RESUMO
Polymethyl methacrylate remains the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved method of total elbow arthroplasty fixation and exhibits high aseptic loosening rates that result in challenging revision surgeries and potential morbidity secondary to bone-cement implantation syndrome. In this policy paper, the authors aim to explore the historical background of polymethyl methacrylate and the complications that arise in association with its use. We will review arthroplasty trends in the elbow and lower extremities and the challenges with the US Food and Drug Administration-approval process.
RESUMO
Purpose: Although the literature has shown that the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the carpal tunnel on ultrasound is enlarged in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, it does not provide information regarding whether proximal nerve pathology, such as that seen in cervical radiculopathy, increases the CSA of the median nerve. Methods: In this study, 15 patients were enrolled who had a clinical diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy but not carpal tunnel syndrome. All patients underwent electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasound measurement of the CSA of the median nerve. Results: Increased median nerve CSA was seen in 1 of 15 patients (7%). Positive findings of cervical radiculopathy were found in 7 patients (47%) by electrodiagnostic studies. Conclusions: In patients clinically diagnosed with isolated cervical radiculopathy, the vast majority have normal median nerve CSA measured on ultrasound. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic IV.