Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perception of an esthetical deformity resultant from arthroscopic long head biceps (LHB) tenotomy according to the degree of experience of the assisting professional. METHODS: 120 patients submitted to shoulder surgery were photographed and photos were mounted in a PowerPoint presentation. Three shoulder specialist surgeons, three generalist orthopedic surgeons and three graduated residents analyzed the presentation. RESULTS: On all patients we observed most agreement among the shoulder specialists. When just the patients with LHB tenotomy were analyzed, the specialists agreed moderately, the generalists had small agreement and the residents, a poor one. Analyzing patients with BMI < 30, there was major agreement between the specialists, while the generalists and residents had poor agreement. Analyzing patients with BMI ≥ 30, the generalists had small kappa agreement, while the specialists and residents had no agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of an esthetical deformity regarding a LHB tenotomy did not have significant agreement between different level of professionals, even though the specialists showed similar perception on tenotomy patients. The evaluation of obese patients lowered the agreement on the three groups of professionals. Level of Evidence III. Case Control Study.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the function of the subscapularis muscle by means of isometric strength, clinical examination and analysis of fatty infiltration in patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder undergoing Latarjet-Patte surgery. METHODS: 38 patients operated from March 2011 to March 2012, with minimum follow-up of two years were evaluated, being 26 males and 12 females, with a mean age of 28.7 years old. Isometric strength was measured using a portable dynamometer and measuring the distance from the back of the hand during the lift-off test. We used the Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores for clinical evaluation. The degree of fatty infiltration of the subscapularis belly was assessed by computed tomography. RESULTS: The mean scores in the Walch-Duplay and Rowe were 84.7 and 89.4, respectively. The mean distance to the back of the hand was 7.34 cm on the operated side and 8.72 cm on the opposite side (p <0.0001). The mean strength measured in the lift-off test was 0.38 kg lower than on the contralateral side (p = 0.001). There was no fatty infiltration of the subscapularis in 16 patients (42.1%). Sixteen patients (42.1%) were classified as Goutallier grade 1 and six (15.8%) as grade 2. We found that the measured isometric strength decreases with increasing the degree of fatty infiltration (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in subscapularis strength, albeit of low magnitude (0.38 kg), was directly related to the degree of fatty infiltration and worse clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Study - Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To provide data for the analysis of arthroscopy as a method of surgical treatment for shoulder and discuss its actual indications and preliminary results. METHODS: We evaluated 15 patients submitted to reverse Bankart arthroscopic surgery. We used the UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) score to measure the results before surgery and 12 months thereafter. RESULTS: The average UCLA score changed from 26.67±0.25 (SD 0.97) before surgery to 34.20±0.53 (SD 2.04) after surgery. The effectiveness of surgery was 93%. In five cases loose bodies were found. A patient undergoing remplissage was evaluated separately. The data did not change after 24 months post-surgery. CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability and posterior dislocation of the shoulder has been proved feasible and results in our series followed the same trends as in the literature. Level of Evidence III, Transversal Retrospective Study.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional outcome of patients with surgically treated terrible triad of the elbow. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed using the MEPS score (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) of patients diagnosed with terrible triad of the elbow who underwent surgical treatment. RESULTS: 14 patients (nine men and five women) and 15 elbows (one bilateral case) were evaluated. A MEPS average score of 78 points and 86% good and excellent results was obtained. As complications, we had one case of infection and three of neuropraxia of the ulnar nerve. CONCLUSION: The patients had stable elbow with good function, however with reduced range of motion. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To compare the strength generated by the rotator muscles of the shoulder joint between the right upper limb and left upper limb among healthy individuals. METHODS: To evaluate the muscle strength of upper limbs from isometric contractions in the horizontal direction (rotation) an isometric dynamometer was used, equipped with transducers, signal conditioning, a data acquisition board, and finally, a computer. Study participants were 22 male military subjects, aged between 18 and 19 years old, body mass between 57.7 and 93.0 kg (71.8 ± 9.45 kg) and height between 1.67 and 1.90 m (1.75 ± 0.06 m), healthy and without clinical diseases or any type of orthopedic injury in the muscle skeletal system. RESULTS: The internal rotation in the right upper limb (RUL) was higher than the average strength of internal rotation in the left upper limb (LUL) (p = 0.723). The external rotation strength in RUL was lower than the average strength of external rotation in the LUL (p=0.788). No statistical difference was observed by comparing the strength values of all isometric strength tests. CONCLUSION: For the sample and methodology used to assess muscle strength, there was no statistical difference between the strength generated by the muscles of the rotator cuff of the right and left upper limbs. Experimental Study.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic factors of postoperative functional outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective case series evaluating patients undergoing rotator cuff repair, analyzed by the UCLA score (pre and 12-month postoperative) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (preoperative). Patients' intrinsic variables related to the injury and intervention were evaluated. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine variables impact on postoperative functional assessment. RESULTS: 131 patients were included. The mean UCLA score increased from 13.17 ± 3.77 to 28.73 ± 6.09 (p<0,001). We obtained 65.7% of good and excellent results. Age (r= 0.232, p= 0.004) and reparability of posterosuperior injuries (r= 0.151, p= 0.043) correlated with the functional assessment at 12 months. After multivariate linear regression analysis, only age was associated (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears lead to good and excellent results in 65.6% of patients. Age was an independent predictor factor with better clinical outcomes by UCLA score in older patients. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: Analize data on patients submitted to transfer of the pronator teres (PT) or the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCB) to the extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis (ECRL/B) in order to correct flexed wrist deformity in patients with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Patients were divided into two groups: PT group and FCU group to ECRL/B. The results were evaluated by goniometry and by the functional hand test (FHT). RESULTS: Goniometry showed a statistically significant difference in favor of FCU transfer. There was no statistically significant difference regarding FHT. CONCLUSION: Both transfers PT and FCU to ECRB are good options to correct wrist flexion deformity in cerebral palsy. Level of Evidence III, Non-randomized Controlled Cohort/Follow-Up Study.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVES: To assess biomechanically different fixations means of the sacroiliac joint with pedicle screws and to compare the traditional head height with reduced ones. METHODS: We used a polyethylene model representing the pelvic ring and simulated a unilateral sacroiliac dislocation. We set up three different constructions: 1) two screws attached to a rod; 2) two rods connected to two small head screws each; and 3) two rods connected to two average headed screws each. We conducted tests in a biomechanical testing and a mechanized processing laboratory. RESULTS: Group 1 supported an average maximum load of 99.70 N. Group 2 supported an average maximum load of 362.46 N. Group 3 endured an average maximum load of 404.15 N. In the assembly with one rod, the resistance decreased as compared with the one with two bars: 72.5 % compared to small-headed screws and 75.3 % to the traditional screw. CONCLUSION: The assembly with a single bar presented inferior results when compared to the double bar assembly. There was no statistical difference in the results between the screws used. Experimental Study.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To verify prevalence of falls and fear of falling, and to compare functional fitness among elderly women fallers and non-fallers. METHODS: Seventy-eight elderly women participated in this study. Cases of falls and the fear of falling were self-reported by the elderly women, while the functional fitness was measured by a set of functional tests. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the sample. Independent t-test was used to compare functional fitness between groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of falls in this sample was 32.4%. Among women fallers, 40% self-reported a high fear of falling. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that functional and resistance exercises are included in the preventive strategies for reducing risk factors for falls and its determinants in elderly women. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic-Prospective Study.

Abstract in English:

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether joint lavage, viscosupplementation and triamcinolone improve joint pain, function and quality of life in patients with severe hemophilic arthropathy. METHODS: Fourteen patients with knee and/or ankle hemophilic arthritis with and without involvement of other joints underwent joint lavage and subsequent injection of hylan G-F20 and triamcinolone in all affected joints. The patients answered algo-functional questionnaires (Lequesne and WOMAC), visual analog scale for pain (VAS) and SF-36 preoperatively, and at one, three, six and twelve months postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixteen knees, 15 ankles, 8 elbows and one shoulder were treated in 14 patients. Six patients had musculoskeletal bleeding [ankle (1), leg muscle (2) and knees (4)] at 3 months affecting the results. Pain did not improve significantly. Function improved (WOMAC p=0.02 and Lequesne p=0.01). The physical component of SF-36 improved at all time points except at 3 months, with best results at one-year follow-up (baseline = 33.4; 1 month = 39.6; 3 months= 37.6; 6 months 39.6 and 1 year = 44.6; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Joint lavage followed by injection of triamcinolone and hylan G-F20 improves function and quality of life progressively up to a year, even in severe hemophilic arthropathy. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.