Surgical improvement of post - traumatic contracture of the elbow in children and adolescence

Sixteen patients aged 5-16 years suffering from post-traumatic contracture of the elbow were subjected to both anterior and posterior soft tissue release through a lateral approach described by Husband and Hastings [1990]. An intensive active exercise program was advised before considering operative release. The duration between initial injury and operative release ranged from 4-10 months. The indication for operation was limitation of the functional arc of elbow movement. The gain in active extension ranged from 10-30 degrees and in active flexion from 0-40 degress. The overall gain in the range of elbow movement was 20-50 degrees [Average 35.3 degrees], and a functional arc [30-120 degrees] was achieved in 10 patients [62.5%] within a period of 20-62 months of follow up. A continuous passive motion device was not used in this study

Clinical judgement versus arthroscopy in diagnosing knee problems

A retrospective study to evaluate the accuracy of clinical diagnosis, based on arthroscopic examination in 120 symptomatic knee joints revealed an accuracy rate of 70.5% in medial meniscal injuries, 66.6% in lateral meniscal injuries, and 90% in anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Clinically unrecognized combined lesions were easily located, and false evaluation avoided. Besides, articular chondral changes accused for symptoms in an otherwise normal knee could be readily detected and evaluated arthroscopically. Accordingly, unnecessary arthrotomies were prevented and a well planned management was possible without suspect

Ultrasonography: its value in screening soft tissue lesions [its clinical application as an outpatient procedure]

Thirty patients complaining of traumatic or atraumatic soft tissue lesions were subjected to US scanning in the outpatient clinic. This diagnostic tool provided valuable data regarding the nature, location and progress of hematomas, yet was of limited value in soft tissue lumps. Therefore, correlation between clinical history and examination with US pattern is always needed. The procedure was easy, h and y, nonhazardous, noninvasive and economicly compared with CT or NMR scan