A new approach to mesh fixation in laparoscopic transabdominal technique, "suture passer", superior or not?

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery is a common procedure and pain is a common postoperative complication. Guidelines for mesh fixation vary, with no clear rule. Mesh fixation may not be necessary in total extraperitoneal approach (TEP), but more research is needed for transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP). This study was conducted comparing mesh fixation methods using a suture passer and tacker, aiming to reduce pain and operation time. We used the FUÇA method for mesh fixation in TAPP. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I underwent classical tacker method while Group II used the FUÇA method. There were 52 patients in Group I and 51 patients in Group II. Polypropylene mesh was used in both groups. The surgeries were performed by four experienced surgeons. We analyzed retrospective data including age, gender, BMI, surgical approach, procedure duration, defect size, recurrence status, postoperative pain, hernia type, and complications. Pain was assessed using VAS score and McGill pain index. Recurrence was evaluated by a different surgeon. A total of 103 patients were included: 52 in Group I and 51 in Group II. Both groups had a similar median age (47 years in Group I, 45 years in Group II) and predominantly male participants (92.3% in Group I, 92.2% in Group II). Most patients had indirect inguinal hernia (77.7%) while the rest had direct inguinal hernia (22.3%). There were no significant differences in BMI or hernia type between the groups. The defect size measured by ultrasound was similar in both groups. Group I had higher VAS pain scores on postoperative day 1, at month 1, and at month 3 compared to Group II, but the difference vanished at the 12-month mark. The McGill Pain Index showed similar results. Recurrence was observed in one patient in each group. Complications occurred in 11 patients during the follow-up period, with similar rates between the groups. The mean surgical procedure time of Group 2 was significantly shorter than that of Group 1 (49.36 m vs 43.43 m, p = 0.009). FUÇA method is a technique that can be used safely in the TAPP procedure as it reduces postoperative pain and shortens the operation time.

Finite element analysis of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques: A comparison of the mechanical properties of all-inside fixation and traditional fixation.

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to explore the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament and its attachments following reconstruction with the all-inside technique after anterior cruciate ligament injury. Methods: Knee joint computed tomography data were collected from healthy volunteers, and knee joint models were created using Mimics software. A normal knee joint model, an all-inside reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament model, and a traditional reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament model were established. A tensile force of 134 N and a bending moment of 5 N/m were applied at the anterior aspect of the proximal tibia in these three models. The knee joint was subjected to external rotation, internal rotation, varus, valgus, flexion, and extension under this bending moment. The magnitude and distribution of stress on the ligament or graft and the magnitude and distribution of stress on the graft attachments were observed under different loading conditions. Results: Under different external forces, the maximum stress on the ligament in the normal model fluctuated from 1.949 to 18.302 MPa, with an uncertain distribution of maximum stress. The maximum stress on the graft in the all-inside reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament model fluctuated from 0.705 to 3.465 MPa and was mainly distributed at the junction of the graft and the tibial footprint. In the traditional reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament model, the maximum stress on the graft fluctuated from 5.012 to 59.269 MPa and was primarily distributed at the junction of the interference screw and the graft. The concentration of stress on the loop and plate in the all-inside reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament model fluctuated from 70.461 to 346.363 MPa, with maximum stress distributed at the junction of the loop and the tibial surface. The maximum stress on the interference screw in the traditional reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament model fluctuated from 10.184 to 92.298 MPa, with maximum stress primarily distributed at the end of the interference screw. Conclusion: Under different external forces, the graft used in all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is subjected to fewer external forces than that used in traditional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, which may indicate a relatively stable mechanical environment. The strength of the loop and plate can theoretically tolerate daily knee joint movements of patients without injury.

Demineralized Frozen-dried Allogeneic Bone Blocks with Suture Fixation Technique for reconstruction of maxillary alveolar bone deficiency: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of using demineralized freeze-dried allogeneic bone blocks (DFDABB) combined with the periosteal vertical mattress suture (PVMS) technique for the reconstruction of severe horizontal alveolar bone deficiencies in the maxilla. METHOD: In continuous horizontal maxillary defects cases, bone augmentation was performed using DFDABB and deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM) filling the interstice. Subsequently, a resorbable collagen membrane was carefully placed over the graft surface, and both the membrane and bone graft were firmly secured using the periosteal vertical mattress suture technique (PVMS). Linear changes were assessed through superimposed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained before the operation and after a healing period of 6-10 months. RESULTS: A total of 7 female patients with ten bone blocks and 13 implants were included in this study. One of the wounds was slightly ruptured postoperatively without infection, and all implants showed successful osseointegration. The average alveolar ridge width at a point 5 mm below the crest was 4.52 ± 2.03 mm before bone graft and 9.79 ± 1.57 mm after implantation, with an average increase of 5.26 ± 1.97 mm. Similarly, at a point 10 mm below the crest, the pre-graft alveolar ridge width measured 7.23 ± 3.60 mm, and post-implantation, it expanded to 11.81 ± 2.90 mm, showing an average gain of 4.58 ± 2.01 mm. CONCLUSION: This case series demonstrates the successful application of DFDABB combined with the PVMS technique to achieve adequate bone width for implantation at severe continuous horizontal bone deficiency of the maxilla. DFDABB with the PVMS technique resulted in superior horizontal bone gain during maxillary bone augmentation with horizontal continuity deficiency. However, further studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Treatment of Pauwels III femoral neck fracture in young patients using biplane double support screw internal fixation technology based on X-ray image.

Traditional treatment methods have certain limitations. In recent years, the technique of internal fixation with double-plane double-supported screws based on X-ray images has been proposed to improve the therapeutic effect. The main objective of this research was to examine the effectiveness of the X-ray image-based bi-planar double-braced screw internal fixation technique . During surgery, the procedure was determined based on X-ray images, followed by an open reduction procedure at the fracture site, and finally internal fixation using bi-planar double-support screws. All patients were successfully treated with X-ray image-based bi-planar double support screw fixation. After surgery, X-ray images showed a good reduction of the fracture site without significant loosening or failure of the internal fixation. At the postoperative follow-up, the patient's pain symptoms were significantly relieved, and no significant complications occurred during recovery.

Cemented vs. press-fit humeral stems: a matched cohort analysis at a mean follow-up of 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Although cementation of humeral stems has long been considered the gold standard for anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA), cementless, or press-fit, fixation offers a relatively cheaper and less demanding alternative, particularly in the setting of a revision procedure. However, this approach has been accompanied by concerns of implant loosening and high rates of radiolucency. In the present study, we performed a propensity-matched comparison of clinical and patient-reported outcomes between cemented and cementless fixation techniques for aTSA. We hypothesized that cemented fixation of the humeral component would have significantly better implant survival while providing comparable functional outcomes at final follow-up. METHODS: This study was a retrospective comparison of 50 shoulders undergoing aTSA: 25 using cemented humeral fixation vs. 25 using press-fit humeral fixation. Patients in the 2 groups were propensity matched according to age, sex, and preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score. Primary outcome measures included range of motion (ROM) (forward elevation, external rotation, internal rotation), patient-reported outcomes (ASES, Simple Shoulder Test [SST], visual analog scale [VAS]), and implant survival. RESULTS: At baseline, the 2 fixation groups were similar in regard to age, sex, body mass index, preoperative ASES score, and surgical indication. Mean follow-up was 11.7 ± 4.95 years in the cemented cohort and 9.13 ± 3.77 years in the press-fit cohort (P = .045). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements postoperatively in all included ROM and patient-reported outcomes. However, press-fit patients reported significantly better VAS, ASES, and SST scores. Mean VAS pain score was 1.1 ± 1.8 in press-fit patients and 3.2 ± 3.0 in cemented patients (P = .005). The mean ASES score was 87.7 ± 12.4 in press-fit patients and 69.5 ± 22.7 in cemented patients (P = .002). Lastly, the mean SST score was 9.8 ± 3.1 in press-fit patients and 7.7 ± 3.7 in cemented patients (P = .040). Both fixation techniques provided lasting implant survivorship with only a single revision operation in each of the cohorts. CONCLUSION: Herein, we provide a propensity-matched, long-term comparison of patients receiving anatomic shoulder arthroplasty stratified according to humeral stem fixation technique. The results of this analysis illustrate that both types of humeral fixation techniques yield durable and significant improvements in shoulder function with similar rates of survival at 10 years of follow-up.

Comparison of hybrid arch bar versus conventional arch bar for temporary maxillomandibular fixation during treatment of jaw fractures: a prospective comparative study.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hybrid arch bar (hAB) with the conventional Erich arch bar (EAB) for the management of jaw fractures, focusing on their use for temporary fixation in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with maxillary and mandibular fractures at our institution were included in this prospective, comparative study. Placement time and ease of occlusal reproducibility were recorded intraoperatively for Group A (hAB patients) and Group B (EAB patients). The primary outcome was comparison of the postoperative stability of the two arch bars. Postoperative measurements also included mucosal overgrowth, screw loosening or wire retightening, and replacement rates. The data were tabulated and computed with a P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 41 patients. A statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative stability scores (3) between Group A and Group B (85.0% vs 9.5%, P=0.001). The mean placement time in Group A (23.3 minutes) significantly differed from that in Group B (86.4 minutes) (P<0.001). The ease of intraoperative occlusion was not different between the two groups (P=0.413). Mucosal overgrowth was observed in 75.0% of patients (15 of 20) in Group A. Conclusion: The hAB was superior to EAB in clinical efficiency, maxillomandibular fixation time reduction, stability, versatility, and safety. Despite temporary mucosal overgrowth, the benefits of hAB outweigh the disadvantages. The choice between hAB and EAB should be based on specific clinical requirements.

Improved outcomes of older patients with acute and displaced proximal humerus fractures treated with window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in the older people population remains controversial. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a popular surgical treatment option that provides improved and reproducible results. However, the relevance of fracture-specific stem designs for RSA to improve tuberosity consolidation and shoulder function remains debatable. METHODS: This study included all patients 70 years or older with acute and displaced PHFs primarily treated with RSA at a single institution in Portugal, between January 2010 and December 2019 who participated in a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients (15 men and 97 women) with a median clinical follow-up of 52 months were included. The mean age at the time of fracture was 78.6 years. All fractures were classified as Neer types 3 and 4 (n = 50 and n = 62, respectively). A window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem was used for 86 patients, and a conventional humeral stem was used for 26 patients. Regarding the tuberosity fixation technique, 76 tuberosities were attached using technique A (according to Boileau's principles), 36 tuberosities were attached using technique B (not following Boileau's principles) and 11cases were classified as technique C (if fixation was not possible). The overall survival rate during the 2-year follow-up was 88.2%; however, this decreased to 79% at 5 years. Only three patients had complications (two infections and one dislocation) requiring revision surgery. In the multivariable analysis, the tuberosity fixation technique (P = 0.012) and tuberosity anatomical consolidation (P < 0.001) were associated with improved Constant scores (median Constant Score 62.67 (technique A), 55.32 (technique B), 49.70 (technique C). Fracture-specific humeral implants (P = 0.051), the tuberosity fixation technique (P = 0.041), tuberosity anatomical consolidation (P < 0.001), and dementia influenced the achievement of functional mobility (P = 0.014). Tuberosity anatomic consolidation was positively associated with bone ingrowth fracture-specific humeral implants (P < 0.01) and a strong tuberosity fixation technique (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: RSA is used for complex and displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in older patients. Dementia was negatively correlated with functional outcomes. A window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem combined with strong tuberosity fixation can yield better clinical and radiological results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II; prospective comparative study; treatment study.

A monocenter, patient-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority study to compare cochlear implant receiver/stimulator device fixation techniques (COMFIT) with and without drilling in adults eligible for primary cochlear implantation.

BACKGROUND: During the cochlear implantation procedure, the receiver/stimulator (R/S) part of the implant is fixated to prevent postoperative device migration, which could have an adverse effect on the position of the electrode array in the cochlea. We aim to compare the migration rates of two fixation techniques, the bony recess versus the subperiosteal tight pocket without bony sutures. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This single-blind randomized controlled trial will recruit a total of 112 primary cochlear implantation adult patients, eligible for implantation according to the current standard of practice. Randomization will be performed by an electronic data capture system Castor EDC, with participants block randomized to either bony recess or standard subperiosteal tight pocket in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by age. The primary outcome of this study is the R/S device migration rate; secondary outcomes include patient-experienced burden using the validated COMPASS questionnaire, electrode migration rate, electrode impedance values, speech perception scores, correlation between R/S migration, electrode array migration and patient complaints, assessment of complication rates, and validation of an implant position measurement method. Data will be collected at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery. All data analyses will be conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: Cochlear implantation by means of creating a tight subperiosteal pocket without drilling a bony seat is a minimally invasive fixation technique with many advantages. However, the safety of this technique has not yet been proven with certainty. This is the first randomized controlled trial that directly compares the minimally invasive technique with the conventional method of drilling a bony seat. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register NL9698. Registered on 31 August 2021.

Republication of "First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: Functional Outcomes Using 2 Different Fixation Techniques. Is More Expensive Better?"

Background: First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis can be fixed using either a dorsal plate or crossed screws. However, there is considerable difference in the cost of these implants, and it is not known if there is sufficient difference in outcome that might justify this cost difference. Our aim was to compare the functional results and patient satisfaction rates after first MTP joint arthrodesis in a group of patients using the same surgical technique except for the fixation devices. Methods: A prospective cohort of 27 patients who underwent first MTP joint fusion by the same surgeon using 2 crossed screws or a single screw with a dorsal plate was recruited over a 3-year period. Demographic information, patient satisfaction rates, complications, and union rates were evaluated. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) scoring systems were used pre- and postoperatively to compare the functional outcomes. Thirty consecutive procedures (screws, n = 15; plate, n = 15) were performed. Age (55.8 ± 11.1 vs 63.3 ± 12.4 years for screws and plate respectively; P = .091) and female gender percentages (80% and 73%, P = .666) were similar between groups. Results: The overall union rate was 93% with no differences between groups. AOFAS and VAS scores improved significantly postoperatively for each technique, and no differences were found between the two in the improvement in AOFAS (42.4 ± 8.0 vs 44.3 ± 8.2, screws and plate respectively; P = .520) and VAS scores (66.0 ± 5.4 vs 69.0 ± 6.9;P = .195). The implant cost for screws was $40 and for dorsal plate, $328. Conclusions: First MTP joint fusion using either screws or plate fixation results in an improvement in AOFAS and VAS scores. Functional improvement and patient satisfaction did not differ between the 2 techniques, despite a considerable difference in cost between the two methods of fixation. Level of Evidence: Level III, prospective comparative study.

Substitutional semi-rigid osteosynthesis technique for treatment of unstable pubic symphysis injuries: a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The surgical fixation of a symphyseal diastasis in partially or fully unstable pelvic ring injuries is an important element when stabilizing the anterior pelvic ring. Currently, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) by means of plating represents the gold standard treatment. Advances in percutaneous fixation techniques have shown improvements in blood loss, surgery time, and scar length. Therefore, this approach should also be adopted for treatment of symphyseal injuries. The technique could be important since failure rates, following ORIF at the symphysis, remain unacceptably high. The aim of this biomechanical study was to assess a semi-rigid fixation technique for treatment of such anterior pelvic ring injuries versus current gold standards of plate osteosynthesis. METHODS: An anterior pelvic ring injury type III APC according to the Young and Burgess classification was simulated in eighteen composite pelvises, assigned to three groups (n = 6) for fixation with either a single plate, two orthogonally positioned plates, or the semi-rigid technique using an endobutton suture implant. Biomechanical testing was performed in a simulated upright standing position under progressively increasing cyclic loading at 2 Hz until failure or over 150,000 cycles. Relative movements between the bone segments were captured by motion tracking. RESULTS: Initial quasi-static and dynamic stiffness, as well as dynamic stiffness after 100,000 cycles, was not significantly different among the fixation techniques (p ≥ 0.054).). The outcome measures for total displacement after 20,000, 40,000, 60,000, 80,000, and 100,000 cycles were associated with significantly higher values for the suture technique versus double plating (p = 0.025), without further significant differences among the techniques (p ≥ 0.349). Number of cycles to failure and load at failure were highest for double plating (150,000 ± 0/100.0 ± 0.0 N), followed by single plating (132,282 ± 20,465/91.1 ± 10.2 N), and the suture technique (116,088 ± 12,169/83.0 ± 6.1 N), with significantly lower values in the latter compared to the former (p = 0.002) and no further significant differences among the techniques (p ≥ 0.329). CONCLUSION: From a biomechanical perspective, the semi-rigid technique for fixation of unstable pubic symphysis injuries demonstrated promising results with moderate to inferior behaviour compared to standard plating techniques regarding stiffness, cycles to failure and load at failure. This knowledge could lay the foundation for realization of further studies with larger sample sizes, focusing on the stabilization of the anterior pelvic ring.

Finite element analysis of low-profile reconstruction plates for atrophic mandibles: a comparison of novel 3D grid and conventional plate designs.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the reconstruction with type 2.4 and three-dimensional (3D) grid plates relating the areas of weakness to anatomical regions of force incidence in atrophic mandibles with and without segmentation using finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strength and force quality in the mandible were also determined. The atrophic mandible models with and without segmentation were divided into four groups, and the behavior of each plate was analyzed using finite element analysis. In the atrophic mandible without segmentation using the type 2.4 reconstruction plate, the highest stress concentration in the plate was observed in the posterior region of the mandibular body and in the grid type 3D reconstruction plate was observed in the mandibular angle. RESULTS: In the segmented atrophic mandible with the 2.4 reconstruction plate, higher stress concentration was observed in the mandibular segment defect. Analysis of the 3D grid-like reconstruction plate revealed that the geometry of the plate conferred greater stiffness to the assembly, as the most significant stress concentration was observed at the mandibular angle. CONCLUSION: The width of the plate design may influence the strength, not the thickness.

Various Flexible Fixation Techniques Using Suture Button for Ligamentous Lisfranc Injuries: A Review of Surgical Options.

Contrary to Lisfranc joint fracture-dislocation, ligamentous Lisfranc injury can lead to additional instability and arthritis and is difficult to diagnose. Appropriate procedure selection is necessary for a better prognosis. Several surgical methods have recently been introduced. Here, we present three distinct surgical techniques for treating ligamentous Lisfranc employing flexible fixation. First is the "Single Tightrope procedure", which involves reduction and fixation between the second metatarsal base and the medial cuneiform via making a bone tunnel and inserting Tightrope. Second is the "Dual Tightrope Technique", which is similar to the "Single Tightrope technique", with additional fixation of an intercuneiform joint using one MiniLok Quick Anchor Plus. Last but not least, the "internal brace approach" uses the SwiveLock anchor, particularly when intercueniform instability is seen. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of surgical complexity and stability. These flexible fixation methods, on the other hand, are more physiologic and have the potential to lessen the difficulties that have been linked to the use of conventional screws in the past.

[Fixation techniques in periacetabular osteotomy : Stability and clinical aspects of established and new fixation techniques]. / Fixationstechniken bei periazetabulärer Osteotomie : Stabilität und klinische Aspekte etablierter und neuer Fixationstechniken.

Periacetabular osteotomy according to Ganz (PAO) is an established technique for the surgical treatment of hip dysplasia with the aim of biomechanically optimizing the dysplastic hip joint. Through multidimensional reorientation, the deficient coverage of the femoral head can be improved and physiological values can be achieved. Until bony consolidation is reached, adequate fixation of the acetabulum in the corrected position achieved is necessary. Various fixation techniques are available for this purpose. Alternatively to screws, Kirschner wires can also be used for fixation. The different fixation techniques show comparable stability. Differences exist in the occurrence of implant-associated complications. However, there is no difference in patient satisfaction and joint-specific function.

Experience of a modified chest tube suture-fixation technique in uniportal thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the feasibility and advantages of a modified chest tube suture-fixation technique in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for pulmonary resection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 116 patients who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) for lung diseases in Zhengzhou People's Hospital between October 2019 and October 2021. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the applied suture-fixation methods, i.e., 72 patients in the active group and 44 patients in the control group. The two groups were subsequently compared in the terms of gender, age, operation method, indwelling time of chest tube, postoperative pain score, chest tube removal time, wound healing grade, length of hospital stay, incision healing grade, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, operation method, indwelling time of chest tube, postoperative pain score, and length of hospital stay (P = 0.167, 0.185, 0.085, 0.051, 0.927, and 0.362, respectively). However, the chest tube removal time, incision healing grade, and incision scar satisfaction in the active group were significantly better compared with those of the control group (P = < 0.001, 0.033, and < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In summary, the new suture-fixation approach can minimize the number of stitches, and time necessary for chest tube removal process, and avoid the pain experienced when removing the drainage tube. This method is more feasible, has better incision conditions, and provides a convenient tube removal, making it more suitable to patients.

Observation of the curative effect of scleral suture fixation technique with four-loop foldable intraocular lens.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the curative effect of a modified technique of scleral suture fixation with a four-loop foldable intraocular lens (IOL) for eye with inadequate capsule support. This was a retrospective study of 22 eyes with inadequate capsule support of 20 patients who underwent the scleral suture fixation technique with 9-0 polypropylene suture and foldable four-loop IOL implant. Preoperative and follow-up data were collected for all patients. The mean follow-up was 5.08 ± 0.48 months (range: 3-12 months). The mean pre- and postoperative log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) uncorrected distance visual acuity was 1.11 ± 0.32 versus 0.09 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001). The mean pre- and postoperative logMAR best corrected visual acuity was 0.37 ± 0.19 versus 0.08 ± 0.07 (P < 0.001). The intraocular pressure (IOP) increased briefly (range: 21-30 mmHg) in eight eyes on the first day postoperatively and returned to normal within 1 week. No IOP drops were used postoperatively. The IOP was 12-19.3 (13.72 ± 1.28) in this follow-up, which had no significant difference compared to the preoperative IOP (t = 0.34, P = 0.74). At this follow-up, there was no hyperemia, local hyperplasia, obvious scar, suture knots, or segment ends observed under the conjunctiva, as well as no pupil deformation or vitreous hemorrhage. The mean postoperative IOL decentration degree was 0.22 ± 0.08 mm. At the 7-day follow-up postoperatively, one side of the IOL was dislocated to the vitreous cavity in one case, which was resolved by reimplantation of a new IOL in time with the same technique. Scleral suture fixation technique of a four-loop foldable IOL was a feasible operation method for an eye with inadequate capsular support.

Morphological structure of rat tongue using light and scanning electron microscopy.

The rat is one of the most commonly used animals in biological research and experimental investigations in medicine. The ultrafine structural components of the epithelium differ depending on the anatomy of the animal and the papilla type. Animal adaptation to food types and environmental circumstances may also be linked to morphological diversity. In the current study, seven male Wistar rat tongues were investigated. For scanning electron microscope (SEM), two rat tongues were immersed in a 10% formalin solution and the other two rat tongues were immersed in a 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution. The tongues of three rats were fixed for regular histological evaluation using triple staining. The three primary components of the Wistar rat tongue are the apex, body and root. The apex had a rounded and bifurcated shape. Filiform papillae and gustatory papillae were easily identified on the dorsal side of the tongue. There were three forms of gustatory papillae; fungiform papillae, vallate papillae and foliate papillae. The purpose of this study was to expose the tongue morphology of the Wistar rat species, which is widely used in investigations. Also, we wanted to show that formalin fixation can be utilized for morphological research in SEM. Finally, the Wistar rat tongue was thoroughly investigated and compared to those of other species.

Lateral locking plate plus antero-posterior lag screws techniques for the management of posterolateral tibial plateau fracture: preliminary clinical results and biomechanical study.

INTRODUCTION: To date, there is no consensus on the optimal surgical strategy for the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fracture (PLF). This study introduced a novel, simple technique for treating PLF with a lateral locking plate plus antero-posterior lag screws (LPpLS). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series of 42 patients (Female/Male 19/23) with PLF treated with LPpLS between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2019. Several pre- and postoperative outcomes were recorded, including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, CT findings, HSS, and ROM. For biomechanical studies, seventy synthetic tibiae with a simulated posterolateral split fracture were divided into seven groups. The biomechanical evaluation included displacement measurement at axial compression and fatigue testing. RESULTS: Forty-two eligible patients were followed up for an average of 18 months (range 14-21 months). Postoperative radiographs and CT showed good positioning of plates and screws, no fracture fragment loss, and normal articular surfaces in all 42 cases. The biomechanical study showed that the axial stiffness of LPpLS was in the same fashion as the posterior buttress plate and better than the other fixation methods (P < 0.05). Additionally, the LPpLS group had a smaller displacement of fracture fragments along the X-axis (medial to lateral direction) than the BP group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The LPpLS technique could implement good reconstruction of the PLF, showing satisfactory therapeutic effect. The biomechanical evaluation demonstrated that the LPpLS had better stability in three-dimensional directions for PLF than other fixation strategies.

A modified fixation technique for the treatment of buried penis in children.

For many years, surgical treatment of buried penis in children has been researched by several scholars, and numerous methods exist. This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of a modified fixation technique in treating buried penis in children. Clinical data of 94 patients with buried penis who were treated using the modified penile fixation technique from March 2017 to February 2019 in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fuzhou, China) were retrospectively collected, compared, and analyzed. Clinical data of 107 patients with buried penis who were treated using traditional penile fixation technique from February 2014 to February 2017 were chosen for comparison. The results showed that at 6 months and 12 months after surgery, the penile lengths in the modified penile fixation group were longer than those in the traditional penile fixation group (both P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative skin contracture and penile retraction in the modified penile fixation group was less than that in the traditional penile fixation group (P = 0.034 and P = 0.012, respectively). When the two groups were compared in terms of parents' satisfaction scores, the scores for penile size, penile morphology, and voiding status in the modified penile fixation group were higher than those in the traditional penile fixation group at 2-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups after surgery (all P < 0.05). We concluded that the modified penile fixation technique could effectively reduce the incidence of skin contracture and penile retraction and improve the penile length and satisfaction of patients' parents.

Tendon transfer in foot drop: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Foot drop is a disorder that impairs walking and leads to tripping and falling. Tendon transfer (e.g., tibialis posterior tendon) is a typical secondary procedure in foot drop treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the most common tendon transfer techniques for treating foot drop and to analyze the reported functional outcomes. Furthermore, it was of interest if the type of surgical technique affects the functional outcome. METHODS: A PubMed and MEDLINE literature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The search terms used were ("tendon transfer" OR "tendon transposition") AND ("foot drop" OR "peroneal neuropathies"). Any study published before January 2020 was considered for inclusion. No case reports or reviews were included. Common outcome measures (Stanmore score, AOFAS, FAAM, AFO use, patient satisfaction and active ankle dorsiflexion) were evaluated. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Coleman Methodology Score. RESULTS: Of the 125 reviewed publications, 37 met the inclusion criteria. 42 cohorts were analyzed. The frequently reported tendon transfer technique was the tibialis posterior tendon transfer through the interosseus membrane. The most used fixation technique was tendon on tendon fixation; however in recent years, a tendon to bone fixation has gained popularity. There was an increase in Stanmore scores and AOFAS postoperatively and a decrease of AFO use postoperatively observed. CONCLUSIONS: Due to various outcome measures and lack of preoperative assessment in the included studies, a meta-analysis of the pooled results was not possible. Nevertheless, the findings of this study show that tendon transfer increases mobility and self-independency leading to patient satisfaction. The choice of the surgical technique does not affect the outcome. A prospective collection of patient data and standardized outcome measures will be important to further analyze the efficacy of tendon transfer techniques.