Bridge Repair Research Articles

A modified arthroscopic en masse suture bridge repair is effective for delaminated rotator cuff tears.

This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of delaminated rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and evaluate the clinical outcomes of a modified arthroscopic en masse suture bridge repair for delaminated RCTs. Patients with full-thickness RCTs, who underwent arthroscopic suture bridge repair with a minimum 2-year follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence of delamination. Delaminated RCTs were treated using a modified en masse suture bridge technique, while nondelaminated RCTs received a conventional suture bridge technique. Preoperative and postoperative Constant scores and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were determined to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out to identify the integrity and retear of the repaired rotator cuff. A total of 172 patients were included in our study cohort, in which 67 (39%) delaminated RCTs were confirmed intraoperatively. The prevalence of delamination was significantly higher in large tears (53/102, 52%) compared to medium tears (14/70, 20%) (p < 0.001). No significant differences in age (n.s.) or gender (n.s.) were observed between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvements in Constant and ASES scores postoperatively (both p < 0.001), with no significant differences between the groups (n.s.). The retear rates were 2/67 (3.0%) in the delamination group and 3/105 (2.9%) in the nondelamination group, showing no significant difference (n.s.). The modified arthroscopic en masse suture bridge technique was effective for repairing delaminated RCTs, yielding favourable clinical outcomes comparable to those of nondelaminated tears. Level IV.

Supraspinatus Tendon Reconstruction Versus the Bridging Technique in a Rat Model: Histological, Biomechanical, and Functional Outcomes

Background: Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) are among the most challenging shoulder conditions to treat surgically. Supraspinatus tendon reconstruction (STR) is a recently introduced technique for MIRCTs based on fascia lata-muscle interface healing, which completely differs from the classic bridging technique with fascia lata-tendon interface healing. However, histological and biomechanical comparisons of the fascia-muscle and fascia-tendon interfaces have not been performed. Purpose: To investigate the histological and biomechanical healing of the fascia-bone interface and fascia-muscle interface after chronic MIRCTs in a rat model using different surgical methods. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The authors established a chronic MIRCT model in the right shoulder of rats and then repaired it using the STR or bridging repair technique. Evaluations were performed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, including histological, imaging, biomechanical, and functional analyses. Results: Both techniques resulted in good fascia-bone interface healing based on the histological results. The STR group had significantly more cartilage formation at 8 and 12 weeks and higher Modified Tendon Maturity Score after 12 weeks at the fascia-bone interface compared with the bridging repair group and formed the typical 4-layered structure. Collagen fibers in the fascia-muscle and fascia-tendon interfaces exhibited normal muscle-tendon interface characteristics at 12 weeks. However, the STR group had more improvement in fatty infiltration compared with the bridging repair group. The ultimate failure load and stiffness did not differ between the STR and bridging repair groups 4 weeks postoperatively in both the fascia-bone interface and supraspinatus muscle-fascia-bone integrity. Movement distance and grasp time were significantly longer in the STR group than in the bridging repair group at 12 weeks and attached the level in the normal control groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that the fascia-muscle interface from the STR technique is histologically and functionally better than the fascia-tendon interface. Moreover, this study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical use of the STR technique. Clinical Relevance: The fascia-muscle interface and fascia-tendon interface were the key points of the STR and bridging techniques, respectively. The fascia-muscle interface is histologically and functionally superior to the bridging technique, and the STR technique might be a better choice for the treatment of MIRCTs.

A Study on the Thermodynamic Response of Double-Armed Thin-Walled Piers under an FRP Anti-Collision Floating Pontoon Fire

Abstract: As a potential fire scenario for bridge structures, the safety impact of an FRP anti-collision floating pontoon fire on bridge structures cannot be ignored. Taking the FRP anti-collision floating pontoon fire that occurred in a continuous rigid-frame bridge as the engineering background, the damage condition of the actual bridge fire scene was first investigated. In addition, FDS 5.3 software was used to simulate the FRP anti-collision floating pontoon fire scenario. Furthermore, the thermal–structural coupling method was used to investigate the thermodynamic response of double-armed thin-walled piers under fire. The results show that the FRP anti-collision floating pontoon fire causes localized concrete carbonization and spalling on the surface of the P2 pier, and the FRP anti-collision floating pontoons are largely destroyed. The fire has the greatest impact on the P2-1 pier, with the highest temperature of 667 °C on the windward side and the highest temperature of 326 °C on the leeward side. The temperature impact range is 6 m above the bearing platform, and the maximum damage depth of pier body concrete is 84.58 mm. The deformation and stress of the P2 pier under fire do not show significant changes and do not exceed the allowable limits for structural deformation and material stress. Therefore, the impact of this fire accident on the structural safety of the continuous rigid-frame bridge is minor. This study's results provide reliable guidance for the fire safety assessment and post-fire structural repair of the continuous rigid-frame bridge.

Analysis of Road Bridge Repair and Strengthening Construction Technology

Highway infrastructure plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the social economy. Therefore, China has invested a lot of financial resources in the construction of road and bridge projects in recent years, resulting in the rise in scale and number of road and bridge projects. Simultaneously, the quality of road bridges has garnered widespread attention, necessitating an exploration of common hazards associated with road bridges and the significance of their reinforcement. It is essential to delve into specific technical methods to enhance the quality and service life of road bridges. This paper elaborates on the common hazards faced by road bridges and proposes maintenance and reinforcement strategies to promote the healthy development of road bridge engineering.

Developing a fuzzy bi-objective programming and MCDM model for bridge maintenance strategy optimization

Bridges serve as critical links in road networks, requiring continuous maintenance to ensure proper functionality throughout their lifespan. Given their pivotal role in the urban landscape, connecting various parts of a city, this research presents a multi-objective optimization model for the maintenance and repair of bridges in Babolsar, Iran. The model takes into account budget constraints and aims to minimize the total life cycle and user costs, encompassing traffic delays and vehicle expenses, while maximizing the reliability of the bridge network. Recognizing the inherent complexity of this problem, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm has been developed for an accurate solution. The study further conducts sensitivity analysis on the objective function concerning the available budget, evaluating key parameters such as hourly costs and the time value of vehicles. The results show that with an increase in the budget level, the number of repairs related to the most costly maintenance has significantly risen. In other words, as the budget expands, the model tends to favor repairs with higher costs because their impact on the bridge’s performance is more substantial.

Self-healing hydrogel reduces inflammation through ANT1/OPTN axis mediated mitophagy for spinal cord injury repair

Spinal cord injury is hard to repair due to the aggregated injury to neighbor cells caused by neuro-inflammation, which always results in severe outcomes. In this work, Tc peptide, which served as the antagonist of CXCR4 and the agonist of CXCR7, was loaded in a self-healing hydrogel. The hydrogel containing Tc was found to possess superior spinal cord injury repair abilities, including motor neuron regeneration, axon bridging repair and motor functions recovery, due to the inflammation inhibition. The mechanism analysis by RNA-sequencing and in vitro experiments found that the elevated ANT1 accelerates OPTN recruitment, which subsequently recognized by LC3 to form phagophore around dysfunctional mitochondria, resulting in a regressive NLRP3 expression. However, this regression was abolished after inhibiting OPTN. Beneficial from the mitophagy process, ROS was reduced and type 1 microglia activation was diminished. This positive feedback loop accelerated spinal cord injury repair. In summary, the hydrogel containing Tc could promote spinal cord injury repair through reducing neuro-inflammation via enhanced ANT1/OPTN axis mediated mitophagy, which may provide a new peptide containing hydrogel for repairing spinal cord injury.

Causes and treatment of bridge cracks

With the large-scale construction and operation of highway bridges in China, the maintenance and repair work of bridges has become increasingly important. The treatment of bridge cracks is a crucial aspect of maintenance and repair. Improper analysis and treatment of cracks in maintenance and repair projects can pose significant safety hazards to bridges. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a detailed scientific analysis of the cracks in bridges and implement corresponding treatment measures. This paper summarizes common crack diseases in different bridge operation processes, analyzes their causes, and provides relevant references for later maintenance and repair, which has certain reference significance for the maintenance and repair of bridges.

Arthroscopic suture bridge fixation for acute bony Bankart with anterior glenohumeral instability: a case report and narrative review.

Anterior shoulder dislocations can result in acute glenoid rim fractures that compromise the bony stability of the glenohumeral joint. Adequate fixation of these fractures is required to restore stability, decrease shoulder pain, and facilitate return to activity. The double-row suture bridge is a relatively novel fixation technique, first described in 2009, that accomplishes internal fixation with sufficient stability using an all-arthroscopic technique to restore the glenoid footprint. A 40-year-old female with recurrent anterior shoulder instability in the setting of seizure disorder was found to have a bony Bankart lesion of 25% to 30% with a concomitant superior labral tear. The patient was treated with a double-row bony Bankart bridge and labral repair. At six months follow-up, she has progressed to a full recovery with no recurrence. A search was conducted in May 2023 in PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL with the search terms bony Bankart, bone Bankart, osseous Bankart, acute, bridge, suture bridge, double row. Double-row suture bridge repairs result in improvement in shoulder function as determined by ASES (93.5), QuickDASH (4.5), SANE (95.9), and SF-12 (55.6). The overall recurrence rate of anterior instability after a bony Bankart bridge repair is 8%. When examining the return to prior level of function, 81.4% of patients were able to do so with only 7.9% of patients reporting significant modifications to their activity level. In mid-term results, double row suture bridge demonstrates similar outcomes to other all-arthroscopic fixation methods of bony Bankart injuries. Importantly, bony Bankart bridge remains a viable option for critical glenoid lesions over the 20% cutoff used in other all arthroscopic techniques. Biomechanically, the double-row suture bridge offers distinct benefits over its single-row counterpart including increased compression, reduced displacement, and reduced step-off. Although there is limited data, the studies discussed and the demonstrative case show the potential benefit of all-arthroscopic double-row suture bridge fixation including increased compression, decreased displacement, and a lower complication rate in patients with large bony Bankart lesions traditionally requiring bony augmentation. However, more robust studies are necessary to determine the long-term success of the double-row suture bridge.

Application of bridging mesh repair in giant ventral incisional hernia.

Achieving ideal abdominal wall reconstruction in giant ventral incisional hernia has been a challenging for surgeons. This study aimed to verify the safety and efficacy of bridging repair by comparing it with primary fascial closure (PFC) repair in the treatment of giant ventral incisional hernia. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 92 patients with giant ventral incisional hernia who underwent mesh repair at our medical institution from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the bridging repair group with 40 patients in whom repair was completed using the bridging technique and the PFC group with 52 patients in whom primary fascial closure was achieved and all patients underwent mesh reinforcement during the operation. The main outcome measures were recurrence rate and morbidity, especially intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Follow-up time of both groups lasted at least 24months after surgery. After a median of 46months and 65months of follow-up, respectively, in the two groups, bridging repair did not increase the long-term recurrence rate (2.56%) in the larger defect area group compared to the PFC group (1.96%). There were no significant differences in perioperative morbidity, IAH, incidence of postoperative chronic pain, and sensory impairment of the abdominal wall between both groups. The application of bridging surgery in the treatment of complex giant ventral incisional hernias is safe and effective and does not significantly increase the postoperative recurrence rate.

A Modified Arthroscopic Triple-row Repair Technique for L-shaped Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears.

To compare the clinical outcomes of a modified arthroscopic triple-row (TR) repair technique with the suture bridge (SB) repair technique in treating L-shaped delaminated rotator cuff tears. Various surgical techniques for L-shaped delaminated rotator cuff tears have been reported, many of which aid in increasing the contact area and pressure of the rotator cuff. However, there is still debate over which technique yields superior results. From January 2017 to March 2020, 61 cases of L-shaped delaminated rotator cuff tears were included in this study. Of these, 34 cases underwent the modified arthroscopic triple-row repair technique, while 27 cases were addressed with the suture bridge repair technique. Functional assessment was conducted using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, the Constant score (CS), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assessments for rotator cuff healing were performed at the 24-month postoperative mark. Statistical evaluations were conducted using SPSS for Windows (Version 25.0, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), employing the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare preoperative and postoperative data and ROM differences, and the Mann-Whitney U test for statistical differences in clinical outcome scores between the two groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Comparative analysis of the preoperative and final follow-up scores revealed a substantial enhancement in shoulder function, as indicated by the ASES, UCLA, CS, and VAS scores, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). At both the preoperative stage and final follow-up, no notable differences were observed in ASES, UCLA, CS, and VAS scores between the two groups. However, the TR repair group exhibited lower VAS scores than the SB group at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Active range of motion (ROM) showed significant improvement in both groups. No significant differences in ROM were noted between the two groups either before the surgery or at the final follow-up. The study demonstrates that both the modified arthroscopic TR and SB techniques for L-shaped delaminated cuff tears yield satisfactory outcomes, with no significant differences in overall clinical performance. Notably, early postoperative pain management appears more effective with the modified TR technique, suggesting its potential for enhanced early recovery experiences. This technique's design, promoting securer fixation and optimal contact conditions, is implied to facilitate superior long-term healing, warranting further investigation into its long-term benefits.

Condition Rating Prediction for Highway Bridge Based on Elman Neural Networks and Markov Chains

Bridges are a critical component of transportation infrastructure, playing a vital role in connectivity. The safe operation of bridges demands significant resource and capital investment, particularly as the operation phase is the most extended period in a bridge’s life cycle. Therefore, the efficient allocation of resources and funds is crucial for the maintenance and repair of bridges. This study addresses the need to predict changes in bridge condition over time. The commonly used state-based Markov chain method for bridge condition rating prediction is straightforward but limited by its assumptions of homogeneity and memorylessness. To improve upon this, we propose a novel method that integrates an Elman neural network with a Markov chain to predict the bridge condition rating. Initially, the ReliefF algorithm conducts a sensitivity analysis on bridge features to obtain the importance ranking of these features that affect the bridge condition. Next, six significant features are selected for data classification: bridge age, average daily truck traffic volume, material type, skew angle between bridges and roads, bridge deck structure type, and bridge type. The Elman neural network is then trained to train a prediction model for bridge condition ratings using the classified data, which can predict the condition levels of bridges. The Markov chain’s transition probability matrix is derived using a genetic algorithm to match the deterioration curve predicted by the Elman neural network. This proposed method, when applied to actual bridge data, demonstrates its effectiveness as evidenced by the condition rating of an actual bridge.

Practice for Continuous Effect of Technology Transfer in Bridge Maintenance and Management

As part of international cooperation efforts by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan has implemented technical cooperation projects for bridge maintenance and management in several countries. The authors conducted technology transfer for bridge inspection and repair in technical cooperation projects in Egypt and the Philippines. This paper describes the past shortcomings and future support methods required based on these efforts as well as maintenance efforts in Japan. At the organizational level, we examined goals and strategies for fostering “effective ownership” and the nature of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Action) cycle, including effectiveness measurement. At the individual engineer level, we examined the need to accumulate and pass on experience. Through these studies, the sustainable management cycle was examined. As a result, the studies identify the importance of flexibility in project monitoring and revision. It is necessary to determine the evaluation period based on actual achievement rather than time constraints. Besides, it is important to elastically reconsider indicators even at higher levels as well as effective countermeasures.

A composite PET-matrix patch enhances tendon regeneration and tendon-to-bone integration for bridging repair of the chronic massive rotator cuff tears in a rabbit model.

In recent years, bridging repair has emerged as an effective approach for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs). The objective of this study was to develop a composite patch that combines superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility and evaluate its potential for enhancing the outcomes of bridging repair for MRCTs. The composite patch, referred to as the PET-matrix patch (PM), was fabricated by immersing a plain-woven PET patch in decellularized matrix gel and utilizing the freeze-drying technique. The results demonstrated that the PM has reliable mechanical properties, with a maximum failure load of up to 480 N. The decellularized matrix sponge (DMS), present on the surface of the PM, displayed a loose and porous structure, with an average pore size of 62.51 μm and a porosity of 95.43%. In vitro experiments showed significant elongation of tenocytes on the DMS, with cells spanning across multiple pores and extending multiple protrusions as observed on SEM images. In contrast, tenocytes on the PET patch appeared smaller in size and lacked significant elongation. Additionally, the DMS facilitated the proliferation, migration and differentiation of tenocytes. In a rabbit model of chronic MRCTs, the PM group showed superior outcomes compared to the PET group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after bridging repair. The PM group displayed significantly higher tendon maturing score, larger collagen diameter in the regenerated tendon and improved tendon-to-bone healing scores compared to the PET group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the maximum failure load of the tendon-bone complex in the PM group was significantly higher than that in the PET group (P < 0.05). In summary, the PM possesses reliable mechanical properties and excellent cytocompatibility, which can significantly improve the outcomes of bridging repair for chronic MRCTs in rabbits. Therefore, it holds great potential for clinical applications.

A Knotless Single-Row Suture Bridge Technique to Repair a Partial Articular Suproaspinatus Tendon Avulsion-Type Rotator Cuff Tear: Surgical Technique

With improving surgical and technological solutions for repairing rotator cuff tears, there has been increased interest in treatment of partial rotator cuff tears. The most prevalent type of partial tear is the PASTA (partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion) lesion. There is an ongoing debate on the best surgical technique to repair a PASTA lesion, which has led to the development of many different arthroscopic techniques. This Technical Note provides a cost-effective and reproducible technique of a transtendinous single-row bridge repair of PASTA lesions, using two 1.8 FiberTak Knotless Soft Anchors.

Modeling the Optimal Maintenance Strategy for Bridge Elements Based on Agent Sequential Decision Making

In addressing the issues of low efficiency in bridge maintenance decision making, the inaccurate estimation of maintenance costs, and the lack of specificity in decision making regarding maintenance measures for specific defects, this study utilizes data from regular bridge inspections. It employs a two-parameter Weibull distribution to model the duration variables of the states of bridge elements, thereby enabling the prediction of the duration time of bridge elements in various states. Referring to existing bridge maintenance and repair regulations, the estimation process of maintenance costs is streamlined. Taking into account the specific types and development state of bridge defects, as well as considering the adequacy of maintenance and the restorative effects of maintenance measures, an intelligent agent sequential decision-making model for bridge maintenance decisions is established. The model utilizes dynamic programming algorithms to determine the optimal maintenance and repair measures for elements in various states. The decision results are precise, all the way down to the specific bridge elements and maintenance measures for individual defects. In using the case of the regular inspection data of 222 bridges along a highway loop, this study further validates the effectiveness of the proposed research methods. By constructing an intelligent agent sequential decision-making model for bridge element maintenance, the optimal maintenance measures for 21 bridge elements in different states are obtained, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of actual bridge maintenance and the practicality of decision results.

Revitalizing Pennsylvania's infrastructure: local public-private partnerships as the key to bridging the gap with a case study for local public-private transportation partnerships

Pennsylvania's aging transportation infrastructure has long been a cause for concern, with bridges, highways, and other vital components approaching the end of their serviceable lifespans. The state's infrastructure, one of the nation's oldest, is in dire need of repair and replacement, particularly in the case of bridges, many of which are over 50 years old and in poor condition. However, the financial investment required for this task is substantial, posing challenges within the state's budget constraints. To address this infrastructure crisis, an amendment to Pennsylvania's existing legislation, Act 88, is proposed. This amendment would permit local governments to engage in Public-Private Transportation Partnerships (P3s), leveraging private sector financial resources and expertise. Such local government Transportation P3s have the potential to alleviate the state's infrastructure and financial woes. Currently, Act 88 prohibits municipal governments from participating in these partnerships, hindering the Commonwealth's ability to secure private funding and expertise when public resources are limited. This study aims to address the structural deficiencies in Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure and its $2.2 billion financial deficit, which hampers repair and improvement efforts. The study employs a descriptive, multi-case analysis to investigate how an amendment to Act 88 could enable local municipalities to engage in P3 transportation projects. These partnerships could provide solutions to budgetary and funding challenges, particularly in the context of locally owned bridge repair and replacement projects. The selected cases are evaluated against various performance criteria, such as value, pricing, budgeting, public accountability, regulatory control, and capacity, offering a comprehensive assessment of the potential benefits of local government participation in P3 transportation projects.

Bridging repair reinforced with artificial ligament as an internal brace for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears

BackgroundThe irreparable massive rotator cuff tear (IMRCT) is challenging to manage. Although various surgical options have been proposed to treat IMRCTs, the optimal surgical technique remains controversial. Arthroscopic bridging patch repair is clinically used for treating IMRCTs，but the healing rate of the patch graft is negatively affected by superior shift of the humeral head. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of artificial ligament as an internal brace (IB) reinforcing fascia lata autograft bridging repair (ABR) in the treatment of IMRCTs. MethodsThe data of 50 patients with IMRCTs who underwent ABR reinforced with artificial ligament as an IB (ABR + IB) (internal brace group) or ABR alone (control group) were retrospectively evaluated preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the shoulder activity, of which the strength was measured using a 0-10 points manual muscle test scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Imaging outcomes were evaluated based on acromiohumeral distance (AHD), Hamada grade, Goutallier grade, and the status of fascia lata grafts according to radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging findings. ResultsBoth groups showed significantly better results in shoulder activity, ASES score, VAS, and AHD at 2-year follow-up compared with preoperative levels (P < 0.001). Compared with the control group (n = 24), the internal brace group (n = 26) had better mean AHD (7.0 ± 1.4 mm versus 5.9 ± 1.0 mm, P = 0.002), mean improvement in AHD (3.3 ± 1.5 mm versus 2.0 ± 0.6 mm, P < 0.001), healing rate of autografts (92.3% versus 54.2%, P = 0.002), and improvement rate of Hamada grade (73.1% versus 41.7%, P = 0.025) at 2-year follow-up. No significant differences were found in active elevation, active external rotation, active internal rotation, abduction strength, external rotation strength, internal rotation strength, ASES score, or VAS between the two groups at 2-year follow-up ConclusionBoth the ABR + IB and ABR improved the postoperative short-term clinical and imaging outcomes in managing IMRCTs, the ABR + IB is statistically superior to ABR alone in terms of healing rate of the bridging graft, AHD, and Hamada grade at 2-year follow-up, while further clinical investigations with larger sample size and longer follow-ups are required to validate the clinical significance of this novel technique for IMRCTs.

A granular framework for modeling the capacity loss and recovery of regional transportation networks under seismic hazards: A case study on the Port of Los Angeles

Earthquakes, being both unpredictable and potentially destructive, pose great risks to critical infrastructure systems like transportation. It becomes crucial, therefore, to have both a fine-grained and holistic understanding of how the current state of a transportation system would fare during hypothetical hazard scenarios. This paper introduces a synthesis approach to assessing the impacts of earthquakes by coupling an image-based structure-and-site-specific bridge fragility generation methodology with regional-scale traffic simulations and economic loss prediction models. The proposed approach’s use of context-rich data such as OpenStreetMap and Google Street View enables incorporating information that is abstracted in standard loss analysis tools like HAZUS in order to construct nonlinear bridge models and corresponding fragility functions. The framework uses a semi-dynamic traffic assignment model run on a regional traffic network that includes all freeways and local roads (1,444,790 edges) and outputs traffic volume on roads before and after bridge closures due to an earthquake as well as impacts to individual trips (42,056,426 trips). The combination of these models enables granularity, facilitating a bottom-up approach to estimating costs incurred solely due to damages to the transportation network. As a case study, the proposed framework is applied to the road network surrounding the Port of Los Angeles—an infrastructure of crucial importance—for assessing resilience and losses at a high resolution. It is found that the port area is disproportionately impacted in the hypothetical earthquake scenario, and delays in bridge repair can lead to a 50% increase in costs.

Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods used for condition assessment of concrete structures

As an integral part of the construction industry, concrete is an important part of the building materials industry, as well as an important material for infrastructure and engineering construction projects. It is widely used in various industries. In recent years, with the improvement of the quality awareness of the whole people, the engineering quality inspection has also received more attention. The previous concrete quality inspection methods have different degrees of damage to the original structure. This paper focuses on the state of concrete structure and its detection method, and introduces the EDN technology. At the same time, through comparison, practical experiment, theoretical research and other research methods to describe EDN technology. Based on the research results, it is concluded that ECN technology can provide a more comprehensive concrete quality report, which is beneficial to the maintenance, repair and restoration of Bridges and old buildings, and help engineers use.

Arthroscopy Technique: Repair of Musculotendinous Junction Rotator Cuff Tears in the Shoulder Using a Dynamic Convergence Suture Bridge Technique

Musculotendinous junction (MTJ) rotator cuff tears in the shoulder are rare injuries in which the tendon fails medial to its tuberosity attachment. There is difficulty in striking a balance between restoring the length–tension relationship of the tendon while avoiding high suture tension at the repair site. In view of the rare incidences of these tears, there is a paucity of literature on their repair techniques. We seek to share our surgical technique in addressing type A MTJ tears—where the medial muscular tear margin is short but remains adequate for suture bridge repair, whereas the lateral tendon remains on the footprint. We used mattress sutures from the medial row of anchors, threaded through the lateral tendon stump, then passed medially to engage the medial stump, before being fixed to a lateral row in a knotless fashion. Pulling on this pair of sutures will thus bring into closer apposition of both medial and lateral tear margins in a dynamic convergence pattern. Our surgical technique is a safe and effective method of repairing type A MTJ tear that confers improved biological and biomechanical advantage via the formation of a dynamic convergence suture bridging technique in addition to a double-row repair construct.