Preoperative Ultrasonography Is Unreliable in Predicting Hamstring Tendon Graft Diameter for ACL Reconstruction.

Background: Hamstring autograft size <8 mm has been shown to be a predictor for failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The ability to predict graft size preoperatively is helpful in counseling patients about the possible need for graft augmentation.

Purpose: To determine whether preoperative ultrasound (US) measurements of hamstring tendons can predict intraoperative graft diameter during ACL reconstruction.

A positive tangent sign predicts the repairability of rotator cuff tears.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that patients with a positive tangent sign will have rotator cuff tears that are not able to be repaired primarily.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the charts of patients who had undergone surgery for repair of a rotator cuff tear. The operative note was reviewed to determine whether the cuff tear was primarily repaired.

Supraspinatus atrophy as a predictor of rotator cuff tear size: an MRI study utilizing the tangent sign.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the degree of supraspinatus atrophy, as assessed with the tangent sign will significantly correlate with increasing rotator cuff tear size.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed assessing presence of muscle atrophy using the tangent sign, fatty atrophy based on Goutallier classification, and size of rotator cuff tear in 34 patients. A correlation analysis was performed.

Hand fractures and dislocations in the developing skeleton.

Management of children's fractures requires a thorough knowledge of the developing skeleton, with recognition of the injury present and its potential course based on mechanism and anatomy, a dedication to complete and repeated clinical and radiologic examinations, and a willingness to intercede if unacceptable angulation or any rotation occurs in the course of treatment. The ability to remodel follows a well-defined course and may be anticipated within certain margins, but expectations of this ability should not be overemphasized or even contemplated outside the direction of joint motion. Growth arrest following injury, although a real concern, remains rare.