Dynamic glenohumeral kinematics were analysed in 11 rotator cuff tear patients and 10 healthy control subjects, using 3D images derived from X-rays and computed tomography. During scapular plane abduction, the rotator cuff tear group had significantly smaller acromiohumeral distance than the control group. Read more

The authors of this systematic review included studies that assessed the impact of frailty and sarcopaenia on adults undergoing spinal surgery. They explored predictors of several poor outcomes including morbidities, prolonged hospital stay, referral to centres of “higher care”, and death. Read more

Articles recently published in The Lancet outlines the impact of a 2015 ruling involving a case that resulted in a child being born with cerebral palsy. The case, Montgomery vs Lanarkshire Health Board 2015 – often referred to as simply Montgomery — drew attention to the complexity of informed consent. Read more

The authors of this paper retrospectively reviewed magnetic resonance imaging of 103 spinal surgery patients to determine the utility of multiple MRI scans. Patients had stenosis without instability, neurological deficits, or disc herniations. No significant changes were found in the majority of patients. Read more

The authors of a recent paper on electrodiagnostics and sonography suggest that carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral focal mononeuropathy. Demyelination of the median nerve at the wrist is the early underlying pathology, and ultrasonography can help differentiate carpal tunnel syndrome from radiculopathy and brachial plexus irritation. Read more

Sensorimotor deficits may contribute to low back pain, and can be assessed using two-point discrimination and movement control tests. However, the reliability of instruments and tests used in these assessments is mixed. Authors Ehrenbrusthoff et al warn that data should be interpreted cautiously. Read more