Treatment of Tibial Plateau Fractures with a Circular External Fixator: A Comparative Analysis of Two Assembly Methods.

Objective To compare the functional outcomes of two circular external fixation techniques to treat complex fractures of the proximal end of the tibia. Materials and Methods The present is a retrospective cohort study with 51 patients who underwent surgical treatment for complex fractures of the tibial plateau with a circular external fixator. There were two groups of patients: 12 subjects underwent treatment with the classic assembly technique, and 39 subjects underwent treatment with the simplified technique. The variables analyzed included age, sex, injury mechanism, trauma energy, associated injuries, fixator type, time of fixator use, and clinical-radiographic outcomes. The classic technique mainly uses transfixing Kirschner wires, while the simplified one replaces the Kirschner wires with Schanz pins in the distal block of the circular external fixator. Result There were no statistically significant differences ( p > 0.05) between the two groups concerning the clinical-radiographic outcomes, including fracture consolidation, quality of joint fracture reduction, range of motion, lower limbs residual discrepancy, and postoperative pain. Conclusion We suggest that the simplified technique, using Schanz pins instead of Kirschner wires, can be a viable and effective alternative to treat complex fractures of the proximal end of the tibia with a circular external fixator. This simplified approach can offer benefits, such as a lower infection rate and greater patient comfort, without compromising clinical and radiographic outcomes, thus justifying its use.

Bone Regenerate Evaluation Methods.

Since its introduction by Ilizarov, the distraction osteogenesis technique has been used to treat trauma-related conditions, infections, bone tumors, and congenital diseases, either as methods of bone transport or elongation. One of the major dilemmas for the orthopedic surgeon who performs osteogenic distraction is establishing a reproducible method of assessing the progression of the osteogenesis, enabling the early detection of regenerate failures, in order to effectively interfere during treatment, and to determine the appropriate time to remove the external fixator. Several quantitative monitoring methods to evaluate the structural recovery and biomechanical properties of the bone regenerate at different stages, as well as the bone healing process, are under study. These methods can reveal data on bone metabolism, stiffness, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density. The present review comprehensively summarizes the most recent techniques to assess bone healing during osteogenic distraction, including conventional radiography and pixel values in digital radiology, ultrasonography, bone densitometry and scintigraphy, quantitative computed tomography, biomechanical evaluation, biochemical markers, and mathematical models. We believe it is crucial to know the different methods currently available, and we understand that using several monitoring methods simultaneously can be an ideal solution, pointing to a future direction in the follow-up of osteogenic distraction.

The Management of Tibial Bone Defects: A Multicenter Experience of Hexapod and Ilizarov Frames.

INTRODUCTION: Bone defects may be managed with bone transport or acute shortening and lengthening using circular external fixation devices. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study to compare the outcomes between the Ilizarov frames and hexapod frames for the management of bone defects. METHODS: Patients treated for bone defects using either Ilizarov or hexapod frames were included for analysis in two specialist institutions. Primary outcomes were time to consolidation, bone healing index (BHI), and external fixator index (EFI). Radiographic parameters included the medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal tibial angle, posterior proximal tibial angle, and anterior distal tibial angle. RESULTS: There were 137 hexapods and 90 Ilizarov frames in total. The mean time to follow-up was 3.7 years in the hexapod group and 4.0 years in the Ilizarov group. Hexapods had a significantly lower time to consolidation (253 days versus 449 days) (P < 0.0001) and BHI (59.1 days/cm versus 87.5 days/cm) (P < 0.0001). Hexapods had a significantly better EFI (72.3 days/cm versus 96.1 days/cm) (P = 0.0009). CONCLUSION: Hexapods may confer a significant advantage over Ilizarov frames in the management of bone defects. Time to consolidation, radiographic parameters, BHI, and EFI are all superior in hexapods.

Nature-based solutions for improving navigation reliability on the Madeira River, Brazil.

The Madeira River Navigation and Improvement Project provides a unique opportunity to incorporate nature-based solutions (NbS) into the built environment to promote sustainable communities and water resources infrastructure. The Madeira River has no major physical interventions (river training structures, navigation locks and dams, etc.) to improve navigation, and so is one of the world's last remaining undeveloped megarivers that exhibits natural morphological processes. The objective of this study is to create a safe, reliable, and sustainable navigation channel in the Madeira River. This is being accomplished by designing navigation improvement measures that leverage natural geomorphic processes of the river while minimizing conventional engineering practices that alter the river's morphology. To meet this objective, fluvial geomorphology analysis and hydrodynamic modeling studies have been performed to improve understanding of the morphological behavior of the system. Measures that incorporate beneficial reuse of dredged sediment within the system are being prioritized and incorporated into the study's design. Natural processes are being leveraged through the implementation of an adaptive management process to shape the navigation channel by incorporating the use of dynamic structures using natural local materials (e.g., large woody debris already in the system), a direct application of NbS in practice. This process includes extensive stakeholder collaboration and utilizing nature's energy to balance navigation, ecological, and social benefits along the Madeira River. This project demonstrates that nature-based approaches not only provide navigation benefits but can also provide ecological and social benefits in ways that are sustainable in the long term, consistent with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's global standard for NbS. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:115-122. © 2021 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Biomechanical Analysis of the Behaviour at the Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Junction of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures Using Two Circular Fixator Configurations.

BACKGROUND: High-energy tibial plateau fractures are challenges in treatment with controversy over operative stabilisation, especially for fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal dissociation. Treatment with percutaneous or minimally invasive direct reduction techniques, usually associated with circular external fixation, has generated interest although there is no consensus regarding the type of external fixation to be used. AIM: This study aims to compare the two hybrid circular external fixation mountings used to treat the high-energy tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Two different groups of hybrid circular external fixation frame mountings were assembled using composite tibiae with proximal metaphyseal osteotomies simulating tibial plateau fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal dissociation. The standard all-wire frame mounting was assembled, and the comparison frame mounting had the distal K-wires replaced with half-pins. Both groups were tested through cyclic loading between 300 and 1000 N for 10,000 cycles. Interfragmentary linear and rotational displacements were analysed. RESULTS: The standard frame mounting behaved similarly to a classic Ilizarov frame, allowing greater axial movement (mean, 3.76 ± 0.26 mm in the standard group and 3.02 ± 0.23 mm in the test group) and smaller mediolateral displacement compared with the test frame (mean, 0.17 ± 0.16 mm compared to 0.56 ± 0.12 mm). The test frame behaved more similarly to a linear external fixator and provided greater axial stability, similar anteroposterior displacement, and lower mediolateral stability. Despite these differences, in both groups the axial displacement was greater than the prejudicial nonaxial movements. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of half-pins and decreasing the number of K-wires in hybrid circular external fixation generate frames that tend to behave more similarly to the linear external fixators. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Cardoso GS, Amorim R, Penha FM, et al. Biomechanical Analysis of the Behaviour at the Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Junction of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures Using Two Circular Fixator Configurations. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(3):138-145.

Cromoscopia vital com Lugol versus cromoscopia óptica na detecção de câncer de esôfago em pacientes com estenoses cáusticas esofagianas / Lugol's iodine chromoendoscopy versus narrow band image enhanced endoscopy for the detection of esophageal cancer in patients with stenosis secondary to caustic/corrosive agent ingestion

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND The diagnosis of corrosion cancer should be suspected in patients with corrosive ingestion if after a latent period of negligible symptoms there is development of dysphagia, or poor response to dilatation, or if respiratory symptoms develop in an otherwise stable patient of esophageal stenosis. Narrow Band Imaging detects superficial squamous cell carcinoma more frequently than white-light imaging, and has significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy compared with white-light. OBJECTIVE To determinate the clinical applicability of Narrow Band Imaging versus Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy for detection of early esophageal cancer in patients with caustic/corrosive agent stenosis. METHODS Thirty-eight patients, aged between 28-84 were enrolled and examined by both Narrow Band Imaging and Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy. A 4.9mm diameter endoscope was used facilitating examination of a stenotic area without dilation. Narrow Band Imaging was performed and any lesion detected was marked for later biopsy. Then, Lugol´s solution chromoendoscopy was performed and biopsies were taken at suspicious areas. Patients who had abnormal findings at the routine, Narrow Band Imaging or Lugol´s solution chromoscopy exam had their stenotic ring biopsied. RESULTS We detected nine suspicious lesions with Narrow Band Imaging and 14 with Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of the Narrow Band Imaging was 100% and 80.6%, and with Lugol´s chromoscopy 100% and 66.67%, respectively. Five (13%) suspicious lesions were detected both with Narrow Band Imaging and Lugol's chromoscopy, two (40%) of these lesions were confirmed carcinoma on histopathological examination. CONCLUSION Narrow Band Imaging is an applicable option to detect and evaluate cancer in patients with caustic /corrosive stenosis compared to the Lugol´s solution chromoscopy.

RESUMO CONTEXTO A suspeita do câncer de esôfago na lesão cáustica ocorre quando os pacientes com estenoses previamente estáveis, após um período latente sem sintomas, apresentam disfagia, baixa resposta as dilatações ou sintomas respiratórios. A cromoscopia com luz de banda estreita detecta o câncer superficial de esôfago mais frequentemente que a luz branca, com alta sensibilidade e acurácia. OBJETIVO Determinar a aplicabilidade clínica da luz de banda estreita versus a cromoscopia vital com Lugol na detecção do câncer precoce de esôfago em pacientes com lesões cáusticas. MÉTODOS Um total de 38 pacientes, entre 28 e 84 anos, foram alocados seguidamente e submetidos à cromoscopia com luz de banda estreita e com Lugol. Um gastroscópio de 4,9 mm de diâmetro foi usado para facilitar o exame da área estenosada, sem necessidade de dilatação. A cromoscopia com luz de banda estreita era realizada primeiro e as áreas suspeitas anotadas. Depois, a cromoscopia com Lugol era realizada e as áreas suspeitas biopsiadas. RESULTADOS Detectamos nove lesões suspeitas com a luz de banda estreita e 14 com o Lugol. A sensibilidade e especificidade da cromoscopia com luz de banda estreita foi de 100% e 80,6%, e a do Lugol foi de 100% e 66,67% respectivamente. Cinco (13%) lesões suspeitas foram detectadas coincidentemente pelos dois métodos, sendo duas (40%) com diagnóstico anatomopatológico de câncer de esôfago. CONCLUSÃO A cromoscopia com luz de banda estreita é opção concreta para o diagnóstico de câncer em pacientes com estenoses esofágicas por corrosões cáusticas, comparado a cromoscopia com Lugol.

LUGOL'S IODINE CHROMOENDOSCOPY VERSUS NARROW BAND IMAGE ENHANCED ENDOSCOPY FOR THE DETECTION OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER IN PATIENTS WITH STENOSIS SECONDARY TO CAUSTIC/CORROSIVE AGENT INGESTION.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of corrosion cancer should be suspected in patients with corrosive ingestion if after a latent period of negligible symptoms there is development of dysphagia, or poor response to dilatation, or if respiratory symptoms develop in an otherwise stable patient of esophageal stenosis. Narrow Band Imaging detects superficial squamous cell carcinoma more frequently than white-light imaging, and has significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy compared with white-light. OBJECTIVE: To determinate the clinical applicability of Narrow Band Imaging versus Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy for detection of early esophageal cancer in patients with caustic/corrosive agent stenosis. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients, aged between 28-84 were enrolled and examined by both Narrow Band Imaging and Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy. A 4.9mm diameter endoscope was used facilitating examination of a stenotic area without dilation. Narrow Band Imaging was performed and any lesion detected was marked for later biopsy. Then, Lugol´s solution chromoendoscopy was performed and biopsies were taken at suspicious areas. Patients who had abnormal findings at the routine, Narrow Band Imaging or Lugol´s solution chromoscopy exam had their stenotic ring biopsied. RESULTS: We detected nine suspicious lesions with Narrow Band Imaging and 14 with Lugol´s solution chromendoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of the Narrow Band Imaging was 100% and 80.6%, and with Lugol´s chromoscopy 100% and 66.67%, respectively. Five (13%) suspicious lesions were detected both with Narrow Band Imaging and Lugol's chromoscopy, two (40%) of these lesions were confirmed carcinoma on histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: Narrow Band Imaging is an applicable option to detect and evaluate cancer in patients with caustic /corrosive stenosis compared to the Lugol´s solution chromoscopy.

Surgical treatment of neglected clubfoot using external fixator.

The definition of neglected clubfoot (NC) includes a variable range of complex deformities of the foot that are refractory to conventional treatments or are treated inappropriately. Several etiologies may be related to this. The Ilizarov method has become established as a tool for treating these deformities. It minimizes soft-tissue damage through gradual correction of the deformity, with a high success rate in relation to achieving a plantigrade foot, with low incidence of recurrence. The indications for treatment include severe rigid deformities (Dimeglio III and IV), or adverse skin conditions. Careful clinical and radiological examination is fundamental for proper planning and installation of the external fixator. The techniques used include selection of external fixation assemblies, which can be closed when there is a connection between the leg, hindfoot and forefoot. This closed assembly may or may not be constricted, according to whether hinges are provided or whether use of the natural anatomical hinges during correction of the deformity is envisaged. An open assembly makes it possible to add flexibility to the foot through histogenesis, while allowing closed corrections of greater precision later on. Hexapod fixators are an innovation with high potential for accuracy in correcting deformities. Procedures associated with external fixation include soft-tissue release and bone procedures. These procedures enable corrections that are more anatomical, for different degrees of severity and stiffness of deformity. It can be concluded from analyzing this case series that treatment of neglected clubfoot using an external fixator has a high rate of good and excellent results, with low frequency of complications.

O pé torto inveterado (PTI) inclui em sua definição uma gama variável de deformidades complexas do pé refratário a tratamentos convencionais ou tratados de forma inadequada. Diversas etiologias podem estar relacionadas. O método de Ilizarov é consagrado como uma ferramenta de tratamento dessas deformidades, minimiza danos a partes moles, através de correção gradual da deformidade, com alto índice de sucesso em relação à obtenção de um pé plantígrado com incidência baixa de recidiva. As indicações do tratamento incluem deformidades graves e rígidas (Dimeglio III e IV) ou em condições de pele desfavoraveis. O exame clínico e radiológico criterioso é fundamental para um planejamento adequado e a montagem do fixador externo. As técnicas empregadas incluem a seleção das montagens do fixador externo, que pode ser fechada, quando há conexão entre perna, retro e antepé. Essa montagem fechada pode ser constrita ou não, quando se oferecem as dobradiças ou quando se espera usar dobradiças anatômicas naturais durante a correção da deformidade. A montagem aberta permite flexibilizar o pé através da histogênese, permite correções fechadas mais precisas posteriormente. Os fixadores hexapodais representam inovações com alto potencial de precisão na correção de deformidades. Os procedimentos associados à fixação externa incluem as liberações miotendíneas e os procedimentos ósseos. Esses procedimentos permitem correções mais anatômicas para graus diferentes de gravidade e rigidez de deformidade. Conclui-se, na análise das séries de casos, que o tratamento do pé torto inveterado com fixador externo apresenta um alto índice de bons e excelentes resultados, com baixa frequência de complicações.

Surgical treatment of neglected clubfoot using external fixator / Tratamento cirúrgico do pé torto inveterado com fixador externo

ABSTRACT The definition of neglected clubfoot (NC) includes a variable range of complex deformities of the foot that are refractory to conventional treatments or are treated inappropriately. Several etiologies may be related to this. The Ilizarov method has become established as a tool for treating these deformities. It minimizes soft-tissue damage through gradual correction of the deformity, with a high success rate in relation to achieving a plantigrade foot, with low incidence of recurrence. The indications for treatment include severe rigid deformities (Dimeglio III and IV), or adverse skin conditions. Careful clinical and radiological examination is fundamental for proper planning and installation of the external fixator. The techniques used include selection of external fixation assemblies, which can be closed when there is a connection between the leg, hindfoot and forefoot. This closed assembly may or may not be constricted, according to whether hinges are provided or whether use of the natural anatomical hinges during correction of the deformity is envisaged. An open assembly makes it possible to add flexibility to the foot through histogenesis, while allowing closed corrections of greater precision later on. Hexapod fixators are an innovation with high potential for accuracy in correcting deformities. Procedures associated with external fixation include soft-tissue release and bone procedures. These procedures enable corrections that are more anatomical, for different degrees of severity and stiffness of deformity. It can be concluded from analyzing this case series that treatment of neglected clubfoot using an external fixator has a high rate of good and excellent results, with low frequency of complications.

RESUMO O pé torto inveterado (PTI) inclui em sua definição uma gama variável de deformidades complexas do pé refratário a tratamentos convencionais ou tratados de forma inadequada. Diversas etiologias podem estar relacionadas. O método de Ilizarov é consagrado como uma ferramenta de tratamento dessas deformidades, minimiza danos a partes moles, através de correção gradual da deformidade, com alto índice de sucesso em relação à obtenção de um pé plantígrado com incidência baixa de recidiva. As indicações do tratamento incluem deformidades graves e rígidas (Dimeglio III e IV) ou em condições de pele desfavoraveis. O exame clínico e radiológico criterioso é fundamental para um planejamento adequado e a montagem do fixador externo. As técnicas empregadas incluem a seleção das montagens do fixador externo, que pode ser fechada, quando há conexão entre perna, retro e antepé. Essa montagem fechada pode ser constrita ou não, quando se oferecem as dobradiças ou quando se espera usar dobradiças anatômicas naturais durante a correção da deformidade. A montagem aberta permite flexibilizar o pé através da histogênese, permite correções fechadas mais precisas posteriormente. Os fixadores hexapodais representam inovações com alto potencial de precisão na correção de deformidades. Os procedimentos associados à fixação externa incluem as liberações miotendíneas e os procedimentos ósseos. Esses procedimentos permitem correções mais anatômicas para graus diferentes de gravidade e rigidez de deformidade. Conclui-se, na análise das séries de casos, que o tratamento do pé torto inveterado com fixador externo apresenta um alto índice de bons e excelentes resultados, com baixa frequência de complicações.

Synthesis, hydration and durability of rice hull cements doped with chromium.

This work describes the synthesis, hydration and durability behavior of ß-Ca(2)SiO(4) doped with chromium. ß-Ca(2)SiO(4) is a component of commercial cement. Rice hull is an agricultural residue containing about 10% of silica as inorganic constituent. The controlled burning of rice hull was used to obtain this biogenic silica, used as starting material. In many situations chromium is added during cement preparation in order to promote encapsulation, at temperatures around 1500°C. The synthesis presented here is completed at 800°C, causing a substantial reduction in energy consumption. Moreover, chromium is chemically bonded to cement crystal, which is safer than simple physical encapsulation. Results show that chromium can be inserted into the structure of ß-Ca(2)SiO(4) up to 1% (molar ratio). Hydration degree and durability studies show that insertion of chromium causes no deleterious effects on physical and chemical properties of these doped materials when compared to ß-pure Ca(2)SiO(4).

Tratamento da deformidade em flexäo do joelho pelo método de Ilizarov / Treatment of knee flexion deformity using Ilizarov method

Os autores realizaram um estudo retrospectivo, avaliando 42 pacientes (44 joelhos) com deformidade em flexäo do joelho, com idade que variou de 6 a 63 anos, tratados pelo método de Ilizarov. Relatam a incapacidade que essa patologia acarreta ao apoio e á marcha e adificuldade que os métodos convencionais (cirúrgicos e näo cirúrgicos) apresentam no tratamento. Detalhes da metodologia säo apresentados, dando-se ênfase ás dobradiças, principal elemento na correçäo da deformidade. A principal complicaçäo encontrada foi a anquilose óssea intra-articular desenvolvida durante a distraçäo em 6 casos que apresentavam previamente lesäo condral. Nesses casos mostram a grande importância da ligamentotaxia articular para ganho da mobilidade e a importância da reabilitaçäo pós-retirada do fixador