Total Wrist Arthrodesis: Indications and Clinical Outcomes.

Total wrist arthrodesis remains an important technique in the surgical armamentarium of upper extremity surgeons. The procedure has evolved over time but continues to provide reliable pain relief at the expense of wrist motion. It is indicated for management of a wide variety of upper extremity conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic osteoarthritis, cerebral palsy, and brachial plexus injuries, and as a salvage technique after failed implant arthroplasty.

Wafer Resection of the Distal Ulna.

The wafer procedure is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome, which decompresses the ulnocarpal junction through a limited open or arthroscopic approach. In comparison with other common decompressive procedures, the wafer procedure does not require bone healing or internal fixation and also provides excellent exposure of the proximal surface of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Results of the wafer procedure have been good and few complications have been reported.

Diode laser debonding of ceramic brackets.

Introduction: Our objective was to investigate the effectiveness of debonding ceramic brackets with a diode laser.

Methods: Two types of ceramic brackets (monocrystalline and polycrystalline) were bonded to bovine maxillary central incisors. The diode laser was applied to brackets in the experimental groups for 3 seconds.

Metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, metacarpophalangeal joint deformities can significantly affect hand function. Flexible hinge implant arthroplasty, designed in the 1960s, remains the most accepted and widely performed technique for treatment of severely involved metacarpophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis. An arc of motion of 40 degrees to 60 degrees can be expected after arthroplasty, with improvement of finger extension and ulnar deviation.

Laser debonding of ceramic brackets: a comprehensive review.

Since the invention of the ruby laser in the early 1960s, tremendous advances have been made in optic laser technology. Orthodontists have found various uses for lasers, including the debonding of ceramic brackets. Laser energy degrades the adhesive resin used to bond brackets.