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Elbow load with various forearm positions during one-handed pushup exercise.

This is the first study of the one-handed pushup, and tries to show the effects of forearm rotations. Previous studies of elbow loading have focused on passive loading and small loads, because data from large loads during active exercise is not easy to obtain. In order to investigate the biomechanical impact of hand position on the elbow and the potential trauma mechanisms of outstretched elbow, joint loading across the elbow was analyzed for three forearm rotational positions, neutral, 90 degrees internal rotation and 90 degrees external rotation. Both kinematic and kinetic data were collected from eight volunteers by the Motion Analysis System and a Kistler Force Plate. Statistical analysis of the data delineates the relationship between elbow joint load and hand rotational position during one-handed pushup, and also provides useful biomechanical information for this challenging exercise. The axial and valgus stresses and forces are the major concerns. The peak axial forces exerted on the elbow joint averaged 65 % of the body weight when the hand position was neutral, and was significantly reduced with the hand rotated either internally or externally. The peak valgus shear force with the hand externally rotated was 50 % greater than the other two positions. Thus, outward rotation of the hand is a stressful position that should be avoided during one-handed pushup exercise or forward falls with outstretched hands in order to reduce the risk of elbow injuries.

Adolescent↗

MR imaging of sports injuries of the elbow.

Recent clinical experience has shown MR imaging to provide useful information in detecting, assessing, and characterizing sports-related disorders of the elbow. This article discusses features of MR imaging, including noninvasivness; accurate depiction of structures (muscles, ligaments, and tendons), and presence and extent of bone and soft tissue pathology; and visualization (nerves, bone marrow, and hyaline cartilage). The article also reviews ongoing improvements in surface coil design, and newer pulse sequences resulting in MR images that are higher in quality and available more quickly.

Athletic Injuries↗

Regional variation is present in elbow capsules after injury.

Myofibroblast numbers and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression are increased in anterior joint capsules of patients with posttraumatic elbow contractures. The purpose of our study was to determine whether these changes occur regionally or throughout the entire joint capsule. We hypothesized that the alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNA expression and the myofibroblast numbers in posterior joint capsules would be elevated in elbows obtained from patients with posttraumatic joint contractures compared with joint capsules obtained from organ donor elbows without contractures. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate relative mRNA levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was used to normalize the levels. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the myofibroblast cell numbers. Higher alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNA levels were observed in elbows of patients with contractures compared with organ donor elbows without contractures. Immunohistochemical studies determined that myofibroblast numbers and the percentage of total cells that were myofibroblasts were elevated (2-2.5-fold) in the joint capsules from patients with posttraumatic joint contractures compared with similar tissue obtained from organ donor elbows without contractures. These results suggest elevated myofibroblast numbers occur throughout the whole joint capsule in posttraumatic elbow contractures, although there is some regional variation.

Actins↗

[Aseptic non-union of humeral shaft fractures treated by plating and bone grafting].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Although aseptic non-union of humeral shaft fractures is generally considered to be an exceptional complication, rates in the literature have varied from 1 to 10%. Factors favoring non-union are often related to technical error or inappropriate therapeutic indication. Several types of treatment (orthopedic, locked centromedullary nailing, ascending pinning, plating, external fixation) can be proposed for humeral shaft fractures. In all cases, a precise technique and proper indication are essential for success. We reviewed the cases of 30 patients who underwent surgery for aseptic non-union of humeral shaft fractures between 1995 and 2000. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mean patient age was 43 years. Oblique and transverse fractures of the middle third of the shaft predominated. All types of treatment had been used but most of the patients had had ascending pinning. All patients were treated with plate fixatin and a cancellous bone graft after identifying the radial nerve. RESULTS: Bone healing was achieved in all patients. Mean delay to healing was 16 weeks with good motion of the shoulder (mean elevation 136 degrees ) and elbow (mean motion 10-130 degrees ). Transient radial paresia recovered spontaneously in two patients. There was one infection. Only two patients complained of a painful arm that was not bothersome for daily activities and did not require long-term analgesia. There were no cases of radial nerve injury. Elbow function improved in 16 patients, was unchanged in 11, and showed limited extension in 3. Shoulder function improved in 15 patients and was unchanged in 15. DISCUSSION: Plate fixation is widely described in the literature for the treatment of humeral non-union. The main complications of this treatment are radial palsy and infection, reported in 5% of the series. Several recent reports have therefore advocated locked nailing or external fixation with an Ilizarov device but these techniques are difficult to use and have their own risks of complications. It is difficult to block rotation and the nail may injure the rotator cuff. Pin tract infection, nerve injury, and prolonged external fixation are other disadvantages. We therefore recommend screw plate fixation with a cancellous bone graft. Our good results combined with the very low rate of complications argue in favor of this therapeutic option.

Accidental Falls↗

Mechanical distraction for the treatment of posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Elbow contracture is a recognized sequela of elbow injuries in children and adolescents, but previous studies of operative treatment with formal capsular release have demonstrated unpredictable outcomes and unfavorable results. METHODS: Over a period of five years, fourteen children and adolescents with a mean age of fourteen years who had posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow were managed according to a prospective protocol. Eleven patients had undergone a mean of three previous operative procedures before the index operation. After intraoperative distraction with an external fixator, there was a relaxation phase for six days followed by mobilization of the elbow joint under distraction in the fixator for a mean of seven weeks. Intraoperative range of motion under distraction reached a mean of 100 degrees. Open arthrolysis was not performed, but in four children impinging heterotopic bone was removed through a limited approach. Decompression of the ulnar nerve was performed in seven patients. RESULTS: The mean preoperative arc of total elbow motion was 37 degrees. The mean pronation was 46 degrees, and the mean supination was 56 degrees. After a mean duration of follow-up of thirty-four months, all patients but two had achieved a functional arc of motion of 100 degrees. The mean arc of flexion-extension was 108 degrees (range, 75 degrees to 130 degrees). The mean range of pronation was 73 degrees (range, 20 degrees to 90 degrees), and the mean range of supination was 75 degrees (range, 10 degrees to 90 degrees). There were no pin-track infections or deep infections, and all elbows were stable. At the time of follow-up, three patients had radiographic evidence of humeroulnar degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Closed distraction of the elbow joint with use of a monolateral external fixation frame with motion capacity yields more favorable results than other previously reported options for the treatment of posttraumatic elbow contractures in children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗

Elbow joint stability following experimental osteoligamentous injury and reconstruction.

Elbow joint dislocation was simulated in cadaveric specimens to quantify laxity induced by radial head and coronoid process lesions, either alone or in combination with collateral ligament insufficiency. The effects of lateral ligament reconstruction and radial head prosthesis replacement were also considered. Absence of the radial head and the coronoid process induced rotatory laxity of 145% and 128% (both P <.01), respectively, compared with the intact joint. When both were absent, the joints subluxated regardless of collateral ligament status. Isolated radial head prosthesis implantation prevented this subluxation, and laxity almost normalized. Lateral collateral ligament reconstruction prevented major laxity even in the absence of the radial head. Lateral collateral ligament reconstruction and radial head prosthetic replacement yielded restraint against gross instability in the maximal unstable situation (terrible triad). The lateral collateral ligament is the prime stabilizer to external rotation, and reconstruction of this alone, even with an absent radial head, is beneficial.

Aged↗

Vitallium radial head prosthesis for acute and chronic elbow fractures and fracture-dislocations involving the radial head.

This retrospective study aims to evaluate the radiographic, functional, and patient-derived outcomes of 16 patients who each received a Vitallium radial head prosthesis for unreconstructable acute fractures of the radial head, as well as previously treated fractures of the radial head associated with residual instability, pain, and stiffness. Follow-up averaged 33 months. A trend toward greater disability and poorer motion was noted in the delayed treatment group compared with the acute replacement group. Overall, the results were excellent in 5 patients, good in 10, and poor in 1, as determined by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. All elbows were stable at follow-up, and no patient reported wrist pain. Four required further operative treatment of their elbow injuries. Metallic radial head arthroplasty yields satisfactory results in acute unreconstructable radial head fractures or as a salvage procedure for previously treated radial head fractures.

Acute Disease↗

A new technique of fixation of radial head fractures using a modified tubular plate.

Radial head fractures are fairly common, occurring in 17-44% of all elbow injuries. Mason Type 2 fractures may be fixed using mini fragment screws, this fixation often needing augmentation with a plate to make the construct rotationally stable. However, the drill holes needed to fix the plate to the radial head, carry the risk of inflicting more injury to the fractured fragments. In our case, the radial head fracture was fixed with a modified one-third tubular plate. The plate was cut through the distal hole and the two cut ends were bent into hooks. These two hooks were engaged into two breaches made on the margin of the radial head and this provided rotational stability to the head without causing further damage. The fracture healed well and the patient regained full movement in the elbow. We conclude that this method may be used to fix fractures of the radial head, which require additional support with a plate.

Bone Plates↗

Fracture of the upper end of the ulna associated with dislocation of the head of the radius in children.

Dislocation of the head of the radius associated with fracture of the upper end of the ulna is a common elbow injury in children. The literature on diagnosis, however, is relatively limited. The injury can be misdiagnosed and consequently mismanaged. In the present series of 46 children, the age range was from 2.5 to 12 years. The dislocation of the radial head was lateral in 50% of the cases, posterolateral in 28.2%, anterolateral in 17.4%, and anterior in 4.3%. Thorough clinical and radiological examinations are essential. Simple bending of the upper end of the ulna may help to avoid missing an associated subluxation or dislocation of the radial head. The lower end of the forearm bones should be included in the roentgenographic examination; in 11 out of 46 children (26%) the dislocation of the elbow was associated with a fracture of the lower end of the ipsilateral radius and ulna. Closed reduction is the treatment of choice but if this fails, operative treatment should follow without delay. Posterior interosseous nerve palsy was noted in eight patients (17%), but recovered fully in all of the treated cases.

Child↗

Ulnar nerve injury at the elbow after steroid injection for medial epicondylitis.

We describe an accidental injury to the ulnar nerve at the elbow following steroid injection for medial epicondylitis in a patient with undetected recurrent dislocation of the nerve. The chalky substance found on exploration to intermingle with the nerve fascicles was removed and the nerve was placed under the flexor-pronator mass. After surgery, complete resolution of the epicondylar pain was noted, along with significant improvement in two-point discrimination of the ulnar digits. We recommend clinical assessment of the ulnar nerve location prior to injection to avoid injury. Should recurrent dislocation of the nerve be diagnosed, injection should be given cautiously, preferably with the elbow in an extended or semiflexed position.

Adult↗

Kinematic and kinetic comparisons between American and Korean professional baseball pitchers.

The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare kinematic, temporal, and kinetic characteristics of American and Korean professional pitchers in order to investigate differences in pitching mechanics, performance, and injury risks among two different cultures and populations of baseball pitchers. Eleven American and eight Korean healthy professional baseball pitchers threw multiple fastball pitches off an indoor throwing mound positioned at regulation distance from home plate. A Motion Analysis three-dimensional automatic digitizing system was used to collect 200 Hz video data from four electronically synchronized cameras. Twenty kinematic, six temporal, and 11 kinetic variables were analyzed at lead foot contact, during the arm cocking and arm acceleration phases, at ball release, and during the arm deceleration phase. A radar gun was used to quantify ball velocity. At lead foot contact, the American pitchers had significantly greater horizontal abduction of the throwing shoulder, while Korean pitchers exhibited significantly greater abduction and external rotation of the throwing shoulder. During arm cocking, the American pitchers displayed significantly greater maximum shoulder external rotation and maximum pelvis angular velocity. At the instant of ball release, the American pitchers had significantly greater forward trunk tilt and ball velocity and significantly less knee flexion, which help explain why the American pitchers had 10% greater ball velocity compared to the Korean pitchers. The American pitchers had significantly greater maximum shoulder internal rotation torque and maximum elbow varus torque during arm cocking, significantly greater elbow flexion torque during arm acceleration, and significantly greater shoulder and elbow proximal forces during arm deceleration. While greater shoulder and elbow forces and torques generated in the American pitchers helped generate greater ball velocity for the American group, these greater kinetics may predispose this group to a higher risk of shoulder and elbow injuries.

Adult↗

An electromyographic analysis of the elbow in pitching.

Elbow injuries are common in baseball pitchers. Curve balls are thought to increase this risk, particularly if the athlete begins throwing this pitch at an early age. The purpose of this paper is to identify forearm muscle firing patterns during the pitching cycle in an effort to understand this etiology. Dynamic EMG was performed on eight collegiate pitchers to evaluate extensor digitorum communis, brachioradialis, flexor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, pronator teres, and supinator. Each subject threw a fast ball and curve ball, which were filmed at 450 frames per second and synchronized with the EMG. These signals were converted from analog to digital records. Results showed low to moderate activity in all muscles during all phases of the pitch. The function is probably positioning to accept the transfer of energy from the larger trunk and girdle structures. The most notable difference between the fast ball and curve ball is a slight increase in the extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis activity during late cocking, acceleration, and follow-through of the curve ball as compared to the fast ball. This difference, however, is not significant. In addition, there was no significant difference between the fast ball and the curve ball in the flexor-pronator group in any phase. We cannot substantiate that medial elbow problems are a result of an increase in the use of flexor muscles during the curve ball pitch.

Adult↗

Carrying angle in children: a normative study.

Information about the carrying angle and its variations are important in the management of paediatric elbow injuries. We measured the carrying angle using bony landmarks for 300 rural South Indian children aged 5-18 years. The study confirms that the clinical carrying angle correlates best with age up to 15 years, following which there was a slight decrease in the angles. The rate of increase of the carrying angle for boys and girls is 0.42 and 0.60 degrees per year respectively. Sex differences seem to gradually increase with a maximum being around puberty. The carrying angle is greater in girls than in boys by a mean of 1.31 degrees. The carrying angle did not correlate well with height, weight, humeral length or ulnar length. The reproducibility of measuring the carrying angle by the simple technique used in our study leads us to propose that this may be used in actual clinical practice.

Adolescent↗