Reliability of shoulder rotators isokinetic strength imbalance measured using the Biodex dynamometer.

Background: Isokinetic assessment of shoulder internal and external rotators is commonly used by clinicians to assess muscle performance and to guide rehabilitation. The reliability of isokinetic assessment is fundamental to track small but clinically relevant changes.

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the absolute and relative reliability of strength imbalance indices such as peak torque ratios (ERconc/IRconc, ERecc/IRecc, ERecc/IRcon, IRecc/ERcon), bilateral concentric and eccentric strength ratios, and to examine the reliability of external rotator and internal rotator peak torque measured using a Biodex(®) dynamometer in the seated position.

Reproducibility of the time to peak torque and the joint angle at peak torque on knee of young sportsmen on the isokinetic dynamometer.

Background: Although peak torque has shown acceptable reproducibility, this may not be the case with two other often used parameters: time to peak torque (TPT) and the angle of peak torque (APT). Those two parameters should be used for the characterization of muscular adaptations in athletes.

Methods: The isokinetic performance of the knee extensors and flexors in both limbs was measured in 29 male athletes.

Heterogeneous assessment of shoulder disorders: validation of the Standardized Index of Shoulder Function.

Objective: Although 40 assessment tools are described in the literature, very few of them have been correctly validated. The Standardized Index of Shoulder Function (FI2S) encompasses pain, mobility, strength and function. The aim of this work is to describe the FI2S and to study its construct validity, reliability and responsiveness to change.

[C-reactive protein, leukocyte count and D-dimer monitoring after orthopedic surgery: early diagnosis of infectious or thromboembolic complications. Part two: does d-dimer measurement contribute to the diagnosis of postoperative venous thromboembolism?].

Objectives: To determine the modification in postoperative D-dimer level as a function of the surgical act and to assess the relevance of this measure for diagnosing thromboembolism.

Method: A cohort of 179 patients was followed: group 1 comprised 128 patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty, group 2 comprised 29 patients undergoing lower limb surgery without implant, and group 3 comprised 22 patients undergoing spinal or upper limb surgery. D-dimer level was systematically measured on admission and then once a week for 4 weeks.

[C-reactive protein, leukocyte count and D-dimer monitoring after orthopedic surgery: early diagnosis of infectious or thromboembolic complications. Part one: C-reactive protein and leukocyte count as an aid in diagnosing postoperative infection].

Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of monitoring C-reactive protein (CRP) level and leukocyte count for early diagnosis of infection following orthopedic surgery.

Method: A cohort of 179 patients was followed: group 1 comprised 128 patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty, group 2 comprised 29 patients undergoing lower limb surgery without implant, and group 3 comprised 22 patients undergoing spinal or upper limb surgery. CRP level and leukocyte count were systematically measured on admission and then once a week for 4 weeks.