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Septic arthritis (SA) is an emergency orthopedic condition that carries significant patient morbidity and mortality. Clinical data and blood test analyses are fairly unreliable in making the diagnosis and, therefore, utilizing a feasible and reliable diagnostic tool is desirable, particularly in emergency settings where rapid diagnosis is pivotal. Here, we report the case of a 58-year-old male presenting to the emergency department with a swollen elbow. After demonstration of a large articular effusion with point-of-care ultrasound, the synovial fluid analysis was compatible with SA. The patient was treated with elbow arthrotomy and systemic antibiotics and discharged shortly thereafter, uneventfully. Finally, we discuss the impact of ultrasound in diagnosing SA and the many advantages that make it the first-line tool in urgent care.

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Ulnar collateral, radial collateral, lateral ulnar collateral, and annular ligaments can be injured in an acute trauma, such as valgus stress in athletes and elbow dislocation. Recognizing normal anatomy in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography studies is important to identify ligamentous abnormalities in these imaging modalities.

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RESUMEN: El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la morfometría del extremo proximal del radio, mediante mediciones efectuadas en la cabeza, cuello y tuberosidad del radio, en una población chilena y compararlas según sexo. Se efectuó un estudio transversal analizando exámenes de Tomografía Computarizada (TC) de codo, realizados entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. Se incluyó 32 TC, correspondientes a 16 hombres y 16 mujeres. Se transfirió las imágenes formateadas al software RadiAnt, para efectuar las mediciones en el radio proximal. El análisis estadístico de los resultados se realizó mediante el software SPSS 22. El diámetro de la cabeza del radio en hombres osciló entre 22,8±1,3 y 25,0±1,7 mm; en mujeres osciló entre 19,4±1,4 y 20,7±1,4 mm. El diámetro del cuello del radio proximal en hombres osciló entre 14,0±0,8 y 15,6±0,7 mm; en mujeres osciló entre 11,7±0,8 y 13,3±1,3 mm. El diámetro del cuello del radio distal en hombres osciló entre 14,4±1,0 y 16,0±1,2 mm; en mujeres osciló entre 12,5±1,0 y 13,8±1,5 mm. El diámetro de la tuberosidad radial en hombres osciló entre 15,1±1,5 y 17,7±1,8 mm; en mujeres osciló entre 13,2±1,1 y 15,5±1,8 mm. El promedio de altura de la cabeza del radio fue de 11,2±1,2 mm en hombres y de 9,5+0,8 mm en mujeres. El análisis comparativo entre sexos mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todas las mediciones precedentes. El promedio de altura del cuello del radio fue de 11,2±1,2 mm en hombres y 10,1±1,6 mm en mujeres, sin diferencia significativa (p= 0,15). Los valores promedios de la morfometría del radio proximal de la población chilena difieren de los descritos para la población europea y presentan algunas similitudes con la población china. Nuestros resultados pueden ser de utilidad para el diseño de implantes y prótesis para el extremo proximal del radio y para una correcta planificación quirúrgica en ortopedia y traumatología.

SUMMARY: The aim of this research was to determine the morphometry of the proximal radius in a Chilean population, by means of measurements made in head of radius, neck of radius and radial tuberosity, and to compare them according to sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted analyzing Computed Tomography scans (CT) of elbows, performed between January 2014 and December 2018. Thirty-two CT corresponding to 16 men and 16 women were included. The formatted images were transferred to the RadiAnt software in order to perform measurements in the proximal radius. The statistical analysis of the results was performed using the SPSS 22 software. The diameter of the head of radius in men ranged between 22.8±1.3 and 25.0±1.7 mm; in women it ranged between 19.4±1.4 and 20.7±1.4 mm. The diameter of the proximal neck of radius in men ranged between 14.0±0.8 and 15.6±0.7 mm; in women, it ranged between 11.7±0.8 and 13.3±1.3 mm. The diameter of the distal neck of radius in men ranged between 14.4±1.0 and 16.0±1.2 mm; in women, it ranged between 12.5±1.0 and 13.8±1.5 mm. The diameter of radial tuberosty in men ranged between 15.1±1.5 and 17.7±1.8 mm; in women, it ranged between 13.2±1.1 and 15.5±1.8 mm. The mean height of the head of radius was 11.2±1.2 mm in men and 9.5±0.8 mm in women. Statistically significant sex differences were revealed in all the preceding measurements. The mean height of the neck of radius was 11.2±1.2 mm in men and 10.1±1.6 mm in women, with no significant difference (p= 0.15). The average values of morphometry of the proximal radius of the Chilean population differ from those describing the European population, and show some similarities with the Chinese population. Our results may be useful to design of implants and prostheses for the proximal radius, and to correct surgical planning in orthopedics and traumatology.

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PURPOSE: The cubital tunnel is limited anteriorly by the medial epicondyle (ME), laterally by the medial collateral ligament, and superiorly by Osborne's fascia and the cubital tunnel retinaculum. Previous studies were mostly dedicated to the roof of the cubital tunnel, in the way that the study of the groove for ulnar nerve and ME anatomy is relatively scarce in the literature. We sought to describe the radiological anatomy of the groove for ulnar nerve and ME in healthy volunteers with multiplanar computed tomography (CT). METHODS: We analyzed 3D CT images of 30 healthy volunteers (mean age 39 years, range 18-66 years). Nine variables were measured from the right elbow, including sizes, areas and angles in two different planes (coronal and axial). RESULTS: Mean ME width and length were 17.3 ± 3.5 mm and 31.7 ± 4.5 mm, respectively. According to categorical correlation studies, ME width (X) was deemed the most representative morphological characteristic because of the positive correlation to five other different anatomical measurements. A three-tiered anatomical classification was proposed based on data distribution. CONCLUSION: Large individual variation is found in the shape of ME, both in coronal and axial planes. The knowledge of individual osseous morphology is of great value potentially contributing to the surgical decision-making in patients affected by cubital tunnel syndrome.

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PURPOSE: Previous evidence from surface electromyograms (EMGs) suggests that exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) may manifest unevenly within the muscle. Here we investigated whether these regional changes were indeed associated with EIMD or if they were attributed to spurious factors often affecting EMGs. METHODS: Ten healthy male subjects performed 3 × 10 eccentric elbow flexions. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), muscle soreness and ultrasound images from biceps brachii distal and proximal regions were measured immediately before (baseline) and during each of the following 4 days after the exercise. Moreover, 64 monopolar surface EMGs were detected while 10 supramaximal pulses were applied to the musculocutaneous nerve. The innervation zone (IZ), the number of electrodes detecting largest M-waves and their centroid longitudinal coordinates were assessed to characterize the spatial distribution of the M-waves amplitude. RESULTS: The MVC torque decreased (~ 25%; P < 0.001) while the perceived muscle soreness scale increased (~ 4 cm; 0 cm for no soreness and 10 cm for highest imaginable soreness; P < 0.005) across days. The echo intensity of the ultrasound images increased at 48 h (71%), 72 h (95%) and 96 h (112%) for both muscle regions (P < 0.005), while no differences between regions were observed (P = 0.136). The IZ location did not change (P = 0.283). The number of channels detecting the greatest M-waves significantly decreased (up to 10.7%; P < 0.027) and the centroid longitudinal coordinate shifted distally at 24, 48 and 72 h after EIMD (P < 0.041). CONCLUSION: EIMD consistently changed supramaximal M-waves that were detected mainly proximally from the biceps brachii, suggesting that EIMD takes place locally within the biceps brachii.

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BACKGROUND: Athletes are prone to both acute and chronic overuse injuries of the elbow joint. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency, anatomic distribution, and severity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected elbow joint injuries among athletes who competed in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics. METHODS: All sports injuries reported by the National Olympic Committee medical teams and the Organizing Committee medical staff during the 2016 Summer Olympics were analyzed. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at the International Olympic Committee's polyclinic within the Olympic Village, using 3- and 1.5-T scanners. The MRIs were read centrally and retrospectively by musculoskeletal radiologists with expertise in sports injuries. The distribution of elbow joint injuries by anatomic location and sports discipline and the severity of injuries were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1101 injuries were reported in the 11,274 athletes from 207 teams at the Games. Central review of MRI revealed elbow joint injuries in 15 athletes (60% male; median age, 22 years; range, 18-39 years). Ligamentous injuries were most common, with injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament being the most prevalent (n = 12; 80%), followed by the common flexor tendon (n = 8; 53%). Osseous injuries were far less common (n = 3; 20%), with no acute fractures seen. Weightlifting (n = 4; 27%) and judo (n = 4; 27%) athletes were most commonly affected. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging-detected elbow injuries during the 2016 Summer Olympics affected mainly the ulnar collateral ligament and the common flexor tendon, with the highest occurrence in weight lifting and judo.

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OBJECTIVES: To determine whether point-of-care elbow ultrasound (US), with history and physical examination, can decrease radiography for patients with elbow trauma. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of pediatric emergency department (PED) length of stay (LOS) and test performance characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective study of patients up to age 21 years with elbow trauma necessitating radiography. After clinical examination and before radiography, pediatric emergency physicians performed elbow ultrasonography of the posterior fat pad and determined whether radiography was required. All patients underwent elbow radiography and received clinical follow-up. Times for US and radiography were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with a mean age of 7.9 years were enrolled, 42 of whom had a fracture. In 23 patients, the physician determined that radiography could be eliminated. Elbow US combined with clinical suspicion for fracture had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 92%-100%). Elbow US took a median of 3 minutes (IQR, 2-5 minutes), and completion and interpretation of elbow radiography took a median of 60 minutes (IQR, 43-84 minutes). The overall sensitivity of elbow US was 88% (95% CI, 75%-96%). CONCLUSIONS: Elbow US has a high sensitivity to rule out fracture and is best used in patients with a low clinical suspicion of fracture. The use of conventional radiography and PED LOS may be reduced in patients with a low clinical concern for fracture and normal elbow US.

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We report a 68-year-old woman presenting with pain and swelling in her left elbow. An elbow magnetic resonance with gadolinium evidenced bone marrow infiltration and a bone infarct. Given these findings, a body CT scan was performed which showed multiple mesenteric adenopathies and a large retroperitoneal mass. A lymph node biopsy confirmed a B cell lymphoma. Monoarthritis with no systemic manifestations represents a highly uncommon form of presentation of lymphoma. Moreover it usually affects inferior limbs, particularly in the presence of bone infarction.

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La osificación heterotópica es una condición patológica que conduce al desarrollo de hueso en el tejido blando. En la piel se denomina osteoma cutis. Estas lesiones se clasifican en primarias o secundarias. Las causas secundarias constituyen el 85% y son consecuencia de enfermedades inflamatorias, infecciones, tumores, traumatismos, lesiones de médula espinal y cirugías. Si bien la osificación heterotópica es benigna e infrecuente, puede ser una enfermedad debilitante que, asociada a dolor y rigidez, provoque mayor comorbilidad en relación con la enfermedad que la desencadenó. Comunicamos el caso de un paciente que padeció osteoma cutis asociado a tuberculosis osteoarticular

Heterotopic ossification is a patologic condition that leads bone formation in soft tissue. In particular, osteoma curtis, which can be primary or secundary, occurs when ossification if found in the skin. Secondary lessions account 85% of the cases described and they are by inflammatory diseases, infections, tumors, traumas, spinal cord lesions and surgeries. Whereas heterotopic ossification is benign and rare, it may result in wasting sickness that in combination with pain and stiffness, adding comorbidity to the disease that triggers. We report here a patient suffering osteomas cutis and osteoarticular tuberculosis. (AU)

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Introducción: la sobrecarga en valgo y extensión (choque posteromedial) es una lesión que se presenta con cierta frecuencia en atletas de lanzamiento, que en ocasiones puede requerir de cirugía para que el atleta pueda seguir compitiendo. Objetivos: realizar el diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome de sobrecarga en valgo y extensión en atletas, hacer diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento adecuado. Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo de intervención que incluyó a deportistas de alto rendimiento operados por síndrome de sobrecarga en valgo y extensión. La muestra estuvo formada por 8 pacientes, todos masculinos, edad media 26 años (rango entre 22 y 29), deportes que practicaban: 6 béisbol (5 lanzadores y uno jardinero), un paciente de pesas y otro de jabalina. El tiempo de seguimiento mínimo fue de 6 meses y máximo de 4 años y una media de 2.3 años. Resultados: fueron operados ocho pacientes, de ellos cuatro presentaban neuropatía por compresión del nervio cubital a nivel del codo, a cuatro se les realizó además transferencia del nervio cubital, dos subcutáneo y en dos se le realizó una polea con fascia flexora pronadora. Las complicaciones que se presentaron fueron: recidiva del dolor por insuficiencia del ligamento colateral medial (1/8) pacientes. Los resultados funcionales según escala de Conway fueron excelentes (5/8), bueno (2/8) y pobre (1/8). Conclusiones: el estrés repetido, la insuficiencia de los flexores pronadores y del ligamento colateral medial son las causas desencadenantes del síndrome de sobrecarga en valgo y extensión. La cirugía favorece el retorno a la actividad deportiva en la mayoría de los atletas(AU)

Introduction: valgus extension overload (posteromedial shock) is a type of injure that is relatively frequent in throwing athletes and may require surgical procedures to be performed so that the athlete can keep on competing. Objective: To early diagnose and adequately treat the valgus extension overload syndrome in athletes. Methods: a prospective, longitudinal and intervention study was conducted in high performance athletes operated on for valgus extension overload syndrome. The sample was made up of 8 male athletes aged 26 years as average (range of 22 to 29 years), who practiced baseball (five pitchers and one outfielder), weightlifting (one) and javelin throw (one). The minimal follow-up was 6 months and the maximum was 4 years, for a mean of 2.3 years. Results: eight patients were operated on, four of them presented with neuropathy from compressed cubital nerve at the elbow; four underwent transfer of their cubital nerve, two subcutaneous and two with a pulley with flexor pronator fascia. The most observed complication was pain relapse due to medial collateral ligament insufficiency in one patient. The functional results according to Conway's scale were excellent in 5 patients, good in two and unsatisfactory in just one patient. Conclusions: repeated stress, insufficiency in flexor pronators and in the medial collateral ligament were the causes that unleash the valgus extension overload syndrome. The surgical procedure helps most of the athletes to come back to their normal sports activity(AU)

Introduction: la surcharge en valgus et en extension (choc postéro-médial) est une lésion assez fréquente chez les sportifs de lancers exigeant parfois un traitement chirurgical pour qu'ils puissent retourner aux compétitions. Objectifs: cette étude a été visée à déterminer un diagnostic précoce et un traitement approprié du syndrome de surcharge en valgus et en extension chez des athlètes. Méthodes: une étude longitudinale prospective interventionnelle comprenant des sportifs de haut niveau, traités chirurgicalement pour syndrome de surcharge en valgus et en extension, a été effectuée. L'échantillon est composé de 8 patients, tous du sexe masculin, âge moyen de 26 ans (22-29 ans), pratiquant baseball (5 lanceurs et 1 joueur de champ), haltérophilie (1), et lancer du javelot (1), avec un suivi de 6 mois au minimum et 4 ans au maximum, et une médiane de 2.3 ans. Résultats: sur 8 patients opérés, quatre étaient atteints d'une neuropathie par pincement du nerf cubital au niveau du coude, quatre ont subi une chirurgie de transfert du nerf cubital, 2 sous-cutanés, et 2 ont subi la reconstruction de poulie par plastie autologue de fascia des fléchisseurs-pronateurs. Dans un seul cas, une complication est survenue: douleur récidivante due à un trouble du ligament collatéral médial. Selon l'échelle de Conway, les résultats sont excellents (5 patients), bons (2 patients) et faibles (1 patient). Conclusions: on conclut que le stress persistant et les troubles des fléchisseurs pronateurs et du ligament collatéral médial entraînent un syndrome de surcharge en valgus et en extension, et c'est le traitement chirurgical qui permet le retour de la plupart des athlètes affectés à la pratique de leur sport respectif(AU)

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Traumatic elbow dislocation in the pediatric population is a particularly unusual injury. It was first described by Stimson in 1900 and almost 100 years later revisited by Tachdjian in 1990. Three percent of cases are associated with lateral epicondyle fracture, so this is an infrequent injury that has been described in only a few papers as case reports. The mechanism of injury is not clearly known, nor is the best type of treatment or its complications. We report herein the case of a five year-old girl with fracture dislocation of the lateral epicondyle who was managed with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with Kirschner nails, with good functional results.

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The purpose of this investigation was to compare partial range-of-motion vs. full range-of-motion upper-body resistance training on strength and muscle thickness (MT) in young men. Volunteers were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (a) full range of motion (FULL; n = 15), (b) partial range of motion (PART; n = 15), or (c) control (CON; n = 10). The subjects trained 2 d · wk(-1) for 10 weeks in a periodized program. Primary outcome measures included elbow flexion maximal strength measured by 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and elbow flexors MT measured by ultrasound. The results indicated that elbow flexion 1RM significantly increased (p < 0.05) for the FULL (25.7 ± 9.6%) and PART groups (16.0 ± 6.7%) but not for the CON group (1.7 ± 5.5%). Also, FULL 1RM strength was significantly greater than the PART 1RM after the training period. Average elbow flexor MT significantly increased for both training groups (9.65 ± 4.4% for FULL and 7.83 ± 4.9 for PART). These data suggest that muscle strength and MT can be improved with both FULL and PART resistance training, but FULL may lead to greater strength gains.

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OBJECTIVE: To report a case of primary hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis (TC) and its long-term 10-year follow-up. PATIENT: The patient was an 18-year-old male, who had been diagnosed with TC at the age of 8 years. In spite of nine surgeries for tumoral resection and medical treatments (i.e., aluminum hydroxide, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) the lesions continued to progress. Physical examination showed calcified masses on shoulders, hip, elbows and right foot. PTH, calcitonin, 25(OH) vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, renal and liver function, electrolytes, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and magnesium were normal. Serum phosphorus was elevated. FGF-23 (C-terminal): 1960 RU/mL (<180) Radiological and histological studies were compatible with TC. CONCLUSION: This long-term follow-up illustrates the morbidity and difficulty in treating these patients due to the progressive and recurrent nature of the calcified masses, for which there is no effective treatment as yet. The discovery of FGF-23 as the factor responsible for the hyperphosphatemic type of TC paves the way for forthcoming therapies.

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Radial head replacement in complex elbow fractures (Mason III) with either bony or ligamentous injuries or interosseous membrane rupture is unquestionable. Actual modular and metallic prosthesis ease the mounting technique and ensure durability. Nevertheless, these types of prostheses are not always available in a short time in our daily practice. We present the use of a transient polymethacrylate spacer as an alternative in nonreconstructable complex radial head fractures with a unstable elbow. We assessed 38 patients between 2006 and 2007, with a median follow-up of 53.8 months. We included 14 Mason IV; 8 Monteggia (posterior); 7 Mason III with either associated medial collateral ligament or interosseous membrane injury; 6 elbow triads; and 3 Essex-Lopresti lesions. With the Mayo elbow performance score and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score questionnaire, we assessed the functionality. Anatomic results were evaluated with x-ray scans of the elbow and wrist using the Broberg and Morrey and the Knirk and Jupiter scales. Functional results were as follows: 14--excellent, 14--good, 8--fair, and 2--poor. Assessment through disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score questionnaire was 18.7% in average. There was a statistically significant relationship between joint stability and motion. Of the patients, 70% showed mild or moderate chondromalacia of the capitellum and 90% showed osteolysis on the proximal metaphysis of the radius, both events related to follow-up time but not to pain or range of movement. Of the cases, 30% showed heterotopic calcifications and 35% showed moderate arthrosis between the ulna and the humerus. None of the patients presented wrist arthrosis. Complications were 1 deep infection and 1 spacer luxation because of fatigue and ulna plate rupture (Monteggia posterior). In 6 patients, we had to remove the spacer because of pain and/or functional limitation, and 2 of these patients remained with moderate valgus instability after removal. We consider using this type of spacer in those complex situations in which the definitive prosthesis is not available, because it is cheap and resistant to axial and valgus forces. In spite of the good anatomic and functional results obtained and the low complication rate, we firmly think that the spacer should only be used in a transient manner and in special situations, although in this series, only 8 of the 38 patients have accepted to have the spacer removed.

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A displasia de cotovelo é uma osteocondrose comum em cães jovens de raças grandes a gigantes cujos fatores de riscos incluem nutrição, genética e manejo. Avaliações clínicas e radiográficas foram feitas em 30 cães da raça Retriever do Labrador com idade acima de 12 meses, independentemente de sintomatologia. Também foram incluídos animais com idade inferior a 12 meses de idade, caso sintomáticos. Os sinais radiográficos de displasia de cotovelo foram identificados em 36,1% dos animais (11/30). A incongruência articular e a fragmentação do processo coronóide medial da ulna foram as principais causas identificadas e coexistiram na maioria dos casos (9/11). A efusão e crepitação articulares foram os sinais clínicos que melhor se associaram à doença. Embora não tenha sido possível comprovar estatisticamente, a projeção mediolateral em semiflexão foi aquela que permitiu identificar o maior número de alterações radiográficas. A presença de osteófitos na cabeça do rádio foi o sinal mais frequente de doença articular degenerativa (10/11). O estudo confirma a displasia de cotovelo como um frequente distúrbio do desenvolvimento esquelético na raça e alerta para a necessidade de rigorosa seleção reprodutiva destes animais.

Elbow dysplasia is a common manifestation of osteochondrosis in young dogs from large to giant breeds with risk factors including nutrition, genetics and handling. Clinical and radiographic evaluations of 30 Labrador Retrievers, at random, were performed. The study included animals above 12 months of age. Exceptions were symptomatic dogs below 12 months of age. Radiographic signs of elbow dysplasia were identified in 36,1% of individuals (11/30). Elbow incongruency and fragmented coronoid process were the main causes and coexisted in most of the cases. Joint effusion and creptation were the clinical signs which better associated with the disease. Even though it was not statistically significant, semiflexed mediolateral projection allowed identification of most of the radiographical findings. Osteophytes on radial head were the most common finding of degenerative articular disease (10/11). The investigation confirmed elbow dysplasia as one of the main growth skeletal disturbance in this breed and calls for the necessity of a rigorous reproductive selection of those animals.

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The most common source of occupational injury to dentists is percutaneous puncture of the hands from "sharps". We report a percutaneous injury involving a dentist where the tip of a dental bur became implanted in his elbow. The dentist had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and both the patient and dentist were Hiv and Hepatitis B seronegative immediately after the incident. Surgical exploration of the dentist's elbow the following day was unsuccessful in locating the bur tip. The dentist remains healthy and is not incapacitated as a result of the injury, despite retention of the bur tip. This accident has implications for modifying the design of present and future dental units. We are not aware of a previous report of this type of injury.

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