Nerve wrapping materials have been manufactured to inhibit nerve tissue adhesions and diminish inflammatory and immunologic reactions in nerve surgery. Collagen nerve wrap is a biodegradable type I collagen material that acts as an interface between the nerve and the surrounding tissues. Its main advantage is that it stays in place during the period of tissue healing and is then gradually absorbed once tissue healing is completed. This article presents a surgical technique that used a collagen nerve wrap for the management of median nerve tissue adhesions in 2 patients with advanced carpal tunnel syndrome due to median nerve scarring and adhesions. At last follow-up, both patients had complete resolution with no recurrence of their symptoms. Complications related to the biodegradable material were not observed.

Several surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of posterior shoulder dislocation depending on the time elapsed between injury and surgery and the size of the humeral head impression fracture. When the bone defect is between 25% and 50% of the articular surface of the head, the procedures of choice are autologous bone graft or allograft or subscapularis tendon or lesser tuberosity transfer. In neglected cases in which patients undergo surgery more than 3 weeks after injury, no standard accepted treatment for this injury exists. This article presents a modification of the McLaughlin technique for patients with neglected locked posterior dislocation of the shoulder. Using this technique, the shape of the humeral head was nearly restored with impaction of morselized bone allograft; two suture anchors were inserted into the defect, and the lesser tuberosity with the attached sub-scapularis tendon was transferred into the defect and secured with sutures. Postoperative rehabilitation included immobilization of the shoulder with an external rotation brace for 6 weeks followed by progressive passive, active-assisted, and active range of motion and rotator cuff strengthening exercises for another 6 weeks. This technique resulted in pain-free range of motion, a stable shoulder, and good joint congruency.

McFarland fractures of the medial malleolus in children, also classified as Salter-Harris Type III and IV fractures, are associated with a high incidence of premature growth plate arrest. In order to identify prognostic factors for the development of complications we reviewed 20 children with a McFarland fracture that was treated surgically, at a mean follow-up of 8.9 years (3.5 to 17.4). Seven children (35%) developed premature growth arrest with angular deformity. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale for all patients was 98.3 (87 to 100) and the mean modified Weber protocol was 1.15 (0 to 5). There was a significant correlation between initial displacement (p = 0.004) and operative delay (p = 0.007) with premature growth arrest. Both risk factors act independently and additively, such that all children with both risk factors developed premature arrest whereas children with no risk factor did not. We recommend that fractures of the medial malleolus in children should be treated by anatomical reduction and screw fixation within one day of injury.

Posterior dislocation of the shoulder is an uncommon injury. Diagnosis is difficult and often missed. Once diagnosed, management must be individualized depending on the amount of the defect of the humeral head and the time from injury. This article presents a case of a 40-year-old man with a 4-month history of bilateral locked posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulders after a grand mal seizure. Imaging showed loss of the glenohumeral joint lines congruency, reverse Hill-Sachs lesions, and articular defects of 35% and 40% of the humeral heads. A modified McLaughlin technique was performed in both shoulders in a single stage. Through the standard deltopectoral approach, the lesser tuberosity was osteotomized with the subscapularis and capsule attached and elevated to expose the humeral head and glenoid. The shape of the humeral head was restored by packing the defect with morselized bone allograft. Before packing the allograft into the defect, 2 absorbable suture anchors were inserted at the bottom of the defect; the lesser tuberosity was transferred into the defect, and fixed with 2 transosseous horizontal mattress sutures. Stable fixation was evaluated intraoperatively, and the wound was closed in layers. Postoperatively, both shoulders were immobilized with external rotation braces for 6 weeks, followed by passive, active-assisted, and progressively active range of shoulder motion and rotator cuff strengthening exercises for the next 6 weeks. At 12 weeks postoperatively, full range of motion was accomplished, and full activity was allowed. At 22-month follow-up, the patient was satisfied with his level of function; both shoulder joints were painless and stable without apprehension or recurrence of instability. Radiographs showed congruent joints and complete incorporation of the allograft into the defect with restoration of the shape of the humeral head.

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Introduction:Dislocation/subluxation of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) tendon is a rare condition in the general population, but is a common problem among athletes that subject their wrists to forceful rotational movements. Pain and snapping sensation at the dorsoulnar aspect of the wrist especially during supination are the predominant symptoms that often necessitate surgical intervention.Case Presentation:We present a case of a professional water-polo athlete with recurrent ECU tendon dislocation, in whom a combination of direct repair of the tendon’s subsheath and reinforcement with an extensor retinaculum graft led to definitive resolution of her symptoms and resulted in her uneventful return to high-level sport activities 4 months postoperatively.Conclusions:The treatment of symptomatic ECU instability is still controversial, especially for acute dislocations. Depending on the type of injury many surgical techniques have been proposed. Combination of direct repair of the tendon’s subsheath and reinforcement with an extensor retinaculum graft is a reliable option.

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Until definite evidence is available, alendronate treatment in patients with osteoporosis is not now prohibited by the healthcare authorities, probably because its beneficial influence outweighs the adverse effects. However, this adverse effect deserves attention of medical practitioners; physicians should be alert on alendronate's possible suppressive effect on bone turnover, which in turn may be responsible for the occurrence of femoral fractures.