Intra- and inter-rater reliability, agreement, and minimal detectable change of the handheld dynamometer in individuals with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis.

Introduction: The handheld dynamometer has been validated to measure muscle strength in different muscle groups. However, to date, it has not been tested in individuals who experience pain induced by hip osteoarthritis. The current study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability, agreement, and minimal detectable change of the Lafayette handheld dynamometer, model 1165, to assess the peak force (Pk) and average peak force (Af) of hip muscles in individuals with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis.

Radiographic evaluation of the glenohumeral joint space in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach-chair position.

Background: Shoulder arthroscopy can be performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus or beach-chair position, but in both cases, glenohumeral (GH) joint spaces must be increased to improve visualization and allow access of the optical instrument. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of limb setup and longitudinal traction on the opening of the GH space with patients placed in the beach-chair (dorsal decubitus) position.

Methods: GH spaces at 3 test points corresponding to the anatomic locations of Bankart lesions were determined indirectly from radiographic images obtained from 67 patients presenting shoulder pathology with an indication for arthroscopic surgery.