We believe our test protocol produced screw loosening failure similar to that observed clinically, and that it has the ability to detect differences in failure initiation force and failure modes to compare short-term efficacy of screw augmentation techniques. All cements improved screw resistance to failure. The CP > CS > M failure initiation force (P < 0.006) was because of differences in cement distribution. Animal studies may be required to characterize the remodeling activity of bioactive cements and their longer term efficacies.

Proximal biceps tendon pathology is a common source of shoulder symptoms. Thus, visualization of the entire extent of the biceps tendon is often required for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Accurately recognizing the presence and extent of biceps pathology intraoperatively is made more difficult, however, due to the extra-articular location of a significant portion of the biceps tendon as it courses within the bicipital groove. Unfortunately, identification of the biceps groove in the subacromial space is often challenging due to the lack of visual and tactile landmarks. A technique that facilitates efficient and reliable bicipital groove identification and biceps tendon visualization along its entire course within the groove is presented.

No abstract