The biomechanical and functional relationships of the proximal radioulnar joint, distal radioulnar joint, and interosseous ligament.

This biomechanical study assessed integrated function of the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ), interosseous ligament (IOL), and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Tekscan™ pressure sensors were inserted into the DRUJ and PRUJ of 15 cadaveric specimens. MicroStrain(®) sensors were mounted onto the IOL on nine of these specimens. A customized biomechanical jig was used to apply axial loads and take measurements through pronosupination. The PRUJ, IOL, and DRUJ were shown to function as an integrated osseoligamentous system distributing applied load. The PRUJ has transmitted pressure profiles similar to those of the DRUJ. Different IOL components support loading at different stages of pronosupination. The IOL is lax during pronation. Mid-IOL tension peaks in the midrange of forearm rotation; distal-IOL tension peaks in supination. Axial loading consistently increases IOL strain in a non-linear fashion. There are clinical implications of this work: disease or surgical modification of any of these structures may compromise normal biomechanics and function.

Subluxation-related ulnar neuropathy (SUN) syndrome related to distal radioulnar joint instability.

Ulnar neuropathy coexistent with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability has previously been observed in our practice. The aim of this study was to define this phenomenon and investigate the hypothesis that the cause of this intermittent, positional ulnar neuropathy is related to kinking of the ulnar nerve about the DRUJ. Ulna neuropathy was present in 10/51 (19.6%) of a historical cohort of patients who presented with DRUJ instability. Nine subsequent patients with DRUJ instability and coexistent ulnar neuropathy underwent 3-T magnetic resonance imaging to better understand the mechanism of the observed syndrome. Both 3D qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to assess the presence of nerve 'kinking', displacing the nerve from its normal course and causing nerve compression/distraction in the distal forearm and Guyon's canal. Results of the quantitative analysis were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The clinical features of the condition have been delineated and termed subluxation-related ulnar neuropathy or SUN syndrome. The imaging study was a level II diagnostic study.

Fibre bundles in the human extensor carpi ulnaris tendon are arranged in a spiral.

The extensor carpi ulnaris musculotendinous unit has important agonist and antagonist action in wrist motion, including the dart-throwing action, and is a dynamic stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint during forearm rotation. Despite its functional and clinical importance, little is known about its internal structure. Investigation of the ultrastructure of the human extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon was undertaken using plane polarized light microscopy and microcomputer tomography with 3D reconstruction. The study demonstrates that the tendon comprises fibre bundles (fascicles) approximately 0.1 mm in diameter that are arranged in a gradual spiral. The spiralling fibres make an angle of 8º to the longitudinal axis of the tendon. The spiral structure of the human ECU tendon has important biomechanical implications, allowing fascicular sliding during forearm rotation. The observed features may prevent injury.

Introduction, availability and role of simulation in surgical education and training: review of current evidence and recommendations from the Association of Surgeons in Training.

The utility of simulation in surgical training is now well-established, with proven validity and demonstrable transfer of skills to the clinical setting. Through a reduction in the technical learning curve, simulation can prepare surgeons for actual practice and in doing so it has the potential to improve both patient safety and service efficiency. More broadly, multi-disciplinary simulation of the theatre environment can aid development of non-technical skills and assist in preparing theatre teams for infrequently encountered scenarios such as surgical emergencies. The role of simulation in the formal training curriculum is less well-established, and availability of facilities for this is currently unknown. This paper reviews the contemporary evidence supporting simulation in surgical training and reports trainee access to such capabilities. Our national surgical trainee survey with 1130 complete responses indicated only 41.2% had access to skills simulator facilities. Of those with access, 16.3% had availability out-of-hours and only 54.0% had local access (i.e. current work place). These results highlight the paucity in current provision of surgical skills simulator facilities, and availability (or awareness of availability) varies widely between region, grade and specialty. Based on these findings and current best-evidence, the Association of Surgeons in Training propose 22 action-points for the introduction, availability and role of simulation in surgical training. Adoption of these should guide trainers, trainees and training bodies alike to ensure equitable provision of appropriate equipment, time and resources to allow the full integration of simulation into the surgical curriculum.

Plastic surgery in the press.

The media play a vital role in public education. The predominant image they portray of plastic and reconstructive surgery is that of cosmetic surgery, whilst the specialty's true scope is often misrepresented. The aim was to evaluate portrayal of plastic surgery in the national newspapers. LexisNexis Professional search engine was used to retrieve articles from all UK newspapers published in 2006 that contained the term 'plastic surgery' and each article was analysed. Of 1191 articles, 89% used the term 'plastic surgery' in the context of cosmetic surgery and only 10% referred to reconstructive work. There were 197 feature articles on cosmetic surgery and 52% of them included a quote from the medical profession. If the quoted doctor was on the UK General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register for plastic surgery, it was significantly more likely that a potential problem or complication associated with cosmetic surgery would be mentioned (p= 0.015). The vast majority of newspaper articles refer only to the cosmetic component of plastic surgery. When quoted, doctors on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery provide a more balanced view of cosmetic surgery. Further initiative is needed to portray the full scope of plastic and reconstructive surgery to the general public.