Developing a 6-DOF robot to investigate multi-axis ACL injuries under valgus loading coupled with tibia internal rotation.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have become more common in recent years as more young people participate in risky sporting activities [1]. Most ACL injuries occur as a result of noncontact mechanisms. Previous in vitro studies of ACL strain have found significant increases in ACL strain primarily with anterior directed force on the tibia relative to the femur and with internal rotation and often with valgus torque [2,3]. However, there remains significant controversy over the mechanisms of ACL failure and the forces on the knee that lead to injury. Some studies have also shown that isolated valgus loading may not load the ACL strongly. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying valgus-related ACL injuries. An improved understanding of ACL failure may lead to improved ACL injury prevention programs. A novel 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) knee driving robot was developed in this study with a unique multi-axis simultaneous torque/position control. It was found that pure valgus torque caused a torque that internally rotated the tibia and thus increased ACL strain markedly, which may be an important mechanism underlying the rather common seemingly valgus-related ACL injuries.

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthritis.

Proximal interphalangeal joint function is critical for proper finger and hand function and arthritis of this joint can lead to considerable hand impairment. Proximal interphalangeal joint arthritides are broadly categorized into nonerosive and erosive osteoarthritis (OA), posttraumatic arthritis, and inflammatory arthritis. The nonerosive type is considered idiopathic or primary OA, whereas the erosive form exhibits an inflammatory component. Idiopathic or primary OA occurs as a consequence of abnormal mechanical stress that leads to damage of cartilage and subchondral bone, with subsequent cytokine and growth factor activation. Individual genetics then mediate the cellular responses. Although erosive OA is described as a separate entity, this remains controversial, with many suggesting that it is merely a more aggressive form of nonerosive, primary OA. Inflammatory OA occurs when connective tissues are diseased, allowing for normal use to incite arthritic damage. Treatment modalities for proximal interphalangeal joint arthritis are currently limited.

Vascular anomalies of the upper extremity.

The topic of vascular anomalies is uncommon in the hand surgery literature, but hand surgeons do diagnose and treat patients with hemangiomas and vascular malformations. These are separate entities and require different treatment strategies. Proper diagnosis will lead to timely and appropriate treatment.