The effect of postoperative immobilization on the healing of radiofrequency heat probe modified tissue: assessment of tissue length, stiffness, and morphology.

The effect of postoperative immobilization on the length, stiffness, and structure of connective tissue after radiofrequency probe shrinkage was examined in a rabbit patellar tendon model. Tendon lengths were measured before, immediately following, and 2, 4, and 8 weeks following heat application, with the contralateral tendon as a control. The animals were randomly assigned to three groups.

The effects of augmentation with Swine small intestine submucosa on tendon healing under tension: histologic and mechanical evaluations in sheep.

Background: Rotator cuff failure after surgery may be attributed to inferior tissue healing properties that result from repetitive cyclic loading during early rehabilitation. Enhancing the biological healing process may reduce the incidence of failures after rotator cuff repairs.

Hypothesis: Augmentation of rotator cuff tissue using swine small intestine submucosa in a sheep model will improve the rate and quality of tissue repair.

Clinical insights for office practice management.

This manual is intended to be an easily used reference tool for office nurses who are involved with orthopaedic practice management. The manual can be enhanced with personal annotation, creating a working desk reference. While it is beyond the scope of this publication to be a textbook of ambulatory nursing, concepts will be introduced, ideas shared, and resources listed without pretense of attempting to instruct nurses in the science of ambulatory nursing.

Shoulder rehabilitation for the arthritic glenohumeral joint: preoperative and postoperative considerations.

Arthritis of the glenohumeral joint can cause pain, weakness, and limit motion. Preoperative treatment consists of physical therapy to manage pain, increase shoulder motion, and increase rotator cuff and scapulothoracic muscle strength. The postoperative three-phase rehabilitation program described is structured, supervised, and involves the cooperation of the patient, surgeon, and physical therapist.