[Structure and histo-topography of meniscoid structures of the atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints].

Anatomical preparation, Pirogov's saw-cuts and serial histotopographic sections, made across the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal planes in 35 corpses have been used in reconstructing and studying the meniscoid structures in the area of the joints mentioned. The meniscoids are composed of fine fibrillar connective tissue with a large amount of fat and vessels. The meniscoid has a triangle form, its base consisting of collagenous fibers, gradually transfers into the articular capsule, and its apex is directed into the articular cavity.

[Use of the proteolytic enzyme papain in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis].

Twenty-nine patients with cervical osteochondrosis and reflex syndromes were treated by the method of disc puncture using the proteolytic enzyme papain in complex with dereception. Analysis of the immediate and late results showed improvement in 74% of patients. The outcomes were determined to a certain measure by the correct choice of patients to be treated with this method.

[Optimization of the preoperative diagnosis of herniated lumbar disks].

Pneumomyelography (PMG) and discography (DG) were employed to establish the exact diagnosis of Schmorl's bodies in the lumbar spine. Information concerning 101 patients with lumbar osteochondrosis is analysed. PMG was conducted in all patients.

[Physical training of patients with ischemic heart disease in a sanatorium-preventorium].

Patients with coronary heart disease were shown to benefit from short-term training sessions on the stationary bicycle (15-18 sessions within 24 days). In a group of 96 patients who exercised, the threshold power increased by 20%, the blood cholesterol concentration fell slightly (by 6.4%) and the systolic and diastolic pressure decreased in those patients who showed an initial elevated arterial pressure at rest (160/95 mm Hg).