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Biomedical subjects

J Cañadell

Publications and source records attributed to J Cañadell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Histomorphometric study of growth plate subjected to different mechanical conditions (compression, tension and neutralization): an experimental study in lambs. Mechanical growth plate behavior.

We studied the morphologic effect of low mechanical stresses (compression, tension and neutralization) on the growth cartilage with an external fixator in 18 young lambs. On radiography, we only found more length in the femora subjected to tension (P < 0.05). Bony bridges were not present, nor were there signs of altered vascularization or Ranvier's perichondral ring. Histomorphometrically, in the group subjected to tension, the germinative layer in the femur was higher (P < 0.001) in the bones that had undergone surgery. The proliferative layer was lower in the operated tibia (P < 0.001), and the hypertrophic layer was higher in operated tibias and femora (P < 0.001). In the group subjected to compression, the germinative layer in the femora was higher in the operated bones (P < 0.05); the proliferative layer of the tibia was lower (P < 0.001) and the hypertrophic layer was higher (P < 0.001) in both operated bones. In the neutralization group, the proliferative layer of both operated bones presented lower values (P < 0.001) and the hypertrophic layer was higher (P < 0.001) than that in the control groups.

Animals↗

Relationship between radiologic morphology of the bone lengthening formation and its complications.

The objective was to study the different types of lengthened bone regeneration and their development during the various phases of the process to correlate them with patient factors and the surgical technique used, and to establish a possible relation between the development of the bone lengthening formation and the problems or complications. The authors studied the radiographs of a random group of 55 patients taken at three points during the course of treatment. The callus was classified with regard to its transverse diameter and the presence or absence of hypodense areas. The overall callus type was significantly influenced by the etiology, the osteotomy site, and the percentage lengthened. The percentage by which the limb was lengthened at the beginning of the process influences the overall morphology of the callus. Poor callus had been lengthened the most, atrophic callus the least. There was a correlation between the morphology of the overall callus at the end of treatment and the percentage lengthened, and between the percentage lengthened and the presence of bands at the end of treatment. The authors also found a significant correlation between age and the appearance of bands at the end of distraction. A central band was found among younger patients. The type of osteotomy affected the overall callus at the end of distraction and at the end of treatment and also influenced the transverse diameter. All the elongations with poor bone formation at the end of treatment were found to have undergone a diaphyseal osteotomy. The most common complication at the first follow-up and at the end of distraction was angulation. The diameter of the callus and the presence of bands at the end of treatment were significantly related to the complications. Fracture occurred in the first 2 weeks after removal of the external fixator in 88% of cases and in the third and fourth week in the rest. However, the segment had no significant influence on the appearance of complications. Lengthened callus with incomplete trabecular formations and hypodense areas at the end of the treatment has a high risk of fracture at the end of treatment. Callus with axial deviation, hypodense areas, or an insufficient transverse diameter during the lengthening procedure must be manipulated so that it reaches the maturing phase in better condition.

Adolescent↗

Fractures of allografts used in limb preserving operations.

One hundred and thirty-seven allografts used since 1986 in limb preserving operations for malignant bone tumours were reviewed. The follow up was longer than two years. There were fourteen fractures (10.2%) in twelve patients at a mean time of 22 months from the operation. Most of them were in the metaphyseal area and were related to perforations of the allograft made for stabilisation with plates, for tendon and ligament reattachment, or any other hole in the allograft. Fractures occurred always after the allograft-host junction was united. Healing was achieved in 7 cases by internal fixation with autologous bone grafting in a mean of 5 months. In cases of multiple fractures of the allograft, the graft was exchanged. We recommend using intramedullary fixation in order to reduce the incidence of allograft fracture, and the use of internal fixation, with intramedullary whenever possible, and autologous bone grafting to achieve consolidation of the fractures.

Adolescent↗

External fixation in tumour pathology.

An appraisal of the clinical records of patients with malignant bone tumours enabled us to identify 61 whom we have treated by external fixation. There were 38 males and 23 females with ages ranging from 4 to 58 years, the mean being 14 years. The average period of follow-up was 6 years (1-12 years). For the purpose of our analysis the patients were divided into three groups according to whether the fixator was fitted before, during or after tumour resection.

Adolescent↗

Distraction osteogenesis of the lower extremity with use of monolateral external fixation. A study of two hundred and sixty-one femora and tibiae.

We reviewed the results of distraction osteogenesis of 114 femora and 147 tibiae that had been lengthened to treat a variety of diagnoses. The femora had been lengthened an average of eleven centimeters (range, 3.5 to 17.0 centimeters), or 48 per cent (range, 8 to 86 per cent) of the original femoral length. The average total time for the treatment of the femora (use of the fixator and any subsequent immobilization) was 257 days (range, 105 to 420 days). There were 114 complications related to the femoral lengthenings, which led to eighty-seven additional operations. The tibiae were lengthened an average of nine centimeters (range, 3.0 to 15.6 centimeters), or 41 per cent (range, 9 to 100 per cent) of the original tibial length. The average total time for the treatment of the tibiae was 268 days (range, 110 to 497 days). There were 196 complications related to the tibial lengthenings, which led to 219 additional operations. The Achilles tendon was lengthened during or after seventy-three (50 per cent) of the tibial lengthenings. The femoral lengthenings that were performed to treat a limb-length discrepancy were associated with significantly higher rates of complications overall (p = 0.010) and additional operations (p = 0.023) for each percentage of length gained than those that were performed to treat achondroplasia or another skeletal dysplasia. The femoral lengthenings that were performed to treat short stature (of an endocrine or idiopathic etiology) were also associated with higher rates of complications overall and additional operations than those performed to treat skeletal dysplasias, but the rates were lower than those for lengthenings performed to treat limb-length discrepancy. The rate of complications overall associated with femoral lengthening in patients who were fourteen years old or more was significantly higher than that associated with lengthening in patients who were less than fourteen years old (p = 0.047). Femoral lengthening through the metaphysis was associated with significantly higher rates of complications overall (p = 0.031) and additional operations (p = 0.042) for each percentage of length gained than femoral lengthening through the diaphysis. The tibial lengthenings that were performed to treat Turner syndrome and idiopathic short stature were associated with significantly higher rates of complications overall (p = 0.026) and additional operations (p = 0.003) for each percentage of length gained than those performed to treat skeletal dysplasias. The rate of joint-related problems (p = 0.044) and that of additional operations (p = 0.053) after tibial lengthening in patients who were fourteen years old or more were significantly higher than those rates after tibial lengthening in patients who were less than fourteen years old. The site of the tibial osteotomy did not affect the rate of complications or additional operations. The femoral healing indices (in terms of both days per centimeter [p = 0.002] and days for each percentage of length gained [p = 0.019]) were significantly higher in the patients who were fourteen years old or more than in those who were less the fourteen years old. These values could not be used to predict an increase in the complications because of poor bone formation. The results of the present review suggest that the use of healing indices to gauge the final outcome of distraction osteogenesis is questionable; we were unable to discern significance or clinical importance from appropriately adjusted values.

Adolescent↗

Soft tissue behavior during limb lengthening: an experimental study in lambs.

The effect of femoral elongation on skeletal muscle, nerves, and vessels was studied. Three groups of five lambs were used. After the intervention, the animals were killed at 2, 3, and 4 months. A left femoral elongation of 6 cm was practiced on all of them by means of callotasis, with a distraction rate of 0.5 mm every 12 hours. The femoral elongation process was evaluated by monthly x-ray films. The nucleic acid and protein levels in the muscular tissue were quantified at the level of the elongation focus and in the control extremity. The motor conduction velocity of the sciatic nerve was measured in both posterior limbs before the intervention and immediately before the lambs were killed. The arterial blood flow of both subsequent extremities was measured at the moment of death. A histological study of quadriceps muscle, sciatic nerves, artery, and subsequent femoral vein were examined histologically at the level of the elongation focus of both extremities. After elongation, no significant differences were observed in the muscle protein and nucleic acid levels with respect to the control extremity. No significant changes of the nerve conduction velocity were observed in any animal among the different groups. The arterial blood flow of the elongated extremity showed a progressive increase, reaching its maximum value 1 month after the distraction had terminated, with subsequent normalization. This increase of the blood flow was also observed in the control extremity, suggesting a possible systemic effect. The histological study revealed a comparative thickening of the endomysium and perimysium in the elongated muscle tissue, present at the end of the distraction and which was later normalized. No histological changes of the nerve stems undergoing distraction were observed either. During elongation, the arteries showed minimal histological changes. On the other hand, the veins showed areas of endothelial damage accompanied by thrombosis phenomena, especially at the end of the distraction period. The vascular morphology presented progressive normalization after the distraction phase.

Animals↗

Consolidation of massive bone allografts in limb-preserving operations for bone tumours.

This study analysed the influence of several factors affecting the consolidation time of 83 massive bone allografts in 79 patients with malignant bone tumours: osteosarcoma 57; Ewing's sarcoma 8; malignant fibrous histiocytoma 3; chondrosarcoma 4; fibrosarcoma 5; and giant cell tumours 2. The mean age of the patients was 19 years and the mean length of the allografts was 18 cm. The minimum follow up was for 12 months. The mean consolidation time for metaphyseal and diaphyseal osteotomies was 6.5 and 16 months respectively. Fifteen diaphyseal osteotomies required autologous cancellous grafting. There were 8 allograft fractures after consolidation. The following factors which might influence consolidation were analysed: age of the host and donor; allograft length and site; type of osteotomy and osteosynthesis; intra-arterial and systemic chemotherapy; intraoperative and external radio-therapy. In diaphyseal osteotomies there were statistically significant differences in consolidation time with the use of systemic chemotherapy, external radiotherapy and the recipient's age.

Adolescent↗

Complications of bone lengthening.

Bone lengthening is a surgical method which requires meticulous technique, continuous attention, and satisfactory cooperation on the part of the patient. The absence of common criteria makes it difficult both to classify the complications which arise, and to compare them with those of other authors. We report the complications in a group of 61 patients who were studied prospectively. Disorders of the lengthening callus accounted for 45% of all complications, and a further 33% arose in the joints. The remainder occurred in the bone, the apparatus and the soft tissues, of which the most common were stiffness of the joints, axial deviations and loosening of the pins, while articular subluxation, fractures with angulation and delayed consolidation occurred less frequently. In our study, the overall number of complications per lengthening process was 2.1. In bilateral lengthening, the rate was 1 per segment, while in unilateral cases the mean was 2.7. Problems which we defined as severe, requiring that the lengthening had to be halted, occurred in 1.8% of the total complications. The aetiology of the length discrepancy has an important role in the complications which occur in each segment. Over twice as many problems occur in asymmetrical lengthening procedures as in patients where lengthening is symmetrical.

Bone Lengthening↗

Biopsy technique in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Seventy-eight consecutive patients with stage IIB osteosarcoma of the appendicular skeleton, treated between 1982 and 1992, were studied to determine whether the technique of biopsy affected the prognosis for long term survival. The risk of local recurrence was significant (p < 0.02) after open biopsy, as was the poor response to chemotherapy (p < 0.05) after percutaneous biopsy. We recommend percutaneous biopsy, if possible, when an osteosarcoma is suspected.

Adolescent↗

Intercalary bone allografts. 23 tumor cases followed for 3 years.

From 1987 to 1991, 26 patients with malignant bone tumors (osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma) in the diaphysis or metaphysis of long bones have been treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and intercalary bone allograft replacement after resection. The mean follow-up was 3 years in 23 patients, 2 died from tumors, and 1 had an amputation because of local recurrence. Allograft incorporation in 11 metaphyseal anastomoses was excellent in all cases. In the 23 diaphyseal anastomoses there were 6 non-unions. Other complications were deep infection in 3 cases, leg length discrepancy in 2 and allograft fracture in 2. Function became satisfactory in 14 cases.

Adolescent↗

Large experimental segmental bone defects treated by bone transportation with monolateral external distractors.

Monolateral frames were applied to five dogs and ten lambs for treatment of large segmental bone defects (LSBD) surgically induced in one of their femoral diaphyses. Reconstruction was attempted by bone transport, as developed by Ilizarov. Monolateral frames were used to minimize the draw-backs of Ilizarov's circular device. Radiographic, computed tomographic, and histologic studies were performed. The skin and soft tissues were not a major obstacle for the longitudinal migration of the screws during bone transport. Four months after the operations, healing and remodeling of the bone defect was always satisfactory. Histologically, the repair of the lengthened segment followed an intramembranous ossification pattern in its central areas and in the periphery as well. At the end of the experiment, the new induced bone had a virtually normal diaphyseal bone appearance. Bone transport for the treatment of experimental LSBD can be completed in monolateral frames.

Animals↗

Removal of metaphyseal bone tumours with preservation of the epiphysis. Physeal distraction before excision.

In immature long bones, radical excision of malignant tumours of the metaphysis may necessitate sacrifice of the adjacent epiphysis. To preserve the adjacent joint while allowing a safe margin of excision, we used physeal distraction before removing the tumour. From July 1984 to August 1992, we operated on 20 patients by this method. After a mean follow-up of 54 months there was no local recurrence in the epiphyseal region. Three patients had developed pulmonary metastases.

Adolescent↗

Arthrodiastasis for stiff hips in young patients.

Joint distraction (arthrodiastasis) with a unilateral fixator was used to treat 9 patients with stiffness of the hip which had followed Perthes' disease (3), epiphysiolysis (2), congenital dysplasia (2), tuberculosis (1) and idiopathic chondrolysis (1). Their average age was 14 years, and they all had pain, limp and shortening of the leg. Distraction of 0.5 to 1 cm was maintained for an average of 94 days. The average range of movement subsequently was 65 degrees compared with 20 degrees before. The articular space was widened by an average of 2.8 mm, and only 3 patients had pain on follow up.

Adolescent↗

[Role of conservative surgery in the multidisciplinary treatment of Ewing's sarcoma in childhood].

BACKGROUND: In order to cure Ewing's sarcoma it is necessary to have an approach which considers the radical local control on the sites of macroscopic disease, along with the systemic control of micrometastases. On the present study the experience of the authors in analyzed, remarking the role of cytoreduction surgery on curability. METHODS: From January 1982 to August 1991, 24 patients with the mean age 13 years, 14 boys and 10 girls, previously untreated and with a pathology proven diagnosis have been treated by the authors. The treatment protocol included: alternating chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, methotrexate, bleomycin, actinomycin D and vincristine; administered simultaneously with preoperative external radiation with a volume that completely included the affected bone and surrounding soft tissues for a total dose of 45 Gy/4.5 weeks. After a resting period of 4 weeks, resection of the involved bone and adjacent healthy bone was performed, followed by a single dose of 10-15 Gy of intraoperative radiotherapy to the tumor bed. Subsequently a custom prostheses or allograft was implanted. RESULTS: Twenty patients had localized disease and 4 had metastatic disease at diagnosis. In 16 cases the tumor was in extremities, 5 axial, and 3 extraskeletical. In 15 patients surgery with limb sparing techniques was performed, 8 had en block resection and one amputation (calcaneous location). At the time of this report 21 patient are alive (87%). Four had disease progression, of this 3 had died (12%). The actuarial disease free survival rate is 80% +/- 9% with a follow-up of 104 months, being the mean survival time of 85.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The cytoreduction surgery included into a multidisciplinary approach permits to achieve a high rate of cure in Ewing's sarcoma. The toxicity of the program can be considered acceptable.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Delayed distraction in bone lengthening. Improved healing in lambs.

We compared delayed distraction (DD) with immediate distraction (ID) in bone-lengthening. Open femoral diaphyseal osteotomy was performed on 24 three-month-old lambs, and external distractor fixators were applied. In the ID group (n 12), distraction commenced on the first postoperative day; in the DD group (n 12), distraction was delayed until the tenth day after surgery. In all the animals, the femur was lengthened by 2 cm at the rate of 1 mm/day. The animals were killed 1, 2, and 3 months postoperatively. Radiography and densitometry of the lengthened callus showed that DD, compared with ID, improved the quality of the callus with quicker, denser, and more homogeneous bone formation.

Animals↗

Lymphocyte response to polymethylmethacrylate in loose total hip prostheses.

We investigated the lymphocyte-mediated immune response to polymethylmethacrylate bone cement in 26 patients who had revision surgery for aseptic loosening of cemented total hip arthroplasties, at a mean time of seven years after the first replacement. We studied eight patients with cemented total hip arthroplasties which were not loose as controls. Patch tests to polymethylmethacrylate bone cement were positive in 13 patients with loosening, and these patients had higher lymphoblast transformation values against polymethylmethacrylate bone cement patients with a negative skin reaction (p < 0.01) or those in the control group (p < 0.001). Specific monoclonal antibodies were used to assess the percentage of certain cells of the immune system according to their cluster of differentiation (CD). There was a higher number of total T and B lymphocytes (CD2 and CD22) and interleukin-2 receptor-positive lymphocytes (activated cells, CD25) in patients with loose prostheses. More CD25 lymphocytes were found in patients with positive patch tests. The activation of the lymphocyte-mediated immune response was not related to the presence or absence of aggressive granulomatous lesions at the cement-bone interface.

Adolescent↗

Intraoperative radiotherapy in the multidisciplinary treatment of bone sarcomas in children and adolescents.

From September 1984 to December 1989, 38 patients of pediatric age with localized bone sarcomas received intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as part of a multidisciplinary treatment program. The age ranged from 6 to 21 years. The tumor histologies were 22 osteosarcomas and 16 Ewing's sarcomas. Thirty-four had initial primary disease (90%) and 4 were treated for local recurrence (10%). IORT was used on 32 untreated patients and in 6 previously treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBR). The IORT field included the surgically exposed tumor bed area. Single radiation doses ranging from 10 to 20 Gy were delivered, using 6-20 MeV electron beams. The median follow-up time for the entire group is 25 months (2-65+ months). The projected 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates are 65% and 69%, respectively. One patient developed a local recurrence in each histological group: one chondroblastic osteosarcoma and one cervical Ewing's sarcoma. Six patients died from metastatic progression: 3 initially recurrent tumors and three primary disease cases. Severe neuropathy and soft tissue necrosis were seen in some patients as IORT related complications. IORT is a feasible technique to be integrated in multidisciplinary programs that may promote local control in pediatric and adolescent patients with bone sarcomas. Peripheral nerves are dose-limiting tissue structures for IORT.

Adolescent↗