One-bone forearm for the treatment of supination contractures secondary to neonatal brachial plexus injury.

Background: The one-bone forearm procedure has been considered as a potential treatment for severe forearm deformities. However, its primary limitation lies in the elevated risks of nonunion and infection. In order to enhance union rates, a technical modification was introduced, aiming not only to establish end-to-end radio-ulnar fixation but also to incorporate an additional overlay and fixation between the proximal and distal radius osteotomy stumps. This technique, initially applied in a heterogeneous patient population including individuals with neurological, tumoral, and congenital conditions, yielded promising results, achieving a consolidation rate of 100% and enabling supination corrections of up to 120°. Methods: In this study, we present a retrospective cohort of 28 patients, with an average age of 9 years, all afflicted by forearm supination contracture exceeding 90° secondary to neonatal brachial plexus injury. These patients underwent treatment with the modified technique. Results: The mean correction achieved in forearm rotation was 116°, and the average follow-up period extended to 43 months. Remarkably, all patients exhibited bone union within an average period of 6.6 weeks, without any complications. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the efficacy of this modified technique, which enables substantial rotational corrections, boasts a high union rate, and maintains a low incidence of complications. This approach is particularly valuable for young patients suffering from neonatal brachial plexus injury with severe fixed supination deformities. Case series Level of evidence: IV.

Are static foot posture and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion associated with Achilles tendinopathy? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Subtalar hyperpronation and ankle dorsiflexion restriction have been theoretically associated with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). However, evidence to support these associations is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To compare foot alignment and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic limbs of individuals with unilateral AT. And to verify whether differences exist between individuals with symptomatic pronated feet and individuals with symptomatic neutral/supinated feet in terms of tendon pain, structure, and symptom severity. METHODS: Sixty-three participants with unilateral AT underwent a bilateral evaluation of pain during tendon palpation, symptom severity, tendon thickening, tendon neovascularization, ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and foot posture alignment [foot posture index (FPI), navicular drop, navicular drift, and longitudinal arch angle (LAA)]. Side and group comparisons were made using t-tests and correlations were evaluated using the Pearson test. RESULTS: There were no differences between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic limbs regarding foot posture alignment. Specifically, non-significant negligible differences were observed between limbs regarding FPI [mean difference (MD)=-0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI)=-0.70, 0.25), navicular drop (MD=0.58 mm; 95%CI=-0.25, 1.43), navicular drift (MD=0.16 mm; 95%CI=-0.77, 1.09), and LAA (MD=0.30º; 95%CI=-1.74, 2.34). There was no difference between limbs regarding ankle dorsiflexion ROM. However, lower ankle dorsiflexion was associated with worse symptom severity (r = 0.223). Finally, no difference was observed between individuals with symptomatic pronated feet and individuals with symptomatic neutral/supinated feet in terms of tendon pain or structure. CONCLUSIONS: Static foot alignment measures do not seem to be clinically relevant in patients with AT. Smaller ankle dorsiflexion ROM, however, was associated with greater symptom severity in this population.

Anterior tibial tendon transfer in idiopathic clubfoot: does the outcome differ with the initial treatment? Proposed classification to surgical indication.

PURPOSE: To establish parameters and propose a radiographic classification for foot adduction/supination deformities to assist the indication of Garceau procedure. Secondly, to investigate whether the outcome of Garceau surgery depends on the initial treatment used, peritalar release, or the Ponseti method, and verify the maintenance of correction until skeletal maturity. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, with follow-up evaluations in 2009 and 2019. Fifty-three consecutive patients (71 feet) with idiopathic congenital clubfoot (ICCF) were divided into two groups according to the initial treatment used: peritalar release (group I) or Ponseti method (group II). All patients underwent Garceau procedure. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically using the American Orthopedic Foot Association (AOFAS) score for ankle and hindfoot. A radiographic classification is proposed based on the adduction by talo-first metatarsal angle on dorsoplantar view and supination by the elevation of the head of the first metatarsal on lateral view, both weight-bearing. RESULTS: In the first clinical evaluation, the mean score on the AOFAS was 87 points in group I and 86 points in group II. In the second evaluation, group I had mean AOFAS of 92 points and group II of 94 points. No statistical differences were found between the two groups, neither between the first and the second evaluation. In the radiographic evaluation, the adduction deformity obtained an average correction of 4° in group I and 3.6° in group II; in supination deformity, the average depression of the first metatarsal head in relation to the ground was 6.7 mm in group I and 7.5 mm in group II, with no statistical difference between the two evaluations, indicating the correction was maintained until skeletal maturity. CONCLUSION: Garceau transfer is capable of correcting residual deformities in adduction/supination of mild and moderate degrees, regardless of the initial treatment, and maintaining the correction until skeletal maturity. The proposed radiographic classification might help to objectively indicate the surgical procedure.

The One-Bone Forearm in Children: Surgical Technique and a Retrospective Review of Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a technique of end-to-end rigid fixation of the distal radius to the proximal ulna. The shortening and radioulnar overlap in this technique yield a high union rate, large corrections, and few complications. METHODS: This retrospective chart review from 2 centers was undertaken in 39 patients (40 forearms) who underwent one-bone forearm operations between 2005 and 2019. There were 25 male and 14 female patients, with a mean age at surgery of 9.7 years (range 3 to 19 years; SD, 4.5 years). The diagnoses included brachial plexus birth injury, spinal cord injury, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, cerebral palsy, ulnar deficiency with focal indentation, multiple hereditary exostosis, acute flaccid myelitis, and tumor. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 33.5 months (1.2-110.1 months; SD, 27.1 months). The 36 forearms in supination had an average supination contracture of 93° (range, 15° to 120°; SD, 15.4°). The 4 pronated arms had an average pronation contracture of 80° (range, 50° to 120°; SD, 29.2°). The average postoperative position was 22.8° of pronation (range, -15° to 45°; SD, 12.9°). The average correction obtained with our technique was 113° (range, 20° to 145°; SD, 22.9°). Radiographic union was demonstrated in 32 (80%) of the one-bone forearms by 10 weeks, 39 (97.5%) by 16 weeks, and 40 (100%) by 24 weeks. One patient had peri-implant fractures prior to union. No forearms required reoperation for nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: One-bone forearm performed with this technique allows reliable healing and a large degree of correction. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Midfoot passive stiffness affects foot and ankle kinematics and kinetics during the propulsive phase of walking.

The midfoot joint complex (MFJC) is related to the mechanics and efficiency of the walking propulsive phase and low midfoot passive stiffness may require compensatory foot and ankle joint moments to avoid excessive pronation and inefficient propulsion. This study aimed to investigate the kinematics and kinetics of the MFJC and ankle during the propulsive phase of walking in subjects with larger and smaller midfoot passive stiffness. MFJC passive stiffness of 20 healthy adult participants, and the kinematics and kinetics of the MFJC (forefoot-rearfoot) and ankle (rearfoot-shank) during the stance phase of walking were measured. The participants were divided equally into two groups according to the MFJC passive stiffness. Ranges of motion (ROM) and mean joint moments were computed for the late stance. Independent t-tests (α = 0.05) revealed that subjects with lower midfoot passive stiffness showed an increased MFJC sagittal ROM (flattened longitudinal arch) (p = 0.002), increased ankle frontal ROM (more everted positions) (p = 0.002), increased MFJC frontal ROM (more inverted positions) (p = 0.019), as well as a tendency for larger ankle sagittal ROM (p = 0.056). They also showed increased MFJC (p = 0.021) and ankle (p = 0.018) moments in the sagittal plane, increased MFJC moment in the frontal plane (p = 0.047) and a tendency for a predominant ankle moment in the frontal (p = 0.058). Foot and ankle joint moments are possible strategies to reduce pronation and improve propulsion, but not sufficient to prevent the altered kinematics related to low midfoot stiffness. Therefore, midfoot passive stiffness is critical for foot and ankle kinematics and kinetics during walking propulsive phase and is a potential target of interventions.

Fuzzy inference model based on triaxial signals for pronation and supination assessment in Parkinson's disease patients.

Nowadays, the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale supported by the Movement Disorder Society (MDS-UPDRS), is a standardized and widely accepted instrument to rate Parkinson's disease (PD). This work presents a thorough analysis of item 3.6 of the MDS-UPDRS scale which corresponds to the pronation and supination hand movements. The motivation for this work lies in the objective quantification of motor affectations not covered by the MDS-UPDRS scale such as unsteady oscillations and velocity decrements during the motor exploration. Overall, 12 different bio-mechanical features were quantified based on measurements performed by inertial measurement units (IMUs). After a feature selection process, the selected bio-mechanical features were used as inputs for a fuzzy inference model that predicts the stage of development of the disease in each patient. In addition to this model's output, the scores of three different expert examiners and the output of a fuzzy inference model which covers affectations strictly attached the MDS-UPDRS guidelines, were also considered to obtain an integrated computational model. The proposed integrated model was incorporated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which gives the novelty of a combined score that helps expert examiners to give a broader assessment of the disease that covers both affectations mentioned in the MDS-UPDRS guidelines and affectations not covered by it in an objective manner.

Morphological and biomechanical implications of cuboid facet of the navicular bone in the gait / Implicaciones morfológicas y biomecánicas de la faceta cuboídea del navicular en la marcha

The cuboid facet of the navicular bone is an irregular flat surface, present in non-human primates and some human ancestors. In modern humans, it is not always present and it is described as an "occasional finding". To date, there is not enough data about its incidence in ancient and contemporary populations, nor a biomechanical explanation about its presence or absence. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of the cuboid facet in ancient and recent populations, its relationship with the dimensions of the midtarsal bones and its role in the biomechanics of the gait. 354 pairs of naviculars and other tarsal bones from historical and contemporary populations from Catalonia, Spain, have been studied. We used nine measurements applied to the talus, navicular, and cuboid to check its relationship with facet presence. To analyze biomechanical parameters of the facet, X-ray cinematography was used in living patients. The results showed that about 50 % of individuals developed this surface without differences about sex or series. We also observed larger sagittal lengths of the talar facet (LSAGTAL) in navicular bones with cuboid facet. No significant differences were found in the bones contact during any of the phases of the gait. After revising its presence in hominins and non-human primates, and its implication in the bipedalism and modern gait, we suggest that cuboid facet might be related with the size of talar facet and the position of the talonavicular joint. However, other factors such as geographical conditions, genetics and stressful activities probably affect its presence too.

La faceta cuboídea del hueso navicular es una carilla plana e irregular, presente en primates no humanos y en algunos de nuestros ancestros. En humanos modernos, no siempre está presente y es descrita como "un hallazgo ocasional" por la bibliografía. Hasta la fecha, no hay suficientes datos acerca de su incidencia en poblaciones antiguas y contemporáneas, ni una explicación biomecánica sobre su presencia o ausencia. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar la frecuencia de la faceta cuboídea en poblaciones recientes y antiguas, su relación con las dimensiones de los huesos tarsales y su rol en la biomecánica de la marcha. Fueron estudiados 354 pares de naviculares y otros huesos del tarso provenientes de colecciones osteológicas de Cataluña, España. Aplicamos nueve medidas aplicadas al talus, navicular y cuboides para corroborar su relación con la presencia de la faceta. Para analizar sus parámetros biomecánicos, se empleó X-ray cinematography en pacientes hospitalarios. Los resultados mostraron que alrededor de un 50 % de los individuos desarrollaron esta carilla, sin diferencias entre sexos o series. Además, observamos que la longitud sagital de la faceta talar (LSAGTAL) es mayor en aquellas muestras con faceta cuboídea. No hay diferencias significativas en el contacto de los huesos en ninguna de las fases de la marcha. Después de revisar su presencia en primates no humanos, su implicancia en el bipedismo y en la marcha moderna, sugerimos que la faceta cuboídea podría estar relacionada con el tamaño de la faceta talar y la posición de la articulación talo-navicular. Sin embargo, otros factores como las condiciones geográficas, genética y stress ocupacional también podrían afectar su presencia.

One-bone forearm osteodesis and biceps re-routing to correct severe supination contracture in a paediatric patient with late obstetric brachial plexus palsy.

PURPOSE: The one-bone forearm arthrodesis has been performed to change the position of the forearm in children with fixed supination deformity due to upper extremity neurologic deficit. In this article, we present a retrospective review of children with late obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent palliative surgery to correct severe supination contracture by one-bone forearm osteodesis and biceps re-routing. This technique has not been described previously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, four consecutive patients with upper extremity weakness and severe supination contracture who underwent forearm osteodesis in neutral or slight pronation and biceps re-routing. The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 12 years six months (range, 7-14 years). RESULTS: The average follow-up was one year ten months (range, 1 year 6 months to 2 years 7 months). The rotation of the forearm set in neutral (3 patients) and 15° pronation (1 patient). No patients noted adverse effects on the shoulder, elbow or wrist, and none missed having forearm rotation. CONCLUSIONS: One-bone forearm osteodesis and biceps re-routing technique should be considered in some patients with fixed forearm supination deformity and concomitant severe pronation deficit. In this group of patients, repositioning the forearm in a more pronated (or less supinated) position may improve the use of that extremity in activities of daily living. The surgical technique is fairly simple and can be done in a single procedure.

Relationship of age and type of obstetric brachial plexus paralysis in forearm pronosupination.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the arc of forearm pronosupination of patients with sequelae of birth paralysis and correlate with these variables. METHODS: 32 children aged between 4 and 14 years with total or partial lesions of the brachial plexus were evaluated; measurements of pronation and supination, active and passive, were made, both on the injured side and the unaffected side. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed between the injured side and the normal side, but there was no difference between the groups regarding age or type of injury. CONCLUSION: The age and type of injury did not impact on the limitation of the forearm pronosupination in children with sequelae of birth paralysis.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o arco de pronossupinação do antebraço dos pacientes com sequela de paralisia obstétrica do plexo braquial e correlacionar com essas variáveis. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 32 crianças entre 4 e 14 anos, com lesões totais ou parciais do plexo braquial, foram tiradas as medidas de pronação e supinação, ativa e passiva, tanto do lado lesionado quanto do lado não afetado. RESULTADOS: Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o lado lesionado e o lado normal, porém não houve diferença entre os grupos por faixas etárias, nem quanto ao tipo de lesão. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores idade e tipo de lesão não tiveram efeito sobre a pronossupinação nas crianças portadoras de sequela de paralisia obstétrica do plexo braquial.

Relationship of age and type of obstetric brachial plexus paralysis in forearm pronosupination / Relação entre a idade e o tipo de paralisia obstétrica do plexo braquial com o movimento de pronossupinação do antebraço

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the arc of forearm pronosupination of patients with sequelae of birth paralysis and correlate with these variables. Methods: 32 children aged between 4 and 14 years with total or partial lesions of the , brachial plexus were evaluated; measurements of pronation and supination, active and passive, were made, both on the injured side and the unaffected side. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the injured side and the normal side, but there was no difference between the groups regarding age or type of injury. Conclusion: The age and type of injury did not impact on the limitation of the forearm pronosupination in children with sequelae of birth paralysis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o arco de pronossupinação do antebraço dos pacientes com sequela de paralisia obstétrica do plexo braquial e correlacionar com essas variáveis. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 32 crianças entre 4 e 14 anos, com lesões totais ou parciais do plexo braquial, foram tiradas as medidas de pronação e supinação, ativa e passiva, tanto do lado lesionado quanto do lado não afetado. Resultados: Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o lado lesionado e o lado normal, porém não houve diferença entre os grupos por faixas etárias, nem quanto ao tipo de lesão. Conclusão: Os fatores idade e tipo de lesão não tiveram efeito sobre a pronossupinação nas crianças portadoras de sequela de paralisia obstétrica do plexo braquial.

Target-invariant aggressive display in a tephritid fly.

Fruit flies of the family Tephritidae (Diptera) use specialized wing displays in aggressive encounters with conspecifics and predators. These displays, called supination displays, have been thought to deter attacks from one of their main predators, spiders of the family Salticidae. However, there is no information whether the display is qualitatively or quantitatively different when the target is a conspecific or a predator. In this study, we sought to determine whether flies vary their displays depending on the display target. Using the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens, we compared the characteristics of the display that male and female flies use against conspecifics and spiders. Flies did not distinguish between spiders and conspecifics in terms of display rates and bout duration. In general, flies are more likely to retreat faster from spiders after performing a display. We suggest that supination is a generalized aggressive behavior that is independent of the target.

Síndrome da Morte Súbita Infantil em Pelotas de 2006 a 2013: uma análise descritiva / Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Pelotas from 2006 to 2013: a descriptive analysis

Introdução e objetivo: A Síndrome da Morte Súbita Infantil (SMSI) ocupa a oitava posição entre as causas de anos potenciais de vida perdidos e as primeiras posições como causa de mortalidade infantil pós-neonatal em países desenvolvidos. O presente estudo objetiva conhecer as características socioepidemiológicas das crianças que foram a óbito por SMSI no município de Pelotas. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, descritivo baseado nos dados da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, coletados através da aplicação de Fichas de Investigação de óbitos padronizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde de todos os casos de SMSI que ocorreram do ano de 2006 a 2013 em Pelotas/RS. Resultados: Houve 37 óbitos registrados no período, o que representa um coefi ciente de mortalidade por SMSI de 1,5 por mil. A média de idade materna foi de 23,5 anos (dp=5,2), 29 (78%) eram fumantes e 23 (62%) concederam aleitamento materno exclusivo até a data do óbito, 28 (76%) tiverem seus bebês nascidos a termo. Dentre os 37 casos, 16 (43%) vieram a falecer com menos de 1 mês de vida, 26 (70%) dormiam junto aos pais e 23 (61%) em decúbito lateral, enquanto que apenas 2 (5%) em decúbito ventral e 16 (43%) dos casos de SMSI ocorreram durante o inverno. Conclusão: O presente estudo é o único que abrange tamanha amostra (37 casos) de SMSI na cidade de Pelotas, a qual apresenta um coefi ciente de mortalidade por essa patologia semelhante aos mais altos encontrados na literatura. Portanto, políticas públicas que visem à prevenção de SMSI em Pelotas são necessárias.

Introduction and aim: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) ranks eighth among the causes of potential years of life lost and is among the leading causes of post-neonatal infant mortality in developed countries. This study aimed to evaluate the social and epidemiological characteristics of children who died of SIDS in the city of Pelotas. Methods: An observational, retrospective, and descriptive study based on Municipal Health Department data collected by applying Research Sheets standardized by the Ministry of Health to all cases of SIDS occurring from 2006 to 2013 in Pelotas, South Brazil. Results: A total of 37 deaths were recorded in the studied period, placing the SIDS mortality rate at 1.5 per thousand. The mean maternal age was 23.5 years (SD = 5.2), 29 (78%) were smokers, 23 (62%) granted exclusive breastfeeding until the date of death, 28 (76%) had term infants. From the 37 cases, 16 (43%) died under 1 month of age, 26 (70%) were sleeping with their parents, and 23 (61%) in the lateral position, while only 2 (5%) in the prone position, and 16 cases (43%) of SIDS occurred during the winter. Conclusion: This study is the only one that covers such sample (37 cases) of SIDS in the city of Pelotas, whose mortality rate from this disorder is close to the highest in the literature. Therefore, public policies for the prevention of SIDS in Pelotas are required.

Análise das forças de reação do solo durante a marcha de indivíduos sadios com e sem uso de calcanheiras corretivas / Ground reaction forces analyses during the gait of healthy individuals with and without the use of a calcaneus insole

O pé constitui a base de apoio e propulsão para a marcha. É conhecido que a supinação e a pronação excessiva ou prolongada podem alterar a mecânica da marcha. Assim, o uso de calcanheiras corretivas para o desvio do calcâneo (valgo/varo) tem sido recomendado. Objetivo: Deste estudo foi analisar a influência do uso de calcanheiras na marcha de indivíduos normais através da Força de Reação do Solo (FRS). Método: Participaram do estudo dez adultos (31,9 ± 6,7 anos, 65,9 ± 15,4 kg e 1,7 ± 0,1 m) sem alterações aparentes de marcha ou patologias com reflexo sobre o aparelho locomotor. Foram comparadas as seguintes condições de marcha: descalça, tênis e tênis com calcanheira. As variáveis dependentes foram as componentes vertical, médio-lateral e ântero-posterior da FRS. Para a análise estatística a ANOVA one-way com medidas repetidas no fator condição (descalço, tênis e calcanheira) foi empregada (? < 0,05). Foram reveladas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as condições descalço e calçado com tênis e calcanheira para a componente vertical da FRS na fase de contato inicial Fz1 (F2,59 = 3,4; p < 0,0406) e na fase de apoio terminal para a componente antero-posterior Fy2 (F2,59 = 3,63; p < 0,0332). Resultados: Esses indicam que o uso de calcanheiras aumenta o impacto vertical sobre o aparelho locomotor na fase de resposta à carga, provavelmente devido a sua maior rigidez comparada ao pé descalço ou calçado com tênis. A calcanheira alterou também o padrão de resposta da componente antero-posterior da FRS na fase de terminal do apoio, que corresponde à fase de aceleração/propulsão na marcha. Conclusão: Baseado apenas na análise das variáveis dinâmicas foi possível concluir que o uso de calcanheira não induziu aumento significativo de forças laterais que poderiam indicar redução da pronação ou supinação excessiva durante a fase de resposta à carga. O uso da calcanheira produziu efeito dinâmico significativo sobre a pronação/supinação apenas na fase propulsiva da marcha.

The foot forms the base of propulsion and balance during the gait. It is well known that excessive or prolonged pronation and supination changes the gait?s mechanical movement. Hence, the use of corrective insoles is recommended when calcaneus alterations (valgus and varun) are present. Objetive: The main purpose of this article was to analyze the effects of a calcaneus insole on normal individuals on the Ground Reaction Force variables. Method: The experiment used ten adults (31.9 ± 6,7 years, 65.9 ± 15.4 kg and 1.7 ± 0.1 m) and registered no apparent changes in gait or pathologies that have an effect on the locomotor system. The following gait conditions were analyzed and compared: barefoot, using a sport shoe, and using the sport shoe with insole. The variables analyzed were vertical, medial lateral, and anterior-posterior dynamic ground reaction forces. An ANOVA one-way was used in order to compare the three different conditions. Statisticallysignificant differences were revealed between the conditions of barefoot and sport shoe with insole for the vertical GRF during initial contact Fz1 (F2,59 = 3.4; p < 0.0406) and for the GRF anterior-posterior in the terminal stance phase Fy2 (F2,59 = 3.63; p < 0.0332). Results: These results indicated that the use of an insole increased the vertical impact on the locomotor system during the response to load phase, probably because of its greater stiffness compared to the barefoot or sport shoe trials. The insole also changed the GRF anterior-posterior during the terminal stance that corresponded with the acceleration/propulsion gait phase. Conclusion: Just based on the analysis of the dynamic variables, it was concluded that the use of insoles did not induce any significant increase in lateral forces that would indicate the reduction of excessive pronation or supination during the response load phase. The use of an insole produced a significant dynamic effect on the pronation/supination only in the propulsive gait phase.

Importância da realização de radiografias em posição ortostática na avaliação inicial de pacientes com fraturas toracolombares / Importance of performing weight-bearing radiographs in the initial evaluation of patients with thoracolumbar fractures / Importancia de la realización de radiografías en posición ortostática en la evaluación inicial de pacientes con fracturas toraco-lumbares

OBJETIVO: o manejo das fraturas toracolombares estáveis é controverso, especialmente em pacientes sem déficit funcional. Este estudo questiona o motivo de ser realizada uma avaliação das imagens apenas na posição supina, uma vez que, paradoxalmente, o tratamento conservador inclui o ortostatismo precoce. O propósito deste estudo é determinar se a realização de radiografias em posição ortostática influencia na definição do tratamento dos pacientes com fraturas torácicas e lombares classificadas como tipo "A" da AO-ASIF. MÉTODOS: de janeiro de 2007 a novembro de 2008, foram avaliados pacientes portadores de fraturas torácicas e lombares por meio de radiografias em decúbito e tomografia computadorizada, visando identificar sinais de instabilidade. As fraturas classificadas radiograficamente como tipo "A" da AO-ASIF, inicialmente por tratamento conservador, foram submetidas à realização de radiografias em ortostatismo sem o colete ortótico na fase aguda e seus parâmetros radiológicos foram reavaliados. RESULTADOS: foram incluídos neste estudo 59 pacientes com fraturas toracolombares estáveis (T11 a L4), e todos toleraram o exame. A cifose vertebral aumentou 46,8 por cento. O colapso anterior aumentou 15,52 por cento. Três destes pacientes (5,1 por cento) receberam a indicação cirúrgica após radiografias em ortostatismo por apresentarem critérios de instabilidade. CONCLUSÕES: a realização das radiografias em ortostatismo mostrou-se eficiente na identificação de pacientes com instabilidade ainda não manifesta e capaz de predizer a evolução satisfatória durante o tratamento conservador, além de ser um exame diagnóstico seguro, de fácil aplicabilidade e com baixo custo. Neste estudo, um total de 5,1 por cento dos pacientes tiveram seu tratamento conservador alterado para o cirúrgico.

OBJECTIVE: the management of stable thoracolumbar fractures is controversial, especially in patients without functional deficits. This study questions the reason of doing images study only in supine position since, paradoxically, nonoperative treatment includes early orthostatism. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of weight-bearing radiographs on defining the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar fractures classified as type "A" of AO-ASIF. METHODS: from January 2007 to November 2008, patients with thoracolumbar fractures were evaluated by radiographs in supine position and computed tomography to identify signs of instability. Fractures classified radiographically as type "A" of AO-ASIF, initially treated with nonoperative care, were submitted to weight-bearing radiographs without bracing in acute phase and their radiographic parameters were re-evaluated. RESULTS: 59 patients with stable thoracolumbar fractures (T11 to L4) were included in this study,and all of them tolerated the weight-bearing radiographs. The vertebral kyphosis increased 46.8 percent. The anterior collapse increased 15.52 percent. Three of these patients (5.1 percent) were submitted to surgical treatment after weight-bearing radiographs due to instability criteria. CONCLUSIONS: weight-bearing radiographs were efficient in identifying patients with instability not established yet. This exam is able to predict the satisfactory evolution during the nonoperative treatment and it is a safe and low cost diagnostic examination with easy applicability. In this study, a total of 5.1 percent of the patients had their treatment changed from conservative to surgical.

OBJETIVO: el manejo de las fracturas toraco-lumbares estables es controvertido, especialmente en pacientes sin déficit funcional. Este estudio cuestiona el motivo por realizarse una evaluación de las imágenes apenas en la posición supina, una vez que paradoxalmente el tratamiento conservador incluye el ortatismo precoz. El propósito de este estudio es determinar si la realización de radiografías en posición ortostática influye en la definición del tratamiento de los pacientes con fracturas torácicas y lumbares, clasificadas como tipo "A" de la AO-ASIF. MÉTODOS: de enero de 2007 a noviembre de 2008 fueron evaluados pacientes portadores de fracturas torácicas y lumbares, por medio de radiografías en decúbito y tomografía computarizada, visando identificar señales de inestabilidad. Las fracturas clasificadas radiográficamente como tipo "A" de la AO-ASIF, inicialmente de tratamiento conservador, fueron sometidas a la realización de radiografías en ortostatismo sin chaleco ortótico, en la fase aguda, y sus parámetros radiológicos fueron reevaluados. RESULTADOS: fueron incluidos en este estudio 59 pacientes con fracturas torácicas y lumbares estables (T11 a L4). Todos los pacientes toleraron el examen. La cifosis vertebral aumentó 46.8 por ciento. El colapso anterior aumentó 15.56 por ciento. Tres de estos pacientes (5.1 por ciento) recibieron la indicación quirúrgica después de las radiografías en ortostatismo, ya que criterios de inestabilidad fueron reconocidos. CONCLUSIONES: la realización de las radiografías en ortostatismo mostró eficiencia en la identificación de pacientes con inestabilidad, aun no manifiesta, y capaz de predecir la evolución satisfactoria durante el tratamiento conservador, además de ser un examen de diagnóstico seguro, fácil aplicabilidad y bajo costo. En este estudio, un total de 5.1 por ciento tuvo un tratamiento conservador alterado para el quirúrgico.

Efeito da posição da articulação do cotovelo no controle de torque de supinação do antebraço em jovens adultos / Effects of elbow joint position on forearm supination torque control among young adults

INTRODUÇÃO: Inúmeros casos de patologias em antebraço e cotovelo reportados na literatura estão associados com tarefas que envolvem esforço e movimentos repetitivos do braço e mão. A posição do cotovelo é conhecida por afetar a produção de torque máximo de supinação do antebraço, assim como é um fator crítico na determinação de exercícios terapêuticos apropriados. No entanto, baseado no que se conhece, não existem evidências sobre os efeitos da posição do cotovelo em tarefas que requerem controle de níveis submáximos de torque. OBJETIVO: Este estudo investigou o efeito da posição do cotovelo na produção de torque isométrico máximo de supinação do antebraço e no controle constante e contínuo de torque em diferentes níveis submáximos de torque. MÉTODOS: Dezesseis jovens adultos (24,7 ± 2,2 anos de idade) foram solicitados a realizar duas tarefas: produção de torque máximo em pinça lateral (polegar e indicador) e controle constante de torque em pinça lateral. Ambas as tarefas foram avaliadas em quatro posições do cotovelo (livre, 0º, 45º e 90º de flexão) e três níveis submáximos de produção de torque em pinça lateral (20 por cento, 40 por cento e 60 por cento). Torque máximo, variabilidade, irregularidade e precisão da resposta motora foram usados como variáveis dependentes. RESULTADOS: Maiores valores de torque foram encontrados quando a articulação do cotovelo não foi restringida. O controle de torque não foi influenciado pela posição da articulação do cotovelo. Maior variabilidade, irregularidade e menor precisão na resposta de torque foram registradas com o aumento progressivo dos níveis submáximos de torque. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a posição do cotovelo não é um fator determinante para exercícios de reabilitação que incluam torque em supinação do antebraço.

BACKGROUND: Large numbers of cases of pathological conditions in the forearm and elbow that have been reported in the literature are associated with tasks involving effort and repetitive movements of the arms and hands. Elbow position is known to affect the production of maximum forearm supination torque, and is a critical factor in designing appropriate therapeutic exercises. However, to our knowledge, there are no data on the effects of elbow position on tasks requiring control over submaximal torque levels. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of elbow position on the production of maximum isometric forearm supination torque, and on constant and continuous torque control at different submaximal torque levels. METHOD: Sixteen young adults (24.7 ± 2.2 years old) were asked to perform two tasks: production of maximum lateral pinch torque (thumb and index finger) and controlled lateral pinch constant torque. Both tasks were evaluated at four different elbow positions (free position, 0º, 45º and 90º of elbow flexion) and three submaximal levels of lateral pinch torque production (20 percent, 40 percent and 60 percent). Maximal torque, variability, irregularity and accuracy of the motor response were used as dependent variables. RESULTS: Greater torque values were found when the elbow joint was not restricted. The torque control tasks were not affected by the elbow position. However, greater variability and irregularity and lower accuracy in torque response were recorded with progressively increased submaximal torque levels. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that elbow position is not a determining factor for rehabilitation exercises that include torque control, in relation to forearm supination.

Ventajas de la supinación en la fractura de Colles / Advantages of supination in Colles´ fracture / Avantages de la supination dans la fracture de Colles

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de 90 pacientes con el diagnóstico de fractura de Colles atendidos en el Hospital "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna" de las Tunas entre enero de 1993 e igual mes de 1996, para lo cual se compararon cantidades similares de pacientes inmovilizados con métodos y posiciones diferentes. Quedó demostrada la acción deformante del músculo supinador largo en la fisiopatología de esta fractura, así como las ventajas del yeso braquial y la supinación en el tratamiento de ésta, al evitar la recidiva del desplazamiento en el 93,3 % de los pacientes tratados con este método, además de evitar la luxación radiocubital inferior, la más frecuente de las complicaciones aparecidas con la aplicación de otros procederes. La supinación reduce el tiempo de rehabilitación, mejorando los resultados anatómicos y funcionales de esta lesión. Se refleja el alto índice de redislocación en los pacientes tratados con yeso antebraquial convencional.

A prospective study of 90 patients with the diagnosis of Colles´ fracture that attended the "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna" Hospital, in Las Tunas, from January, 1993, to January, 1996, was conducted. Similar amounts of patients immbolized with different procedures and positions were compared. The deforming action of the long supinator muscle in the physiopathology of this fracture was proved, as well as the advantages of the brachial plaster cast and of supination in its treatment, on avoinding the relapse of the displacement in 93.3 % of the patients treated with this method and the inferior radiocubital luxation, which is the most frequent of the complications that appears with the application of other procedures. The supination reduces the time of rehabilitation and improves the anatomical and functional results of this injury. The high index of redislocation observed among patients treated with conventional antebrachial plaster cast is stressed.

Une étude prospective de 90 patients, avec un diagnostic de fracture de Colles, traités dans l´hôpital "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna" de las Tunas, a été réalisée entre janvier 1993 et janvier 1996, pour autant des quantités voisines de patients inmobilisés par des méthodes et des positions différentes ont été comparées. L´action déformatrice du muscle supinateur longue a été prouvée dans la physiopathologie de cette fracture, ainsi que les avantages du plâtre brachial et de la supination dans le traitement de celleci, en évitant la récidive du déplacement à 93,3 % des patients traités avec cette méthode en empêchant également la luxation radiocubitale inférieure, la plus fréquente des complications survenuespar l´application d´autres procedures. La supination réduit le délai de restauration, en amériorant les résultats anatomiques et fonctionnels de cette lésions. Le haut taux de rédislocation chez les patients traités avec du plâtre antébrachial conventionnel estreflété.