Concomitant ligament injuries can be left untreated during surgery of distal radial fractures.

Instability of the distal radioulnar joint and scapholunate dissociation may cause pain, functional impairment and subsequent arthrosis. There is no consensus about whether these injuries should be treated acutely in patients undergoing surgery for distal radial fractures. We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine whether concomitant distal radioulnar joint instability or scapholunate dissociation negatively influence patient-related outcomes in these patients. The primary outcome was the patient-reported wrist/hand evaluation at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Out of 62 patients, 58% and 27% had intraoperative distal radioulnar joint instability and scapholunate dissociation, respectively. No significant differences were found in patient-reported scores at follow-up between patients with stable and unstable distal radioulnar joints, nor between patients with and without scapholunate dissociation. Sixty-three per cent of patients with an unstable distal radioulnar joint during surgery were stable on retesting after 6 months. Our study suggests that a wait-and-see policy in these patients therefore seems reasonable.Level of evidence: III.

Prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension and markers for associated complications among severe burn patients: a multicenter prospective cohort study (BURNIAH study).

PURPOSE: Severely burned patients are at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and associated complications such as organ failure, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and death. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IAH among severely burned patients. The secondary aim was to determine the value of urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as early marker for IAH-associated complications. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in two burn centers in the Netherlands. Fifty-eight patients with burn injuries ≥ 15% of total body surface area (TBSA) were included. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and urinary I-FABP, measured every 6 h during 72 h. Prevalence of IAH, new organ failure and ACS, and the value of urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as early marker for IAH-associated complications were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-one (53%) patients developed IAH, 17 (29%) patients developed new organ failure, but no patients developed ACS. Patients had burns of 29% (P25-P75 19-42%) TBSA. Ln-transformed levels of urinary I-FABP and IAP were inversely correlated with an estimate of - 0.06 (95% CI - 0.10 to - 0.02; p = 0.002). Maximal urinary I-FABP levels had a fair discriminatory ability for patients with IAH with an area under the ROC curve of 74% (p = 0.001). Urinary I-FABP levels had no predictive value for IAH or new organ failure in severe burn patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IAH among patients with ≥ 15% TBSA burned was 53%. None of the patients developed ACS. A relevant diagnostic or predictive value of I-FABP levels in identifying patients at risk for IAH-related complications, could not be demonstrated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, epidemiologic and diagnostic prospective observational study.

Ventilation practices in burn patients-an international prospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether lung-protective ventilation is applied in burn patients and whether they benefit from it. This study aimed to determine ventilation practices in burn intensive care units (ICUs) and investigate the association between lung-protective ventilation and the number of ventilator-free days and alive at day 28 (VFD-28). METHODS: This is an international prospective observational cohort study including adult burn patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Low tidal volume (V T) was defined as V T ≤ 8 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW). Levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and maximum airway pressures were collected. The association between V T and VFD-28 was analyzed using a competing risk model. Ventilation settings were presented for all patients, focusing on the first day of ventilation. We also compared ventilation settings between patients with and without inhalation trauma. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients from 28 ICUs in 16 countries were included. Low V T was used in 74% of patients, median V T size was 7.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 6.2-8.3] mL/kg PBW and did not differ between patients with and without inhalation trauma (p = 0.58). Median VFD-28 was 17 (IQR 0-26), without a difference between ventilation with low or high V T (p = 0.98). All patients were ventilated with PEEP levels ≥5 cmH2O; 80% of patients had maximum airway pressures <30 cmH2O. CONCLUSION: In this international cohort study we found that lung-protective ventilation is used in the majority of burn patients, irrespective of the presence of inhalation trauma. Use of low V T was not associated with a reduction in VFD-28. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02312869. Date of registration: 9 December 2014.

Advances in airway management and mechanical ventilation in inhalation injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Airway management, mechanical ventilation, and treatment of systemic poisoning in burn patients with inhalation injury remains challenging. This review summarizes new concepts as well as open questions. RECENT FINDINGS: Several life-threatening complications, such as airway patency impairment and respiratory insufficiency, can arise in burn patients and require adequate and timely airway management. However, unnecessary endotracheal intubation should be avoided. Direct visual inspection via nasolaryngoscopy can guide appropriate airway management decisions. In cases of lower airway injury, bronchoscopy is recommended to remove casts and estimate the extent of the injury in intubated patients. Several mechanical ventilation strategies have been studied. An interesting modality might be high-frequency percussive ventilation. However, to date, there is no sound evidence that patients with inhalation injury should be ventilated with modes other than those applied to non-burn patients. In all burn patients exposed to enclosed fire, carbon monoxide as well as cyanide poisoning should be suspected. Carbon monoxide poisoning should be treated with an inspiratory oxygen fraction of 100%, whereas cyanide poisoning should be treated with hydroxocobalamin. SUMMARY: Burn patients need specialized care that requires specific knowledge about airway management, mechanical ventilation, and carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning.

Functional Outcome following Headless Compression Screw Fixation for Hamate Fractures.

Hamate fractures can be treated nonoperatively, with the percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation, or with excision of a fractured hook of the hamate. Screw fixation is less popular owing to the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. The aim of this study was to present the functional results of patients with hamate fractures treated with headless compression screws (HCS). The primary outcome was the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHOQ) after at least 4 months of follow-up. Nine patients were included in this retrospective cohort study. A median MHOQ total score of 67% was reported (interquartile range [IQR]: 44-76). No complications were found during follow-up. HCS fixation is a safe alternative to treat hamate fractures with good functional outcome. This is a Level IV study.

Nebulized Heparin in Burn Patients with Inhalation Trauma-Safety and Feasibility.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypercoagulopathy is intrinsic to inhalation trauma. Nebulized heparin could theoretically be beneficial in patients with inhalation injury, but current data are conflicting. We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of nebulized heparin. METHODS: International multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial in specialized burn care centers. Adult patients with inhalation trauma received nebulizations of unfractionated heparin (25,000 international unit (IU), 5 mL) or placebo (0.9% NaCl, 5 mL) every four hours for 14 days or until extubation. The primary outcome was the number of ventilator-free days at day 28 post-admission. Here, we report on the secondary outcomes related to safety and feasibility. RESULTS: The study was prematurely stopped after inclusion of 13 patients (heparin N = 7, placebo N = 6) due to low recruitment and high costs associated with the trial medication. Therefore, no analyses on effectiveness were performed. In the heparin group, serious respiratory problems occurred due to saturation of the expiratory filter following nebulizations. In total, 129 out of 427 scheduled nebulizations were withheld in the heparin group (in 3 patients) and 45 out of 299 scheduled nebulizations were withheld in the placebo group (in 2 patients). Blood-stained sputum or expected increased bleeding risks were the most frequent reasons to withhold nebulizations. CONCLUSION: In this prematurely stopped trial, we encountered important safety and feasibility issues related to frequent heparin nebulizations in burn patients with inhalation trauma. This should be taken into account when heparin nebulizations are considered in these patients.

Changes in ventilator settings and ventilation-induced lung injury in burn patients-A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilation strategies aiming at prevention of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), including low tidal volumes (VT) and use of positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) are increasingly used in critically ill patients. It is uncertain whether ventilation practices changed in a similar way in burn patients. Our objective was to describe applied ventilator settings and their relation to development of VILI in burn patients. DATA SOURCES: Systematic search of the literature in PubMed and EMBASE using MeSH, EMTREE terms and keywords referring to burn or inhalation injury and mechanical ventilation. STUDY SELECTION: Studies reporting ventilator settings in adult or pediatric burn or inhalation injury patients receiving mechanical ventilation during the ICU stay. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently screened abstracts of identified studies for eligibility and performed data extraction. DATA SYNTHESIS: The search identified 35 eligible studies. VT declined from 14 ml/kg in studies performed before to around 8 ml/kg predicted body weight in studies performed after 2006. Low-PEEP levels (<10 cmH2O) were reported in 70% of studies, with no changes over time. Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) values above 35 cmH2O were frequently reported. Nevertheless, 75% of the studies conducted in the last decade used limited maximum airway pressures (≤35 cmH2O) compared to 45% of studies conducted prior to 2006. Occurrence of barotrauma, reported in 45% of the studies, ranged from 0 to 29%, and was more frequent in patients ventilated with higher compared to lower airway pressures. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows noticeable trends of ventilatory management in burn patients that mirrors those in critically ill non-burn patients. Variability in available ventilator data precluded us from drawing firm conclusions on the association between ventilator settings and the occurrence of VILI in burn patients.

Bypass surgery in a mangled forearm using an intramedullary tunnel through the radius.

Critical ischemia in the upper extremity is rare. A surgical bypass is thought to be the superior treatment option. We describe a rare case where regular tunneling options of the bypass were not available and an intramedullary tunnel was used.

Arthroscopic debridement does not enhance surgical treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to determine the difference in functional outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with and without arthroscopic debridement in adults with displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures. In this multicentre trial, 50 patients were randomized between ORIF with or without arthroscopic debridement. The primary outcome measure was the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score. Secondary outcome measures were Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, pain scores, range of wrist motion, grip strength, and complications. Median PRWE was worse for the intervention group at 3 months and was equal for both groups at 12 months. The secondary outcome measures did not show consistent patterns of differences at different time-points of follow-up. We conclude that patients treated with additional arthroscopy to remove intra-articular hematoma and debris did not have better outcomes than those treated with ORIF alone. We therefore do not recommend arthroscopy for removal of hematoma and debris when surgically fixing distal radius fractures. Level of evidence: I.

Plate Fixation for Unstable Displaced Distal Radius Fractures in Children.

Background Distal radius fractures in children are normally treated by plaster immobilization. For displaced unstable distal radius fractures, closed reduction and Kirschner wire (k-wire) fixation can be performed. Disadvantages of k-wire fixation are the need for postoperative plaster treatment for several weeks, which may induce stiffness, and the risks of complications such as tendon irritation and pin-track infections. More invasive volar plate fixation is less popular, although this allows for direct mobilization and enhances anatomical reduction. Purpose To present the functional outcomes of pediatric patients treated with volar plate fixation for unstable displaced distal radius fractures. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive pediatric patients between September 2010 and July 2017 was performed. A total of 26 patients with a median age of 12.5 years were included. The primary objective was functional outcome determined by the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire. Secondary objectives were range of motion, grip strength, radiological parameters, complications, and incidence of plate removal. Results Median PRWE score was 3 after a median follow-up of 29 months. Range of motion and grip strength did not differ significantly between the injured and uninjured wrists. No wound infections were found. Plate removal was performed in 15 patients (58%). Conclusion Volar plate fixation for unstable displaced distal radius fractures in children provides good functional and radiological outcomes with minor complications. Level of evidence This is a Level IV cohort study.

Burn intensive care treatment over the last 30 years: Improved survival and shift in case-mix.

PURPOSE: Mortality in burn intensive care unit (ICU) has been decreasing and treatment appears to be changing. The aims of this study: (1) examine outcome in burn patients, (2) examine changes in ICU indication and (3) explore the influence of a changing case-mix. METHODS: Retrospective study in patients admitted to ICU (1987-2016). Four groups were specified: major burns (≥15% TBSA), inhalation injury with small injury (<15% TBSA, inhalation injury), watchful waiting (<15% TBSA, without inhalation injury), tender loving care (patients withheld from treatment). Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relation between case-mix and outcome. RESULTS: Overall mortality decreased to 7%. Mortality of major burns decreased by 15%. The major burn group decreased by 36%. The inhalation injury and watchful waiting group increased by 9% and 21%. The percentage of ventilated patients increased by 14% in the major burn group. 40% of patients were ventilated in the watchful waiting group. CONCLUSIONS: After correction for case-mix, survival improved, mainly in the major burn group. Case-mix shifted towards inhalation injury and watchful waiting. Growth of the watchful waiting group is not necessarily harmful. However, the increase of mechanical ventilation could be. We suggest raising awareness for risks and consequences of mechanical ventilation.

Operative Treatment of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures With versus Without Arthroscopy: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In the past several years, an increase in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for intra-articular distal radius fractures has been observed. This technique leads to a quicker recovery of function compared to non-operative treatment. However, some patients continue to have a painful and stiff wrist postoperatively. Arthroscopically assisted removal of intra-articular fracture haematoma and debris may improve the functional outcomes following operative treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures. The purpose of this randomised controlled trial is to determine the difference in functional outcome, assessed with the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, after ORIF with and without an additional wrist arthroscopy in adult patients with displaced complete articular distal radius fractures. METHODS: In this multicentre trial, adult patients with a displaced complete articular distal radius fracture are randomised between ORIF with an additional wrist arthroscopy to remove fracture haematoma and debris (intervention group) and conventional fluoroscopic-assisted ORIF (control group). The primary outcome is functional outcome assessed with the PRWE score after three months. Secondary outcomes are wrist function assessed with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, postoperative pain, range of motion, grip strength, complications and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, in the intervention group, the quality of reduction, associated ligamentous injuries and cartilage damage will be assessed. A total of 50 patients will be included in this study. DISCUSSION: Although ORIF of intra-articular distal radius fractures leads to a quicker resume of function compared to non-operative treatment, some patients continue to have a painful and stiff wrist postoperatively. We hypothesise that, due to the removal of fracture haematoma and debris by an additional arthroscopy, functional outcomes will be better compared to the non-arthroscopically treated group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02660515 . Registered on 13 January 2016.

Relationship between plate removal and Soong grading following surgery for fractured distal radius.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between volar plate removal and the Soong classification following fixation for fractured distal radius. In this retrospective cohort study, all consecutive patients who had volar plate fixation for a distal radius fracture in 2011-2015 were reviewed. Differences in Soong classification between patients who had plate removal and those who did not were analysed. The total incidence of plate removal was calculated and the indications analysed. A total of 323 patients were included. The incidence of plate removal in all patients was 17%. Soong classification was significantly higher in patients who had plate removal compared with those who did not. For patients with plate placement classified as Soong grade 2, the incidence of plate removal was almost six times higher than those classified as Soong grade 0. The relationship between volar plate removal and a higher Soong grading stresses the importance of accurate plate positioning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

High Prevalence of Chronic Pain With Neuropathic Characteristics After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Unstable ankle fractures require treatment with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Long-term functional outcome is satisfying in most patients; however, a number of patients have persistent complaints. Superficial nerve complications following ankle surgery may be the cause of chronic pain and disability. METHODS: In this observational retrospective survey, a cohort of 527 women and men, who underwent ORIF in the period from January 2007 to January 2014, were invited to an online questionnaire. Pain symptoms were assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Douleur Neuropathic en 4 Questions (DN4) Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics; a logistic regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors of neuropathic pain. A total of 271 patients completed the questionnaire. Mean follow-up period was 5.8 years (±1.9). RESULTS: Persistent neuropathic pain symptoms were present in 61 of all patients, and 51 of these patients reported an impaired quality of life caused by their symptoms. In univariate analysis, the following parameters were associated with neuropathic pain: age, hypertension, a thyroid disorder, lower back pain, fracture dislocations, and late complications such as nonunion, posttraumatic arthritis, or osteochondral injury. In multivariate analysis, an age between 40 and 60 years was found to be a significant predictor of neuropathic pain. Hypertension, dislocation, and late complications were significant predictors of persistent pain without neuropathic characteristics. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a prevalence of persistent neuropathic pain symptoms after ORIF for ankle fractures in 23% of the respondents, which caused an impaired health-related quality of life. We identified 4 significant predictors of chronic and neuropathic pain after ORIF. This knowledge may aid the treating surgeon to identify patients who are at increased risk of persistent postoperative neuropathic pain and may affect the treatment of pain in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

HEPBURN - investigating the efficacy and safety of nebulized heparin versus placebo in burn patients with inhalation trauma: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary coagulopathy is a hallmark of lung injury following inhalation trauma. Locally applied heparin attenuates lung injury in animal models of smoke inhalation. Whether local treatment with heparin benefits patients with inhalation trauma is uncertain. The present trial aims at comparing a strategy using frequent nebulizations of heparin with standard care in intubated and ventilated burn patients with bronchoscopically confirmed inhalation trauma. METHODS: The Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Nebulized HEParin versus Placebo in BURN Patients with Inhalation Trauma (HEPBURN) is an international multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm study. One hundred and sixteen intubated and ventilated burn patients with confirmed inhalation trauma are randomized to nebulizations of heparin (the nebulized heparin strategy) or nebulizations of normal saline (the control strategy) every four hours for 14 days or until extubation, whichever comes first. The primary endpoint is the number of ventilator-free days, defined as days alive and breathing without assistance during the first 28 days, if the period of unassisted breathing lasts for at least 24 consecutive hours. DISCUSSION: As far as the authors know, HEPBURN is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial, powered to investigate whether local treatment with heparin shortens duration of ventilation of intubated and ventilated burn patients with inhalation trauma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01773083 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov), registered on 16 January 2013.Recruiting. Randomisation commenced on 1 January 2014.

The effect of taping versus semi-rigid bracing on patient outcome and satisfaction in ankle sprains: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Functional treatment is a widely used and generally accepted treatment for ankle sprain. A meta-analysis comparing the different functional treatment options could not make definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness, and until now, little was known about patient satisfaction in relation to the outcome. METHODS: Patients with acute ankle sprain received rest, ice, compression and elevation with an compressive bandage at the emergency department. After 5-7 days, 100 patients with grade II and III sprains were randomized into two groups: one group was treated with tape and the other with a semi-rigid ankle brace, both for 4 weeks. Post-injury physical and proprioceptive training was standardized. As primary outcome parameter patient satisfaction and skin complications were evaluated using a predefined questionnaire and numeric rating scale. As secondary outcome parameter the ankle joint function was assessed using the Karlsson scoring scale and range of motion. RESULTS: Patient-reported comfort and satisfaction during treatment with a semi-rigid brace was significantly increased. The rate of skin complication in this group was significantly lower compared to the tape group (14.6% versus 59.1%, P < 0.0001). Functional outcome of the ankle joint was similar between the two treatment groups, as well as reported pain. CONCLUSION: Treatment of acute ankle sprain with semi-rigid brace leads to significantly higher patient comfort and satisfaction, both with similar good outcome.

How to train surgical residents to perform laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass safely.

BACKGROUND: As a result of increasing numbers of patients with morbid obesity there is a worldwide demand for bariatric surgeons. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, nowadays performed mostly laparoscopically (LRYGB), has been proven to be a highly effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity. This procedure is technically demanding and requires a long learning curve. Little is known about implementing these demanding techniques in the training of the surgical resident. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the introduction of LRYGB into the training of surgical residents. METHODS: All patients who underwent LRYGB between March 2006 and July 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The procedure was performed by a surgical resident under strict supervision of a bariatric surgeon (group I) or by a bariatric surgeon (group II). The primary end point was the occurrence of complications. Secondary end points included operative time, days of hospitalization, rate of readmission, and reappearance in the emergency department (ED) within 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 409 patients were found eligible for inclusion in the study: 83 patients in group I and 326 in group II. There was a significant difference in operating time (129 min in group I vs. 116 min in group II; p < 0.001) and days of hospitalization. Postoperative complication rate, reappearance in the ED, and rate of readmission did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that under stringent supervision and with sufficient laparoscopic practice, implementation of LRYGB as part of surgical training is safe and results in only a slightly longer operating time. Complication rates, days of hospitalization, and the rates of readmission and reappearance in the ED within 30 days were similar between the both groups. These results should be interpreted by remembering that all procedures in group I were performed in a training environment so occasional intervention by a bariatric surgeon, when necessary, was inevitable.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a young female-diagnosis of abdominal cocoon.

Abdominal cocoon is a rare cause of relative external small bowel obstruction. It is diagnosed predominantly in female adolescents. Diagnosis is made incidentally at laparotomy. In the past, most patients originated from subtropical regions. We discussed the first patient to be diagnosed as having the said condition in the Netherlands. A preoperative diagnosis would have been facilitated by previous knowledge of the condition. An adopted female adolescent of subtropical origin presented with recurrent failure of intestinal passage at our pediatric surgery ward after referral. Preoperative workup with a contrast-enhanced small bowel passage study showed a gastric and duodenal distension and a cauliflower sign on late passage films. Explorative laparotomy was performed under suspicion of a proximal jejunal obstruction. Findings at laparotomy were characteristic of abdominal cocoon.

Test-retest reproducibility of elbow goniometric measurements in a rigid double-blinded protocol: intervals for distinguishing between measurement error and clinical change.

Increasingly, goniometry of elbow motion is used for qualification of research results. Expression of reliability is in parameters not suitable for comparison of results. We modified Bland and Altman's method, resulting in the smallest detectable differences (SDDs). Two raters measured elbow excursions in 42 individuals (144 ratings per test person) with an electronic digital inclinometer in a classical test-retest crossover study design. The SDDs were 0 +/- 4.2 degrees for active extension; 0 +/- 8.2 degrees for active flexion, both without upper arm fixation; 0 +/- 6.3 degrees for active extension; 0 +/- 5.7 degrees for active flexion; 0 +/- 7.4 degrees for passive flexion with upper arm fixation; 0 +/- 10.1 degrees for active flexion with upper arm retroflexion; and 0 +/- 8.5 degrees and 0 +/- 10.8 degrees for active and passive range of motion. Differences smaller than these SDDs found in clinical or research settings are attributable to measurement error and do not indicate improvement.

Digital goniometric measurement of knee joint motion. Evaluation of usefulness for research settings and clinical practice.

An accurate and reproducible measurement method for joint motion is essential for classification of success or failure in therapeutic intervention. Digital goniometry is increasingly used as a method of classification for knee joint excursion. The reliability of goniometry however remains debatable. Aim of the study was to determine both intra- and inter-rater reproducibility in degrees, with an electronic digital inclinometer (EDI 320) for active and passive maximum flexion and active maximum extension of the knee joint and to determine the reproducibility of active and passive range of motion. A classical crossover design, with strict measurement protocol was used. Two raters measured 72 knee motions each, in 42 healthy subjects in four sessions. The smallest detectable difference (SDD) was calculated by using adjusted Bland and Altman plots for each knee excursion. No differences in joint excursions between the sexes were found. Passive maximum flexion showed larger excursions than active maximum flexion with additional higher levels of reproducibility. SDDs for inter-rater comparisons yielded: 0+/-3.9 degrees for active maximum extension, 0+/-7.4 degrees for active maximum flexion, 0+/-6.4 degrees for passive maximum flexion, 0+/-7.6 degrees for AROM and 0+/-5.4 degrees for PROM. Intra-rater SDDs showed increased reproducibility by 0.4-1.9 degrees. We conclude that interpretation of knee joint excursions in clinical settings is with these SDDs. Clinical and statistical differences in research settings within these SDDs are not a true difference but should be attributed to measurement error.