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Letters to the Editor to:

Scientific Articles:
Anneluuk L.C. Lindenhovius, Geert A. Buijze, Peter Kloen, and David C. Ring
Correspondence Between Perceived Disability and Objective Physical Impairment After Elbow Trauma
J Bone Joint Surg Am 2008; 90: 2090-2097 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
*Letters to the Editor: Submit a response to this article

Electronic letters published:

[Read Letter to the Editor] Dr. Ring responds to Dr. Lack
David Ring   (16 October 2008)
[Read Letter to the Editor] A Psychologist Responds, Again.
Dorothea Z. Lack, PhD   (14 October 2008)

Dr. Ring responds to Dr. Lack 16 October 2008
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David Ring,
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Massachusetts General Hospital

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Re: Dr. Ring responds to Dr. Lack

dring{at}partners.org David Ring

I agree entirely with Dr.Lack. The gap between impairment and disability is largely explained by psychosocial factors, some of which are responsive to cognitive behavioral therapy. As we overcome the dichotomization between the mental and physical aspects of illness and the stigmatization and demonization of the mental aspects, we will come to realize that collaborative care delivered by surgeons, non-surgeons, therapists, and psychologists will help our patients.
A Psychologist Responds, Again. 14 October 2008
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Dorothea Z. Lack, PhD,
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Independent Practice

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Re: A Psychologist Responds, Again.

dlack7{at}aol.com Dorothea Z. Lack, PhD

To the Editor:

In the articles by Lindenhovius, et al.(1) and Henn, et al.(2), we have more evidence of the power of psychosocial variables as they impact outcome in orthopaedic patients.

Since the average orthopaedic practice is far too busy to accommodate the labor intensive nature of psychological interventions, I would suggest again that an alliance be formed between the clinical practice of orthopaedics and the clinical practice of psychology. There is burgeoning evidence that psychological variables can be modified. Hopefully, this type of intervention will improve outcome.

The author did not receive any outside funding or grants in support of her research for or preparation of this work. Neither she nor a member of her immediate family received payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, division, center, clinical practice, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the author, or a member of her immediate family, is affiliated or associated.

References

1.Anneluuk L.C. Lindenhovius, Geert A. Buijze, Peter Kloen, and David C. Ring Correspondence Between Perceived Disability and Objective Physical Impairment After Elbow Trauma J Bone Joint Surg Am 2008; 90: 2090-2097

2.R. Frank Henn, III, Lana Kang, Robert Z. Tashjian, and Andrew Green Patients with Workers' Compensation Claims Have Worse Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90:2105-2113.