Early Enlargement of Aneurysmal Sac and Separation of EndoBags of Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing System as Signs of Increased Risk of Later Aneurysm Rupture.

Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) system is a new concept and technology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Elective EVAS using Nellix device was performed for a 83-year-old man with AAA. 2-month post-EVAS CTA surveillance demonstrated mild enlargement of aneurysmal sac and separation of the EndoBags, but without detectable endoleak. The patient developed sudden AAA rupture with retroperitoneal hematoma at about 4 months after EVAS. We postulated that early enlargement of aneurysmal sac and separation of EndoBags of Nellix devices after EVAS, even without detectable endoleak, might indicate significant aneurysmal wall weakening with increased risk of later AAA rupture. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this was the first reported case of aortic rupture after EVAS without detectable endoleak during and after the procedure.

Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration accelerates callus formation, mineralization, and fracture healing in rats.

Fracture healing is a biological regenerative process that follows a well-orchestrated sequence. Most healing is uneventful and enhancement of normal fracture healing is not commonly done, although it is clinically important in the recovery and regain of functions after fracture. This study investigated the osteogenic effect of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV, 35 Hz, 0.3 g) on the enhancement of fracture healing in rats with closed femoral shaft fracture by comparing with sham-treated control. Assessments with plain radiography, micro-CT as well as histomorphometry showed that the amount of callus was significantly larger (p = 0.001 for callus area, 2 weeks posttreatment); the remodeling of the callus into mature bone was significantly faster (p = 0.039, 4 weeks posttreatment) in the treatment group. The mechanical strength of the healed fracture in the treatment group at 4 weeks was significantly greater (p < 0.001). The results showed the acceleration of callus formation, mineralization, and fracture healing in the treatment group. It is concluded that LMHFV enhances healing in the closed femoral shaft fracture in rats. The potential clinical advantages shall be confirmed in the subsequent clinical trials.

Biomechanical study of an anthropometrically designed hip protector for older chinese women.

Biomechanical properties and compliance are 2 essential properties of hip protectors (HPs) that determine their clinical efficacy. This study describes the development of a HP that was anthropometrically designed according to anthropometric data from 68 older Chinese women and with attention paid to the biomechanical properties of the device. A simulated mechanical fall test using a drop weight and a force plate were set up to test the force attenuation properties of the HP. The HP attenuated up to 93% of the impact force, and the remaining force was 2 standard deviations below the mean fracture threshold of the proximal femur. The HP was effective in force attenuation, and the anthropometric data obtained provides important information for the development of HPs adapted for a Chinese population. Further study on the compliance and clinical efficacy of this HP is underway.