1,720,966 research outputs found
Technical note: microdiscectomy and translaminar approach
Full text linkLumbar disk herniation (LDH) is a degenerative pathology. Although LDH generally occurs without migration of the fragment to the levels above or below, in 10% of the cases, this circumstance might happen. In these cases, the standard interlaminar approach, described by Caspar cannot be performed without laminotomies, interlaminectomies, or partial or total facetectomies. The translaminar approach is the only "tissue-sparing" technique viable in cases of cranially migrated LDH encroaching on the exiting nerve root in the preforaminal zones, for the levels above L2-L3, and in the preforaminal and foraminal zones, for the levels below L3-L4 (L5-S1 included, if a total microdiscectomy is unnecessary). This approach is more effective than the standard one, because it resolves the symptoms; it is associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery times without the risk of iatrogenic instability, and it can also be used in cases with previous signs of radiographic instability. The possibility to spare the flavum ligament is one of the main advantages of this technique. For these reasons, the translaminar approach is a valid technique in terms of safety and efficacy. In this article the surgical technique will be extensively analyzed and the tips and tricks will be highlighted
Double plating for bicolumnar distal humerus fractures in the elderly
No full textDistal humerus fractures are uncommon injuries requiring specific clinical and radiographic analysis in order to plan the optimal therapeutic strategy. In particular, bicolumnar distal humerus fractures (Type A2, A3 and C) are complex fractures. In the last years, double plating fixation became the standard treatment: this procedure helped surgeons to obtain a stable and anatomical fixation and an early mobilization, which is the main outcome for obtaining valuable functional results. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the use of open bicolumnar 90-90 plating for fixation of acute fragility fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients, using the olecranon osteotomy as surgical approach. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Therapeutic use of hormones on tendinopathies: a narrative review
No full textBackground: Hormones can modify tendon homeostasis, some of them leading to tendon damage, while others are essentials for healing. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on the topic, focusing on the hormones normally secreted by endocrine glands.Methods: A search in PubMed, Web of Knowledge and EMBASE, using the terms tendinopathy or tendon, combined with estrogens, testosterone, thyroid and parathyroid hormones, glucocorticoids and growth hormone, independently, was performed. Relevant articles focusing on the correlation between hormones and tendons, and their therapeutic use in tendinopathies, were selected.Results: Tendon abnormalities observed in subjects with hyperparathyroidism, hypercortisolism and acromegaly are described. At present, experimental studies and preliminary observations in humans suggest that parathyroid and growth hormones, locally administered, are promising therapeutic tools in specific tendon disorders. Local injections of glucocorticoids are useful in several tendinopathies, exploiting their anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties, but carry the risk of further tendon degeneration and ruptures, due to the detrimental direct effect of glucocorticoids on the tendon structure.Conclusion: Because tendons injuries are frequent, often with long lasting sequels, it is important to improve our understanding concerning the therapeutic potential of hormones on healing
Microdiskectomy and translaminar approach: minimal invasiveness and flavum ligament preservation
No full textStudy Design Retrospective study. Objective The interlaminar approach represents the standard procedure for the surgical treatment of lumbar disk herniation (LDH). In the case of disk herniations in the "hidden zone," it could be necessary to perform laminotomies or laminectomies and partial or total facetectomies to remove the herniated fragment, thus leading to iatrogenic instability. The objective of the study is to evaluate the translaminar approach, in terms of the results, safety, and efficacy compared with the standard approach. Methods Since February 2010, 38 patients (26 men and 12 women; mean age 50.9 years, range 31 to 78 years) with LDH and migration into the hidden zone underwent a microdiskectomy by the translaminar approach. Using a micro-diamond dust-coated burr, a translaminar hole (8 ± 2 mm) was made, with subsequent exposure of the involved root and removal of the fragment. A clinical follow-up was performed at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 using the visual analog scale and the Oswestry Disability Index. All patients were evaluated according to the Spangfort score. Postoperative radiographic evaluations were done at 1, 6, and 12 months (dynamic radiographic studies done at 6 and 12 months). Results In over 60% of cases, L4-L5 was the involved disk. The visualization of the roots was successfully achieved through a translaminar approach. No laminotomies, laminectomies, or partial or total facetectomies were performed. The flavum ligament was always spared. A severe intraoperative bleeding episode occurred in 5% of the cases, due to involvement of the epidural veins, but it did not result in prolonged operative time (mean duration 60 ± 10 minutes). The patients showed a gradual resolution of the back pain and a progressive resolution of the radicular pain and the neurologic deficits. No sign of radiographic instability was documented during the follow-up. No infections, dural tears, or spinal cord injuries occurred. No revision surgery was performed. Conclusion The translaminar approach is the only tissue-sparing technique viable in case of cranially migrated LDH encroaching on the exiting nerve root in the preforaminal zones, for the levels above L2-L3, and in the preforaminal and foraminal zones, for the levels below L3-L4 (L5-S1 included, if a total microdiskectomy is not necessary). The possibility to spare the flavum ligament is one of the main advantages of this technique. According to our experience, the translaminar approach is an effective and safe alternative minimally invasive surgical option
Arthroscopic treatment of shoulder instability in professional athletes
No full textBackground: Post-traumatic shoulder instability is a common disease, especially in sportsmen. If inadequately or late treated, it may be responsible for an articular biomechanics alteration, with serious problems. This is much more obvious for professionals athletes, because corporate and market needs force them to a premature return to sport. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate if arthroscopic approach may be better than the open one and allowing a shoulder function rapid recovery, with fast return to sport.Materials and methods: From January 2003 to January 2014, 46 professional athletes underwent surgical treatment for post traumatic shoulder instability. Two groups were made: 25 athletes treated arthroscopically and 21 treated with open approach. Patients were followed up from 36 to 92 months, according to Rowe Score for Instability and VAS scoring system.Results: Patients in the open group returned later than the first one to sport. Moreover, pain in postoperative period and during rehabilitation, was lower in the arthroscopic group. There was only one recurrence in the open group.Conclusions: Arthroscopic surgical approach appears to be excellent in shoulder instability management, reducing recovery time, allowing a faster return to sport, with less pain, if compared with open surgery
Amniotic fluid stem cells: an ideal resource for therapeutic application in bone tissue engineering
No full textOBJECTIVE:
Skeletal diseases, both degenerative and secondary to trauma, infections or tumors, represent an ideal target for regenerative medicine and in the last years, stem cells have been considered as good candidates for in vitro and in vivo bone regeneration. To date, several stem cell sources, such as adult mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), have shown significant osteogenic potential.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
In this narrative review, we analyze the possible advantages of the use of AFSCs in the treatment of skeletal diseases, especially through the application of tissue engineering and biomaterials.
RESULTS:
Among the different sources of stem cells, great attention has been recently devoted to amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSC) characterized by high renewal capacity and ability to differentiate along several different lineages.
CONCLUSIONS:
Due to these features, AFSCs represent an interesting model for regenerative medicine, also considering their low immunogenicity and the absence of tumor formation after transplantation in nude mice
Bilateral traumatic rupture of Achilles tendons in absence of risk factors treated with percutaneous technique and platelet-rich plasma: a case report
No full textWe present a clinical case of a 52-year-old man with bilateral traumatic rupture of the Achilles tendon (AT) in absence of risk factors. In medical history, the patient does not report pre-existing tendon diseases. AT ruptures occurred following a skiing injury in which the forward fall caused a severe stress and elongation of the AT. Associated with tendon injury there was a fracture of the right humeral greater tuberosity. The patient was subjected to percutaneous tenorraphy according to Maffulli's technique and subsequently topical injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) 7 days after the injury. After surgery, the patient followed an accelerated rehabilitation protocol, allowing the weight bearing with guards (Rom-Walker) and crutches to four weeks then freely to 8 weeks. We performed a clinical (AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score) and ultrasonography follow-up at month 1, 3, 6 and 12, with excellent results in the end. To the best of our knowledge bilateral cases like this have not been described in the literature
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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