Is the UU Stitch Really Alternative to Modified MA (Mason-Allen) Stitch for Rotator Cuff Repair?: Biomechanical Comparative Study of UU to Modified MA Stitch

PURPOSE: In arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs there are generally weak link in tendon suture interface, arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs can have higher retear rates than open repairs. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of UU (Ulsan University) suture than open modified MA (Mason-Allen) suture when suture anchored into bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human supraspinatus tendons were harvested from the shoulder of the cadaver and split in 2 times, producing four tendons per one shoulder, for a total of 24 specimens. Two suture configurations (UU, MA) were randomized and checked on each set of tendons. Specimens were cyclically loaded under force control between 5 and 30 N at 0.25 Hz for fifty cycles. Each specimen was loaded to failure under displacement control at 1 mm/sec. Cyclic elongation, peak to peak displacement, stiffness, ultimate tensile load, mode of failure were checked. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between two suture configuration with respect to peak to peak displacement, cyclic elongation, and stiffness. With regard to ultimate failure load, there were no significant difference statistically between the UU suture and modified MA suture (109.4 N, 110.6 N). The most common mode of failure between both sutures was suture pull-out through the tendon. CONCLUSION: The UU suture and modified MA suture produced similar biomechanical properties.

Pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis / 결핵

BACKGROUND: There are few studies that have reported on the pharmacokinetic(PK) disposition of fluoroquinolones in patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis(MDR-Tb), even though fluoroquinolones are frequentl y co-prescribed to those patients. In this study, the PK disposition of ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, was evaluated in patients with MDR-Tb. METHODS: Twenty patients with MDR-Tb were given 2nd line Tb drugs including ofloxacin (300mg twice a day), prothionamide, cycloserine, para-aminosalicylic acid, kanamycin, and streptomycin. The patients were grouped according to their body mass index(BMI) as an index of emaciation (group A: 18.5