Variability of shoulder girdle proprioception in 44 healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Improved knowledge of normal shoulder girdle proprioception should benefit the treatment and rehabilitation of shoulder disorders. Whereas many of the available methods for assessing joint position sense (JPS) are costly and complex, Balke et al. have described a simple test. The primary objective of this study was to use this test to identify factors that influence shoulder-girdle JPS evaluation in healthy individuals. The secondary objective was to determine reference values based on the values obtained and on the factors associated with their variability. HYPOTHESIS: Age and dominant limb influence the results of shoulder girdle JPS evaluation, creating a need for reference values that take these factors in account. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-centre prospective study of healthy volunteers was performed between September 2012 and January 2013. In each volunteer, shoulder repositioning accuracy was assessed bilaterally as described by Balke et al. A line was drawn on the floor parallel to and 1 metre away from a wall. A target on the wall showed marks corresponding to three angles of arm elevation: 55°, 90°, and 125°. The volunteer was asked to raise the arm to the three positions, in abduction and in flexion, while memorising the joint positions, then to replicate the same positions with the eyes closed. The absolute differences between the replicated positions and the reference positions, designated angle deviations, were measured in degrees. Age, sex, and dominant upper limb were recorded. RESULTS: The 88 shoulders of 44 healthy volunteers were studied. No significant difference was found between males and females (p>0.05). The only significant difference between sides was better replication by the dominant arm of flexion at 55° (p=0.03). By univariate analysis, age was the only factor significantly associated with repositioning errors (p=0.003); neither dominant limb nor sex were significant (p=0.29 and p=0.59, respectively). In flexion, the angle deviation increased significantly with movement amplitude. The measurements were used to create a chart of expected angle deviations in healthy individuals according to age and to plane and amplitude of movement. DISCUSSION: The test described by Balke et al. is simple and feasible in everyday practice. Age, dominance, and plane of movement should be considered when evaluating abnormal shoulders. Further studies in larger numbers of individuals are needed to better define normal angle deviations related to these factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Functional treatment of metacarpal diaphyseal fractures by buddy taping: A prospective single-center study.

Metacarpal diaphyseal fractures are classically treated using a non-removable glove for 4 to 6 weeks. Here, we report the results of treatment by immediate active protected mobilization (buddy taping for four weeks) of minimally displaced M2 to M5 fractures. Fifty-four fractures (15 transverse or short oblique and 39 spiral or long oblique) in 51 patients were included during a one-year period; the average age of patients was 31 years. Clinical and radiographic assessments were carried out at day 15 and then months 1, 2 and 6 post-fracture. Thirty-one cases were reviewed at day 15, 27 at 1 month, and 22 at 2 months. The initial volar tilt was 26° on average for the short oblique or transverse fractures, and 11.5° for the long oblique or spiral fractures. Six fractures (11%) experienced 16.6° of secondary displacement on average. The fracture was healed in 37% of cases at 1 month, and in 100% of cases at 2 months in the patients who were reviewed clinically. Reduction in the QuickDASH and VAS for pain was evidence of fast functional recovery. The range of motion was comparable to that of the contralateral side in 90% cases after 2 months. Grip and pinch strength was 33% less than the contralateral side at 2 months. Although secondary displacement occurs in some cases, the functional results of this simple and practical treatment method are good after 2 months, as there is little pain, stiffness, strength loss and no cases of nonunion.