Integrity and function of the subscapularis after total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Reported healing rates of a subscapularis tenotomy have been extremely variable in the literature. The purpose of this study was to document the subscapularis healing rate after subscapularis tenotomy using ultrasound, and to correlate healing with physical examination findings and shoulder internal rotation strength.

Methods: Fifteen patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty due to unilateral osteoarthritis were evaluated after a minimum of 6 months follow-up with ultrasound, physical examination, and internal rotation strength testing.

Golf after total knee arthroplasty: do patients return to walking the course?

Background: Golf provides an opportunity for relatively low-impact exercise for nearly all age groups and is considered a recommended activity for patients after total knee arthroplasty.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that total knee arthroplasty would afford patients increased ability to participate in and enjoy golf, allowing a large percentage of these patients to walk the golf course.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

A meta-analysis of patellar tendon autograft versus patellar tendon allograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: Studies have suggested good long-term success rates with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft and BPTB allograft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, but the numbers reported in available prospective studies may be underpowered to elucidate significant differences between the two groups. Here, we present a meta-analysis to compare the results of BPTB autograft and BPTB allograft in primary ACL reconstruction.

Methods: A systematic review of prospective trials using BPTB autograft and BPTB allograft tissue for ACL reconstruction with a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed.

Reduction in early dislocation rate with large-diameter femoral heads in primary total hip arthroplasty.

Large-diameter femoral heads, which may reduce dislocation, are used without extensive in vivo research. Two studies were done to determine relative dislocation rates. Study 1 compared dislocation rates in primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) using 28- or 38-mm heads.

Radial head fractures.

Radial head fractures are the most common adult elbow fracture. Our ability to treat these fractures has improved with increased understanding of elbow biomechanics. Based on fracture type, possible treatment includes nonoperative management, open reduction and internal fixation, radial head resection, and replacement arthroplasty.

Anti-inflammatory effects of PPAR-gamma agonists directly correlate with PPAR-gamma expression during acute pancreatitis.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-inducible transcription factors that regulate cellular energy and lipid metabolism. PPAR-gamma agonists also have potent anti-inflammatory properties through down-regulation of early inflammatory response genes. The role of PPAR-gamma in acute pancreatitis has not been adequately examined.

A conscious mouse model of gastric ileus using clinically relevant endpoints.

Background: Gastric ileus is an unsolved clinical problem and current treatment is limited to supportive measures. Models of ileus using anesthetized animals, muscle strips or isolated smooth muscle cells do not adequately reproduce the clinical situation. Thus, previous studies using these techniques have not led to a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of ileus.

Serum uric acid independently predicts mortality in patients with significant, angiographically defined coronary disease.

Background: Uric acid is a nontraditional risk factor implicated in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study prospectively evaluated the predictive value of serum uric acid (SUA) levels for mortality after angiographic diagnosis of CAD.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 1,595 consecutive, consenting patients with significant, angiographically defined CAD (stenosis 70%).

Trends in research support and productivity in the changing environment of academic surgery.

Background: We hypothesized that the changing environment of academic surgery has resulted in a decrease in surgical research funding and basic surgical research productivity of academic departments of surgery.

Materials And Methods: Trends in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants to Departments of Medicine and Surgery were analyzed from 1992 to 1999. To assess trends in research productivity, selected basic science journals were screened from 1988 to 1999 for the number of basic research publications where authors cited affiliation with a Department of Medicine or Surgery.

Beta-blockers reduce the incidence of clinical restenosis: prospective study of 4840 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization.

Background: Restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI) remains a serious complication in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Although beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (BBs) effectively reduce many cardiac events, no large prospective studies have examined the association of BBs with restenosis.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated the association of BBs (prescribed at hospital discharge) with clinical restenosis in 4840 patients who underwent stent placement (60%), balloon angioplasty (32%), or rotational atherectomy (8%).