Arthroscopic versus open repair for traumatic anterior shoulder instability: a meta-analysis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the literature to determine whether open or arthroscopic surgical repair for traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability results in a better outcome.

Type Of Study: Meta-analysis.

Methods: The search involved clinical studies in all languages in the MEDLINE database from 1966 to October 31, 2003.

Regional antibiotic prophylaxis in elbow surgery.

In this study we describe a technique for the delivery of regional antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing elbow surgery and compare tissue antibiotic concentrations achieved by this technique with those achieved by standard systemic intravenous prophylaxis. We collected bone and fat samples from patients undergoing elective elbow surgery who had received regional antibiotic prophylaxis and measured the tissue antibiotic concentration. For comparison, we measured the antibiotic concentration in bone and fat samples taken from patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery who had received systemic prophylaxis.

Biomechanical analysis of five fixation techniques used in glenohumeral arthrodesis.

Background: The purpose of the present study is to compare five fixation techniques in shoulder fusion. The most common complications resulting from shoulder fusion, non-union and unacceptable arm position, might reflect a failure to achieve rigid fixation during the surgical procedure.

Methods: Twenty-five shoulder fusions were carried out on human cadaveric specimens using the following techniques: screw fixation, external fixation, external fixation supplemented with screw fixation, single plate fixation and double plate fixation.