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Distraction osteogenesis for lengthening of the hard palate: Part I. A possible new treatment concept for velopharyngeal incompetence. Experimental study in dogs.

Many procedures have been described to correct velopharyngeal incompetence. Significant complications can occur, and the results may not be satisfactory. If the short soft palate has satisfactory muscle function and if it could be moved toward the posterior pharyngeal wall by distraction osteogenesis of the hard palate, an entirely new concept of treatment for velopharyngeal incompetence would be available. The object of the present study was to explore the possibility of osteogenesis occurring in the hard palate in dogs after gradual distraction (callus distraction). Six adult, mix-bred dogs were anesthetized, and the palatal mucosa was elevated. A midpalatal transverse osteotomy and two lateral osteotomies were performed. Tantalum bone markers for cephalometric analysis were placed, and an individually fabricated, orthodontic-like distraction device with an expansion screw in the sagittal direction was inserted. The device was stabilized on the premolars and fixed to the palatal bone with titanium miniscrews. Gradual distraction began after a latency period of 10 to 18 days. The rate of the distraction varied from 0.25 to 0.75 mm per day. The device was left in place for 6 to 8 weeks after expansion to allow for bony consolidation. Assessment was by direct examination, cephalograms, computed tomography, and histology with bone labeling. Impressions of the jaws were taken preoperatively and after device removal to examine plaster cast changes in the dental occlusion. Cephalometric and computed tomographic scan analysis demonstrated a distraction of up to 8 mm. All gaps were filled with de novo osteogenesis. Comparison of the plaster casts revealed no change in the occlusion. At 1 month after distraction, the computed tomographic scan showed the first signs of ossification of the experimental gap from the anterior and posterior bone ends. After 4.5 months ossification was almost complete with a small translucent zone in the middle of the experimental gap. After 7 months ossification was complete.

Animals↗

[Restrictive bandages. Expert medical opinion (author's transl)].

The danger of pressure damage due to bandages is considerable. Plaster casts are incorrect immediately after accidents, repositioning of and operations on limbs. Complaints of circulatory disturbances and pains are to be taken very seriously. Pressure damage may occur not only after plaster casts, but also with elastic bandages. The urgent need to pay attention to undisturbed blood flow to the extremities after accidents and operations is emphasized with reference to 11 cases of various kinds.

Adolescent↗

[Simple tibiotalar luxation. Apropos of 16 cases].

Tibiotalar dislocations without fracture are extremely rare lesions. This series included 16 patients, 12 of whom have been examined clinically and radiographically. The purpose of this study was to specify the injury mechanism of the various anatomical types and to assess the long term outcome. The group included eight posteromedial dislocations (50%), four posterior dislocations (25%), one anterior dislocation, one high variety, one of the Huguier type, and one complex dislocation. The sex ratio was 14 males/2 females with an average age of 37 years. In half of the cases, dislocations were open. The average follow-up period was 11 years (range, 1 to 26 years). The eight closed dislocations and the open case type I according to the Cauchoix classification received non-operative treatment by reduction in the emergency room and immobilization in a plaster cast for 6 weeks. The seven patients who presented open dislocations Cauchoix type 2 and type 3 were treated by surgical debridement and ligament repair, followed in all cases by a plaster cast boot, and in two cases by temporary transplantar pinning. Twelve patients were reexamined clinically according to the Gay and Evrard modified score, and were radiographically evaluated with lateral and anteroposterior views focused on the tibiotalar joint, on both sides, static and dynamic. Anatomical factors resulting in predisposition such as medial malleolus shortness or lack of coverage of the talus have been evaluated. No patient presented tibiotalar joint instability. A 5 degrees to 10 degrees loss in the range of dorsiflexion was frequently observed. Two patients presented joint stiffness. In four cases, patients complained about paresthesias in the areas of the anterior tibial nerve or intermediary dorsal cutaneous nerve. Four cases of degenerative arthritis were radiographically observed, two of which presented an overall narrowing of the joint over 50%. Degenerative arthritis had occurred within the first four years in these 4 cases. The talus coverage index was similar to the standard population. Shortness of the medial malleolus was present in only two cases. The long-term prognosis after tibiotalar dislocation without fracture proves to be good. One should favor orthopedic treatment. The absence of tibiotalar instability argues against carrying out emergency ligamentous repair. Evolution towards degenerative arthritis is to be anticipated in 25% of cases, especially following open dislocations, or if transplantar pinning was required due to instability of the initial reduction.

Adolescent↗

Kapandji pinning or closed reduction for extra-articular distal radius fractures.

In a randomized prospective trial, closed reduction and plaster application was compared with Kapandji pinning. Closed reduction and plaster cast application was performed in 50 patients, Kapandji pinning in 48 patients. According to the Cooney score, good and excellent results were found in 74% of patients in the closed reduction and plaster cast group compared with 75% of patients in the Kapandji-pinning group. In terms of maintenance of reduction and functional outcome at 1-year follow-up, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. We conclude, therefore, that both techniques can be applied to extra-articular fractures of the distal radius according to the characteristics of the forearm and the surgeon's or the patient's need.

Aged↗

Side effects of mandibular advancement devices for sleep apnea treatment.

Our purpose was to investigate side effects of sleep apnea treatment by removable oral appliances (OA) that advance the mandible. In 22 patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), questionnaire evaluations, polysomnographies, cephalographies, and dental plaster casts were obtained before initiation of treatment with OA that fully covered both dental arches. Patients were reevaluated after 3 to 12 mo (questionnaires, polysomnographies) and 12 to 30 mo (questionnaires, cephalographies, plaster casts) during continuous treatment. Polysomnographies confirmed improved breathing by OA. All patients experienced persistent alleviation of symptoms after 12 to 30 mo and wished to continue treatment. Side effects were common but only mildly disturbing: mucosal dryness (86% of patients), tooth discomfort (59%), and hypersalivation (55%). Cephalographies revealed a decrease in the mean (+/- SE) upper incisors to maxillary plane angle from 102 +/- 2 degrees at baseline, to 101 +/- 2 degrees after 12 to 30 mo (p < 0.05). Overbite and overjet were also slightly (mean reduction < 1 mm) but significantly reduced. None of these side effects required discontinuation of treatment. OA are an effective therapy of obstructive sleep apnea. Mild side effects are common but rarely require intervention. Nevertheless, close follow-up during long-term therapy by OA is advisable in order to timely detect potentially relevant orthodontic changes.

Humans↗

Reduction of hypertonicity by early casting in a comatose head-injured individual. A case report.

The patient in this report sustained a closed-head injury. Within six days of the injury, he demonstrated generalized hypertonicity accompanied by alternating strong decerebrate and decorticate posturing. By Day 10 after injury, normal passive ROM could no longer be maintained using neurophysiological therapeutic techniques. Therefore, we applied plaster casts to both ankles. Within 24 hours of cast application, the patient's general hypertonus had decreased, and by 72 hours after casting, the patient demonstrated seemingly purposeful movements of the left extremities. Although casts have been used previously to maintain ROM or decrease contractures and to improve balance of muscle function of the joint that was immobilized, we believe that the marked, generalized reduction in tone in body segments far removed from the ankles was an important clinical observation. We explored several possible mechanisms for these observations. Because the usual casting conditions for reflex inhibition were not obtained with this patient, other factors were suggested to be important: total even pressure and neutral warmth. Research is currently in progress at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont to study further the effects of plaster casting and to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects.

Accidents, Home↗

The influence of external fixators on fracture motion during simulated walking.

This experimental study examines the relative influence of five unilateral external fixators on tibial fracture stability during simulated walking. Stability during routine patient activity is important, because cyclic inter fragmentary motion, or strain, has been shown to affect fracture healing. In model stable fractures simulating early healing (six weeks), it was found that fixators do little to constrain against axial inter fragmentary strains as great as 100% at only nominal weight-bearing (6.0 kg). These strains may occur repeatably at peak amplitudes of motion during walking. Similarly, peak angular movements may lead to additional axial strains of up to 25% at the external cortex and shear movements may lead to shear strains of up to 100%. Such strains are great enough to yield and possibly refracture the intra gap fracture tissue that may be composed of a combination of granulation tissue, fibrous cartilage, cartilage and bone. It was also shown that the procedure of releasing the fixator column to telescope (dynamize) has little influence on peak cyclic axial motion and on loading at the fracture, although increases occurred in peak transverse and torsional shear strains of up to 100%. Since permanent inter fragmentary translation also arises from the consequent compaction of the intra gap tissue, it may be permanent displacement rather than any change in the amplitude of motion that is responsible for the beneficial effect on healing claimed for the dynamizing procedure. In unstable fractures that are unable to support tibial load at the fracture, the peak amplitudes of cyclic movement were as great as those reported for fractures stabilized by plaster casts, and were approximately twice the movement of the stable fractures simulating early healing. Therefore, patients with unstable fractures supported by external fixators, may be expected to have similar patterns of healing to plaster-casted patients with similar fractures.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Anatomical and functional results five years after remanipulated Colles' fractures.

During 1988 we recorded all Colles' fractures (n = 530) in a prospective study in the city of Bergen. According to defined criteria, the fractures were treated by immobilisation in plaster cast with or without reduction; reduction and immobilisation by a Hoffman external fixation device; or open reduction and internal fixation. Included in the present study were 26 patients with secondary displacement after immobilisation in a plaster cast (8% of the reduced fractures). The fractures were remanipulated and splinted in a new cast for four more weeks. The patients were followed up five years after the fracture, and underwent subjective, radiographic, and functional evaluation. The anatomical end result was significantly improved compared with the initial deformity. The dorsal angulation improved significantly compared with the "slipped' position, whereas the radial length did not. The functional end result was excellent or good in 20 patients (77%). The total movement in all directions was correlated negatively with ulna plus, and the grip strength correlated negatively with the degree of osteoarthrosis. There were no other significant linear relationships between anatomical and functional variables. Total pronation and supination correlated with the initial radial length and dorsal angulation, and the total movement in all directions correlated with the initial radial length.

Casts, Surgical↗

The influence of treatment on the pathology of club foot. CT study at maturity.

We performed CT to investigate how treatment may modify the basic skeletal pathology of congenital club foot. Two homogenous groups of patients treated by one of the authors (EI) or under his supervision were studied. The first included 32 patients with 47 club feet reviewed at a mean age of 25 years and treated by manipulation, application of toe-to-groin plaster casts and an extensive posteromedial release. The second included 32 patients with 49 club feet reviewed at a mean age of 19 years and treated by the Ponseti manipulation technique, application of toe-to-groin plaster casts and a limited posterior release. At follow-up the shape of the subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints was found to be altered in many feet in both groups. This did not appear to be influenced significantly by the type of treatment performed. Correction of the heel varus and the increased declination angle of the neck of the talus was better in the club feet of the second group, whereas reduction of the medial subluxation of the navicular was better in the first. There was a marked increase in the external ankle torsion angle in the first group and a moderate increase of this angle in the second group, in which medial subluxation of the cuboid on the anterior apophysis of the calcaneum was always corrected. Equinus was corrected in both groups but three-dimensional CT reconstruction of the whole foot showed that cavus, supination and adduction deformities were corrected much better in the second group.

Achilles Tendon↗

Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older white women with osteoporosis. OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence for effectiveness of rehabilitation intervention(s) for adults with conservatively or surgically treated distal radial fractures. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group specialised register (January 2002), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2001), the Cochrane Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field database, MEDLINE (1966 to January 2002), EMBASE (1988 to 2001 Week 50), CINAHL (1982 to December Week 2 2001), Current Controlled Trials (December 2001), AMED, PEDro, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials evaluating rehabilitation as part of the management of fractures of the distal radius sustained by skeletally mature patients. Rehabilitation interventions such as active and passive mobilisation exercises, and training for activities of daily living, could be used on their own or in combination, and be applied in various ways by various clinicians. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All trials meeting the selection criteria were independently assessed by all three reviewers for methodological quality. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The trials were grouped into categories relating to the main comparisons, and to when the intervention(s) commenced (for example, during or after plaster cast immobilisation). Quantitative data are presented using relative risks or mean differences together with 95 per cent confidence limits. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve trials, involving 601 mainly female and older patients, were included. Initial treatment was conservative, involving plaster cast immobilisation, in all but 20 patients whose fractures were fixed surgically. Though some trials were well conducted, others were methodologically compromised. No trial provided definitive evidence. Only very limited pooling of results from comparable trials was possible. During immobilisation, there was weak evidence of improved hand function in the short term, but not in the longer term, for early occupational therapy (1 trial), and of a lack of differences in outcome between supervised and unsupervised exercises (1 trial). Post-immobilisation, there was weak evidence of a lack of clinically significant differences in outcome in patients receiving formal rehabilitation therapy (3 trials), passive mobilisation (2 trials) or whirlpool immersion (1 trial) compared with no intervention. There was weak evidence of a short-term benefit of continuous passive motion (post external fixation) (1 trial), intermittent pneumatic compression (1 trial) and ultrasound (1 trial). There was weak evidence of better short-term hand function in patients given physiotherapy than in those given instructions for home exercises by a surgeon (1 trial). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence from randomised trials is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius.

Adult↗

[Study on experimental suppurative osteomyelitis--influence of an intramedullary nail on infection in open fractures].

Studies were conducted on temporary intramedullary fixation of open fractures containing pathogens to determine the degree of involvement of metal splints in the "establishment of infection" and whether or not there is a so-called "golden hour" for antibiotic administration. An open fracture was experimentally produced in the tibia of mice and inoculated with 10(2) or 10(3) cells of staphylococcus aureus. Two separate groups of intramedullary fixation and plaster cast fixation were compared. In the intramedullary fixation group, infection was established in 77.8% of the mice inoculated with 10(2) bacteria and in 100% of those inoculated with 10(3) cells, compared with 35.0% and 70.0% in the plaster cast fixation group. When antibiotic administration was started 12 hours after the inoculation, 4 of 5 mice of the intramedullary fixation group inoculated with 10(3) cells showed abundant bacterial cells after 2 weeks. Antibiotic administration started 6 hours after the inoculation achieved bacterial elimination in all mice.

Animals↗

[Total contact cast for management of neuropathic ulceration of the foot].

Neuropathic foot ulcers are common in diabetic patients. One etiological factor is neural dysfunction. These ulcers are a major cause leading to limb loss and exist in 85% of diabetic patients undergoing amputations. A treatment modality of neuropathic ulcers is by weight-bearing relief of the affected area, which facilitates natural healing. The best way of providing such treatment is by the application of a total contact healing plaster cast which dissipates the pressure over the entire sole and shin. The method is successful in more than 70% of the cases. The major drawbacks of this process are the frequent need to change the plaster cast, which is extremely time consuming, and the need for a skilled artisan. This treatment protocol is dependent on the availability of conditions that will permit the artisan to create these total contact casts.

Casts, Surgical↗

Cast and brace treatment of eosinophilic granuloma of the spine: long-term follow-up.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the skeleton is rarely reported in the literature. The incidence of vertebral involvement varies between 7.8 and 25% and it is generally a solitary lesion, with a predilection for the male sex in the first decade of life. The prognosis is favorable also for the vertebral body's tendency for reconstruction. A recovery of the somatic structure is apparently much improved by eliminating or reducing mechanical stress by means of bed rest and the use of plaster casts or braces. We examined nine patients treated at the Orthopedics Clinic of Padova University, and with a follow-up of > or = 10 years. treated with plaster casts and spinal orthoses. The study was based on the modified Nesbit radiographic classification in 4 grades of severity depending on the height of the vertebral body involved. Long-term follow-up revealed no painful symptoms and a virtually total recovery of somatic structure in five cases, whereas four patients still showed a varying degree of somatic alteration. The osteogenic capacity of the intact ring epiphysis and ossifying metaplastic processes were assumed to be the mechanisms contributing, together with a reduced mechanical load, to reconstruction of the vertebral somatic structure.

Braces↗

Positioning aid solves the reproducibility problem during oblique hand radiography: a cheap and effective solution.

OBJECTIVE: A commercially available positioning device was evaluated to assess whether standardized positioning of hand radiographs for the pronated oblique view was facilitated. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: One hundred hands of volunteers were radiographed in postero-anterior, anteroposterior and pronated oblique projections, with and without use of the positioning device, and with and without application of a plaster cast. RESULTS: The variation in pronation angle in the uncovered hand was 6 degrees with, and 24 degrees without the positioning device. Use of the device diminished intra- and inter-positioning variation by 14 degrees and 18 degrees respectively. A plaster cast led to a variation of up to 26 degrees, despite use of the device. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the positioning device improved consistency for the pronated oblique radiograph. There was no improvement with a cast on the forearm.

Adult↗

[Diaphysal pseudarthrosis of the tibia (author's transl)].

The authors analyse the etiology and treatment of 18 pseudarthroses of the tibial diaphysis occurring in a series of 320 fractures of this bone. This complication seldom appears in simple fractures treated by a plaster cast (two cases out of 144). In addition to classical and well known factors, it appears that pseudarthrosis occurs more frequently after traction-immobilization (10 cases out of 73), when the fragments had to be repositioned on many occasions under plaster cast, or in cases of open fractures. The treatment by bone grafting, principally in-lays, with or without plates and visses, yield satisfactory results.

Adolescent↗

Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older white women with osteoporosis. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of rehabilitation interventions in adults with conservatively or surgically treated distal radial fractures. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (December 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, OTseeker and other databases, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. No language restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating rehabilitation as part of the management of fractures of the distal radius sustained by adults. Rehabilitation interventions such as active and passive mobilisation exercises, and training for activities of daily living, could be used on their own or in combination, and be applied in various ways by various clinicians. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The authors independently selected and reviewed trials. Study authors were contacted for additional information. No data pooling was done. MAIN RESULTS: Fifteen trials, involving 746 mainly female and older patients, were included. Initial treatment was conservative, involving plaster cast immobilisation, in all but 27 participants whose fractures were fixed surgically. Though some trials were well conducted, others were methodologically compromised. For interventions started during immobilisation, there was weak evidence of improved hand function for hand therapy in the days after plaster cast removal, with some beneficial effects continuing one month later (one trial). There was weak evidence of improved hand function in the short term, but not in the longer term (three months), for early occupational therapy (one trial), and of a lack of differences in outcome between supervised and unsupervised exercises (one trial). For interventions started post-immobilisation, there was weak evidence of a lack of clinically significant differences in outcome in patients receiving formal rehabilitation therapy (four trials), passive mobilisation (two trials), ice or pulsed electromagnetic field (one trial), or whirlpool immersion (one trial) compared with no intervention. There was weak evidence of a short-term benefit of continuous passive motion (post external fixation) (one trial), intermittent pneumatic compression (one trial) and ultrasound (one trial). There was weak evidence of better short-term hand function in participants given physiotherapy than in those given instructions for home exercises by a surgeon (one trial). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence from randomised controlled trials is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius.

Adult↗

Use of the low-molecular-weight heparin reviparin to prevent deep-vein thrombosis after leg injury requiring immobilization.

BACKGROUND: Deep-vein thrombosis is a well-recognized complication after trauma to the legs and subsequent immobilization, but there are no generally accepted approaches to preventing this complication. METHODS: We performed a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous reviparin (1750 anti-Xa units given once daily) in 440 patients who required immobilization in a plaster cast or brace for at least five weeks after a leg fracture or rupture of the Achilles tendon. The study drug was given throughout the period of immobilization. Venography of the injured leg was performed within one week after removal of the plaster cast or brace, or earlier if there were symptoms suggesting deep-vein thrombosis. RESULTS: Data on efficacy and end points were available for 371 patients. Deep-vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 17 of the 183 patients randomly assigned to receive reviparin (9 percent) and in 35 of the 188 patients randomly assigned to receive placebo (19 percent) (odds ratio, 0.45; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.24 to 0.82). Most of the thromboses were distal (14 in the reviparin group and 25 in the placebo group). There were two cases of pulmonary embolism, both in patients in the placebo group who also had proximal deep-vein thrombosis. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to bleeding or other adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Deep-vein thrombosis is common in persons with leg injury requiring prolonged immobilization. Reviparin given once daily appears to be effective and safe in reducing the risk of this complication.

Achilles Tendon↗

Early ankle mobilization, Part I: The immediate effect on acute, lateral ankle sprains (a randomized clinical trial).

A random clinical trial was performed to determine the immediate effects of early ankle mobilization on active duty military members with moderate and severe lateral ankle sprains. Sixty-four subjects were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: a plaster cast, an air-stirrup (Aircast Inc., Summit, New Jersey), or an elastic wrap. Each intervention lasted 2 weeks followed by 3 weeks of rehabilitation. Subjects who were allowed early mobilization returned to work and running significantly sooner than those placed in plaster casts (p = 0.029). Swelling (p = 0.009) and pain (p < 0.001) decreased while range of motion increased (p = 0.027) in the early mobilization groups. Between the mobilization groups, those in the elastic wrap performed as well as those in the air-stirrup.

Adult↗