Studies with pain rating scales

Good correlation has been shown between pain scores derived from 4 different rating scales. The correlation was maintained when presentation of the scales was separated by a series of questions and by physical examination. There is good evidence that the 4 scales are measuring the same underlying pain variable as they calibrate well. There is also evidence that an 11-point (0-10) numerical rating scale performs better than both a 4-point simple descriptive scale or a continuous (visual analogue) scale.

Articular mobility in an African population

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The influence of altered lower-extremity kinematics on patellofemoral joint dysfunction: a theoretical perspective

Although patellofemoral pain (PFP) is recognized as being one of the most common disorders of the lower extremity, treatment guidelines and underlying rationales remain vague and controversial. The premise behind most treatment approaches is that PFP is the result of abnormal patellar tracking and/or patellar malalignment. Given as such, interventions typically focus on the joint itself and have traditionally included strengthening the vastus medialis oblique, taping, bracing, soft tissue mobilization, and patellar mobilization. More recently, it has been recognized that the patellofemoral joint and, therefore, PFP may be influenced by the interaction of the segments and joints of the lower extremity. In particular, abnormal motion of the tibia and femur in the transverse and frontal planes may have an effect on patellofemoral joint mechanics. With this in mind, interventions aimed at controlling hip and pelvic motion (proximal stability) and ankle/foot motion (distal stability) may be warranted and should be considered when treating persons with patellofemoral joint dysfunction. The purpose of this paper is to provide a biomechanical overview of how altered lower-extremity mechanics may influence the patellofemoral joint. By addressing these factors, better long-term treatment success and prevention may be achieved.

The synergistic action of the anterior cruciate ligament and thigh muscles in maintaining joint stability

The synergistic action of the ACL and the thigh muscles in maintaining joint stability was studied experimentally. The EMG from the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups was recorded and analyzed in three separate experimental procedures in which the knee was stressed. The test revealed that direct stress of the ACL has a moderate inhibitory effect on the quadriceps, but simultaneously it directly excites the hamstrings. Similar responses were also obtained in patients with ACL damage during loaded knee extension with tibia subluxation, indicating that an alternative reflex arc unrelated to ACL receptors was available to maintain joint integrity. The antagonist muscles (hamstrings) were clearly demonstrated to assume the role of joint stabilizers in the patient who has a deficient ACL. The importance of an appropriate muscle-conditioning rehabilitation program in such a patient is substantiated.

The clinical evolution of Lyme arthritis

To determine the clinical evolution of Lyme arthritis, 55 patients who did not receive antibiotic therapy for erythema chronicum migrans were followed longitudinally for a mean duration of 6 years. Of the 55 patients, 11 (20%) had no subsequent manifestations of Lyme disease. From 1 day to 8 weeks after disease onset, 10 of the patients (18%) began to have brief episodes of joint, periarticular, or musculoskeletal pain for as long as 6 years, but they never developed objective joint abnormalities. From 4 days to 2 years after disease onset, 28 (51%) had one episode or began to have intermittent attacks of frank arthritis, primarily in large joints; a few had polyarticular movement. The total number of these patients who continued to have recurrences decreased by 10% to 20% each year. The remaining 6 patients (11%) developed chronic synovitis later in the illness; of these, 2 (4%) had erosions, and 1 (2%), permanent joint disability. The spectrum of Lyme arthritis ranges from subjective joint pain, to intermittent attacks of arthritis, to chronic erosive disease.

Effect of pelvic tilt on acetabular retroversion: a study of pelves from cadavers

Pelvic inclination is difficult to control on a standard radiograph of the pelvis and has a direct influence on the appearance of acetabular version. By defining the normal range of the distance between the symphysis and the sacrococcygeal joint on 86 standard anteroposterior radiographs of pelves a technique was developed to evaluate pelvic inclination. A statistically significant correlation between this distance and pelvic inclination was shown in four cadaver pelves. Acetabular retroversion signs (cross-over, posterior wall signs) were evaluated on normal pelves from cadavers (two females, two males) after mounting on a holding device and wire marking of the acetabular rims. Radiographs were taken 3 degrees stepwise through the range of 9 degrees inclination to 12 degrees reclination. At the neutral position, two acetabula appeared with both positive retroversion signs compared with none at 6 degrees reclination. At 9 degrees pelvic inclination all acetabula had both signs. Retroversion signs were significantly more pronounced and found at lower pelvic tilt angles in the pelves from males than from females. Evaluation of pelvic inclination will help to decrease measurement errors in assessment of acetabular orientation and femoral head coverage. This will be valuable in preoperative planning of reorientation procedures.

Hip strength in females with and without patellofemoral pain

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if females with anterior knee pain are more likely to demonstrate hip abduction or external rotation weakness than a similar, asymptomatic, age-matched control group.

BACKGROUND

Diminished hip strength has been implicated as being contributory to lower-extremity malalignment and patellofemoral pain. The identification of reliable and consistent patterns of weakness in this population may assist health care professionals establish a more effective treatment plan.

METHODS AND MEASURES

Hip abduction and external rotation isometric strength measurements were recorded for the injured side of 15 female subjects with patellofemoral joint pain (mean +/- SD age, 15.7 +/- 2.7 years; age range, 12-21 years). These were compared with strength measurements from the corresponding hip of 15 age-matched female control subjects (mean +/- SD age, 15.7 +/- 2.7 years; age range, 12-21 years). All strength measurements were made using hand-held dynamometers.

RESULTS

Subjects with patellofemoral pain demonstrated 26% less hip abduction strength (P<.001) and 36% less hip external rotation strength (P<.001) than similar age-matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that young women with patellofemoral pain are more likely to demonstrate weakness in hip abduction as well as external rotation than age-matched women who are not symptomatic.

Clinimetric evaluation of shoulder disability questionnaires: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To identify all available shoulder disability questionnaires designed to measure physical functioning and to evaluate evidence for the clinimetric quality of these instruments.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches were performed to identify self administered shoulder disability questionnaires. A checklist was developed to evaluate and compare the clinimetric quality of the instruments.

RESULTS

Two reviewers identified and evaluated 16 questionnaires by our checklist. Most studies were found for the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale (DASH), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardised Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES). None of the questionnaires demonstrated satisfactory results for all properties. Most questionnaires claim to measure several domains (for example, pain, physical, emotional, and social functioning), yet dimensionality was studied in only three instruments. The internal consistency was calculated for seven questionnaires and only one received an adequate rating. Twelve questionnaires received positive ratings for construct validity, although depending on the population studied, four of these questionnaires received poor ratings too. Seven questionnaires were shown to have adequate test-retest reliability (ICC >0.70), but five questionnaires were tested inadequately. In most clinimetric studies only small sample sizes (n<43) were used. Nearly all publications lacked information on the interpretation of scores.

CONCLUSION

The DASH, SPADI, and ASES have been studied most extensively, and yet even published validation studies of these instruments have limitations in study design, sample sizes, or evidence for dimensionality. Overall, the DASH received the best ratings for its clinimetric properties.

Femoroacetabular impingement in 45 professional athletes: associated pathologies and return to sport following arthroscopic decompression

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when an osseous abnormality of the proximal femur (cam) or acetabulum (pincer) triggers damage to the acetabular labrum and articular cartilage in the hip. Although the precise etiology of FAI is not well understood, both types of FAI are common in athletes presenting with hip pain, loss of range-of-motion, and disability in athletics. An open surgical approach to decompressing FAI has shown good clinical outcomes; however, this highly invasive approach inherently may delay or preclude a high level athlete's return to play. The purpose of this study was to define associated pathologies and determine if an arthroscopic approach to treating FAI can allow professional athletes to return to high-level sport. Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI allows professional athletes to return to professional sport. Between October 2000 and September 2005, 45 professional athletes underwent hip arthroscopy for the decompression of FAI. Operative and return-to-play data were obtained from patient records. Average time to follow-up was 1.6 years (range: 6 months to 5.5 years). Forty two (93%) athletes returned to professional competition following arthroscopic decompression of FAI. Three athletes did not return to play; however, all had diffuse osteoarthritis at the time of arthroscopy. Thirty-five athletes (78%) remain active in professional sport at an average follow-up of 1.6 years. Arthroscopic treatment of FAI allows professional athletes to return to professional sport.

Delayed onset of electromyographic activity of vastus medialis obliquus relative to vastus lateralis in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether electromyographic (EMG) onsets of vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) are altered in the presence of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) during the functional task of stair stepping.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

University laboratory.

PATIENTS

Thirty-three subjects with PFPS and 33 asymptomatic controls.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects ascended and descended a set of stairs-2 steps, each 20-cm high-at usual stair-stepping pace. EMG readings of VMO and VL taken on middle stair during step up (concentric contraction) and step down (eccentric contraction).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Relative difference in onset of surface EMG activity of VMO compared with VL during a stair-stepping task. EMG onsets were determined by using a computer algorithm and were verified visually.

RESULTS

In the PFPS population, the EMG onset of VL occurred before that of VMO in both the step up and step down phases of the stair-stepping task (p <.05). In contrast, no such differences occurred in the onsets of EMG activity of VMO and VL in either phase of the task for the control subjects.

CONCLUSION

This finding supports the hypothesized relationship between changes in the timing of activity of the vastimuscles and PFPS. This finding provides theoretical rationale to support physiotherapy treatment commonly used in the management of PFPS.

The active compression test: a new and effective test for diagnosing labral tears and acromioclavicular joint abnormality

Labral tears and acromioclavicular joint abnormalities were differentiated on physical examination using a new diagnostic test. The standing patient forward flexed the arm to 90 degrees with the elbow in full extension and then adducted the arm 10 degrees to 15 degrees medial to the sagittal plane of the body and internally rotated it so that the thumb pointed downward. The examiner, standing behind the patient, applied a uniform downward force to the arm. With the arm in the same position, the palm was then fully supinated and the maneuver was repeated. The test was considered positive if pain was elicited during the first maneuver, and was reduced or eliminated with the second. Pain localized to the acromioclavicular joint or "on top" was diagnostic of acromioclavicular joint abnormality, whereas pain or painful clicking described as "inside" the shoulder was considered indicative of labral abnormality. A prospective study was performed on 318 patients to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the test. Fifty-three of 56 patients whose preoperative examinations indicated a labral tear had confirmed labral tears that were repaired at surgery. Fifty-five of 62 patients who had pain in the acromioclavicular joint and whose preoperative examinations indicated abnormalities in the joint had positive clinical, operative, or radiographic evidence of acromioclavicular injury. There were no false-negative results in either group.

Inferior joint space arthrography and characteristics of condylar paths in internal derangements of the TMJ

Inferior joint space arthrography and measurements of the condylar path provide scientific documentation of derangement of the TMJ disc and condyle. These derangements are described as an anterior displacement of the disk associated with posterior-superior displacement of the condyle when the teeth are closed into the intercuspal position. Clinical studies demonstrate that approximately 70% of a TMJ patient population present with some type or stage of these derangements. These observations have far-reaching implications regarding contemporary dental curriculum, particularly concerning exegesis of the MPD syndrome theory and concepts of dysfunctional dental occlusion.

Prospective analysis of hip arthroscopy with 10-year followup

Arthroscopic surgery of the hip is a well-established technique with numerous recognized indications. Despite the well-accepted nature of this procedure, there have been no outcomes studies with extended followup. We investigated the response to hip arthroscopy in a consecutive series of patients with 10 years followup. Since 1993, all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy have been assessed prospectively with a modified Harris hip score preoperatively and then postoperatively at 3, 12, 24, 60, and 120 months. A cohort of 50 patients (52 hips) was identified who had achieved 10-year followup and represent the substance of this study. There was 100% followup. The average age of the patients was 38 years (range, 14-84 years), with 27 males and 23 females. The median improvement was 25 points (preoperative, 56 points; postoperative, 81 points). Fourteen patients were converted to THA and two died. Four patients underwent repeat arthroscopy. There were two complications in one patient. The presence of arthritis at the time of the index procedure was an indicator of poor prognosis. This study substantiates the long-term effectiveness of arthroscopy in the hip as treatment for various disorders, including labral pathology, chondral damage, synovitis, and loose bodies. Arthritis is an indicator of poor long-term outcomes with these reported methods.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Polyethylene wear and acetabular component orientation

BACKGROUND

Polyethylene wear contributes substantially to both periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening after total hip arthroplasty. Acetabular component orientation has been shown to affect the range of motion of the hip as well as contact stresses. A series of studies was designed to test the hypothesis that acetabular component orientation can affect the magnitude and direction of polyethylene wear.

METHODS

A finite-element model was used to compute contact stresses during a normal gait cycle. Wear at the end of each gait cycle was calculated with use of the sliding-distance-coupled finite-element formulation. The wear that was calculated with use of finite-element analysis was validated by comparison with the findings of hip wear simulator studies with the acetabular liner oriented to simulate 45 degrees and 55 degrees of abduction. In a clinical study, fifty-six patients who underwent sixty hip arthroplasties with use of a single prosthetic design were followed for as long as five years. Radiographs were analyzed to measure the abduction angle of the acetabular component and polyethylene wear.

RESULTS

The finite-element analysis predicted increased peak contact stresses with an increased abduction angle and reduced peak contact stresses with an increased anteversion angle. Linear wear rates ranging from 0.036 to 0.045 mm/million cycles were also predicted, and increased acetabular abduction angles were predicted to be associated with higher linear wear rates. In the hip wear simulator studies, significantly different wear rates were found between the cups with acetabular abduction angles of 45 degrees and 55 degrees (mean, 17.2 compared with 21.7 mg/million cycles; p < 0.01). In the clinical study, radiographic analysis revealed significant correlation between the acetabular abduction angle and the linear polyethylene wear rate. A 40% increase in mean linear polyethylene wear was seen in cups with an abduction angle of >or=45 degrees. The direction of wear was more medial (by 9.4 degrees ) in cups with an abduction angle of <45 degrees.

CONCLUSION

All three studies presented here underlined the importance of optimizing the position of the acetabular component. Careful attention to acetabular position may help to minimize wear.

Normal and pathological adaptations of articular cartilage to joint loading

Joints are functional units that transmit mechanical loads between contacting bones during normal daily or specialized activities, e.g., sports. All components of the joint, i.e. articular cartilage, bone, muscles, ligaments/tendons and nerves, participate in load transmission. Failure in any of these components can cause joint malfunction, which, in turn, may lead to accumulation of damage in other joint components. Mechanical forces have great influence on the synthesis and rate of turnover of articular cartilage molecules, such as proteoglycans (PGs). Regular cyclic loading of the joint enhances PG synthesis and makes cartilage stiff. On the other hand, loading appears to have less evident effects on the articular cartilage collagen fibril network. Continuous compression of the cartilage diminishes PG synthesis and causes damage of the tissue through necrosis. The prevailing view is that osteoarthrosis (OA) starts from the cartilage surface through PG depletion and fibrillation of the superficial collagen network. It has also been suggested that the initial structural changes take place in the subchondral bone, especially when the joint is exposed to an impact type of loading. This in turn would create an altered stress pattern on joint surfaces, which leads to structural damage and mechanical failure of articular cartilage. The importance of the neuromuscular system to the initiation and progression of OA is still poorly understood. Many surgical extra- and intra-articular procedures have been used for the treatment of OA. Although some of the new methods, such as autologous chondrocyte transplantation and mosaicplasty, have given good clinical results, it is reasonable to emphasize that the methods still are experimental and more controlled studies are needed.

Diagnosis and relation to general health of shoulder disorders presenting to primary care

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively evaluate the incidence, spectrum of disease and relation to general health of shoulder disorders in primary care.

METHODS

Patients presenting with shoulder pain to two large general practices in the Cambridge area over a 1-month period were invited to participate. After consulting their general practitioner, patients were administered a demographic information questionnaire, a shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and a short form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Subsequent review in a clinic held by a rheumatology registrar every 2 weeks was undertaken.

RESULTS

The sex- and age-standardized incidence of shoulder pain was 9.5 per 1000 (95% confidence interval 7.9 to 11.2 per 1000). Rotator cuff tendinopathy was found in 85%, signs of impingement in 74%, acromioclavicular joint disease in 24%, adhesive capsulitis in 15% and referred pain in 7%. On the SPADI the mean disability subscale score was 45 (95% confidence interval 41 to 50) and the mean pain score was 58 (95% confidence interval 53 to 62) (range 0 to 100). Evaluation of general health status using the SF-36 showed the difference between population norms and those with shoulder pain was significant in six of the eight domains, being especially marked (greater than 20 point reduction) for emotional role, physical function and physical role.

CONCLUSION

Shoulder pain, most commonly due to rotator cuff tendinopathy, is associated with significantly reduced health when measured by both specific and generic means. Effort towards prevention and early intervention in these complaints is warranted.

Patellofemoral kinematics during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing knee extension in persons with lateral subluxation of the patella: a preliminary study

STUDY DESIGN

Single-group, repeated-measures design.

OBJECTIVE

To compare patellofemoral joint kinematics during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing knee extension in persons with lateral subluxation of the patella.

BACKGROUND

The only previous study to quantify differences in patellofemoral joint kinematics during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing tasks was limited in that static loading conditions were utilized. Differences in patellofemoral joint kinematics between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions have not been quantified during dynamic movement.

METHODS AND MEASURES

Six females with a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain and lateral subluxation of the patella participated. Using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging, axial images of the patellofemoral joint were obtained as subjects extended their knee from 45 degrees to 0 degrees during non-weight-bearing (5% body weight resistance) and weight-bearing (unilateral squat) conditions. Measurements of patellofemoral joint relationships (medial/lateral patellar displacement and patellar tilt), as well as femur and patella rotations relative to an external reference system (ie, the image field of view), were obtained at 3 degrees increments during knee extension.

RESULTS

During non-weight-bearing knee extension, lateral patellar displacement was more pronounced than during the weight-bearing condition between 30 degrees and 12 degrees of knee extension, with statistical significance being reached at 27 degrees, 24 degrees, and 21 degrees. No differences in lateral patellar tilt were observed between conditions (P = .065). During the weight-bearing condition, internal femoral rotation was significantly greater than during the non-weight-bearing condition as the knee extended from 18 degrees to 0 degrees. During the non-weight-bearing condition, the amount of lateral patellar rotation was significantly greater than during the weight-bearing condition throughout the range of motion tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that lateral patellar displacement was more pronounced during non-weight-bearing knee extension compared to weight-bearing knee extension in persons with lateral patellar subluxation. In addition, the results of this investigation suggest that the patellofemoral joint kinematics during non-weight-bearing could be characterized as the patella rotating on the femur, while the patellofemoral joint kinematics during the weight-bearing condition could be characterized as the femur rotating underneath the patella.

Subluxations and dislocations of the tendon of the long head of the biceps

Seventy-one cases of subluxation or dislocation of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) were retrospectively evaluated. Subluxation was observed in 25 (35%) cases combined with partial tearing of the subscapularis tendon and in 70% with tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Dislocation was defined as a permanent loss of contact between the tendon and the intertubercular groove; it was observed in 46 (65%) cases. Dislocation was associated with complete rupture of the subscapularis tendon in 23 cases, with partial tearing in 21 cases, and with an intact subscapularis tendon in 2 cases. Out of a series of 445 rotator cuff repairs, medial displacement of the LHB was found in 16%. In 70% of all cases dislocation of the long biceps tendon was associated with massive rotator cuff tears including the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. Although "pseudoparalysis" of the shoulder (sudden loss of active elevation) was observed in 46% of all cases, no specific clinical test correlated to the presence of medial displacement of the LHB. Arthrography revealed displacement of the LHB in 28%, whereas arthro-computed tomography demonstrated lesions in 76%. The authors believe that medial displacement of the LHB can easily be overlooked during open surgery, and opening of the rotator interval is an essential part of rotator cuff repair.

The contribution of reflex inhibition to arthrogenous muscle weakness

‘Arthrogenous muscle weakness’ is weakness of muscles acting about an injured or inflamed joint. The weakness may be due to loss of muscle or to inability to activate the muscle (Fig. 1). Weakness of the thigh muscles, and of the quadriceps in particular, is a common and important consequence of knee trauma, surgery or arthritis. Muscle weakness contributes significantly to disability and probably also renders the joint vulnerable to further damage (Fig. 1). This review starts with a brief discussion of the contribution of atrophy to weakness. It concentrates, however, on inhibition of quadriceps activation and suggests some therapeutic implications. It does not deal with the reduced oxidative capacity and increased fatiguability of disused muscle since, although important, these have not been part of our programme of work.

The association between posterior-inferior tibial slope and anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an increased posterior-inferior tibial slope (PITS) is associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and whether an increased PITS results in worse pivot-shift grades in ACL-insufficient patients. This study also examined the difference in PITS between men and women.

METHODS

We radiographically measured the PITS angle of 100 ACL-insufficient patients and 100 patients with patellofemoral pain (control patients). The mean PITS of male and female cases and control patients was compared to determine whether sex had an influence on the mean PITS angle. The measured PITS was compared with the pivot-shift grade with patients under anesthesia in a subgroup of 87 isolated ACL-insufficient patients with no other knee injury.

RESULTS

Female ACL-insufficient patients had a significantly greater PITS (12.0 degrees +/- 3.5 degrees ) than their negative controls (8.6 degrees +/- 2.7 degrees ) (P < .001). Male ACL-insufficient patients had a significantly greater PITS (10.8 degrees +/- 3.9 degrees ) than their negative controls (8.4 degrees +/- 3.4 degrees ) (P < .001). In the isolated ACL-insufficient patients, the high-grade pivot-shift patient group had a statistically significantly greater PITS (11.10 degrees +/- 3.85 degrees ) than the low-grade pivot-shift patient group (9.19 degrees +/- 3.58 degrees ) (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased PITS is associated with ACL rupture. A higher pivot-shift grade is associated with an increased degree of PITS. Female patients did not have a significantly greater mean PITS angle than male patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic case-control study.

Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of four knee outcome scales for athletic patients

BACKGROUND

Many patient-based knee-rating scales are available for the evaluation of athletic patients. However, there is little information on the measurement properties of these instruments and therefore no evidence to support the use of one questionnaire rather than another. The goal of the present study was to determine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of four knee-rating scales commonly used for the evaluation of athletic patients: the Lysholm scale, the subjective components of the Cincinnati knee-rating system, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons sports knee-rating scale, and the Activities of Daily Living scale of the Knee Outcome Survey.

METHODS

All patients in the study had a disorder of the knee and were active in sports (a Tegner score of 4 points). Forty-one patients who had a knee disorder that had stabilized and who were not receiving treatment were administered all four questionnaires at baseline and again at a mean of 5.2 days (range, two to fourteen days) later to test reliability. Forty-two patients were administered the scales at baseline and at a minimum of three months after treatment to test responsiveness. The responses of 133 patients at baseline were studied to test construct validity.

RESULTS

The reliability was high for all scales, with the intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 0.95. As for construct validity, the correlations among the knee scales ranged from 0.70 to 0.85 and those between the knee scales and the physical component scale of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the patient and clinician severity ratings ranged from 0.59 to 0.77. Responsiveness, measured with the standardized response mean, ranged from 0.8 for the Cincinnati knee-rating system to 1.1 for the Activities of Daily Living scale.

CONCLUSIONS

All four scales satisfied our criteria for reliability, validity, and responsiveness, and all are acceptable for use in clinical research.

Surgery for internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint

Three hundred and twenty-seven reconstructive arthroplasties and disk repositionings have been performed during the past 6 years at Montgomery Baptist Medical Center for patients with internal derangements of the TMJ. By our evaluation, 94% are remarkably successful, 4% are marginally successful, 1% are not improved, and less than 1% are failures. On the basis of these experiences, we believe that the surgical technique of reconstructive arthroplasty and disk repositioning has a definite place in the treatment of patients with internal derangements of the TMJ.

Blood-induced joint disease: the pathophysiology of hemophilic arthropathy

Arthropathy is a frequent and serious complication of repeated joint bleeding in patients with hemophilia, resulting in pain, deformity, and disability. Although the pathogenesis of hemophilic arthropathy has not been fully elucidated, it appears to have similarities with the degenerative joint damage that occurs in osteoarthritis and the inflammatory processes associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This article reviews the potential actions of various blood constituents on joint components that culminate in the development of hemophilic arthropathy.