fibrosis. In this paper we report the sonographic findings observed in forty patients who had marked limitation of flexion of the hip joint and tightness and atrophy of the gluteal muscles from increased fibrous tissue in the gluteal musculature.