9 research outputs found
Application of traditional investment casting process to aluminium matrix composites
No full textThis paper is aimed at studying the application of traditional investment casting process to obtain components in discontinuously particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites. Using the double stir method, a mixed liquid slurry of aluminium alloy and 20% SiC or 7.5% B4C carbides was obtained. As a
case study a component from the textile sector was produced in unreinforced alloy and in both composites.
The wear resistance of the components in the three different materials was ranked. Moreover, analysis of particle distribution and optical and scanning electron microscope observations of reaction products were also performed. Results show that components in aluminium alloy with SiC as reinforcement
have uniform distribution of ceramic particles, sound interface without fragile compounds and wear resistance higher than that of components reinforced with B4C particles
Efficacy of marrow-stimulating technique in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized study
No full textPURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a marrow-stimulating technique with
microfractures of the greater tuberosity during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
METHODS: Eighty patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear underwent an
arthroscopic single-row repair. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 40 cases
each. In group 1, standard repair was performed; in group 2, microfractures of
the greater tuberosity were performed to enhance tendon repair. Clinical outcome
was assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and
normalized Constant score. Tendon integrity was assessed with magnetic resonance
imaging. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine which predictors were
independently associated with the outcome. Significance was set at P < .05.
RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 28.1 ± 3 months. Seven patients were lost to
follow-up (2 in group 1 and 5 in group 2). Comparison between groups did not show
significant differences for baseline characteristics. The mean DASH score was
28.6 ± 21.3 points in group 1 and 23.3 ± 20.1 points in group 2. Although the
difference was not statistically significant, the confidence interval included a
10-point value (minimal clinically important difference) in favor of the
microfracture group. The difference in the Constant score between groups was not
significant. The tendon healing rate was 52.6% in group 1 and 65.7% in group 2,
without a significant difference between groups. Subgroup analysis for tear size
showed that group 2 had a significantly greater healing rate than group 1 for
large tears (P = .040). Multivariate analysis showed that age, timing of
symptoms, tear location, tendon retraction, and fatty infiltration significantly
affected the outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging did not show any
significant difference between groups in structural integrity. However, subgroup
analysis showed a significantly greater healing rate in the microfracture group
for large tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, high-quality randomized controlled trial with no
statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals
Unusual Intranodular Collagenase Injection: A Case of Bilateral Ledderhose Disease
No full textSummary: Ledderhose disease (LD) is a rare plantar fibromatosis of the foot, frequently associated with Dupuytren disease. Collagenase of Clostridium hystoliticum has recently revolutionized the way to treat Dupuytren disease. Nevertheless, the literature is still critically lacking about the use of collagenase injection in LD. We report a case of a man with bilateral symptomatic LD treated with collagenase. Injections (0.58 mg of collagenase of C. hystoliticum) were performed into nodules. Forced extension after injection was not performed. The patient could walk normally immediately after procedure. The procedure was a complete success without side effects or complications on either foot. Currently, at 14 months after treatment of the right foot and 12 months after treatment of the left foot, no recurrence has been observed. Collagenase injection was only effective in treating symptomatic LD in this one patient we reported on
The effects of collagenase of clostridium histolitycum (CCH) in Dupuytren's disease: A histological study on cell mediated mechanisms that allow enzymatic fasciotomy
No full textHand's aneurysmal bone cyst: A rare localization. case report and systematic literature review
No full textClinical usefulness of nutraceutics with acetyl-L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, curcumin, C, E and Bgroup vitamins in patients awaiting for carpal tunnel release during COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled open label prospective study
No full textBackground and aim of the work: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is provoked by the compression of the median nerve, leading to nerve ischemia, endoneural edema, venous congestion, and subsequent metabolic alterations. Conservative treatments could be considered. The present study investigates the efficacy of a specific blend of a 600 mg dietary integrator composed of acetyl-L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, Curcumin, C, E and B1, B2, B6 and B12 vitamins in patients with mild to moderate CTS. Methods: The present investigation involved the outpatients who were planned to undergo open surgical decompression of the median nerve awaiting surgery from June 2020 and February 2021. CTS surgery has been significantly reduced in our institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients were randomized into Group A (dietary integration 600 mg twice day for 60 days) and Group B (control group, no drug administration). Clinical and functional improvement was prospectively measured after 60 days. Results: One-hundred forty-seven patients completed the study, 69 from group A and 78 from group B. BCTQ was significantly improved with the drug administration, as well as BCTQ symptoms subscale, and the pain. BCTQ function subscale and Michigan Hand Questionnaire was not significantly improved. Ten patients in group A (14.5%) declared that they didn’t need further treatment. No major side effects were noticed. Conclusions: Dietary integration could be considered as an option in patients who could not undergo surgery. Symptoms and pain could improve, but surgery remains the gold standard for recovery of function in mild to moderate CTS
DOES AN EARLY POST-OPERATIVE PAIN RELIEVE INFLUENCE THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH COLLES FRACTURES TREATED WITH EG-BLOCK SYSTEM?
No full textSecondary Wrist Arthritis in Active Workers: Does Capitate Pyrocarbon Resurfacing (RCPI) Improve Proximal Row Carpectomy? A Retrospective Cohort Study
No full textEfficacy of rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis after knee arthroscopy (ERIKA): A phase ii, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study
No full textWithout thromboprophylaxis, knee arthroscopy (KA) carries a low to moderate risk of venous thromboembolism. Over 5 million arthroscopies are performed worldwide yearly. It was our study objective to assess the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis after therapeutic KA. Patients undergoing KA in nine Italian teaching or community hospitals were allocated to once-daily rivaroxaban (10 mg) or placebo for seven days in a phase II, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of all-cause death, symptomatic thromboembolism and asymptomatic proximal DVT at three months; major bleeding represented the primary safety outcome. All patients underwent whole-leg ultrasonography at day 7(+1), or earlier if symptomatic. A total of 241 patients were randomised (122 rivaroxaban, 119 placebo), and 234 completed the study. The primary efficacy outcome occurred in 1/120 of the rivaroxaban group and in 7/114 of the placebo group (0.8% vs 6.1%, respectively, p=0.03; absolute risk difference, -5.3%, 95 °% CI, -11.4 to -0.8; crude relative risk 0.14, 95%> CI, 0.02 to 0.83; number-needed-to-treat=19). No major bleedings were observed. We found no association between different arthroscopic procedures and thrombotic events. Small sample size, high exclusion rate, and low number of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures are the main limitations of our study. In conclusion, a seven-day course of 10-mg rivaroxaban may be safely employed for thromboprophylaxis after KA. Whether prophylaxis after KA should be given to all patients, or to selected "high-risk" subjects, remains to be determined. A larger trial to verify our preliminary results is warranted
