The effects of botulinum toxin A on muscle histology during distraction osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis is a highly successful method of bone formation, yet muscle fibrosis and contractures can result in significant morbidity. In the current study, we investigate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in preventing fibrosis and potentially increasing muscle development in distracted muscles. Fifteen New Zealand White rabbits underwent tibial distraction at 1.

Thermal injury with contemporary cast-application techniques and methods to circumvent morbidity.

Background: Thermal injuries caused by application of casts continue to occur despite the development of newer cast materials. We studied the risk of these injuries with contemporary methods of immobilization.

Methods: Using cylindrical and L-shaped limb models, we recorded the internal and external temperature changes that occurred during cast application.

Effects of botulinum toxin A on functional outcome during distraction osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis is useful for correcting limb length inequality, deformities, or short stature. Despite success with bone formation, soft tissue maladaptations including muscle and joint contracture may lead to undesirable results. Botulinum toxin A has been useful in treating spasticity in cerebral palsy, and has been used clinically in select cases to allay contracture in distraction osteogenesis.

Manual versus digital radiographic measurements in acetabular dysplasia.

The intraobserver and interobserver variability of common radiographic measurements associated with hip dysplasia from plain and digital radiographs was assessed. Only the interobserver reliability of measuring Hilgenreiner's distance was found to be potentially clinically significant. The average Spearman correlation coefficients between groups were 0.

Hip function in adults with severe cerebral palsy.

Background: The reported prevalence of hip pain in patients with severe cerebral palsy has varied widely. It is unclear whether surgical treatment is indicated for progressive hip subluxation in immature patients with severe involvement. In the present study, we evaluated seventy-seven adults who were profoundly affected with cerebral palsy to determine if either spastic hip displacement (subluxation or dislocation) or osteoarthritis was associated with hip pain and/or diminished function.

Natural history of multiple hereditary osteochondromatosis of the lower extremity and ankle.

In this study the authors evaluated the natural history of the ankle joint in patients with multiple hereditary osteochondromatosis. Thirty-eight subjects with an average age of 42 years completed a detailed subjective questionnaire and underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation of their ankles. Three subjects (8%) indicated their ankle involvement affected their vocation, and 12 (32%) were limited in recreational sports.