Crystallization study and comparative in vitro-in vivo hydrolysis of PLA reinforcement ligament.

In the present work, the crystallization behavior and in vitro-in vivo hydrolysis rates of PLA absorbable reinforcement ligaments used in orthopaedics for the repair and reinforcement of articulation instabilities were studied. Tensile strength tests showed that this reinforcement ligament has similar mechanical properties to Fascia Latta, which is an allograft sourced from the ilio-tibial band of the human body. The PLA reinforcement ligament is a semicrystalline material with a glass transition temperature around 61 °C and a melting point of ~178 °C.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle: a case report.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is a rare entity of unknown aetiology. Its pathogenesis is related to the embryology of the clavicle. We present a 6-year-old girl with congenital pseudarthrosis of the right clavicle.

The role of the dorsal vertebral cortex in the stability of transpedicular screws. A biomechanical study in human cadaveric vertebrae.

The aim of this biomechanical study was to investigate the role of the dorsal vertebral cortex in transpedicular screw fixation. Moss transpedicular screws were introduced into both pedicles of each vertebra in 25 human cadaver vertebrae. The dorsal vertebral cortex and subcortical bone corresponding to the entrance site of the screw were removed on one side and preserved on the other.

Avulsion fractures of the lateral tibial condyle in children.

Avulsion fractures of the lateral tibial condyle are very rare in children and adolescents. Seven patients were treated between 1986 and 2000. They were all involved in sporting activities and an acute contraction of the fibres of the iliotibial band was considered to be their common pathogenetic factor.

Chronic osteomyelitis of the pelvis in children and adolescents.

Osteomyelitis of the pelvis is rare in children as well as in adults. This explains why the diagnosis is often missed, so that the infection becomes chronic. The authors report five chronic paediatric cases, seen between 1993 and 2003.