We reviewed 52 patients who underwent primary surgical repair of their acutely injured ACL using a multiple loop, varying depth suture technique. The average followup was 6 years and 10 months. Nine patients (17%) were considered as having failed repairs, with failure based on the presence of clinical instability (giving way) with sports participation and a positive Lachman test and/or pivot shift maneuver. In addition, of 26 patients in whom KT-1000 (MEDmetric Corp., San Diego, CA) measurements were performed, 42% were found to have abnormal laxity. Although using multiple sutures in primary repair of the anterior cruciate may work in some patients, it is an unpredictable operative procedure and resulted in a 17% failure rate in our study.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Plantar approach for excision of bilateral soft tissue masses in a child.

A painful soft tissue mass of the plantar aspect of both feet, in a 5-year-old child, is presented. Plantar incisions are ideal in specific cases as long as the surgeon adheres to certain principles, as outlined in this manuscript. A discussion of lipomas is also presented. Optimum exposure is the key to total eradication of soft tissue lesions and to proper maintenance of wound healing. Location of the lesion presented warranted use of the plantar approach. Minimal hypertrophy of the plantar scar was achieved, as well as few symptoms by the patient.

Child, Preschool↗