Objectives: Conservative treatment for distal radius fractures typically involves closed reduction and immobilization with a plaster cast. However, no consensus exists regarding the best method and duration for immobilization. This study investigated the functional outcomes associated with different plaster cast application techniques in the treatment of stable distal radius fractures.

Methods: A systematic search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for studies in the last 5 years. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials that investigated non-operative treatments for distal radius fractures. We excluded studies with short-term follow-up (less than 3 months), ongoing trials, those that did not directly address fractures, and studies involving the use of sugar-tong splints or non-circular immobilization. The outcomes evaluated included subjective measures (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score; Mayo Wrist Score; and visual analog scale) and objective outcomes (complication rate and radiological parameters).

Results: We included seven articles from 2017 to 2022. These studies reported a total of 542 fractures, predominantly in women, with a mean age of over 50 years. Both short and long arm casts demonstrated similar functional and radiological outcomes. A longer immobilization period (>3 weeks) should be considered to prevent re-displacement.

Conclusion: In stable fractures treated conservatively, the use of both short and long arm casts resulted in comparable functional outcomes in older patients. Immobilization for at least 3 weeks is recommended, as it provided similar clinical and radiological outcomes compared to longer periods of immobilization (level of evidence: 2A).

A Bankart lesion is a tear of the labrum, the ring of cartilage that encircles the shoulder joint socket, that can occur when the shoulder is dislocated. This injury frequently affects young athletes and is associated with shoulder instability. This review was performed to provide an overview of anterior shoulder instability, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and the return to sports following arthroscopic Bankart repair. We searched the Google Scholar and PubMed academic databases through February 18th, 2024, utilizing keywords including “arthroscopic Bankart repair” and “return to sports”. Our findings indicate that athletes who undergo arthroscopic Bankart repair exhibit higher rates of returning to sports compared to those who receive other anterior shoulder stabilization procedures. Several factors are considered when determining readiness to return to athletics, including time elapsed since surgery, type of sport, strength, range of motion, pain, and proprioception. Surgeons typically advise athletes to wait approximately 6 months after surgery before resuming sports activities. They also recommend that athletes regain at least 80% of the strength of the uninjured shoulder or achieve strength levels comparable to those prior to the injury. Additionally, patients are expected to attain a full range of motion without pain, which should be symmetrical to the uninjured side, and demonstrate improved proprioception in the shoulder. The sport in which an athlete participates can also influence the timeline for return. Those involved in overhead sports, like baseball or tennis, often experience lower success rates in returning to their sport compared to athletes from other disciplines.

Traumatic rupture of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) is an uncommon finding in an outpatient setting. Surgical repair is typically necessary, particularly in chronic conditions that have persisted for six weeks or more. While several studies have reported EHL repair using autograft tendons, rehabilitation regimes vary, and standardized protocols have not yet been established. This case report presents with an inability to extend her left great toe. She underwent tendon reconstruction with an autograft semitendinosus tendon. At an 8-week follow-up, the patient reported greatly improved outcomes on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, Foot and Ankle Disability Index questionnaire. Full recovery was achieved 12 weeks after surgery. The use of autograft semitendinosus tendon repair for chronic EHL tendon rupture, in conjunction with rehabilitation program, can be expected to yield favorable results.

The review article explores recent advances in the surgical treatment of elbow pain, a common ailment that can significantly impair daily functioning. With a surge in elbow-related conditions such as tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, and nerve compression disorders, the necessity for surgical approaches has become paramount. This article provides an overview of the cutting-edge procedures now available, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. These modern methods have been shown to significantly reduce recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes. The combination of surgical management and targeted rehabilitation ensures a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for patients with various elbow pathologies. This article aims to shed light on these recent surgical interventions and their potential for advancing the management of elbow pain, emphasizing the ongoing trend toward precision, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  

• Arthroscopic-Assisted Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction for Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow: A Technical Note
  Jia Guo, Erica Kholinne, Hui Ben, Jiyeon Park, In-Ho Jeon
  Arthroscopy Techniques.2024; 13(11): 103101.     CrossRef