Publications by authors named "Madi El-Haj"

Article Synopsis
  • Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is caused by dynamic compression of the brachial plexus, with this study examining the link between a specific muscle deformity (CDAS) seen in MRI and vascular compression found during surgery.
  • The study analyzed 44 patients who underwent surgery after failed rehabilitation, identifying two main types of NTOS: pure neurogenic (type A) and mixed neurogenic-vascular (type B), with type B further divided into three subtypes based on the nature of vascular compression.
  • Findings showed that CDAS was more frequently associated with mixed types (especially type B1) and that patients with vascular variants exhibited more significant symptoms related to nerve compression compared to those with pure neurogenic NT
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Cases: We present 2 cases of median nerve reconstruction using distal nerve transfers after resection of unusual benign median nerve tumors. Critical sensation was restored in case 1 by transferring the fourth common digital nerve to first web digital nerves. Thumb opposition was regained by transferring the abductor digiti minimi ulnar motor nerve branch to the recurrent median motor nerve branch.

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Introduction: Although prevalent, and variable geographically, there is little information on the incidence and risk factors for occupation hand trauma in our health care system. This pilot study was designed to determine the optimal data collection methods for transient risk factors locally METHODS: All adult patients with occupational hand trauma treated at an emergency department (ED) during a three-month period were interviewed, either in person or by phone, using a case crossover designed questionnaire, regarding occupation and exposure to potential transient risk factor.

Results: Of 206 patients treated with occupational trauma during the study period, 94 had trauma distal to the elbow (46%).

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This article describes our technique of managing highly comminuted intra-articular fracture subluxations at the proximal interphalangeal joint by subchondral buttress fixation followed by early mobilization. This technique has proven to be reliable and all patients have been able to return to their preinjury level of activity.

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Case Report: Quincke sign manifested on the wrist of a young healthy man. The patient had self-treated with topical antibiotics and steroids for a second-degree burn, but then developed contact dermatitis followed by cellulitis. He presented to the emergency department with a "blinking" effect of the skin lesion.

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Classifications of scaphoid fractures associate the angle of the fracture with its stability. To examine this assumption, we measured acute scaphoid fracture angles and inclinations in relation to different scaphoid axes, using fracture displacement as an indicator of instability. We examined the effect of using different axes on the measurements of angles.

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Background: Radial nerve injuries cause profound disability, and a variety of reconstruction options exist. This study aimed to compare outcomes of tendon transfers versus nerve transfers for the management of isolated radial nerve injuries.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 30 patients with isolated radial nerve injuries treated with tendon transfers and 16 patients managed with nerve transfers was performed.

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Introduction: Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition affecting a person's independence and quality of life. Nerve transfers are increasingly used to restore critical upper extremity function. Electrodiagnostic studies guide operative planning but the implications for clinical outcomes is not well defined.

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The considerable variability of responses amongst subjects to disease triggers and immunotherapies is a major obstacle to designing better immune-based therapies. Therefore, development of patient-tailored precision medicine that improves the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs is necessary. The individualized response to disease triggers and immunomodulatory therapies was studied using the concanavalin A (ConA) immune-mediated hepatitis model and the oral administration of anti CD3 or β-glucosylceramide (GC).

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Median nerve entrapment in the forearm (MNEF) without motor paralysis is a challenging diagnosis. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and outcomes following surgical decompression of MNEF. The study reviewed 147 patient medical charts following MNEF surgical decompression.

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Background: Cubital tunnel syndrome has a spectrum of presentations ranging from mild paresthesias to debilitating numbness and intrinsic atrophy. Commonly, the classification of severity relies on clinical symptoms and slowing of conduction velocity across the elbow. However, changes in compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude more accurately reflect axonal loss.

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Bone marrow adipose tissue (MAT) is influenced by nutritional cues, and participates in whole body energy metabolism. To investigate the role of Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a key player in metabolism, in MAT, marrow adiposity was evaluated in inbred 5-month-old 129/Sv haplo-insufficient ( ) and wild type (WT) mice. Decreased expression of the thermogenic genes: α, and β was detected in whole tibiae derived from compared to WT female mice.

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Article Synopsis
  • Lateral epicondylitis is a common elbow condition that often requires more advanced treatments when traditional methods fail; this study examines the effectiveness of a new injectable gel called Vergenix STR/PRP, which combines collagen and platelet-rich plasma.
  • In a clinical trial with 40 patients suffering from chronic lateral epicondylitis, results showed significant improvements in pain, function, grip strength, and ultrasound tendon appearance, with no severe adverse effects reported.
  • The findings suggest that STR/PRP is a safe and effective therapy for enhancing elbow function and overall well-being in patients whose conditions did not respond to standard treatments.
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Introduction: Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) has been noted mainly in open fractures injuring soft tissue immunological defenses and in immuneincompetent patients. Osteomyelitis complicating closed fractures in immunocompetent adult patients is, therefore, a rare clinical entity with scarce literature.

Case Report: We report a case of primary Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection of a closed, humeral shaft fracture occurring in a previously healthy 28-year-old male patient.

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Acetaminophen (APAP) and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are common causes of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). This study aimed to determine the ability to reduce APAP- and statins-mediated liver injury by using formulations that combine glycosphingolipids and vitamin E. Mice were injected with APAP or with statins and treated before and after with β-glucosylceramide (GC), with or without vitamin E.

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Background: Idiopathic frozen shoulder (nontraumatic) is commonly encountered in patients between the ages of 35 and 60 years in general orthopaedic practice. While the prevalence of frozen shoulder among the general population is estimated to be between 2% and 4%, a significantly higher prevalence of 10% to 22% has been reported in patients with diabetes mellitus. Since diabetic patients are more prone to develop frozen shoulder than nondiabetics, the question arises as to whether patients diagnosed as having idiopathic frozen shoulder are at greater risk to develop diabetes mellitus and should be routinely screened for this condition.

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We describe a technique for the treatment of chronic dorsal instability of the distal radioulnar joint by creating a strong dorsal radioulnar restraint using opposing flaps from the extensor retinaculum and dorsal capsule of the radioulnar joint. This technique has been used in 18 patients and has proven to be very easy and reliable with all patients demonstrating good stability of the distal radioulnar joint at final follow-up.

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Increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption is characteristic of osteoporosis, malignant bone disease and inflammatory arthritis. Targeted deletion of Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a key player in aging and metabolism, in osteoclasts results in increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in vivo, making it a potential novel therapeutic target to block bone resorption. Sirt1 activating compounds (STACs) were generated and were investigated in animal disease models and in humans however their mechanism of action was a source of controversy.

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Introduction: Angiographic embolisation (AE) is a successful treatment for haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries. However, recent evidence has shown a significant complication rate following AE together with a lower success rate than previously reported. The aim of the current study was to review and indentify the factors predicting success or failure of AE.

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Introduction: Parenteral OKT3 is used to treat transplant rejection and a humanized anti-CD3 Mab has shown positive clinical effects in new onset diabetes. Oral administration of anti-CD3 has not been tested in humans, but suppresses autoimmunity in animal models. Beta-glucosylceramide enhances NKT cell and regulatory T cell activity and enhances the effects of oral anti-CD3 in animals.

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Beta-glucosylceramide has been shown to affect natural killer T cell function in models of inflammation. We, therefore, investigated the effects of different beta-glycosphingolipids, including beta-glucosylceramide, on STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) signaling pathways and determined whether these effects were mediated by lipid raft microdomains and/or CD1d molecules. The effects of alpha- and beta-structured ligands on the lipid raft protein flotillin-2 were studied in both natural killer T hybridoma cells and leptin-deficient mice.

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Natural killer T lymphocytes (NKT) have been implicated in the regulation of autoimmune processes in both mice and humans. In response to stimuli, this subset of cells rapidly produces large amounts of cytokines thereby provoking immune responses, including protection against autoimmune diseases. NKT cells are present in all lymphoid compartments, but are most abundant in the liver and bone marrow.

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