Radiofrequency Microtenotomy for Elbow Epicondylitis: Midterm Results.

We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized, single-center clinical study to evaluate the safety and midterm effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the elbow. All patients had failed conservative treatment for 6 months. The radiofrequency-based microtenotomy was performed using the Topaz Microdebrider (ArthroCare).

Visualization of the extra-articular portion of the long head of the biceps tendon during intra-articular shoulder arthroscopy.

Purpose: To quantify the amount of the extra-articular long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) seen during intra-articular shoulder arthroscopy by pulling the tendon into the joint with a probe through an anterior portal while viewing through a standard posterior portal.

Methods: Intra-articular shoulder arthroscopy was performed on 10 forequarter cadaveric specimens. The extra-articular portion of the LHBT was evaluated by pulling the tendon into the joint with an arthroscopic probe inserted through an anterior portal.

A biomechanical assessment of tendon repair after radiofrequency treatment.

After acute tendon injury, rapid mobilization prevents adhesions and improves the ultimate strength of the repair. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is proposed to enhance angiogenesis in the early stages of healing. The mechanism and effect of RF have not yet been described in an animal model of tendon injury.

Augmentation of tendon healing with butyric acid-impregnated sutures: biomechanical evaluation in a rabbit model.

Background: Butyric acid (BA) has been shown to be angiogenic and to enhance transcriptional activity in tissue. These properties of BA have the potential to augment biological healing of a repaired tendon.

Purpose: To evaluate this possibility both biomechanically and histologically in an animal tendon repair model.

Adhesive capsulitis.

Adhesive capsulitis is a common problem seen in the general population by orthopedic surgeons. It is a problem that causes patients pain and disability, and symptoms can last up to 2 years and longer. The questions of when and how to treat the frozen shoulder can present challenges.

Blood salvage in total hip and knee arthroplasty in a community hospital: a retrospective study.

Purposes: To assess the results of postoperative and intra-operative blood salvage in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty, respectively, and to determine if both methods of blood salvage reduce allogeneic transfusion.

Methods: Of 229 patients who attempted blood salvage, 114 of 152 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty received the salvaged blood postoperatively, 35 of 77 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty received the salvaged blood intra-operatively. Various data were collected to assess whether certain factors resulted in autologous and/or allogeneic blood transfusions.

Nonoperative treatment of hip fractures.

We retrospectively reviewed a population database and a case series to compare the mortality of operative and nonoperative treatment of hip fractures in patients with severe comorbidity. Nonoperative treatment of hip fractures (bed rest or early weight bearing) was administered based on medical assessment of perioperative risk. Comparison of 30-day mortality was performed between the nonoperatively and operatively treated groups.

Bioabsorbable implants in orthopaedics: new developments and clinical applications.

The use of bioabsorbable implants in orthopaedic surgical procedures is becoming more frequent. Advances in polymer science have allowed the production of implants with the mechanical strength necessary for such procedures. Bioabsorbable materials have been utilized for the fixation of fractures as well as for soft-tissue fixation.

Multiquadrant digital analysis of shoulder capsular thickness.

Purpose: Nonablative thermal capsular shrinkage has been developed in an attempt to address the plastic capsule deformation thought to cause increased rates of recurrent instability following arthroscopic stabilization procedures. Although the temperature required to optimize collagen shrinkage is known, a safe depth of thermal penetration, in various locations about the shoulder capsule, has not been defined. The purpose of this study was to measure shoulder capsule thickness by quadrant and circumferentially from the glenoid to the humerus so that thermal energy in shoulder procedures can be more precisely applied to limit possible injury to pericapsular structures.

The use of the supraclavicular fossa portal in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Advances in arthroscopic technology allow rotator cuff repair through a minimally invasive approach. However, fixation of the rotator cuff tendon to suture anchors can be tedious and time consuming. The supraclavicular fossa portal allows improved access to the tear for passing suture.

Current uses of radiofrequency in arthroscopic knee surgery.

Radiofrequency energy is a promising new technology in arthroscopy. Further basic science work is needed to define the mechanical characteristics of tissues in vivo at different times postoperatively. Long-term clinical follow-up studies are needed to determine the useful applications of this technology in the future.