Tibiofemoral joint positioning for the valgus stress test.

Context: Recommendations on the positioning of the tibiofemoral joint during a valgus stress test to optimize isolation of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) from other medial joint structures vary in the literature. If a specific amount of flexion could be identified as optimally isolating the MCL, teaching and using the technique would be more consistent in clinical application.

Objective: To determine the angle of tibiofemoral joint flexion between 0 degrees and 20 degrees that causes a difference in the slope of the force-strain line when measuring the resistance to a valgus force applied to the joint.

Phonophoresis and the absorption of dexamethasone in the presence of an occlusive dressing.

Context: Phonophoresis is purported to represent a method to apply topical medications through the skin to treat soft tissue injuries and inflammatory conditions. Few data are available to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of the treatment.

Objective: To determine the effect of ultrasound on the transcutaneous absorption of dexamethasone when occluded with a dressing.

Mechanisms and management of stress fractures in physically active persons.

Objective: To describe the anatomy of bone and the physiology of bone remodeling as a basis for the proper management of stress fractures in physically active people.

Data Sources: We searched PubMed for the years 1965 through 2000 using the key words stress fracture, bone remodeling, epidemiology, and rehabilitation.

Data Synthesis: Bone undergoes a normal remodeling process in physically active persons.

Strength, Functional Outcome, and Postural Stability After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postural stability, single-leg hop, and isokinetic strength measurements in subjects after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with an age- and activity-matched control group. DESIGN AND SETTING: Subjects reported to a sports medicine/athletic training research laboratory for testing. Subjects reported for one testing session for a total test time of 1 hour.