SUMMARYStanding balance is the process which keeps the pressure center (PC), a projection of gravity center on the ground inside the support area of the body. This study evaluates postural control in patients with unilateral lesion of knee anterior cruciate ligament and in healthy individuals (control group), through parameters of pressure center. Nineteen healthy individuals (11 men

No abstract

Objective: To evaluate shoulder functional results and the retear rate of arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff augmented with platelet-rich plasma (PRP).Methods: Prospective case series with single-row arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff augmented with PRP. Only cases of isolated supraspinatus tears with retraction of less than 3 cm were included in this series. The PRP used was obtained by apheresis. It was applied on liquid consistency in its activated form, with the addition of autologous thrombin. Patients were evaluated after 12 months of the surgical procedure. The Constant-Murley, UCLA and VAS scales were used, and the retear rate was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Fourteen patients were evaluated (14 shoulders). The mean Constant-Murley score was 45.64 ± 12.29 before the operation and evolved to 80.78 ± 13.22 after the operation (p < 0.001). The UCLA score increased from 13.78 ± 5.66 to 31.43 ± 3.9 (p < 0.001). The patients’ pain level decreased from a median of 7.5 (p25% = 6, p75% = 8) to 0.5 (p25% = 0, p75% = 3) (p = 0.0013) according to the VAS score. None of the patients presented complete retear. Three patients (21.4%) showed partial retear, without transfixation. Only one patient developed complications (adhesive capsulitis). Conclusion: Patients submitted to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair augmented with PRP showed significant functional improvement and none of them had complete retearing.

Static and dynamic pedobarometric evaluations were performed on the feet of 100 normal adult white men aged from 20 to 49 years old (mean = 29.9 +/- 6.9), using version 3.848 of the F-SCAN system. All evaluations were performed using new pressure sensor insoles with standardized conditions. Maximum vertical forces and plantar peak pressure measurements were taken during 7.88 seconds each of walking in a straight line at subject's own pace and standing. Feet were separated based on their side and lower limb dominance. The means of three consecutive and three alternate tests provided quantitative data. Maximum static and vertical dynamic forces were found to be greater on the dominant side and were significantly correlated with body weight. There were significant differences between dominant and non-dominant sides in static plantar peak pressure evaluations at the forefoot and midfoot, and in the dynamic evaluations at the midfoot. There was a significant correlation between dynamic plantar peak pressures at the midfoot and body weight.

The purpose of this study was to observe whether the results of the median nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps are equivalent to the classical ulnar nerve fascicle transfer, in terms of elbow flexion strength and donor nerve morbidity. Twenty-five consecutive patients were operated between March 2007 and July 2013. The patients were divided into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 8), the patients received an ulnar nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps motor branch. In Group 2 (n = 15), the patients received a median nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps motor branch. Two patients with follow-up less than six months were excluded. Both groups were similar regarding age (P = 0.070), interval of injury (P = 0.185), and follow-up period (P = 0.477). Elbow flexion against gravity was achieved in 7 of 8 (87.5%) patients in Group 1, versus 14 of 15 (93.3%) patients in Group 2 (P = 1.000). The level of injury (C5-C6 or C5-C7) did not affect anti-gravity elbow flexion recovery in both the groups (P = 1.000). It was concluded that the median nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps is as good as the ulnar nerve fascicle transfer, even in C5-C7 injuries.

The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of pelvic rotational asymmetry in the transverse plane and identify the possible factors related to this problem. One thousand and forty-five patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and complete documentation in the gait laboratory were reviewed in a retrospective study. Pelvic asymmetry in the transverse plane was observed in 52.7% of the patients; and to identify the possible causes of pelvic retraction, clinical (Thomas test, popliteal angle, and gastrocnemius tightness) and dynamic parameters (mean rotation of the hip in stance, minimum hip flexion, minimum knee flexion, and peak ankle dorsiflexion) were evaluated. The association between these parameters and pelvic retraction was assessed statistically. The results showed that 75.7% of patients with asymmetric pattern of the pelvis had clinical diagnosis of diplegic spastic CP. Among the patients with asymmetrical CP, the most common pattern was pelvic retraction on the affected side. The relationship between pelvic retraction and internal hip rotation was stronger in patients with asymmetrical diplegic CP than in those with hemiplegic (P<0.001) or symmetrical diplegic CP (P = 0.014). All of the patients exhibited a significant association among clinical parameters (Thomas test, popliteal angle, and gastrocnemius tightness) and pelvic retraction. In conclusion, pelvic retraction seems to be a multifactorial problem, and the etiology can change according to topographic classification, which must be taken into account during the decision-making process in patients with CP.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Optimal management of knee osteoarthritis requires a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. The use of lateral wedge insoles to treat medial knee osteoarthritis is recommended, but there is still controversy about its efficacy. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the use of lateral wedge insoles can diminish pain and improve function in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective randomized trial conducted in a tertiary-level hospital. METHODS:We prospectively enrolled 58 patients with medial knee osteoarthritis and randomized them to use either a lateral wedge insole with subtalar strapping (Group W), or a neutral insole with subtalar strapping (Group N -control). All the patients were instructed to use the insole for five to ten hours per day. A visual analogue pain scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Lequesne questionnaire were applied at baseline and at weeks 2, 8 and 24. RESULTS: At weeks 8 and 24, both groups showed lower scores for WOMAC (P = 0,023 and P = 0,012 respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the visual analogue pain scale, WOMAC or Lequesne results at any time evaluated. CONCLUSION: The use of a lateral wedge insole with subtalar strapping improved the patients' symptoms and function but was not superior to placebo insoles. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01739296.RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O manejo ideal da osteoartrite de joelhos requer combinação entre modalidades farmacológicas e não farmacológicas. O uso de palmilhas valgizantes no tratamento da osteoartrite medial do joelho é recomendado, mas sua eficácia ainda é controversa. Este estudo objetiva verificar se o uso da palmilha valgizante pode diminuir a dor e melhorar a função dos pacientes com osteoartrite medial dos joelhos. DESENHO E LOCAL: Ensaio clínico prospectivo e randomizado conduzido em hospital de atenção terciária. MÉTODOS: Alocamos prospectivamente 58 pacientes com osteoartrite medial dos joelhos que foram randomizados para fazer uso de palmilha valgizante com amarrilho subtalar (Grupo W) ou palmilha neutra com amarrilho subtalar (Grupo N -controle). Todos os pacientes foram orientados a utilizar a palmilha entre cinco e dez horas por dia.

Objectives: To describe the clinical and radiographic results of patients with traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation treated with the Bristow-Latarjet procedure. Methods: Retrospective case series including 44 patients (45 shoulders) who underwent the Bristow-Latarjet procedure. The graft was fixed “standing” in 84% of the shoulders, and “lying” in 16%. Results: The follow-up was 19.25 ± 10.24 months. We obtained 96% of good results, with 2 recurrences presented as subluxation. Graft healing occurred in 62% of cases. The graft was positioned below the glenoid equator in 84% of the cases, and less than 10 mm from its edge in 98%. The external rotation had a limitation of 20.7º ± 15.9º, while the internal rotation was limited in 4.0º ± 9.6º. The limitation of rotation and the position of the graft (“standing” or “lying”) did not correlate with graft healing (p>0.05). Bicortical fixation was positively correlated with healing (p <0.001). Conclusion: The Bristow-Latarjet technique is indicated for the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocations and subluxations of the shoulder. It is a safe treatment method, which can be used in people with intense physical activity. Limiting shoulder mobility does not prevent patients from returning to their usual occupations. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.