Treatment of distal 1/3 tibia fractures: plating versus intramedullary nailing – A prospective comparative study

Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken to introduce anterolateral approach for mini-open degenerative rotator cuff tear in elderly and evaluate its outcome and effectiveness. Material and Methods: This study evaluated 25 cases that were repaired by mini-open repair using anterolateral approach. There were 15 men and 10 women with average age of 57.4 years. Average follow up was 12.6 months. There were 2 partial thickness, 4 small, 8 medium, 8 large, and 3 massive tears. An incision around 5-6 cm from anterolateral edge of acromion and dissected to the raphe between anterior and middle deltoid. Subacromial decompression was done by removing anteroinferior part of acromion. The torn tendon was repaired through single or double row technique using bony tunnels drilled in greater tuberosity. The deltoid was sutured back to remaining acromion. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow surgeon (ASES) scoring system. Results: The average visual analogue scale (VAS) and ASES scores improved respectively from 8.88, 83.32 preoperatively to 1.04 and 17.68 postoperatively. There were no statistically significant difference between final ASES scores and age, symptom duration. Men had higher final ASES scores than women (p= 0.012)