Remodelling by asymmetrical epiphysial growth. An experimental study in dogs.

Spontaneous correction of deformity is produced by bone remodelling during the period of growth. The purpose of this experimental study was to find out in which phase and to what extent asymmetrical epiphysial growth participated in the correction of an experimentally produced deformity. Transverse wedge osteotomy was performed in the legs of twenty growing mongrel dogs, the fragments being fixed with bent AO-plates. From radiographs taken at intervals of two weeks the epiphysial and axial angles were measured. Nine dogs were given tetracycline ten to twenty days before death and the cut surfaces were photographed in reflected ultra-violet light. It was found that epiphysial growth played an important role in the remodelling process. This factor accounted for roughly half of the total correction and averaged 12-5 degrees during the observation time of 160 days. The greatest correction occurred during the first weeks. Correction of the epiphysial angle took place with acceleration of growth.

Muscle ultrasonography in arthrogryposis. Comparison with clinical, neuromyographic and histologic findings in 41 cases.

We studied the ultrasonographic appearance of muscles in 41 patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). The observations were compared to the findings in clinical testing, electroneuromyography, and histological examination. The strength of the muscles in AMC-patients did not always correspond to the ultrasonographic morphology of the muscles. In extension contractures of the elbow and in equinovarus adductus deformities of the foot there was a distribution of pathological changes in the muscles corresponding to the primary deformity. The sound transfer through the muscles was decreased, notably in the neurogenic form of AMC. Ultrasonography is an important complement to the clinical examination and it should always be done prior to surgery and muscle biopsy.