Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVE:To assess the effect of sildenafil citrate in a rat model of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:An in vivo experimental study was conducted where 40 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive either: (1) control, (2) L-NAME 50 mg/kg/d by gavage (days 14 to 19), (3) L-NAME and sildenafil 15 mg/kg/d by gavage, or (4) sildenafil (days 14 to 21). On day 21, a hysterotomy was performed and all fetuses (live and dead) were counted, examined, and weighed. The primary outcome measure was the difference in pup birth weight. RESULTS:The median number of live pups per dam was 11.5 (range: 1 to 15), 13.5 (2 to 17), 13.5 (7 to 16), and 11.5 (4 to 17) in controls, L-NAME, sildenafil, and combined drug groups, respectively (p = 0.02). Rats treated with L-NAME had a significantly higher number of stillbirths compared with control (p = 0.013) and sildenafil (p = 0.008) groups. L-NAME reduced pup birth weight compared with controls (4.53 ± 1.49 versus 5.65 ± 1.63 g, p < 0.001); this effect was more pronounced in the L-NAME and sildenafil groups (3.37 ± 1.25 g, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Our data indicate that sildenafil citrate does not ameliorate L-NAME-induced IUGR, and in the doses utilized in this study might even have a synergistic negative effect on pup birth weight.

There are eight reported cases in the literature of osteosarcomas secreting β-hCG. Our primary aim was to investigate the rate of β-hCG expression in osteosarcoma and attempt to understand the characteristics of osteosarcomas that secrete β-hCG. We reviewed 37 histopathology slides (14 biopsies and 23 surgical specimens) from 32 patients with osteosarcoma. The slides were retrospectively stained for β-hCG expression. Patient and tumour characteristics, including age, gender, tumour location, subtype, proportion of necrosis, presence of metastases and recurrence were recorded. A total of five of the 32 tumours were found to be positive for β-hCG expression (one strongly and four weakly). This incidence of this expression was found in tumours with poor histological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The use of β-hCG expression as a diagnostic, prognostic or follow-up marker is questionable and needs further investigation with a larger sample size.

BACKGROUND:The Ponseti method for clubfoot correction has demonstrated excellent results. However, relapses are common and continue to be the most important problem facing clubfoot practitioners. Relapses usually require repeated casting and/or surgical intervention with tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT). However, recent data on relapses suggest that performing a successful TATT may not be a definitive cure as there may be other processes, such as neuromuscular deficits, that may result in subsequent relapses. METHODS:The authors reviewed 66 patients (102 clubfeet) treated by TATT for clubfoot relapses after successful initial treatment by the Ponseti method. Ten patients (15 clubfeet) experienced a subsequent relapse. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data was recorded. RESULTS:These patients had a tendency toward a greater number of casts at initial treatment (P=0.14) and they underwent relapse surgery earlier than those who did not relapse after TATT (P=0.05). Two of these patients had a neuromyopathy, diagnosed by muscle biopsy. The treatment of post-TATT relapse included casting (6 patients), ankle foot orthotic (4 patients), physical therapy (2 patients), or bracing (1 patient). One patient was treated by osteotomies of the cuboid and medial cuneiform and 1 patient had a peroneus longus to peroneus brevis tendon transfer. CONCLUSIONS:Performing a TATT may not be the definitive treatment for clubfoot relapses as neuromuscular deficits may be involved. In addition, these patients may be at an increased risk of relapse due to the earlier age at which TATT was performed. When there is a high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis with muscle biopsy is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Level III (Case-control study).

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy and observer agreement in the assessment of internal knee derangement using sagittal fat-suppressed proton-density fast-spin-echo (FS PD-FSE) compared with combined sagittal T1-weighted spin-echo, dual-proton-density, and T2-weighted spin-echo sequences and with arthroscopy. METHODS:One hundred eighteen patients undergoing routine knee magnetic resonance (MR) imaging had additional imaging with sagittal FS PD-FSE sequences. Menisci, cruciate ligaments, extensor tendons (ETs), bone marrow, osteoarthritic changes, soft tissue edema, joint effusion, and incidental tumors were analyzed. Magnetic resonance images were independently reviewed by 2 radiologists. Fifty patients underwent knee arthroscopy. Statistical analysis compared both imaging protocols with each other and with arthroscopy. Intrareader and interreader agreements were evaluated using κ analysis. Both protocols were compared with arthroscopy. RESULTS:Intrareader agreement was very high except for readings of the posterior cruciate ligament, ETs, and cartilage. Intrareader agreement did not differ significantly between the 2 readers except for ETs, bone marrow, and cartilage. Interreader percent agreements were high using both protocols and were not significantly different between the 2 readers except for posterior cruciate ligament. Compared with arthroscopy, both methods showed almost identical results regarding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, except for cartilage where FS PD-FSE had increased sensitivity, whereas the combined protocol had increased specificity. CONCLUSIONS:Sagittal FS PD-FSE is comparable to our regular MR protocol in assessing internal knee derangement with an overall agreement of at least 93% on all sites except cartilage. It was also comparable to arthroscopy in assessing the cruciate ligaments and menisci, but had a low specificity for cartilaginous derangements. It can replace our 3 sagittal series comprising T1- and T2-weighted and proton-density-spin-echo sequences, hence saving time and cost.

Frontal plane malalignment of the lower extremity results in abnormal load distribution across the knee joint. Consequences of this increased stress may lead to compartmental osteoarthritis. High tibial osteotomy is well established for early osteoarthritis of the knee joint in middle-aged patients. We hypothesize that earlier realignment of the varus knee can be performed without undue risks and debilitation toward the young active patient and with good results in short-term follow-up. Open-wedge high tibia osteotomy using the Puddu plate was performed on eleven patients (19 knees) under 25 years of age for constitutional high tibia vara. The mechanical femorotibial angle (FTA) and Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) were compared pre-operatively and 24 months post-operatively. The average FTA improved from +8.8 degrees (+5 - +16) to -0.1 (-2 - +5). The average KSKS improved from 74 (50-100) to 93 (60-100) and the function score improved from 84 (50-100) to 95 (60-100). Special concerns in this age group include unsightly cosmesis, and kneeling pain and discomfort. Open-wedge high tibia osteotomy provides a satisfactory solution for constitutional high tibia vara with minor morbidity on behalf of the patient in the short-term follow-up period.

Structural defects of the posterior arch of the atlas are rare, and range from clefts of variable location and size to more extensive defects such as complete agenesis. These abnormalities are usually incidental radiological findings. We present a case of a fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas associated with a congenital abnormality of the posterior arch.