Background Primary repair of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures may not be possible because of tendon retraction, and there remains no clear consensus on the type of reconstruction technique used. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes and complication rates following reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures. Methods A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were searched: Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary outcomes of interest included range of motion, strength, and functional outcome scores. Secondary outcomes included complication, reoperation, and revision rates. Outcomes and complication rates of each graft type and fixation technique were aggregated and compared with nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank and rank sum tests. Spearman rank coefficients were calculated for time from injury to surgery on all outcomes. Results There were no significant differences found between the graft type or fixation technique for postoperative range of motion, strength, and patient-reported outcomes. Postoperative complications were substantially higher in the autograft group (34%) as compared to the allograft group (14%). The fixation technique used also demonstrated a significantly increased complication rate in the weave group compared with the onlay group (34% and 9%, respectively). Conclusion Our results do not reveal any statistically significant differences between groups in the primary outcomes. However, substantially higher complication rates were observed in the autograft and weave cohorts; more than half of the complications related to the use of autograft were associated with donor site morbidity. No specific graft type was identified as superior, although this may be due to the small patient numbers included within this study.

BackgroundThis review compares the outcomes and complication rates of three surgical strategies used for the management of symptomatic os acromiale. The purpose of this study was to help guide best practice recommendations.MethodsA systematic review of nine prospective studies, seven retrospective studies, and three case studies published across ten countries between 1993 and 2018 was performed. Adult patients (i.e., ≥ 18 years of age) with a symptomatic os acromiale that failed nonoperative management were included in this review. Surgical techniques utilized within the included studies include excision, acromioplasty, and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The primary outcomes of interest included patient satisfaction. Range of motion and several standardized outcome measurement tools were also included in the final analysis.ResultsPatient satisfaction was highest in the excision and ORIF groups, with 92% and 82% of patients reporting good to excellent postoperative results, respectively, compared to 63% in the acromioplasty group. All three patient groups experienced improvements in postoperative outcomes (i.e., active range of motion and patient-reported outcome scores). The excision group experienced a complication rate of 1%, while the acromioplasty group experienced a complication rate of 11% and the ORIF group a rate of 67%.ConclusionThis study reports on the largest sample of patients who underwent surgical treatment for a symptomatic os acromiale. We have demonstrated that excision of the os with meticulous repair of the deltoid resulted in the best clinical outcomes with the least complications. In healthy adult patients with a large os fragment and a normal rotator cuff, surgical fixation may provide increased preservation of deltoid function while offering good to excellent patient satisfaction. However, patients must be informed that a second procedure may be required to remove symptomatic hardware.

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy has recently been proposed as a cause of ischemic priapism. The evidence, however, remains scarce, as there are very few published cases of LMWH-induced priapism to date. The implications of such events are significant as ischemic priapism is a medical emergency. In current clinical practice we are seeing a trend towards LMWH therapies replacing unfractionated heparin (UFH). As LMWH therapies continue to gain favor, we will potentially see more cases of LMWH-induced priapism. As such, consideration should be given to determine the underlying pathophysiology and incidence of LMWH-induced priapism. Herein, we present the case of a 33-year-old male with priapism in the setting of tinzaparin treatment.

Case: A healthy 36-year-old man developed compartment syndrome of the posterior thigh with an associated sciatic nerve palsy secondary to an acute proximal hamstring tendon avulsion injury. Conclusion: Compartment syndrome of the thigh is rare and is usually associated with high-energy trauma. Atraumatic causes have been described, typically involving the anterior compartment. Posterior thigh compartment syndrome is especially uncommon. This case highlights the potential occurrence of posterior thigh compartment syndrome after proximal hamstring tendon rupture. Given the morbidity associated with compartment syndrome, it is important to recognize the risk factors and injury patterns that can cause thigh compartment syndrome.