ABSTRACT
The aim of this review is to evaluate existing isokinetic testing protocols for the shoulder in tactical occupations, document their shoulder strength profiles, and determine any associations to shoulder injury. Four electronic databases were searched (Medline/Pubmed, Ovid/Emcare, CINAHL/Ebsco and Embase) using the keywords police OR law enforcement, firefighter, military, AND isokinetic. Articles were eligible if they had at least one cohort of a tactical population and included isokinetic testing of the glenohumeral joint. The search yielded 275 articles. After screening for duplicates and inclusion criteria, 19 articles remained for review, six of which assessed injury correlation. 17 articles evaluated military personnel and two examined firefighters. Articles were categorized by study design, population, isokinetic protocols, strength outcome measures and statistical measures. Concentric internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength at 60 degrees/second were reported most frequently (84% of cases). There was a paucity of testing speeds, repetition ranges and contraction types evaluated when compared to existing literature in other populations with high shoulder injury occurrence such as overhead and collision athletes. Outside of military cohorts, there is limited data available to characterise the isokinetic strength profile of the shoulder in tactical occupations. Meta-analysis for injury association was unable to be performed due to independent variable and statistical heterogeneity. However, a best evidence synthesis suggested conflicting evidence to support the association of injury with isokinetic strength testing in tactical populations. Future studies should prioritise prospective designs utilising variable speeds, repetition schemes and contraction types to better capture the dynamic occupational demands in tactical groups.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To further evaluate a novel treatment protocol for the management of aggressive giant cell lesions (GCLs) consisting of enucleation followed by adjuvant subcutaneous interferon alpha therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a retrospective case series study design, a sample of patients with aggressive GCLs was enrolled between April 1995 and June 2006. Lesions were enucleated with preservation of vital structures. Postoperatively, the patients received daily subcutaneous interferon alpha (3 million units/m2 of body surface area). Interferon treatment continued with regular clinical and radiographic follow-up until the surgical defects filled in with bone, as demonstrated by panoramic radiographs and confirmed by computed tomography. Side effects, such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, decreased white blood cell count, decreased platelet count and elevated liver enzymes, were monitored. After completion of interferon therapy, patients followed for 2 years without evidence of recurrence were considered cured of disease. RESULTS: The study sample was comprised of 26 subjects (65% female) with a mean age of 18.5 years. At the time of this writing, 16 of the subjects have completed the protocol and are cured of disease, 6 are in remission, and 4 are in active treatment. Four subjects experienced significant side effects from the interferon, requiring modification of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Enucleation of aggressive GCLs with preservation of vital structures and adjuvant interferon is an excellent strategy for managing aggressive GCLs. Approximately 15% of subjects developed significant side effects limiting interferon administration and necessitating alternative therapies.
