In terms of the optics used for Knee arthroscopy, a large number of different endoscopes are currently available. However, the use of the 30° optics in knee arthroscopy has been established as the ...standard procedure for many years. As early as the 1990s, needle arthroscopy was occasionally used as a diagnostic tool. In addition to the development of conventional optics technology in terms of camera and resolution, needle arthroscopes are now available with chip-on-tip image sensor technology. To date, no study has compared the performance of this kind of needle arthroscopy versus standard arthroscopy in the clinical setting in terms of the visibility of anatomical landmarks. In this monocentric prospective feasibility study, our aim was to evaluate predefined anatomical landmarks of the knee joint using needle arthroscopy (0° optics) and conventional knee arthroscopy (30° optics) and compare their performance during knee surgery.
Examinations were performed on eight cadavers and seven patients who required elective knee arthroscopy. Two surgeons independently performed the examinations on these 15 knee joints, so that we were able to compare a total of 30 examinations. The focus was on the anatomical landmarks that could be visualized during a conventional diagnostic knee arthroscopy procedure. The quality of visibility was evaluated using a questionnaire.
In summary, the average visibility for all the anatomic landmarks was rated 4.98/ 5 for the arthroscopy using 30° optics. For needle arthroscopy, an average score of 4.89/ 5 was obtained. Comparatively, the needle arthroscope showed slightly limited visibility of the retropatellar gliding surface in eight (4.5/ 5 vs. 5/ 5), medial rim of the patella in four (4.85/ 5 vs. 5/ 5), and suprapatellar recess in four (4.83/ 5 vs. 5/ 5) cases. Needle arthroscopy was slightly better at visualizing the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in four knee joints (4.9/ 5 vs. 4.85/ 5).
Needle arthroscopy is a promising technology with advantages in terms of minimally invasive access and good visibility of anatomical landmarks. However, it also highlights some limitations, particularly in cases with challenging anatomy or the need for a wide field of view.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a promising therapy especially for drug resistant epilepsy and other pathologies. Side effects or missing therapeutic success are observed due to cuff ...electrodes that are too narrow or too wide. Preoperative high-resolution ultrasound is used to evaluate the size of the cervical vagus nerve (CVN) to estimate the size of cuff electrodes for VNS. It remains unclear how precise ultrasound reflects the CVN dimensions, which has been the objective of this study. CVN cross-sections and diameters were investigated in 23 sides from 12 bodies, using ultrasound, histology, and CVN casting in situ as a reference. Morphometric data were obtained including fascicle count and nerve composition in histology. CVN yielded significant side-, age-, and BMI-related differences. CVN cross-sections were smaller in ultrasound when compared to casting and histology (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 3.1 ± 0.9 vs. 2.3 ± 0.7 mm
). With the given setting in ultrasound, CVN cross-sections were consistently underestimated when compared to casting. Ultrasound-based cross-section measurements are related to a biased estimation of CVN size. A factor to correct for method related differences may help to adjust for accurate cuff electrode sizes for patient needs and to reduce undesired effects and potentially material consumption.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Purpose
Horizontal instability is a common problem after acromioclavicular joint injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is a difference regarding horizontal stability between an ...anatomical and a non-anatomical configuration of the double tunnel coraco-clavicular ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint.
Methods
Thirteen acromioclavicular joints of human cadaveric shoulders in ethanol-glycerin fixation were included in the study and underwent cyclic anterior and posterior translational testing at a load of 70 N using an electromechanical uniaxial testing machine. The shoulders were randomly assigned to the following groups: double coraco-clavicular tunnel technique in an anatomical configuration (DCTa) and double coraco-clavicular tunnel technique in an inverse configuration of the anatomical position (DCTb). The dislocation was recorded with a 3D optical measuring system.
Results
The total horizontal displacement (
p
10
= 0.0221;
p
5000
= 0.082) was significantly higher for the non-anatomical reconstruction (DCTb) compared to the anatomical reconstruction (DCTa) after every measured amount of cycles. The increase in displacement for DCTb group was overall higher than the increase in displacement for DCTa group but without significance.
Conclusion
Reconstruction of the CC ligaments in an anatomical configuration with two suture devices results in a significantly higher stability of the AC joint in the horizontal plane than reconstruction of the CC ligaments in a non-anatomical configuration. Based on the results of this biomechanical in vitro study, the use of a double coraco-clavicular reconstruction should focus on an anatomically correct position of the suture devices.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
This pilot study was conducted to develop a novel test setup for the in vitro assessment of the primary stability of dental implants. This was achieved by characterising their long-term behaviour ...based on the continuous recording of micromotions resulting from dynamic and cyclic loading.PURPOSEThis pilot study was conducted to develop a novel test setup for the in vitro assessment of the primary stability of dental implants. This was achieved by characterising their long-term behaviour based on the continuous recording of micromotions resulting from dynamic and cyclic loading.Twenty screw implants, each 11 mm in length and either 3.8 mm (for premolars) or 4.3 mm (for molars) in diameter, were inserted into the posterior region of 5 synthetic mandibular models. Physiological masticatory loads were simulated by superimposing cyclic buccal-lingual movement of the mandible with a vertically applied masticatory force. Using an optical 3-dimensional (3D) measuring system, the micromotions of the dental crowns relative to the alveolar bone resulting from alternating off-centre loads were concurrently determined over 10,000 test cycles.METHODSTwenty screw implants, each 11 mm in length and either 3.8 mm (for premolars) or 4.3 mm (for molars) in diameter, were inserted into the posterior region of 5 synthetic mandibular models. Physiological masticatory loads were simulated by superimposing cyclic buccal-lingual movement of the mandible with a vertically applied masticatory force. Using an optical 3-dimensional (3D) measuring system, the micromotions of the dental crowns relative to the alveolar bone resulting from alternating off-centre loads were concurrently determined over 10,000 test cycles.The buccal-lingual deflections of the dental crowns significantly increased from cycle 10 to cycle 10,000 (P<0.05). The deflections increased sharply during the first 500 cycles before approaching a plateau. Premolars exhibited greater maximum deflections than molars. The bone regions located mesially and distally adjacent to the loaded implants demonstrated deflections that occurred synchronously and in the same direction as the applied loads. The overall spatial movement of the implants over time followed an hourglass-shaped loosening pattern with a characteristic pivot point 5.5±1.1 mm from the apical end.RESULTSThe buccal-lingual deflections of the dental crowns significantly increased from cycle 10 to cycle 10,000 (P<0.05). The deflections increased sharply during the first 500 cycles before approaching a plateau. Premolars exhibited greater maximum deflections than molars. The bone regions located mesially and distally adjacent to the loaded implants demonstrated deflections that occurred synchronously and in the same direction as the applied loads. The overall spatial movement of the implants over time followed an hourglass-shaped loosening pattern with a characteristic pivot point 5.5±1.1 mm from the apical end.In synthetic mandibular models, the cyclic reciprocal loading of dental implants with an average masticatory force produces significant loosening. The evasive movements observed in the alveolar bone suggest that its anatomy and yielding could significantly influence the force distribution and, consequently, the mechanical behaviour of dental implants. The 3D visualisation of the overall implant movement under functional cyclic loading complements known methods and can contribute to the development of implant designs and surgical techniques by providing a more profound understanding of dynamic bone-implant interactions.CONCLUSIONSIn synthetic mandibular models, the cyclic reciprocal loading of dental implants with an average masticatory force produces significant loosening. The evasive movements observed in the alveolar bone suggest that its anatomy and yielding could significantly influence the force distribution and, consequently, the mechanical behaviour of dental implants. The 3D visualisation of the overall implant movement under functional cyclic loading complements known methods and can contribute to the development of implant designs and surgical techniques by providing a more profound understanding of dynamic bone-implant interactions.
The tyrosine kinase KIT receptor, the protooncogene CD117, plays a key role in growth and maturation of oocytes and follicles. Relevant data are sparse for the corpus luteum (CL). We first confirmed ...the presence of KIT mRNA and KIT protein in bovine CL homogenates. We then localized KIT-positive (KIT+) cells in CL sections by immunohistochemistry. At the CL stage of early development, the former theca transforming into capsule/septa showed a strong band-like KIT+ immunoresponse. In addition, CD45+ leukocytes in septa included subpopulations of CD45+/KIT+ and CD14+/KIT+ leukocytes as validated by double immunofluorescence localization. At the early secretory stage, KIT+ cells appeared within the septa/capsule region and in the periphery of the CL parenchyma, there forming a complex network. This was separate from the capillary bed as determined by double staining for CD117 and FVIII-related endothelial cell antigen (FVIIIr). The KIT+ network coincided with cells positive for cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase, a thecal cell-specific enzyme. The late secretory stage was defined by an advanced manifestation of the KIT+ network in the CL periphery. At the stage of regression, the KIT+ network was absent. The CL of pregnancy expressed high levels of KIT mRNA and KIT protein uniformly throughout pregnancy. The KIT+ immunolocalization revealed small fibroblast-like cells, luteal cells with granules, and clusters of large luteal cells with staining of the cell membrane. We conclude that a majority of KIT+ cells in the bovine CL are primarily theca-derived small luteal cells, and that a minority represent KIT+ leukocytes, in some cases KIT+ monocytes.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a well-established therapy for epilepsy and depression, and is emerging to treat inflammatory disease, with the cervical vagus nerve (CVN) as major ...stimulation site. CVN morphometries are missing for VNS, considering its variability. Morphometric data were obtained from CVNs in 27 cadavers, including branching patterns and histology. Cross-sectional area, greater and lesser diameters averaged 7.2 ± 3.1 mm
, 5.1 ± 1.5 and 4.1 ± 1.3 mm, and were ≤11.0 mm
, ≤7.0 and ≤5.8 mm in 90% of the specimens, respectively. Midline distance (position lateral to the laryngeal eminence) and skin distance (anterior-posterior from skin) averaged 34.5 ± 6.2 and 36.2 ± 9.4 mm, ≤49.0 and ≤41.0 mm in 90%, respectively. Nerve dimensions and surface topography correlated closely, but without gender-, side- or branching-dependent differences. The nerve fascicle number averaged 5.2 ± 3.5. Vagal arteries were observed in 49% of the cases. Negative correlations were found for age and cross-sectional area, as well as subperineural vessel count. Detailed anatomical data on the CVN and its vascularity are given, forming the morphometric basis for VNS refinement, filling an evident gap in light of the CVN being a structure with variable positions and branching. A 35 × 35-mm rule may apply for the CVN position, irrespective of branching or positional variation.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Embalming fixatives such as formaldehyde and phenol have been associated with occupational health hazards. While anatomists aim at replacing these chemicals, this seems presently unfeasible in ...particular for formaldehyde. Furthermore, fixation protocols usually require well‐equipped facilities with highly experienced staff to achieve good fixation results in spite of only a minimal use of formaldehyde. Combining these aspects, a technique robust enough to be carried out by morticians is presented, resulting in durable tissues with minimal formaldehyde use. An embalming protocol involving phenoxyethanol was established, using concentrations of 7 and 1.5 Vol% of phenoxyethanol in the fixative and the conservation fluid, respectively. Visual, haptic, histological, and biomechanical properties and their perceived potential to positively influence student learning outcomes were compared to standard embalming techniques. The phenoxyethanol technique provides esthetic, durable, and odorless tissues. Bleaching is less pronounced compared to ethanol‐ or formaldehyde‐based protocols. The tissues remain pliable following the phenoxyethanol‐based embalming and can be used for biomechanical experiments to some extent. Phenoxyethanol‐fixed tissues are well suited for undergraduate teaching with perceived positive learning outcomes and partly for postgraduate training. Phenoxyethanol tissues provide the option to obtain well‐preserved histology samples, similar to those derived from formaldehyde. The provided protocol helps replace the use of phenol and formaldehyde for conservation purposes and minimizes the use of formaldehyde for the initial injection fixation. Phenoxyethanol‐based embalming forms an effective alternative to standard embalming techniques for human cadavers. It is simple to use, allowing fixation procedures to be carried out in less sophisticated facilities with non‐anatomy staff.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Stability is regarded as an important factor for proper healing and avoiding secondary dislocation in osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus. Several surgical techniques have been proposed ...for treatment, including intramedullary nail osteosynthesis and locking plate fixation. This study introduces a novel approach that combines both techniques and compares its primary stability with conventional methods.
The study involved 25 osteoporotic humeri with two-part fracture models, which were randomly assigned to locking-plate fixation, intramedullary nailing, or a combination of both techniques. The specimens were subjected to sinusoidal loading at 250 N in 20° abduction for 5000 cycles and then to quasi-static loading until failure. Fracture movement, failure mode, and failure load were measured and compared among the groups.
The groups fixated with intramedullary nailing and the groups fixated with intramedullary nailing and locking plate fixation showed significantly lower fracture motion than the group using locking plate fixation only (p < 0.005) and significantly higher load to failure (p = 0.007 and p = 0.0062, respectively). There was no significant difference between the group using intramedullary nailing and the group using locking-plate fixation and intramedullary nailing in fracture movement or load-to-failure (p > 0.005).
The results indicate that locking plate fixation provides less primary stability than intramedullary nailing or the combined of both techniques. This combined approach may offer advantages as a treatment for complex proximal humeral fractures in osteoporotic bone, and specific implants should be developed to ensure optimal treatment.
•Locking plate osteosynthesis yields less primary stability compared to intramedullary nailing.•Combined intramedullary nailing and locking plate osteosynthesis shows high primary stability.•Combined methods might be used in complex proximal humeral fractures.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP