Researchers analyzed fossil data from 7 human ancestors, finding Australopithecus had strong arms but human-like leg pattern, while early Homo had stronger legs and weaker arms, suggesting a major shift in movement and living habits around 2 million years ago. This finding supports the idea that bipedalism evolved gradually, with early...
A study found that patients with proximal humerus fractures often avoid movements due to fear of re-injury or discomfort, leading to chronic pain and impaired mobility. Early identification and targeted interventions can help boost confidence and facilitate faster recovery.
Researchers analyzed a rare fossil bone and found it shared characteristics with platypuses, suggesting that ancient echidnas originated from a semi-aquatic ancestor. This discovery adds weight to the idea that stem-monotremes started off as semi-aquatic animals.
The study, conducted by the University of Malaga and others, analyzed the skeleton and brain architecture of Miracinonyx trumani, finding that it had retractable claws and was able to grapple with its prey like cougars. Its brain surface also showed differences from cheetahs, suggesting an intermediate form between the two species.
A team from the University of Bonn has solved a 150-year-old mystery surrounding Aetosaurs' age. Bone examination reveals that two specimens were juvenile, not small adults as previously thought. The discovery attributes this to social behavior among juvenile Aetosaur species.
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that a domestic dog lived in the Palaeolithic period 17,000 years ago in the Erralla cave in the Basque Country. The bone remains identified as Canis lupus familiaris, making it one of Europe's most ancient domestic dogs.
Researchers found that newly-hatched pterosaurs had strong bones capable of sustaining flight, but their wing size was smaller than adults, likely making them more agile fliers. This suggests they may have used their flying abilities to escape predators and chase prey in dense vegetation.
Researchers found that hatchling pterosaur wings were stronger than those of many adult pterosaurs, suggesting they could fly. Their wing dimensions were also more suited for agility and quick changes in direction, possibly allowing them to escape predators and catch nimbler prey.
Researchers discovered a new species of saber-toothed cat, Machairodus lahayishupup, that lived in North America between 5-9 million years ago. The giant cat weighed an average of around 600 pounds and could have taken down prey weighing up to 6,000 pounds.
Researchers used high-resolution fossil data to analyze the humerus bone of early tetrapods, finding that they had adaptations indicating some ability to move on land. The study suggests that terrestrial ability coincided with the origin of limbs, providing new insights into the water-to-land transition in vertebrate evolution.
Researchers analyzed 40 3D fossil humeri to understand functional evolution of locomotion in early tetrapods. They found that the emergence of limbs coincided with a transition onto land, but early tetrapods weren't very good at moving on it.
Surgically treated patients fared better than those with functional bracing, showing faster recovery and improved outcomes one year after the injury. However, problems were observed in bracing-treated patients, including 30% requiring reoperation due to fracture union failure.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that examining the distal humerus (elbow) bone is superior to previous techniques for identifying sex in a non-Asian population. The study used over 600 modern, documented skeletons from Thailand and found that the shape of the elbow differs between females and males.
A recent Nordic collaboration study found no significant difference in functional outcomes between operative and non-operative treatment in patients over 60 with displaced proximal humerus fractures. Non-operative treatment using a collar and cuff sling and physiotherapy was as effective as surgery in improving patient recovery.
A UT study suggests that Lucy, the famous human ancestor fossil, died after falling from a tree while attempting to break her fall. The fracture patterns on her skeleton indicate a high-velocity impact consistent with a four-part proximal humerus fracture.
A new UT study found that human limbs do not evolve independently, but are influenced by genetic correlations with other bones. The research challenged traditional theories on body shape and size, suggesting that multiple forces shape human form in response to environmental factors.
Researchers discovered a superfast wing muscle in tropical birds, which can move at speeds of over 60 Hz, faster than any animal with a backbone. This adaptation allows birds to perform extravagant courtship displays without sacrificing flying ability.
Bunostegos' forelimb anatomy reveals unique characteristics allowing it to stand with legs under the body. This finding indicates the earliest known example of an upright posture in pre-reptiles, dating back 260 million years.
A study of 250 patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures found no significant differences between surgical and nonsurgical treatments in patient-reported outcomes over two years. The researchers concluded that these results do not support the trend of increased surgery for patients with this type of fracture.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese children are at a higher risk of developing complex elbow fractures and experiencing postoperative complications. The study, which included over 350 patients aged 2-11, highlights the importance of early exercise and bone strengthening to prevent such issues.
Researchers found a suite of changes in human shoulders and arms allowed efficient hunting by throwing projectiles, paving the way for later adaptations like increased brain size and migration out of Africa. The study suggests that humans' ability to throw played a key role in becoming part-time carnivores.
Researchers developed a portable tracking system to monitor pitchers' scapulo-humeral rhythm, detecting subtle changes in joint movement. The study found that 23% of pitchers showed persistent deterioration in the scapulo-humeral rhythm, highlighting the need for targeted strengthening exercises and physical therapy.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a new clinical practice guideline for treating supracondylar humerus fractures in children. The guideline recommends stabilizing the fracture with pins and treating circulation problems, while emphasizing the importance of evaluating each child's individual circumstances. The fu...
A unique 89-million-year-old pterosaur fossil found in Texas may be the earliest known Pteranodon. The specimen, discovered by an amateur fossil hunter north of Dallas, has a wing span between 12 and 13 feet and belongs to the toothless variety of pterosaurs.
The John Theurer Cancer Center orthopedic oncologist shares novel approaches to limb sparing surgery, improving patient care for tumors in difficult locations. The educational videos showcase state-of-the-art procedures for radical limb sparing surgery and reconstruction, benefiting patients globally.
The John Theurer Cancer Center will present research on unique surgical techniques to treat bone cancers that preserve as much bone and soft tissue as possible. These techniques include endoprostheses, cryosurgery, and radiofrequency ablation, with the goal of reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers studying burrowing mammals, such as moles and mole rats, have discovered unique adaptations that enable them to dig efficiently in rocky soils. Convergent evolution plays a key role in the development of these specialized features, allowing these mammals to thrive in challenging environments.
A 365-million-year-old fossil discovery in Pennsylvania provides insight into the evolution of limbs from fins. The humerus specimen shares features with both primitive fish fins and true limb bones.