Clinically Available Low Intensity Ultrasound Devices do not Promote Axonal Regeneration After Peripheral Nerve Surgery-A Preclinical Investigation of an FDA-Approved Device.

The slow axonal regeneration and consecutive delayed muscle reinnervation cause persistent functional deficits following peripheral nerve injury, even following sufficient surgical nerve reconstruction. Preclinically, adjunct ultrasound therapy has shown to significantly accelerate nerve regeneration and thereby improve muscle function compared to nerve reconstruction alone. However, although FDA-approved and clinically well-tested ultrasound devices for other conditions such as delayed-healing fractures are available, they have not been investigated for peripheral nerve injury yet.

Low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) improves metaphyseal fracture healing in an osteoporotic rat model.

Purpose: As result of the current demographic changes, osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are becoming an increasing social and economic burden. In this experimental study, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), was evaluated as a treatment option for the improvement of osteoporotic fracture healing.

Methods: A well-established fracture model in the metaphyseal tibia in the osteoporotic rat was used.

Evaluation of 389 patients following free-flap lower extremity reconstruction with respect to secondary refinement procedures.

Introduction: Primary functional and aesthetic results after free-flap salvage of lower extremities are occasionally suboptimal. The objective of this study was to identify predictors for secondary refinement procedures such as liposuction, dermolipectomy, or direct excision. In addition, patient-reported long-term satisfaction with the final reconstructive result was analyzed.

A novel device for resistance-free biomechanical testing of the metaphysis of long bones.

Background: Biomechanical testing is an essential component of bone research. In order to test the metaphyseal region of long bones, a typical location for the nowadays increasing field of osteoporotic bone changes, three-point bending and breaking test devices are suitable and widely used. The aim of our study was to increase the effectiveness of this method by using a newly developed ball-mounted platform design.