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Marc R Safran

Publications and source records attributed to Marc R Safran.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Injury of the distal biceps at the musculotendinous junction.

Although complete rupture of the distal biceps tendon at the osseous insertion has been well documented in the literature, musculotendinous ruptures of the distal biceps remain exceedingly uncommon. In this report, we present a series of 6 distal biceps musculotendinous ruptures in 6 different patients, verified either with magnetic resonance imaging or by direct visualization at surgical exploration. In 5 of 6 patients, a single traumatic injury was reported, whereas the sixth reported 2 episodes of injury and pain occurring approximately 1 week apart. A common mechanism of injury seems to prevail in this type of injury: glenohumeral elevation with the elbow extended and the forearm in supination. Although surgical outcomes of distal biceps osseous avulsions frequently lead to excellent results, the surgical options for musculotendinous junction injuries are limited, with outcome studies lacking. These 6 patients, who did not undergo repair, obtained a mean score of 97.5 on the Mayo Clinic Performance Index for the Elbow. Symptoms of musculotendinous injury to the distal biceps are similar to tendinitis or complete or partial avulsion of this muscle-tendon unit. The examination reveals an intact distal biceps tendon. In patients with a mechanism of injury consistent with a musculotendinous injury of the distal biceps, radiographic modalities, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, are recommended to confirm the diagnosis to differentiate it from the more common distal biceps tendon avulsion, or partial rupture, to limit the morbidity associated with potentially unnecessary operative procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Short-term effectiveness of hyperthermia for supraspinatus tendinopathy in athletes: a short-term randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermia has been introduced as a physical therapy modality for soft tissue injuries. HYPOTHESIS: The authors tested the null hypothesis that there are no short-term differences after the use of hyperthermia, ultrasound, and exercises for tendinopathy of the supraspinatus tendon. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: The authors studied 37 athletes (29 men, 8 women; mean age, 26.7 +/- 5.8 years; range, 19-43 years) with supraspinatus tendinopathy who had had symptoms between 3 and 6 months. Subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group A (n = 14) received hyperthermia at 434 MHz. Group B (n = 12) received continuous ultrasound at 1 MHz at an intensity of 2.0 w/cm(2) 3 times a week. Group C (n = 11) undertook exercises, consisting of pendular swinging and stretching exercises 5 minutes twice a day every day. All interventions were undertaken for 4 weeks. Subjects were evaluated at baseline, immediately on completion of treatment, and at 6 weeks after the end of the intervention using mean pain score for pain at night, during movement, and at rest on a visual analog scale; pain on resisted movement and painful arc on active abduction between 40 degrees and 120 degrees on a 4-point scale; and Constant score. RESULTS: Patients who received hyperthermia experienced significantly better pain relief than did patients receiving ultrasound or exercises: group A, 5.96 to 1.2 (P = .03); group B, 6.3 to 5.15 (P = .10); group C, 6.1 to 4.9 (P = .09). CONCLUSION: Hyperthermia at 434 MHz appears safe and effective in the short term for the management of supraspinatus tendinopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

MRI analysis of in vivo meniscal and tibiofemoral kinematics in ACL-deficient and normal knees.

The objectives of this study were to analyze simultaneously meniscal and tibiofemoral kinematics in healthy volunteers and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient patients under axial load-bearing conditions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ten healthy volunteers and eight ACL-deficient patients were examined with a high-field, closed MRI system. For each group, both knees were imaged at full extension and partial flexion ( approximately 45 degrees ) with a 125N compressive load applied to the foot. Anteroposterior and medial/lateral femoral and meniscal translations were analyzed following three-dimensional, landmark-matching registration. Interobserver and intraobserver reproducibilities were less than 0.8 mm for femoral translation for image processing and data analysis. The position of the femur relative to the tibia in the ACL-deficient knee was 2.6 mm posterior to that of the contralateral, normal knee at extension. During flexion from 0 degrees to 45 degrees , the femur in ACL-deficient knees translated 4.3 mm anteriorly, whereas no significant translation occurred in uninjured knees. The contact area centroid on the tibia in ACL-deficient knees at extension was posterior to that of uninjured knees. Consequently, significantly less posterior translation of the contact centroid occurred in the medial tibial condyle in ACL-deficient knees during flexion. Meniscal translation, however, was nearly the same in both groups. Axial load-bearing MRI is a noninvasive and reproducible method for evaluating tibiofemoral and meniscal kinematics. The results demonstrated that ACL deficiency led to significant changes in bone kinematics, but negligible changes in the movement of the menisci. These results help explain the increased risk of meniscal tears and osteoarthritis in chronic ACL deficient knees.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A peek into the possible future of management of articular cartilage injuries: gene therapy and scaffolds for cartilage repair.

Two rapidly progressing areas of research will likely contribute to cartilage repair procedures in the foreseeable future: gene therapy and synthetic scaffolds. Gene therapy refers to the transfer of new genetic information to cells that contribute to the cartilage repair process. This approach allows for manipulation of cartilage repair at the cellular and molecular level. Scaffolds are the core technology for the next generation of autologous cartilage implantation procedures in which synthetic matrices are used in conjunction with chondrocytes. This approach can be improved further using bioreactor technologies to enhance the production of extracellular matrix proteins by chondrocytes seeded onto a scaffold. The resulting "neo-cartilage implant" matures within the bioreactor, and can then be used to fill cartilage defects.

Cartilage Diseases↗
PubMed2006

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.

Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition of the joints that appears to affect subchondral bone primarily, with secondary effects on articular cartilage. With progression, this pathology may present clinically with symptoms related to the integrity of the articular cartilage. Early signs, associated with intact cartilage, may be related to a softening phenomenon and alteration in the mechanical properties of cartilage. Later stages, because of the lack of underlying support of the cartilage, can present with signs of articular cartilage separation, cartilage flaps, loose bodies, inflammatory synovitis, persistent or intermittent joint effusion, and, in severe cases, secondary joint degeneration. Selecting and recommending a surgical intervention require balancing application of nonsurgical interventions with assessment of the degree of articular cartilage stability and the potential for spontaneous recovery.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

Avoidance and management of intra-articular complications of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

An estimated 70,000 to 100,000 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions are performed each year in the United States. With the increasing number of anterior cruciate ligament surgeries being performed, a concomitant increase in intraoperative complications can be expected. Complications include those associated with tunnel placement, notchplasty, graft fixation and advancement, suture laceration, graft laceration, guidewire insertion and removal, intra-articular hardware, posterior cruciate ligament laceration, compartment syndrome, and vascular injury.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗
PubMed2005

Extensor mechanism disruption after contralateral middle third patellar tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament revision reconstruction.

The contralateral central third patellar tendon autograft is a reliable graft choice for revision, and recently, for primary reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We report 2 complications including a lateral third tibial tuberosity fracture and a distal patellar tendon avulsion with contralateral patellar tendon autograft with disruption of the extensor mechanism of the donor knee. A patient sustained a lateral tibial tuberosity fracture of the donor knee and underwent open reduction and internal fixation. At 1-year follow-up, she had no extensor lag and full range of motion. Another patient sustained a distal patellar tendon avulsion of the donor knee and underwent primary repair. Three years postoperatively, she had a full range of motion and no extensor lag. Although contralateral middle third patellar tendon autograft for primary and revision ACL reconstruction is established in the literature, extensor mechanism complications can occur. Technical considerations are important to avoid weakening the remaining patellar tendon insertion. Postoperative nerve blocks or local anesthetics may alter pain feedback for regulation of weight bearing and contribute to overload of the donor knee.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Effects of elbow flexion and forearm rotation on valgus laxity of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: Clinical evaluation of valgus elbow laxity is difficult. The optimum position of elbow flexion and forearm rotation with which to identify valgus laxity in a patient with an injury of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow has not been determined. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of forearm rotation and elbow flexion on valgus elbow laxity. METHODS: Twelve intact cadaveric upper extremities were studied with a custom elbow-testing device. Laxity was measured with the forearm in pronation, supination, and neutral rotation at 30 degrees, 50 degrees, and 70 degrees of elbow flexion with use of 2 Nm of valgus torque. Testing was conducted with the ulnar collateral ligament intact, with the joint vented, after cutting of the anterior half (six specimens) or posterior half (six specimens) of the anterior oblique ligament of the ulnar collateral ligament, and after complete sectioning of the anterior oblique ligament. Laxity was measured in degrees of valgus angulation in different positions of elbow flexion and forearm rotation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in valgus laxity with respect to elbow flexion within each condition. Overall, for both groups of specimens (i.e., specimens in which the anterior or posterior half of the anterior oblique ligament was cut), neutral forearm rotation resulted in greater valgus laxity than pronation or supination did (p < 0.05). Transection of the anterior half of the anterior oblique ligament did not significantly increase valgus laxity; however, transection of the posterior half resulted in increased valgus laxity in some positions. Full transection of the anterior oblique ligament significantly increased valgus laxity in all positions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this in vitro cadaveric study demonstrated that forearm rotation had a significant effect on varus-valgus laxity. Laxity was always greatest in neutral forearm rotation throughout the ranges of elbow flexion and the various surgical conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The information obtained from the present study suggests that forearm rotation affects varus-valgus elbow laxity. Additional investigation is warranted to determine if forearm rotation should be considered in the evaluation and treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the elbow joint.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Ulnar collateral ligament injury in the overhead athlete: diagnosis and treatment.

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is more commonly injured than previously suggested. Injury to this ligament can result in secondary symptoms and problems in other parts of the elbow, including the ulnar nerve, the flexor-pronator musculotendinous unit, the radiocapitellar joint, and the posterior compartment of the elbow, in addition to being a cause of loose bodies within the elbow. This article briefly reviews the anatomy, biomechanics, and pathophysiology of injury, in addition to discussing evaluation and treatment of the athlete with an injured UCL.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed2004

Nerve injury about the shoulder in athletes, part 2: long thoracic nerve, spinal accessory nerve, burners/stingers, thoracic outlet syndrome.

Nerve injuries about the shoulder in athletes are being recognized with increasing frequency. Prompt and correct diagnosis of these injuries is important to treat the patient and to understand the potential complications and natural history, so as to counsel our athletes appropriately. This 2-part article is a review and an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding some of the more common nerve injuries seen about the shoulder in athletes, including long thoracic nerve, spinal accessory nerve, burners and stingers, and thoracic outlet syndrome. Each of these clinical entities will be discussed independently, reviewing the anatomy, mechanism of injury, patient presentation (history and examination), the role of additional diagnostic studies, differential diagnosis, and management.

Accessory Nerve Injuries↗
PubMed2002

Sideline management of common dislocations.

This article reviews sideline assessment and treatment of commonly encountered joint dislocations. Although often deferred for formal management in an emergency room, many of these injuries can be safely and appropriately reduced by experienced hands on the field. This text provides a practical approach, outlining mechanism, presentation and physical exam, reduction, aftercare, and return to sport for many common joint dislocations. Emphasis is placed on awareness of possible complications of injury and from treatment, proper documentation of neurovascular status before and after intervention, and formal radiographic confirmation following joint reduction. When appropriate, the immediate sideline management of common joint dislocations may minimize morbidity encountered with later treatment in the hospital setting.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed2002

Distal biceps tendon ruptures: incidence, demographics, and the effect of smoking.

The purpose of the current study was to determine the incidence of distal biceps tendon ruptures within a defined population, to describe the demographics of affected individuals, and to identify potential risk factors. The healthcare system in this study provides care to a known number of members in an area defined by zip codes and proximity to the medical center. Medical records for all members who presented with injuries about the elbow during a 5-year period were reviewed. Thirteen men and one woman with an average age of 47 years comprised the study population. The dominant extremity was involved in 86% of patients. All patients described a mechanism involving excessive eccentric tension as the arm was forced from a flexed position. The incidence of injury in the membership population averaged 1.2 ruptures per 100,000 patients per year. Forty-three percent reported regular tobacco use, whereas only 9% of all members were smokers. A Poisson regression analysis revealed a 7.5 times greater risk of distal biceps tendon rupture in patients who smoke. The incidence of distal biceps tendon ruptures is 1.2 per 100,000 patients, with the majority in the dominant elbow of men who smoke and who are in their fourth decade of life.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Soft-tissue stabilizers of the elbow.

Elbow stability is afforded by both static and dynamic structures. Static structures include the complex bony architecture and soft-tissue stabilizers. Knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the stabilizers is important to understand, diagnose, and treat elbow instability. Bony anatomy, detailed elsewhere, contributes to the inherent stability of the elbow. The static soft-tissue stabilizers consist of the anterior and posterior joint capsule and both medial and lateral collateral ligament complexes. Additional stability is conferred by dynamic structures--the muscles crossing the elbow joint.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nerve injury about the shoulder in athletes, part 1: suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve.

Nerve injuries about the shoulder in athletes are being recognized with increasing frequency. Prompt and correct diagnosis of these injuries is important to treat the patient and to understand the potential complications and natural history so as to appropriately counsel athletes. This 2-part article is a review and an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding some of the more common nerve injuries seen about the shoulder in athletes.

Athletic Injuries↗