TIP:  When testing for subscapularis dysfunction or weakness, the behind the back lift off test is optimal, and addresses the distal part of the tendon.  If the person is in too much pain or has limited IR to begin with, the Belly Press Test is an option, which stresses the proximal part of the musculotendinous junction.

TIP:  A recent study looking at long head biceps tendon ruptures found that 26% of those with a rupture had no Popeye muscle sign at either rest or during active contraction, 17% had the sign at both phases, and 57% had no resting sign but did have one during active contraction.  All presented with minimal muscle test loss and mostly complained about cosmetic effects.  Fatigue was the chief source of discomfort.

TIP:  Rotator cuff tears that are kept waiting for repair longer than 6 weeks end up with more fatty infiltration into the tendon and lower strength return long term when compared to those who received the repair within the 6 week post-injury period.

TIP:  The British issue of JBJS found that carpal tunnel surgery success declined with increasing age, with a significant drop off after the age of 60.  Something to think about when your patients in this age range are contemplating surgery.

NEWS:  A long term study of patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease found that those with a femoral head shape that is either normal or flat have a fairly good long term prognosis.  Those with an irregular shaped head or very irregular shape had a poor long-term prognosis.

NEWS:  A recent study in Harlem found that over 25% of the children suffer from asthma.  It appears that dust mites, mold, diesel fumes, cockroach and rodent dander are all aggravating factors.

NEWS:  Botox injections are now being studied for cervical dystonia, bladder spapsms, carpal tunnel syndrome, club feet, CVA induced drooling, TMJ muscle spasms, migraines, and uncontrollable blinking.  The club-foot study showed excellent long term results with no surgery required on those treated appropriately.

NEW LINKS

PDS Solutions offers software for PT and OT, including scheduling and treatment guidelines
The Video Journal of Orthopaedics provides videos of ortho surgery
Consumer Lab tests herbal supplements for effectiveness
Alpha Stim website provides over 40 studies on their unit
The Kaiser Permanente website offers treatment guidelines and news
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Organization
The Chiropractic Report
Canadian Medical Association Journal
PT Literature Update is a site that for a fee provides updates on current literature..hmmmm, sounds familiar!
Springer Journals dealing with orthopaedics, sports traumatology, and more
The Cochrane Collaboration Project
Mark Schwall's The Rehab Spot
Biblioscape
Science Direct offers access to huge amounts of articles and journals
Endnote database