A prospective randomized study comparing a forearm strap brace versus a wrist splint for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: The outcome is unknown for 2 common bracing treatments utilized for patients with lateral epicondylitis. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of a wrist splint with that of a counterforce forearm strap for the management of acute lateral epicondylitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients (44 elbows) received either a wrist extension splint (Group I-24 elbows) or a counterforce forearm strap (Group II-20 elbows). Measures on the Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) Elbow Assessment Form were collected prior to treatment and at 6 weeks. A total score was derived, utilizing the ASES Elbow Assessment, as was a score utilizing the standard scoring system for the MEP. RESULTS: Group I's score derived from the ASES form improved 16 points and Group II's score improved 13 points. Group I's score on the MEP improved 13 points and Group II's score improved 12 points. There was no significant difference measured between the Groups with the ASES (P = .60) nor MEP (P = .63) scores. However, within the ASES derived score, pain relief was significantly better with the extension splint group (P = .027). No other variables were statistically significantly different. DISCUSSION: Significant pain relief with the wrist extension splint may be due to improved immobilization of the wrist extensor muscles in a resting position. CONCLUSION: The wrist extension splint allows a greater degree of pain relief than does the forearm strap brace for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Relative contribution of acromioclavicular joint capsule and coracoclavicular ligaments to acromioclavicular stability.

HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that both the AC joint capsule and CC ligaments are biomechanically robust structures in the anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) planes with low loads, and that these ligaments provide essential function in AC joint stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) AC joint translations were quantified in 6 cadaver matched pairs with AC joint compressions of 10N, 20N and 30N, and with translational loads of 10N and 15N. Either the AC joint capsule or CC ligaments were transected, and measurements were then repeated. Biomechanical characteristics of the remaining AC joint capsule or CC ligaments were compared. RESULTS: There were significant increases in AP translation with the cut AC joint capsule, and significant increases in SI translation with the cut CC ligaments (P < 0.0001). Compression significantly decreased translation (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Our study is supported by, and further develops, recent studies and anatomical knowledge. It offers two interpreted pieces of information for the sports medicine physician to consider for reconstruction of the AC joint. First, resection of the distal clavicle may have a detrimental effect. Second, repair of the AC joint capsule, in addition to the customarily repaired CC ligaments, appears to have a beneficial effect. CONCLUSION: The AC joint capsule is a robust anatomical structure that contributes significantly to the AC joint stability, especially in the AP plane. Compression increases stability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science study.

The effect of medial opening wedge proximal tibial osteotomy on patellofemoral contact.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that patellofemoral contact pressures and contact forces may be altered secondary to an opening wedge high tibial osteotomy, yet few data are available that quantify the effect of varying degrees of medial opening wedge osteotomy on the patellofemoral joint contact characteristics. HYPOTHESIS: Opening wedge medial proximal tibial osteotomy will increase patellofemoral contact force and pressure. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Nine human cadaver knees were used. Pressure-sensitive film was placed in the suprapatellar pouch, leaving the patellar tendon and medial and lateral retinacula intact. The quadriceps tendon was attached to a materials testing machine along the axis of the femur, whereby a pulley mechanism generated 950 N of force. Patellofemoral contact characteristics were measured with pressure-sensitive film at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of flexion for the native knee and after subsequent 10-mm and 15-mm medial opening wedge proximal tibial osteotomies. The film was analyzed with imaging software. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase (P < .05) in mean contact pressure at 30° and 120° between the 10-mm osteotomy and native knee and across all flexion angles between the 15-mm osteotomy and native knee. Furthermore, a significant difference was seen in peak pressures when native knees were compared with 10-mm and 15-mm opening wedge osteotomies at all flexion angles. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in patellofemoral pressures at varying degrees of knee flexion after medial opening wedge proximal tibial osteotomies of only 10 mm; a larger osteotomy resulted in a greater increase. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When performing a medial opening wedge proximal tibial osteotomy, the surgeon should consider the negative effects of increased patellofemoral peak pressure.

Injury severity assessment in tibial plateau fractures.

Assessment of injury severity is an integral component of the care of the patient with a fracture of the tibial plateau. Devising ways to reliably quantify injury severity, and to make predictive links between injury severity and outcome, however, has been difficult. Assessment of patient-related factors, such as age, functional capabilities, and medical comorbidities, are necessarily subjective, but certain of these factors clearly shape the treatment plan for a patient with a tibial plateau fracture. Clinical examination findings, such as extent of soft tissue injury and mediolateral stability of the knee, also play an important role in determining treatment and predicting outcome. Radiographic classification of tibial plateau fractures also is an important determinant of treatment, but current classification systems have suffered from disappointing interobserver reliability. Although the severity of injury to the articular cartilage almost certainly affects outcome, there currently are no validated modalities to measure this important factor. More carefully validated tools are needed in many of these areas if we are to perfect our understanding of injury severity and establish more accurate correlations between injury severity and outcomes.