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The theoretical rationale of synovectomy is to reduce or eliminate the aggressive inflammatory cell mass, thereby reducing swelling, decreasing pain, and improving joint function. Traditionally, open-wrist synovectomy is the standard treatment, as it allows an inspection of all compartments and extensor tendons. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist was first introduced by Roth and Poehling in 1990. Since then, it has been successfully performed in selected patients. Arthroscopic synovectomy might be indicated in any disease that leads to long-standing synovitis of the wrist and when other treatment modalities do not provide satisfactory symptom reduction or may be contraindicated. Arthroscopic synovectomy is a surgical procedure with minimal morbidity. It results in less damage to the joint capsule and ligaments, thereby hastening rehabilitation and shortening the hospital stay. Therefore, we think that understanding the surgical technique for wrist arthroscopic synovectomy and appropriately applying it to patients could prevent disease progression in patients with wrist arthritis and overcome incapacitating dysfunction of the upper limb, including the wrist, hand, and forearm.

Aims Bone metastasis ultimately occurs due to a complex multistep process, during which the interactions between cancer cells and bone microenvironment play important roles. Prior to colonization of the bone, cancer cells must succeed through a series of steps that will allow them to gain migratory and invasive properties; epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be integral here. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of G protein subunit alpha Q (GNAQ) on the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis through EMT pathway. Methods A total of 80 tissue samples from patients who were surgically treated during January 2012 to December 2014 were used in the present study. Comparative gene analysis revealed that the GNAQ was more frequently altered in metastatic bone lesions than in primary tumour sites in lung cancer patients. We investigated the effects of GNAQ on cell proliferation, migration, EMT, and stem cell transformation using lung cancer cells with GNAQ-knockdown. A xenograft mouse model tested the effect of GNAQ using micro-CT analyses and histological analyses. Results GNAQ-knockdown showed down-regulation of tumour growth through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling in lung cancer cells, but not increased apoptosis. We found that GNAQ-knockdown induced EMT and promoted invasiveness. GNAQ-knockdown cells injected into the bone marrow of murine tibia induced tumour growth and bone-to-lung metastasis, whereas it did not in control mice. Moreover, the knockdown of GNAQ enhanced cancer stem cell-like properties in lung cancer cells, which resulted in the development of resistance to chemotherapy. Conclusion The present study reveals that the GNAQ-knockdown induced cancer stem cell-like properties. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(5):310–320.

An isolated tibial component revision could be a treatment option for isolated tibial side loosening; however, few studies have proved its efficacy. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between isolated (tibial component) and total (femoral and tibial component) revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Between January 2008 and February 2017, 31 patients underwent revision TKA for isolated tibial side loosening; 14 underwent an isolated tibial component revision (isolated group) and 17 underwent total (both femoral and tibial components) revision surgery (total group). The postoperative range of motion (ROM), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Knee Society knee score (KSKS), Knee Society function score (KSFS), and mechanical axis (MA) were compared between the two groups. The intraoperative tourniquet time and amount of blood drainage were also compared.The mean follow-up durations in the isolated and total groups were 40.7 and 56.1 months, respectively. Both groups had similar postoperative ROM, WOMAC index, KSKS, KSFS, and MA; however, significantly shorter tourniquet time (105.2 vs. 154.6 min, P 0.001) and less blood drainage (417.2 vs. 968.1 ml, P 0.001) were noted in the isolated group than in the total group.Isolated tibial component revision TKA for tibial component loosening showed comparable clinical and radiological outcomes to those of total revision TKA. The advantages of the isolated tibial component revision surgery were short operation time and small blood loss.Level III, Retrospective comparative study.

Background The recent explosion of cancer genomics provides extensive information about mutations and gene expression changes in cancer. However, most of the identified gene mutations are not clinically utilized. It remains uncertain whether the presence of a certain genetic alteration will affect treatment response. Conventional statistics have limitations for causal inferences and are hard to gain sufficient power in genomic datasets. Here, we developed and evaluated a C-search algorithm for searching the causal genes that maximize the effect of the treatment. Methods The algorithm was developed based on the potential outcome framework and Bayesian posterior update. The precision of the algorithm was validated using a simulation dataset. The algorithm was implemented to a cBioPortal dataset. The genes discovered by the algorithm were externally validated within CancerSCAN screening data from Samsung Medical Center. Results Simulation data analysis showed that the C-search algorithm was able to identify nine causal genes out of ten. The C-search algorithm shows the discovery rate rapidly increasing until the 1500 data instances. Meanwhile, the log-rank test shows a slower increase in performance. The C-search algorithm was able to suggest nine causal genes from the cBioPortal Metabric dataset. Treating the patients with the causal genes is associated with better survival outcome in both the cBioPortal dataset and the CancerSCAN dataset which is used for external validation. Conclusions Our C-search algorithm demonstrated better performance to identify causal effects of the genes than multiple log-rank test analysis especially within a limited number of data. The result suggests that the C-search can discover the causal genes from various genetic datasets, where the number of samples is limited compared to the number of variables.

Background:Time-dependent changes in lower extremity alignment after an opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) have been poorly investigated. Moreover, few studies have investigated risk factors of postoperative alignment change.Purposes:To investigate time-dependent alignment changes and identify predictive factors for postoperative alignment change after OWHTO.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This study included patients who underwent OWHTO between March 2010 and September 2018. A total of 142 knees with a mean follow-up of 42 months were included and classified as the change group when the amount of hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle change was >1°; if otherwise, then as the no-change group. HKA angle was obtained at 6 time points: preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and final follow-up postoperatively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that were correlated with the changes in the HKA angle from 3 months to the final follow-up.Results:Among the 142 knees, 59 (42%) were included in the change group. The overall postoperative HKA angles progressed serially toward varus after OWHTO. The mean angles of the 6 time points were 8.5°, –3.7°, –3.6°, –3.3°, –3.1°, and –2.7°, respectively. The mean HKA angles of the change and no-change groups were 9.1°, –4.3°, –3.4°, –2.8°, –2.0°, and –1.4° and 8.1°, –3.3°, –3.8°, –3.6°, –3.8°, and –3.7°, respectively. Greater change in the HKA angle was predicted by preoperatively greater valgus stress joint line convergence angles and less medial joint space width.Conclusion:Of the cases of OWHTO, 42% showed correction loss of >1° at a mean follow-up of 42 months. The overall postoperative HKA angles progressed serially to varus angles after OWHTO. Preoperative greater valgus stress joint line convergence angles and less medial joint space width were predictive factors for greater change in alignment toward varus after OWHTO.

Various surgical techniques, such as corticocancellous or cancellous bone graft and other vascularized bone grafting techniques have been developed to treat scaphoid nonunion. However, open grafting with dissection of wrist capsule and ligaments damages the joint and hence can lead to increased stiffness of the wrist and hand. Arthroscopic assisted bone grafting and percutaneous fixation have advantages such as minimal surgical trauma to the scaphoid blood supply and its ligament connection and provide a thorough wrist assessment, comprehensive approach for scaphoid nonunion and its sequelae in a minimally invasive manner. This article briefly discusses the characteristic anatomy of the wrist and scaphoid, and reviews the technique of arthroscopic bone grafting and percutaneous fixation for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion.

Purpose: We evaluated results of arthroscopically assisted volar and dorsal scapholunate(SL) ligament reconstruction using flexor carpi radialis(FCR). Methods: We reviewed 31 cases who had been operated from August 2015 to June 2018. Two cases were excluded and 4 cases lost contact. Twenty five wrists were included. The average follow-up duration was 25.3months. Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed to evaluate EWAS stage of SL instability and the reparability of SL ligament. The SL reconstruction was performed for the cases which showed EWAS stage IIIC, IV having gap over 3mm and irreparable SL ligament. The interval between the diagnosis and operation was 5.9 days in average. We modified the arthroscopic Corella technique by repairing the graft tendon to FCR. Results: All SL joints were stabilized to EWAS stage I arthroscopically after reconstruction. DASH score changed from 32.7 to 9.7. Grip power changed from 74.1% to 93.3%. Modified Mayo Wrist score was 83.8. Preoperative SL angle was 53.8。, postoperative 49.6。 and the last was 51.2。. The improvement between preoperative and last follow-up SL angle was statistically significant(p

This study documents our experience with acute forearm compartment syndrome after percutaneous transradial coronary artery intervention and suggests several strategies to achieve good results. A retrospective review identified the medical records of four patients with acute forearm compartment syndrome after transradial intervention who were treated by urgent fasciotomy. The mean time from the onset of symptoms to operation was 5.7 hours. In three cases bleeding was from radial artery rupture at the puncture site, and one case was caused by brachial artery rupture at the level of the distal humerus and radial artery rupture at the level of proximal forearm. We obtained satisfactory results without any complications. If acute forearm compartment syndrome after transradial intervention is diagnosed, the site of bleeding should be identified preoperatively. Early surgical decompression produced satisfactory results even in elderly patients. Level of evidence: IV

We report the fate of neglected vascular injury in cases of incomplete amputation of the digits and hand after delayed revascularization. Twelve patients underwent primary bone fixation, tendon or skin repair for hand injuries without vessel repair despite ischaemic findings. There was discoloration or necrosis of the fingertips during follow-up examination and the patients were referred to us for treatment. The mean warm ischaemic time was 53 hours (range 17–120). Delayed revascularization was performed with end-to-end anastomosis of the digital arteries in eight and vein graft in four cases. Digital nerves were repaired in four cases and flexor tendons in two cases. Of the 12 cases, eight cases showed complete survival. However, in four patients, complete necrosis of the fingers occurred, with one finger surviving partially. Revision amputation was performed in the four cases where necrosis occurred. We conclude that neglected vascular injury associated with incomplete amputation of digits and hands can be overcome in some patients by delayed revascularization even after prolonged warm ischaemic time. Level of evidence: IV

Introduction A pulled elbow is a common cause of acute elbow pain that is generally managed by a reduction maneuver without radiographic examination. However, children with atypical presentation with no history of abrupt longitudinal traction should undergo elbow imaging. This study aimed to investigate plain radiography findings and determine the usefulness of ultrasonography (US) in atypical pulled elbow. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and images of 37 (22 males) consecutive patients with pulled elbow who presented with an atypical history or failed reduction between April 2015 and September 2018. Mean age at presentation was 4.34 years (range, 1.25–9.5 years). Of the 37 elbows, 20 were left elbows. The injury mechanism, incidence of the posterior fat pad sign on plain radiographs, and characteristic US findings, pre- and post- reduction, were investigated. Results The original mechanisms of injury included slipping (n = 14), rolling over the arm (n = 7), vague history (n = 6), falling down (n = 6), abrupt longitudinal traction (n = 2), and direct injury (n = 2). On plain radiographs, six of the 37 elbows (16%) showed the posterior fat pad sign. Before the reduction, an entrapped supinator, a pathognomonic sign of pulled elbow, was identified on US in all cases. After reduction, the characteristic US findings showed a disentangled and swollen supinator (100%) and restored annular ligament (100%) in all successful cases. Although a click was not felt in three cases, the reductions were considered successful because the annular ligament was restored on US with free elbow motion. Conclusion Pulled elbow may be caused by atypical mechanisms of injury, such as slipping and rolling over the arm. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the posterior fat pad sign on plain radiographs of pulled elbow to prevent unnecessary immobilization. In such circumstances, US is a useful method for detecting an entrapped supinator and confirming adequate reduction via restoration of the annular ligament in children with atypical pulled elbow.

To report the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic bone grafting and percutaneous K-wire fixation without radial styloidectomy in patients with scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC). We retrospectively analyzed the records of 15 patients with SNAC who were treated with arthroscopic bone grafting and percutaneous K-wire fixation and subsequently followed up for a minimum of 1 year between November 2009 and March 2018. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by comparing the range of motion (ROM), grip strength, the modified Mayo Wrist Score, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, all of which were measured preoperatively and at the last follow-up. The radiologic outcomes were evaluated by comparing the scapholunate (SL) and radiolunate (RL) angles preoperatively and at the last follow-up. All 15 cases of nonunion were resolved. The average radiologic union time was 9.7 ± 1.2 weeks. The average VAS score increased from 5.7 ± 2.3 (range, 2 - 10) preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.3 (range, 0 - 3) at the last follow-up (P.05). The average modified Mayo wrist score increased from 58.3 ± 14.0 preoperatively to 80.0 ± 9.2 at the last follow-up (P.05). The mean ROM of the wrist improved, but there was no statistical significance. At the last follow-up, the mean flexion and radial deviation on the affected side were significantly decreased, and the mean extension on the affected side was significantly improved compared to the normal side (P.05). The mean preoperative SL and RL angles were 66 ± 11.9° and 7.2 ± 6.8°, respectively, and were decreased to 50.4 ± 7.5° and 6.4 ± 5.2°, respectively, at the last follow-up. The mean SL angle was significantly corrected (P = .01). Arthroscopic bone grafting and percutaneous Kerschner (K)-wire fixation without radial styloidectomy are considered to be very effective methods for correcting scaphoid deformities to treat SNAC stage I. However, caution may be needed during the surgery to prevent reductions in flexion and the radial deviation of the wrist.

When surgical treatment is indicated for primary trigger finger, open A1 pulley release has traditionally been recommended with generally good results. However, ganglion cysts of the flexor tendon sheath as a complication after an open A1 pulley release were rarely reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to report a case of multiple ganglion cysts arising from the flexor tendon sheath in a patient undergoing an open A1 pulley release for trigger finger disorder with a review of the relevant literature.A 65-year-old right-handed farmer was referred to our hospital for swelling in the left long finger (LLF). One year before the visit, the patient was diagnosed with trigger finger in the LLF at other hospital and an open A1 pulley release was performed, but the swelling of the finger persisted. The patient had no history of trauma or evidence of systemic disease such as rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis. The patient was diagnosed with multiple ganglion cysts of flexor tendon sheath after investigation.We successfully excised cystic masses and debrided the partially ruptured flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon and sutured it using 5/0 prolene. At 12-month follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic with excellent range of motion in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint (0°-60°) of his LLF, showing no recurrence of ganglion cyst.Trigger finger is a common condition that clinicians encounter frequently. However, this familiarity may lead to inattentive treatment. Nevertheless, through this case, clinicians should devote careful attention when performing open A1 pulley release to prevent partial rupture of the flexor tendon in the A1 pulley. If ganglion cysts occur, we believe that surgical excision can yield good results.

We report the arthroscopic and clinical findings of patients with chronic wrist pain following distal radius fracture (DRF) who underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopically-assisted tailored treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 15 patients with chronic wrist pain following DRF, who underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopically-assisted tailored treatment from 2010 to 2017. The average patient age was 44 years (range, 20–68 years), average time from injury to treatment 21 ± 23.46 months (range, 3–96 months) and average follow up period 20.13 ± 8.71 months (range, 12–39 months). The functional outcome was evaluated by comparing the preoperative and final follow up values of the range of motion, grip strength, pinch strength, visual analogue scale for pain and quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score. Based on the arthroscopic findings, synovitis was found in all cases and the pathologic intra-articular lesions were classified into 4 patterns. Triangular fibrocartilage complex rupture was seen in 14 cases, intercarpal and radiocarpal ligament ruptures in 9 cases, ulnar impaction syndrome in 5 cases, and cartilage lesion in 9 cases. In terms of surgical treatment, 15 patients underwent arthroscopic synovectomy, 7 foveal or capsular repair of TFCC, 7 intercarpal Kirschner wires fixation or intercarpal thermal shrinkage, 1 intercarpal ligament reconstruction, 2 Sauve-Kapandji procedure, and 2 unlar shortening osteotomy. Postoperatively, the average range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength increased significantly. From preoperative to final follow up values, the average visual analogue scale and quick disabilities of the arm score decreased from 5.93 ± 1.58 (range, 3–8) to 1.33 ± 1.29 (range, 0–3) (P = .001) and from 49.38 ± 19.09 to 12.63 ± 7.63 (P = .001), respectively. Diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopically-assisted tailored treatment of chronic wrist pain following DRF can provide an accurate diagnosis, significant pain relief, and functional improvement.

Objectives/Interrogation: The purpose of this study is to present secondary trigger finger caused by a neglected partial flexor tendon rupture including discussion of the mechanism and treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of six patients with trigger finger caused by[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 14th Triennial Congress of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH), 11th Triennial Congress of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT), 11th Triennial Congress of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT)

Energy conversion from light to electricity mediated by hot electrons in a plasmonic metal nanostructure caused by the decay of surface plasmons has been proposed as a promising way to obtain novel photovoltaics and photocatalytic devices. In Schottky barriers composed of metal nanostructures supported on a semiconductor surface, hot electrons produced in the metal with sufficient photon energy can be extracted into the conduction band of the semiconductor by overcoming the Schottky barrier. An important parameter for the efficient extraction of hot electrons is the polarization of the incident light, which can be tuned by the angle between the electric field of the incident light and the plane of the Schottky barrier. Here, we investigate polarization-dependent hot electrons detected on planar (two-dimensional) and three-dimensional (3D) tandem plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanodiodes. We confirm that the maximum photocurrent was obtained with the planar structure in transverse mode and with the 3D tandem structure ...

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes with vertically aligned array structures show substantial advantages in solar cells as an electron transport material that offers a large surface area where charges travel linearly along the nanotubes. Integrating this one-dimensional semiconductor material with plasmonic metals to create a three-dimensional plasmonic nanodiode can influence solar energy conversion by utilizing the generated hot electrons. Here, we devised plasmonic Au/TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 nanodiode architectures composed of TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced photon absorption, and for the subsequent generation and capture of hot carriers. The photocurrents and incident photon to current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) were obtained as a function of photon energy for hot electron detection. We observed enhanced photocurrents and IPCE using the Ag/TiO2 nanodiode. The strong plasmonic peaks of the Au and Ag from the IPCE clearly indicate an enhancement of the hot electron flux resulting from the presence of surface plasmons. The calculated electric fields and the corresponding absorbances of the nanodiode using finite-difference time-domain simulation methods are also in good agreement with the experimental results. These results show a unique strategy of combining a hot electron photovoltaic device with a three-dimensional architecture, which has the clear advantages of maximizing light absorption and a metal–semiconductor interface area.

The enhancement of hot electron generation using plasmonic nanostructures is a promising strategy for developing photovoltaic devices. Here, we show that hot electron flow generated in plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanodiodes by incident light can be amplified when PbS quantum dots are deposited onto the surface of the nanodiodes. The effect is attributed to efficient extraction of hot electrons via a three-dimensional Schottky barrier, thus giving new pathways for hot electron transfer. We also demonstrate a correlation between the photocurrent and Schottky barrier height when using PbS quantum dots with varying size and ligand treatments that allow us to control the electric properties (e.g., band gap and Fermi level, respectively) of the PbS quantum dots. This simple method introduces a new technique for further improving the power conversion efficiency of thin-film photovoltaic devices.

Background It is controversial issue that heparin decreases thrombosis for microsurgical anastomosis, and its effective role is under discussion. This study is for proving whether low-dose heparin is preventing thrombosis in free flap reconstruction. Methods Through chart reviews of 134 patients, using low-dose heparin for free tissue transfer from 2011 to 2016, retrospective analysis was performed. 33 patients received low-dose heparin therapy after surgery. And 101 patients received no-heparin therapy. Complications included flap necrosis, hematoma formation, dehiscence and infection. Results In no-heparin therapy group, comparing the flap necrosis revealed 16 cases (15.84%). And, flap necrosis was 6 cases (18.18%) in low-dose heparin therapy group. The statistical analysis of flap necrosis rate showed no significant difference (p=0.75). The results showed that there was no significant difference of flap necrosis rate between two groups. Conclusion In this study, patients in the low-dose heparin group had no significantly lower rates of flap failure compared with no-heparin group. This suggests that low-dose heparin may not prevent thrombosis and subsequent flap failure to a significant extent.

A thorough understanding of the swing phases and mechanisms of injury in golf allows accurate diagnosis, treatment, and future prevention of injuries. Recommended initial treatment starts with cessation of practice to rest the wrist, a splint or orthotic brace, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug medication with corticosteroid injection and swing modification. Pisiform excision is the best treatment of the most severe chronic cases of pisiform ligament complex syndrome. Delayed diagnosis of hook of hamate fracture may lead to complications, including flexor tendon rupture. Prompt surgical resection is recommended to hasten return to sport and to prevent further complications.

We developed a design of Intelligent Healthcare Data Management System using nanosensors (IHDMS) and composed an application for mobile device. The proposed IHDMS will coordinate the healthcare data of the patients from nanosensors and transforms it into a worldwide consumed standard HL7 (Health Level Seven) for conversion of healthcare data. This converted data dispatches to a server of its system. The battery lifetime of the facility is feasible to increase, the memory usage is less than 100 KB, and it operates all data by employing few and far between resources. Moreover, the proposed system decreases the waiting time in the transposing data, and secured channel was used for the server of the healthcare center in the running HL7 format data.

The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results of the arterialized venous free flaps in reconstructing soft tissue defects of the finger and to extend the indications for the use of the flaps based on clinical experiences of the authors. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 35 patients who underwent an arterialized venous free flaps for a finger reconstruction, between May 2007 and August 2015. The mean size of flap was 4.8 ± 1.23 × 3.1 ± 0.84 cm. The donor site was the ipsilateral volar aspect of the distal forearm in all cases. There were 17 (48.6%) cases of venous skin flaps, 9 (25.7%) cases of innervated venous flaps, 7 (20%) cases of tendocu taneous flaps, and 2 (5.7%) case of innervated tendocutaneous flap. The vascularity of recipient beds was good except 8 (22.9%) cases (partial devascularity in 3, more than 50% avascularity [bone cement] in 3, and chronic infected bed in 2). Of the 35 cases, 29 (82.9%) cases (including 3 cases who had more than 50% avascularity recipient bed) showed complete survival. 3 (8.6%) cases, which had partially devascularity of distal phalanx in recipient bed, showed partial necrosis (P = .015). The mean number of included veins was 2.4 ± 0.5 for a flap. A forearm arterialized venous free flap is a useful procedure for single-stage reconstructing of a soft tissue or combined defect of a finger, we consider that this technique could be applied to fingers despite an avascular or insufficient vascular recipient bed if the periphery of recipient bed vascularity was good and if the recipient beds were free from infection.

The thumb is smaller and thicker than the other fingers but has always been represented as the pillar of the hand. The human thumb has evolved in the direction of increasing mobility and strength, although the stability is relatively lost in the evolutionary process. Thus, by performing the unique function of the thumb such as prehension, opposition, and circumduction, the hand enables not only fine and delicate tasks but also gross and powerful movements. This unique function of the thumb is partly due to the special arrangement of its bony column and associated muscles. Therefore, an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the anatomical features and biomechanics of the thumb provides a more accurate understanding of the diseases and traumas that occur on the thumb and will help hand surgeons to do more effective treatment.

Rationale The treatment methods of pediatric scaphoid nonunion are still controversial. To our knowledge, arthroscopic-assisted treatments for pediatric scaphoid nonunion has not been reported in the English-language literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to report the use of arthroscopic-assisted bone grafting for scaphoid nonunion fracture in 3 patients and present a literature review. Patients concerns Two 15-year-old patients developed carpal joint injuries over a year, prior to their hospital presentation, since they had not received adequate treatment. The third patient, 12 years of age, was diagnosed with scaphoid fracture after a traffic accident and underwent conservative treatment but presented to the hospital due to issues related with bone union. Diagnosis All 3 patients were diagnosed with scaphoid nonunion at our hospital, using plain wrist radiographs and computed tomography. Interventions All the patients underwent arthroscopic debridement; 2 patients received autogenous iliac cancellous bone graft, while the other patient received a bone substitute graft. The internal fixation of the scaphoid was performed with K-wires. Outcomes Bone unions were achieved in all patients, and the final follow-up resulted in successful outcomes. Lessons Arthroscopic-assisted bone grafting and percutaneous K-wire fixation can be considered as a good method for the treatment of pediatric scaphoid nonunion fractures. Therefore, it is a primary treatment option for symptomatic scaphoid nonunion fracture and displaced fractures.

Background: Patients who sustain a rotator cuff retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are generally considered to have worse clinical outcomes compared with patients with an intact rotator cuff. However, some patients have good clinical outcomes, even with a retorn rotator cuff. Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes of nonoperative treatment for rotator cuff retears and analyze the factors affecting clinical outcomes after a retear. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed, and those with a full-thickness retear on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in this study. According to their pre- and postoperative scores on the pain visual analog scale (pVAS) and functional visual analog scale (fVAS), the patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) mild group (pVAS ≤ 1 and fVAS ≥ 8), (2) moderate group (pVAS ≤ 1 and fVAS ≤ 7 or pVAS 2-3 and fVAS ≥ 8), and (3) severe group (pVAS ≥ 3 and fVAS ≤ 7). Preoperative data (dominant hand involvement, heavy labor) and tear size on 6-month postoperative MRI were analyzed as factors affecting clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 712 patients were reviewed, and a retear was observed in 62 patients (8.7%). Of the patients with retears, 52 were included in this study: 25 men and 27 women with a mean age of 62.6 years (range, 49-80 years) and mean follow-up period of 40 months (range, 24-88 months). According to the pVAS and fVAS scores, 25 patients (48.1%) were classified into the mild group, 9 (17.3%) into the moderate group, and 18 (34.6%) into the severe group. There were no significant differences in preoperative data among the 3 groups. The tear size in the coronal and sagittal planes decreased by 5.1 and 6.6 mm, respectively, in the mild group but increased by 2.8 and 1.4 mm, respectively, in the severe group. Conclusion: In patients with retears, 48.1% had only mild symptoms at a mean of 40 months postoperatively. Patients with severe symptoms tended to have an increased tear size on postoperative MRI.

In this study, an artificial neural networks study was carried out to predict the quantity of radon of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) cement mortar. A data set of a laboratory work, in which a total of 3 mortars were produced, was utilized in the Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) study. The mortar mixture parameters were three different GBFS ratios (0%, 20%, 40%). Measurement radon of moist cured specimens was measured at 3, 10, 30, 100, 365 days by sensing technology for continuous monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ). ANN model is constructed, trained and tested using these data. The data used in the ANN model are arranged in a format of two input parameters that cover the cement, GBFS and age of samples and, an output parameter which is concentrations of radon emission of mortar. The results showed that ANN can be an alternative approach for the predicting the radon concentration of GBFS mortar using mortar ingredients as input parameters.