Kazuki Yamada

A new aiming guide can create the tibial tunnel at favorable position in transtibial pullout repair for the medial meniscus posterior root tear

INTRODUCTION Injuries to the medial meniscus (MM) posterior root lead to accelerated cartilage degeneration of the knee. An anatomic placement of the MM posterior root attachment is considered to be critical in transtibial pullout repair of the medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT). However, tibial tunnel creation at the anatomic attachment of the MM posterior root is technically difficult using a conventional aiming device. The aim of this study was to compare two aiming guides. We hypothesized that a newly-developed guide, specifically designed, creates the tibial tunnel at an adequate position rather than a conventional device. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-six patients underwent transtibial pullout repairs. Tibial tunnel creation was performed using the Multi-use guide (8 cases) or the PRT guide that had a narrow twisting/curving shape (18 cases). Three-dimensional computed tomography images of the tibial surface were evaluated using the Tsukadas measurement method postoperatively. Expected anatomic center of the MM posterior root attachment and tibial tunnel center were evaluated using the percentage-based posterolateral location on the tibial surface. Percentage distance between anatomic center and tunnel center was calculated. RESULTS Anatomic center of the MM posterior root footprint located at a position of 78.5% posterior and 39.4% lateral. Both tunnels were anteromedial but tibial tunnel center located at a more favorable position in the PRT group: percentage distance was significantly smaller in the PRT guide group (8.7%) than in the Multi-use guide group (13.1%). DISCUSSION The PRT guide may have great advantage to achieve a more anatomic location of the tibial tunnel in MMPRT pullout repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.

Comparison of Continuous Epidural Analgesia, Patient-Controlled Analgesia with Morphine, and Continuous Three-in-One Femoral Nerve Block on Postoperative Outcomes after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Postoperative pain relief can be achieved with various modalities. However, there are only few reports that have analyzed postoperative analgesic techniques in total hip arthroplasty patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the postoperative outcomes of three different analgesic techniques after total hip arthroplasty. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the influence of three analgesic techniques on postoperative rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty in 90 patients divided into three groups (n = 30 patients per group). Postoperative analgesia consisted of continuous epidural analgesia (Epi group), patient-controlled analgesia with morphine (PCA group), or a continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB group). We measured the following parameters relating to postoperative outcome: visual analog scale scores, the use of supplemental analgesia, side effects, length of the hospital stay, plasma D-dimer levels, and the Harris hip score. Results Each group had low pain scores with no significant differences between the groups. The PCA group had a lower frequency of supplemental analgesia use compared to the Epi and CFNB groups. Side effects (nausea/vomiting, inappetence) and day 7 D-dimer levels were significantly lower in the CFNB group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the length of the hospital stay or the Harris hip score. Conclusions Although there were no clinically significant differences in outcomes between the three groups, the CFNB provided good pain relief which was equal to that of the other analgesics with fewer side effects and lower D-dimer levels in hospitalized patients following total hip arthroplasty.

A novel suture technique using the FasT-Fix combined with Ultrabraid for pullout repair of the medial meniscus posterior root tear

Medial meniscus posterior root has an important role in the maintenance of knee articular cartilage. Although pullout repair of the medial meniscus posterior root tear has become a gold standard, it has several difficulties for suturing. We have developed a modified Mason–Allen suture technique using the FasT-Fix all-inside suture device combined with Ultrabraid. The present suture technique allows a strong grasping of the medial meniscus posterior horn for arthroscopic pullout repair.

Four-year results of Summit stems for total hip arthroplasty in Japanese patients.

Purpose A retrospective study to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of the Summit primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a minimum follow-up of 4 years. Methods 87 hips in 84 Japanese patients underwent THA using Summit stems. 3 patients were lost to follow-up, and 4 patients were excluded because a Summit stem was judged to be inappropriate for their narrow femoral canals. The remaining 80 hips in 77 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 66 years (range, 33-86 y). Mean postoperative follow-up period was 52 months (range, 48-66 m). Results There was no early stem subsidence after surgery. Of the 80 hips, 60 (75%) showed radiographic signs of stem osseointegration including zones 3 and 5 at final follow-up. Stress shielding occurred in 50 hips (62.5%), and third-degree stress shielding was observed in 12 hips (15%). 3 patients experienced postoperative thigh pain due to distal fixation. Conclusions These short-term results indicate that the Summit stem achieved good initial fixation, although there were some cases of distal fixation. Careful long-term follow-up and observation will be necessary for hips in which stress shielding occurs.