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PubMed1992

Metatarsal head resection in the deformed, symptomatic rheumatic foot. A comparison of two methods.

Metatarsal head resection for the symptomatic, deformed, rheumatic foot was performed in 83 feet of 49 patients via a modified plantar approach with functional after treatment, and in 64 feet of 41 patients via a dorsal approach, followed by placement in a plaster cast for 6 weeks. Both groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, and follow-up. From 1975 to 1985, 147 feet (90 patients) were operated in two different hospitals. Of these, 25 patients (39 feet) were lost to follow-up. The average follow-up was 83.3 mo. (range 33-136 mo.). Data were obtained by studying the medical records and by questionnaires sent to all patients. The results in both groups were quite similar. However a higher rate of wound-healing problems was found with the dorsal approach. The plantar approach resulted in an increase recurrence of metatarsalgia, requiring surgical revision.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed2004

Palatal and dental arch morphology in Down syndrome.

The analysis of palatal vault morphology and maxillary dental arch shape was carried out in the sample of 42 Down syndrome (DS) patients with trisomy 21. The data were compared to those of healthy controls from the same population matched for age and sex. Palatal morphology and upper dental arch shape were studied on hard plaster casts of the patients and controls. No sexual dimorphism in palatal and dental arch shape was observed in DS and controls. Normal palatal shape was more frequent in controls than in DS subjects (52.38% vs. 28.57%; p < 0.05). DS patients displayed significantly higher frequency of shelf-like or "stair palate" (38.1%) than controls (11.9%) (p < 0.02). The younger age group (3-14 year) showed much higher frequency of "stair palate" than controls (26.19% vs. 2.38%; c2 = 9.72; p = 0.003). The older group of DS patients did not show increased frequency of such shape of the palatal vault. There was no significant difference in dental arch shape between DS patients and controls. High frequency of shelf-like palate in DS subjects is decreasing by age. The obtained results indicate that palatal vault morphology is subjected to the age related changes. These changes can be attributed to the growth of caraniofacial structures and increased tonus of tongue and other orofacial muscles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Conservative treatments for fracture repair].

Conservative treatments for fractures are basic technique. We introduced the basic concepts of following methods:bandage, plaster casting, traction, cast-brace, pinning and external fixation. Then we summarized the indications of these techniques.

English Abstract↗
PubMed2005

[Long-term results following fracture of the femoral neck in children].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the severity and nature of long-term sequelae of femoral neck fractures in children in relation to the strategy and technique of therapy. MATERIAL: The study included 15 patients with a fracture of the femoral neck who, at the time of injury, had an opened proximal physis. The average age at the time of injury was 11.5 years (range, 4 to 16.3 years). There were eight boys and seven girls. Twelve children suffered injury due to a fall varying in gravity, two were knocked down by a vehicle, and one was injured as a co-driver in a car accident. The group involved no type I fracture, six type II, seven type III and two type IV fractures, as classified by the Delbet and Colonna system. METHODS: All children were operated on within an average of 4.1 days after injury. The delay was caused by a late referral from an outside hospital or was due to associated complications.However, the majority of fractures were treated within 24 hours of injury. Surgery was carried out from the anterolateral approach. Miniarthrotomy was performed in 11 patients to remove hematoma and decompress the intra-articular space. The methods of stabilization included Kirschner's wires in four children, compressive osteosynthesis using lag screws inserted extraphyseally in 10 children and the combination of both methods in one child. No plaster of Paris spica or traction was applied after surgery. RESULTS: The long-term results were evaluated at a minimum of 5 years after injury. The average follow-up was 9 years and 11 months, with the range from 5 years and 1 month to 15 years and 5 months, and 12 patients were involved. Six had a type II and six had a type III fracture. Ten patients were treated by arthrotomy. Stabilization of the fracture was performed with lag screws in nine children and Kirschner's wires in three patients. Both subjective and objective findings were evaluated by the modified Rattlif criteria. Concerning pain, eight (67 %) children had excellent outcomes, three (25 %) reported good outcomes and only one (8 %) had a poor outcome. The activity following injury was subjectively evaluated as excellent by 11 (92 %) patients and as good by one (8 %) patient. None of the patients was noticeably limited in their activity, as compared with the pre-injury state. Objective findings were based on X-ray images and the range of hip motion. No or minimal radiographic changes were found in five (42 %) patients and were assessed as excellent outcomes. A good outcome, i. e., a spherical head with a moderate neck deformity, was achieved in five (42 %) patients. A poor outcome, i. e., avascular necrosis free of revitalization, but with collapse, on X-ray images was recorded in two (16 %) patients. The values for the range of motion and limb-length discrepancy were excellent in eight (67 %), good in two (16.5 %) and poor in two (16.5 %) patients. Poor objective and subjective findings were recorded in the patients who had not undergone miniarthrotomy. DISCUSSION: A comparison with the literature data showed that the occurrence of each fracture type was in agreement with the reports of other authors. The finding of a higher frequency of type I fractures can be explained by a pathological slip due to hormonal changes. The opinions on treatment of these fractures have developed to the view that surgery is necessary in the early post-injury period, preferably with the use of compressive osteosynthesis or Kirschner's wires. However, subsequent immobilization in a plaster cast spica is not necessary. The subjective and objective findings were not exactly correlated due to differences in patients' age and different intervals between injury and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The authors recommend early surgery and stabilization by compressive osteosynthesis or Kirschner's wires, together with miniarthrotomy in order to decompress the articular space.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Arthrodesis of interphalangeal joints by means of external frame fixation].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The indications for arthrodesis of interphalangeal joints include pain, instability, deformity or irreparable damage to the relevant flexor or extensor tendon. The general principle of arthrodesis is to resect the affected joint ends in the flexion desired so that a highest possible surface of contact may be provided. Subsequently, retention by means of internal or external fixation is performed. The aim of this study is to evaluate our method of interphalangeal joint arthrodesis, using an external frame fixator, to present the results and to point out the advantages of this method, thus showing its applicability for relevant surgical indication. MATERIAL: Arthrodesis by external fixation was carried out in 37 patients. The group included 21 men and 16 women at an average age of 49.6 years (range, 30 to 67 years). The method was used in the patients who differed in the etiology of lesions of interphalangeal joints. Twenty-two patients had previously experienced purulent arthritis, six had post-traumatic arthritis and joint instability, five had rheumatoid arthritis, two had primary arthritis and two had an inveterate rupture of the extensor aponeurosis. METHODS: We used a simple frame fixator whose stability was based on two to four Kirschner's wires inserted and maintained in clamps on rods, 4 cm or 7.5 cm long, each having a double anti-clockwise thread that facilitates compression, distraction and correction in one plane. The surgical procedure was carried out under axillary block with the use of a tourniquet. It involved making an S-shaped incision dorsally, severing the extensor apparatus, resecting articular surfaces in the desired flexion position, inserting parallel wires and fixing them in clamps on rods, achieving compression, checking the position of articular surfaces and suturing. Included in the group assessment were the gender and age of the patients, etiology of articular disease, number of the digits and joints affected, limb laterality, wound healing, stability of fixation, maintenance of a correct arthrodesis position and signs of healing on X-ray images. Time required for bony union and the shortening of the digit due to surgery were also included in the evaluation. RESULTS: The 35 followed-up patients showed healing of the wound and arthrodesis, with firm bony union being achieved at an average of 6.7 weeks. In one patient after removal of the fixator, septic pseudoarthrosis developed at the site of the resected distal interphalangeal joint. Another patient developed ischemia of the distal phalanx of the thumb treated, which required release and subsequent removal of the external fixator, with vasodilatation therapy. After a prolonged topical therapy, painless fibrous ankylosis developed in that interphalangeal joint and the thumb was salvaged. DISCUSSION: The aim of arthrodesis is to achieve firm and painless bony union in a correct functional position at a reasonable time. Arthrodesis in our patients healed at an average time of 6.7 weeks. The high effectivity of the compression technique in achieving firm bony fusion is the factor emphasized in the literature, particularly in situations where there is a reduced contact surface, poor coverage by soft tissue, infection or the presence of a systemic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes mellitus. This all is in agreement with the results of this study. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows advantages of the compression technique of arthrodesis by means of external frame fixation based on insertion of wires beyond the site of inflammation. Compression and stability result in rapid osseous union, immobilization in plaster cast is not necessary, free joints of the hand can be exercised, the fixator is removed in an outpatient department and the minimal presence of metal material does not interfere with good healing of soft tissues. Therefore this method has all merits to be used for surgery in a terrain affected by rheumatic, inflammatory or potentially inflammatory lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Video-assisted tenotomy of the triceps muscle of the calf in cerebral palsy patients].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the outcomes of video-assisted tenotomy of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in children with the spastic form of cerebral palsy. MATERIAL: In the period from September 2003 to March 2004, 18 lower extremities in 14 patients were operated on.A set for endoscopic plastic surgery with a 4-mm trocar was used. Aponeurotomy was carried out with a scalpel no. 11 or arthroscopic scissors. The treated limb was immobilized in plaster cast for 6 weeks. METHODS The inclusion criteria were: an equinus gait free from a valgus or a varus deviation, preferably unilateral, and the age range between 4 and 10 years. The patients were examined before surgery and followed up at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: In 16 out of 18 treated extremities, simple aponeurotomy of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles was sufficient to achieve 20 degrees dorsiflexion. In two cases it was necessary to complete the procedure at the same stage by video-assisted sliding double-point tenotomy of the Achilles tendon. The short-term follow-up did not reveal complications such as failure of wound healing or neurological or vascular disturbance. DISCUSSION: The international literature data show that this method has largely been developed on cadavers. Much attention has been given to potential injury to the sural nerve. However, the ultimate goal of this operation, i. e., sufficient correction, should be regarded as a much more important factor. In older children, simple aponeurotomy may not achieve this objective and therefore the authors developed a procedure combining video-assisted aponeurotomy with sliding double-point tenotomy of the Achilles tendon. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted tenotomy of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles proved a fully effective method in our group evaluated at short-term follow-up.

Cerebral Palsy↗
PubMed2005

[Repair of the knee extension apparatus in the treatment of "extension contracture" after femoral lengthening].

UNLABELLED: Restriction of the knee flexion is one of the most frequent complications during femoral lengthening with Ilizarov method. In most severe cases the knee flexion reaches less than 90 degrees, which leads to impairment of patient's activity ("extension knee contracture") and represents difficult clinical problem to manage. MATERIAL: We reviewed 4 patients at the age of 14 to 22 years (mean 19), treated surgically because of severe knee flexion limitation as a complication of femoral lengthening with the Ilizarov method. The mean age at femoral lengthening was 17 years (12 to 20). The indication for lengthening was femoral shortening from 5 to 12 cm (mean 7.5) because of myelodysplasia with club foot deformity (1 case), fibular hemimelia (1 case), sequelae of septic arthritis (1 case) and Ollier disease (1 case). Lengthening with Italian modification of Ilizarov device was used in all cases. In two patients with knee instability the apparatus was extended to stabilize the knee joint (in one case tibial and femoral lengthening was made simultaneously). Femoral lengthening of 5 to 12 cm (mean 7.5) was achieved. Knee flexion before lengthening varied from 90 degrees to 150 degrees (mean 135 degrees) and after femoral lengthening decreased to 41 degrees (20 to 75 degrees). METHOD: Plasty of knee extension apparatus was done 16 months after removal of the Ilizarov device. The procedure includes extensive release of subcutaneous and fascial adhesions around the knee joint (4 patient), patellar retinaculum and ilio-tibial tract release (4 patient), lengthening of vastus lateralis muscle (4 patients), vastus medialis (2 patients) and vastus intermedius (1 patient), mobilization of patello-femoral joint (3 patients), fractional, intramuscular lengthening of rectus femoris 15 cm above the knee joint (2 patients). Intraoperatively 90 degrees flexion was achieved (80 degrees to 100 degrees). In after treatment plaster cast with knee flexion 45 degrees was used. After 4-5 days passive exercises were started using K2 apparatus (continuous passive knee motion) and posterior slabs: one with knee extension for walking and second with knee flexion at the night were used. Active exercises began at the 10th day after surgery. RESULTS: At follow up 10 to 47 months (mean 36) after surgery 105 degrees to 120 degrees of knee flexion (mean 114 degrees) was achieved with full passive and active knee extension at good muscle power. All joints were evaluated as stable in sagittal and coronal planes (including 2 joints with mild instability in coronal plane before surgery). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Femoral lengthening procedure should be realized with proper attention to prophylaxis of knee extension contracture. 2. Knee extension apparatus plasty is effective and save procedure for treatment of so called "extension knee contracture" as a complication of femoral lengthening.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Caries-based treatment need assessment by clinical dental nurses in Anguilla, British West Indies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of dental nurses in Anguilla to assess treatment need following training in WHO criteria. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six randomly selected schoolchildren aged 6, 9, 12, 14, 15 and 17 years. DESIGN: Point prevalence study involving three different groups of schoolchildren [n = 20 (C0), 23 (D1), 23 (D2)] and four plaster casts comprising 52 extracted teeth (T0). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tooth- and person-based inter and intra-examiner agreement. METHOD: The only three government dental nurses in Anguilla were trained and calibrated by a benchmark dentist in June 2000 using WHO criteria. Tooth-based Treatment Need and person-based Treatment Urgency were assessed during 466 evaluations involving 1,733 teeth. Examiner agreement levels were compared during two calibration exercises (T0, C0) and two duplicate examinations (D1 and D2). The treatment components were classified as preventive (diet modification, prophylaxis, OHI, sealants); restorative (restorations, pulp care and crowns); and rehabilitative (tooth removal). RESULTS: All scores presented are Kappa scores. Substantial agreement was obtained at T0 (0.614-0.764), and almost perfect agreement at C0(0.832-0.872), D1(0.917-0.954) and D2(0.966-0.977). Almost perfect reliability occurred at C0(0.963-0.991) and D1(0.971-0.992) while perfect reliability was attained by all examiners at D2(1.0). Substantial and almost perfect agreement was obtained for all treatment modalities irrespective of caries prevalence and severity. Agreement levels increased as the survey progressed. Perfect agreement was obtained for all categories of treatment urgency. CONCLUSIONS: Dental nurses in Anguilla can validly and reliably assess treatment need provided training is adequate, of realistic duration and they are involved in all aspects of the exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Posteromedial approach of gastrocnemius for reduction and internal fixation of avulsed tibial attachment of posterior cruciate ligament.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a posteromedial approach through the medial border of the medial head of gastrocnemius for reduction and reattachment of bony avulsion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) from the tibia. METHODS: Eleven patients with avulsed tibial attachment of the PCL underwent an operative reduction and internal fixation through the posteromedial approach of the gastrocnemius in our department from February 1998 to March 2000. The skin incision was reversed L-shaped along the medial border of the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the posterior capsule was exposed by dissecting the medial border and lateral retraction, avoiding the damage of the popliteal neurovascular structures. After that, the posterior capsule was vertically dissected a little medially to the posterior intercondylar sulcus and just on the posterior medial tibial eminence positioned by finger palpation. Then the PCL and its tibial attachment were easily accessible. In the delayed cases, PCL peripheral releasing was necessary to overcome the ligament retraction and to refresh the fracture bed for optimal reduction and bony healing. At last, one or two biodegradable screws were used to fix the avulsed bone segment and 30 flexion knee plaster cast immobilization was regularly applied after the wound was closed. The evaluation included X-ray, posterior sag sign and posterior drawer test compared with the contralateral side. The functional assessment of the low limbs was not available because of concomitant injuries. RESULTS: The posteromedial approach of the gastrocnemius used in repair of tibial attachment avulsed injury of the PCL could provide benefit of clear anatomical exposure, few blood loss (20 ml on average), no need for detachment or reattachment of any structure. The patients were followed up for 11 months on an average (ranging from 6 months to 2 years). It demonstrated that bony healing was achieved within 4-6 weeks in cases of fresh injury and 7-9 weeks in cases of delayed injury. Six out of 8 fresh cases showed totally negative posterior sag sign or posterior drawer test but 2 had extra laxity for 1-2 mm. In 3 delayed cases, extra laxity for 3-4 mm was presented compared with the contralateral knee. CONCLUSIONS: The posteromedial approach of the gastrocnemius is ideal for internal fixation of avulsed tibial attachment of the PCL. It is fairly easy, safe, time-saving, applicable alternatives, in addition, the morbidity is rare and can also be used in management of posteromedial fracture of the medial femoral condyle and tibial plateau.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia by vascularized fibular graft].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results in a group of patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated by transfer of a vascularized fibular graft from the contralateral extremity. MATERIAL: The group included three boys and two girls aged 2 to 8 years at the time of surgery. In two patients, the vascularized graft transfer was preceded by other operations. All patients but one had Crawford type IV pseudarthrosis. The signs of peripheral neurofibromatosis were found in four of the five patients. METHODS: The operation was carried out by two surgical teams, i. e., orthopedic and microsurgery (plastic surgery) specialists. Deep dissection of the pseudarthrosis was performed down to healthy, well vascularized tissue; a vascularized pedicle bone graft was harvested from the contralateral fibula. The graft was inserted and anchored intramedullarily in both tibial fragments, and stability was provided with a K-wire introduced through the calcaneus. Subsequently, the vascular pedicle of the fibular graft was joined to the surrounding vessels (anterior tibial artery and anterior tibial vein). The extremity was immobilized in plaster cast and later a KAFO brace was applied. RESULTS: Graft union partially failed in the proximal end of the graft due to bone resorption of both the graft and the proximal tibial fragment in two patients. This was successfully treated by additional spongioplasty. In all patients bony union was achieved at an average time of 9.8 months (range, 6 to 21 months). An increase by more than 100 % in the diameter of the transplanted fibula was recorded in four patients. The increase, which was of course related to follow-up time, was a clear proof of primary graft vascularization. DISCUSSION: The use of vascularized fibular graft harvested from the contralateral extremity showed high effectiveness in comparison with other methods. This was in agreement with the relevant literature reports. CONCLUSIONS: This method can be used regardless of patients' age and our experience showed that, even in small children, union can be achieved and can thus allow for early weight-bearing and prevention of crus atrophy.

Bone Transplantation↗
PubMed2006

[Prevention of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedics].

The incidence of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic patients is high and its prevention deserves special attention. In patients with total hip and knee replacements and with the proximal femur fractures, low molecular weight heparin should be administered at higher prophylactic dosages. Following its approval, pentasaccharide (fondaparinux) should become the drug of choice, especially in patients with proximal femur fractures. Pharmacological prophylaxis should take at least 10 days in case of total knee replacements and longer in patients with increased risk of venous thromboembolism. In patients with total hip replacements or with proximal femur fractures, LMWH or pentasaccharide prophylaxis is indicated over a period of 28-35 days. Under the conditions of well working infrastructure for anticoagulation treatment, there is an alternative of warfarin treatment, lasting consequently 6-8 weeks. In patients with proximal femur fracture that bleed or are in a very increased risk of bleeding, a possible alternative is represented by intermittent pneumatic compression and shift to antithrombotic treatment after bleeding stops. In patients with knee arthroscopies displaying no risk factors of venous thromboembolism where tourniquet was used no longer than 60 minutes, pharmacological prophylaxis is not necessary. Only timely mobilisation is recommended. In patients displaying risk factors of venous thromboembolism or with tourniquet use surpassing 60 minutes, it is advisable to administer low molecular weight heparin in lower prophylactic dosage. In patients with lower extremity fractures treated with osteosynthesis, LMWH administration of 7-10 days is indicated. In patients with lower extremity injuries requiring plaster casting or other type of fixation reaching below the knee, LMWH administration is indicated over the whole period of fixation in persons with higher risk (people with venous thromboembolism in their histories, in direct relative's histories, people with thrombophilic conditions including poeple with malignancies, women using hormonal contraceptives or their substitutions). Aspirin is not a suitable drug for separate administration in the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic patients.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1991

[Prevention of thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin in ambulatory patients with injury of the lower extremity: an ultrasound study].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of thrombo-embolism in outpatients with traumatic injuries of the lower limb, which are immobilised by plaster cast. 204 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I (99 pat.) got a daily injection of a low molecular weight heparin. In group II (105 pat.) no prophylaxis was done. The diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was carried out by compression sonography. A total of 24 patients developed DTV: In group 16 patients (6.1%), in group II 18 (17.1%) (p less than 0.05). In patients with fractures in group I (22 pat.) 4 DVT (14.8%) occurred and in group II (35 pat.) 10 (28.6%), respectively. The median age of all the patients was 34.7 years and relatively low. A general prophylaxis in all outpatients having traumatic injuries of the lown limb with immobilisation by cast is recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Cost analysis of managing paediatric femoral shaft fractures: flexible intramedullary nailing versus non-operative management.

This retrospective study aimed at comparing the cost of operative treatment versus non-operative treatment in the management of isolated paediatric femoral shaft fracture, in a single Trauma and Orthopaedic unit in a district general hospital in South East England. Patients were divided into three groups according to their treatment, and the cost was analysed depending on their requirements for hospital stay, theatre, physiotherapy, radiographs and plaster cast. Sixty-two children were admitted to our trauma unit with an isolated femoral shaft fracture from January 2001 to April 2005. There is a significant variation in the cost between the 16 patients treated with operative flexible nailing in comparison with those treated non-operatively either by traction alone (31 patients), or by traction followed by cast (15 patients). Operative treatment was shown to reduce the inpatient stay by approximately 75% (mean of 9.8 days in the operative group in comparison to 39.3 days in the non-operative group). It has also reduced the overall cost for treatment by more than 60% in comparison to traction alone and by almost 30% in comparison to using traction followed by casting.

Child↗
PubMed2004

[Orthodontic treatment needs and indications assessed with IONT].

The aim of this work was to determine the usefulness of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) in epidemiological studies undertaken to assess orthodontic treatment need of a given population, as well as in the process of defining indications to orthodontic treatment in individual cases with regard to objective treatment need and expressed demand for treatment. The correlation of the Aesthetic Component of IOTN (AC degree) with demand for treatment, usefulness of IOTN for screening studies, necessary modifications to make IOTN more acceptable to Polish orthodontists, and value of IOTN as a diagnostic and measuring tool for the assessment of orthodontic treatment need were addressed. The correlation between AC and demand for treatment, as well as the usefulness of IOTN in epidemiological studies were investigated with questionnaires and clinical examination using both components of IOTN (Figs. 1, 2, 3). The study group consisted of 264 schoolchildren aged 12 years. The results show that poor dental aesthetics is the main motivating factor to undertake orthodontic treatment (Tab. 1) and that demand for orthodontic treatment exceeds treatment need determined by IOTN (Tab. 2, 3). A regular distribution of AC degrees relative to the demand for treatment was obtained (Fig. 4) revealing the necessity to modify treatment need categories of this component in order to identify individuals with significant subjective treatment need. The modified aesthetic component would comprise the following treatment need categories: Grades (photographs) 1-2--"no demand for treatment"; 3-4--"borderline demand for treatment"; 5-10--"great demand for treatment". Excellent reproducibility of the Index (high values according to Kappa statistics), its universality, usefulness for various purposes, and simplicity in practice make the Index valuable for screening studies and assessment of treatment need in a given population. In order to test the reliability of the Dental Health Component of IOTN (the degree of conformity of this component with treatment tendencies among orthodontists), DHC criteria and subjective evaluation of treatment need were compared. This part of the study was carried out in a group of six orthodontists. 50 pairs of plaster casts covering a wide range of occlusal anomalies were analyzed. The subjective need for orthodontic treatment was stated for each case taking into account treatment priority and occlusal features determining treatment need. The results reveal a moderate conformity of DHC criteria with the orthodontist's opinion (Tab. 4 A, B) and a tendency among orthodontists to qualify for treatment also cases without treatment need according to IOTN recommendations. The discrepancy between the orthodontist's assessment of treatment need and DHC criteria applies mainly to cases with reverse overjet, front open bite, front or total crossbite and crowding in buccal segments of dental arches (Tab. 4 A, B). Matching the dental health component with opinions of Polish orthodontists requires shifting of some criteria from the moderate treatment need to the great treatment need category (Fig. 5).

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

The progression of bone and muscle atrophy in mice hind limb with immobilization.

This study investigated the time course of changes of bone and muscle atrophy in mice with immobilization by denervation and fixation. The animals were fifty-two male C57 BL/6J mice, aged 10 weeks old. Eight mice were used as the base line, and the remaining ones were cut at the sciatic nerve of the left hind limb and fixed with a plaster cast. At week 1, 2, 3, and 4 after the operation, a cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris muscles and bone mechanical strength with a three-point bending test of the femur and tibia were measured. The time course of changes of the bone mechanical strength and of the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris muscles between the intact and experimental limbs in each period compared with the control limbs, was determined. The bone mechanical strength of the femur, tibia, and the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris muscles of the experimental limbs significantly decreased compared with those of the intact limbs at week 4, 3, 2 and 1 after the operation (p<0.05). Compared with the intact limbs, the bone mechanical strength and the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris muscles of the experimental limbs declined approximately 10% and 30%, respectively, during the experiment (p<0.05). It was demonstrated that bone and muscle atrophy occurred at an early stage after immobilization by denervation and fixation, and that both types of atrophy progressed simultaneously in the present study.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Development of a clinical decision tool for suspected scaphoid fractures.

Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal fractures; their overall incidence is however low. Missing a scaphoid fracture may lead to a non-union with a possible disastrous outcome for the patient; for this reason, treatment of a suspected scaphoid fracture, even without a proven fracture on the first radiograph, has been conservative with plaster treatment. There are many clinical tests developed to diagnose a scaphoid fracture. However not all tests are equally practical, and their sensitivity and specificity are not always known, or are very low. In this study 18 clinical tests were evaluated and a subset of 7 tests remained, which were found to be practical and/or had a high enough sensitivity. A clinical decision protocol was developed using a combination of these seven tests, in order to improve diagnostic accuracy and at the same time reduce unnecessary plaster cast treatment of patients with a suspected scaphoid, who turn out to only have a sprained wrist.

Decision Making↗
PubMed2006

Pilot study evaluating a clinical decision tool on suspected scaphoid fractures.

In an earlier study we have proposed a scaphoid decision-protocol in order to improve diagnostic accuracy in case of suspected scaphoid fractures. This pilot study evaluated this protocol. In this pilot study (n = 31) most cases with clinical suspicion of scaphoid fractures reached a positive test result on the combined 7 clinical tests (93.5%). Using this test combination, no scaphoid fractures were missed (no false-negatives; sensitivity 100%), but it also included many patients with no scaphoid fracture. Many of these, however, were found to have another fracture. In total, 48% had a scaphoid fracture, 19% another fracture and 32% no fracture. In the pilot study the proposed protocol seems to be a safe protocol, without missing scaphoid fractures. It leads to a reduction of unnecessary plaster casting of sprained wrists and produces a marked reduction in plain radiographic examinations.

Adolescent↗