Biomedical subjects

T L Uhl

Publications and source records attributed to T L Uhl.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Management of ankle sprains.

Without adequate care, acute ankle trauma can result in chronic joint instability. Use of a standardized protocol enhances the management of ankle sprains. In patients with grades I or II sprains, emphasis should be placed on accurate diagnosis, early use of RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), maintenance of range of motion and use of an ankle support. Sprains with complete ligament [corrected] tears (grade III) may require surgical intervention. Although early motion and mobility are recommended, ligamentous strength does not return until months after an ankle sprain.

Ankle Injuries↗

PubMed2001

Rehabilitation concepts and supportive devices for overuse injuries of the upper extremities.

Rehabilitation of overuse injuries requires the health care professional to understand normal and common pathologic mechanics of the patient's sport or physical activity. Evaluation of the total mechanics of the body, not just the local area presenting with discomfort, is important. [figure: see text] The cause of the presenting injury can be a dysfunction at a distant site. Rest and supportive devices are helpful in allowing the athlete to return to a normal activity level. A progressive reconditioning program needs to address strength and flexibility issues and endurance and eccentric exercises.

Arm Injuries↗

PubMed2001

A review of articular cartilage pathology and the use of glucosamine sulfate.

OBJECTIVE: To refresh the athletic trainer's knowledge of articular cartilage biomechanics, physiology, and structure and explore the role of glucosamine sulfate in treating articular cartilage pathologic conditions, including supplementation methods and clinical outcomes. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE from 1989 through 2000 and SPORT Discus from 1975 through 2000 using the following key words: glucosamine sulfate, articular cartilage, osteoarthritis, and proteoglycans. DATA SYNTHESIS: Articular cartilage functions as a wear-resistant, smooth, nearly frictionless, load-bearing surface. Glucosamine sulfate can be thought of as a building block that helps restore the proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix and thus balance articular cartilage catabolism and anabolism. Beneficial clinical effects of glucosamine sulfate in the osteoarthritic population have been documented. However, the use of glucosamine sulfate for athletic articular cartilage injuries is unproved. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS: Clinical studies indicate that glucosamine sulfate has been shown to be a safe and relatively effective treatment for osteoarthritis. However, no evidence to date supports or refutes a carryover effect to the athletic population and the injuries that occur in sport.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Rehabilitation after posterolateral dislocation of the elbow in a collegiate football player: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a functional rehabilitation program for a football player with a grade 2 posterolateral elbow dislocation to facilitate early return to competition. BACKGROUND: Conservative management of a posterior dislocation of the elbow is common. The elbow is the second most frequently dislocated large joint in adults. Two common mechanisms of dislocation are hyperextension and posterolateral rotation. Prolonged immobilization can be detrimental to regaining full range of motion and function of the elbow, whereas early directed rehabilitation may lead to early return to normal function. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Elbow dislocation with medial collateral ligament rupture, elbow subluxation, elbow dislocation with neurovascular compromise, or supracondylar fracture. TREATMENT: The athlete received immediate care of reduction and immobilization in a 90 degrees posterior splint followed by a radiologic evaluation. Postreduction treatment included a short immobilization period and early initiation of protected active and resistive range-of-motion exercises. The athlete was able to return to full football activities in 3 weeks. He competed for the rest of the season with the elbow braced and taped, with no recurring incidents of instability. UNIQUENESS: The time to return to full participation was rapid. The medial collateral ligament was intact, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging. The athlete has since been followed for 2 football seasons and has not demonstrated any detrimental effects due to his early return. CONCLUSIONS: Early determination of the status of the medial collateral ligament through physical examination or imaging combined with early directed rehabilitation of a posterolateral elbow instability enabled this athlete to respond well. He regained pain-free full range of motion, strength, and function, allowing full participation in football at the Division I level with no recurring incidence of dislocation.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Editorial.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

A kinetic chain approach for shoulder rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce an approach to shoulder rehabilitation that integrates the kinetic chain throughout the rehabilitation program while providing the theoretical rationale for this program. BACKGROUND: The focus of a typical rehabilitation program is to identify and treat the involved structures. However, in activities of sport and daily life, the body does not operate in isolated segments but rather works as a dynamic unit. Recently, rehabilitation programs have emphasized closed kinetic chain exercises, core-stabilization exercises, and functional programs. These components are implemented as distinct entities and are used toward the end of the rehabilitation program. DESCRIPTION: Kinetic chain shoulder rehabilitation incorporates the kinetic link biomechanical model and proximal-to-distal motor-activation patterns with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and closed kinetic chain exercise techniques. This approach focuses on movement patterns rather than isolated muscle exercises. Patterns sequentially use the leg, trunk, and scapular musculature to activate weakened shoulder musculature, gain active range of motion, and increase strength. The paradigm of kinetic chain shoulder rehabilitation suggests that functional movement patterns and closed kinetic chain exercises should be incorporated throughout the rehabilitation process. CLINICAL ADVANTAGES: The exercises in this approach are consistent with biomechanical models, apply biomechanical and motor control theory, and work toward sport specificity. The exercises are designed to stimulate weakened tissue by motion and force production in the adjacent kinetic link segments.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Flexibility comparisons of junior elite tennis players to other athletes.

Flexibility measurements were obtained in 86 junior elite tennis players and compared to the flexibility measurements of 139 athletes involved in other sports. The measurements obtained included sit and reach flexibility, quadricep flexibility, hamstring flexibility, gastrocnemius flexibility, shoulder internal rotation, and shoulder external rotation. All measurements except sit and reach flexibility were obtained goniometrically. Tennis players were significantly tighter in sit and reach flexibility, dominant shoulder internal rotation, and nondominant shoulder internal rotation. They were significantly more flexible in dominant shoulder external rotation and nondominant shoulder external rotation. The flexibility differences found in tennis players suggest adaptations to the musculoskeletal demands of their sport. These results suggest that a sport-specific flexibility program may be necessary for junior elite tennis players in order to promote maximum performance and help prevent flexibility-related injuries.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Arthroscopically treated tears of the glenoid labrum. Factors influencing outcome.

Labral tears and associated glenohumeral ligament injuries were classified and treated arthroscopically in 83 patients. Transverse labral tears were the most common. Subtle increased glenohumeral translation was noted in 24% of patients. Glenohumeral ligament injury was present in 58% of the shoulders, with the middle and superior ligaments or middle ligaments alone most commonly involved. These ligament injuries were classified into different groups based on severity. Partial excision of the torn labrum was the primary treatment in all patients and was combined with glenohumeral ligament repair in 9 patients. Seventy-eight patients were available for subjective follow-up evaluation (average, 3.2 years), while 53 patients were objectively evaluated (average followup, 2.8 years). There were 14% excellent, 71% satisfactory, and 15% poor results. The main factor associated with poor results was a grade III glenohumeral ligament injury in which only partial excision of the torn labrum was performed. There was a positive correlation between injury to both the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments and increased anterior translation demonstrated by preoperative stability testing at 60 degrees of humeral abduction in neutral rotation. We believe glenohumeral ligament injury is often associated with labral tears and arthroscopic partial labral excision is only effective in those patients who have grade I or II (less severe) glenohumeral ligament injuries.

Adolescent↗