Sports Medicine Reports 2003-03-01

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

With improved understanding of rotator cuff pathology and the availability of arthroscopic instrumentation specifically designed for soft tissue repair techniques, rotator cuff repairs have evolved from a classic open approach to a mini-open (or deltoid-sparing) approach, and finally to an all-arthroscopic technique.

Selection and De-Selection of Treatment Options For Massive Cuff Repairs

Open repair of rotator cuff tears has been a time-tested technique based on fundamental principles. Neer originally proposed 4 major objectives: cuff defect closure, elimination of impingement lesions of the coracoacromial arch, deltoid muscle preservation, and early rehabilitation without disrupting the repair.

Maximizing Results of Mini-Open Cuff Repair by Increasing Footprint Contact

While arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques have received increasing attention over the past decade, there are many options for the surgeon who treats rotator cuff disease. Open repair remains the gold standard, but combined arthroscopic and mini-open techniques bridge the gap between purely open and purely arthroscopic techniques. There are many variables, involving both patient and surgeon, to consider when discussing any technique for repairing a torn rotator cuff.

Point/Counterpoint: Arthroscopic vs Open Bankart Surgery

Is it time to recommend arthroscopic shoulder reconstruction for every patient? Arthroscopic techniques have improved significantly and gained in popularity over the past few years, but does the literature support abandoning open reconstruction?

Open Repair for Shoulder Instability

Although shoulder arthroscopy has become very popular and has been advocated for instability, there is often no substitute for an open procedure.

SLAP Lesions and Instability

Slap (superior labrum anterior to posterior) lesions involve injuries to the superior labrum with varying degrees of avulsion of the long head of the biceps attachment. SLAP lesions can be difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, and difficult to determine in importance.

Valgus Instability of the Elbow Due To Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

Valgus instability of the elbow is characterized by pain and instability at the medial aspect of the elbow due to the sprain, attenuation, or rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). As more is being learned about this ligament, it appears that there may be a spectrum of asymptomatic laxity, especially in athletes who perform overhead throwing maneuvers.

Pharmacology Watch: Smallpox Vaccination Guidelines Published by CDC

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Smallpox Vaccination and Adverse ReactionsGuidance for Clinicians in the Jan. 24th edition of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The guidance is a thorough review of the smallpox vaccine with a well-illustrated compendium of complications.

Sports Medicine Reports Archives – March 1, 2003

March 1, 2003