Brachioradialis Tendon Coverage in Volar Distal Radius Plating.

Volar plate fixation of unstable distal radius fractures has become the preferred technique by most surgeons for the operative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures. Flexor tendon rupture is a rare but serious complication associated with this operation that is thought to be due to irritation of the flexor tendons over the prominent distal edge of the plate. We describe a novel technique of using the brachioradialis tendon to cover the distal edge of the plate to help prevent tendon irritation and rupture.

Reliability testing of the Larsen and Sharp classifications for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow.

Background: Two popular systems for classifying rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow are the Larsen and Sharp schemes. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the reliability of these 2 systems. We compared the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the 2 systems to determine whether one is more reliable than the other.

Skin dimpling after a closed proximal humerus fracture.

Background: Skin dimpling, also known as skin puckering, is a rare occurrence after closed proximal humerus fractures. This finding is suggestive of incarceration of the skin at the fracture site and may lead to necrosis and conversion to an open fracture.

Objectives: Our goal is to describe our experience with skin dimpling after a proximal humerus fracture to increase awareness and recognition of this clinical presentation in the Emergency Department (ED).

Intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management of persistent and infected pleural spaces.

Purpose: This study was designed to assess the use of the intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management of persistent and infected pleural spaces.

Description: Five patients with a persistent and infected pleural space after pulmonary resection underwent intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management to reduce the duration and frequency of dressing changes and to accelerate the formation of granulation tissue and the obliteration of the pleural space. Three patients also underwent a pleural space filling procedure.