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Biomedical subjects

J H Healey

Publications and source records attributed to J H Healey.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Prosthetic arthroplasty of the knee after resection of a sarcoma in the proximal end of the tibia. A report of sixteen cases.

The results of a specific type of prosthetic reconstruction of the knee (total replacement arthroplasty) after resection of a sarcoma of the proximal part of the tibia in sixteen patients were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis was stage-IIB osteogenic sarcoma in nine patients, stage-IIB malignant fibrous histiocytoma in three patients, and stage-IB sarcoma of various types in four patients. The length of tibial resection ranged from 100 to 257 millimeters. Of the eleven patients who were available for functional examination (mean duration of follow-up, sixty-three months), three patients had an excellent result, seven had a good result, and one had a fair result. Of the five patients who were not available for functional testing, one who was doing well was lost to follow-up at eighty months, one had died of metastases at sixteen months, and three had had a secondary amputation for infection or for loosening of the prosthesis.

Adolescent↗

31P NMR spectra of extremity sarcomas: diversity of metabolic profiles and changes in response to chemotherapy.

We have used 31P NMR spectroscopy to study 22 patients with suspected sarcomas prior to any treatment. The spectra are characterized by the same peaks noted in murine tumors. The mean pH was 7.14 +/- 0.08 and PCr/Pi was 1.18 +/- 0.83. Comparison of pH and PCr/Pi ratios in human and a murine tumor with a low hypoxic cell fraction revealed no significant differences. Six patients subsequently received chemotherapy and three responded to therapy (based on pathologic examination and/or tumor reduction greater than 50%). The three responding patients were noted to have significantly lower PDE/PME in their pretreatment spectra than the three nonresponding patients. The three responding patients with sarcomas also showed a rise of greater than 100% in PDE/PME during the first cycle of therapy. Two of the responding patients had an increase of 0.37 pH units during this interval, which was not detected in the nonresponding patients. These data suggest that 31P NMR spectroscopy may be a useful prognostic indicator in conjunction with other clinical parameters.

Animals↗

Factors predictive of mortality in pediatric extremity rhabdomyosarcoma.

In order to examine factors predictive of fatal outcome in children presenting with histologically confirmed extremity rhabdomyosarcoma, we performed a retrospective analysis of our institutional experience from 1970 to 1985. Thirty-five patients were identified and staged according to international criteria (TNM). Variables evaluated for their predictive effect on fatal outcome included (1) tumor invasiveness, (2) tumor size, (3) anatomic location of the primary, (4) regional lymph node involvement, (5) distant metastases at presentation, (6) complete surgical resection, (7) use of amputation, and (8) alveolar histologic subtype. Significant predictors of mortality included (1) tumor invasiveness (P less than or equal to .0001), (2) regional node involvement (P less than or equal to .0002), (3) distant metastases at the time of presentation (P less than or equal to .001), (4) alveolar histology (P less than or equal to .001), (5) size of primary (P less than or equal to .007), and (6) completeness of surgical resection (P less than or equal to .05). In multivariate analysis, local tumor invasiveness was the most important predictor of fatal outcome with an associated relative risk of 18. We conclude that local tumor invasiveness is the most important determinant of clinical stage.

Adolescent↗

Osteoarthrosis and congenital dysplasia of the hip in family members of children who have congenital dysplasia of the hip.

Four hundred and eight siblings, parents, and grandparents of seventy-eight children from the New England area who had congenital dysplasia of the hip were evaluated, by clinical examination and by measurements of the acetabulum on pelvic radiographs, for the signs and sequelae of congenital dysplasia of the hip. Six siblings and four mothers (representing seven of seventy-eight families) had been diagnosed with congenital dysplasia of the hip during childhood. The other ninety-one siblings were asymptomatic and had no radiographic evidence of dysplasia of the hip. In the adults in these families, acetabular coverage (as measured by the center-edge angle of Wiberg) was no different from that in the control subjects. There was no difference between the study group and the control subjects in the prevalence of osteoarthrosis of the hip or of osteoarthrosis that could be considered secondary to congenital dysplasia of the hip. The results indicate that children born to families that have a history of congenital dysplasia of the hip have a greater prevalence of this problem compared with the general population, but also that examinations of the hip in newborns are effective in detecting congenital dysplasia of the hip in such families. The greater prevalence of congenital disease of the hip among the siblings and mothers in these families is consistent with a multifactorial inheritance. The fact that acetabular development in the family members who did not have congenital dysplasia of the hip was no different from that in the control subjects suggests that acetabular dysplasia, rather than being an inherited abnormality, is secondary to subluxation or dislocation.

Acetabulum↗

The Van Nes tibial rotationplasty. A functionally viable reconstructive procedure in children who have a tumor of the distal end of the femur.

Twelve patients who had a malignant tumor of the distal end of the femur were treated with a Van Nes tibial rotationplasty. The survival rates were comparable with those for above-the-knee amputees and patients who had an endoprosthetic replacement. The results of functional testing showed that these patients performed as well as those who had endoprosthetic replacement and better than those who had above-the-knee amputation. Rotationplasty is therefore a favorable alternative to amputation or endoprosthetic replacement, either as a primary or as a salvage procedure.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of pathologic fractures of the distal femur with the Zickel supracondylar nail.

Thirteen patients with 14 pathologic, supracondylar, and distal femoral fractures were evaluated retrospectively. The Zickel supracondylar device was easy to use and applicable to a wide range of clinical problems. It provided good functional and symptomatic results in 11 of 14 cases. Two patients required a removal of metal implants due to soft-tissue irritation. Attention to the detail of insertion of the Zickel device may prevent complications.

Adult↗

Percutaneous bone marrow grafting of delayed union and nonunion in cancer patients.

Bone marrow is a source of osteoprogenitor cells that are key elements in the process of bone formation and fracture healing. Eight patients with primary sarcomas treated by extensive en bloc resections and reconstruction using internal fixation who developed delayed unions or nonunions were treated by injection of autogeneic bone marrow into the site of failed healing. Five of the eight patients received chemotherapy, with one patient receiving radiation therapy in addition. Bone formation was noted in seven patients after injection. Union was achieved in five of the patients. These results, obtained in difficult clinical circumstances, are encouraging and suggest that autogeneic bone marrow grafting is a useful technique in the treatment of delayed unions and nonunions and warrant further clinical studies.

Adolescent↗

Peak skeletal mass assessment in young adults with idiopathic scoliosis.

In 52 adult women with ages ranging from 20 to 35 years (mean age, 26.5 +/- 4.9 years) with scoliosis of the idiopathic type (mean, 44.7 +/- 17.4 Cobb degrees), bone density was assessed by conventional grading of the relative vertebral density (RVD) and the Singh trabecular index (STI). In vivo determinations of the bone mineral content (BMC) were performed in the radius, femur, and lumbar vertebrae by new noninvasive techniques of single (SPA)- and dual (DPA)-photon absorptiometry. Frequency distributions of scoliosis vs. control subjects with respect to RVD and STI grades showed interdependence to the P less than 0.01 level of significance. The mean BMC determinations of the radius (0.685 +/- 0.061 gm/sq cm) of the femur (0.947 +/- 0.110 gm/BA/sq cm) and of the vertebrae (1.091 +/- 0.105 gm/BA/sq cm) were markedly reduced compared with published control values (P less than 0.001). In comparison with the authors' institutional controls, mean BMC measurements were significantly lower for the radius (P less than 0.05) and for the femur (P less than 0.001). These results conclusively demonstrated that assessment of peak skeletal mass in a population of adult premenopausal women with idiopathic scoliosis showed significant decrease in average BMC measurements compared with control values. Maximal bone accretion was best evaluated at locations unaffected by deformity such as the radial diaphysis and the femoral neck.

Adult↗

Subacute osteomyelitis presenting as bone tumors.

The problem of the differential diagnosis between subacute osteomyelitis and primary bone tumors is a difficult one. Presenting symptoms, duration of disease, laboratory data, and location of the pathologic process are of little assistance. The authors reviewed eight typical cases. Preoperative diagnosis included benign and malignant bone tumors, as well as osteomyelitis; but the final diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made only after open biopsy and culture. The presenting symptoms and signs included: pain, usually dull; soft tissue mass; and, rarely, low grade fever. The radiographic features were usually a lytic area with various degrees of sclerotic reaction. White blood count and sedimentation rate were not helpful. The treatment, including surgical curettage and appropriate antibiotic therapy, resulted in resolution of the process and healing of the bony defects.

Adolescent↗

Computed tomographic evaluation of fatty neoplasms of the extremities. A clinical, radiographic, and histologic review of cases.

Eleven lipomatous tumors of the extremities (7 liposarcomas, 4 lipomas) were evaluated radiographically by several modalities, including computed tomography (CT) in all lesions. Lipomas were seen on CT scan as well delineated, homogeneous masses with negative attenuation coefficients ranging from -95 to -160. Liposarcomas were inhomogeneous, multilobulated, poorly delineated lesions located exclusively in the subfascial or intramuscular planes, with an intermediate range of attenuation coefficients between those of fat and those of muscle. In six of seven liposarcomas, definite low density areas were identified by attenuation coefficient as fatty tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained in two patients and was helpful in defining the extent of the tumors and their relationship to vital structures, but MRI could not differentiate benign from malignant tissue. Computed tomography is recommended as the cornerstone in the initial radiographic evaluation of growing or painful lipomatous soft tissue masses of the extremities.

Adult↗

Chordoma: a critical review of diagnosis and treatment.

Chordomas have typical clinical, radiographic, and histologic presentations that must be understood by all orthopedists treating spinal or neoplastic disease. Improvements in imaging have enhanced early, accurate diagnosis and anatomic localization of tumors. Multimodality therapy with aggressive surgery and spinal cord-sparing radiation therapy can achieve good tumor control.

Bone Neoplasms↗

Overview of geriatric osteopenic syndromes. Part I: Definition and pathophysiology.

The clinical features of osteoporosis are identified, and their role in distinguishing this disease entity from osteomalacia, osteopenia, endocrinopathies, and marrow-packing disorders is discussed. An update is also offered on the ways in which calcium intake and estrogen levels are implicated in the pathophysiology of bone mass loss.

Aged↗

Osteoporosis in unstable adult scoliosis.

New noninvasive techniques as well as conventional methods were used to evaluate skeletal mass in the following three populations of adult white women as follows: (1) 79 subjects with preexisting idiopathic scoliosis designated as unstable (US) because of the associated presence in the lumbar spine of lateral spondylolisthesis with segmental instability; (2) 67 subjects with preexisting idiopathic scoliosis without lateral spondylolisthesis designated as stable (SS); and (3) 248 age-matched nonscoliotic controls. Ages in all three groups were categorized into premenopausal (25-44 years), perimenopausal (45-54 years), and postmenopausal (55-84 years). The results showed higher scoliosis morbidity in the US compared to the SS populations. The prevalence and severity of osteoporosis were markedly increased in US versus SS populations. Femoral neck density determined by dual-photon absorptiometry techniques averaged 26% to 48% lower in all age categories of US patients compared to controls. These changes were found in the youngest age groups, indicating reductions in bone mineral content earlier in the adult life of white women with a specific type of high-morbidity US characterized by the marker of lateral spondylolisthesis.

Adult↗

Massive solitary tophus containing calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals at the acromioclavicular joint.

A massive solitary tophus containing calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals was resected from the distal clavicle and proximal acromion of a 62-year-old man who presented with a painful shoulder mass. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically and by X-ray diffraction. CPPD crystal deposition was found within bone, however, the articular cartilage was not involved. Other unusual features of the case include the size of the lesion, the monoarticular presentation and a peculiar discoloration of the overlying skin. The clinical presentation and radiographic features were initially consistent with a malignant process; thus the case demonstrates that CPPD arthropathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of periarticular tumors.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗