Reliability testing of the Larsen and Sharp classifications for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: Two popular systems for classifying rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow are the Larsen and Sharp schemes. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the reliability of these 2 systems. We compared the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the 2 systems to determine whether one is more reliable than the other. METHODS: The radiographs of 45 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow were evaluated. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were deidentified and distributed to 6 evaluators (4 fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons and 2 orthopedic trainees). Each evaluator graded all 45 radiographs according to the Larsen and Sharp scoring methods on 2 occasions, at least 2 weeks apart. RESULTS: Overall intraobserver reliability was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-0.95) for the Larsen system and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86-0.96) for the Sharp classification, both indicating substantial agreement. Overall interobserver reliability was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.80) for the Larsen classification and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.54-0.81) for the Sharp system, both indicating good agreement. There were no significant differences in the intraobserver or interobserver reliability of the systems overall and no significant differences in reliability between attending surgeons and trainees for either classification system. CONCLUSION: The Larsen and Sharp systems both show substantial intraobserver reliability and good interobserver agreement for the radiographic classification of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow. Differences in training level did not result in substantial variances in reliability for either system. We conclude that both systems can be reliably used to evaluate rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow by observers of varying training levels.

Brachioradialis Tendon Coverage in Volar Distal Radius Plating.

Volar plate fixation of unstable distal radius fractures has become the preferred technique by most surgeons for the operative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures. Flexor tendon rupture is a rare but serious complication associated with this operation that is thought to be due to irritation of the flexor tendons over the prominent distal edge of the plate. We describe a novel technique of using the brachioradialis tendon to cover the distal edge of the plate to help prevent tendon irritation and rupture.

Skin dimpling after a closed proximal humerus fracture.

BACKGROUND: Skin dimpling, also known as skin puckering, is a rare occurrence after closed proximal humerus fractures. This finding is suggestive of incarceration of the skin at the fracture site and may lead to necrosis and conversion to an open fracture. OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to describe our experience with skin dimpling after a proximal humerus fracture to increase awareness and recognition of this clinical presentation in the Emergency Department (ED). CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented to the ED with left shoulder pain and swelling after a fall. She was found to have skin dimpling over the anterior aspect of the shoulder on further examination and was diagnosed with a proximal humerus fracture after imaging. CONCLUSION: Skin dimpling is an uncommon sign associated with proximal humerus fractures that can help in diagnosis and determining course of treatment. Devastating soft tissue injury can occur if the fracture is not immediately reduced. Therefore, it is imperative that physicians be able to promptly identify the clinical presentation to prevent unwanted sequelae.

Intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management of persistent and infected pleural spaces.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the use of the intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management of persistent and infected pleural spaces. DESCRIPTION: Five patients with a persistent and infected pleural space after pulmonary resection underwent intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management to reduce the duration and frequency of dressing changes and to accelerate the formation of granulation tissue and the obliteration of the pleural space. Three patients also underwent a pleural space filling procedure. EVALUATION: Resolution of the infection or complete obliteration of the pleural space, or both, was in all patients achieved using fewer dressing changes than with traditional methods. No major complications related to the vacuum-assisted management were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management of a persistent and infected pleural space after lung resection may reduce the duration and frequency of dressing changes necessary to allow spontaneous chest closure or a space filling procedure. Its use may decrease patient discomfort and contribute to a faster resolution of the infectious process.