Pullout force of power-driven staples in cadaveric femoral metaphysis.

The maximum pullout force in the distal metaphysis of cadaver femurs was investigated using a commercially available, pneumatically inserted staple. In paired studies, a significantly greater pullout force was required in the power-driven staples than in an almost identical sized hand-driven staple. A nonlinear relationship was shown to exist between staple-leg length and maximum pullout force.

1989 Volvo Award in clinical sciences. Reproducibility of physical signs in low-back pain.

The reproducibility between observers of physical signs in patients with low-back pain was investigated. Fifty patients were examined by two surgeons and another sample of 33 patients was examined by a surgeon and a physiotherapist. Continuous data on five signs were analyzed by Pearsons' correlation coefficient, and binary data on 54 signs were analyzed by the Kappa agreement coefficient. Reliable signs consisted of measurements of lordosis and flexion range, determination of pain on flexion and lateral bend, nearly all measurements associated with the straight leg raising test, determination of pain location in the thigh and legs, and determination of sensory changes in the legs. Signs of root tension showed better agreement when qualified with a description of where the pain was experienced. Bony tenderness was more reliable than soft tissue tenderness.

Swanson silastic wrist arthroplasty. A retrospective study of fifteen cases.

A retrospective study of fifteen Swanson silastic wrist replacements for rheumatoid arthritis (fourteen cases) and osteoarthritis (one case), with a mean follow up period of 28.3 months showed an increase in function in fourteen cases and no change in one case. An increase in range of movement was present in six cases, with no change in seven. Pain was improved in fourteen cases and unchanged in one case. Grip strength was improved or unchanged in twelve cases. There were two cases of prosthesis fracture.