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Focal brain injury, FGF-2 and the adverse effects of excessive motor demand on cortical and nigral degeneration: marked protection by delayed intermittent exposure to halothane.

The neuroprotective potential of halothane anesthesia was investigated following unilateral electrolytic lesions to the forelimb representation area of the sensorimotor cortex (FL-SMC). Previously, it was found that the FL-SMC lesion increases substantially in size when the intact forelimb is immobilized with a plaster of paris cast for the first 7 days postlesion, which forces extreme overuse of the impaired forelimb during a time when nonlethally damaged tissue is vulnerable to behavioral demand. Initially, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether intracisternal infusion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), a potent neurotrophic factor that has been shown to have neuroprotective and plasticity promoting properties in focal stroke and other injury models, could prevent this use-dependent exaggeration of injury. Although intracisternal bFGF (starting 24 h after surgery, twice per week) was not found to produce significant neuroprotective or behavioral effects, the brief exposure to halothane anesthesia (15-20 min) during bFGF or vehicle administration was found to prevent expansion of the lesion size, and to reduce delayed loss of neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). The data have implications for investigations of the effects of neurotrophic factor in vivo, and other investigations requiring brief, intermittent halothane anesthesia.

Animals↗

Percutaneous treatment of carpal, metacarpal, and phalangeal injuries.

Percutaneous fixation of hand fractures is a common technique that takes advantage of the subcutaneous nature of hand bones, their small size, and their limited loading potential for stress placed on hardware. Percutaneous wire fixation supplements cast fixation when plaster cannot hold particular reductions, and allow surgical fixation with limited postoperative swelling. In the first part of the current study, the types of wires that are used for hand fixation, fluoroscopy, helpful instruments, and the basic techniques used for this type of surgery are discussed. In the second part of the study, specific fixation techniques for different fractures of the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges are outlined.

Bone Screws↗

Operative treatment of the acutely ruptured lateral ligament of the ankle.

Twenty-seven patients with acute inversion injuries of the ankle were treated surgically during the past ten years. Instability indicative of rupture of the lateral collateral ligament was demonstrated by anteroposterior stress inversion roentgenograms. Ruptures of a component or components of this ligament were found at operation in every case. The ligament and capsule were repaired and the ankle was immobilized by a plaster of Paris cast for six to eight weeks. Of 26 patients available for follow-up examination, none complained of instability although nine had minor residual symptoms. Postoperative stability was demonstrated by roentgenograms in 13 patients. In the other 13, clinical examination showed that the ankles were stable on forcible inversion of the foot and ankle. Our results indicate that surgical repair offers the best prospect for successful treatment when definite passive instability can be demonstrated by properly performed stress inversion roentgenograms.

Adolescent↗

Ultrasound therapy in tendinous injury healing in goats.

The effect of ultrasound therapy on tendon injury healing was studied on 12 locally available non-descript adult goats of either sex divided equally in two groups (I and II) consisting of six animals each. The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) was transected and immediately repaired with nylon (2/0) using a locking loop suture pattern under atropine-triflupromazine-lignocaine epidural analgesia and strict aseptic condition. A full limb plaster of Paris cast was applied to immobilize the operated limb for 3 days. Postoperative care was similar in both the groups. In group I, the operated limb was allowed to heal without ultrasound therapy. In group II, pulsed ultrasound therapy was started 3 days after repair of tendinous injury at an intensity of 1 W/cm(2) for 10 min daily for 10 consecutive days. The animals of both groups were evaluated clinically and haemato-biochemically on days 1, 3, 7, 15, 20 and 30 postoperatively. Air tendonograms and ultrasonography were performed on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 post-tenorrhaphy. Histopathological examination of tendon biopsy samples was performed on day 30 post-tenorrhaphy. Resolution of inflammatory swelling, pain, weight bearing and tendon gliding movement was earlier in the test group than control. Rectal temperature, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count did not vary significantly at various stages of observation in both the groups. Serum glucose, cortisone and serum alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly after tendon injury repair in all the animals and decreased slowly at all subsequent intervals in control group, whereas, it was near normal in the treatment group on day 30 post-tenorrhaphy. Air tendenograms and ultrasonography examinations in the test group revealed that there was a marked regression of peritendinous adhesion between the tendon and skin on day 30 post-tendon injury repaired and the tendon at the reconstructive site attained near normal thickness and density. Adhesions were present in the reconstructed site of SDFT in all animals of the control group. Histopathologically, the granulation tissue was comparatively bettered organized at the healing site in the ultrasound-treated animals.

Animals↗

Suggested method for closed treatment of fractures of the carpal scaphoid: hypothesis supported by dissection and clinical practice.

The anatomy and kinetics of the carpus with special reference to the fractured scaphoid are described. Clinical, radiological and post-mortem studies of the wrist show that the scaphoid can be immobilized and compressed in its long axis, with the wrist held in full supination, mid-dorsiflexion and full ulnar deviation. Immobilization of the upper limb in this position for four weeks has achieved union of those fractures of the scaphoid which are often problematical, i.e. the displaced fracture, fractures of the proximal pole, and those exhibiting delay in union of many months. The method of manipulation and immobilization in a plaster of Paris cast is described, and some clinical examples are presented. The indications for the complications of the method of treatment are discussed and briefly compared with other methods of treatment.

Adolescent↗

Simple treatment for torus fractures of the distal radius.

Torus (buckle) fractures of the distal radius are common in childhood. Based on the results of a postal questionnaire and a prospective, randomised trial, we describe a simple treatment for this injury, which saves both time and money. Over a six-month period, we randomised 201 consecutive patients with this injury to treatment with either a traditional forearm plaster-of-Paris cast or a 'Futura-type' wrist splint. All patients were treated for a period of three weeks, followed by clinical and radiological review. There was no difference in outcome between the two groups, and all patients had a good result. Only one patient did not tolerate the splint which was replaced by a cast. The questionnaire showed a marked variation in the way in which these injuries are treated with regard to the method and period of immobilisation, the number of follow-up visits and radiographs taken. We suggest that a 'Futura-type' wrist splint can be used to treat these fractures. The patient should be reviewed on the following day to confirm the diagnosis and to give appropriate advice. There is no evidence that further follow-up is required. This simple treatment has major benefits in terms of cost and reduction of the number of attendances.

Adolescent↗

A preliminary investigation into the development of 3-D printing of prosthetic sockets.

The socket is considered an element of major importance in the makeup of a prosthesis. Each socket is a tailor-made device, designed to fit the unique geometry of the patient's residual limb. The design and manufacture of a prosthetic socket traditionally has been a manual process that relies on the use of plaster of Paris casts to capture the shape of the patient's residual limb and then artisan fabrication techniques to manufacture the socket. Computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies have overcome some of the shortcomings of the traditional process, but the final manufacture of the prosthetic socket is still performed manually. Rapid prototyping (RP), a relatively new class of manufacturing technologies, creates physical models directly from three-dimensional (3-D) computer data. Previous research into the application of RP systems to the manufacture of prosthetic sockets has focused on expensive, high-end technologies that have proven too expensive. This paper investigates the use of a cheaper, low-end RP technology known as 3-D printing. Our investigation was an initial approach to using a technology that is normally associated with producing prototypes quickly, some of which could not be manufactured by alternative means. Under normal circumstances, these printed components are weak and relatively fragile. However, comfortable prosthetic sockets manufactured with 3-D printing have been used in preliminary fittings with patients.

Amputation Stumps↗

Use of a tourniquet in the internal fixation of fractures of the distal part of the fibula. A prospective, randomized trial.

A prospective, randomized trial was undertaken to determine the rate of complications after the use of a tourniquet during open reduction and internal fixation of simple, closed fractures of the distal part of the fibula. Forty patients were operated on with use of a tourniquet (Group 1) and forty patients, without use of a tourniquet (Group 2). The average duration of the operation was significantly different between the two groups (41 +/- 9 minutes for Group 1 compared with 53 +/- 12 minutes for Group 2 [p = 0.026]). There were more complications in the patients in Group 1, two of whom had an isolated deep-vein thrombosis of the calf. The wound was possibly infected in eleven patients (seven in Group 1 and four in Group 2 [p < 0.05]) and frankly infected in three patients, all in Group 1 (p < 0.05). The plaster-of-Paris cast needed to be changed in three patients from Group 1. The patients in Group 1 returned to work an average of one week later than those in Group 2. The mean duration of follow-up was eighteen months (range, nine to thirty-two months). Given the lower prevalence of postoperative complications and the shorter time to recovery for the patients in Group 2, we believe that it is justified not to use a tourniquet in the operative treatment of simple, isolated fibular fractures.

Adult↗

Hip hinge thigh brace for early mobilization of proximal femoral shaft fractures.

A new design, the 'Hip Hinge Thigh Brace' is presented for the safe early functional mobilization of patients with proximal half femoral shaft fractures. The mechanics, prescription, application technique and early clinical experience are reported. Use of the newer Crystona plastic plaster is shown to provide a more functional brace than the plaster of Paris casts.

Acrylic Resins↗

The effect of hyaluronic acid on cartilage in the immobilized rabbit knee.

Out of 30 adult rabbits, 20 had one knee immobilized with a plaster of Paris cast for 6 or 12 weeks, and 10 rabbits were used as untreated controls. Prior to immobilization, 10 knees were injected with high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The articular cartilage of the femoral condyles was studied by light microscopy, whereas that of the patella and tibia was analyzed biochemically. Degenerative changes of the articular cartilage similar to those seen in arthrosis were observed after 6 weeks. The intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid did not prevent these changes; instead, the reparative processes seemed inhibited.

Animals↗

Early post-surgical prosthetic fitting with a pre-fabricated plastic limb.

Early prosthetic fitting and independent ambulation are major goals in the rehabilitation of amputees with early walking being extremely valuable in the physical and psychosocial rehabilitation of the amputee. With early resumption of weight bearing and ambulation, deterioration of postural reflexes can be prevented and the residual limb (stump) can be shaped for definitive prosthetic fitting. A new temporary prosthesis was evaluated in its use on new below-knee amputees. The prosthesis is a plastic, hollow form which fits over the conventional rigid, plaster postoperative dressing. It comes in one size and is cut to fit the patient. The prosthesis is readily available, needs little training for its application, can be re-used, and is inexpensive. Twenty-two consecutive patients treated at Hines Veteran's Administration Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center underwent below-knee amputations. All were determined to be potential walkers. The average age at surgery was 61 years with a range of 17 to 74 years. Amputation was performed for trauma in two patients and gangrene in the other 20. All wounds were dressed with conventional rigid, plaster dressings with cast changes five days postoperatively. The prefabricated temporary prosthesis was applied at the second cast application at an average of 8.1 days postoperatively with permanent prosthetic fitting at 7.7 weeks. There were no complications related to the use of the plastic temporary prosthesis. The use of a new plastic temporary prosthesis has been found to be advantageous in the early rehabilitation of below-knee amputees.

Adolescent↗

Plastic footwear for leprosy.

The anaesthetic foot in leprosy poses the most major problem in the rehabilitation of its patients. Various attempts have been made to produce protective footwear such as the microcellular rubber-car-tyre sandals. Unfortunately these attempts have had little success on a large scale because of the inability to produce them in large numbers and the stigma attached to such unusual footwear. While such footwear may be superior to the 'tennis' shoe in protecting the foot from injury by the penetration of sharp objects, it fails to distribute the weight-bearing forces which is the major cause of plantar damage and ulceration in the anaesthetic foot. This can be achieved by providing rigidity to the sole, as demonstrated by the healing of ulcers in plaster of paris casts or the rigid wooden clog. A new type of moulded plastic footwear has been evolved in conjunction with the plastic footwear industry which provides footwear that can be mass produced at a low price and which overcomes the stigma of leprosy. Controlled rigidity is provided by the incorporation of a spring steel shank between the sponge insole and the hard wearing plastic sole. Trials have demonstrated both the acceptability of the footwear and its protective effects as well as its hard wearing properties.

Humans↗

Comparison microscope identification of a cheese bitemark: a case report.

Police investigating the murder of a farmer recovered a piece of cheese containing bite- marks. The local dental practitioner used white plaster to make casts of the bitemarks in the cheese and also of the teeth of three suspects. The cheese specimen was retained by the police and seven months later the case was referred to the Forensic Odontology Unit at the University of Pretoria where a silicone rubber cast of the bitemarks in the cheese was made. A lack of concordant features present in a conventional pattern-associated comparison was overcome with the aid of a Leica DMC comparison microscope. Individual features observed under 6.3x magnification aided in the positive identification of the suspect, who when confronted with the evidence, admitted guilt at his first court appearance.

Bites, Human↗

Forearm bone non-union and its management.

A total of 125 patients with forearm (radio-ulnar) bone compound fractures resulting from missile injuries were examined 8 to 16 weeks after the time of injury with the objective of finding out the rate and causes of non-union. Initial management in each case was circular POP with windows for wound care or posterior slabs made of POP, Cramer-wire, or wood at random. Out of these, 22 (17.5%) patients had non-union. All were male, mean age 26 years, in good nutritional state and no underlying chronic illnesses found on routine examination. Fourteen had ulnar bone and 8 radial bone non-union. Four of the patients with ulnar non-union had both radio-ulnar fracture. All 22 patients had haematocrit values > 30%, had no associated injury and none had vascular injury at site of wounding. Seven (32%) had wound infection. All wounds healed within 2-4 weeks after injury. Diagnosis of non-union was made by clinical examination and x-rays of the forearm. All the 22 cases were operated on under general anaesthesia and exploration revealed that 18 had bone defects ranging from 1 cm to 5 cm, 2 had soft tissue interposition and 2 had failure of reduction as the obvious cause of non-union. Cancellous, slivered iliac bone grafts were made in all cases to bridge gaps and induce osteogenesis. Stabilization was made by rush-pins used as intramedullary nails in 12 cases in addition to either long or short arm plaster of paris casts in all cases. There was no post-operative infection including the donor site and all had well healed wounds and good union 8-10 weeks later. Bone defect is the most common cause of non-union of forearm bone fractures resulting from missile injury and early slivered cancellous bone graft is effective in the treatment of non-union.

Adult↗

Clinical and functional results of open operative repair for Achilles tendon rupture in a non-specialist surgical unit.

We followed up 25 patients (average age 47.9 years, range 22 to 77) after open repair of their Achilles tendon rupture. All had been operated on by a single general surgeon using an end-to-end reabsorbable suture, and immobilised in a plaster of Paris cast for six weeks. All patients had been discharged from follow up by 18 weeks from the operation. At an average of 3.4 years (range six months to 9.25 years), 18 had "excellent", six (24%) "good" and one (4%) "satisfactory" results. All but one patient were able to walk on tiptoes, and 20 of the 22 patients examined directly walked without a limp. Ultrasonography showed the injured tendons to be on average 2.3 times thicker in the antero-posterior diameter and 1.7 times thicker in the transverse diameter. In the hands of a single non-specialist but fully trained general surgeon, this management regimen produced full return to pre-operative activities in the majority of patients, and a low rate of local complications. The macroscopic and ultrasonographic appearance of the operated tendon remained abnormal, but this was not associated with any overt clinical disturbance

Achilles Tendon↗

A rare combination of fractures of the upper extremities: a diagnostic problem.

The rare case is reported of fractures concurrently of the bilateral proximal radius and the right proximal carpal row. Initial radiographs of the patient showed only fractures in the bilateral proximal radius and the right triquetral bone. In addition, the bone scan showed focal increased uptake in the right scaphoid bone and lunate bone as well, suggesting fractures. Fractures of the entire right proximal row were confirmed by computer tomography. The patient received functional treatment for the elbows and had a scaphoid plaster-of-Paris cast for the wrist. This resulted in a complete recovery after one year.

Adult↗

Radiocolloids in the management of hemophilic arthropathy in children and adolescents.

Radiocolloids have been used in the treatment of hemophilic arthropathy. Fifty-eight joints of 35 patients were injected with 2-5 mCi of yttrium-90 silicate under local anesthesia. A preinjection arthrogram was performed to ensure correct placement of the needle. Plaster of paris cast immobilization of the joint was used for three days. After a mean follow-up period of seven years (range, two to 12 years), 47 joints were pain free, and 13 joints had not experienced another hemorrhagic episode. The mean hemorrhagic frequency had decreased from four per month to two per year. The radiation risk was far outweighed by the benefits of the procedure. Forty-seven of the 58 joints were rated as improved by the patients. The roentgenographic appearance of the joints had changed little. Only five complications occurred: three needle-track necroses because of extravasation of the radiocolloid, two severely painful joints immediately after injection, and one massive hemorrhagic episode. This form of treatment is suggested for hemophiliacs who have failed to respond to intensive physical and hematologic therapy, and for those patients who have inhibitors.

Adolescent↗