Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction With Tensor Fascia Lata Allograft for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes for a Minimum 1-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To confirm the radiologic and clinical outcomes after performing arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) using a tensor fascia lata (TFL) allograft. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears were treated with ASCR with a TFL allograft. The mean age and follow-up period were 62 years and 20.1 months, respectively. TFL allografts were used as 3, 4, and 6 layers, and the graft thickness was 3.7, 3.9, and 5.4 mm, respectively. Range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Constant score were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The pre-, postoperative, and final acromiohumeral distances (AHD) were compared. The graft integrity was checked through a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging at least 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Torn grafts were identified in 6 cases (19%). AHD significantly increased from 5.0 to 8.0 mm postoperatively (P < .0001). However, there was no significant difference of 5.0 mm at the final follow-up AHD. Five cases (83%) of torn grafts were induced in the 3-layered graft sheet group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .067). Visual analog scale, forward elevation, internal rotation, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Constant scores significantly improved at the last follow-up. Two cases of early infection were confirmed and the graft materials were all removed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the possibility of early infection, ASCR using TFL allograft is a reliable procedure for the irreparable rotator cuff tear. In particular, if the number of layers of TFL allograft increases, it is judged that it could become a more effective graft. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A humeral hemiarthroplasty with biologic resurfacing of the glenoid using an allo-Achilles tendon: two case reports.

A hemiarthroplasty with biologic resurfacing of the glenoid is one procedure that can be performed in young patients where total shoulder arthroplasty may be difficult. The authors introduced two cases in which this procedure was performed. This approach is one treatment option for young glenoid humeral arthritis patients that addresses some of the shortcomings of an isolated hemiarthroplasty.

Relationship of the Shape of Subacromial Spur and Rotator Cuff Partial Thickness Tear.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between location of the rotator cuff tear and shape of the subacromial spur. METHODS: Totally, 80 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for partial thickness rotator cuff tear were enrolled for the study. Bigliani's type of the acromion, type of subacromial spur, and location of partial thickness tear of the rotator cuff were evaluated using plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. We then compared the groups of no spur with spur, and heel with traction spur. RESULTS: Of the 80 cases, 25 cases comprised the no spur group, and 55 cases comprised the spur group. There was a significant difference in type of tear (p=0.0004) between these two groups. Bursal side tears were significantly greater (odds ratio=6.000, p=0.0007) in the spur group. Subjects belonging to the spur group were further divided into heel (38 cases) and traction spur (17 cases). Comparing these two groups revealed significant differences only in the type of tear (p=0.0001). Furthermore, the heel spur had significantly greater bursal side tear (odds ratio=29.521, p=0.0005) as compared to traction spur. CONCLUSIONS: The heel spur is more associated to bursal side tear than the traction spur, whereas the traction spur associates greater to the articular side tear.

Is Intraoperative Use of QuikClot Combat Gauze Effective for Hemostasis after Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: To assess the hemostatic effect of QuikClot Combat Gauze (QCG) compared to that of standard gauze during cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Sixty knees underwent TKA using a pneumatic tourniquet in this prospective randomized study. After implantation of the femoral and tibial components and hardening of the bone cement, the tourniquet was deflated and QCG (group 1) or standard gauze (group 2) was packed into the joint cavity for 5 minutes for hemostasis. Perioperative bleeding volume and blood transfusion volume were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative bleeding volume was 64.7 ± 12.7 mL in group 1 and 63.9 ± 9.2 mL in group 2 (p = 0.808). The mean postoperative blood drainage was 349.0 ± 170.6 mL in group 1 and 270.1 ± 136.3 mL in group 2 (p = 0.057). The average postoperative blood transfusion volume was 323.7 ± 325.9 mL in group 1 and 403.6 ± 274.8 mL in group 2 (p = 0.314). CONCLUSIONS: QCG was not significantly effective for reducing perioperative bleeding volume or the blood transfusion rate compared with standard gauze during TKA.

Possible Risk Factors and Clinical Effects of Opaque Bubble Layer in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE).

PURPOSE: To report the development of an opaque bubble layer (OBL) during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and analyze its potential risk factors and the clinical outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was performed. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of OBL area following a posterior lenticule cut: OBL less than 5% of cornea and OBL greater than 5% of cornea. Preoperative parameters and clinical outcomes were compared. The association between amount of OBL and the various parameters was determined using a correlation analysis. RESULTS: The study included 208 myopic eyes (106 patients). The incidence of OBL was 51.82% (108 eyes) and mean OBL area was 3.06% ± 4.62%. The OBL greater than 5% group (48 eyes, 23.08%) had a thicker cornea, a thinner lenticule, and a longer operation time than the OBL less than 5% group (160 eyes, 72.92%). Visual acuity, efficacy, and safety were similar between groups except for a slightly lower predictability value for the OBL greater than 5% group. The amount of OBL area presented a quantitative association with corneal thickness, lenticule thickness, and the relative vertical position of the posterior lenticular surface. Flap tear was observed in 8 eyes (3.84%), at which an extensive amount of OBL (9.76% ± 7.02%) developed. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with a thicker cornea or a thinner lenticule are more likely to develop OBL during SMILE. The OBL does not affect the overall clinical outcome. In eyes with extensive OBL, there is a higher incidence of flap tear and a lower predictability value. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(1):24-29.].