Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PLASTER CASTS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,009 records · Page 56Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Effects of immobilization of a limb on the maturation of a peripheral nerve in kittens.

Right or left hindlimbs of kittens were immobilized in a plaster cast, in the resting position. Three groups of animals belonged to the same age group, one to older, and another to younger. Kittens in the same age group were subjected to progressively increasing periods of immobilization, the older group to a shorter and the younger to the longest period. By virtue of this arrangement, it was found that the demonstrated changes in the peripheral nerve, which included a decrease in the myelinated nerve fibre population and a reduction in the mean nerve fibre diameter, have been proportionate among the animals in the same age group, more pronounced in younger, and less so in older ones, indicating that in younger animals longer periods of immobilization lead to a greater degree of harmful effects, although it was also evident that younger animals attempt to adapt to such adverse conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Successful induction of allergic contact dermatitis to mercury and chromium in mice.

Availability of reproducible mouse models for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to the metal allergens nickel, mercury and chromium, would be of great value for pathogenetic and preventive studies. We explored epicutaneous sensitization to nickel, mercury and chromium in mice in which oral grooming of the sensitization site was prevented by a plaster cast around the abdomen and lower thorax. This procedure was based on earlier findings that oral ingestion of allergen could prevent contact sensitization. The present results show that BALB/c mice can be readily sensitized to mercury and chromium using this epicutaneous casting method, without the further use of adjuvants. With nickel, however, neither this method, nor conventional methods involving the use of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) were effective.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

From sagittal distance to area. A study of transverse, vocal tract cross-sectional area.

In speech articulation studies, data on the pharynx are scarce. Still, the pharynx is an important part of the vocal tract. The present paper reports on an attempt to use computed tomography for investigating the pharynx. Axial computed tomograms were taken at four levels in the pharynx of a male and a female subject sustaining the vowels [u:, i:, a:, oe:]. From the tomograms the lateral width and the cross-sectional area were measured and their relations to the sagittal distance from the back pharynx wall to the midline of the tongue examined and compared with previously published data. In addition, some previous results derived from plaster casts are presented showing the corresponding distance-to-area relationship in the mouth region of some male and female subjects.

Female↗
PubMed2004

Effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor treatment and forced arm use on functional motor recovery after small cortical ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Both the administration of growth factors and physical therapy such as forced arm use (FAU) are promising approaches to enhance recovery after stroke. We explored the effects of these therapies on behavioral recovery and molecular markers of regeneration after experimental ischemia. METHODS: Rats were subjected to photothrombotic ischemia: sham (no ischemia), control (ischemia), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; ischemia plus BDNF, 20 microg), and FAU (ischemia plus FAU, 1-sleeve plaster cast ipsilateral limb). Animals survived 1 or 6 weeks and underwent behavioral testing (Rotarod, beam balance, adhesive removal, plantar test, neuroscore). After the rats were killed, brain sections were immunostained for semiquantitative analysis of MAP1B, MAP2, synaptophysin, GFAP expression, and quantification of infarct volumes. RESULTS: Infarct volumes were not different between the groups 1 or 6 weeks after ischemia. BDNF-treated animals had better functional motor recovery (Rotarod, beam balance, neuroscore) compared with all other groups (P<0.05). There was no significant adverse effect of early FAU treatment on motor recovery, although sensorimotor function (adhesive removal test) was impaired (P<0.05). There were no differences between groups as measured by nociception of the left and right forepaw (plantar test). BDNF treatment transiently induced MAP1B expression in the ischemic border zone and synaptophysin expression within the contralateral cortex 6 weeks after ischemia (P<0.05). Both BDNF and FAU reduced astrogliosis compared with controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postischemic intravenous BDNF treatment improves functional motor recovery after photothrombotic stroke and induces widespread neuronal remodeling. Early FAU treatment after stroke does not increase infarct size, impairs sensorimotor function, but leaves motor function unchanged. Postischemic astrogliosis was reduced by both treatments.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Early exclusive use of the affected forelimb after moderate transient focal ischemia in rats : functional and anatomic outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous work by researchers in our laboratory has shown that in the rat, the exclusive use of the affected forelimb during an early critical period exaggerates lesion volume and retards functional recovery after electrolytic lesions of the forelimb sensorimotor cortex. In the present study, we examined the effects of exclusive use of the affected forelimb after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). METHODS: Ischemia of moderate severity was produced in male Long-Evans rats through 45 minutes of occlusion of the left middle cerebral and both common carotid arteries. Exclusive use of either the affected or unaffected forelimb was forced through immobilization of either the ipsilateral (MCAO+ipsi) or contralateral (MCAO+contra) forelimb, respectively, for 10 days in a plaster cast, or the animal was left uncasted (MCAO+nocast). Sham surgeries were performed, and animals were also casted for 10 days or left uncasted. Sensorimotor testing was performed during days 17 to 38. At the end of sensorimotor testing, cognitive performance was tested with use of the Morris water maze. In a separate experiment, temperatures and corticosterone levels were measured during the 10-day period after 45-minute ischemia and casting. RESULTS: The MCAO+ipsi group performed worse on sensorimotor tasks than the MCAO+contra, MCAO+nocast, and sham groups. Infarct volume was significantly larger in the MCAO+ipsi group than in the sham and MCAO+contra groups but not in the MCAO+nocast group. No group differences were found with the Morris water maze, and no group differences were found in either temperature or plasma corticosterone level. CONCLUSIONS: The exclusive use of the affected forelimb immediately after focal ischemia has detrimental effects on sensorimotor function that cannot be attributed to hyperthermia or stress.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

The effect of aminophylline on inspiratory muscle contractility.

The effects of aminophylline on diaphragmatic muscle contractility were studied in 8 dogs. The relationships of the electromyographic signal from the diaphragm and the pressures developed by this muscle were compared before and after the administration of aminophylline in doses of 6, 20, 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg. Measurements were made during occluded inspiratory efforts at functional residual capacity. In a second group of 4 dogs the relationships were compared while the rib cage expansion was limited by a plaster cast. Finally, in a third group of 4 dogs after the diaphragm had been paralyzed by phrenicotomy, the relationship of pleural pressure to the electromyographic signal of the intercostal muscles was assessed before and after administration of aminophylline. In all cases, aminophylline progressively shifted the electromyographic pressure relationship up and to the left. This effect became significant (p less than 0.01) at a dose of 20 mg/kg, reached a peak at 80 mg/kg, and then declined at a dose of 120 mg/kg. The amount producing blood concentrations closest to the human therapeutic blood concentration was 20 mg/kg. The peak increase in pressure compared with the control values were 58% in the first group, 27% in the second group, and 52% in the third group (p less than 0.01). We conclude that aminophylline increases respiratory muscle contractility in a dose-related manner. This may have important therapeutic and pathophysiologic implications.

Aminophylline↗
PubMed1985

Effects of aminophylline, isoproterenol, and neostigmine on hypercapnic depression of diaphragmatic contractility.

We investigated the effects of aminophylline, isoproterenol, and neostigmine on decreased diaphragmatic contractility induced by hypercapnia. With the thorax open, the animal receiving mechanical ventilation, and a plaster cast around the abdomen, constant length and geometry of the diaphragm were maintained. Contractility was assessed by analysis of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) generated during supramaximal phrenic stimulation at different frequencies. Bilateral phrenectomy was performed to prevent spontaneous diaphragm movement. Hypercapnia (PaCO2, 85 mmHg) reduced Pdi by 10% at low and high frequencies of stimulation. Subsequently, aminophylline (20 mg/kg) restored Pdi to the control value at every frequency of stimulation (p less than 0.05), whereas neostigmine (0.25 and 1.0 mg) restored Pdi at low frequencies only (p less than 0.05). Isoproterenol did not improve Pdi at any frequency. Analysis of twitch characteristics revealed that hypercapnia reduced peak twitch amplitude by 17%, this being the underlying cause of the decrease in Pdi. Low and high doses of all 3 drugs significantly reversed this effect by improving peak twitch tension to values equal with or greater than control values (p less than 0.05). In addition, aminophylline (40 mg/kg) and neostigmine (0.25 and 1.0 mg) significantly increased time to peak tension of the twitch (p less than 0.05) and isoproterenol (5 and 20 micrograms/min) significantly decreased twitch half relaxation time (p less than 0.05). We conclude that aminophylline and neostigmine improve diaphragmatic contractility during hypercapnia by virtue of their potentiating effect on twitch amplitude, whereas isoproterenol does not increase contractility because the process underlying the decrease in twitch duration masks the effect of an improved twitch amplitude.

Aminophylline↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Immediate free ankle motion after surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

We prospectively studied 17 consecutively treated patients (15 men and 2 women) who had surgically treated subcutaneous, complete and acute Achilles tendon ruptures. The patients underwent a new postoperative regimen that allowed free ankle motion in a patellar tendon bearing plaster cast with a protecting frame under the foot making weightbearing possible immediately after surgery. Evaluation was done using a patient questionnaire and a clinical examination recorded at 6 weeks (when the mobile ankle cast was removed), 3 months, and 1 year. Measurements of isokinetic and functional strength compared with the uninjured leg were performed at the final followup. No rerupture or other complications occurred. At 1 year, our patients were graded according to the Arner-Lindholm rating scale and there were 15 (88%) excellent, 2 good, and no poor results. Six patients had an excellent result already at 3 months, and there were no poor results at any evaluation. The patient evaluations showed range of motion, strength, and recovery time comparable with or better than results of previous studies. Early free ankle motion after repair of Achilles tendon ruptures proved safe with very satisfactory clinical results, which justified a randomized, prospective study (now in progress) comparing it with traditional ankle immobilization.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic Achilles tendinitis and calf muscle strength.

We evaluated 10 men and 3 women (mean age, 44 +/- 8.5 years) with chronic Achilles tendinitis who underwent surgical treatment. Surgery was followed by immobilization in a weightbearing below-the-knee plaster cast for 6 weeks and a stepwise increasing strength training program. We prospectively studied calf muscle strength on the injured and noninjured sides preoperatively and at 16, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Preoperatively, concentric peak torque in dorsiflexion at 90 deg/sec and plantar flexion at 225 deg/sec was significantly lower on the injured side. Postoperatively, concentric plantar flexion peak torque on the injured side increased significantly between Weeks 16 and 26 at 90 deg/sec but was significantly lower than the noninjured side from Weeks 16 to 52 at 90 and 225 deg/sec. Dorsiflexion peak torque at 90 and 225 deg/sec increased between Weeks 0 and 26 and was significantly higher on the injured side at Week 26. Eccentric plantar flexion peak torque was significantly lower on the injured side at Week 26 but not at 1 year. This prospective study demonstrates that 6 months of postoperative rehabilitation for chronic Achilles tendinitis is not enough to recover concentric and eccentric plantar flexion muscle strength compared with the noninjured side.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Achilles tendinosis and calf muscle strength. The effect of short-term immobilization after surgical treatment.

We prospectively studied calf muscle strength in 7 men and 4 women (mean age, 40.9 +/- 10.1 years) who had surgical treatment for chronic Achilles tendinosis. Surgery was followed by immobilization in a weightbearing below-the-knee plaster cast for 2 weeks followed by a stepwise increasing strength training program. Strength measurements (peak torque and total work) were done preoperatively (Week 0) and at 16, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. We measured isokinetic concentric plantar flexion strength at 90 and 225 deg/sec and eccentric flexion strength at 90 deg/sec on both the injured and noninjured sides. Preoperatively, concentric and eccentric strength were significantly lower on the injured side at 90 and 225 deg/sec. Postoperatively, concentric peak torque on the injured side decreased significantly between Weeks 0 and 16 and increased significantly between Weeks 26 and 52 at 90 deg/sec but was significantly lower than that on the noninjured side at all periods and at both velocities. The eccentric strength was significantly lower on the injured side at Week 26 but increased significantly until at Week 52 no significant differences between the sides could be demonstrated. It seems, therefore, that the recovery in concentric and eccentric calf muscle strength after surgery for Achilles tendinosis is slow. We saw no obvious advantages in recovery of muscle strength with a short immobilization time (2 weeks) versus a longer (6 weeks) period used in a previous study.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Local treatment for neuropathic foot ulceration and osteoarthropathy.

Forty-one patients with 42 involved feet received local care for neuropathic foot disease. Thirty-one patients had ulcers (nine with associated fractures), and 10 did not (eight with fracture and two with severe ligamentous injury). Patients were examined at least 1 year after initiation of treatment, and follow-up averaged 3 years (range, 1 to 9). Treatment included ulcer cleansing, debridement, local bone excision, molded plaster casts, and antibiotics for patients with significant infection. Most patients used special shoes. Of the 42 involved extremities, 39 (93%) healed with treatment, 21 extremities (50%) remained healed at follow-up examination, and 16 patients (39%) continue to have difficulty with recurrent foot ulceration or osteoarthropathy. Thirty-nine patients (95%) have avoided the need for a major amputation.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Charcot foot--a technique for treatment of chronic plantar ulcer by saucerization and primary closure.

A series of four cases of refractory plantar ulcer in Charcot feet was successfully treated by a wide plantar exposure, excision of the ulcer, and primary closure over suction drainage. Thorough saucerization of the underlying convexity in the tarsals is thought to be necessary to achieve healing and prevent recurrence. Surgical intervention is considered worthwhile in those cases that show a marked rocker-bottom foot deformity on lateral radiography and have a persistent ulcer after conservative treatment in a plaster cast.

Arthropathy, Neurogenic↗
PubMed1991

Early mobilizing treatment for grade III ankle ligament injuries.

Eighty patients with grade III lateral ligament ruptures were treated either with total immobilization in a walking plaster cast or early mobilization in a stabilizing orthosis. The criterion for entrance was a talar tilt of more than 9 degrees and an anterior translation of more than 10 mm at stress radiography, a previously stable ankle, and a contralateral ankle showing normal stress radiographic values. Ninety-one percent of the patients were evaluated at 7 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year postinjury. While functionally treated patients reached normal mobility and resumed work and sports earlier than immobilized patients there were no differences between the treatment groups in ankle stability or symptoms during activity after 1 year. Ninety-five percent of the ankles in either group were mechanically stable after treatment. Residual symptoms were present 1 year postinjury in 13% of the functionally treated ankles and in 9% of the cast-mobilized ankles. In lateral ankle ligament ruptures causing gross mechanical instability early mobilization results in a better early functional result; however, at 1 year postinjury there was no statistically significant difference in outcome as compared to cast-immobilized ankles.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nonsurgical treatment of lateral ligament injury of the ankle joint.

Between 1986 and 1989, 40 patients with acute lateral ligament injury of the ankle joint were treated by immobilizing their affected feet in a plaster cast with a heel for 4 weeks, followed by a brace for the next 2 months. The average follow-up time was 29 months. Ninety-eight percent of the patients were rated as having satisfactory functional results. Stress radiographs at the latest follow-up showed good stability even in ankles that were severely unstable at injury. Posttreatment stress radiographs taken periodically showed that stability was maintained 6 months after treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Surgical repair of achilles tendon ruptures using polypropylene braid augmentation.

Surgical repair in fresh rupture of the Achilles tendon should be considered in active patients and athletes to restore their preinjury level of activity. Fifteen cases of Achilles tendon rupture underwent surgical repair using interpositional augmentation. This technique provides an immediate mechanical strength of the repair, avoiding the need for a postoperative plaster cast and allowing immediate motion of the ankle. No wound infection, scar adherence of the skin to the tendon, or rerupture of the tendon is present in this series. All patients were subjectively satisfied with the results and returned to their preinjury level of activity. Objectively, isokinetic assessment revealed no significant difference, as per t-test evaluation (P < .05), between the operated leg and the controlateral one.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1995

Ankle performance after ankle fracture: a randomized study of early mobilization.

In a prospective, randomized study, 30 patients were evaluated after ankle fracture treated by means of open reduction and internal fixation. The patients were randomized to either postoperative immobilization in a plaster cast for 6 weeks or early mobilization (1-2 weeks after surgery) in an ankle brace. Both regimens allowed weightbearing. Evaluation after 10 weeks and after 12 months included clinical assessment and isokinetic muscle strength measurements. Patients with impaired ankle function, as shown by means of an ankle score at 12 months, were followed for 3 years. At 10 weeks, impaired muscle torque and restricted range of motion was found on the affected side. This impairment was significantly less in the brace group. At 12 months, range of motion of the ankle and subtalar joints was restored, but dorsiflexion was still better in the brace group. Score values from a functional score did not correlate with muscle strength.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Some observations on spacing in the normal deciduous dentition of 100 Indian children from Gujarat.

Plaster casts of 50 boys and 50 girls aged 3-6 years, from Gujarat, India, were studied to observe the pattern of spacing in the normal deciduous dental arches. Spaced type of dental arches were more common than closed type or 'no spaces' type. Spacing/no spacing appeared to behave independently between upper and lower arches and between the sexes. The amount of spacing was greater in males than in females. Bilateral anthropoid spaces did not exist as a single phenomenon. They occurred when some other spaces were also present. Anthropoid spaces were more in the upper arch than in the lower and more in males than in females. If anthropoid spaces occurred in the upper arch, they were frequently missing from the lower arch; this was observed more in females than males. Spacing on the left side was more than the right side. Spacing between the mandibular incisors was the greatest of all.

Child↗