A Practical Approach to Quantitative Grayscale Ultrasound Analysis of Hepatic Steatosis in Pediatric Patients Using a Picture Archiving and Communication System-Based Tool.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS)-based ultrasound (US) quantification technique for diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in a pediatric population.

Methods: Abdominal US images of 49 pediatric patients (≤18 years) with histopathologically proven diagnoses of hepatic steatosis (n = 17), nonsteatotic liver disease (n = 19), and a normal liver (n = 13) were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, the fibrosis stage, and the steatosis grade were obtained from the database.

Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using nitinol intramedullary fixation implants: X-fuse implants for DIP arthrodesis.

Arthrodesis has been shown to be a successful operative procedure for the treatment of intractable pain, instability, and deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint of the fingers, and interphalangeal joint of the thumb. Multiple fixation techniques have been used in the past including Kirschner wires, tension bands, headless screws, or lag screws. Clinical results are generally acceptable, but complication rates have been reported to vary between 10% and 20%.