Polylactic acid bioabsorbable implants of the hand: A review.

In the treatment of hand fractures, metal implants are often used to allow early range of motion and a stable fixation. Although they provide adequate bone union, metal implants have been known to cause joint stiffness, painful or prominent hardware, and adhesions, often leading to another surgery for hardware removal. Bioabsorbable implants have been shown to offer comparable results for fracture fixation in the hand while removing the complications seen with retained hardware.

Effects of A2 Pulley Venting on Bowstringing and Tendon Slack: A Biomechanical Investigation.

Background: A2 pulley release is often needed for exposure of the lacerated tendon, retrieval of retracted tendons, placement of core sutures, or to permit full motion and gliding of the repaired and edematous tendon. However, there is no agreement in the literature on the specific quantity of pulley venting that can be performed and recommendations are limited to an undefined "judicious release" of the pulleys when necessary.

Methods: Following a previously developed testing protocols, finger kinematics, tendon excursion, and bowstringing were evaluated on cadaveric hands for venting in increments of 20% of the pulley length.

Experimental Evaluation of the Elson Test Efficiency Following Central Slip Injury.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore the amount of work, quantitated by flexion and extension cycles, that is needed to obtain a positive Elson test following a central slip injury.

Methods: Thirteen frozen cadaveric fingers from individuals with an average age of 79.6 years were used.

Nitinol Memory Rods Versus Titanium Rods: A Biomechanical Comparison of Posterior Spinal Instrumentation in a Synthetic Corpectomy Model.

Study Design: Biomechanical investigation.

Objective: To compare the biomechanical performance of nitinol memory metal rods and titanium rods when used as posterior spinal instrumentation in a synthetic model.

Methods: Biomechanical testing was performed using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene blocks.

Design and implementation of a system-based course in musculoskeletal medicine for medical students.

Background: The amount of time devoted to musculoskeletal medicine in the typical undergraduate curriculum is disproportionately low compared with the frequency of musculoskeletal complaints that occur in a general practice. Consequently, whether because of the quantity or quality of the education, the competence level of graduating physicians regarding musculoskeletal problems is inadequate. Our purposes were to design a self-contained, system-based course in musculoskeletal medicine for medical students in the preclinical years and to measure the level of competence achieved by a class of first-year medical students who took the course.

The septa of Legueu and Juvara: an anatomic study.

Purpose: To study the anatomy of the septa of Legueu and Juvara and interpalmar plate ligaments (IPPLs) of the hand.

Materials: Eleven cadaver hands were dissected. The number, attachments, dimensions, and relationships of the septa and IPPLs to other structures were determined.

Dupuytren's cord involving the septa of Legueu and Juvara: a case report.

A patient with Dupuytren's disease with involvement of the palmar fascial complex and digital contracture is described. A vertical cord had developed in the transverse ligament of the palmar aponeurosis fibers and the underlying septa of Legueu and Juvara. The cord was composed of a pretendinous band, transverse ligament of the palmar aponeurosis, and septum of Legueu and Juvara.