Visualization of intervertebral disc degeneration in a cadaveric human lumbar spine using microcomputed tomography.

Gross features of disc degeneration (DD) that are associated with back pain include tears in the anulus fibrosus, structural changes of the endplates, and a collapse of the anulus. The aim of this study is the detailed visualization and microstructural characterization of DD using microcomputed tomography (μCT) and a dedicated image post-processing pipeline. In detail, we investigate a cadaveric spine that shows both types of DD between L1 and L2 and between L2 and L3, respectively.

Torsional stiffness after subtalar arthrodesis using second generation headless compression screws: Biomechanical comparison of 2-screw and 3-screw fixation.

Background: Subtalar joint arthrodesis is a common operative treatment for symptomatic subtalar arthrosis. Because excessive relative motion between the talus and calcaneus can delay or prohibit fusion, fixation should be optimized, particularly in patients at risk for subtalar arthrodesis nonunion. Tapered, fully-threaded, variable pitch screws are gaining popularity for this application, but the mechanical properties of joints fixed with these screws have not been characterized completely.

The influence of patient age and bone mineral density on osteotomy fixation stability after hallux valgus surgery: A biomechanical study.

Background: Oblique osteotomies of the first metatarsal are common surgical treatments for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. Osteotomy fixation integrity is important to minimize interfragment motion and maintain correction during healing, and our clinical observations suggest that patient age and bone quality affect fixation stability and ultimately the clinical outcome. Accordingly, this study correlated these patient factors with key mechanical measures of osteotomy angulation resistance in a cadaver hallux valgus correction model.

Interference screw for fixation of FDL transfer in the treatment of adult acquired flat foot deformity stage II.

Introduction: Flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy have shown favourable results in the treatment of adult acquired flat foot deformity stage 2. Little is known about the resorbable interference screw for tendon fixation and postoperative patient satisfaction though. Moreover possible changes of radiographic parameters at final follow-up, possible implant-associated complications and differences concerning clinical results at final follow-up to other studies using bone tunnel techniques for fixation of the FDL tendon were investigated.

A recurrent giant cell tumor of bone treated with denosumab.

Although the giant cell tumor of bone is generally classified as a benign tumor it can rarely metastasize and has a potential risk of local recurrence. We want to report about a female patient who suffered from a recurrence of a giant cell tumor of bone after the implantation of a total endoprosthesis of the knee joint. We have treated her with denosumab, which is a receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand inhibitor.

The Weil osteotomy for correction of the severe rheumatoid forefoot.

Purpose: In rheumatoid arthritis the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are predominantly affected with resultant metatarsalgia and dislocation. Therapy options include many different surgical procedures with results that are not always satisfying. We present the oblique Weil metatarsal osteotomy as a treatment option for the rheumatic forefoot.

Mineralization pattern of vertebral bone material following fragility fracture of the spine.

Little is known whether trabecular bone matrix mineralization is altered at the site of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) was assessed in trabecular bone of acute, single-level compression fractures of the spine at various stages of fracture repair using quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI). The grading of the repair stage was performed by histological methods.

Plantar pressure distribution after tibiotalar arthrodesis.

Introduction: Arthrodesis is a well-established treatment option for end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle. Osteoarthritis of the ankle can alter plantar pressure distribution. However, surprisingly little is known about the effect of ankle arthrodesis to alter plantar pressure distribution.

Plantar loading after chevron osteotomy combined with postoperative physical therapy.

Background: Recent pedobarographic studies have demonstrated decreased loading of the great toe region and the first metatarsal head at a short- and intermediate-term followup. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a postoperative rehabilitation program helped to improve weightbearing of the first ray after chevron osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus deformity.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-nine patients with a mean age of 58 years with mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity who underwent a chevron osteotomy were included.

[Tumors and tumor-like lesions of the foot and ankle - a retrospective analysis of 22 years].

Musculoskeletal tumors are rare, with approximately 1% of all malignancies. Only 4% are localized at the foot and ankle. Because of this fact, tumors are often overlooked or even misdiagnosed.

The effects of high-dose, long-term alendronate treatment on microarchitecture and bone mineral density of compact and trabecular bone in the proximal femur of adult male rabbits.

Introduction: Despite the widespread use of bisphosphonates, its effects on normal bone microarchitecture of the proximal femur are still poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term high-dose treatment of alendronate on microstructure and bone mineral density of cancellous, cortical compact and subchondral compact bone of the femoral head and neck region in normal adult male rabbits.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-two adult, male rabbits were randomized into and were treated with either alendronate or placebo for 6 and 12 months.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the German version of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index.

Background: The Western Ontario shoulder instability index (WOSI) is a disease-specific quality of life measurement tool with 21 items for patients with shoulder instability. Here, we report on translation and validation of the German version of the WOSI according to international guidelines.

Patients And Methods: A total of 86 patients in three groups were included in this study.

Rehabilitation after hallux valgus surgery: importance of physical therapy to restore weight bearing of the first ray during the stance phase.

Background: Operative treatment of people with hallux valgus can yield favorable clinical and radiographic results. However, plantar pressure analysis has demonstrated that physiologic gait patterns are not restored after hallux valgus surgery.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to illustrate the changes of plantar pressure distribution during the stance phase of gait in patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery and received a multimodal rehabilitation program.

Treatment strategies in surgery for rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis due to the chronic inflammation of the synovial joints leads to permanent articular cartilage and bone damage. Subsequent instability and mutilation of the joint might happen, and the resulting joint pain and stiffness cause impaired function. The degree of damage is traditionally assessed by radiograph and represents a clinical tool for the evaluation of both disease progression and the effectiveness of interventional therapy.

Computer-assisted tibia preparation for total ankle arthroplasty: a cadaveric study.

Background: Most surgeons performing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) suggest that accurate tibial preparation perpendicular to the tibial shaft axis improves outcomes. Recent studies demonstrate that computerized surgical navigation significantly improves the accuracy of tibial preparation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: We performed the tibial preparation for TAA in seven matched pairs of cadaver lower extremities.

Biomechanical comparison of screws and plates for hallux valgus opening-wedge and Ludloff osteotomies.

Background: The optimal osteotomy type and fixation method for hallux valgus correction have not been defined. This study examined the mechanical properties of corrective opening-wedge and Ludloff oblique osteotomies under conditions approximating postoperative weight-bearing.

Methods: Twenty-nine pairs of fresh-frozen metatarsals were divided into three groups.