Functional study of glenohumeral ligaments.

Background: The glenohumeral ligaments are passive stabilising anatomical structures of the shoulder which, in synergy with the other active and passive stabilising structures, enable joint movement and cohesion. The purpose of this study is to analyse the isolated and synergic function of the glenohumeral ligaments by using a tetrapolar detection system with computer analysis.

Methods: In a study performed on cadavers after anatomical dissection, detector electrodes were positioned on the individual ligaments and recordings were made of bioelectric impedance and, consequently, the resistance, which is an indicator of the state of tension or relaxation of the ligamentous complex.

Patellar instability: combined treatment with Goldthwait technique and arthroscopic lateral release.

Patellar instability is a frequent cause of knee pain in childhood and adolescence. Treatment is usually conservative especially after a single episode of dislocation, although in cases of recurrence the surgical option needs to be evaluated. The techniques proposed involve only soft tissues in order to preserve the skeletal maturation.

Arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic bipartite patella.

Successful arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic bipartite patella in a 23-year-old female professional volleyball player is reported.

Surgical treatment of an unstable varus knee: one-stage or two-stage?

We present a case of a young female athlete with chronic knee instability and constitutional varus limb, in which the failure of an initial stabilising operation required multiple operations to correct the unstable varus knee: in particular valgus osteotomy and ligament reconstruction using contralateral patellar tendon were performed in two staged operations in order to minimise surgical aggression, optimise rehabilitation and prevent postop complications. The final result is evaluated according to the IKDC chart as normal category A.