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ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, compare and identify the surgical technique with best results for treating intra-articular calcaneal fractures, taking into account postoperative outcomes, complications and scoring in the Aofas questionnaire. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on 54 patients with fractures of the calcaneus who underwent surgery between 2002 and 2012 by means of the following techniques: (1) open reduction with extended L-shaped lateral incision and fixation with double-H plate of 3.5 mm; (2) open reduction with minimal incision lateral approach and percutaneous fixation with wires and screws; and (3) open reduction with minimal incision lateral approach and fixation with adjustable monoplanar external fixator. RESULTS: Patients treated using a lateral approach, with fixation using a plate had a mean Aofas score of 76 points; those treated through a minimal incision lateral approach with screw and wire fixation had a mean score of 71 points; and those treated through a minimal incision lateral approach with an external fixator had a mean score of 75 points. The three surgical techniques were shown to be effective for treating intra-articular calcaneal fractures, without any evidence that any of the techniques being superior. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular calcaneal fractures are complex and their treatment should be individualized based on patient characteristics, type of fracture and the surgeon's experience with the surgical technique chosen.

Objectives: To compare the clinical results obtained by using the techniques of open limited fasciectomy (FP) and percutaneous needle fasciectomy (FPC) in patients with Dupuytren's contracture after one year follow up. Methods: Thirty-three patients and a total of 50 fingers with Dupuytren's contracture were divided non-randomly and evaluated after undergoing procedures with FP or FPC. The results were evaluated based on the Tubiana classification, DASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), time until return to professional activities, total passive extension deficit (DTEP), the relationship between the extension deficit and DASH, recurrence and complications. Results: Twenty-six fingers were treated with FPC technique and 24 fingers with FP. The DTEP was significantly lower in FP group (10.23º ) when compared to FPC group (23.46º) at 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.038). The remaining items assessed did not show any statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Total passive extension deficit at 12 months is lower in the group of open limited fasciectomy. There are no significant differences between groups FP and FPC over the classification of Tubiana, the DASH score, time until return to professional activities and the incidence of recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: A comparative analysis by applying the criteria of the original classification Ahlbäck in the anteroposterior (AP) bipedal knee in extension and anteroposterior (AP) monopodal knee in symptomatic knee arthrosis. With this analysis we intend to observe the agreement, any advantage or difference between the incidence and degree of joint involvement between the orthopedic surgeons and radiologists with the referring physician. METHODS: From January 2012 to March 2012, was a prospective study of 60 symptomatic arthrosis knees (60 patients), clinically selected group of outpatient knee and radiographic proposals submitted to the search. Of the 60 patients, 39 were female and 21 male, mean age 64 years (ranging from 50 to 84 years). Of the 60 knees studied, 37 corresponded to the right side and 23 on the left side. Statistical analysis was performed by Kappa statistics, which evaluates the interobserver agreement for qualitative data. RESULTS: According to the scale of Ahlbäck, there was a significant agreement (p < 0.0001) intra-observer in the classification of knee osteoarthritis among the five evaluators. There was a significant agreement (p < 0.0001) with inter-observer referring physician in the incidence of AP monopodal and AP bipedal for the four raters. CONCLUSION: The study found no difference between the incidence in the AP monopodal versus AP bipedal in osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE : The purpose of this study was to compare different positions of plates in lateral malleolar Danis-Weber B fractures on synthetic bone: a lateral plate and a posterior antiglide plate. METHODS : Short oblique fractures of distal fibula at the level of the syndesmosys were simulated with a fibular osteotomy in sixteen synthetic fibula bones (Synbone®). Eight fractures were fixed with lateral plating associated with an independent lag screw, and the other eight were fixed with posterior antiglide plating with a lag screw through the plate. A strain gage was installed at the center of each plate at the osteotomy site. Supination and external rotation forces were applied to each of the two groups at the bend. RESULTS : The lateral position plate group suffered more deformity in response to supination forces compared to the group with the posterior antiglide plate, but this result was not statistically significant. In the tests with external rotation forces, the posterior antiglide plating group had significantly higher resistance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION : When subjected to external rotation forces, osteosynthesis with posterior antiglide plate models simulating type B fractures of the lateral malleolus of the ankle is more resistant than that of the neutralization plate.

Os ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados (ECCR) são considerados o padrão ouro da medicina baseada em evidências na atualidade, sendo importantes para direcionar a conduta médica através de observações científicas consistentes. Passos como seleção dos pacientes, randomização e cegamento são fundamentais na realização de um ECCR e apresentam algumas dificuldades extras nos ensaios que envolvem procedimentos cirúrgicos, como é comum na Ortopedia. O objetivo deste artigo é destacar e discutir algumas dificuldades e eventuais limitações dos ECCR na área cirúrgica.Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are considered to be the gold standard for evidence-based medicine nowadays, and are important for directing medical practice through consistent scientific observations. Steps such as patient selection, randomization and blinding are fundamental for conducting an RCT, but some additional difficulties are presented in trials that involve surgical procedures, as in common in orthopedics. The aim of this article was to highlight and discuss some difficulties and possible limitations on RCTs within the field of surgery.

OBJETIVO: Foi avaliado o conjunto de cinco manobras para as lesões meniscais (McMurray, Apley, Childress, Steinmann 1 e 2) e calculados a sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e likelyhoods do conjunto dessas manobras. Os mesmos cálculos foram aplicados a cada teste individualmente. MÉTODOS: Cento e cinquenta e dois pacientes de ambos os sexos que iriam realizar videoartroscopia do joelho foram examinados por um dos cinco residentes desse hospital de forma cega sem que esse soubesse seus dados clínicos e porque seriam operados. Esse exame era realizado imediatamente antes da videoartroscopia e seus resultados anotados em planilha eletrônica. O conjunto de manobras foi considerado positivo quando uma era positiva. Já na análise individual, bastava o teste ser positivo. RESULTADOS: A análise mostrou que o conjunto dos cinco testes meniscais apresenta 89% de sensibilidade, 42% de especificidade, 75% de acurácia, likelyhood + de 1,53 e um likelyhood - de 0,26. Individualmente os testes apresentaram acurácia entre 48 e 53%. CONCLUSÃO: O conjunto de manobras para as lesões meniscais tem boa acurácia e valor significativo, principalmente para excluir lesões. Os testes isolados têm menor valor diagnóstico, sendo o teste de Apley o de melhor especificidade.OBJECTIVE: A set of five maneuvers for meniscal injuries (McMurray, Apley, Childress and Steinmann 1 and 2) was evaluated and their sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and likelihood were calculated. The same methods were applied to each test individually. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two patients of both sexes who were going to undergo videoarthroscopy on the knee were examined blindly by one of five residents at this hospital, without knowledge of the clinical data and why the patient was going to undergo an operation. This examination was conducted immediately before the videoarthroscopy and its results were recorded in an electronic spreadsheet. The set of maneuvers was considered positive when one was positive. In the individual analysis, it was enough for the test to be positive. RESULTS: The analysis showed that the set of five meniscal tests presented sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 42%, accuracy of 75%, positive likelihood of 1.53 and negative likelihood of 0.26. Individually, the tests presented accuracy of between 48% and 53%. CONCLUSION: The set of maneuvers for meniscal injuries presented a good accuracy and significant value, especially for ruling out injury. Individually, the tests had less diagnostic value, although the Apley test had better specificity.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o tempo de exposição à radiação nos pacientes com fratura do terço distal da tíbia tratados com haste intramedular e placa em ponte. MÉTODOS: Em 33 fraturas foram utilizadas hastes intramedulares e em 41, placas em ponte. No grupo haste, segundo a classificação AO, 14 pacientes apresentavam fraturas do tipo A, 15 do tipo B e quatro, do tipo C. Doze pacientes sofreram fraturas fechadas e 21, expostas. No grupo placa, 10 pacientes apresentavam fraturas do tipo A, 22 do tipo B e nove do tipo C. Vinte e sete pacientes sofreram fraturas fechadas e 14 expostas. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que existe diferença significativa no tempo de exposição à radiação entre pacientes tratados com haste e placa (p = 0,0001). O grupo tratado com haste apresentou tempo de exposição à radiação significativamente maior que o grupo com placa. Quando comparado o tipo de fratura (A, B e C), observou-se que não existe diferença significativa no tempo de exposição à radiação quando utilizada a técnica de haste (p = 0,19) e placa (p = 0,80). CONCLUSÃO: Fraturas do terço distal da tíbia tratadas com haste intramedular apresentam um tempo de exposição à radiação significativamente maior do que as fraturas tratadas com placa em ponte, independente do tipo de fratura.OBJECTIVE: To compare the exposure time to radiation in patients with distal third fractures of the tibia treated with intramedullary nail and bridge plate. METHODS: In 33 fractures intramedullary nails were used, and in 41 fractures plates were used. In the intramedullary nail group, according to the AO classification, 14 patients had type A fractures, 15 patients had type B fractures and four had type C fractures. Twelve patients had closed fractures and 21 had open fractures. In the plate group, 10 patients had type A fractures, 22 patients had type B fractures and nine had type C fractures. 27 patients had closed fractures and 14 had open fractures. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in exposure time to radiation between the patients treated with the intramedullary nail and the plate (p = 0.0001). The group treated with the intramedullary nail had a significantly higher exposure time to the radiation than the group treated with the plate. Comparing the type of fracture (A, B and C), it was observed that there is no considerable difference in exposure time to radiation between the intramedullary nail technique (p = 0.19) and the plate technique (p = 0.80). CONCLUSION: Fractures of distal third of the tibia treated with intramedullary nail show considerably higher exposure time to radiation than fractures treated with the bridge plate, independent of fracture type.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia e segurança de rivaroxaban com a enoxaparina na profilaxia de trombose venosa profunda (TVP) após artroplastia total de quadril. MÉTODOS: No período de setembro de 2006 a abril de 2007, no Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Complexo Hospitalar da Santa Casa de Porto Alegre/RS, foi realizado um ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego, em que foram selecionados 67 pacientes, todos submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril (ATQ). Desses, foram excluídos dois pacientes por falta de adesão à profilaxia proposta após a alta hospitalar. Para um dos grupos foi administrada enoxaparina 40mg, subcutânea seis a oito horas antes da cirurgia e, depois desta, foi adicionado um comprimido de placebo, via oral, durante os primeiros 32 a 36 dias, uma vez ao dia. O outro grupo recebeu rivaroxaban 10mg, via oral, uma vez ao dia, durante os primeiros 32 a 36 dias pós-operatórios. Para fazer o cegamento dos grupos foi administrada uma injeção de placebo subcutâneo seis a oito horas antes da cirurgia e nos 32 a 36 dias subseqüentes. O desfecho principal estudado foi a eficácia na prevenção de TVP, que foi avaliada através de venografia bilateral realizada entre os dias 32 e 36 de pós-operatório e/ou através de sintomas documentados de trombose venosa profunda ou tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP). O desfecho secundário estudado foi segurança na posologia, avaliada através de sangramento importante e/ou hepatotoxicidade. RESULTADOS: Rivaroxaban e enoxaparina tiveram resultados semelhantes (as diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas), quando comparados quanto à redução da incidência de TVP até o 36º dia pós-operatório. Não houve diferença quanto à perda sanguínea e a hepatotoxicidade, quando comparadas as drogas. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril, o rivaroxaban mostrou-se igualmente eficaz e seguro quanto a enoxaparina na prevenção de trombose venosa profunda e tromboembolismo pulmonar.OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban to those of enoxaparin for the prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: From September 2006 to April 2007, at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of the Hospital Complex of the Santa Casa of Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial was carried out in which 67 patients were selected (n = 67), all of them submitted to total hip arthroplasty (ATQ). Of these patients, two were excluded for lack of adherence to the prophylaxis proposed after hospital release (n = 65). One of the groups was given subcutaneous 40 mg enoxaparin 6 hours to 8 hours before surgery, and after surgery a placebo pill was added, for once a day oral intake, during the first 32 to 36 days. The other group was given oral 10 mg rivaroxaban, once a day, during the first 32 to 36 post-operative days. In order to have the double-blind feature of the study, a subcutaneous placebo injection was given 6 hours to 8 hours before surgery and on the 32 to 36 days following surgery. The main outcome aimed at was the effectiveness in preventing DVT, which was evaluated by bilateral venography carried out between days 32 and 36 after surgery, or through documented symptoms of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The secondary outcome studied was administration safety, that was evaluated through major bleeding or liver toxicity. RESULTS: Rivaroxaban and enoxaparin showed similar results (the differences were not statistically significant) when compared for the reduction of DVT incidence till the 36th post-operative day. There was no difference in blood loss and liver toxicity when the drugs were compared. CONCLUSION: In patients submitted to total hip arthroplasty, rivaroxaban showed as effective and safe as enoxaparin to prevent deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um modelo computadorizado bidimensional, simulando uma fratura do fêmur em criança tratada por hastes flexíveis de aço e titânio, utilizando o método dos elementos finitos, avaliando-se comparativamente o caminho e distribuição das tensões, tensões principais e deformações. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dois modelos diferentes, gerados pelo aplicativo Ansys®, considerando a simulação de uma fratura transversal na região diafisária, com a espessura de 1mm, cuja estabilização foi feita mediante o emprego de hastes intramedulares de materiais diferentes (aço e titânio), à luz da teoria mecanostática proposta por Frost, em 1987. RESULTADOS: A introdução das hastes intramedulares no fêmur alterou o caminho das tensões, servindo como condutoras das forças compressivas. Na análise comparativa, o modelo com as hastes de titânio, à luz da teoria mecanostática proposta por Frost, apresentou desempenho mais homogêneo quando do estudo das deformações em relação ao modelo com hastes de aço inoxidável. CONCLUSÕES: O modelo proposto atingiu os objetivos de comparar as tensões e deformações entre as simulações das hastes de aço e titânio. Analisando o caminho e distribuição das tensões no modelo (Von Mises e tensões principais), observa-se comportamento biomecânico qualitativamente melhor no modelo com hastes de titânio; todavia, na análise quantitativa, restrita às regiões do foco de fratura, os valores são estatisticamente semelhantes. No estudo das deformações, observa-se comportamento biomecânico mais homogêneo no modelo com hastes de titânio, pois as deformações verificadas nas regiões do foco de fratura apresentam-se dentro das janelas fisiológicas propostas por Frost.OBJECTIVE: To present a 2D computer model simulating a pediatric femur fracture treated with steel and titanium elastic nails, using the Finite Element Method, with a comparative evaluation of the paths and distribution of stresses, main stresses, and strains. METHODS: Two different models were used, both generated by application Ansys®, considering the simulation of a 1 mm transversal fracture of the diaphysis whose stabilization was performed with the use of intramedullary nails made of different materials (steel and titanium), according to the Mechanostat Theory proposed by Frost in 1987. RESULTS: The introduction of intramedullary nails in the femur has changed the path of stresses, and conducted compressive stresses. In the comparison, the model with titanium nails, according to the Mechanostat Theory proposed by Frost, presented a more homogenous performance in the strain study than the stainless steel nails. CONCLUSIONS: The model proposed attained the objective of comparing stresses and strains between the steel and titanium nails simulations. By analyzing the path and the distribution of stresses in the model (Von Mises and main stresses), one can see the qualitatively improved biomechanical behavior in the titanium nails model, but in the quantitative analysis restricted to the fracture focus regions, the values are statistically similar. In the strain study, the more homogenous biomechanical behavior is seen in the model with titanium nails, as all strains seen in fracture focus regions are within the physiological window proposed by Frost.

OBJETIVO: Comparar, entre os sexos, as características morfológicas, histoquímicas e imunoistoquímicas dos tendões dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil a serem utilizados como auto-enxerto nas cirurgias de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. MÉTODOS: Amostras dos tendões dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil de 36 pacientes (36 joelhos) foram avaliadas. As idades variaram de 15 a 46 anos, com média de 29,3 anos. Com relação à cor, 33 pacientes eram brancos e três não brancos. Quanto ao lado, eram 23 joelhos direitos e 13 esquerdos. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, sexo masculino (n = 20) e feminino (n = 16). As amostras dos tendões foram submetidas à análise histológica, histoquímica e imunoistoquímica. RESULTADOS: Não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes em relação à idade, ao sexo, à cor, ao lado, ao processo inflamatório, à vascularização, e à alcianofilia entre os grupos avaliados. Houve aumento da celularidade nos tendões do músculo semitendíneo em relação aos tendões do músculo grácil (sexo masculino p = 0,03 e sexo feminino p = 0,22). Pôde-se observar tendência nas mulheres à maior presença de calcificações dos tendões dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil (p = 0,06 e p = 0,09), e ao aumento da degeneração das fibras colágenas dos tendões do músculo semitendíneo (p = 0,06). Em relação à presença de receptores de estrógeno nos tendões dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil, observou-se aumento do número de receptores nos pacientes do sexo masculino. CONCLUSÃO: Observaram-se, entre os sexos, diferenças morfológicas, histoquímicas e imunoistoquímicas no tendão do músculo semitendíneo entre o tendão dos músculos grácil e semitendíneo no sexo masculino.OBJECTIVE: To compare the morphologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical characteristics of the tendons of the semitendinosus and the gracilis muscles to be used as autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgeries in men and in women. METHODS: Tendon samples of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles of 36 patients (36 knees) were evaluated. Ages ranged from 15 to 46 years, with a mean of 29.3 years. Regarding color, 33 patients were caucasian, and three were non-caucasian. Regarding the sid, 23 knees were right knees, and 13 were left knees. Patients were divided into two groups: men (n = 20) and women (n = 16). Tendon samples were submitted to histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were seen with respect to age, race, side, inflammatory process, vascularization, and alcioanophilia between the groups under evaluation. There was increased cellularity of semitendinosus muscle tendons when compared to gracilis muscle tendons (males p = 0.03, and females p = 0.22). The authors could observe that women show a trend to greater presence of calcifications in the tendons of the semitendinosus and the gracilis muscles (p = 0.06 and p = 0.09), and to increased degeneration of the collagen fibers of the semitendinosus muscle tendons (p = 0.06). Regarding the presence of estrogen receptors in the tendons of semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, they observed an increased number of receptors in male patients. CONCLUSION: The different genders showed morphologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical differences in the tendons of the semitendinosus between the tendons of the gracilis and semitendinosus muscles in the male gender.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o nível de dor pós-operatória de pacientes submetidos à sutura artroscópica da lesão do manguito rotador (MR) que receberam protocolos diferentes de analgesia pós-operatória. Demonstrar a relação entre dor e o sexo do paciente, a dimensão da lesão suturada e a utilização da capsulotomia interna. Verificar a prevalência dos efeitos colaterais. MÉTODO: Foram analisados três grupos de pacientes operados entre 1º de junho de 2004 e 31 de maio de 2007. O grupo I foi composto pelos pacientes que receberam bloqueio interescalênico com ropivacaína a 0,75%. No grupo II, o mesmo bloqueio foi acrescido de 150µg de clonidina. No grupo III foi administrado um bolus de 30ml de ropivacaína a 0,75% para infiltração dos portais artroscópicos e diretamente no espaço subacromial, seguido de infusão contínua de ropivacaína a 0,2% em bomba de infusão. Os pacientes foram submetidos à medição da escala analógica visual (EAV) com 24 horas após o procedimento. As variáveis estudadas foram: EAV, sexo, tamanho da lesão, necessidade de capsulotomia interna e prevalência dos efeitos colaterais. O estudo avaliou 196 pacientes, dos quais foram excluídos 51, totalizando n = 145 pacientes. O total de pacientes no grupo I foi de 65; no grupo II, de 19; e no grupo III, de 61. RESULTADOS: O índice da EAV médio encontrado no grupo I foi de 3,88 ± 1,737 (3); no grupo II, de 3,8 ± 1,6 (3); e no grupo III, de 1,95 ± 1,6 (2). Houve diferença significativa ao comparar os grupos I e III (p < 0,001) e ao comparar os grupos II e III (p < 0,001), sugerindo menor dor nos pacientes do grupo III. Não houve diferença para a percepção da dor entre os sexos (p = 0,700) e entre os diferentes tamanhos de lesão do MR (p = 0,546). Houve diferença na percepção da dor entre os pacientes submetidos ou não à capsulotomia interna (p = 0,038). Houve redução na prevalência das náuseas e/ou vômitos (p = 0,089) e do prurido (p = 0,092) no grupo III, quando comparado com os grupos I e II. CONCLUSÕES: O protocolo de analgesia pós-operatória com infusão contínua de ropivacaína demonstrou ser superior aos protocolos que utilizam morfina após o término do efeito do bloqueio interescalênico. Não houve distinção na percepção da dor entre os sexos e diferentes tamanhos de lesões suturadas. Houve distinção na percepção da dor entre os pacientes que realizaram ou não a capsulotomia interna. O índice de efeitos colaterais foi semelhante entre os protocolos de analgesia.OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of postoperative pain in patients submitted to arthroscopic suture of a rotator cuff lesion who had different analgesia protocols. To demonstrate the relationship between pain and the gender of the patient, the dimension of the lesion sutured, and the use of internal capsulotomy. To check the prevalence of side effects. METHODS: Three groups of patients operated on between June 01, 2004 and May 31, 2007 were analyzed. Group I comprised patients who received interescalenic blockade with 0.75% ropivacaine. In group II, the same blockade was added with 150 µg of clonidine. In group III, a 30 ml bolus of 0.75% ropivacaine was administered to infiltrate the arthroscopic portals and directly in the subacromial space, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine with an infusion pump. The patients were submitted to the medication of the EAV analogue-visual scale 24 hours after the procedure. The variables studied were EAV, gender, size of the lesion, need of internal capsulotomy, and prevalence of side effects. The study evaluated 196 patients, 51 of whom were excluded, thus giving a total " n" = 145 patients. The total of patients in group I was 65, in group II, 19, and in group III, 61. RESULTS: The mean EAV index found for group I was 3.88 ± 1,737 (3); in group II, it was 3.8 ± 1.6 (3), and in group III, 1.95 ± 1.6 (2). There was a significant difference when comparing group I to group III (p < 0.001) and when comparing group II to group III (p < 0.001) suggesting less pain felt by patients in group III. There was no pain perception difference between genders (p = 0.700) and among the different sizes of rotator cuff lesion (p = 0.546). There was a pain perception difference between patients that were and those that were not submitted to internal capsulotomy (p = 0.038). There was reduced prevalence of nausea and/or vomiting (p = 0.089) and of pruritus (p = 0.092) in group III as compared to groups I and II. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol of postoperative analgesia with continuous infusion of ropivacaine showed that it is better than the protocols using morphine after the end of the interescalenic blockade effects. There was no difference in pain perception between the genders and according to different sizes of sutured lesions. There was a difference in pain perception by the patients who had and those who have not had internal capsulotomy. The rate of side effects was similar among the analgesia protocols.