Effect of combined administration of transforming growth factor-b1 and insulin-like growth factor I on the mechanical properties of a patellar tendon defect model in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that combined administration of TGF-b1 and IGF-I in a patellar tendon defect model could enhance the mechanical properties of the healed tendon. Twenty four New Zealand white rabbits were used for this purpose. In each animal, the right knee was used for the application of the growth factors, whereas the left knee served as an untreated control.

Temporal and spatial expression of TGF-beta1 in an Achilles tendon section model after application of platelet-rich plasma.

Background: To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on TGF-beta1 expression during tendon healing.

Methods: We used 48 skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits. 24 rabbits received the PRP, and 24 rabbits served as an untreated control group.

Application of PRP gel alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration does not enhance bone healing process: An experimental study in rabbits.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel in mandibular defects in rabbits, alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration (GBR) techniques, could enhance the bone healing process.

Materials And Methods: Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were used. Three groups of 10 animals each were assigned, and the animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks.

The influence of platelet-rich plasma on angiogenesis during the early phase of tendon healing.

Background: The poor vascularity of tendons is a major factor in their limited healing capacity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on angiogenesis during tendon healing.

Materials And Methods: Forty-eight skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were used.

Can low doses of simvastatin enhance fracture healing? An experimental study in rabbits.

Several observational and experimental studies have investigated the potential anabolic effects of statins on undisturbed bone but only a few recent studies have examined the effect of statins on skeletal repair. The goal of the study is to investigate any potential early anabolic effect of the systemic administration of simvastatin in low doses (based on earlier safety and efficacy studies on undisturbed bone) on fracture healing. Fifty-four skeletally mature male New Zealand White rabbits were used for the study.

The effect of platelet-rich plasma gel in the early phase of patellar tendon healing.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess if an application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel would improve the mechanical properties of rabbit's patellar tendon after resecting its central portion.

Materials And Methods: Forty skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were used. Two groups ten rabbits each (PRP and control group) were used to evaluate mechanical properties and histology after 14 days and two groups ten rabbits each (PRP and control groups) were used to evaluate mechanical properties and histology after 28 days.

Classifying fractures of the distal radius: impossible or unnecessary? Review of the literature and proposal of a grouping system.

Reviewing the literature it was found that no classification of fractures of the distal radius is universally accepted regarding reproducibility, treatment orientation, and ability to predict outcome. The authors find the use of the existing classifications extremely difficult in practice, especially when trying to communicate, and believe that classification, treatment, and prognosis cannot be directly connected because of the complexity of fracture patterns and treatment options. Five hundred fractures of the distal radius were studied and a grouping system was developed in which fractures are positioned according to the direction of displacement of the distal part and the existence of an intra-articular extension.

Immunohistochemical study of angiogenesis after local administration of platelet-rich plasma in a patellar tendon defect.

A full thickness defect was made in the central portion of the patellar tendon of 48 New Zealand white rabbits. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel was then applied and filled the tendon defect. The same procedure was performed in the control group, without the application of PRP.

Littler's flap revisited: an anatomic study, literature review, and clinical experience in the reconstruction of large thumb-pulp defects.

Background: An anatomic study and the authors' clinical experience with 15 flaps used for resurfacing sizable thumb defects are presented.

Material/methods: Sixteen upper extremities from fresh cadavers were dissected to delineate the anatomy, vascular pattern, and reconstructive potential of the heterodigital island flap. Fifteen heterodigital island flaps were also performed between 1996 and 2004 in 15 patients (mean age: 41.

Diagnostic value of conventional arthrography in investigating post-traumatic ulnar wrist pain: are MRI and MR arthrography always necessary?

Background: Ulnar wrist pain is a difficult problem to diagnose and treat. Many diagnostic methods can be used, each having its own value, but the surgeon should know which is the simplest and most appropriate for each case.

Case Report: Such a case, investigated adequately by conventional arthrography is presented.

Mid-term results of total knee arthroplasty after high tibial osteotomy.

Background: The outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is still controversial. In order to determine if osteotomy has any effect on this outcome we performed a medium-term review of a cohort of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-two patients (38 knees), who were treated with a HTO before the TKA during the last 8 years, were compared with a matched group who underwent primary TKA.

External fixation of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly high-risk patients.

This study concerns 56 elderly high-risk patients with an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur, who were treated with the Citieffe/Ch-N external fixator between November 2002 and February 2004. A short intraoperative time (37 minutes), no need for peroperative blood transfusion, fast mobilisation and a short hospitalisation (average 6 days, thus reducing the total cost) were noted. Union was obtained in all patients after 6 months.

Human embryonal epithelial cells of the developing small intestinal crypts can express the Hodgkin-cell associated antigen Ki-1 (CD30) in spontaneous abortions during the first trimester of gestation.

Background: Ki-1 (CD30) antigen expression is not found on peripheral blood cells but its expression can be induced in vitro on T and B lymphocytes by viruses and lectins. Expression of CD30 in normal tissues is very limited, being restricted mainly to a subpopulation of large lymphoid cells; in particular, cells of the recently described anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells of Hodgkin's lymphoma and scattered large parafollicular cells in normal lymphoid tissues. More recent reports have described CD30 expression in non-hematopoietic and malignant cells such as cultured human macrophages, human decidual cells, histiocytic neoplastic cells, mesothelioma cells, embryonal carcinoma and seminoma cells.