Open Glenohumeral Joint Reduction and Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major Tendon Transfers for Infants and Children Following Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

Glenohumeral dysplasia can occur in brachial plexus birth palsy due to an imbalance of muscle forces. Most commonly this occurs in C5-C6 injuries where the shoulder external rotators are weak compared with the shoulder internal rotators. Treatment of the dysplasia with open reduction of the glenohumeral joint in combination with rebalancing the muscles can improve the development of the joint. Furthermore, the tendon transfer can improve shoulder function by decreasing the internal rotation forces about the shoulder while increasing the external rotation forces. This paper describes the indications, contraindications, and technique of performing an open glenohumeral joint reduction and latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfers for brachial plexus birth palsy.

[Corrective osteotomies for posttraumatic elbow deformities]. / Korrekturosteotomien bei posttraumatischen Fehlstellungen des Ellenbogengelenks.

OBJECTIVES: Correcion of elbow joint deformities that usually develop secondary to direct or indirect trauma of the arm or elbow with subsequent inadequate healing and consecutive axial/rotational malalignment and may be associated with cosmetic or functional deficits of the arm. INDICATIONS: Relevant malalignment of the arm axis with corresponding cosmetic or functional deficits for the patient. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pre-existing degenerative and chronic inflammatory changes. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Generally, two-dimensional supracondylar open or closed wedge osteotomies are used. In the presence of a three-dimensional deformity (with rotational component), an additional derotational correction is necessary. Extra-articular deformities following extension fractures should be treated preferably with an open wedge osteotomy, extra-articular deformities of flexion fractures with a closed wedge osteotomy. Valgus/varus deformities may also require a closed/open wedge osteotomy primarily through a dorsal or alternatively radial approach. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: The arm should be immobilized with a brachial cast splint for 2-3 weeks, with passive exercises of the elbow starting on postoperative day 7. RESULTS: In general, the results for a three-dimensional osteotomy of the distal humerus are expected to be good to very good. Only in rare cases (2.5%) is a mostly transient irritation of the ulnar nerve observed.

Combined effects of a valgus knee brace and lateral wedge foot orthotic on the external knee adduction moment in patients with varus gonarthrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a custom-fit valgus knee brace and custom-made lateral wedge foot orthotic will have greatest effects on decreasing the external knee adduction moment during gait when used concurrently. DESIGN: Proof-of-concept, single test session, crossover trial. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory within a tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (n=16) with varus alignment and knee osteoarthritis (OA) primarily affecting the medial compartment of the tibiofemoral joint (varus gonarthrosis). INTERVENTIONS: Custom-fit valgus knee brace and custom-made full-length lateral wedge foot orthotic. Amounts of valgus angulation and wedge height were tailored to each patient to ensure comfort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The external knee adduction moment (% body weight [BW]*height [Ht]), frontal plane lever arm (cm), and ground reaction force (N/kg), determined from 3-dimensional gait analysis completed under 4 randomized conditions: (1) control (no knee brace, no foot orthotic), (2) knee brace, (3) foot orthotic, and (4) knee brace and foot orthotic. RESULTS: The reduction in knee adduction moment was greatest when concurrently using the knee brace and foot orthotic (effect sizes ranged from 0.3 to 0.4). The mean decrease in first peak knee adduction moment compared with control was .36% BW*Ht (95% confidence interval [CI], -.66 to -.07). This was accompanied by a mean decrease in frontal plane lever arm of .59cm (95% CI, -.94 to -.25). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that using a custom-fit knee brace and custom-made foot orthotic concurrently can produce a greater overall reduction in the knee adduction moment, through combined effects in decreasing the frontal plane lever arm.

Posterior talar fracture with dislocation of both talo-navicular and subtalar joints: a variant type II of the Sneppens classification.

A 63-year-old man fell from a ladder, thus causing an axial compression injury to the right ankle. Severe deformity was evident and the ankle could not be reduced by simple manipulation. The skin was tented and appearing critically contused. Radiographs revealed an oblique fracture of the posterior aspect of the talar body with dislocation of both the talo-navicular and subtalar joints, an injury previously not described in the literature. The fracture-dislocation was anatomically reduced within 3 h of presentation and stability achieved with two headless buried compression screws. CT scan confirmed anatomical reduction and the patient remained non-weight bearing in a cast for 6 weeks. One year postoperatively, the patient remains pain-free with no radiological signs of avascular necrosis of the talus. This injury is unique and despite its severity and soft tissue compromise good quality reduction and internal fixation resulted in an excellent clinical outcome.

[Clinical and gait analytical investigation of valgus knee bracing in therapy for medial degenerative joint disease of the knee]. / Klinische und ganganalytische Untersuchung einer valgisierenden Kniegelenkentlastungsorthese in der Therapie der medialen Gonarthrose.

GOALS: The non-operative treatment of medial degenerative joint disease of the knee has proven to be difficult due to the underlying deformity and the pathological mechanical loading. Valgus knee bracing offers the possibility to directly address the mechanical deficit. The aim of this study was to analyse whether or not part-time valgus knee bracing in patients with medial osteoarthrits can effectively reduce knee pain and lead to reproducible changes in the gait analysis in comparison to an elastic knee bandage and an untreated control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective trial, 33 patients with symptomatic medial osteoarthritis of the knee joint with a minimum of grade 2 according to the radiographic classification of Kellegren & Lawrence were randomised into a treatment group with a valgus brace (n = 13; M4 OA®, Medi) and an elastic knee bandage (n = 10; Genumedi®, Medi). Both supportive devices were to be applied for 2-4 hours per day, especially during activity. The control group (n = 10) consisted of untreated individuals. The deviation of the leg axis and the degree of degenerative joint disease were evaluated radiographically at the onset of the study by a standing whole leg X-ray. The evaluation at the beginning of the study and after 16 weeks consisted of a clinical examination including various knee scores (Insall score, Lequesne score, HSS score, Tegner score, WOMAC, and VAS for pain). Additionally, at both times a 3-dimensional, instrumented gait analysis was carried out to document the joint angles of the affected knee in all planes. The obtained knee joint angles from all groups at both time points were compared to a control group of healthy persons without a history of knee pain by qualitative measurement. RESULTS: Radiographically, the medial deviation of the load axis from the knee joint centre (MAD) was 29 mm. In 27 patients we found a combination of femoral, intra-articular and tibial changes contributing to the varus alignment. The joint line conversion angle (JLCA) was pathological in all subjects. Clinically, in 4 of 5 subjective and objective scores (Insall score, Lequesne score, Tegner score, WOMAC, and VAS for pain) a statistically significant improvement of the symptoms, joint function and activity level thanks to the application of the corrective valgus knee brace was documented after 16 weeks. The knee bandage also led to an improvement, but only in 2 scores (Insall score, Tegner score). No changes were documented for the control group. The gait analysis of the orthosis group revealed an improvement in the extension and flexion angles (sagittal plane) and the knee rotation angles (horizontal plane) when compared to a control group. CONCLUSION: The correction obtained by this knee orthosis, which places a valgus stress on the medially osteoarthritic knee, is an effective addition to the conservative treatment protocols and is superior to the isolated use of an elastic knee bandage. Further research is warranted to evaluate the longevity of such treatment and to further improve the technique of gait analysis by the development of quantitative parameters.

Documenting progress: hand therapy treatment shift from biomechanical to occupational adaptation.

The investment of time and self to develop therapeutic relationships with clients appears incongruent with today's time-constrained health care system, yet bridging the gap of these incongruencies is the challenge therapists face to provide high-quality, client-centered, occupation-based treatment. This case report illustrates a shift in approach from biomechanical to occupational adaptation (OA) in an orthopedic outpatient clinic. The progress of a client with lupus-related arthritis who was 6 days postsurgery is documented. The intervention initially used a biomechanical frame of reference, but when little progress had been made at 10 weeks after surgery, a shift was made to the more client-centered OA approach. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was administered, and an OA approach was initiated. On reassessment, clinically important improvements were documented in all functional tasks addressed. An OA approach provides the bridge between the application of clinical expertise, client-centered, occupation-based therapy and the time constraints placed by payer sources.

Patients with fixed flexion deformity after total knee arthroplasty do just as well as those without: ten-year prospective data.

Range of motion (ROM) is an important outcome variable after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This may be compounded by a pre-existing fixed flexion deformity (FFD). We therefore examined the long-term outcomes of patients with a flexion deformity undergoing TKA compared to those without a preoperative fixed flexion deformity. Participants who had undergone TKA at our centre between 1989 and 2002 were examined preoperatively, one, five and ten years after TKA (Kinemax PS; Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ, USA). Examining those with a preoperative FFD of greater than ten degrees with complete ten year follow-up data revealed 77 individuals. Seventy seven age, sex and body mass index matched patients were identified and the effect of TKA on indices of knee function (fixed flexion, maximum flexion, total ROM and Knee Society score (KSS) in both groups were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. A significant difference between the groups with respect to fixed flexion (p < 0.001), total ROM (p = 0.001) and KSS (p < 0.001) was observed between baseline and year one suggesting that those with a preoperative FFD improved more than those without. A significant difference with regard to fixed flexion was also observed between years one to five (p = 0.001) and just failed to reach statistical significance between five to ten years (p = 0.052) between the groups. This study demonstrates that patients with a preoperative fixed flexion deformity show continued improvement in their fixed flexion up to ten years post arthroplasty and have similar outcomes to those with no preoperative fixed flexion.

Effectiveness of two finger splints for swan neck deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and acceptability of silver ring splints (SRS) and commercial prefabricated thermoplastic splints (PTS) in treating swan neck deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Consecutive patients with RA and a mobile swan neck deformity were included in a randomized, crossover trial. In 2 different sequences, patients used both splints for 4 weeks, with a washout period of 2 weeks. Afterward, patients used the preferred splint for another 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was dexterity measured with the Sequential Occupational Dexterity Assessment (SODA). Secondary outcome measures included other measures of hand function, satisfaction with the splints, and splint preference. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included, and 47 (94%) of those completed the study. Eighteen patients (36%) had 1 swan neck deformity, whereas the other patients had 2 or more. The improvement of the total SODA score with the SRS (11.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 8.1, 14.3) and PTS (10.8; 95% CI 7.5, 14.1) was similar (difference -0.5; 95% CI -2.2, 1.2). In addition, there were no significant differences in change scores regarding the other clinical outcome measures, or satisfaction. Twenty-four patients preferred the SRS, 21 preferred the PTS, and 2 patients chose neither. A comparison in the 12-week followup period yielded similar clinical outcomes, with the exception of a significantly higher score in 3 items of satisfaction in the SRS group. CONCLUSION: For patients with RA and a mobile swan neck deformity, SRS and PTS are equally effective and acceptable.

The effect of total knee replacement on the knee varus angle and moment during walking and stair ascent.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effect of total knee replacement surgery on the frontal plane knee varus angle and moment. Secondarily, the relationships between knee varus angle and moment to a clinical outcome measure were assessed. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with total knee replacement and 21 controls performed level walking and stair ascent at two testing periods, pre- and 6-months post-surgery. The dependent variables included frontal plane knee angle and moment, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores. FINDINGS: During level walking the mean knee varus moment of the patient group was significantly greater than controls at pre-surgery but was restored to control level post-operatively. During stair ascent the patient group produced a significantly smaller knee varus moment post-surgically. The mean frontal knee valgus angle of total knee replacement patients increased significantly from pre- to post-surgery during level walking. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score was not significantly correlated to the knee variables. However, the knee angle and moment were significantly correlated during level walking pre- and post-operatively and stair ascent post-operatively. INTERPRETATION: The decreased frontal plane knee moment in total knee replacement patients during level walking appeared to be affected by surgical realignment of the tibio-femoral joint, as the frontal knee angle and varus moment were strongly correlated. The subjective Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and the objective gait measures appeared to capture different dimensions of knee osteoarthritis.

Effects of foot orthoses and valgus bracing on the knee adduction moment and medial joint load during gait.

BACKGROUND: Lateral shoe wedges and valgus knee braces are designed to decrease the force acting in the medial knee compartment by reducing the external adduction moment applied at the knee. The biomechanical changes introduced by these orthoses can be relatively small. Computer modeling and simulation offers an alternative approach for assessing the biomechanical performance of these devices. METHODS: A three-dimensional model of the lower-limb was used to calculate muscle, ligament, and joint loading at the knee during gait. A lateral shoe wedge was simulated by moving the center of pressure of the ground reaction force up to 5mm laterally. A valgus knee brace was simulated by applying abduction moments of up to 12 Nm at the knee. FINDINGS: Knee adduction moment and medial compartment load decreased linearly with lateral displacement of the center of pressure of the ground reaction force. A 1 mm displacement of the center of pressure decreased the peak knee adduction moment by 2%, while the peak medial compartment load was reduced by 1%. Knee adduction moment and medial compartment force also decreased linearly with valgus moments applied about the knee. A 1 Nm increase in brace moment decreased the peak knee adduction moment by 3%, while the peak medial compartment load was reduced by 1%. INTERPRETATION: Changes in knee joint loading due to lateral shoe wedges and valgus bracing are small and may be difficult to measure by conventional gait analysis methods. The relationships between lateral shift in the center of pressure of the ground force, valgus brace moment, knee adduction moment, and medial joint load can be quantified and explained using computer modeling and simulation. These relationships may serve as a useful guide for evaluating the biomechanical efficacy of a generic wedge insole or knee brace.

Genu recurvatum in hemophilia: a case report.

Hemorrhages in the musculoskeletal system of patients with hemophilia give rise to a number of disabilities requiring rehabilitative measures. The knee is the most commonly affected joint. Recurrent hemorrhages in the knee joint can cause arthropathy and flexion deformity. The current literature does not reveal development of genu recurvatum from repeated hemorrhages. This report presents a patient with hemophilia who developed a genu recurvatum deformity. We have discussed the clinical presentation, probable cause, and the management of the patient, and have included a brief review of the epidemiology of this deformity along with management options.

MYNI's traction: a reverse dynamic traction and concomitant ambulatory aid for patients with knee flexion deformities.

Fixed flexion deformity of the knee is one of the commonest deformities that occur as a secondary complication of various knee arthropathies. In developing countries such as India, where walking is the primary, preferred and most feasible mode of transport, the secondary complications following a fixed flexion deformity of the knees pose a serious threat to functional independence. External splinting techniques have been in use for many years for preventing and correcting fixed flexion deformities, but most of the splinting methods commonly used have disadvantages. Static splinting leads to a reduction in the range of movement and muscle strength due to prolonged immobilization; traction techniques restrict the patient to bed and necessitate hospitalization. Wedge casting can lead to a posterior subluxation of the tibia when used over a long period. Thus, the idea was to design an orthosis that serves the purpose of improving knee range of movement without the above-mentioned complications, at the same time being portable and comfortable to the client, concomitantly allowing them to be ambulant. Accordingly this article presents a new method in splinting that helps in these multiple ways.

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: an operative technique and rehabilitation program to decrease complications and promote early union and function.

BACKGROUND: High tibial osteotomy has been associated with significant complications, including delayed union or nonunion, loss of correction, arthrofibrosis, and patella infera. HYPOTHESES: A technique for opening wedge osteotomy that incorporates an autogenous iliac crest bone graft will prevent delayed union or nonunion, allow early rehabilitation and weightbearing, and prevent knee arthrofibrosis and patella infera. Secondly, the authors' methods for calculating the desired correction of valgus alignment prevent undesired alterations in tibial slope. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 55 consecutive patients who underwent high tibial osteotomy were observed at a mean of 20 months postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of radiographs were conducted by independent examiners for bony union, tibial slope, and patellar height. The osteotomy opening size ranged from 5 to 17.5 mm; 35 knees (64%) had openings < or =10 mm, and 20 knees (36%) had openings >11 mm. RESULTS: The osteotomy united in all patients. Three patients had a delay in union, which resolved by 6 to 8 months postoperatively. A loss of fixation occurred in 1 patient, who admitted to full weightbearing immediately after surgery; the osteotomy required revision. The iliac crest graft site healed without complications, and there were no infections, loss of knee motion, nerve or arterial injuries, alterations in tibial slope, or cases of patellar infera postoperatively. Full weightbearing was achieved at a mean of 8 weeks (range, 4-11 weeks) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The operative technique including use of an autologous iliac crest bone graft in addition to a progressive rehabilitation program successfully prevented nonunion, change in tibial slope, and knee arthrofibrosis in this study.

A 2-year follow-up of a study to compare the efficacy of lateral wedged insoles with subtalar strapping and in-shoe lateral wedged insoles in patients with varus deformity osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted in order to assess the effect of wearing a lateral wedged insole with a subtalar strap for 2 years in patients with osteoarthritis varus deformity of the knee (knee OA). DESIGN: The setting was an outpatient clinic. The efficacies of the strapped insole and a traditional shoe insert wedged insole (the inserted insole), as a positive control, were compared at the baseline and after 2 years of treatment. Randomization was performed according to birth date. The 61 female outpatients with knee OA who completed a prior 6-month study were asked to wear their respective insoles continuously as treatment during the course of the 2-year study. The femorotibial angle (FTA) was assessed by standing radiographs obtained while the subjects were barefoot and the Lequesne index of the knee OA at 2 years was compared with those at baseline in each insole group. RESULTS: There were 61 patients in the original study, but 13 patients (21.3%) did not want to wear the insole continuously and five (8.2%) withdrew for other reasons. The 42 patients who completed the 2-year study were evaluated. At the 2-year assessment, participants wearing the subtalar strapped insole (n=21) demonstrated significantly decreased FTA (P=0.015), and significantly improved Lequesne index (P=0.031) in comparison with their baseline assessments. These significant differences were not found in the group with the traditional shoe inserted wedged insole (n=21). CONCLUSION: Only those participants using the subtalar strapped insole demonstrated significant change in the FTA in comparison with the baseline assessments. If the insole with a subtalar strap maintains FTA for more than 2 years, it may restrict the progression of degenerative articular cartilage lesions of knee OA.

A six-month followup of a randomized trial comparing the efficacy of a lateral-wedge insole with subtalar strapping and an in-shoe lateral-wedge insole in patients with varus deformity osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a lateral-wedge insole with elastic strapping of the subtalar joint on the femorotibial angle in patients with varus deformity of the knee. METHODS: The efficacy of a wedged insole with subtalar straps and that of a traditional wedged insole shoe insert were compared. Sixty-six female outpatients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomized (according to birth date) to be treated with either the strapped or the traditional inserted insole. Standing radiographs with unilateral insole use were used to analyze the femorotibial angles for each patient. In both groups, the baseline and 6-month visual analog scale (VAS) scores for subjective knee pain and the Lequesne index scores for knee OA were compared. RESULTS: The 61 patients who completed the 6-month study were evaluated. At baseline, there was no significant difference in the femorotibial angle (P = 0.66) and the VAS score (P = 0.75) between the 2 groups. At the 6-month assessment, the 29 subjects wearing the subtalar-strapped insole demonstrated a significantly decreased femorotibial angle (P < 0.0001) and significantly improved VAS scores (P = 0.001) and Lequesne index scores (P = 0.033) compared with their baseline assessments. These significant differences were not observed in the 32 subjects assigned to the traditional shoe-inserted wedged insole. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that an insole with a subtalar strap maintained the valgus correction of the femorotibial angle in patients with varus knee OA for 6 months, indicating longer-term clinical improvement with the strapped insert compared with the traditional insert.

Valgus and varus deformity after wide-local excision, brachytherapy and external beam irradiation in two children with lower extremity synovial cell sarcoma: case report.

BACKGROUND: Limb-salvage is a primary objective in the management of extremity soft-tissue sarcoma in adults and children. Wide-local excision combined with radiation therapy is effective in achieving local tumor control with acceptable morbidity and good functional outcomes for most patients. CASE PRESENTATION: Two cases of deformity after wide-local excision, brachytherapy and external beam irradiation for lower-extremity synovial cell sarcoma are presented and discussed to highlight contributing factors, time course of radiation effects and orthopedic management. In an effort to spare normal tissues from the long-term effects of radiation therapy, more focal irradiation techniques have been applied to patients with musculoskeletal tumors including brachytherapy and conformal radiation therapy. As illustrated in this report, the use of these techniques results in the asymmetric irradiation of growth plates and contributes to the development of valgus or varus deformity and leg-length discrepancies. CONCLUSIONS: Despite good functional outcomes, progressive deformity in both patients required epiphysiodesis more than 3 years after initial management. There is a dearth of information related to the effects of radiation therapy on the musculoskeletal system in children. Because limb-sparing approaches are to be highlighted in the next generation of cooperative group protocols for children with musculoskeletal tumors, documentation of the effects of surgery and radiation therapy will lead to improved decision making in the selection of the best treatment approach and in the follow-up of these patients.

Eficacia comparativa entre los abordajes lateral y medial para corregir la deformidad en valgo mayor de 15 grados en la artroplastía total de la rodilla / Comparative trial betwenn medial and lateral approach for corrrecting valgus of the knee, greater than 15 degrees in total knee replacement

Objetivo. Valorar la conveniencia de utilizar el abordaje pararrotuliano lateral en la artoplastía total de la rodilla (ATR) en pacientes con valgo exagerado de la rodilla. Material y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de 13 mujeres (de un total de 14), operadas de ATR de 1995 a 2000, con un valgo preoperatorio mayor de 15 grados. Sin selección al azar, el abordaje lateral se usó en 6 (prom. 60.8 años y valgo 17.5º) y el medial en 7 (70.4 años, valgo 17.2º). La causa fue artrosis en los seis de abordaje medial y en cinco de los siete con abordaje lateral, y AR en los dos restantes. Resultados. Con base en los parámetros de dolor postoperatorio, estabilidad articular y arco de movimiento, los resultados fueron buenos en cuatro y malos en tres para el abordaje medial, mientras que fueron buenos en cinco y malos en uno para el abordaje lateral. El único resultado más notorio es la diferencia entre los resultados para el abordaje lateral, que parece orientarse a su favor, ya que en el caso del abordaje medial no hay diferencia alguna. Conclusión. El abordaje pararrotuliano lateral debe considerarse como una alternativa para la ATR en virtud de la tendencia aparente a cursar con menor proporción de complicaciones en pacientes con genu valgo exagerado.

Hand function of C6 and C7 tetraplegics 1 - 16 years following injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the hand function of C6 and C7 tetraplegics 1 - 16 years after injury. SETTING: Patients were assessed in their homes. METHODS: Medical records of patients admitted to the Prince Henry Hospital Spinal Injuries Unit between 1984 and 1999 were used to identify all patients with C6 or C7 tetraplegia at 3 months post injury. Sixty-five patients (107 hands) were identified in this way. Forty-seven patients (81 hands) were located and agreed to partake in the study, and seven (nine hands) had died. Thus 81% of patients (83% of hands) still alive at follow-up were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Unilateral hand function was assessed with the Grasp and Release Test (GRT) and a 10 item Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Test. Prevalance and severity of contractures, lateral grasp (key grip) strength and extensibility of the extrinsic finger flexor muscles were also determined. RESULTS: All hands except one had been managed without surgical intervention. The median number of ADL tasks successfully completed was 9/10 (interquartile range=8 - 10) and the median number of objects successfully manipulated in the GRT was 3/6 (IQ range=3 - 5). Lateral grasp was poor (74% and 75% of hands could not use a lateral grasp to move the paperweight or depress the fork in the GRT, respectively), and the prevalence of contractures was low (53% of hands had full passive range of motion). CONCLUSION: In the long term, most C6 and C7 tetraplegics attain a high level of hand function despite poor lateral grasps.

Tratamiento de la consolidación viciosa del radio distal mediante osteotomía de apertura / Late treatmetn of mal-union of distal radius fracture by opening wedge osteotomy

Se presenta una serie de 20 casos, que se trataron entre 1992 y 1995 por presentar secuelas de una fractura distal del radio con consolidación visciosa y pérdida de longitud de dicho hueso. Fueron 13 mujeres y 7 varones, con edades de 17 a 69 años y promedio de 46. El tratamiento original en 19 de los 20 casos fue mediante reducción cerrada y ya fuese enclavamiento percutáneo o ligamentotaxis. El tratamiento actual consistió en una osteotomía transversal del radio distal, a 2.5 cm de su superficie articular para efectuar cuñade apertura que se rellenó con injerto córtico-esponjoso y se fijó dorsalmente con una placa en T y tornillos para pequeños fragmentos. Se obtuvo consolidación satisfactoria en todos los casos en un promedio de 7 semanas (5 a 10). Los arcos de movimiento fueron recuperados en general en alrededor de un 80 por ciento. El alineamiento mejoró en la forma esperada de acuerdo con la planeación preoperatoria efectuada. No hubo complicaciones en la presente serie

Genu recurvatum syndrome.

Genu recurvatum is a common entity found in the clinic that my have negative consequence to knee structures. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical effects associated with genu recurvatum. Genu recurvatum is operationally defined as knee extension greater than 5 degrees. Individuals who exhibit genu recurvatum may experience knee pain, display an extension gait pattern, and have poor proprioceptive control of terminal knee extension. An evaluative process and treatment program are discussed that include muscle imbalance correction, proprioceptive practice, gait, and functional training. Taping or knee bracing may be used initially to facilitate knee control. This article is intended to draw attention to patients with genu recurvatum and presents a suggested treatment progression. Individuals who are involved in athletic endeavors should be aware of knee position during activities to help protect joint structures.