Anatomic Evaluation of the Sacroiliac Joint: A Radiographic Study with Implications for Procedures.

Background: Sacroiliac joint (SI) pain is increasingly being recognized as a source of low back pain. Injections and percutaneous type procedures are performed to treat symptomatic joints. However, there are limited studies available assessing the anatomy of the SI joint in vivo among patients with pain.

An analysis of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination rehabilitation section.

Objective: One subject tested by the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) is rehabilitation. Our purpose was to analyze the OITE's rehabilitation section to (1) identify the rehabilitation subjects that are tested, (2) evaluate trainee performance on this section, and (3) evaluate the literature cited for this section as an aide to the trainee preparation for future OITE examinations.

Design: This study included OITE examinations from 2004 through 2009.

Review of the current literature as a preparatory tool for the trauma content of the Orthopaedic in-Training Examination.

Currently, the only standardized evaluation of trauma knowledge throughout orthopedic training is found in the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination, which is administered annually to all residents by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Our goals were to assess the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination to (1) determine the content of the trauma questions, (2) identify the content of the 3 most frequently referenced journals on the answer keys, and (3) evaluate the correlation between those contents.We reviewed the trauma-related Orthopaedic In-Training Examination questions and answer keys for 2002 through 2007.

Septic elbow in the setting of neuropathic joint as the initial presentation of a cervical syrinx.

Neuropathic arthropathy, or Charcot's joint, is a degenerative disorder resulting from abnormal sensory innervation that is associated with diabetes mellitus, tabes dorsalis, and syringomyelia. Patients may present with a painless instability of the affected joint, although a range of symptoms are seen. This article presents a case of a patient who presented with a swollen elbow, consistent with septic arthritis, and bilateral lower extremity weakness.

The effects of hospital and surgeon volume on postoperative complications after LumbarSpine surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Objective: To determine the correlation of surgeon/hospital volume with complication/mortality rates and with in-hospital health care utilization in lumbar spine surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Studies have shown improved outcomes in patients treated by high-volume surgeons and hospitals.

Evaluation of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: spine questions.

Background: The annual Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) is an objective evaluation administered annually to all residents by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To our knowledge, there are no guidelines for the type of material included on the examination; therefore, it is difficult for many academic centers to develop education programs directed toward improving resident performance on the OITE. Our goals were to determine the most commonly tested subjects in the spine portion of the OITE and to help direct development of an associated teaching program.

A study of the cutaneous nerves encountered during thoracoplasty.

Study Design: Ten cadavers were dissected to describe the cutaneous branches of the dorsal rami nerves that should be identified and protected throughout the thoracoplasty procedure.

Objective: To identify the anatomic distribution of the cutaneous branches of the dorsal rami in the thoracic spine.

Summary Of Background Data: The last anatomic description of cutaneous branches of the dorsal rami nerves dates back to the early 1900s.