Synovial Fluid Crystal Analysis
Key Points • The identification of monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in synovial fluid or tissue biopsy samples is central to the definitive diagnosis of gout…
Diagnosis of Gout
Key Points • The aspiration of a joint with undiagnosed arthritis, or analysis of a tissue biopsy with subsequent visualization of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, is considered the diagnostic standard…
Tophus Biology and Pathogenesis of Monosodium Urate Crystal–Induced Inflammation
Key Points • Tophi are macroaggregates of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and in most tissues are formed as granulomas with cellular content that includes phagocytes, mast cells, B- and T-lymphocytes,…
Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
Abstract Arthroscopic management of rotator cuff tears is one of the greatest changes of the past 25 years. It has become a standard procedure, but the techniques are variable and…
Glenohumeral Instability
Abstract Glenohumeral instability can present with typical patterns of injury involving consistent structures. However, the degrees of injury and structures needed to address are often less defined. The approach to…
Diagnostic Arthroscopy and Normal Anatomy
Abstract The basics of diagnostic arthroscopy involve knowing where to place portals, understanding the external and internal anatomy of the shoulder, and having an organized approach to reviewing the structures…
Biceps Tendon Lesions
Abstract Lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon can often be the source of shoulder pain. Pathology of the biceps includes “superior labrum anterior-to-posterior” (SLAP) tears, subluxation, tenosynovitis,…
Shoulder Arthroscopy Concepts and Tools
Abstract To pursue or to transition to shoulder arthroscopy, the surgeon must develop technical and intellectual skills that facilitate the process. Technical skills involve tying arthroscopic knots and developing the…
Diagnostic Ultrasonography
Abstract Ultrasound (US) is an excellent imaging modality to diagnose rotator cuff and biceps disorders. However, US is by no means the perfect imaging modality for the shoulder, and there…
Massive Rotator Cuff Tears
Abstract It is not clear that there is a specific definition for a massive rotator cuff tear, but it can be loosely defined as one that involves two complete tendon…
