The short-term outcome of the modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure regarding range of motion, carpal bone translation and bony shelf size.

The Sauvé-Kapandji (S-K) procedure is a common treatment for rheumatoid wrists, but in some cases severe bone destruction makes this operative modality difficult to perform, while also resulting in a poor outcome. A modified S-K procedure for these wrists has been reported, but the clinical outcomes of the modified procedure are unclear. This study evaluated 24 wrists in 20 patients who underwent the modified S-K procedure.

Measurement of bone electrical impedance in fracture healing.

Background: Although external fixation is widely used for fractures and limb lengthening, evaluation of the time for removing the external fixator is dependent upon radiographic examinations and clinical findings, and a useful method has yet to be established clinically. This study aimed to measure the bone electrical impedance (Z values) non-invasively by using external fixation pins as electrodes, and clarify the relationship with bone union.

Methods: Thirty rabbits received the external fixation at the right tibia and were assigned to a control group (group C; n = 5) and a fractured group (group F; n = 25).

Evaluating bone union of distal radius fractures by measuring impedance values.

The measurement of impedance is a noninvasive and simple quantitative technique for evaluation of fracture healing. Fractures of the distal radius are the most common long bone fractures, accounting for approximately 20% to 25% of all acute fractures. External fixators have been applied clinically to treat unstable distal radius fractures.

Efficacy of titanium dioxide photocatalyst for inhibition of bacterial colonization on percutaneous implants.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of titanium dioxide photocatalyst in inhibition of bacterial colonization on percutaneous implants. Titanium dioxide photocatalyst was prepared by direct oxidization of pure titanium substrate, and a comparative study with pure titanium was performed. The bactericidal ability of the photocatalyst was examined using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) suspensions in a colony-forming assay according to the Japanese Industrial Standards committee standard.

Experience of bone bridge resection and bone wax packing for partial growth arrest of distal tibia.

Two patients with a partial growth arrest of the distal tibia were treated by bone bridge resection and bone wax packing technique. Their average age at the time of surgery was 7 years, both had been injured in an accident, and each had been treated with percutaneous pinning and a plaster cast. Unfortunately, partial growth arrest of the distal tibia occurred, and the ankle varus deformity gradually progressed.