Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow in computer keyboard operators.

Objective: This case series sought to determine the prevalence of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) by using electrophysiologic criteria among all computer keyboard operators (CKOs) referred over a four-year period (1995-1999) for electrodiagnosis (EDX) due to clinical suspicion of focal upper limb neuropathies.

Participants: All CKOs referred to an EDX laboratory for suspicion of focal upper limb neuropathies primarily from private practice physicians, mostly hand surgeons, and an occupational medicine clinic.

Methods: All 148 CKOs underwent NCV studies of the upper limbs, which included segmental studies of the ulnar nerve and were questioned for the presence and distribution pattern of paresthesias in the symptomatic upper limb(s).

Does the Taylor Spatial Frame accurately correct tibial deformities?

Background: Optimal leg alignment is the goal of tibial osteotomy. The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) and the Ilizarov method enable gradual realignment of angulation and translation in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, therefore, the term six-axis correction.

Questions/purposes: We asked whether this approach would allow precise correction of tibial deformities.

Limb lengthening and then insertion of an intramedullary nail: a case-matched comparison.

Unlabelled: Distraction osteogenesis is an effective method for lengthening, deformity correction, and treatment of nonunions and bone defects. The classic method uses an external fixator for both distraction and consolidation leading to lengthy times in frames and there is a risk of refracture after frame removal. We suggest a new technique: lengthening and then nailing (LATN) technique in which the frame is used for gradual distraction and then a reamed intramedullary nail inserted to support the bone during the consolidation phase, allowing early removal of the external fixator.

Humeral lengthening and deformity correction in Ollier's disease: distraction osteogenesis with a multiaxial correction frame.

A case of Ollier's disease with deformity and shortening of the humerus is presented. Lengthening of 9 cm and deformity correction of 50 degrees were accomplished with excellent functional and cosmetic results. Unique features of this case were the use of a multiaxial correction monolateral frame and the formation of normal bone within the region of diseased Ollier's bone.

Repair of tibial nonunions and bone defects with the Taylor Spatial Frame.

Objective: To investigate the outcomes of tibial nonunions and bone defects treated with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) using the Ilizarov method.

Design: Retrospective.

Setting: Limb Lengthening and Deformity Service at an academic medical center.

Lengthening and reconstruction of congenital leg deficiencies for enhanced prosthetic wear.

Congenital limb deficiencies with severe shortening and/or deformity can be difficult to fit with a prosthesis. We report two patients in whom gradual lengthening and deformity correction with the Ilizarov/Taylor spatial frame was used to improve prosthesis fit, comfort, and gait.

Lengthening of a free fibular graft after sarcoma resection of the humerus.

We report a patient who had resection of the humerus for osteosarcoma, initial reconstruction with a free fibular graft of the humerus, and subsequent lengthening of the graft. A 9-cm (100% of free fibula length) lengthening was achieved to equalize the humerus length. A complication of regenerate fracture was treated successfully with plating.

Simultaneous treatment of tibial bone and soft-tissue defects with the Ilizarov method.

Objectives: To evaluate the potential for limb salvage using the Ilizarov method to simultaneously treat bone and soft-tissue defects of the leg without flap coverage.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Level I trauma centers at 4 academic university medical centers.

Knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening using the Ilizarov method.

Objective: To determine whether knee arthrodesis with simultaneous lengthening using the Ilizarov method for a nonreconstructable knee joint with bone loss and infection is a successful salvage procedure.

Design: Retrospective review of patients.

Setting: University hospital-based orthopaedic practice.