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To explore indicators that predict whether patients with extremity pain have a spinal or extremity source of pain. The data were from a prospective cohort study (n = 369). Potential indicators were gathered from a typical Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) history and examination. A stepwise logistic regression with a backward elimination was performed to determine which indicators predict classification into spinal or extremity source groups. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to examine the number of significant indicators that could predict group classification. Five indicators were identified to predict group classification. Classification into the spinal group was associated with the presence of paresthesia [odds ratio (OR) 1.984], change in symptoms with sitting/neck or trunk flexion/turning neck/when still (OR 2.642), change in symptoms with posture change (OR 3.956), restrictions in spinal movements (OR 2.633), and no restrictions in extremity movements (OR 2.241). The optimal number of indicators for classification was two (sensitivity = 0.638, specificity = 0.807). This study provides guidance on clinical indicators that predict the source of symptoms for isolated extremity pain. The clinical indicators will allow clinicians to supplement their decision-making process in regard to spinal and extremity differentiation so as to appropriately target their examinations and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kiwi (Aves; genus Apteryx) are famous for laying an enormous egg in comparison with their relatively small body size. Considering the peculiar gait of this flightless bird, we suspected the existence of morpho‐functional trade‐offs between reproduction and locomotion. To understand how structural constraints, imposed by a large egg size, might influence the terrestrial locomotion of Apteryx, we analysed the anatomy of the limb osteomuscular system in two species of kiwi (Apteryx mantelli and Apteryx owenii). We performed detailed dissections and brought to light specific anatomical features of kiwi, in comparison with other ratites and neognathous birds. Our osteological study revealed a strongly curved pelvis, a rigid tail, and enlarged ribs. Our myology study showed an unusual location of the caudofemoralis muscle origin and insertion. The insertion of the pars pelvica along the entire caudal face of the femur, contrasts with the proximal insertion usually seen in other birds. Additionally, the pars caudalis originates along the entire tail, whereas it only inserts on the uropygium in the other birds. To interpret these specificities from a functional point of view, we built three‐dimensional osteomuscular models based on computed tomography scans, radiographies and our dissections. We chose three postures associated with reproductive constraints: the standing position of a gravid compared with a non‐gravid bird, as well as the brooding position. The 3D model of the brooding position suggested that the enlarged ribs could support the bodyweight when leaning on the huge egg in both males and females. Moreover, we found that in gravid females, the unusual shape of the pelvis and tail allowed the huge egg to sit ventrally below the pelvis, whereas it is held closer to the rachis in other birds. The specific conformation of the limb and the insertions of the two parses of the caudofemoralis help to maintain the tail flexed, and to keep the legs adducted when carrying the egg. The caudal location of the hip and its flexed position explains the long stance phase during the strange gait of kiwi, revealing the functional trade‐off between reproduction and locomotion in this emblematic New Zealand bird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the chief complaints of people older than 65 years who seek chiropractic care at a chiropractic teaching clinic and assess the case mix available at the clinic. Methods: One hundred patient files were included in this study. Patient files were included if the patient was older than 65 years when he or she initiated care at the teaching clinic. Data on age, sex, and chief complaints were recorded. Results: Of the patients included in this study, 55% were female. The mean age of patients was 69.5 years, with an age range of 65-88 years. The most common chief complaint was low back pain, with 45% of patients reporting this as their chief complaint. The second most prevalent complaint was neck pain, followed by patients seeking care with no presenting complaints (14%) and patients with extremity complaints (8%). Groin pain, hip pain, balance problems, headaches, and visceral complaints were also reported. Conclusion: The most common reasons that older patients presented for chiropractic care were for back and neck pain. The case mix was considered similar to practices in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of this study were to examine whether a passive stretch stimulus by means of a functional appliance induces changes in the fiber composition of masticatory muscles and whether these changes are similar to the changes in stretched limb muscle fi bers by using RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical assays. Methods: Five male New Zealand White rabbits were fi tted with a prefabricated inclined plane on the maxillary central incisors to force the mandible forward (- 2 mm) and downward (- 4 mm). Further, 1 hind limb was extended and constrained with a cast so that the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was stretched when the animal used the limb. The animals were sacrifi ced aft er 1 week and the masseter, lateral pterygoid, and EDL were processed and compared with those from control animals (n = 3). Results: The stretched EDL had a significantly higher percentage of slow fibers, whereas the stretched masticatory muscles did not show changes in the composition of the major contractile proteins aft er 7 days. Conclusions: Th e transition of fi ber phenotypes in response to a stretch stimulus may take longer in the masticatory muscles than in the limb muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite clinical efforts to treat growth disturbances only little is known about the growth potential of the different zones of the growth plate. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth potential of different zones of the growth plate. A total of 20 New Zealand White rabbits were used for this experiment. The right and left ulna of each animal were used resulting in a total of 40 ulnae. Animals were assigned into five groups. In groups I and II resection of the metaphyseal ( n = 12) or the epiphyseal ( n = 6) segment of the growth plate was performed. In group III resection of the growth plate and re-implantation was performed ( n = 6). In group IV the growth plate was resected and re-implanted after a 180° rotation ( n = 6). Animals in group V served as controls. Histologic and radiologic examinations were performed to evaluate the growth process at 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks following surgery. In group I, III, and IV temporary growth disturbance which was compensated within a short time was observed. Resection of the epiphyseal part resulted in growth arrest of the distal ulna in combination with normal growth of the radius which led to and valgus deformity of the limb. The results of this study indicate the importance of the reserve zone for the functioning of the growth plate. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:162-168, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative study in the bone regeneration of the natural (HAN) and syntetic hidroxyapatite (HAS) bone defects on a animal models. The biological acceptation was analize and its intervention in boneregeneration, radiographic, macroscopic and histologically was ewvaluated. The New Zealand rabbits were manipulated quirurgically, a bone defect was created on posteriorextremities, in the right ectremity HAN and HAS in the left extremity. After 3, 6, and 9 weeks radipgraphic controls were made then the rabbits were sacrified and dissected to process them by macroscopic observation and histological process. HAN group presented reabsortion and osteoblasic cellular activity increasing the bone neoformation with the osteocyte formation. The HAS syntetic seems like a inert material is incapsulated with a fibroblastic activity obturating the bone defect. We conclude that HAN is an osteoconductor that accelerated bone process regeneration like an union to the neoformation bone cells, HAS seems like a inert material is incapsulated with a fibroblastic activity obturating the bone defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the rheobase and chronaxie can be used to define the excitability of nerves and muscles. The aim of this study was to obtain a record over many weeks of changes in the rheobase and chronaxie of denervated rabbit tibialis anterior muscle (TA). A custom-built electronic stimulator was implanted into the peritoneal cavity of New Zealand White rabbits. Large stainless steel electrodes were placed on the denervated TA muscle. Rheobase and chronaxie were measured noninvasively at weekly intervals by means of a laptop PC, which communicated with the stimulator via a radio-frequency link. At each setting the denervated TA was palpated manually to detect the response of the muscle. During the first few days after denervation the rheobase increased transiently to 0.8 ± 0.13 mA, approximately twice the value for normal innervated muscle, then decreased to normal for the remainder of the experimental period. Chronaxie underwent a significant 3-fold increase from 4.5 ± 1.1 ms to 14.1 ± 1.1 ms during the first two weeks of denervation and remained elevated throughout. The custom-built implantable electronic stimulator allowed changes in muscle excitability to be studied over a long period of denervation within individual animals, providing an accurate assessment of the time course of denervation-induced changes in muscle excitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]