Elder Abuse: An Update on Prevalence, Identification, and Reporting for the Orthopaedic Surgeon
Julie A. Switzer Abstract Elder abuse is an underestimated mechanism of musculoskeletal injury and is of significant concern in geriatric and rapidly aging populations of the United States. Abuse can occur in a home or institutional setting and may include physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse as well as neglect or abandonment. Elderly persons with […]
Dropped Head Syndrome: Etiology and Management
Alok D. Sharan Abstract Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is characterized by severe weakness of the cervical paraspinal muscles that results in the passively correctable chin-on-chest deformity. DHS is most commonly associated with neuromuscular disorders. However, it is not always accompanied by electromyographic findings or noticeable changes on muscle biopsy. In such cases, the term isolated […]
Foot and Ankle Infections: Diagnosis and Management
J Am Acad Orthop Surg November 2012 ; 20 Oke A. Anakwenze Abstract Infections of the foot are a common source of morbidity, disability, and potential limb loss. A large proportion of lower extremity infections occurs in the setting of diabetic neuropathy, with or without circulatory compromise, and are potentially preventable with regular surveillance. Adequate […]
Benign Tumors of the Spine
J Am Acad Orthop Surg November 2012 ; 20 Nikhil A. Thakur Abstract Benign tumors in the spine include osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, osteochondroma, neurofibroma, giant cell tumor of bone, eosinophilic granuloma, and hemangioma. Although some are incidental findings, some cause local pain, radicular symptoms, neurologic compromise, spinal instability, and deformity. The evaluation […]
Posttraumatic Elbow Arthritis in the Young Adult: Evaluation and Management
J Am Acad Orthop Surg November 2012 ; 20 Benjamin W. Sears Abstract Degenerative joint disease following trauma to the elbow is difficult to manage in any patient. However, this condition becomes substantially more challenging in the young, active population. Increased activity demands and limited functional capacity of total elbow arthroplasty mean that joint arthroplasty […]
Advances in Wrist Arthroscopy
J Am Acad Orthop Surg November 2012 ; 20 Jennifer Moriatis Wolf Abstract Since its introduction more than three decades ago, wrist arthroscopy has continually evolved. The procedure has a wide list of indications, including diagnostic and management applications. The scope of practice for the wrist arthroscopic surgeon includes management of triangulofibrocartilage complex pathology, evaluation […]
Management of Extra-articular Fractures of the Distal Tibia: Intramedullary Nailing Versus Plate Fixation
J Am Acad Orthop Surg November 2012 ; 20 Chris Casstevens Abstract Intramedullary nailing and plate fixation represent two viable approaches to internal fixation of extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia. Although both techniques have demonstrated success in maintaining reduction and promoting stable union, they possess distinct advantages and disadvantages that require careful consideration during […]
Radiologic Assessment of Spinal Fusion
J Am Acad Orthop Surg November 2012 ; 20 Michael Derrick Selby Abstract Since surgical fusion of the spine was first described in 1911, multiple methods have been used to assess it. Although open surgical exploration remains the standard of care for determination of fusion, it is impractical in most clinical situations. Static radiographs have […]
Graft Tensioning During Knee Ligament Reconstruction: Principles and Practice
J Am Acad Orthop Surg. October 2012;20(10) Seth L. Sherman Abstract Failure to correctly tension grafts may overconstrain or underconstrain the knee, potentially predisposing the patient to deteriorating clinical and/or radiographic results over time. Knee ligament reconstruction requires a fundamental understanding of native anatomy, ligament biomechanics, and principles of graft tensioning. A successful strategy for […]
Malignant Osseous Tumors of the Pediatric Spine
J Am Acad Orthop Surg. October 2012;20(10) Han Jo Kim Abstract In the pediatric population, malignant osseous tumors of the spine include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, lymphoma, and metastatic neuroblastoma. Although these tumors are rare, prompt diagnosis and recognition are critical to the overall prognosis. Improved understanding of the natural history of spine deformity, combined with […]