Search

Objective: To compare structural findings between US, micro-CT (µCT) and histology in people with OA of the hands., Methods: We analysed DIP and PIP joints of 31 fingers from 15 dissecting-room cadavers with OA of the hands. The occurrence of bone erosions and osteophytes were recorded by US, µCT and histology at 16 regions for each joint and compared for each method., Results: In total, US (n = 558, 56.2% of 992 examined regions) and µCT (n = 493, 49.7%) detected a higher frequency of osteophytes at PIP and DIP joints than histology (n = 161, 23.4% of 689 histological examined regions; P = 0.01). We found a comparable number of erosions with each method [US, n = 52 (5.2%); µCT, n = 43 (4.3%); histology, n = 35 (5.2%)]. Both imaging techniques correlated moderately with each other regarding the detection of osteophytes (r = 0.54, P = 0.002) and erosions (r = 0.43, P = 0.017). Neither US nor µCT correlated with histology regarding erosions or osteophytes. With histology as the reference, US had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 32% to detect osteophytes, whereas µCT had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 27%. For erosions, sensitivities (US 10% and µCT 6%, respectively) were much lower. Microscopically, erosions contained fibrous myxoid tissue extending from subcortical cavities through the breach of cortical bone., Conclusions: The ability of US to identify osteophytes was comparable to that of µCT, yielding a good sensitivity when histology was used as the gold standard. The sensitivity of US and µCT to detecting erosions was low compared with histology., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Understanding muscle and tendon anatomy is of tremendous importance to achieve optimal surgical execution and results in tendon transfers around the shoulder. The aim of this study was to introduce and describe an additional distal muscle slip of the teres major (TM)., Methods: Sixteen fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders were dissected with the deltopectoral approach. The ventral latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon was harvested, and the shoulders were analyzed for the presence/absence of a distal teres major slip (dTMs) and its dimensions and relationship with the TM and LD tendons., Results: The dTMs was identified in 12 shoulders (75%). It was always distal to the TM tendon and visible during the deltopectoral approach. There was a clear separation between the TM proximally and dTMs tendon distally. At the humeral insertion, both tendons had a common epimyseal sheet around the teres major and inserted continuously at the humerus. The mean width of the dTMs tendon at the insertion was 13 ± 4 mm (range, 7-22 mm). The total lengths of the dTMs tendon and LD tendon were 40 ± 7 mm (range, 25-57 mm) and 69 ± 7 mm (range, 57-79 mm), respectively (p < 0.001). The dTMs muscle showed direct adhesions in ten shoulders (83%) with the LD muscle., Conclusions: This is the first macroscopic description of an additional distal slip of the teres major muscle. The dTMs has a separate (distal) but continuous (mediolateral) insertion at the humerus within a common epimyseal sheet around the TM. The dTMs tendon is visible during the deltopectoral approach and can therefore provide a lead structure, particularly in ventral LD transfers with the deltopectoral approach.

Background: The use of fresh-frozen (FF) specimens represents the gold standard for biomechanical investigations. Since FF specimens are often difficult to obtain, chemical-fixed specimens (formalin (FA), Thiel (TH)) are also used., Objective: Since fixation methods can alter the mechanical properties of bone tissue, the purpose of this study was to examine their influence on the fracture force of lumbar vertebral bodies (VB)., Methods: First the VB were subdivided into three focus groups: FF, TH, and FA. After removing the soft tissue and the processus transverses of all VB, the endplates were planned with a thin layer of epoxy resin, in order to apply a constant strain to the surface and sub-surface. The VB were subjected to axial compression tests in order to determine fracture force. Lastly a standardized compression fracture was generated., Results: The mean values of the fracture force of the focus groups were 4529.5 N (FF), 3211.3N (TH) and 2947.9N (FA). Consequently a significant difference between the FF and the other two groups could be demonstrated (p< 0.05)., Conclusion: The preliminary tests showed that the fraction force of fresh-frozen VB were significantly higher than TH/FA-fixed VB. Therefore, these fixation methods could potentially have an influence on the biomechanical properties of VB. This leads to the assumption that if load-to-failure tests are performed, it is probably recommended to use fresh-frozen specimens.

Introduction: Anatomic cruciate ligament reconstruction is known to be correlated with better clinical results. The aim of the study was to provide a simple method to enable anatomic results in the setting of PCL reconstruction. We, therefore, assessed the tibial and femoral insertion site of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) by the use of an objective coordinate system in an anatomical study. We also sought to show reproducibility of these measurements using intra- and inter-observer coefficients., Materials and Methods: We studied 64 knees, previously preserved according to Thiel's technique. After proper preparation of the articular surfaces of both the tibiae and femora, photographs were taken according to a standardized protocol. PCL footprints were measured by the use of a coordinate system twice by two examiners. We evaluated these measurements by use of the Cohen's kappa inter- and intra-observer coefficient for two observers., Results: Tibial and femoral measurements of PCL footprints were generated with highly comparable inter- (k = 0.970) and intra-observer (k = 0.992) coefficients and may, therefore, be considered as highly reproducible., Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the reproducibility of defining PCL footprints using a coordinate system and may contribute to planning intraoperative graft-placement to ensure optimal conditions in the upcoming techniques for PCL reconstruction.

Introduction: The sigmoidea ima artery is defined as the lowest sigmoid artery, which forms the distal end of the marginal artery by linking with the superior rectal artery. It supplies the rectosigmoid junction, which is a critical area for ischemia. The aim of the present study was to delineate the area supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery with special consideration of the sigmoidea ima artery., Materials and Methods: The inferior mesenteric artery was dissected from its origin to the bifurcation of the superior rectal artery in 30 cadavers (15 male, 15 female). Vessel length and distance to the promontory were measured for each branch., Results: There were two manifestations of the sigmoidea ima artery, irrespective of the branching pattern of the inferior mesenteric artery. It originated below the promontory in 25 cases (83.3%) and above it in three (10%). It did not derive from the superior rectal artery in two cases (6.7%). In these 16.7%, the marginal artery was absent near the rectosigmoid junction., Conclusions: We suggest the terms "arteria sigmoidea ima pelvina" and "arteria sigmoidea ima abdominalis" for the two variants. The terms "arteria marginalis pelvina" and "arteria marginalis abdominalis" could be applied in clinical practice. An abdominal marginal artery could be considered a risk factor for colonic ischemia in colorectal resections and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Both variants should be considered when pre- and intra-operative perfusion measurements are interpreted., (© 2019 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.)

Osteosynthesis of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures with headless compression screws leads to a defect in the articular surface and possibly damage to the extensor tendons. This study aimed to quantify the articular surface defect and extensor tendon injuries after implant placement in cadaveric hands. Defect size was assessed with computed tomography. Extensor tendon injuries were assessed by direct visualization and measurement after dissection. In the middle phalanx, the defect size in relation to the joint surface was significantly smaller after anterograde screw placement when compared with retrograde placement. Also, a mini-open approach was found to cause significantly less tendon injury than a percutaneous approach, but there was no difference in tendon damage between retrograde and antegrade screw insertion into the middle phalanx.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patellar tendon length (PTL) with focus on gender differences and possible correlations with the total leg length (TLL) and the long bones of the lower extremity., Materials and Methods: The sample involved 50 paired lower extremities from human adult cadavers. The TLL was measured between the medial malleolus and the apex of the greater trochanter. The femoral length (FL) was evaluated as the interval between the latter and the distal margin of the lateral epicondyle of the femur and the tibial length (TL) from the distal apex of the medial malleolus to the proximal border of the medial condyle of the tibia. The PTL was measured from the apex of the patella to its proximal insertion point at the tibial tuberosity., Results: The PTL was at a mean length of 4.29 ± 0.49 cm (right side) and 4.20 ± 0.55 cm (left side) in females and 4.42 ± 0.53 cm (right) and 4.32 ± 0.55 cm (left) in males. There were no differences regarding gender ( p  = .412). The left PTL was significantly shorter in both sexes ( p  = .022). The PTL correlated positively with FL, TL, and TLL in both sexes and sides., Conclusion: PTL correlates significantly positively with size without gender differences., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Indian Orthopaedics Association 2020.)

Purpose: Full or selective wrist denervation is an effective treatment for chronic wrist pain. In this cadaveric study, a volar approach for prophylactic denervation of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) and the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) was assessed, which can simultaneously be performed during volar approaches for distal radius fracture fixation or in combination with metalwork removal., Materials and Methods: In total 40 adult upper limbs, embalmed using Thiel's method, were investigated. Group 1 included 20 limbs of which the distances between AIN and PIN to the ulnar margin of radius were measured at levels 6, 8 and 10 cm proximal to the styloid process and the distance radial styloid process to proximal border of pronator quadratus which might be useful as an intraoperative landmark. Subsequently further additional 20 adult limbs (group 2) were used. Transection of the PIN via this volar approach at the evaluated best level of step 1 was performed and evaluated by dissection via a dorsal approach., Results: In group 1, the PIN runs within the interosseous membrane, from the ulnar border of the radius, 6.4 mm (SD 2.66) at 6 cm, 8.4 mm (SD 2.28) at 8 cm and 3.75 mm (SD 5.46) at 10 cm proximal to the radial styloid. The AIN runs within the interosseous membrane, from the ulna edge of the radius, 7.5 mm (SD 2.4) at 6 cm, 7.3 mm (SD 1.95) at 8 cm and 2.35 mm (3.42) at 10 cm proximal to the radial styloid. AIN and PIN were in close proximity at the 8-cm level which equals a 1-cm distance proximal to the pronator quadratus border. Group 2 showed a successful transection of the PIN through a single volar surgical approach in additional 18 out of 20 adult upper limbs., Conclusions: This study shows the local anatomy of the PIN, allowing denervation via a volar approach.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand is a common disease resulting in pain and impaired function. The pathogenesis of hand OA (HOA) is elusive and models to study it have not been described. Chondrocyte culture has been essential to understand cartilage degeneration, which is a hallmark of OA. We investigated the feasibility of human chondrocyte culture derived from proximal interphalangeal (PIP) finger joints. Hyaline cartilage of the PIP and knee joints was obtained from human cadavers. Chondrocytes harvested up to 236 h after death of the donors were viable and expressed chondrocyte-specific genes. Gene expression comparing chondrocytes from PIP and knee joints using Affymetrix GeneChip arrays resulted in a unique PIP-specific gene expression pattern. Genes involved in developmental processes including the WNT pathway were differentially expressed between the joints. These findings suggest that our knowledge on chondrocyte biology derived mainly from knee and hip joints may not apply to chondrocytes of the PIP joints and some of the distinctive features of HOA may be caused by the specific properties of PIP chondrocytes. Chondrocyte culture of PIP cartilage is a novel tool to study cartilage degeneration in HOA. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1569-1575, 2016., (© 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD) is a common sports injury. The goal of this study was to evaluate a new procedure for reduction after ASD with respect to success rate, the need for medication for muscle relaxation, sedation, and application of pain medication and put it into context to a systematic literature review., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the new method in 263 patients in an Austrian skiing area from December 2005 till April 2009. We included patients with unilateral ASD and excluded those with a combined trauma and consecutive admission to hospital., Results: The new procedure is performed in a supine position, the therapist takes the patients hand of the injured limb with his one hand and with his other hand counter holds against the acromion. Then he enhances the traction on the upper limp by using his trunk as a kind of fulcrum. With eye contact and instructions to relax, the therapist is able to detect the muscular tension, so that he can adjust the amount of traction accordingly. The presented procedure was successful in all reported cases. For 196 patients (74.5 %) no medication for muscle relaxation, sedation, or pain medication were needed., Conclusion: The new method is a promising option to popular techniques for reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations. The benefits of this protocol are a gentle and simple application of the procedure as well as an easy acquisition.

Objectives: The posterolateral approach to the distal tibia allows excellent visualization, direct reduction, and stabilization of posterior malleolar fractures. Concomitant fractures of the lateral malleolus may be internally fixed through the same approach. The approach may also be used for pilon fractures and for bone grafting in nonunions. This study aims to establish the safe zone of proximal dissection to avoid injury to the peroneal vessels when performing the posterolateral approach to the distal tibia., Methods: Twenty-six unpaired adult lower limbs were dissected using the posterolateral approach to the distal tibia. The peroneal artery was identified, as it coursed through the interosseous membrane on deep dissection and the level of its bifurcation was noted over the tibia. Perpendicular measurements were made from these points to the tibial plafond and distal fibula., Results: The peroneal artery bifurcated at 83 ± 21 mm (range, 41-115 mm) proximal to the tibial plafond and 103 ± 21 mm (range, 61-136 mm) from the distal fibula. The peroneal artery perforated through the interosseous membrane 64 ± 18 mm (range, 41-96 mm) proximal to the tibial plafond and 81 ± 20 mm (range, 42-113 mm) from the distal fibula., Conclusions: The posterolateral approach to the distal tibia allows direct reduction of posterior malleolus fractures. The peroneal artery may bifurcate and perforate through the interosseous membrane as little as 41 mm from the tibial plafond. Dissection around this region should be performed with care due to the wide variation in vasculature, however, once the peroneal artery is mobilized, a buttress plate can easily be placed beneath it.

Objective: The lumbar sympathetic trunk's (LST) distance to two anatomical landmarks, the costal process and medial margin of the psoas muscle, was assessed due to its use as landmarks for lumbar sympathetic blocks: the costal process for fluoroscopic guided techniques and the psoas major for CT- and MRI-guided techniques. Based on the measurements, we evaluate the trunk's visibility in MR and CT images for accurate positioning of the needle., Methods: A total of 54 cadavers embalmed with Thiel's method were investigated. The LST's distances to the psoas major's medial margin and to the base of the lumbar vertebrae's costal process were measured on the levels L2/3, L3/4 and L4/5. The measurements were compared to MR and CT images of 20 anonymous patients to identify the LST., Results: LST's mean distance to the psoas major was 0.3 mm at L2/3, 3.1 mm at L3/4 and 4.6 mm at L4/5. The mean distance to the costal process was 31 mm at L2/3, 34 mm at L3/4 and 32.6 mm at L4/5. In both MR and CT imaging, a structure could be determined as the LST correlating to the measurements with decreasing possible identification from cephalad to caudad levels., Conclusions: The costal process is a usable landmark for fluoroscopic guidance and the psoas major for CT- and MRI-guided techniques. The LST is clearly visible in MR and CT images, which gives both techniques a decisive advantage over fluoroscopy concerning the block of the LST due to a visible target.