Influence of glenosphere design and material on clinical outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: The aim of this multicentre retrospective study was to compare reverse total shoulder arthroplasty clinical outcomes with glenospheres of different diameters, designs and materials.

Methods: Between 2003 and 2008, 133 patients were divided into three groups: 60 (45%) with 36-mm standard CoCrMo (group A), 21 (16%) with 36-mm eccentric cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) (group B) and 52 (39%) with 44-mm cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (X-UHMWPE) (group C) glenospheres. Mean (SD) follow-up was 38.

Mid-term results of complex distal humeral fractures.

The aim of this study was to assess outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation in complex fractures of the distal humerus. Between 2000 and 2006, 34 patients were operated for complex fractures of the distal humerus. Bone fixation was obtained with a reverse Y-shaped reconstruction plate in 13 cases and with double plating in 21 cases.

The four-strand staggered suture for flexor tendon repair: in vitro biomechanical study.

Purpose: To assess in vitro biomechanical properties of a 4-strand flexor tendon suture compared to 3 established suture techniques. This technique, which is made of 2 alternating and staggered sutures, one external to the tendon and the other internal, must be sufficiently resistant to withstand loads applied by modern, early active mobilization protocols.

Methods: Forty flexor hallucis longus tendons were harvested from fresh cadavers, cut, and repaired using 4 different suture techniques (Strickland, Wolfe, modified Savage, and a new technique called 4-strand staggered).

Linked semi-constrained total elbow prosthesis in chronic arthritis: results of 18 cases.

During the second half of the 1900s, total elbow joint replacement began its ascent. Since then, many prosthetic models have been used. The main objective of elbow joint replacement in arthritic diseases is to decrease pain, increase joint stability and improve overall range of motion.

Tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients.

Tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries which, if not adequately treated, can lead to invalidating sequelae. They constitute on average about 1% of all fractures, and up to 8% in patients over 65 years, and can be caused by both high- and low-energy trauma. Unlike in younger subjects, treatment of tibial plateau fractures in the elderly is not univocal and depends on the patient's functional needs, bone quality and systemic comorbidities.

Complex fractures of the distal radius treated with angular stability plates.

Complex fractures of the distal radius are articular lesions and comminuted at the level of the epiphysis and metaphysis. Their treatment is difficult and in most cases surgical. Of all the different osteosynthesis methods available, internal fixation with plate and screws is the most commonly used.

Talar fractures: long-term results.

Background: talar fractures are rare and potentially invalidating injuries. Traditional x-ray projections often do not provide comprehensive and exhaustive view of the talus; in order to determine the best therapeutic strategy and obtain early and precise prognostic data diagnostic examination usually includes oblique projections and computed tomography scans. In displaced fractures treatment is surgical, with percutaneous or open osteosynthesis.

Combined arthroscopic and radioscopic management of tibial plateau fractures: report of 18 clinical cases.

Tibial plateau fractures are complex lesions capable of causing severe consequences if not appropriately treated. They are often the result of a high-energy trauma and, not rarely, are associated with significant soft-tissue and intra-articular injuries. Different therapeutic options can be managed in the treatment of these lesions.