Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with a looped semitendinosus tendon, using knotless anchor fixation on the patella and hybrid fixation on the femur.

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a reliable surgical method for stabilizing a dislocating patella, with multiple techniques previously described. Although outcomes are generally favorable, the procedure is technically demanding and relies on precise identification of native MPFL insertion sites, secure fixation of the graft to these sites, and appropriate graft tension. We describe a technique for MPFL reconstruction with a looped semitendinosus tendon.

Distal biceps tendon injuries--current treatment options.

Three percent of all biceps tendon ruptures occur at the distal aspect, where the tendon inserts into the radial tuberosity. Distal bicep tendon ruptures typically occur in middle-aged males after an eccentric extension load is applied to the elbow. Patients usually complain of a sudden, sharp, and painful tearing sensation in the antecubital region, with a palpable defect.

Assessment of arthroscopic training in U.S. orthopedic surgery residency programs--a resident self-assessment.

Background: There has been an increasing number of arthroscopic surgeries performed in general orthopedic surgery practice, as well as a rapid evolution of arthroscopic techniques. The objective of this investigation was to assess the adequacy of arthroscopic training in U.S.

Can the Bio-Transfx pin fail during initial ACL graft insertion?

Background: The Bio-Transfix pin is a biodegradable device used for femoral tunnel anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft fixation. Recent clinical studies have suggested the possibility of the pin's postoperative failure.

Methods: This investigation evaluates the initial strength of several Bio-Transfix pin ACL fixations in a simulated femoral tunnel model.

A double-blind, randomized, saline-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of EUFLEXXA for treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee, with an open-label safety extension (the FLEXX trial).

Objective: To report the FLEXX trial, the first well-controlled study assessing the safety and efficacy of Euflexxa (1% sodium hyaluronate; IA-BioHA) therapy for knee osteoarthritis (OA) at 26 weeks.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, saline-controlled study. Subjects with chronic knee OA were randomized to 3 weekly intra-articular (IA) injections of either buffered saline (IA-SA) or IA-BioHA (20 mg/2 ml).

Hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation and osteoarthritis: current uses and future directions.

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation is gaining popularity as a treatment option in the nonoperative management of patients with osteoarthritis. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory, anabolic, and chondroprotective actions of hyaluronic acid reduce pain and improve patient function. With evidence mounting in support of the efficacy of this treatment modality for patients with osteoarthritis, its potential use in additional patient populations and for other pathologies affecting the knee is being investigated.

Rugby injuries: a review of concepts and current literature.

Rugby football continues to grow in popularity internation- ally and within the United States. In 1995, rugby union, one form of rugby, turned from amateur to professional through- out Europe, increasing the potential for monetary reward, which, in turn, secondary to higher levels of play, increased the risk of injury. With this increased higher interest and the increasing number of inexperienced and professional players in the U.

The modified racking hitch(MRH) knot: a new sliding knot for arthroscopic surgery.

Sliding knots are commonly used in arthroscopic surgery and can be problematic in terms of strength and loop security. A new sliding knot for arthroscopic surgery, a modified racking hitch (MRH) knot, is described. The knot is essentially a modified cow's hitch knot that includes two self-locking loops.

Lower extremity injuries in the skeletally immature athlete.

The heightened intensity of training and competition among young athletes places them at increased risk for both acute and chronic injuries. Prompt recognition and treatment of such injuries are critical to prevent long-term functional disability and deformity. These injuries occur in patterns unique to the skeletally immature athlete, given their developing epiphyses and ossification centers and supporting ligamentous structures.

A survey of decision-making processes in the treatment of common shoulder ailments among primary care physicians.

To encourage consistent care for patients with musculoskeletal complaints, the AAOS developed treatment algorithms to aid primary care physicians in the management of these patients. A survey was designed to assess whether a random group of primary care physicians treated their patients in a manner consistent with these algorithms. The AAOS algorithm for shoulder pain was used to develop a questionnaire for primary care physicians.

Outcomes of meniscal repair: minimum of 2-year follow-up.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the success rate of meniscal repair achieved in our sports medicine practice, particularly with interest in characterizing the outcomes observed with the newer all-inside repair devices.

Type Of Study: Retrospective chart review with telephone follow-up.

Methods: 157 patients that had undergone a meniscal repair procedure between 1996 and 2001 were identified.

Shoulder and elbow injuries in the skeletally immature athlete.

The intensity of training and competition among young athletes can place them at increased risk of acute and chronic injuries, which occur in patterns unique to the skeletally immature athlete. Prompt recognition and treatment of these injuries are critical to prevent long-term functional disability and deformity. Children and adolescents participating in recreational and organized sports are particularly susceptible to a broad spectrum of shoulder and elbow injuries involving both osseous and soft-tissue structures.

SLAP lesions of the shoulder.

SLAP lesions are becoming a more recognized cause of shoulder pain and disability. The diagnosis of these lesions is difficult due to vague symptoms and high degree of overlap with other shoulder disorders, and this requires a high index of suspicion. Advances in MR arthrography may lead to advances in preoperative diagnosis of labral tears, but definitive diagnosis, classification, and management is greatly facilitated with the use of the shoulder arthroscopy.

Athletic ergogenic aids.

Claims championing exotic substances that produce healing or ergogenic powers have been around for centuries. The competitive, peer-pressured environment enveloping today's athletes and adolescence makes these groups particularly susceptible to the uproar surrounding the current ergogenic aid market. Presently, it seems that rumor and anecdotal information overwhelms the available scientific data.

The incidence and outcome of patella fractures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: The study was performed to determine the incidence and eventual outcome of patella fractures after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions using bone-patella tendon-bone autograft.

Type Of Study: Retrospective review.

Methods: Between 1989 to 1999, 618 consecutive primary, single-incision bone-patella tendon-bone autograft ACL reconstructive procedures were performed by 3 surgeons at our institution.