These physical medicine and rehabilitation residents reported tablet computers increased access to e-mail, presentation material, and medical journals. Tablet computers also were reported to increase the frequency residents were able to complete tasks associated with residency training.

Previous studies and informal surveys have demonstrated a trend among graduating physiatry residents who desired to practice in an outpatient musculoskeletal (MSK)- or spine-type setting. However, there has been no updated information on the current trend among graduating residents as well as sparse information on gauging if current trainees feel prepared on graduation to treat patients with such disorders. This article describes a prospective survey of graduating chief residents during the 2013-2014 academic year in which 72% of chief residents planned to pursue a fellowship. A total of 54% of those chief residents planned to pursue a pain, sports, or spine fellowship. Seventy-five percent of the responding chief residents reported that most of the residents in their program felt that the current amount of required rotations in MSK, sports, spine, or pain medicine was adequate and 85% felt comfortable practicing in a noninterventional spine or MSK position after graduation without a fellowship. The results of this survey provide an updated perspective on the current trends among graduating residents as well as how residents perceive their MSK curriculum. These results may prove useful when evaluating MSK curriculums and shaping resident education to maximize career goals.

Preventing scar contracture after burn injury is a critical goal during recovery. Although the need for intervention is well-understood, data on specific techniques are limited. The study's objective is to provide data for the use of a foam abduction wedge in terms of safety, effectiveness, and patient and caregiver satisfaction through a prospective, single-arm trial. All patients presenting with a burn injury that required grafting in the axillary region and placed them at risk for shoulder joint contracture were offered inclusion. Patient outcomes were recorded for the duration of their burn intensive care unit admission. Ten subjects completed the protocol with a mean duration of wedge use of 41.5 ± 32.5 days. At discharge, the mean shoulder abduction was 132° ± 38° on the left and 118° ± 22° on the right. The mean shoulder flexion was 132° ± 31° on the left and 123° ± 29° on the right. As much as 90% of the subjects had greater than 90° of shoulder abduction and flexion at discharge. There were no observations of worsening burn injury wounds, graft failure, or new pressure-related wounds. One patient was found to have an upper-extremity peripheral nerve injury that was not clearly associated with the splint. Patient and nursing surveys indicated areas of satisfaction as well as areas for potential improvement. This study illustrates the anticipated clinical outcomes and care issues associated with the use of a specific contracture prevention method used in the burn intensive care unit setting as well as identifying areas for future research.

Background The clinical course of motor deficits from lumbosacral radiculopathy appears to improve with or without surgery. Strength measurements have been confined to manual muscle testing (MMT) and have not been extensively followed and quantified in prior studies. Objective To determine if motor weakness and patient‐reported outcomes related to lumbosacral radiculopathy improve without surgical intervention over the course of 12 months. Design Prospective observational cohort. Setting Outpatient academic spine practice. Participants Adults with acute radicular weakness due to disk herniation. Methods Forty patients with radiculopathy and strength deficit were followed over a 12‐month period. Objective strength and performance tests as well as survey‐based measurements were collected at baseline and then every 3 months. Patients underwent comprehensive pain management and rehabilitation and/or surgical approaches as determined in coordination with the treating specialist. This study was approved by the institutional review board of Colorado. Main Outcome Measurements Testing of strength was through MMT, handheld dynamometer, and performance‐based testing. Furthermore, visual analog scale, modified Oswestry Disability Index, and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) were used to measure pain and disability outcomes. Results Of the 40 patients, 33 (82.5%) did not have surgery; 7 (17.5%) had surgery. Twenty‐four of the 33 patients (60%) did not undergo surgery and were followed for 12 months (Comprehensive Pain Management and Rehabilitation, Complete [CPM&R‐C]), and 9 (22%) did not have surgery and lacked at least one follow‐up evaluation (Comprehensive Pain Management and Rehabilitation, Incomplete [CPM&R‐I]). No statistically significant differences were found on baseline measures of strength deficits and SF‐36 domains between the CPM&R‐C, Surgery, and CPM&R‐I groups. Pain and disability scores in the Surgery group were significantly higher than in the CPM&R‐C at baseline. There were statistically significant improvements in all areas of strength, pain, and function when comparing measurements at the 12‐month follow‐up to baseline in the CPM&R‐C group. Conclusions Individuals with motor deficits due to lumbosacral radiculopathy improve over time regardless of treatment choice. Most did not choose surgery, and almost all of these patients regained full strength at 1 year. Strength recovery typically occurred in the first 3 months, but there was ongoing recovery over the course of a year. Level of Evidence II