The middle third of quadriceps tendon is an autograft of sufficient size and strength and is stronger than the patellar tendon autograft with the same dimensions. We present the results from the use of a quadriceps autograft for the reconstruction of the chronically ACL deficient knee.

Between March 1999 and March 2000 we treated 36 patients with chronic ACL deficiency using a quadriceps tendon autograft, harvested from the middle third of the tendon with and without a patellar bone block.

The tendinous side of the graft was stabilized using the Mark II and Patella Soffix fixation systems (Surgicraft, UK). In the tibia the graft was passed through a tunnel and in the femur it was passed over the top. In those cases where the graft was harvested with a bone block, his was fixed to the tibia using interference screw fixation. The mean postoperative follow up was 21 months. The results have been evaluated using the IKDC, the Lysholm and the Tegner scales. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee rating system most of the patients had normal or nearly normal ratings. Knee laxity was evaluated using the arthrometers KT-2000 and Rolilmeter. There were no significant complications related to the harvesting site and there was no significant differences between the two groups regarding stability and function. MRI evaluation and second look arthroscopies in 7 patients revealed graft survival

The quadriceps tendon-patellar autograft is a reasonable alternative ACL reconstruction in primary and probably revision ACL reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity and restoration of knee stability.

Aim: To describe the technique and the mid term results of anterior shoulder instability arthroscopic reconstruction.

Patients-methods: Between March and December 2000 29 patients-28 males with ages ranging between 19–29 years (mean age 23 y.) and 1 female 24 years old-underwent arthroroscopic stabilization of anterior shoulder instability. During the procedure the anterior-inferior part of the labrum was reattached to the glenoid using bioabsorbable and metallic suture anchors. In selected patients in which capsule plication after anchors’ insertion was insufficient additional capsular shrikange or/and rotators’ interval closure was also performed.

Results: Postoperatively patient evaluation took place using Rowe-Zarins scale. According to this score 22 patients (75,9%) had excellent or very good outcome. Three (3) patients (10,35%) were lost during follow up while 1 (3,45%) died. From the remaining 25 patients 2 had recurrence of the instability (6.9%) and in 1 patient (3,45%) a stiff shoulder was noticed and arthroscopically resolved. Finally a disengaged metallic suture anchor was noticed incidentally during routine radiographic examination in one patient (3,45%).The anchor was successfully removed under arthroscopic visualization without compromising the final outcome.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior shoulder instability when precisely performed after correct patient selection is an effective technique achieving results comparable to those of traditional open procedures.

Aim: Traumatic shoulder dislocation in patients older than 50 years is an unusual injury with specific anatomic lesions and different treatment considerations than these encountered in younger patients. We present our experience in treating such kind of injuries.

Patients-methods: Between January December 2002 9 patients-4 males, 5 females – with ages ranging between 50–72 years (mean age 64 y.), have been treated in our department suffering from first traumatic shoulder dislocation. Rehabilitation program and overall recovery progress was observed in an outpatient basis while postoperative outcome was evaluated using ASES and UCLA rating scores.

Results: In 4 patients rotator cuff tear was found and reconstructed by suturing the lesion. One (1) of these patients, who had a coexisted bony Bankart lesion, presented 1 ½ month postoperative with recurrence of dislocation. Bony Bankart lesion prevented reduction in 2 patients and was reconstructed using open stabilization in one and arthroscopic to the other. HAGL lesion was detected in another patient and treated with open reduction and shoulder stabilization. Finally 2 patients with shoulder dislocation and coexisted greater tuberosity fracture were treated with closed reduction.

Conclusions: Ttraumatic shoulder dislocation in patients older than 50 years consists a distinct entity which if inadequately treated leaves the shoulder with severe functional impairment. Recurrent shoulder dislocation is an unusual complication in such patients but on the other hand rotator cuff tears and glenoid bony lesions are frequently encountered necessitating treatment. Postoperative patients should be examined in small intervals with a high degree of suspicion for the above mentioned coexisted lesions.