Volume 115, Issue 8

Context: Assessment of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is a key component in generating the pelvic diagnosis of somatic dysfunction, but studies have shown poor reliability between examiners. Objective: To assess the influence of homogeneous training, years of experience, and eye dominance on the percentage of correctness, sensitivity, and specificity of ASIS evaluation. Methods: Osteopathic physicians, predoctoral teaching fellows, and first- and second-year osteopathic medical students from a single teaching institute assessed 3 plastic pelvic models with ASIS anatomic landmarks set at different levels: even and 5- and 10-mm descrepancies. Dominant and nondominant eyes were used independently to assess ASIS levels. Results: A total of 147 examiners (participants) participated in this study (66 first-year and 61 second-year medical students, 15 fellows, and 5 osteopathic physicians). The overall percentages of correct results were 31.0% (even levels), 82.8% (5-mm discrepancy), and 91.7% (10-mm discrepancy). Differences by level of training were statistically significant only for the 5-mm ASIS discrepancy, where participants with more experience performed better. The overall sensitivity was 82.8% (5-mm discrepancy) and 91.7% (10-mm discrepancy), and the specificity was 31.0%. No statistically significant differences were found in the percentage of correct results by eye dominance. Conclusion: Assessment of ASIS is sensitive but not specific at discrepancies of 5 mm or greater. Length of experience positively influences the percentage of correct results, and eye dominance does not significantly change this outcome. This form of assessment can be used to screen for ASIS asymmetry.

A key osteopathic tenet involves the body’s ability to self-heal. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been evolved to improve this healing capacity. The authors' in vitro work has focused on modeling 2 common OMT modalities: myofascial release (MFR) and counterstrain. Their studies have evaluated the effects of these modalities on wound healing, cytokine secretion, and muscle repair. The key components of the host response to mechanical forces are fibroblasts, which are the main fascial cells that respond to different types of strain by secreting anti-inflammatory chemicals and growth factors, thus improving wound healing and muscle repair processes. The purpose of this review is to discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MFR and other OMT modalities work, in particular, the role of strained fibroblasts in inflammation, wound healing, and muscle repair and regeneration. Changing MFR parameters, such as magnitude, duration, direction, and frequency of strain, might uniquely affect the physiologic response of fibroblasts, muscle contraction, and wound healing. If such results are clinically translatable, the mechanisms underlying the clinical outcomes of OMT modalities will be better understood, and these treatments will be more widely accepted as evidence-based, first-line therapies.

Simulation-based medical education can provide medical training in a nonjudgmental, patient-safe, and effective environment. Although simulation has been a relatively new addition to medical education, the aeronautical, judicial, and military fields have used simulation training for hundreds of years, with positive outcomes. Simulation-based medical education can be used in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, medical schools, and simulation training centers. As the author describes in the present article, residencies currently accredited by the American Osteopathic Association can use a simulation-based medical education curriculum to meet training requirements of the 6 competencies identified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The author also provides specific guidance on providing training and assessment in the professionalism competency.

Role modeling opportunities for osteopathic physician teachers during a student’s first 2 years of medical school are emerging as more colleges of osteopathic medicine strive to connect basic science didactics with clinically based learning activities. Examples of positive modeling by physician teachers during the first years of medical school are illustrated by 10 vignettes that can be incorporated into faculty development programs to increase awareness of such opportunities. The physician teacher in each vignette interacts with the student demonstrating desired professional behaviors. These vignettes also illustrate the effect of a positive “hidden curriculum” on a student’s professional development. By recognizing these valuable teachable moments, teachers can incorporate role modeling into their daily practice.

Shoulder dislocations are a common condition seen by orthopedic surgeons and emergency medicine physicians. Shoulder dislocations typically present unilaterally and are anterior in nature. Bilateral simultaneous posterior shoulder dislocations are typically associated with seizure or electrocution and are more common than bilateral simultaneous anterior dislocations, which occur because of trauma or fall. In a traumatic setting, a shoulder dislocation may be accompanied by a distracting injury, and a thorough examination must be conducted to avoid overlooking concomitant diagnosis. The authors highlight the case of a patient who presented to the emergency department with the rare incidence of traumatic bilateral anterior shoulder dislocations, which resolved after 2 closed reductions. Orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine teams must maintain a high index of suspicion for injury to the contralateral limb to avoid missing pathologic changes due to distracting injuries.

Surgical repair of difficult or nonunion fractures is frequently performed with autogenous bone grafts, most commonly from the iliac crest. Complications from this procedure may include vessel injury, nerve injury, pelvic instability, bowel herniation, and ileus. The authors report a case of iliac crest herniation in a patient presenting with a small-bowel obstruction 2 years after anterior iliac crest graft harvest for an open reduction and internal fixation repair of a right humeral shaft fracture. An emergency operation revealed that the right colon had herniated through an opening in the right iliac crest. The appendix had adhered to new osseous bone formed postoperatively, requiring an appendectomy. The hernia defect was successfully repaired with polypropylene mesh. A high index of suspicion for graft site herniation is needed for patients with a history of iliac crest bone grafting who present with symptoms of abdominal pain, flank or hip pain, ileus, or small-bowel obstruction.