Clinical outcomes of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and superior capsular reconstruction for irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - Functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCTs) present an ongoing challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. The aim of this systematic...     

Castor Bean Allergy Among Workers in the Felt Industry

We describe occupational allergy to castor bean in workers in a felt manufacturing plant. Twenty-six (37%) of the workers complained they were affected by the felt and were examined by us. Of these, 12 were considered to have occupational allergy. These 12 subjects had raised specific IgE levels to both felt and castor bean extracts. In addition, three subjects without occupational allergy had raised specific IgE. The presence of castor bean allergens in the felt was suggested by the correlation between the RAST scores to the felt and castor bean and confirmed by RAST inhibition experiments. The RAST results correlated well with the results of skin prick tests to felt and castor bean extracts. In addition it was found that atopy did not predispose the workers to castor bean allergy.     

A comparison of Scheimpflug imaging simulated and Holladay equivalent keratometry values with partial coherence interferometry keratometry measurements in phakic eyes

Objective: To evaluate the interchangeability of a Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam, Oculus) and a partial coherence interferometry keratometer (IOLMaster, Zeiss) for measures of keratometry and anterior chamber depth (ACD). A particular focus was to determine which Pentacam keratometry value best correlates with the IOLMaster and if these results can be used interchangeably in clinical practice.Study Design: Retrospective comparative study using data from the GRMC Vision Centre and ImagePlus Laser Eye Centre.Participants: Fifty-two eyes from 27 patients (11 male, 16 female) of normal general health with no history of ocular disease.Methods: Each eye was assessed by an IOLMaster as part of a complete eye examination, and later by the Pentacam, prior to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery.Results: The differences in the mean keratometry readings of the IOLMaster and those of the simulated and equivalent Pentacam measurements were 0.35 D and 0.23 D, respectively. The Bland-Altman plots showed 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of 0.92 D and 1.68 D for the same parameters. A comparison of ACD measurements revealed a 0.03 mm difference in mean measurements with a 95% LOA of 0.33 mm.Conclusions: The interdevice variability was significantly lower than that reported previously but still warrants caution if the 2 instruments are to be used interchangeably. With an appropriate correction for mean differences, the Pentacam's simulated keratometry values would be within 0.46 D of the IOLMaster, 95% of the time. When the Holladay equivalent keratometry values were compared with the IOLMaster, a greater interdevice variability was seen.     

Editorial Commentary: Anterior Capsular Reconstruction for Subscapularis Deficiency: The Definitive Treatment or a Helpful Adjunct?

Anterior glenohumeral instability in the setting of irreparable subscapularis deficiency represents a difficult clinical scenario for the treating shoulder surgeon. Anterior capsular reconstruction with humeral dermal allograft improved glenohumeral translation stability and range of motion to near-normal values whereas pectoralis major tendon transfer was unable to do so. However, placement of a static spacer does not restore the dynamic force couple or shoulder kinematics. Further research is needed to evaluate the functional outcomes using this reconstruction technique.