Clinical News - Orthopedic Surgery

August 2011

Double gracilis transfer supports robust brachial plexus reconstruction

High-energy impacts such as vehicular collisions often result in complete avulsion of the brachial plexus and loss of upper extremity function. New reconstruction techniques are evolving, including Mayo Clinic's modifications to functioning free muscle transfer (FFMT) of the gracilis. Read more.

Novel staging and classification scheme improves treatment of sacral cancers

Most primary tumors of the sacrum require an oncologic sacral resection, a challenging and resource-intensive operation. Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeons' extensive and high-volume experience with these resections has enabled them to develop a staging and classification scheme for sacral resections. Read more.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty benefits a range of shoulder pathologies

With improvements in implant technology and refinements in reverse shoulder arthroplasty technique, excellent functional outcomes are obtained in select patients with rotator cuff deficiencies. The reverse approach is also successfully used across a broad spectrum of shoulder pathologies. Read more.

Tantalum cone implants prove durable in revision total knee arthroplasty

Reconstruction of large bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty remains challenging. A Mayo Clinic study of a new alternative to do this, metaphyseal-filling implants fabricated from porous tantalum, provides encouraging results in 24 patients. Read more.

Fall-prevention training targets amputees wounded in war

Mayo Clinic orthopedic researchers are working to improve the mobility of war-wounded amputees through a novel high-technology rehabilitation study. They are collaborating in a new $2.4 million Applied Research and Advanced Technology Development Award from the Defense Department. Read more.