Collateral ligament laxity of the finger metacarpophalangeal joints: an in vivo study.

Purpose: To assess the normal degree of laxity of the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the finger metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and to compare side-to-side differences in CL laxity.

Methods: One hundred subjects had measurements of the degree of laxity in the radial (RCL) and ulnar (UCL) collateral ligaments of the MCP joints of each digit on both hands with the joints at neutral and at 30° and 90° of flexion using a custom-made measuring device. Statistical analysis was performed to assess both the difference in laxity for each ligament at each position of flexion and between sides for analogous ligaments (eg, the right index RCL at neutral compared to the left index RCL at neutral).

Molecular diagnostics in periprosthetic joint infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant and costly challenge to the orthopedic community. The lack of a gold standard for diagnosis remains the biggest obstacle in the detection and subsequent treatment of PJI. Molecular markers in the serum and joint fluid aspirate hold immense promise to enhance the development of a firm diagnostic criterion.