Remodeling of the calcaneus apophysis in the growing child.

Radiography and computer-aided analysis of tomography of the os calcis in 35 children with Sever's disease and of 52 control children were concurrently evaluated with histologic appearance of six calcanei of victims of road accidents, which were radiographically compatible with the same syndrome. Histology showed abrupt interruption in continuity of the apophysis of perpendicular fibrous plates with evidence of an ongoing reparative process. Computer-aided analysis of orientation of the "fragmentation" lines and histologic data both support the hypothesis of a stress remodeling process owing to excessive bending forces acting on the calcaneal apophysis.

Clubfeet associated with hydrocephalus: new evidence of gradual dynamic development in utero.

Clubfoot, a relatively frequent congenital malformation, may be associated with several genetic syndromes or other malformations, or may appear as an isolated idiopathic anomaly. We describe the intrauterine development of clubfeet subsequent and in parallel to fetal hydrocephalus formation, as followed by serial transvaginal sonographic scans at 11-16 weeks' gestation. The possibility of a causal relationship between the central nervous system malformation and the clubfeet is suggested.

Ligament and tendon substitution with composite carbon fiber strands.

Carbon fiber strands were used experimentally to substitute for tendons in dogs and clinically to reconstruct tendons and ligaments in human. The investigation was carried out to determine the histologic appearance of the new composite structure and its tensile strength in comparison to the natural structure. The histologic picture disclosed a remarkable structure evolved by continuous irritation of the carbon fibers and consisting of two interrelated components: synthetic carbon fibers and biologic collagenous tissue.