Reduced gap strains induce changes in bone regeneration during distraction.

A bilateral New Zealand white rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis (DO) was used to investigate the relationship between strain environment and bone regeneration during limb lengthening. In seven (n = 7) rabbits, a stiffener was applied to the fixator on one side to reduce strains within the gap tissue after lengthening was completed. Animals were euthanized six days later and their distraction zones were harvested and analyzed for changes in new bone volume and architecture.

Autogenous iliac crest bone graft. Complications and functional assessment.

Functional outcomes and complications experienced by adult patients who underwent iliac crest bone grafting were evaluated to assess the effect of bone grafts on patient function. In addition to retrospective chart reviews, patients completed the Sickness Impact Profile and a detailed questionnaire on pain. One hundred ninety-two patients met study inclusion criteria.

Extracorporeal life support for patients with significant orthopaedic trauma.

Extracorporeal life support is a therapeutic modality that can provide cardiorespiratory support for multiply injured patients. Fourteen patients with multiple trauma who sustained pelvic or long bone fractures were referred for treatment with extracorporeal life support at the University of Michigan Medical Center. All patients were considered morlbund secondary to their pulmonary injury.

Lower extremity lawn-mower injuries in children.

Lower extremity lawn-mower injuries in children result in significant morbidity with a significant financial burden to the family and society. We reviewed 24 children with lower extremity lawn-mower injuries; all mothers completed standardized psychologic assessments of their children, and 18 children were interviewed. Fifty percent of the mothers had defensive profiles on the standardized psychologic assessment, suggesting the likelihood of denial or underreporting of the child's psychologic difficulties.