The Occurrence of Occult Acetabular Dysplasia in Relatives of Individuals With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

Background: This study sought to determine the hip pathology of family members of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The authors evaluated 120 people from 19 families known to have at least 1 member with surgically treated DDH. Each individual's functional outcome scores and pelvic radiographs were assessed for hip symptoms or pathology.

Long-term follow-up of open reduction surgery for developmental dislocation of the hip.

Background: We posed 2 questions: what is the long-term result of open reduction surgery in developmental dysplasia of the hip, and is there an age at surgery above which the outcome was too poor to recommend the operation?

Methods: Between 1955 and 1995, 148 patients with 179 dislocated hips had open reduction surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip (141 anterior and 38 Ludloff medial approaches). We attempted to locate all 148 patients for the follow-up evaluation.

Results: Fifty-three patients (36%) with 66 hips (37%) were located and participated in the study.

Measurement of the center edge angle and determination of the Severin classification using digital radiography, computer-assisted measurement tools, and a Severin algorithm: intraobserver and interobserver reliability revisited.

Background: Numerous studies underscore the poor intraobserver and interobserver reliability of both the center edge angle (CEA) and the Severin classification using plain film measurements. In this study, experienced observers applied a computer-assisted measurement program to determine the CEA in digital pelvic radiographs of adults who had been previously treated for dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Using a teaching aid/algorithm of the Severin classification, the observers then assigned a Severin rating to these hips.

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin testing may not have the sensitivity to detect marijuana use among individuals ingesting dronabinol.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a plant cannabinoid, is a sensitive measure to detect recent marijuana use in cannabis dependent patients. It has been purported that smoking an illicit plant cannabis product will result in a positive THCV urinalysis, whereas the oral ingestion of therapeutic THC such as dronabinol will result in a negative THCV urinalysis, allowing for discrimination between pharmaceutical THC products and illicit marijuana products. In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy of dronabinol in cannabis dependence, all 117 patients produced a positive urine for the marijuana metabolite 11-nor-Delta(9)-THC-9-carboxylic acid; THC-COOH, but 50% had an undetectable (<1 ng/ml) THCV-COOH test.

Analysis of radiographic characteristics of anterolateral bowing of the leg before fracture in neurofibromatosis type 1.

Background: Anterolateral leg bowing is associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) frequently leading to fracture and nonunion of the tibia. The objective of the study was to characterize the radiographic findings of tibial dysplasia in NF1.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of radiographs of tibial dysplasia obtained within 52 years, between 1950 and 2002, from the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Salt Lake City, and of peripheral quantitative computed tomographic images of 3 individuals with anterolateral bowing of the leg without fracture compared with age- and sex-matched controls.

The use of anterolateral bowing of the lower leg in the diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is diagnosed clinically based on the presence of two of seven criteria developed by a panel of experts in 1987. The sixth criterion focuses on skeletal findings and is as follows: "A distinctive osseous lesion such as sphenoid dysplasia or thinning of long bone cortex, with or without pseudarthrosis." The wording for this criterion is misleading.

Preparation of animals for research--issues to consider for rodents and rabbits.

This article provides details to consider when preparing to use animals in biomedical research. The stress of transport and receipt of animals into a new environment mandate the need for a period of stabilization and acclimation. This allotment of time often occurs in conjunction with the quarantine period and permits a stress "recovery" period.

Phenotyping of genetically engineered mice: humane, ethical, environmental, and husbandry issues.

The growing use of genetically engineered (GE) mice in scientific research has raised many concerns about the animal welfare of such mice. The types of welfare concerns may differ within the three stages that comprise the establishment of GE animal models: development, production, and research use. The role and impact of the members of the research team on these concerns may also vary with each stage.

Breeding genetically modified rodents: tips for tracking and troubleshooting reproductive performance.

Infertility or reduced fertility in genetically modified mouse strains represents a serious bottleneck for planned research projects. The authors describe simple methods for troubleshooting poor reproductive performance in breeding colonies and introduce various means of assisted reproduction that might be used to 'rescue' infertile lines.

Radiographic approach to multifocal consolidation.

Consolidation in the lung is seen on radiographs or computed tomography (CT) as increased areas of attenuation that obscure the underlying pulmonary vasculature. There are numerous causes of multifocal consolidative opacities. If the symptoms are acute (days to weeks), the most common causes include edema, pneumonia, and hemorrhage.