Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyEffects of shoulder position on axillary nerve positions during the split lateral deltoid approach.
The axillary nerve may be injured during percutaneous fixation of proximal humerus fractures. This study investigated the kinematic behavior of the superior and inferior borders of the axillary nerve under varying shoulder positions. This information may reduce iatrogenic neurologic injury during fracture reduction and hardware placement. ⋯ The main determinant of axillary nerve position with respect to the acromion is vertical abduction. Axillary nerve position is essentially unaffected by varying degrees of humeral rotation and forward flexion. Vertical glenohumeral abduction to 60 degrees is required to move the nerve significantly closer to the acromion.
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Massive rotator cuff tears pose a distinct clinical challenge for the orthopaedist. In this review, we will discuss the classification, diagnosis, and evaluation of massive rotator cuff tears before discussing various treatment options for this problem. ⋯ For rotator cuff tears that are deemed irreparable, treatment options are limited. The use of tendon transfers in younger patients to reconstruct rotator cuff function and restore shoulder kinematics can be useful in salvaging this difficult problem.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Sep 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyAspiration alone versus aspiration and bupivacaine injection in the treatment of undisplaced radial head fractures: a prospective randomized study.
Some physicians advocate that aspiration of elbow joint hematoma in radial head fractures is helpful not only for determining a mechanical block to motion from a fracture fragment but also for improving the elbow motion and pain. However, the supplementary role of intra-articular anaesthetic injection is unclear. ⋯ Intra-articular use of local anaesthetic after joint aspiration does not offer any benefit over aspiration alone in the treatment of undisplaced radial head fractures and its routine application is not supported by the clinical data.
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Chondrolysis has been observed after shoulder arthroscopy and results in severe glenohumeral complications. ⋯ Chondrolysis is a devastating complication of arthroscopic shoulder surgery that can result in long-term disabling consequences. Further research is required to specifically identify causative factors. Until this is a available, we strongly advise against the use of large doses of intra-articular placement of local anesthetics.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyEffects of flexor-pronator muscle loading on valgus stability of the elbow with an intact, stretched, and resected medial ulnar collateral ligament.
The medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) is an important passive stabilizer to the valgus stresses that athletes experience during overhead throwing motion. However, the role of the flexor-pronator muscles as active stabilizers to valgus stress is not well defined in the literature. The objectives of this study were to quantify the relative contribution of the individual flexor-pronator muscles to valgus stability of the elbow and how this relationship was affected by ligament status. ⋯ The FDS, PT, and FCU are all active stabilizers of the elbow to valgus stress. The FDS is the biggest contributor amongst the flexor-pronator muscles.