Functional knee bracing provides protection to the anterior cruciate ligament in response to rotatory loads.

Background: The aim of the study was to quantify the effect of functional knee bracing on native knee kinematics and the in-situ force in the ACL in response to external loading.

Methods: A robotic testing system was used to apply three external loads from full extension to 60° of flexion to eight fresh frozen human cadaveric knees: 1) a 134 N anterior load, 2) a combined 5-Nm internal rotation +5-Nm valgus torque, and 3) a combined 5-Nm external rotation +5-Nm valgus torque. For native and braced states, kinematics were recorded and the in-situ force in the ACL was determined.

Scapular morphology does not predict supraspinatus tendon tear propagation following an individualised exercise therapy programme.

Purpose: To determine whether scapular morphology could predict isolated supraspinatus tendon tear propagation after exercise therapy. We hypothesised that a larger critical shoulder angle (CSA) and type III acromial morphology predict a positive change in tear size.

Methods: Fifty-nine individuals aged 40-70 years with isolated symptomatic high-grade partial or full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears were included.

Improved joint function when reaching behind the back is associated with patient reported outcomes in individuals with rotator cuff tears following exercise therapy.

Background: Reaching behind the back is painful for individuals with rotator cuff tears. The objectives of the study were to determine changes in glenohumeral kinematics when reaching behind the back, passive range of motion (RoM), patient reported outcomes and the relationships between kinematics and patient reported outcomes following exercise therapy.

Methods: Eighty-four individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tears were recruited for this prospective observational study.

Individuals with rotator cuff tears unsuccessfully treated with exercise therapy have less inferiorly oriented net muscle forces during scapular plane abduction.

Exercise therapy for individuals with rotator cuff tears fails in approximately 25.0 % of cases. One reason for failure of exercise therapy may be the inability to strengthen and balance the muscle forces crossing the glenohumeral joint that act to center the humeral head on the glenoid.

Do Intramedullary Screws Provide Adequate Fixation for Humeral and Ulnar Components in Total Elbow Arthroplasty? A Cadaveric Analysis.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the structural properties of the cadaver bone-screw interface for cementless intramedullary screw fixation in the context of total elbow arthroplasty.

Methods: The intramedullary canals of seven humerus and seven ulna specimens from fresh-frozen cadavers were drilled using custom drill bits until the inner cortex was reached and then hand tapped for the corresponding thread size. Titanium screws were advanced into the tapped holes until securely seated.

Greater tuberosity morphology is altered in individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tendon tears.

Background: In the presence of an isolated supraspinatus tear, the force applied to the greater tuberosity is reduced, which may lead to bony morphologic changes. Thus, diagnostic or surgical identification of landmarks to properly repair the torn tendon might be difficult if the anatomy of the greater tuberosity is altered. The objectives of the study were to assess the presence of the superior, middle, and inferior facets of the greater tuberosity in individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tendon tears and the associations between tear size, tear location and presence of each facet.

Associations between range of motion, strength, tear size, patient-reported outcomes, and glenohumeral kinematics in individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tears.

Background: Clinical failure associated with nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears may be due to inadequate characterization of the individual's functional impairments. Clinically, restricted passive range of motion (ROM) (restrictions imply capsular tightness), limitations in muscle strength, and larger rotator cuff tears are hypothesized to be related to altered glenohumeral kinematics. Understanding these relationships, as well as the relationship between glenohumeral kinematics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) prior to exercise therapy, may help characterize functional impairments in individuals with rotator cuff tears.