[The formation of self-care in patients suffered from tetraplegia by dint of maxillofacial muscles and a tongue with use of electronic mechanical vehicle].

Method for the restoration of self-service ability in patients with tetraplegia was proposed. The use of the elaborated computer controlled device in creases the efficacy of rehabilitation. A basic realization of technical facilities and software can be further developed. In particular, the plan is drawn to expand the software functional for the possibility of prompt input of the required word from the dictionary. Application of this technology has shown to give a possibility toa great number of handicapped people with limitations in using a computer and thus realizing their intellectual potential in education, work and leisure to restore their self-service ability. A significantsocial and economic effect from the introduction of this technology into practice is expected.

Rehabilitation of patients after lower limb replantations by the bone distraction method.

The length of the lower extremities was equalized by the bone distraction method in four patients after replantation of lower legs. A Volkov-Oganesian or Ilizarov distraction apparatus was applied on the replanted lower leg after corticotomy of the tibia and osteotomy of the fibula, and distraction was carried out over 6 to 11 months in small, measured doses. The lower extremities were lengthened from 4 to 8 cm. The lengths of the lower extremities were fully equalized in two patients; they were partially equalized in the other two patients. This made it possible to achieve successful rehabilitation of the patients after lower limb replantation.

[Restoration of movement in the joints with the aid of a hinge-distraction apparatus]. / Vosstanovlenie dvizhenii v sustavakh s pomoshch'iu sharnirno-distraktsionnykh apparatov.

The device described presents an external hinge which is fixed by transosseous wires and reproduces as far as possible the normal kinematics of the joint. By removing all load from the joint surfaces and maintaining a constant predetermined space between them, the apparatus eliminates friction, prevents pain and muscle spasm, and minimizes abnormal mobility (or instability). It also permits gradual and controlled reduction of old traumatic or congenital dislocations or contractures. Once the bones are in proper relationship, the apparatus permits graduated, controlled, nearly frictionless motion about the correct axis so that a good range of motion is restored and joint surfaces of the proper shape are formed. Finally, ununited fractures close to the joint surface may be immobilized while joint motion is permitted. Experience gained with the apparatus has shown that the method described is physiological and not difficult, complications associated with its use being rare and not serious. The good results obtained with the use of the apparatus warrant its wider application.

Talipes equinocavovarus deformities corrected with the aid of a hinged-distraction apparatus.

In 56 patients (70 feet) with talipes equinocavovarus, various components of deformity were surgically corrected in multiple stages with the aid of a hinged-distraction apparatus and concurrent training and rehabilitation of motion in the ankle joint. Good results were obtained in 53 feet, satisfactory results in 13 feet, and unsatisfactory results in four feet. The complications brought on by apparatus-assisted therapy of talipes equinocavovarus deformities require additional treatment but do not depreciate the method.

[Possible mechanisms of the effect of the external electrostatic field on the electric conductivity of DNA]. / O vozmozhnykh mekhanizmakh deistviia vneshnego élektrostaticheskogo polia na élektroprovodnost' DNK.

Action of the external electrostatic field on electrophysical features of DNA dry fibres was studied. It is shown that an increase of DNA electric conductivity begins from some threshold voltage mean of the external field. On the basis of the suggested DNA semiconductive properties it was concluded that the observed effect was the consequence of Frenkel's thermoelectronic ionisation.