Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D W Jackson

Publications and source records attributed to D W Jackson.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Lacerations of the flexor hallucis longus in the young athlete.

Of ten patients with lacerations of the flexor hallucis longus tendon, nine were athletically inclined. In four, the laceration was not repaired and no disability was evident. A functioning flexor hallucis longus, therefore, does not seem to be essential for good push-off and balance in running sports. If both the flexor hallucis brevis and the flexor hallucis longus are lacerated and reconstitution of the longus is not possible, the brevis should be repaired, suturing the distal segment of the longus to brevis to prevent hyperextension deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Hypersensitivity of the scar due to associated nerve injury is a frequent complication associated with laceration of the flexor hallucis longus.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis in children.

There are 2 fairly common types of spondylolisthesis in children - dysplastic and isthmic. The dysplastic type is secondary to congenital defects at the lumbosacral joint. The isthmic is usually due to a fatigue fracture of the pars interarticularis but there is also an hereditary element in this type. Most children with spondylolisthesis never develop significant symptoms and even of those who do, the vast majority can be treated without surgery. If symptoms persist or if further olisthesis is occurring, a one-level spinal fusion done through a paraspinal approach is recommended. It is most important not to allow olisthesis to develop to the point that the child shows the cosmetically undesirable stigmata characteristic of the condition. Solid fusion can be obtained in every case and will stop further slip.

Adolescent↗

Spondylolysis in the female gymnast.

In a roentgenographic analysis of the lumbar spine of 100 young female gymnasts engaged in high-level competition, the incidence of pars interarticular defects was 11 per cent; 6 per cent had spondylolisthesis. This is 4 times higher than their non-athletic female peers. It appears that the female athlete may have the same incidence of pars interarticularis defects as the male performing similar activities. Pars defects developing in association with athletic activities may be distinct from those developing in early childhood. A negative lumbosacral roentgenographic series does not completely rule out a developing pars defect. Bone scintography offers an additional tool for evaluating early stress reaction in the pars, and suggests that if the athlete restricts vigorous activity, some will heal without progressing to roentgenographically detectable defects. Low back pain in the young gymnast should be a warning sign. Close scrutiny of pars interarticularis in these young athletes will reveal a high incidence of developing defects.

Adolescent↗

Fatigue fracture: the basic lesion is inthmic spondylolisthesis.

The defect in the pars interarticularis in spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is most often the result of repeated trauma, stress, and factors other than acute fracture. These fatigue fractures develop early in life, may have a strong hereditary basis, and most often represent incidental roentgenographic findings. Attention should be given to the youngster or adolescent with low-back pain and paraspinal muscle spasm. If these patients are followed closely, the incidence of pars interarticularis defect is higher than appreciated. The lesion in some of these individuals may progress to significant vertebral slipping. If the developing defect is recognized early, treatment can be quite satisfactory.

Adolescent↗