Does Gracilis Preservation Matter in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction? A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To analyze the effect of gracilis harvest on hamstring strength, patient-reported outcomes, and anterior knee laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies comparing the results of semitendinosus (ST) versus semitendinosus-gracilis (ST-G) harvest for ACL reconstruction. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed to determine overall pooled estimates of effect for the influence of additional gracilis harvest on hamstring strength, patient-reported outcomes, and anterior knee laxity after ACL reconstruction.

The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Risk of Failure following Meniscus Repair.

It is unknown whether body mass index (BMI) influences outcomes of meniscus repair. We hypothesized that increased BMI would be associated with increased risk of failure. A retrospective study was performed involving patients who had undergone meniscus repair between 2008 and 2012.

Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Versus Soft-Tissue Allograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To describe the outcomes of bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and soft-tissue allografts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with respect to graft failure risk, physical examination findings, instrumented laxity, and patient-reported outcomes.

Methods: A search of the PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Complete, Cochrane Collaboration, and SPORTDiscus databases was performed. English-language studies with outcome data on primary ACL reconstruction with nonirradiated BPTB and soft-tissue allografts were identified.

Timing of C-arm drape contamination.

Background: Surgical site infection remains a concern in orthopedic surgery, and contamination of C-arm covers is a potentially modifiable risk factor.

Methods: A single-cohort study was conducted using 30 consecutive patients undergoing operative fracture fixation. Cultures were obtained from the C-arm cover after initial draping and every 20 min thereafter.

Use of an acellular regenerative tissue matrix in combination with vacuum-assisted closure therapy for treatment of a diabetic foot wound.

Unlabelled: Diabetic foot ulcers can be difficult to treat for a variety of reasons, and may result in amputation. The use of skin grafts can often be a useful method of achieving wound coverage and subsequent healing of diabetic foot ulcers; however, this method of treatment requires creation of a donor site wound that adds to the patient's overall wound burden. Application of an acellular regenerative tissue matrix may eliminate the need for harvesting a skin graft in order to cover a nonhealing wound.

A safe, easy, and inexpensive technique for patient positioning in shoulder surgery.

We describe a technique that uses the Vac Pac (Olympic Medical, Seattle, WA) for patient positioning in shoulder surgery. This technique is well-liked by anesthesiologists, nurses, and operating room staff because of its ease and simplicity. If careful attention is given to detail during positioning, problems with encroachment on the operative field can be avoided.