Posterolateral Margin Research Articles

Popliteoperoneal In Situ Bypass Using the Small Saphenous Vein Enables Revascularization With Low Trauma

In patients with diabetes, a popliteocrural vein bypass frequently must be linked to the distal peroneal artery. To reduce trauma to the ischemically damaged tissue, we used a dorsal approach to the peroneal artery. With the patient prone, a incision parallel to the posterolateral margin of the Achilles tendon is made. After the deep crural fascia and flexor hallucis longus are split, access to the peroneal artery is easily obtained. The second segment of the popliteal artery is exposed in the popliteal cavity. The small saphenous vein is left in situ and anastomosed with the arteries after proximal and distal preparation and valvulotomy.

Surgical Treatment and Clinical Implication for Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow: Osborne-Cotterill Lesion of the Elbow

An osteochondral fracture in the posterolateral margin of the capitellum is recognized as being a cause of posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI). Five patients who presented with chronic PLRI of the elbow were associated with an osteochondral fracture in the posterolateral margin of the capitellum (Osborne-Cotterill lesion). All presented instability and deficient radiocapitellar articulation at extension. Ligament reconstruction was performed in the first three cases, and combined ligament and osseous reconstruction was performed in the other two cases. Simple excision and ligament reconstruction resulted in one failure out of three, and combined ligament and osseous reconstruction resulted in no failure out of two. Osteochondral defect in the posterolateral aspect of the capitellum is an important indicator of PLRI; however, the result of this study suggests ligament reconstruction for those with a large bone defect may not be always successful.

An ostodolepid ‘microsaur’ (Lepospondyli) from the Lower Permian Tambach Formation of central Germany

ABSTRACT Tambaroter carrolli is a new genus and species of medium-sized ostodolepid ‘microsaur’ from the Lower Permian Tambach Formation, lowermost formational unit of the Upper Rotliegend, Thuringia, central Germany. Based on a single skull, it is the first ‘microsaur’ to be described from this formation and the first vertebrate fossil known from the Tambach Formation outside of the well-known, nearby Bromacker locality. It possesses typical ostodolepid features, including presence of a recumbent snout, ventral embayment of the cheek, a notch in the posterolateral margin of the tabular, and a well-developed retroarticular process. It can be distinguished from other ostodolepids by proportional characters and bones forming the cheek embayment rim. The presence of Tambaroter in Europe, as the first ostodolepid known from outside of the midcontinent of North America, indicates that the geographic occurrence of this family was more widespread than previously known.

Reappraising the surface anatomy of the pterion and its relationship to the middle meningeal artery

Despite its clinical importance, the surface anatomy of the pterion is inconsistently reported. This study reappraises the surface marking of the pterion and its relationship to the middle meningeal artery (MMA). The position and morphology of the pterion were analyzed in the Frankfurt plane in 76 adult skulls and 50 adult cranial cone beam CT scans. Relationship to the anterior branch of the MMA was examined in the skulls. Measurement reproducibility was assessed in a 20% randomly selected sample. In the skulls, the majority of pteria were sphenoparietal (78%), followed by epipteric (16%) and frontotemporal (5%). The center of the pterion was a mean of 26 ± 4 mm behind and 11 ± 4 mm above the posterolateral margin of the frontozygomatic suture; measurements were reproducible and consistent between sides and genders. Distances from the frontozygomatic suture were slightly greater (29 and 16 mm, respectively) in cranial CTs. A one centimeter circle centered on the midpoint of the pterion overlapped the anterior branch of the MMA in 68% of skulls; the artery was a few millimeters posterior in the remainder. Mean skull thickness at the midpoint of the pterion was 4.4 mm compared to 1 mm at its thinnest point in the squamous temporal bone. In conclusion, in most adults, the pterion lies within a one centimeter diameter circle 2.6 cm behind and 1.3 cm above the posterolateral margin of the frontozygomatic suture (which is easily palpable in vivo). This region overlaps the anterior branch of the MMA in two-thirds of cases.

Dysphagia and Submandibular Swelling

A physician referred a 73-year-old man to the ear, nose and throat clinic of the University of Milan in March 2007. The patient complained of recurrent painful swelling of the left submandibular gland, which was associated with dysphagia, odynophagia, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and otalgia of the left ear during swallowing of six months’ duration. During this period, repeated cycles of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy had been partially successful. The patient’s medical history was uneventful except for a tonsillectomy at age 25 years because of recurrent infections. He also was receiving drug treatment for hypertension. Oropharyngoscopy and fiberoptic videolaryngoscopy showed normal pharyngeal and laryngeal morphology and motility. The clinician (P.C.) did not observe any abnormal scarring or tonsillar residues in the tonsillar fossae; he also did not find any palpable cervical lymph nodes. Digital palpation of the left tonsillar fossa reproduced the pain, and bimanual palpation of the floor of the mouth revealed a painful firm mass with regular borders beneath the mucosa and between the left posterolateral margin and base of the tongue. The left sub-

Visual cues as a surrogate for tactile feedback during robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: posterolateral margin rates in 1340 consecutive patients

To analyse consecutive cases of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), present the incidence of nerve-sparing-related positive surgical margins (SM+), include visual cues that might assist in smoothly changing to the robotic platform, and discuss the scientific rationale for 'intersensory integration' which might explain the 'reverse Braille' phenomenon, i.e. the ability to feel when vision is greatly enhanced, as the lack of tactile feedback during RALP is often cited as a disadvantage of robotic surgery, interfering with a surgeon's ability to make intraoperative oncological decisions. Data from 1340 consecutive patients undergoing RALP from one institution were analysed and trends for positive posterolateral SM+ (PLSM+) were correlated with oncological variables before and after RALP. A sample of patient slides were reviewed by a extramural pathologist. Multivariate regression modelling was used to compare the projected rates of PLSM+ vs the actual rate, given the effect of a conscious effort to use visual cues. Finally, video recordings of the procedure were systematically reviewed and correlated with anatomical and histopathological images in an integrated session involving the surgeon and the pathology team. The incidence of PLSM+ was 2.1%, which gradually declined to 1.0% in the last 100 patients. The reduction in PLSM+ occurred despite an increased rate of high-risk tumours operated on during this period. Forecasting analysis showed that the actual PLSM+ rate declined by half in the most recent 1000 patients, due to an integrated effort involving the use of visual cues during surgery. The following visual cues were considered important; appreciation of periprostatic (lateral prostatic) fascial compartments; colour and texture of the tissue; periprostatic veins as a landmark for athermal dissection; signs of inflammation; and a freely separating bloodless plane showing loose shiny areolar tissue. Adapting to the robotic platform is easy and there is no compromise of the oncological safety of this procedure. Experienced surgeons can use visual cues to assist during nerve-sparing RALP and achieve low PLSM+ rates.

On two new genera of Asian prawns previously assigned to Macrobrachium (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae)

Two new genera of palaemonid prawns are described from South and Southeast Asia. The new genera are allied to Macrobrachium Bate, 1868, but can easily be separated by having a slender and glabrous second pereiopod, a long fifth pereiopod which is distinctly longer than the second pereiopod, a bilobed posterolateral margin of the fifth abdominal pleurite, the presence of one or two pairs of plumose setae at the ventroposterior margin of the telson, the absence of anterior lobes on male thoracic sternite 8 and distinctly larger adult females than males. Arachnochium gen. nov. (type species Palaemon mirabilis Kemp, 1917), can be distinguished from Tenuipedium gen. nov. (type species Macrobrachium palaemonoides Holthuis, 1950) by having a relatively shorter branchiostegal groove running from the base of the hepatic spine to the antennal carapace margin below the antennal spine, and having plumose setae which are longer than the inner pair of spines on the ventroposterior margin of the telson.

Pleistocene decapod crustaceans of eastern Jamaica

Species of decapod crustaceans (crabs) that are either new or imperfectly known as fossils are described from two Pleistocene formations in eastern Jamaica. The first nominal decapod from the early Pleistocene Manchioneal Formation is Herbstia milnei sp. nov., known from a partial carapace. It has a large carapace with short, spinose anterolateral margins; two spines on the posterolateral margins; and a pair of tubercles on each prologastric lobe. All other species are known from the late Pleistocene Port Morant Formation. The hermit crab Dardanus portmorantensis sp. nov. is described from a left propodus. The manus is rectangular, with a straight upper margin bearing three rows of spines, a scaly to granulate outer surface and a sparsely scaled inner surface; the fixed finger is about two thirds the length of manus. Platylambrus sp. cf. F. serratus H. Milne Edwards is recorded from the Port Morant Formation for the first time.

Posterior decompression surgery for extraforaminal entrapment of the fifth lumbar spinal nerve at the lumbosacral junction

In this paper, the authors' goal was to elucidate the clinical features and results of decompression surgery for extraforaminal stenosis at the lumbosacral junction. Twenty-eight patients with severe leg pain caused by extraforaminal stenosis at the lumbosacral junction (18 men and 10 women; mean age 68.2 +/- 8.9 years) were treated by posterior decompression without fusion using a microendoscope in 19 patients and a surgical microscope or loupe in 9 patients. The decompression procedures consisted of partial resection of the sacral ala, the L-5 transverse process, and the L5-S1 facet joint along the L-5 spinal nerve. The following items were investigated: 1) preoperative neurological findings; 2) preoperative radiological findings, including plain radiographs, CT scans, selective radiculography of L-5; 3) surgical outcome as evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale for low-back pain (JOA score); and 4) need for revision surgery. All patients presented with neurological deficits compatible with a diagnosis of L-5 radiculopathy such as weakness of the extensor hallucis longus muscle and sensory disturbance in the L-5 area together with neurogenic claudication. On plain radiographs, 21 patients (75%) and 17 patients (60.7%) exhibited lumbar scoliosis (>or= 5 degrees) and wedging of the L5-S1 intervertebral space (>or= 3 degrees), respectively. The CT scans demonstrated marked osteophyte formation at the posterolateral margin of the L5-S1 vertebral bodies, and a selective L-5 nerve root block was effective in all patients. All patients reported pain relief immediately after surgery. The mean JOA scores were 11.3 +/- 3.8 before surgery and 24.3 +/- 3.4 at the time of the final follow-up examination; the recovery rate was 68.6 +/- 16.5%. The mean estimated blood loss was 66.6 +/- 98.6 ml, and the mean surgical time was 135.3 +/- 46.5 minutes. No significant difference in the recovery rate of the JOA scores or in the surgical time and blood loss was observed between the 2 surgical approaches. Four patients underwent revision posterior interbody fusion for the recurrence of radicular pain as a result of intraforaminal stenosis in 3 patients and insufficient decompression of the extraforaminal area in the remaining patient at an average of 19.5 months after surgery. Extraforaminal stenosis at the lumbosacral junction is a rare but distinct pathological condition causing L-5 radiculopathy. Decompression surgery without fusion using a microendoscope or a surgical microscope/loupe is a feasible and less invasive surgical option for elderly patients with extraforaminal stenosis at the lumbosacral junction.

Predictors of Positive Surgical Margins After Laparoscopic Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

We identified the predictors of positive surgical margins in a series of patients undergoing robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. We prospectively collected data from 322 patients who underwent robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer between April 2005 and October 2008, and who had not received any prior hormonal therapy. Positive surgical margins were observed in 95 cases (29.5%). Specifically positive surgical margins were at the apex in 22 cases (6.8%), anterior in 5 (1.6%) and posterolateral in 68 (21%). Among the preoperative variables prostate volume on transrectal ultrasound (HR 0.420, p = 0.002) and cT stage (HR 2.217, p = 0.008) were independent predictors of the presence of any positive surgical margin in the cohort while cT stage (HR 2.070, p = 0.025) and biopsy Gleason score (p = 0.019) were predictors of posterolateral positive surgical margins. Considering pathological variables only extraprostatic extension of the primary tumor was an independent predictor of any positive surgical margin (HR 11.852, p <0.001) and posterolateral positive surgical margins (HR 7.484, p <0.001) in the series. Of those patients with organ confined disease positive surgical margins were present in 21 (10.6%). Only perineural invasion was an independent predictor of any positive surgical margin (HR 4.096, p = 0.028) while a not statistically significant trend was identified with regard to posterolateral positive surgical margins (HR 6.938, p = 0.067). Pathological extension of the primary tumor was the most relevant predictor of positive surgical margins. In patients with organ confined disease the presence of perineural invasion was significantly associated with positive surgical margins.

A new genus and new species of Sphaeromatidae (Crustacea: Isopoda) from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Bruce, N. L. 2009. A new genus and new species of Sphaeromatidae (Crustacea: Isopoda) from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 66: 35–42. Pooredoce garyi gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The genus is related to the group of sphaeromatid genera characterised by having long ‘fi nger-like’ extensions to the articles of the maxilliped palp, stout robust setae on the inferior margins of pereopods 1–3 and the uropodal endopod round in section, with the exopod about half as long as the endopod; similar genera are Cymodoce Leach, 1814 (Indo-Pacifi c species), Koremasphaera Bruce, 2003 and Oxinasphaera Bruce, 1997. Pooredoce gen. nov. is characterized by the adult male having a dorsally recessed dorsum to the pleotelson, the posterior margin of which has three enclosed foramens, two visible dorsally, the third visible only from the interior of the posterior margin, the two foramens are formed by the pleotelson posterolateral and median margin lobes coming into contact posteriorly; and the posterior margin of the pleon forms an irregular posteriorly directed ridge. Pooredoce garyi was collected from the reef crest and is known from the type locality, Lizard Island and at Hicks Reef.

Victoriasquilla poorei, a new genus and species of mantis shrimp from southern Australia, and a range extension for Hadrosquilla edgari Ahyong, 2001 (Crustacea:Stomatopoda: Nannosquillidae)

Ahyong, S.T. 2009. Victoriasquilla poorei, a new genus and species of mantis shrimp from southern Australia, and a range extension for Hadrosquilla edgari Ahyong, 2001 (Crustacea: Stomatopoda: Nannosquillidae). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 66: 1–4. Victoriasquilla poorei, a new genus and species of nannosquillid stomatopod from southern Australia is described. Victoriasquilla poorei appears to be most closely related to species of Austrosquilla, especially A. osculans (Hale, 1924), with which it shares a similar rostral plate, a similar complement of antennal papillae, similar raptorial claw armature, and telson and uropod structure. Victoriasquilla poorei also superfi cially resembles the eastern Atlantic Nannosquilloides occulta (Giesbrecht, 1910), but differs in numerous features including fusion of the ocular scales, the number of ventral papillae on the antennal protopod, size of the epipod of maxilliped 5, the armature of the basal segment of the pereopods and posterolateral margin of AS6, and the absence of a ‘false eave’ on the telson. New distributional records of Hadrosquilla edgari are also reported.

Light and scanning electron microscopic study on the lingual papillae and their connective tissue cores of the Cape hyrax Procavia capensis

We examined the epithelial surface and connective tissue cores (CTCs) of each lingual papilla on the Paenungulata, Cape hyrax (Procavia capensis), by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The tongue consisted of a lingual apex, lingual body and lingual root. Filiform, fungiform and foliate papillae were observed on the dorsal surface of the tongue; however, fungiform papillae were quite diminished on the lingual prominence. Moreover, no clearly distinguishable vallate papillae were found on the tongue. Instead of vallate papillae, numerous dome-like large fungiform papillae were arranged in a row just in front of the rather large foliate papillae. Foliate papillae were situated in the one-third postero-lateral margin of the lingual body. The epithelium of filiform papillae was covered by a keratinized layer with kerato-hyaline granules, whereas weak keratinization was observed on the interpapillary epithelium. The external surface of the filiform papillae was conical in shape. CTCs of the filiform papillae were seen as a hood-like core with a semicircular concavity in the anterior portion of each core. Large filiform papillae were distributed on the lingual prominence. The CTCs of large filiform papillae after exfoliation of their epithelium consisted of a concave primary core and were associated with several small protrusions. The surface of fungiform papillae was smooth and dome-like. After removal of the epithelium, CTCs appeared as a flower bud-like primary core and were associated with several protrusions that were arranged on the rim of the primary core. Several taste buds were found on the top of the dorsal part of the epithelium of both fungiform and large fungiform papillae. Well-developed foliate papillae were seen and numerous taste buds could be observed in the lateral wall of the epithelium in a slit-like groove. The morphological characteristics of the tongue of the Cape hyrax had similarities with other Paenungulata such as Sirenia. However, three-dimensional characteristics, especially CTCs of lingual papillae, exhibited multiple similarities with rodents, insectivores and artiodactyls.

Osborne-Cotterill Lesion: An Osseous Defect of the Capitellum Associated with Instability of the Elbow

Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow is a diagnosis largely made by clinical examination; no relevant radiographic signs have been reported. We have seen four patients with an osseous defect and detachment of a fragment of bone in the posterolateral margin of the capitellum. These patients had chronic posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. An osseous defect of the posterolateral corner of the capitellum is an uncommon finding that in each instance was associated with chronic posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. We termed this lesion the "Osborne-Cotterill lesion." We report our findings in these patients; when this lesion is diagnosed, clinicians should consider posterolateral rotatory instability.

Three species of Pseudotaeniacanthus Yamaguti &amp; Yamasu, 1959 (Copepoda, Taeniacanthidae) parasitic on laced moray (Gymnothorax favagineus) in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Three new species of Pseudotaeniacanthus Yamaguti & Yamasu, 1959 were discovered infesting gill filaments of the laced moray, Gymnothorax favagineus Bloch & Schneider, caught off southern Taiwan. Two of these species, P. dentiferus, new species and P. similis, new species, are distinguished from their congeners by the presence of a tooth-like projection on the ventral side of the proximal segment of their antennule. Pseudotaeniacanthus similis differs from P. dentiferus in having a plumose seta (instead of a spine) on the outer margin of the terminal, endopodal segments of legs 2–4. The third species, P. conspicuus, new species, is distinguished by the presence of a rostral bar partially visible in dorsal view and a small protuberance on the posterolateral margin of the cephalothorax. A key to the 11 species of Pseudotaeniacanthus is provided.

Is the location of a positive surgical margin after radical prostatectomy important for prognosis?

This Practice Point commentary discusses the findings and limitations of the study by Eastham and co-workers, which concludes that the location of a positive surgical margin after radical prostatectomy is important for prognosis. The study found that posterolateral margins markedly increased the risk of biochemical failure while apical margins did not. Posterolateral margin status was found to be even more important for predicting biochemical failure than was lymph node positivity or seminal vesicle invasion. For several reasons, however, these results might not be generalizable to other groups of patients or to clinically relevant end points, such as cancer-specific survival. Consequently, these data should be regarded as preliminary and should not inform therapeutic decisions. Instead, knowledge of the most-common sites of margin positivity might direct surgeons to examine any shortcomings in their surgical technique. We contend that positive margins can be prevented at even the most difficult-to-access locations if appropriate steps are taken.

Somatosensory-evoked magnetic fields following stimulation of the tongue in humans

Objective To clarify the characteristics relating to the temporal dynamics of the tongue primary somatosensory cortex (SI). Methods We fabricated individual intraoral devices and recorded somatosensory-evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) from 10 normal subjects. The tongue was stimulated with a concentrated bipolar electrode in four areas: the right and left antero-lateral margins, and the right and left postero-lateral margins. Results The primary component was recorded about 19 ms post-stimulation. Six components, termed 1M, 2M, 3M, 4M, 5M, and 6M, respectively, were found within 130 ms of the stimulation. These activities were detected in hemispheres both contralateral and ipsilateral to the stimulation, and were estimated to be located around the tongue SI. In addition, the latency of the contralateral hemisphere was significantly shorter than that of the ipsilateral hemisphere for all components, independent of the area stimulated. Conclusions Tactile stimulation of the tongue-elicited activity in the tongue SI in both hemispheres. Significance This is the first study to investigate the brain responses evoked by stimulating different areas of the tongue, using magnetoencephalography.

Decreased Range of Motion Following Arthroscopic Remplissage

The Hill-Sachs lesion is an impression fracture of the posterolateral margin of the humeral head that commonly results from impaction with the anterior glenoid rim during subluxation or dislocation of the shoulder. This bony defect has been implicated as an etiology of recurrent instability of the shoulder. The "remplissage" technique described by Wolf is an arthroscopic method of filling the Hill-Sachs defect via infraspinatus tenodesis and posterior capsulodesis. The purpose of this technique is to prevent recurrent instability by making the Hill-Sachs lesion extra-articular thereby eliminating engagement of the defect with the anterior glenoid rim. In addition, the infraspinatus tenodesis acts as a checkrein by preventing anterior translation of the humeral head. We report a complication of this recently described technique. A 28-year-old man who failed conservative management underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair with a concomitant remplissage procedure. Two years postoperatively, the patient continued to struggle with the loss of external rotation. Conservative management with physical therapy and range of motion exercises failed. The patient was treated with an arthroscopic release of the tenodesed infraspinatus, which improved external rotation by 202 in circle intraoperatively. At 6 months postoperatively, the patient has maintained a significant increase external rotation. We hypothesize that the loss in external rotation occurred as a result of the tenodesis of the infraspinatus and posterior capsule into the Hill-Sachs defect. The tenodesed cuff and capsular tissue acted as a mechanical block to external rotation of the shoulder.

Decapod crustaceans in fresh waters of southeastern Bahia, Brazil

A total of 117 species of freshwater decapod crustaceans are known from Brazil. Knowledge regarding the fauna of Decapoda from inland waters in the state of Bahia, northeast Brazil, is incipient. In spite of its wide territory and rich hydrographic net, only 13 species of limnetic decapods have been reported from that state. The objective of this contribution was to survey decapod crustaceans of some hydrographic basins in southeastern Bahia. The material described herein was obtained in samplings conducted between 1997 and 2005. Voucher specimens were deposited in the carcinological collections of the Museu de Zoologia, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil, and Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil. A total of 13 species was collected. The carideans were represented by the atyids Atya scabra (Leach, 1815) and Potimirim potimirim (Müller, 1881) and the palaemonids Macrobrachium acanthurus (Wiegmann, 1836), M. amazonicum (Heller, 1862), M. carcinus (Linnaeus, 1758), M. heterochirus (Wiegmann, 1836), M. jelskii (Miers, 1877), M. olfersi (Wiegmann, 1836), and Palaemon (Palaemon) pandaliformis (Stimpson, 1871). The brachyurans were represented by the portunids Callinectes bocourti A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 and C. sapidus Rathbun, 1895, the trichodactylid Trichodactylus fluviatilis Latreille, 1828 and the panopeid Panopeus rugosus A. Milne-Edwards, 1881. Macrobrachium heterochirus represents a new record from Bahia, and M. amazonicum is reported for the first time in southeast Bahia. The occurrence of two extreme different forms of T. fluviatilis was observed. Form A is characterized by the frontal margin of carapace bordered by conspicuous granules, the anterolateral margin provided with developed teeth plus granules, and the posterolateral margin provided with granulation similar to that found on the front. In form B the frontal margin is smooth or has an inconspicuous granulation; the anterolateral margin is usually provided with 1-3 notches, and teeth (1-2), if present, are small; and the posterolateral margin is smooth or slightly granulated.

자기 공명 영상에서 측정한 정상 및 봉합된 회전근 개의 두께

Purpose: To compare the thickness of the repaired full-thickness rotator-cuff tear to that of normal rotator-cuff in young and old persons and evaluate the relationship between the tear size and the repaired thickness in the full-thickness tear using MRI. Materials and Methods: The thickness of the rotator-cuff of the repaired full thickness tear(age: , mean 63.3 years, 19 patients: group 1) were compared with those of old intact patients(age: , mean 57.9 years, 23 patients: group 2) and young intact patients (age: , mean 23.3 years, 22 patients: group 3). The tear length and width was measured in oblique coronal and oblique sagittal view of MRA, respectively, and the thickness was measured in coronal oblique view 15mm anterior to the posterolateral margin of the glenoid. Correlation between the preoperative tear size (the bigger one between the length and the width) and the postoperative thickness in group 1 was also evaluated statistically. Results: The postoperative rotator-cuff thickness in group 1 was 3.0 mm in average, which was inversely proportional to the preoperative tear size (P