Percutaneous cryoablation of osteoblastoma in the proximal femur.

A 37-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of left hip pain. Pretherapeutic imaging demonstrated a 4 cm osteoblastoma located in the intertrochanteric region of the proximal femur, surrounded by extensive bone marrow edema. After multidisciplinary meeting, percutaneous cryoablation was decided and performed under computed tomography guidance using three cryoprobes to match the exact size and shape of the tumor, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up demonstrated resolution of the bone marrow edema pattern and ingrowth of fat at the periphery of the ablation zone consistent with long-term healing of the tumor.

Surgery in reference centers improves survival of sarcoma patients: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: NETSARC (netsarc.org) is a network of 26 sarcoma reference centers with specialized multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTB) aiming to improve the outcome of sarcoma patients. Since 2010, presentation to an MDTB and expert pathological review are mandatory for sarcoma patients nationwide. In the present work, the impact of surgery in a reference center on the survival of sarcoma patients investigated using this national NETSARC registry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients' characteristics and follow-up are prospectively collected and data monitored. Descriptive, uni- and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors were conducted in the entire series (N = 35 784) and in the subgroup of incident patient population (N = 29 497). RESULTS: Among the 35 784 patients, 155 different histological subtypes were reported. 4310 (11.6%) patients were metastatic at diagnosis. Previous cancer, previous radiotherapy, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and Li-Fraumeni syndrome were reported in 12.5%, 3.6%, 0.7%, and 0.1% of patients respectively. Among the 29 497 incident patients, 25 851 (87.6%) patients had surgical removal of the sarcoma, including 9949 (33.7%) operated in a NETSARC center. Location, grade, age, size, depth, histotypes, gender, NF1, and surgery outside a NETSARC center all correlated to overall survival (OS), local relapse free survival (LRFS), and event-free survival (EFS) in the incident patient population. NF1 history was one of the strongest adverse prognostic factors for LRFS, EFS, and OS. Presentation to an MDTB was associated with an improved LRFS and EFS, but was an adverse prognostic factor for OS if surgery was not carried out in a reference center. In multivariate analysis, surgery in a NETSARC center was positively correlated with LRFS, EFS, and OS [P < 0.001 for all, with a hazard ratio of 0.681 (95% CI 0.618-0.749) for OS]. CONCLUSION: This nationwide registry of sarcoma patients shows that surgical treatment in a reference center reduces the risk of relapse and death.

Amputation versus conservative treatment in severe open lower-limb fracture: A functional and quality-of-life study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe lower-limb trauma is a major event in a patient's life, and treatment is a challenge that has not been sufficiently studied. The main objective of the present study was to assess the difference in disability between amputees and patients who kept their leg after severe open lower-limb fracture. HYPOTHESIS: The study hypothesis was that amputation allows better functional recovery and quality of life, in the same time-frame. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All male and female patients aged over 18 years admitted to one of the trauma centers of Marseille (France) for major lower-limb trauma with Gustilo IIIb or IIIc fracture were included. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Two groups were distinguished according to primary treatment: lower-limb salvage, or amputation. Rates of infection and of surgical revision, hospital stay, functional parameters (walking distance, standing, use of canes, running, jumping, driving, and physical and occupational activity) and quality of life (MOS SF-36 score) were compared between groups. RESULTS: The conservative treatment group comprised 27 patients, and the amputation group 24. Rates of infection and of surgical revision and hospital stay were significantly lower in the amputation group (P<0.02). All functional parameters (except return to work) and overall quality of life were significantly better in the amputation group. There was no significant inter-group difference in MOS mental score. CONCLUSION: In severe lower-limb trauma, amputation seems to give better functional and quality-of-life results. It did not, however, improve return to work, and was not better accepted psychologically than long and complex conservative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Management of soft tissue tumors of the musculoskeletal system.

A palpable mass in the musculoskeletal system is a common reason for consultation. The main issue is that a malignant tumor must not be missed. Inappropriate initial treatment can have direct consequences on the risk of local recurrence, the patient's future function and life expectancy. A mass more than 5cm in diameter, a subfascial location and a recent increase in size are signs that should lead the physician to question whether the lesion is truly benign and to carry out diagnostic examinations. MRI is the gold standard imaging exam. Biopsy, which is now mainly percutaneous and imaging-guided, must be performed for any subfascial mass more than 5cm long or a smaller mass with a high risk of postoperative functional sequelae. Referring the patient to a specialized cancer center has direct benefits on the patient's recurrence-free survival and reduces time lost during the diagnostic and treatment phases. For malignant tumors, surgical treatment requires resection margins that comply with cancer guidelines. Preservation of the limb and its function may require multidisciplinary reconstruction techniques. Pre- or post-operative radiation therapy or chemotherapy should be proposed only after discussion in a multidisciplinary team meeting.

Does curettage-cement packing for treating giant cell tumors at the knee lead to osteoarthritis?

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumors (GCTs) make up 15 to 20% of bone-related tumors in adults. They are often found around the knee in the metaphysis and epiphysis area, contacting the joint cartilage. The aims of our study were to evaluate the presence of early knee osteoarthritis (OA) in patients with GCTs in the knee area treated by curettage-cement packing, and to evaluate whether replacing subchondral bone with acrylic cement has an effect on the functional outcomes and quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients operated between 2000 and 2010 by the same specialized surgical team. Functional outcomes and quality of life were evaluated in each patient using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS), the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The presence of OA was evaluated in a full radiological work-up comparing the operated knee with the healthy contralateral knee. Knee OA was defined as grade 3 or grade 4 radiographic findings based on the Kellgren and Lawrence classification, and a significant difference between the operated and contralateral knee. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in this study. The average follow-up was 120 months (range 60-180). Four patients (21%) had radiographic KL-3 and one patient (5%) had KL-4. Eight patients (42%) had recurrence of the GCT. The distance between the tumor and cartilage, and the area of the subchondral bone invaded by the tumor appeared to contribute to OA progression. DISCUSSION: Resection of GCTs around the knee by curettage-cement packing did not have an effect on development of OA. In the four patients who developed knee OA, the tumor was located less than 3mm from the joint cartilage and took up more than 90% of the epiphysis. Based on these observations, there seems to be a strong correlation between the development of knee OA and the small quantity of subchondral bone left after curettage. The functional outcomes and quality of life were similar no matter the knee OA grade in patients. Replacing subchondral bone by cement had no effect on quality of life in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (retrospective study).

Prognostic factors for the recurrence of myxoid liposarcoma: 20 cases with up to 8 years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Myxoid liposarcomas (MLS) are the second most common type of liposarcoma. Although some MRI findings are distinctively characteristics of MLS, the diagnosis can be tricky in tumors with a large portion of round cells (RC). Known predictors of an unfavorable outcome include age, tumor size, high RC content and positive resection margins. The goal of this retrospective study was to define prognostic factors for recurrence, with special emphasis on the percentage of RCs and medical care provided in a non-specialized center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (11 women, 9 men) with a mean age of 44.3 years (18-73) were reviewed after a mean of 55.9 months. Six of these patients had been operated at a non-specialized center. The diagnostic MRI was read by a specialized radiologist and the resection procedures performed by two specialized surgeons. Tumors were labeled as either "pure myxoid liposarcoma" or "myxoid/round-cell liposarcoma". The local recurrence-free survival rate and mortality rate were calculated. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had undergone an MRI during the initial assessment. The typical MRI findings of MLS were present in four of them. The MRI suggested a non-specific lesion in the other 11 patients. After correlation with pathology findings, these tumors contained more than 5% round cells. The fourteen patients treated at our facility had undergone a biopsy, while none of the ones treated outside did. Five patients had R0 resection margins and 15 had R1 margins. Prognostic factors for recurrence consisted of age, tumor size >10 cm, R1 resection margins, FNCLCC grade 2+R1 margins, medical care at a non-specialized center, and >5% round cells. There were eight local recurrences and three metastases (15%). Two patients died (90% overall survival rate). DISCUSSION: The risk of local recurrence was 3.86 times greater in this study when the tumor contained more than 5% RCs, which is consistent with published data. The MLS diagnosis was made only four times based on the initial MRI because misleading nature of high RC tumors. R1 resection margins are a risk factor for local recurrence. However, cases with R1 margins have a recurrence rate that is similar to R0 cases when the surgery is performed at a specialized cancer center. Treatment of MLS in a non-specialized center is a key negative prognostic factor. The reported rate of metastasis varies. Atypical extrapulmonary localizations are common, and often multifocal. MRI has been shown to be superior at detecting secondary lesions and some have suggested that a full-body MRI should be performed. CONCLUSION: Prognostic factors for the recurrence of myxoid liposarcomas have been identified. MRI analysis is not definitive and must be supplemented by a biopsy.

Total hip arthroplasty in severe segmental femoral bone loss situations: use of a reconstruction modular stem design (JVC IX). Retrospective study of 23 cases.

BACKGROUND: Management of extensive proximal femur bone loss secondary to tumor resection or major osteolysis remains controversial. The possible options include a composite allograft/stem prosthesis, a modular type megaprosthesis or a custom-made megaprosthesis. Modularity allows versatility at reconstruction and avoids the delay required manufacturing a custom-made implant. Hypothesis and type of study: A retrospective radiological and clinical study investigated whether a special reconstruction modular stem design (JVC IX) would provide medium term success in the treatment of severe proximal femur bone loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2005, 23 JVC IX hip replacements were performed for severe segmental proximal femur bone loss. Etiology was: 13 cases of tumor resection, eight of extensive osteolysis secondary to femoral implant loosening, and two traumatic situations. Follow-up was annual. Functional assessment used the Musculo-Skeletal Tumor Score (MSTS), and implant survival rates underwent Kaplan-Meier analysis, with surgical revision (to replace or remove the implant) as the end point. RESULTS: All 23 patients (23 hips) were followed up for a mean 5.4 years (+/-3.7 yrs). Mean MSTS was 16.2 (max.=30). All stems demonstrated good fixation at radiological assessment, except for one case of probable loosening in contact with a metastatic osteolysis. Four implants had to be revised: two for non-controlled infection, one for tumor extension, and one for stem fatigue fracture. At 10 years' follow-up, implant survivorship was 81.5% (range: 62% to 100%). DISCUSSION: Severe proximal femur bone loss is a difficult situation to deal with, offering no ideal treatment option. Modular megaprostheses are salvage procedures. Their results at a mean 5.4 years' follow-up are encouraging, and appear comparable to the ones obtained with alternative solutions (composite allograft/stem prostheses). TYPE OF STUDY: Level IV retrospective, therapeutic study.

[Femoral neck fractures in patients over 50 years old]. / Les fractures du col du fémur après 50 ans.

INTRODUCTION: Despite many papers and instructional course lectures, therapeutic guidelines are not clearly defined about treatment of femoral neck fractures. The aim of this multicentric French symposium was to prospectively study the results of current therapeutic options in order to propose scientifically proven options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three prospective studies were carried out in order to answer to these questions: (1) is it possible with anatomical reduction and stable fixation to lower the non union and osteonecrosis rate? (2) is functional treatment of Garden 1 fractures successful in more than 65 years patients? (3) what criteria are useful to choose the kind of arthroplasty for more than 65 years patients? RESULTS: For the 64 patients between 50 and 65 years old included in the first study, 44 ORIF and 17 prostheses were performed. No open reduction was performed in this series despite a 34% malreduction rate. The risk for displacement after functional treatment of Garden 1 fractures is 31%. For patients over 65 years old, almost fractures are treated in this series by an arthroplasty. The one-year mortality rate after displaced femoral neck fracture was 17%. Functional results were better in total hip prosthesis group than in bipolar or unipolar group. Non cemented stems were not safer than cemented ones in frail patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: For young patients, ORIF should be the treatment of choice: the initial displacement and its effects on the femoral head vascularisation, the quality of reduction and fixation are the two most significant factors for good outcome. For Garden 1, fractures in patients 65 years old or more, it is proposed to performed an internal fixation despite in two thirds of the cases, it should be unnecessary because non identification of predictive factors of failure. For patients over 65 years old, the type of arthroplasty to perform in displaced fractures is to be chosen according to the preoperative mobility and comorbidities. Because of acetabular erosion with long-term follow-up, it is clearly indicated to perform total hip replacement for patients with life expectancy of 10 years or more. For frail patients, unipolar arthroplasty is the best option. The place for bipolar or uncemented implants is not yet well-defined and more prospective trials are needed. In this multicentric study, results appear quite different in terms of mortality, or functional status. These differences seem to be related to technical choice, geriatric care, nutritional consideration or surgical organisation, all factors that may be of major importance for prognostic.

[Knee arthrodesis with a double mono-bar external fixators to salvage infected knee arthroplasty: retrospective analysis of 18 knees with mean seven-year follow-up]. / Arthrodèse du genou par double fixateur externe monobarre en contexte infectieux: à propos d'une série de 18 cas avec un recul moyen de 7 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Knee arthrodesis is sometimes the only alternative to amputation in patients with an infected knee prosthesis or in major bone damage with loss of the extensor system. We hypothesized that arthrodesis with a double mono-bar external fixators would be a valid technical solution enabling simple fixation sufficiently rigid to control infection. The main objective of our study was to assess outcome with this technique in terms of fusion. The secondary objective was to check remission of the infection at last follow-up for the infection cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mean follow-up in this retrospective analysis of 18 knee arthroplasties in 17 patients was 85 months. Mean patient age was 65 years. All patients presented destruction of the extensor system associated with infection on a total knee arthroplasty (n=14) or joint destruction (n=4). The first operative stage involved insertion of a temporary external fixator using a lateral bar to align the limb. The infected knee prosthesis was then removed or a spacer was inserted. After avivement of the bone surfaces, compression was applied with an external fixator using an anterior bar. Early weight bearing was encouraged. The lateral fixator was removed at 45 days and the anterior fixator at bone healing. RESULTS: First-intention fusion was achieved in 16 of the 18 knees at mean five months (range 3-8 months). Fusion was achieved in one case after surgical revision using a bone autograft. Nonunion persisted in the other patient. Mean time to removal of the anterior fixator was 7.5 months (range 6-12 months). Remission of infection was noted at last follow-up in all patients with infection. DISCUSSION: This technique provides effective treatment for infected knee prostheses or major joint destruction with loss of the extensor mechanism. Joint fusion limits function but is a better solution than above knee amputation. The rigid fixation achieved with two single-bar fixators positioned perpendicularly enables rapid weight bearing, a capital element for these often bedridden elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities. The essential element for fusion is a solid fixation. The use of external fixators also avoids implanting material in septic tissues. Associated with medical treatment for the infection we have been able to achieve complete remission of infection in all patients who underwent arthrodesis for an infected knee arthroplasty.

[Surgical treatment of recurrent hallux valgus]. / Traitement chirurgical des récidives d'hallux valgus.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Little work has been reported on the treatment of recurrent hallux valgus. We reviewed 64 cases after surgical treatment in order to ascertain the cause of recurrence, results of the treatment given, and deduce therapeutic options and indications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients had 64 recurrent hallux valgus bunions. Mean age of the patients was 58 years, 54 women and 5 men. The clinical and radiographic preoperative work-up led to two categories of treatments. In 35 cases, conservative treatment was used to re-align the axis by procedures on the soft tissues either alone or in combination with MacBride tendon transfers, metatarsal osteotomies, or osteotomies to shorten the first phalange. In 29 cases, metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis was used. Patient satisfaction, pain, deformation, shoe wearing and activity were recorded at follow-up. The same radiological parameters were used postoperatively to assess anatomic results. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was more than 6 years (range 2-18 years). The subjective result was good in 52 cases. The objective result was good in 50 cases and poor in 14 (including 7 cases with insufficient correction). The results were analyzed by type of treatment. DISCUSSION: The preoperative analysis demonstrated that recurrence is due to insufficient initial treatment which must take into account all the components leading to the deformation. Arthrodesis gave a good result in 83% of the cases and conservative treatment gave a good result in 71%. Thus, in our opinion, no one type of treatment of recurrent hallux valgus can be applied for all patients. Nevertheless, conservative treatment should associate complementary procedures that can be deduced from the clinical and radiological analysis.

[Reconstruction-arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint iatrogenic bone defects]. / Reconstruction-arthrodèse des pertes de substances osseuses iatrogènes métatarso-phalangiennes du premier rayon.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Arthrodesis-reconstruction for metatarsophanlangeal bone defects of the great toe after hallux valgus or hallux rigidus is rarely performed and only a few series are found in the literature. In these series, retarded bone fusion, skin rupture, and interphalangeal intolerance (both clinically and radiologically) have been frequent. The purpose of this work was to determine what parameters contribute to minimizing these postoperative risks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients, mean age 60 years, were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 7 years. Mean delay from initial surgery to revision surgery was greater than 6 years. Preoperative complaints included metatarsophalangeal pain and especially transfer metatarsalgia. The procedure used corticocancellous bone grafting associated with osteosynthesis and unloading of the forefoot for three months. RESULTS: Eleven of the 13 patients achieved full relief of their metatarsophalangeal pain and metatarsalgia. Twelve of the 13 patients had a satisfactory great toe axis, including 2 who had a secondary osteotomy for correction. Bone fusion was achieved in all 13 patients; one at 8 months. Mean lengthening was 5.1 mm; reconstruction with the corticocancellous graft reconstruction generally filled the bone defect resulting from ablation of the joint prosthesis in 7 cases. The interphalangeal joint was pain free at last follow-up in all cases despite radiological evidence of suffering in one (similar to the situation before the revision surgery). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Correct position of the arthrodesis is essential to alleviate transfer metatarsalgia. A moderate lengthening of the great toe can minimize the risk of skin rupture. In order to preserve the interphalangeal joint, the position of the arthrodesis must be precise both in the sagittal and horizontal plane, leaving sufficient valgus and avoiding the need for temporary interphalangeal pinning.

[Surgical repair of the axillary nerve. Results of a five-year follow-up]. / Réparations chirurgicales du nerf axillaire. Résultats à cinq ans de recul.

INTRODUCTION: We report a series of 19 cases of axillary nerve lesions, which were operated between 1981 and 1995. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 14 isolated lesions of the axillary nerve and in 5 patients the lesion to the axillary nerve was associated either with a lesion of the radial nerve or with a lesion of the suprascapular nerve. Fourteen patients sustained shoulder stretch injury, three had fractures of the scapular girdle and two anterior shoulder dislocation. Patients were operated on 9 months after trauma through a combined anterior and posterior approach. The lesion was located in the quadrilateral space. In 17 cases the neuroma was excised and the nerve was reconstituted, using sural nerve grafts. In two cases the nerve was only freed from the surrounding scar tissue. RESULTS: Results were considered as satisfactory in 10 out of 14 isolated axillary nerve lesions. According the Constant score there were 2 very good, 8 good and 2 fair results. In this study, neurolysis and axillary nerve associated with suprascapular nerve lesions gave poor results. DISCUSSION: The successfully reinnervated deltoid muscle adds strength and endurance to the affected shoulder. Electromyographic study remains important in detecting spontaneous return of muscle function and determining the most favorable operative period before severe amyotrophy appears.

Antiphospholipid syndrome and factor V Leiden. Three cases with recurrent venous thrombosis.

Recurrent thrombosis is a common complication of various rheumatic disorders and is part of the definition of antiphospholipid syndrome. We report three cases of recurrent venous thrombosis due not only to antiphospholipid syndrome with a normal activated partial thromboplastin time but also to resistance to activated protein C caused by the factor V Leiden mutation. These three cases confirm that thrombotic disease is frequently multifactorial and suggest that resistance to activated protein C should be looked for routinely in patients with suggestive clinical manifestations, particularly when standard clotting tests are normal.

Application of bone graft to the medial side of the first metatarsal head in the treatment of hallux varus.

BACKGROUND: Hallux varus deformity is not frequent, is usually acquired, and is poorly tolerated by patients. A common cause is the resection of an excessive amount of the head of the first metatarsal during an operation performed to correct a hallux valgus deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of application of bone graft to the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head in order to restore missing bone after resection of an excessive amount of bone during a bunionectomy. METHODS: Of thirty patients who had a hallux varus deformity that was treated operatively, eight (ten feet) had bone-grafting to the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head. Six patients (seven feet) were available for evaluation at an average of 8.6 years (range, two to twenty-two years) postoperatively. The original reasons for the consultation for the hallux varus deformity were pain in the great toe, discomfort with shoewear, and the cosmetic appearance of the deformity. The pain typically was located on the medial aspect of the great toe and was caused by the pressure of the shoe; the pain usually was aggravated by walking. Preoperatively, the passive range of dorsiflexion averaged 72 degrees (range, 60 to 80 degrees); the passive range of plantar flexion, 12 degrees (range, 10 to 20 degrees); and the varus deformity, 18 degrees. RESULTS: Six of the seven feet had a satisfactory result. The pain associated with the varus deformity had disappeared in all patients. One patient was dissatisfied because of 20 degrees of valgus angulation. The passive range of dorsiflexion averaged 63 degrees (range, 60 to 70 degrees), and all patients had 10 degrees of plantar flexion. Overall, the valgus angulation of the metatarsophalangeal joint averaged 19 degrees (range, 16 to 22 degrees). There was no recurrence or persistence of the varus deformity. In three feet, the joint space was reduced, but this did not jeopardize the clinical result. CONCLUSIONS: A bone graft screwed onto the medial aspect of the metatarsal head provided a good result. This technique is indicated when the varus deformity is related to a previous resection of an excessive amount of bone during a bunionectomy and when the deformity is passively reducible to neutral.

[Complications associated with the use of first generation Harris-Galante porous-coated acetabular component after a mean follow-up of 7 years]. / Complications liées à l'utilisation de la cupule de Harris-Galante de première génération au recul moyen de 7 ans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hundred and twelve hip were studied in 107 patients with a mean follow-up of 7 years (range, 6-9 years). Harris and Postel-Merle d'Aubigné clinical hip scores were used. The prosthetic components were evaluated using radiographic criteria. RESULTS: The mean Harris score was 91 (range, 34-100). The incidence of proximal pain was 3.7 p. 100 in anterior area and also 3.7 p. 100 in posterior area. Radiolucent lines were present in one acetabular zone in 28.5 p. 100 of cases, in two zones in 26 p. 100, in all three zones in 5.5 p. 100. No statistical significant corelation was identified relating pain and radiolucent lines. The mean rate of linear wear per year was 0.1 millimeter. A statistically significant corelation was identified relating a linear wear per year above 0.12 millimeter and the presence of radiolucent lines. A major polyethylene wear (from 2.75 to 3.5 millimeters) was found in 5 cases. One of them had an acetabular osteolysis. One acetabular liner was found unstable in the metal shell during a hip revision for a major wear. Two patients had a dislocation of the liner in the metal-back. Eight hips needed a revision surgery, always for a failure of the polyethylene liner, never for a loosening between the socket and the acétabulum. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The acetabular component bone fixation of this Harris-Galante prosthesis appears optimum. The polyethylene wear and the unstability between the polyethylene cup and the metal socket need to stop using this component. The fixation between his two parts have to be improved.

[Isokinetic comparative study at the third postoperative month after surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament with arthroscopy or after mini-arthrotomy]. / Etude comparative isocinétique au troisième mois post-opératoire après plastie du ligament croisé antérieur sous arthroscopie ou après mini-arthrotomie.

PURPOSE: A double blind prospective study was performed in 64 patients with a clinical and isokinetic assessment three months after anterior cruciate ligament (A.C.L.) reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This work included 64 patients (47 males and 17 females), divided in two groups: 41 patients had an arthroscopically assisted bone-tendon-bone A.C.L. reconstruction, 17 had an open procedure. The isokinetic records concerned peak torque and muscular work at two different speeds. RESULTS: Three months after surgery there was no significant difference between both groups particularly what concerns the isokinetic assessment in muscular performances. Peak torque in hamstring averaged 151.4 Nm in the open procedure group and 149.2 Nm in the arthroscopically assisted group (p = 0.7), in quadriceps 156.10 Nm vs 149.3 Nm (p = 0.47). DISCUSSION: The advantages of arthroscopy in early muscular recovery are rarely admitted in medical literature. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable opinion of the authors to the arthroscopically assisted A.C.L. reconstruction concerning its rapid muscular recovery abilities is only based on subjective criterions.

[Traumatic ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle. Apropos of 3 cases]. / Les ruptures traumatiques du grand pectoral. A propos de trois observations.

INTRODUCTION: Three ruptures of the pectoralis major are reported. The mechanism of injury was excessive external rotation with high muscular tension. Rupture of muscle often occurs at the humeral insertion or musculotendinous junction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the three cases, surgical repair was performed. Suture could be made without excessive tension. Patients were immobilized in a sling for three weeks. Passive exercises were begun at 3 weeks. RESULTS: All patients recovered and had postoperatively the same sport level as before. In late surgical repair the consistent fibrosis makes dissection of the ruptured tendon difficult and it's retraction hinders the suture. DISCUSSION: The symptoms are sometimes initially under evaluated. In limited number of cases the treatment may be delayed: functional disability and strength limitation justify surgical treatment. The results, however, are usually good according to the score of Mc Entire. Surgical repair is recommended in distal ruptures in active patients to restore previous muscle strength and contour.