Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a potent myogenic factor that plays a critical role in muscle regeneration and muscle hypertrophy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of IGF-I overexpression on the recovery of muscle size and function during reloading/reambulation after a period of cast immobilization in predominantly fast twitch muscles. In addition, we investigated co...

In the period from January 1980 until December 1990 we treated 147 children and adolescents with supracondylar humerus fracture, and followed the outcome in 127 of them. Three (2.4%) patients had no displacement of fractured bones and were treated only with plaster cast immobilization. Twenty three (18.1%) underwent closed reduction of fragments and application of a plaster cast. The majority (...

BACKGROUND It is commonly believed that early motion after joint fixation is advantageous, especially in the upper limb. In the ankle joint this is much less clear. No previous systematic review of the evidence for this could be found in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine randomized control trials were identified which met the inclusion criteria and compared early motion of the ankle ...

[Purpose] Atrophy is a common phenomenon caused by prolonged muscle disuse associated with bed-rest, aging, and immobilization. However, changes in the expression of atrophy-related myoglobin are still poorly understood. In the present study, we examined whether or not myoglobin expression is altered in the gastrocnemius muscles of rats after seven days of cast immobilization. [Methods] We cond...

BACKGROUND Immobilization and associated periods of inactivity can cause osteopenia, the physiological response of the bone to disuse. Mechanical loading plays an essential role in maintaining bone integrity. Skeletal fractures represent one cause of reduction of the physical activity (PA) level in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to quantify the reduction of PA in adolescents with li...

BACKGROUND Guidelines and clinical practice vary considerably with respect to thrombosis prophylaxis during plaster cast immobilization of the lower extremity. Identifying patients at high risk for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) would provide a basis for considering individual thromboprophylaxis use and planning treatment studies. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate ...

BACKGROUND A variety of cast options are available for the non-surgical treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) in adults. However, the literature is inconclusive regarding the need to immobilize the elbow joint after reduction in order to prevent rotation of the forearm in order to maintain the reduction of DRF. This study aimed to evaluate the best method of immobilization between above-el...

BACKGROUND Scaphoid fractures are common but may be missed on initial radiographs. Advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved diagnostic accuracy, but at an increased initial cost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of immediate advanced imaging for suspected occult scaphoid fractures. METHODS A...