Is Immobilization Necessary for Early Return to Work Following Distal Biceps Repair Using a Cortical Button Technique?: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Improvements in surgical fixation to repair distal biceps tendon ruptures have not fully translated to earlier postoperative mobilization; it is unknown whether earlier mobilization affords earlier functional return to work. This parallel-arm randomized controlled trial compared the impact of early mobilization versus 6 weeks of postoperative immobilization following distal biceps tendon repair.

Methods: One hundred and one male participants with a distal biceps tendon rupture that was amenable to a primary repair with use of a cortical button were randomized to early mobilization (self-weaning from sling and performance of active range of motion as tolerated during first 6 weeks) (n = 49) or 6 weeks of immobilization (splinting for 6 weeks with no active range of motion) (n = 52).

Rotational Anatomy of the Radius and Ulna: Surgical Implications.

Purpose: The rotational anatomy of the forearm bones is not well defined. This study aims to further the understanding of the torsion of the radius and ulna to better guide treatment.

Methods: Computed tomography images of 98 cadaveric forearms were obtained and 3-dimensional models of the radius and ulna were generated and analyzed.

In vitro assessment of the contact mechanics of reverse-engineered distal humeral hemiarthroplasty prostheses.

Background: Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty alters cartilage contact mechanics, which may predispose to osteoarthritis. Current prostheses do not replicate the native anatomy, and therefore contribute to these changes. We hypothesized that prostheses reverse-engineered from the native bone shape would provide similar contact patterns as the native articulation.

The effect of distal humeral hemiarthroplasty on articular contact of the elbow.

Background: Hemiarthroplasty is a treatment option for selected distal humerus fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of distal humeral hemiarthroplasty and implant size on elbow articular contact. We hypothesized that implants of varying sizes produce different contact patterns compared with the native elbow.

Elbow arthroplasty for distal humeral fractures.

The treatment of comminuted, distal humeral fractures in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone is challenging. Total elbow arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty are reliable treatment options with favorable outcomes for fractures that are not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. Total elbow arthroplasty is a reliable option for a comminuted distal humeral fracture in an elderly patient with osteoporosis and low functional demands.

Radial head fractures.

The radial head is the most commonly fractured bone of the elbow, with most fractures occurring in women older than 50 years. The radial head is an important stabilizer for valgus, axial, and posterolateral rotational forces. Loss of articular segments of the radial head negatively affects elbow kinematics and stability.

High-speed burr debulking of digital calcinosis cutis in scleroderma patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the functional outcome after removal of digital calcinosis cutis in patients with scleroderma using a high-speed burr.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 9 consecutively enrolled scleroderma patients who underwent surgery by the senior author. A debulking procedure using a high-speed micro-burr to soften and express calcific material in digits was performed.

Development of a computational technique to measure cartilage contact area.

Computational measurement of joint contact distributions offers the benefit of non-invasive measurements of joint contact without the use of interpositional sensors or casting materials. This paper describes a technique for indirectly measuring joint contact based on overlapping of articular cartilage computer models derived from CT images and positioned using in vitro motion capture data. The accuracy of this technique when using the physiological nonuniform cartilage thickness distribution, or simplified uniform cartilage thickness distributions, is quantified through comparison with direct measurements of contact area made using a casting technique.

The anatomy of the superior labrum and biceps origin in the fetal shoulder.

The presence of a sublabral recess has been observed in adult shoulders. It is unclear whether this occurrence is a developmental variation or is acquired. The primary objective of the study was to determine if a cleft exists between the superior labrum and the superior cartilaginous glenoid anlage during the second trimester.

Characterization of liver histopathology in a transgenic mouse model expressing genotype 1a hepatitis C virus core and envelope proteins 1 and 2.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine how the HCV structural proteins affect the dynamic structural and functional properties of hepatocytes and measure the extra-hepatic manifestations induced by these viral proteins. A transgenic mouse model was established by expressing core, E1 and E2 proteins downstream of a CMV promoter.