The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, clinical outcomes, and complications of cable-asisted bone transport (CASt) and circular external fixator-assisted bone transport (CEFt) methods in the management of bone defects of the tibia. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients who underwent segmental bone transport for tibial bone defects between January 2006 and January 2020 and met the study inclusion criteria. Patients were categorized into two groups: CASt group (n = 16) and CEFt group (n = 16). The primary outcome measures included radiological parameters (External Fixator Index (EFI), Radiological Consolidation Time (RCT), and Radiological Consolidation Index (RCI)), functional independence (Lower Extremity Functional Index, LEFI) and functional outcomes (ASAMI Bone and Functional Scores). Secondary outcomes included pain levels (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), and complication rates (Paley's and Checketts-Otterburn classifications). The CASt method resulted in significantly reduced pain scores during distraction (VAS: 4.81 ± 0.98 vs. 6.75 ± 0.86; p = 0.001). Pin-tract infection rates were significantly lower in the CASt group compared to the CEFt group (50% vs. 93.8%; p = 0.013). There was no significant difference between the groups in radiological (EFI, RCT, RCI) and functional outcomes (ASAMI scores) (p > 0.05). Both CASt and CEFt methods are effective and reliable options in the management of bone defects of the tibia. However, CASt offers advantages such as lower pin-tract infection rates and less pain during distraction, resulting in greater patient comfort and compliance. Given its less invasive nature, CASt may be preferable in patients at higher risk of infection or with a low pain threshold. However, the technical complexity of this method requires experienced surgical application.

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are a prevalent cause of shoulder dysfunction, especially in older adults. Among the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing tear severity, the role of acromial morphology remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between acromion type, as classified by the Bigliani system, and RCT severity confirmed arthroscopically, and to assess whether age, diabetes mellitus, or hyperlipidemia are significant predictors. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 96 patients who underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subsequent arthroscopy between 2020 and 2024 were randomly selected. Patients were categorized based on Bigliani acromion types (Type I, II, III). RCT size was assessed and classified intraoperatively. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors of tear severity. A significant association was found between acromion morphology and tear size (p < 0.001). Type III (hooked) acromia were strongly associated with massive tears, while Type I and II were more commonly associated with smaller tears. Increasing age was an independent predictor of larger tears. No statistically significant relationship was found between tear size and diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia. Hooked (Type III) acromion morphology and older age were found to be associated with greater RCT severity. Systemic metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia did not appear to significantly affect tear extent. These findings support the potential clinical relevance of acromial morphology in preoperative assessment and risk stratification, although further prospective research is warranted. Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study.

Degenerative meniscal injuries are a common occurrence in orthopedic practice. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the optimal treatment algorithm and the efficacy of different treatment modalities. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the clinical reflections of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) and physical therapy (PT) methods, as well as the potential development of osteoarthritis (OA) following treatment. The study group comprised patients diagnosed with degenerative meniscal tears who were treated with either conservative or APM methods at a center between March 2021 and January 2022. The radiographs of these patients prior to the commencement of treatment were classified according to the Kelgren–Lawrence system, and clinical and pain scores were recorded. Following a 2-year period of treatment, the radiographs and scores at the conclusion of the third, 12th, and 24th months were analyzed. Among 213 patients followed up with a diagnosis of degenerative meniscal damage, at the 3-month follow-up, the APM group demonstrated significantly better pain relief and functional outcomes compared with the PT group, with notable improvements in WOMAC (between score difference: −15.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −17.08 to −14.83), Lysholm (23.43; 95% CI: 22.15–24.71), and VAS (−6.98; 95% CI: −7.25 to −6.71) scores (p < 0.001). However, by the 12th and 24th months, both groups showed comparable long-term improvements. Radiographic assessments over 2 years revealed no significant differences in OA progression. These findings suggest that APM provides superior short-term benefits, but both APM and PT are equally effective in the long-term management of degenerative meniscus tears. A comparison of the APM and PT groups revealed that patients under 50 years of age who underwent APM demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of pain and functional scores at the 3-month follow-up. At the 2-year mark, the efficacy of the treatment methods was established, yet no significant differences were observed in their capacity to prevent OA. The level of evidence is III.

The contribution of glenoid version to anterior shoulder instability remains controversial, with prior studies reporting inconsistent results. This study a