Rapid estimation of plasma pentobarbital levels by an enzyme immunoassay for barbiturates (EMIT).

The commercially available enzyme homogeneous immunoassay (EMIT) method for barbiturates was demonstrated to be useful in the assay for pentobarbital. The method is just as precise as a comparative gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) method but much faster. There appeared to be a slight positive proportional bias with the method when compared to expected values in plasma samples when using aqueous standards.

Anatomic variations in the first ray: Part II. Disorders of the sesamoids.

Cadaveric and fresh amputation dissection studies revealed that condylar anomalies, metatarsal axial rotation, and bowstrung flexor tendos will commonly produce subluxation and degenerative changes at the metatarsophalangeal-sesamoid joint. The average arc of motion of the sesamoids from maximum plantar- and dorsiflexion was measured at 71.9 +/- 11 degrees.

Anatomic variations in the first ray: Part I. Anatomic aspects related to bunion surgery.

Dissection and roentgenographic findings in 35 nonoperative cadaveric and freshly amputated feet were correlated with disorders of the first day--specifically the sesamoids. There are four noteworthy factors associated with first ray pathology. The most significant are axial rotation of the first metatarsal bone and degenerative changes at the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Bilirubin binding by primary sites of human serum albumin, with suppression of secondary-site interference by use of a high salt concentration.

A high (2.0 mol/L) NaCl concentration apparently suppresses the secondary-site binding of bilirubin by human serum albumin. Thus if an excess of bilirubin is added to human serum albumin or to neonatal serum in buffer containing 0.

Relief of patellofemoral contact stress by anterior displacement of the tibial tubercle.

Elevation of the patellar tendon by means of displacement of the tibial tubercle has been advocated by Maquet, Ficat and Hungerford, and Murray as an alternative to patellectomy for the treatment of patellofemoral arthralgias. Although tubercle elevation certainly reduces the over-all patellofemoral contact force, its effects on the complex local patterns of contact stress are of more direct significance. In a laboratory series using fresh amputation material, arrays of six miniature contact stress sensors were embedded in the retropatellar cartilage of knees subjected to isometric quadriceps-extension forces.

Experimental fracture healing: evaluation using radionuclide bone imaging: concise communication.

Radionuclide bone imaging was performed in a rabbit model to observe the course of fracture healing and to establish criteria for distinguishing nonunion and delayed healing from normal healing. Sequential gamma-camera images (with pinhole collimator) were collected and subjected to computer analysis. Five groups were established: a) control--immobilization; b) control--immobilization plus periosteal stripping; c) simple fracture--osteotomy; d) delayed union--osteotomy plus periosteal stripping; and e) nonunion--osteotomy, periosteal stripping and polymethyl methacrylate interposed between fracture fragments.

Ferrographic analysis of wear particles in arthroplastic joints.

Analysis of aspirated synovial fluid appears to be a useful method for the study of the rates, mechanisms, and biological responses to wear in surgical joint replacements. Ferrography, an industrial technique of magnetic separation of particulate matter from samples of lubricating solutions, allows separation of wear debris from synovial fluid. Bichromatic microscopy and SEM X-ray analysis permit identification of metallic particles from arthroplastic joints.