The effect of video exercise-based telerehabilitation on clinical outcomes, expectation, satisfaction, and motivation in patients with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of exercise-based telerehabilitation in chronic low back pain (CLBP) has not been well studied. To our knowledge, no other studies have investigated the efficacy of video exercise-based telerehabilitation software in the remote management of home exercises in patients with CLBP. AIMS: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the video-based exercise software on pain, function, quality-of-life, expectation, satisfaction, and motivation in individuals with CLBP. METHODS: A double-blind, two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out with 50 individuals with CLBP. Participants were randomly allocated to either the telerehabilitation group (n = 25) or the conventional rehabilitation group (n = 25). The telerehabilitation group was followed up with a video exercise-based telerehabilitation software called Fizyoweb. The clinician was able to communicate with the patients through the software. The conventional rehabilitation group was given the same home exercises as the paper-based exercise instruction form. Pain, function, quality-of-life, and kinesiophobia were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. In addition, patient expectations were questioned at the initial evaluation; afterward, patient satisfaction and motivation were questioned at the eighth week. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, the telerehabilitation group achieved significant improvement in pain, function, quality-of-life, kinesiophobia, satisfaction, and motivation (p < 0.05). In addition, the telerehabilitation group reported more significant gains in all parameters compared with the conventional rehabilitation group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The video exercise-based telerehabilitation software positively affects clinical parameters and adherence to rehabilitation in patients with CLBP.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Facial Disability Index.

PURPOSE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Turkish version of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) and evaluate its psychometric properties, including reliability and validity. METHODS: Translation of the original FDI was followed by international guidelines. Paralysis classification was evaluated with House-Brackman Rating System (HBGS). Patients completed Short Form-36 (SF-36) along with the Turkish version of the FDI and refilled the Turkish FDI one week later. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Construct validity was assessed by calculating the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Also, exploratory factor analysis was carried out by identifying the factor structure of the scale. RESULTS: After the pre-test of the Turkish FDI, there was no need for linguistic and cultural adaptation. The internal consistency of the physical function subscale was high (0.82). The social/well-being subscale's Cronbach alpha (0.63) was within the acceptable range. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC of physical function = 0.91 and social/well-being = 0.93, p < 0.05). The physical function subscale was correlated with the PF subscale of SF-36 and HBGS (r = -0.837 and 0.292, respectively; p < 0.05). Besides, the social/well-being function subscale was correlated with HBGS and all subscales of SF-36, except RP (p < 0.05). Factor analysis results of the Turkish FDI were similar to the other version studies. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the FDI is a valid and reliable questionnaire in patients with peripheral facial paralysis.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Turkish version FDI is the first Turkish tool translated cross-culturally adapted for specific assessment of facial paralysis.The Turkish version of the FDI is a valid and reliable questionnaire and can be used in all native Turkish speaking patients in peripheral facial paralysis.This assessment tool can be used in clinical routine and research settings to evaluate facial paralysis.

Difference in the results of repair made with single or double rows according to the shape and size of the tear in arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on the results of patients applied with arthroscopic full layer total layer rotator cuff repair made according to the shape and size of the tear.The study included a total of 120 patients applied with arthroscopic full layer rotator cuff repair as single or double row repair. The patients were separated into 3 groups of 40 according to the shape of the tear, as Group A (crescent type), Group B (U type), and Group C (L type).The mean age of the whole sample was 66.68 ±â€Š6.86 years (range, 50-81 years). A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of constant murley (CM), American shoulder and elbow surgeons score (ASES), and University of California Los Angeles score (UCLA) scores (P < .05). The scores of Group A of all the scales were found to be higher than those of Group C (P < .05). In single row and double row repair of small and medium-sized tears of all shapes, no significant difference was determined in respect of the CM and UCLA scores (P > .05).No significant difference was determined between single and double row repair of crescent type tears of all sizes. In large U-shaped tears, the CM, ASES, and UCLA scores were determined to be high in double row repair.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the graded chronic pain scale in patients with chronic low back pain.

PURPOSE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Turkish version of the Graded Chronic Pain Scale-Revised (GCPS-R) and to evaluate its reliability and validity. METHODS: The prospective and cross-sectional study was performed with 102 low back pain patients (67 women, 35 men). Patients were asked to complete the GCPS-R twice, one week apart. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) were filled only in the first evaluation. Test-retest reliability was analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's α. The minimal detectable change (MDC95) was calculated based on the standard error of measurement (SEM95). The construct validity was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Exploratory factor analysis was calculated to explore the factor structure of GCPS-R. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45.2 ± 13.1 years. The internal consistency was acceptable, and test-retest reliability was excellent (α = 0.933, ICC = 0.972). SEM95 and MDC95 for the total score were 2.07 and 5.73, respectively. VAS measured for both rest and activity were strongly correlated with GCPS-R (r > 0.50). The correlation between the total score of GCPS-R and RMDQ was excellent (r = 0.677, p < 0.001). SF-36's; physical function, role physical, bodily pain and social function subscores were strongly correlated with GCPS-R (r > 0.50). There was moderate correlation between GCPS-R and the physical activity subscore of the FABQ (r = 0.494, p < 0.001). GCPS-R had a single factor structure as expected. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of GCPS-R is a valid and reliable questionnaire in patients with chronic low back pain. Level of Evidence II (Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding).

The relationship of radiographic findings with pain, function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between pain, function and quality of life with radiographic findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 86 patients diagnosed with knee OA were included in the study. Demographic, physical, and pathological information was collected. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to determine pain levels. The evaluation of radiographic findings was conducted by Kellgren-Lawrence (K&L) rating scale. The Turkish version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire was used to evaluate the patient's disability and functional status. The objective functional status was assessed using the commonly used physical performance test, the Timed up and Go Test (TUG). The Turkish version of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used for quality of life assessment. The "Spearman rank correlation coefficient" was used to investigate the relationship between pain, function and quality of life with radiographic findings. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 61.08 ± 9.27 years. There was a strong correlation between VAS at activity and K&L (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between Physical Function (PF) (p < 0.05) and General Health (GH) (p < 0.05) subscore of the SF-36 with K&L. In addition, K&L and TUG were positively correlated (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radiographic findings were associated with pain in activity and functional status based on physical performance, but not with clinical results based on Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). As the patient's radiographic findings worsened, the level of pain increased and functionality decreased.

Is it difficult to obtain inter-observer agreement in the measurement of the beta angle in ultrasound evaluation of the paediatric hip?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the differences and consistencies in the morphological and angular interpretations of standard USG images. Therefore, it was aimed to show the correlations of orthopaedic doctors with different periods of experience in hip ultrasound measurements taken with the Graf method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 210 infants randomly selected from those who presented at our hospital for DDH screening. A total of 6 ultrasound images were taken for each hip. These images were evaluated by  two paediatric orthopaedic professors, two orthopaedic specialists and two orthopaedic residents. The correlations of these measurements between all the doctors were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: In beta angle evaluation, agreement between all the evaluators was at the level of 0.054. No agreement was seen between the two residents or between the two specialists (p = 0.003, p = 0.998, p = 0.998, respectively). Agreement between the two professors was determined at the level of 0.508 (p < 0.001). Agreement was determined at the level of 0.066 between the specialists and the residents. No agreement was observed between the specialists and the professors or between the professors and the residents (p = 0.014, p = 0.098, p = 0.737, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that greater emphasis on the beta angle, the cartilage labrum, and more detailed explanations of this subject in the resident training program will achieve standardisation on this subject, and this is in direct proportion to clinical experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The effects of preoperative non-invasive cardiac tests on delay to surgery and subsequent mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of preoperative cardiac tests on the surgical treatment plan and subsequent effects on mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 116 patients aged 60 years or above who underwent hip fracture surgery between 2010-2013 were evaluated. Of the patients with similar preoperative clinical risk factors, 20 patients with additional preoperative cardiac tests such as echocardiography or thalium scintigraphy constituted Group 1, whereas 28 patients without additional cardiac tests constituted Group 2. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 21 statistical package software. Normal distribution of the data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test and histography. Intergroup and mortality comparisons were performed by Mann-Whitney U, Yates-corrected chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The mean time between fracture and operation was 6 days (range, 4-14) in Group 1, and 2 days (range, 0-3) in Group 2. There was a significant difference in time-to-operation between the groups (p< 0.001). The age and gender distribution of both groups were homomgenous (p= 0.64, p= 1.0). Both groups were comparable in terms of fracture type, treatment, and anesthesia (p= 0.36, p= 0.42, p= 1.0). At the end of 1 year, six (30%) patients in Group 1 and three (10.7%) patients in Group 2 were deceased. Both groups were comparable in terms of mortality (p= 0.137). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Unnecessary cardiac tests in elderly patients with hip fracture led to a delay in their surgery, yet did not change their cardiac treatment plan. This delay in obtaining hip fracture surgery increases complication rates, hospitalization duration, and costs.

Impaired aortic elastic properties in primary osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases and associated with increased cardiovascular comorbidity and deaths. Elastic properties of aorta are closely associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In our study, we aimed to evaluate aortic stiffness in primary osteoarthritis patients. A total of 160 patients including 80 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis and 80 controls without osteoarthritis were included in the study. Additionally, osteoarthritis patients were divided into four subgroups according to the severity of the disease. Aortic parameters were evaluated by using transthoracic echocardiography method. While measurements of aortic stiffness of osteoarthritis group were higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01), aortic strain and aortic distensibility measurements of osteoarthritis group are lower than the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, it was determined that as the severity of osteoarthritis increased also aortic stiffness increased highly significantly (p = 0.001). Presence and severity of osteoarthritis are closely associated with elastic properties of aorta, which are correlated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

An indicator of subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with primary osteoarthritis: epicardial fat thickness.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic diseases seen in the elderly, and it is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The cause of this association is not fully known. We aimed to investigate the relationship between epicardial fat and the presence and the grade of primary knee OA for analyzing the relationship between visceral adiposity and primary OA, thereby revealing the increased subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in OA patients. In this cross-sectional study, subjects with primary knee osteoarthritis and a control group were compared with regard to epicardial fat thickness through transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, OA was divided into four stages and the relationship between the grade of OA and epicardial fat thickness was analyzed. Eighty subjects with primary knee OA and 50 controls were analyzed. There was no difference between groups with regard to age, gender and BMI. Epicardial fat thickness was greater in patients in the primary OA group compared to the control group (3.73±1.08 vs 3.30±0.61, respectively, P=0.005). In-group comparison of OA patients revealed that epicardial fat thickness was detected to increase as the grade of OA increased (P=0.001). A relationship was detected between the presence of OA and epicardial fat thickness and CRP levels in multivariate logistic analysis (P=0.017, P=0.047, respectively). There is a significant relationship between primary OA and epicardial fat thickness, which is a part of visceral adipose tissue. These results may indicate the relationship between OA and visceral fat tissue and, consequently, cardiovascular risk, so body weight alone may not be an identifying co-factor.

Effect of increase in birth weight in a newborn on hip ultrasonography.

Exposure to the pressure experienced by higher birth weight babies during the intrauterine period might cause hip dysplasia. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of birth weight in newborns on hip ultrasonography when the paternal and maternal risk factors are excluded. A total of 701 babies born at 38-42 gestational weeks were included in the study. Hip ultrasonography was performed within 7 days following birth using the Graf technique in the babies without risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Images obtained were controlled with respect to conformity to the Graf method and angular measurements were performed. According to the α and ß angle values obtained, type 1A and 1B hips were categorized as mature; type 2A hips were categorized as immature; and type 2C, D, 3A, 3B, and 4 hips were categorized as pathological hips. The results obtained were analyzed for the effect of birth weight on the angular values and hip typing. The birth weight of the babies was 338,488 ± 48,241 g (2030-6124 g). It was determined that the birth weight had no effect on the values of α and ß angles in the male babies (P=0.21, 0.76). It was determined that increasing birth weight decreased the α angle value (P=0.001) and caused no difference in the ß angle value (P=0.057) in the female babies. It was found that birth weight had no effect on hip typing in both female and male babies (P=0.060, 0.22). Increases in birth weights caused decreases in ultrasonographic α angles only in female babies.

Tourniquet use during total knee arthroplasty does not offer significant benefit: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Tourniquets are routinely employed during total knee arthroplasty; however, their use remains controversial. METHODS: This study investigates the efficacy and safety of this practice. A retrospective analysis of 186 patients was performed to assess benefits and/or risks associated with tourniquet use during knee arthroplasty. Total knee arthroplasty was performed using the Biomet Vanguard(®) PCL Prosthesis (Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA). In total, 126 patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty were included in our final analysis. RESULTS: Patients with tourniquets had significantly less intraoperative blood loss than patients without (P < .001); patients without tourniquets required more blood transfusions (P = .551), and had significantly longer surgical times (P = .011). However, patients with tourniquets had more postoperative blood loss (P < .001), longer hospital stays (P = .013), and more frequent complications (P = .571). Blood transfusion requirement was significantly associated with complications (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Tourniquet use provided no overall benefit.

Recurrent anterior hip dislocation in a patient with myasthenia gravis: a case report.

Traumatic anterior hip dislocation is a rare condition compared to posterior dislocation and recurrent anterior hip dislocation is encountered even less. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by various degrees of muscle weakness. Closed reduction is the first choice of treatment for traumatic, non-recurring hip dislocation. We report a 59-year-old female with myasthenia gravis who underwent surgical intervention for recurrent anterior hip dislocation after failure of closed reduction. To our knowledge, this is the first case with recurrent anterior hip dislocation and myasthenia gravis in the literature.

Factors affecting postoperative mortality in patients older than 65 years undergoing surgery for hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting postoperative mortality in patients older than 65 years of age undergoing surgery for hip fracture. METHODS: A total of 308 patients (219 males and 89 females) were included into the study. Spinal-epidural anaesthesia was administered in 203 patients and general anaesthesia in 105 patients. In the evaluation of the patients regarding ASA, two groups were determined ASA 1-2 and ASA 3-4. Systemic diseases present in the patients were determined preoperatively. RESULTS: Seventy-seven (25%) of the total 308 patients died. In addition, patients with preoperative cardiac disease, patients on whom general anaesthesia was administered, patients in the ASA 3-4 group, and age were found to be significantly higher in mortality. When logistic regression analysis was performed for these four efficient factors, age, general anaesthesia, presence of cardiac disease were effective in mortality. However, ASA score changed depending on the age and cardiac disease. CONCLUSION: In case of presence of multiple risk factors, it is necessary to determine which factor is, in fact, more effective. Age, ASA score, type of anaesthesia, and presence of cardiac disease are effective in mortality. However, ASA score affects mortality depending on the cardiac disease and age.

Computed tomography-guided bupivacaine and corticosteroid injection for the treatment of symptomatic calcification in the great toe tendon.

BACKGROUND: Calcification in the great toe tendon is a rare disorder that is characterized by the deposition of calcium on degenerative collagen fibrils. CASE PRESENTATIONS: IN THIS REPORT, WE PRESENT TWO CASES OF CALCIFIC TENDONITIS: one in the adductor hallucis and the other in the flexor hallucis longus tendon. We preferred computed tomography-guided steroid injection in our cases because of pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. Patients were free of symptoms at the follow-up visit, 4 weeks after injection. CONCLUSION: Calcification of the hallux tendons is a rare disorder. Treatment of tendonitis consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Local anesthetic and steroid injection may be considered in cases unresponsive to conservative treatment. Because of the anatomic location of tendons, injection could be difficult. Computed tomography guidance may improve the success rate of injections.

Rotational malalignment after closed intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures and its influence on daily life.

BACKGROUND: Any intraoperative rotational malalignment during intramedullary nailing (IMN) of femoral shaft fractures will become permanent. We hypothesized that rotational malalignment of the femur and its compensatory biomechanics may induce problems in the hip, knee, patellofemoral and ankle joints. We purposed to clarify the influence of a femoral rotational malalignment of ≥10° on daily activities. METHODS: Twenty-four femoral shaft fracture patients treated with closed antegrade IMN were included. At last follow-up, to reveal any rotational malalignment, computerized tomography (CT) scans of both femurs (injured and uninjured sides) were examined. The patient groups with or without CT-detected true rotational malalignment ≥10° were compared with respect to the activity scores. RESULTS: Ten of the 24 patients (41.7%) had a CT-detected true rotational malalignment of ≥10° compared with the unaffected side. The AOFAS scores were 100.00 for all of the patients. LKS, WOMAC knee, and WOMAC hip scores were significantly decreased in the patients with rotational malalignment compared to those without. Patients without rotational malalignment tolerated climbing stairs significantly better than those with rotational malalignment. Patients who could not tolerate climbing stairs were consistently complaining of anterior knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: A femoral rotational malalignment of ≥10° is symptomatic for the patients, and the hip, knee, and patellofemoral joints were affected. Because of the possibly altered joint loadings and biomechanics, these could render patients prone to degenerative joint disease. In addition, due to the high rates of rotational malalignment after femoral shaft fracture and consequent malpractice claims, it is important for surgeons to be more aware of rotational alignment during surgery.

The effect of expansive open-door laminoplasty on spinal canal diameter: an experimental study on rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of expansive open-door laminoplasty with simple suture fixation on spinal canal diameter in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twenty white New Zealand rabbits were operated on with C4-C7 Hirabayashi open-door laminoplasty. The spinal canal diameter was evaluated radiologically on preoperative day 1 and postoperative days 1 and 42. RESULTS: The mean spinal canal diameter was 6.42 mm preoperatively, 8.04 mm on postoperative day 1 and 8.02 mm at day 42. There was a significant difference between the mean preoperative and postoperative day 1 spinal canal diameter (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean spinal canal diameter at postoperative day 1 and 42 (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the open-door laminoplasty with simple suture fixation is an effective method to expand the spinal canal diameter. No recurrent narrowing is expected in short term.

Regional migratory osteoporosis and transient osteoporosis of the hip: are they all the same?

We hypothesized that regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO) and transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) terms describe a common disease process. Therefore, based on our patient, we aimed to review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of both diseases. The patient was a pregnant woman in her third trimester with sacral insufficiency fracture, which was shortly followed by migratory arthralgia of both hips and ankles in a proximal to distal direction. She was operated (core decompression) for both hips and ankles, and she was symptom free at 17th month. RMO and TOH have an unclear etiology, share the similar course, and bear a self-limiting nature. Both disorders may be the same clinical entity with a common pathogenesis. Probably, many of RMO patients were labeled as TOH, and therefore, RMO has been underrepresented. In conclusion, we think that both RMO and TOH describe a common disease process. Either the diagnosis is RMO or TOH, the management will be the same. Finally, the conservative treatment protocol is a better treatment modality and must be obeyed even in resistant cases.

Bipolar or unipolar hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fracture in the geriatric population.

BACKGROUND: The choice of prosthesis in hemiarthroplasty is controversial for geriatric patients after femoral neck fracture. We hypothesised that selection criteria for unipolar or bipolar prostheses could be constructed based on factors affecting mortality. AIMS: THE AIMS OF THIS RETROSPECTIVE STUDY WERE: (1) to determine the factors affecting mortality of femoral neck fracture patients ≥65 years of age; (2) to compare patient mortality rates, radiological findings, and functional outcomes according to prosthesis type (unipolar or bipolar); and (3) to evaluate the persistence of inner bearing mobility of bipolar prostheses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. METHODS: In total, 144 patients operated for hemiarthroplasty and aged ≥65 were included. We classified the patients into either unipolar or bipolar prosthesis groups. To reveal factors that affected mortality, age, sex, delay in surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were obtained from folders. Barthel Daily Living, Harris hip, and acetabular erosion scores were calculated and bipolar head movement was analysed for live patients. RESULTS: One-year mortality was 31.94%. Age ≥75 (p=0.029), male sex (p=0.048), and delay in surgery ≥6 (p=0.004) were the patient characteristics that were related to increased mortality. There were no significant differences in sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, delay in surgery, mortality, or Barthel, Harris, acetabulum scores between the two groups. Twenty patients from each group were admitted for last follow-up. Bipolar head movement was preserved for 33.3% of patients. They were inactive patients with low Barthel and Harris scores. CONCLUSION: Although bipolar head movement was preserved in inactive patients, we suppose that this conferred no advantage to these patients, who could hardly walk. In this study, male patients, those aged ≥75 years, and those operated at ≥6 days had an increased risk of mortality. Also, although not significant in multivariate analysis, high American Society of Anesthesiologists score (≥3) was related to increased mortality. Considering that one of three patients died during the first postoperative year, we think that these patients should be operated as soon as possible, and expensive bipolar prostheses must be used selectively in regard to patient characteristics.

The effect of dehydration and irrigation on tendon adhesion formation after tendon exposure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dehydration due to tendon exposure on adhesion formation on the tendon surface. METHODS: Achilles tendons of 60 New Zealand white rabbits were surgically exposed and evaluated. In the control group (Group 1), the wound was closed immediately; and in the remaining two groups, Achilles tendons were exposed to air for 60 minutes without (Group 2) or with (Group 3) regular saline irrigation. After undergoing clinical examination, 50% of rabbits in each group were sacrificed 3 weeks postoperatively and 50% at the 6th postoperative week. RESULTS: All tendons exposed to air exhibited mild or moderate degrees of adhesion. Compared to the control group, the incidence of adhesion formation was significantly higher in the groups where tendons had been exposed to air for 60 minutes, whereas no significant difference was found between the irrigated and non-irrigated groups. No limitations or contractures were detected in the hind limbs of the animals at the clinical examination. CONCLUSION: Regardless of irrigation, tendons are not prone to form clinically apparent adhesions during operations under 60 minutes of duration.