Biomedical subjects

R L Uhl

Publications and source records attributed to R L Uhl.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Tension band arthrodesis of finger joints: a retrospective review of 76 consecutive cases.

Arthrodesis of finger joints is a reliable method of treating finger joint instability and arthritis. Tension band arthrodesis is an effective method of stable fixation that uses readily available and inexpensive materials. Because fixation is rigid, patients are allowed to move adjacent joints, usually within 1 week after surgery. The results of 76 tension band arthrodesis procedures performed since 1982 in 63 patients were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 38 months. The average time to radiographic fusion was 12 weeks (range, 4 to 64 weeks). One joint failed to fuse and developed a stable, asymptomatic nonunion; thus the fusion rate was 99%. Technical problems that occur with the method include nonparallel pin placement and penetration of pin tips, leading to painful impingement of the soft tissues. A pin-placement guide has been developed to minimize these problems.

Arthritis↗

PubMed1992

Difficult reductions in traumatic patellar dislocation.

A traumatic lateral dislocation with internal rotation of the patella can be unreducible using conventional maneuvers. These unusual dislocations may involve locking of the patella on the lateral femoral condyle. In these cases, reduction can be achieved by applying a downward force to the lateral aspect of the patella, which reduces the rotational deformity and unlocks the medial patellar facet.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

The hinged shoulder spica cast for management after shoulder surgery.

A shoulder spica cast is often required after major surgery to the shoulder. This type of cast is usually heavy and awkward. A lightweight fiberglass spica has proven to be useful after repair of the deltoid origin, repair of complete rupture of the rotator cuff, and shoulder arthrodesis. Hinges have been incorporated in the spica at the elbow and shoulder to permit maximum motion appropriate to the surgery. This cast is light and well tolerated. Elbow and shoulder stiffness is reduced by the hinges, which may be fabricated out of stock devices heretofore used in knee orthoses.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the distal fibula: a case report.

A 25-year-old female with primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the distal fibula is presented. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone is a rare primary bone tumor in this anatomic location. Careful preoperative staging studies and neoadjunct chemotherapy permitted an unusual resection to be performed resulting in successful limb salvage for the patient.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

The biomechanics of screws.

Screws are simple machines, commonly used in orthopaedics. Understanding the mechanics by which a screw generates compression can facilitate screw selection and insertion techniques and help reduce failure rates. Screw strength depends on both the material and size of the screw. A screw's holding strength depends both on it's type and size and on the type of bone into which it is inserted. Other factors being equal, a larger screw will have greater holding strength than a smaller screw. Properly placed lag screws greatly increase fracture stability and lead to better fracture healing.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1989

The use of electricity in bone healing.

The history of electrical bone healing and the vast amount of laboratory and clinical data that support its efficacy are reviewed. The paper presents guidelines for the proper use of electrical stimulation and a description of the various systems available. The use of electrical stimulation to treat scaphoid fractures is covered in detail. Contraindications to the use of electrical stimulation are also addressed.

Carpal Bones↗

PubMed1989

Tips of the Trade #14. A guide for the proper placement of a above a cannulated Asnis screw above a sliding DHS hip screw.

Low fractures of the femoral neck are often treated by reduction and internal fixation with a sliding screw and plate. In base of the neck fractures, a supplemental cannulated screw should be used to prevent rotation of the femoral head and neck during sliding screw insertion. It is critical that the large sliding screw and the smaller supplemental screw are inserted in parallel alignment, without impinging upon each other. This article describes an easily manufactured guide that facilitates parallel placement of the screws and assures adequate clearance between the two screws.

Bone Screws↗