[Surgical repair of the brachial plexus in obstetric paralysis].
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Gilbert.
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Transfer of a graft taken from the iliac crest apophysis of 48 immature dogs was studied as a means of repairing an epiphysiodesis constituting more than 50% of the growth plate area. Four groups of dogs were studied. In Group I the graft was pedicled on the superficial circumflex iliac vessels and reimplanted in situ. In Group II the pedicled graft was transferred to the groin area as an island graft. These two control groups demonstrate the conservation of growth activity when the graft is pedicled on its epiphyseal vessels. In Group III the graft was transferred to the distal epiphyseal area of the femur after resection of the portion of the growth plate (approximately 2/3) located inside the perichondrial ring, with conservation of 80% of the outer portion of the cylinder. Microsurgical revascularization was achieved by using the saphenous vessels. In Group IV (the control group for Group III) the latter technique was used without revascularization. Roentgenography was performed for nine months after operation. The specimens were studied by tetracycline labeling and histologic and histochemical examinations. Results indicate that a well vascularized graft functions as a dynamic catalyst for regeneration of the resected portion of the growth plate and prevents the formation of bony bridges between the epiphysis and metaphysis by possible activation of the peripheral groove of Ranvier.
Polygraphic recordings, psychological tests, and analyses of dreams during paradoxical sleep were conducted in 9 patients with parietal lobe, in 7 with frontal lobe lesions and in a control group. No significant differences in sleep organization were observed in the parietal group, but there was a considerable reduction in oneiric activity and alterations in results of some psychological tests. Several correlations based on statistical data are discussed. Oneiric activity was disorganized to a much lesser degree in patients with frontal lesions.
From 1977 to 1980, 21 second toes were transferred with microvascular anastomoses for congenital hand defects in 17 patients. There have been no vascular failures. Four thumbs were reconstructed with very good functional and cosmetic results. Active motion of the transplanted toe is limited, and the functional results depend on the mobility and musculature of the metacarpal remnant. Growth has been continuous and at least equal to the other toe. Cosmetic results have been very good. It is essential to distinguish between patients showing aplasia and those presenting amniotic band "amputation" syndrome. In the latter case, all structures are close to normal and the results are therefore better. Operative indications must be carefully appraised. If surgical intervention is decided upon, the ideal age is about 18 months, at which time the best integration of the toe is observed.
Large skin defects of the tips of the fingers are difficult to manage. The authors have used in fourteen cases a neurovascular homodigital island flap to cover the defect. Functional and esthetic results have been very encouraging.
Haemophilia is characterized by recurrent internal bleeding episodes, with repeated haemorrhages into the joint areas eventually resulting in a chronic condition similar to osteoarthritis. A 31-year-old haemophiliac, with a nine-year history of narcotic analgesic dependence secondary to chronic arthritis pain, learned self-regulation techniques consisting of progressive muscle relaxation exercises, meditative breathing, and guided imagery. Long-term follow-up evidenced clinically significant decreases in arthritic pain intensity and analgesic intake subsequent to self-regulation training.
The scapular flap is described, based on the posterior cutaneous branch of the inferior scapular artery. This flap has been successfully used in four clinical cases. The advantages of this flap lie mostly in its large, long, and very dependable vascular pedicle. It can be taken with the patient on his side or prone. The skin is thin and does not need defatting. The main disadvantage is the scar, which is on the posterior aspect of the scapula. This flap is very useful in the treatment of small defects of the ankle or lower leg.
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A study was conducted of 50 cadavers in children and 25 immature dogs to discover more precisely the vascularization of the lower end of the femur and the iliac crest. It was concluded that it is possible to transplant these epiphyses with anastomosis of three pedicles in the same line. It was also concluded that the vascularisation differs before and after the formation of the bony epiphyseal nucleus. The cartilaginous canals which preclude the vascularisation of hyaline cartilage, the formation of the bony nucleus and the nutrition of the germinal layers of the growth plate are described.
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A clinical and electroencephalographic study was conducted in 41 patients (25 men and 16 women) complaining of diurnal attacks of sleep, and the results were compared with those obtained in 15 control subjects (7 men and 8 women) of the same age. EEG tracings were recorded during 33 hours in each subject. The total duration of the various phases of nocturnal sleep and the mean duration of each phase were the same in both groups. The incidence of EEG peculiarities, such as short delay in the onset of sleep and in the first stage of desynchronized sleep, and prolonged nocturnal periods of vigilance, was assessed in both groups, but no correlation was found between clinical and electrical data. The three criteria of Gelineau's syndrome (irresistible sleepiness, cataplexy and onset of sleep in desynchronized phase) were present in 35% of the patients.
Three applications of free vascularised bone grafts are described. Free fibular grafts have been performed in 19 cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The grafts are placed along the anterior femoral neck and into the femoral head with a microvascular anastomosis between the nutrient vessels of the fibula and the anterior circumflex pedicle of the hip. The operative technique is described but the post-operative follow-up is still too short to draw any definite conclusions. This operation has been performed in young patients in whom the only alternative would be a total hip replacement. Free vascularised transfers of iliac crest bone are described for bone defects such as infected non-unions of the tibia with soft tissue and bony loss. Free vascularised fibula grafts have also been employed with cancellous grafting for cystic defects such as fibrous dysplasia and large bone cysts. The use of free vascularised fibula grafts is also described in four cases of congenital pseuodarthrosis of the tibia.
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The authors present an original technique for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the hip. The femoral head is dislocated and the articular cartilage is opened. The necrosed bone is excised and replaced by new cancelous bone. A fibula with the vascular pedicle is then introduced in the femoral head on its anterior aspect, and revascularized by microvascular anastomoses. Nineteen patients have been operated but the follow-up is not long enough. It will take several years before a complete assessment of the technique is possible.
In an attempt to investigate the relationship of iron deficiency and mental status, cognitive development and attending behavior were assessed in nonanemic children aged 11 to 13 months who were severely or mildly iron deficient or were iron replete. Using two different approaches to the assessment of cognitive development and an habituation measure as an index of attending behavior, no statistically significant differences could be demonstrated in the overall level of performance between the iron-depleted and the iron-replete children. Isolated differences were demonstrated on a scale that measured fearfulness and on several of the scales that measured sensory areas of interest displayed.
Histopathological studies are described on 30 biopsy specimens of lymphaticovenous anastomoses ranging from two days to eight months following operation. Sixteen were patent and 14 were occluded. It was observed that in the non-patent specimens occlusion stemmed from the venous component. The prime determining factor in the success of the anastomosis was the achievement of correct apposition of the cut edges of the vessels, and this was directly dependent on the number and spacing of the sutures as well as the tension applied at their insertion. Correct apposition is more easily achieved with these delicate thin-walled vessels by better visualization afforded by the use of the operating microscope and appropriate instrumentation. The slow rate of repair in this situation is emphasized.