Faculty Bibliography

Selective fusion of thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a concept critically debated in the literature. While some surgeons strongly believe that a more rigid and straighter spine provides predictably excellent outcomes, some surgeons recommend a mobile and less straight spine. This topic is a crucial part of surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, particularly in young patients who will deal with the stress of the fusion mass at the proximal and distal junctions over many years. This study will review the literature on various aspects of selective fusion.

Extensor tendon injuries are widely believed to be straightforward problems that are relatively simple to manage. However, these injuries can be complex and demand a thorough understanding of anatomy to achieve the best functional outcomes. When lacerations occur in the forearm as in Zones VIII and IX injury, the repair of the extensor tendon and muscle, and posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is often challenging. A review of the literature shows little guidance and attention for these injuries. We present four patients with injuries to Zones VIII and IX as well as a review of surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation, and pearls that may be of benefit to those managing these injuries.

Achieving union to prevent scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist in the scaphoid nonunion is a challenging clinical problem. Much of the difficulty relates to the tenuous blood supply to the scaphoid. One unsolved reconstructive problem is the collapsed scaphoid that requires an intercalated wedge graft with proximal pole avascular necrosis. We offer a simple technique that only requires preservation of the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery that is typically ligated during the volar approach to the scaphoid. This technique can also be used during any open volar approach to the scaphoid to increase vascularity and healing.