[Echotomography in the study of the pathology of Achilles tendon].

Achilles tendon was evaluated by B scan ultrasound in 54 cases (20 normal and 34 symptomatic subjects). The ultrasonographic features of tendon's diseases were correlated with the anatomical patterns. On the basis on their experience, the authors concluded that ultrasonography is a simple and highly accurate method for the diagnosis of Achilles tendon diseases and that it should be the initial imaging procedure.

Arthroscopy of the shoulder.

The operative technique and indications for shoulder arthroscopy have been reviewed, with a description of proper technique and instrumentation. Visualization within the joint is usually superior to visualization with arthrotomy. With the refinement of techniques and equipment, it is expected that the frequency of transarthroscopic procedures will increase in the near future.

Radiographic abnormalities of the iliac apophysis in adolescent athletes.

Nine of thirteen adolescent patients with a diagnosis of a so-called hip-pointer injury demonstrated a discontinuity of the anterior part of the iliac apophysis on radiographs. Eight of the nine patients improved with conservative treatment and there was total resolution of symptoms in one to eight months. The remaining patient, who was skeletally mature at the time of writing, continued to have recurrent symptoms of discomfort over the iliac crest during athletic activity.

Stress fractures of the femur in runners.

Early diagnosis, followed by conservative management, permitted five of six long-distance runners to return to running after they had suffered stress fractures of the femur. The sixth patient developed a displaced fracture of the femoral neck which was openly reduced and internally fixated at surgery: this athlete returned to marathoning one year later. In the series there were two fractures of the femoral neck and four of the proximal medical shaft of the femur.

The modification Bristow-Helfet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder subluxations and dislocations.

A review of 107 cases in which the Bristow-Helfet procedure was done for recurrent anterior shoulder subluxation and dislocation is presented. The redislocation rate was 2% with very few complications. Eighty-nine percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure.

Staple capsulorrhaphy for recurrent posterior shoulder dislocation.

Recurrent posterior shoulder dislocation or subluxation is uncommon but occurs occasionally in athletes. Ten patients were treated with a posterior shoulder staple capsulorrhaphy. A posterior Bankhart-type-lesion was found in all cases.

Pes anserinus transplantation without a routine medial meniscectomy: a review of twenty-two cases.

Of 549 pes anserinus transplantations performed at the National Athletic Health Institute, Inglewood, California from 1971 through 1977, only 27 involved the transfer for anteromedial rotational instability in the presence of an intact medial meniscus. The 22 patients reviewed were evaluated with a questionnaire, physical and roentgenogram examinations, and hamstring and quadriceps muscle testing with Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer. Average length of follow-up was one year, four months.

Isolated lateral meniscectomy. A study of twenty-six patients with isolated tears.

To better define the role that the lateral meniscus plays in stabilizing the knee, a study was made of twenty-six patients who had an uncomplicated lateral meniscectomy between 1972 and 1977. Patients with any degree of ligament instability, cruciate or collateral, prior to lateral meniscectomy were eliminated from the study. Also eliminated were any patients with roentgenographic evidence of degenerative arthrits, osteochondritis dissecans, or loose bodies.

Correctable elbow lesions in professional baseball players: a review of 25 cases.

In a retrospective study, 20 of 25 professional baseball pitchers (mean age, 24 years; range, 19 to 28 years) who had had a reconstructive surgical procedure on the dominant elbow had satisfactory results (able to return to competitive throwing for one full season or more after surgery). Gentle motion wasinitiated 1 week after the operation on each patient. Exercises for mobilization and muscle strengthening of grip, arm, and shoulder were increased until throwing was initiated 10 to 12 weeks postoperatively.

The Cybex II evaluation of surgically repaired Achilles tendon ruptures.

Thirty-two patients with 33 complete ruptures of the Achilles tendon with surgical repair were evaluated with the Cybex II isokinetic unit. The evaluations were performed from 6 to 144 months postoperatively. The repaired Achilles tendon had a 16.

Fractures of the distal femoral epiphyses. Factors influencing prognosis: a review of thirty-four cases.

In a review of thirty-four fractures through the distal femoral epiphyseal plate followed for an average of four years, limb-length discrepancy of 2.0 centimeters or more (measured roentgenographically) occurred in 36% and varus or valgus deformity measured as a difference of 5 degrees or more between the involved and uninvolved extremities occurred in 33%. Reconstructive procedures (osteotomy, epiphyseodesis, or both) were required in 20%.

Analysis of 100 patients with anterolateral rotatory instability of the knee.

Of 100 consecutive patients with anterolateral rotatory instability analyzed, 84 were males and the average age was 27.4 years. Over 50 per cent were injured while participating in athletics and 40 per cent were injured during daily activities.

The modified Bristow procedure for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder.

A review of fifty-one cases of the modified Bristow procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability is presented. The results were favorable. The redislocation rate was 2% with few complications.