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Mark J Berkowitz

Publications and source records attributed to Mark J Berkowitz.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Arthroscopic versus open shoulder stabilization for recurrent anterior instability: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability has been reported to result in a higher rate of recurrent instability compared to traditional open techniques. PURPOSE: To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability treated with open or arthroscopic stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A consecutive series of 64 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability were randomized to receive either arthroscopic or open stabilization by a single surgeon. Magnetic resonance arthrogram studies were obtained preoperatively. These findings were compared to arthroscopic findings. Postoperative evaluations included range of motion, stability, and subjective assessments including Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, Western Ontario Instability Index, and University of California, Los Angeles evaluation. Failure was defined as a second dislocation, recurrent subluxation, or symptoms precluding return to previous work or unrestricted active military duty. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients, 29 who received open stabilization and 32 who received arthroscopic stabilization, were evaluated at a mean of 32 months postoperatively (range, 24-48 months). Patient demographics were equivalent. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrogram findings were confirmed at arthroscopic examination. The mean operative time was significantly shorter for the arthroscopic repairs (59 vs 149 minutes; P < .001). There were 3 clinical failures (2 open stabilizations, 1 arthroscopic stabilization) by the established criteria. There was a statistically significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores in both groups (P < .001). The mean loss of motion (compared to the contralateral shoulder) was greater in the open shoulders. Subjective evaluations were equal in both groups. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic and open stabilization were comparable. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrograms in shoulders with anterior instability allow an accurate diagnosis of intra-articular abnormality that correlates well with operative findings. Arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent anterior shoulder instability can be performed safely; the clinical outcomes are comparable to those after traditional open stabilization.

Adult↗

The relationship between tears of the peroneus brevis tendon and the distal extent of its muscle belly: an MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Anomalous distal insertion of the peroneus brevis muscle belly has been implicated as a possible etiology of tears of the peroneus brevis tendon. The purpose of this study was to assess whether patients with operatively confirmed tears of the peroneus brevis tendons have a more distally located musculotendinous junction. METHODS: A retrospective review was done to identify all patients in whom direct inspection of the peroneal tendons was done between 1999 and 2004. The operative reports were evaluated, and all in whom a peroneal tendon tear was confirmed were included in the study group, Group I (29 patients). Group II represented an operative control group and consisted of all patients who had operative inspection of the peroneal tendons but did not have a tear (30 patients). Group III represented a radiographic control group and consisted of patients who had MRI of the ankle for reasons unrelated to lateral ankle symptoms (30 patients). For each patient, the vertical distance from the musculotendinous junction of the peroneus brevis tendon to the tip of the fibula was measured on sagittal MRI. The role of gender also was examined. The average distance between the musculotendinous junction of the peroneus brevis tendon to the distal fibula was calculated solely for men and women in all three groups. Statistical comparison of the groups was performed using the Mann-Whitney test. Interobserver reliability was determined by calculating Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The average distance from the musculotendinous junction to the tip of the fibula was 33.1 cm, 41.2 cm, and 46.3 cm in Groups I, II, and III, respectively. The average distance in Group I was statistically significantly lower than the average distance in both Groups II and III (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the difference in the distance between Groups II and III also was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The average distances in both men and women were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) among the three groups. CONCLUSION: It has been hypothesized that tears of the peroneus brevis tendon result from distal insertion of the peroneus brevis muscle belly. This study provides radiographic support for this hypothesis.

Adult↗

Process and tubercle fractures of the hindfoot.

Process and tubercle fractures of the talus and calcaneus can be a source of significant pain and dysfunction. Successful management requires extensive knowledge of the complex osseoligamentous anatomy of the hindfoot. The large posterior process of the talus is composed of a medial and a lateral tubercle; an os trigonum may exist posterior to the lateral tubercle. The talus has a lateral process that articulates with the fibula and subtalar joint; the calcaneus possesses a frequently injured anterior process that articulates with the cuboid. Injury to these hindfoot structures is caused by inversion and eversion of the ankle, which can occur during athletic activity. These injuries often are misdiagnosed as ankle sprains. A high degree of clinical suspicion is warranted, and specialized radiographs or other imaging modalities may be required for accurate diagnosis. Nonsurgical management with cast immobilization is frequently successful when the fracture is correctly diagnosed acutely. Large fragments may be amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. Untreated, chronic injuries can cause significant pain and functional impairment that may be improved substantially with late surgical intervention.

Calcaneus↗

Fibular position in relation to lateral ankle instability.

BACKGROUND: The position of the fibula within the ankle mortise may be a factor contributing to recurrent ankle instability. The current study was performed to determine whether significant differences in fibular position exist in a population of patients who underwent lateral ankle stabilization procedures. The hypothesis that a fibula positioned posteriorly within the mortise predisposes the ankle to chronic instability was evaluated. METHODS: Sixty-five CT/MRI scans of patients who underwent lateral ankle stabilization procedures from 1998 to 2001 were reviewed. The position of the fibula in relation to the tibia at the ankle mortise was expressed as the axial malleolar index (AMI). A greater AMI corresponds to a more posterior fibula. The AMI was also calculated from 65 CT/MRI scans performed on control patients who had no ankle instability. RESULTS: The average AMI in the study group was 17 degrees +/- 6 degrees (SD) compared with an average of 9 degrees +/- 4 degrees (SD) in the control group (p <.01). Therefore, the fibula was nearly twice as posterior in patients undergoing ankle reconstruction. In 42/65 (65%) study patients, the AMI was greater than 15 degrees. Only 5/65 (8%) control patients had AMI values greater than 15 degrees. This corresponds to an eightfold greater likelihood of AMI greater that 15 degrees in the instability group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the hypothesis that a posteriorly positioned fibula predisposes to ankle instability.

Ankle Joint↗

Avulsion fractures of the medial tubercle of the posterior process of the talus.

Avulsion fracture of the medial tubercle of the posterior process of the talus occurs after forceful dorsiflexion-pronation of the ankle. We evaluated five patients who had sustained this fracture while participating in sporting activities. Two patients were correctly diagnosed acutely and treated with immobilization and limited weightbearing. Avulsion fractures in the remaining three patients went undiagnosed acutely. This group was treated with delayed operative excision for persistent posteromedial ankle pain. The patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 35 months using the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. The two patients diagnosed and treated acutely achieved excellent results. The three patients with missed fractures did poorly, yet achieved comparable results after late excision. Our results suggest that prompt diagnosis and appropriate management yields reliably good outcomes. Untreated avulsion fractures predictably do poorly. For these patients, late excision can provide significant functional and symptomatic improvement.

Adult↗

Coxa saltans externa treated with Z-plasty of the iliotibial tract in a military population.

Coxa saltans, or snapping hip, can be attributable to a number of causes. Coxa saltans externa typically occurs when the thickened portion of the iliotibial band snaps over the greater trochanter as the hip is flexed. This condition generally resolves with a course of nonoperative treatment. We have treated three patients with Z-plasty of the iliotibial band, which has the highest published success rate in the English language literature. Only one of three patients was able to return to full activities postoperatively. In our small series, this method of surgical treatment in an active duty military population yielded less than optimal results.

Adult↗