Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Messner

Publications and source records attributed to K Messner.

85 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

High sensitivity immunolocalization of double and single-stranded DNA by a monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody (AK 30-10) is described which specifically reacts with DNA both in double and single-stranded forms but not with other molecules and structures, including deoxyribonucleotides and RNAs. When used in immunocytochemical experiments on tissue sections and permeabilized cultured cells, this antibody detects DNA-containing structures, even when the DNA is present in very small amounts. Examples of high resolution detection include the DNA present in amplified extrachromosomal nucleoli, chromomeres of lampbrush chromosomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts and mycoplasmal particles. In immunoelectron microscopy using the immunogold technique, the DNA was localized in distinct substructures such as the "fibrillar centers" of nucleoli and certain stromal centers in chloroplasts. The antibody also reacts with DNA of chromatin of living cells, as shown by microinjection into cultured mitotic cells and into nuclei of amphibian oocytes. The potential value and the limitations of immunocytochemical DNA detection are discussed.

Animals↗

Radiographic joint space narrowing and histologic changes in a rabbit meniscectomy model of early knee osteoarthrosis.

The purpose of this study was to compare weightbearing radiographs with histologic cartilage evaluation in a rabbit meniscectomy model of the early stage of osteoarthrosis. Fifteen rabbits had a medial meniscectomy performed in one knee and a sham operation in the other knee. Five rabbits each were sacrificed at 13, 25, and 40 weeks after surgery. Radiographic joint space width and histologic cartilage changes of the medial knee compartment were quantified. Five non-operated knees and five knees in which the meniscus had been removed immediately before the evaluations served as control specimens. Overall, the joint space of the peripheral part of the medial knee compartment was narrower in knees operated on for meniscus removal than in sham-operated knees (P < 0.003). In the knees with the meniscus removed, more cartilage changes were seen at the joint surface area of contact on radiographs than in the sham-operated knees (P < 0.0015). Indeed, the area of contact had cartilage changes similar to those in the whole medial compartment. However, there was no correlation between the degree of histologic cartilage change and the corresponding joint space measurements. Joint space width as measured on weightbearing radiographs is reduced after meniscectomy in the rabbit, but it does not reflect the degree of cartilage damage of the loaded joint surfaces in early stages of osteoarthrosis.

Animals↗

Long-term prognosis of isolated partial medial collateral ligament ruptures. A ten-year clinical and radiographic evaluation of a prospectively observed group of patients.

We prospectively observed 38 patients with nonoperatively treated isolated partial ruptures of the knee medial collateral ligament at 3 months, 4 years, and 10 years after the initial trauma using clinical and radiographic examinations. The initial diagnoses were based on clinical and arthroscopic examinations. Three months after injury, 28 patients (74%) had regained nearly normal knee function and muscle strength, and 75% of these patients could perform at their preinjury activity level (competitive team sports). Five patients (13%) had increased valgus laxity (grade 1) in the injured knee. After 4 years, the patients had a median Lysholm score of 100 (range, 64 to 100). Thirty-three patients (87%) had normal knee function during strenuous activities. Repeat injuries to the medial collateral ligament occurred in two patients (5%), and another two patients sustained cruciate ligament injuries during the follow-up period. After 10 years, the Lysholm score (median, 95; range, 73 to 100) was lower compared with the 4-year score (P < 0.03), but the patients still performed on a similarly high activity level. Five patients (13%) had distinct signs of beginning osteoarthritis (Fairbank's signs) on radiographs, but none had joint space reduction.

Child↗

The effect of partial meniscectomy on the long-term prognosis of knees with localized, severe chondral damage. A twelve- to fifteen-year followup.

We retrospectively matched 42 patients with unilateral chondral damage in the weightbearing zone of one knee compartment according to sex, age, location of chondral damage, and follow-up time. Two groups of 21 patients were formed. One group had chondral damage only. The other group had chondral damage and a meniscal tear treated with partial meniscectomy. After 12 to 15 years, all patients were reexamined. Twenty-nine percent (N = 6) of the patients who had a partial meniscectomy needed repeat meniscal surgery during followup. No patients with isolated chondral damage developed meniscal symptoms, and only three patients underwent minor surgeries (P < 0.02). At the follow-up evaluation, both groups had similar knee function with a mean Lysholm score of 87 points. However, most patients had reduced their sports activities from competitive individual sports before injury to noncompetitive physical fitness exercise at followup. At the roentgenologic examination, patients who had partial meniscectomies had more severe roentgenologic signs of osteoarthritis than patients who had chondral damage only (P < 0.03). Meniscectomy, varus knee alignment at the follow-up evaluation (P < 0.04), and age older than 30 years (P < 0.04) at the time of the operation were associated with a higher incidence of osteoarthritis.

Adult↗

Ten-year prognosis of isolated and combined medial collateral ligament ruptures. A matched comparison in 40 patients using clinical and radiographic evaluations.

In a matched-pair study of 40 patients, the prognoses of patients with acute isolated partial medial collateral ligament injuries and acute combined medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament injuries were compared 10 years after initial treatment. All patients in the first group were treated nonoperatively. In the latter group, most medial collateral ligament injuries were total ruptures, which were thoroughly repaired; the torn anterior cruciate ligament was repaired with augmentation in half of the cases. At the follow-up evaluation, both patient groups had similarly high knee functions according to the Lysholm score and similar activity levels (recreational team sports). Knees with combined injuries had increased sagittal laxity at manual and instrumented assessment. Radiographic signs of knee osteoarthritis were present in half of the knees with combined injuries, but they were absent in knees with isolated injuries. The long-term functional prognosis was similarly good after isolated or combined medial collateral ligament injuries, but patients with combined ruptures had more reinjuries and repeat surgeries, increased sagittal laxity, and a higher incidence of radiographic osteoarthritis.

Female↗

Eighteen- to twenty-five-year follow-up after acute partial anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Of 22 consecutive patients with minor knee instability after a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, all could be reexamined after a mean of 12 years and all but 1 could be reexamined after a mean of 20 years. Three patients needed surgery during the follow-up period, but nobody had an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Lysholm knee function score was excellent and did not change between 12 and 20 years. Patients had decreased their activities from contact sports before injury to physical fitness activities at the late follow-up. Four patients changed activities because of a knee problem. The quality of life score was somewhat higher than may be expected in an age-matched average population. At late follow-up, eight patients had a 1+ Lachman sign, two a 2+ Lachman sign, and one a positive pivot shift. Also at late follow-up, 7 knees showed no signs of radiographic osteoarthrosis, 10 had Fairbank's signs, and 3 had minor and 1 a major joint space reduction. Of the 12 patients with longitudinal radiographic observation, 3 knees had developed a higher degree of osteoarthrosis, and 9 had remained unchanged. The patients had a mean age of 48 years at the late follow-up. This suggests that the results may be regarded as final outcome after this specific knee injury.

Adolescent↗

Eighteen- to twenty-four-year follow-up after complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.

A unilateral, complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament was diagnosed in 60 consecutive patients by arthroscopy within 1 week of trauma. Most ruptured ligaments were treated by acute nonaugmented repair immediately after the arthroscopy. Fifty-five and 56 patients were reevaluated after 12 years and 20 years, respectively. Twenty-five patients (45%) had at least one reoperation during the follow-up period of 20 years, primarily for meniscal problems. Seven patients (13%) had repeat anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The overall Lysholm knee function score remained at a median of 90 points from 12 to 20 years, but patients had decreased their sporting activities from team sports at full rehabilitation to physical fitness activities at the late follow-up. Patients who had repeat surgery had a worse knee function score, were less satisfied with their knees, and also had to change activities and change work more often than patients without reoperation. The majority of patients had, at both follow-up periods, unstable knees. At 20 years, weightbearing radiographs showed slight-to-moderate changes equivalent to osteoarthrosis in 84% (47) of patients and a 32% increase in osteoarthrosis since the 12-year evaluation.

Activities of Daily Living↗