The geometrical axis of the talocrural joint-Suggestions for a new measurement of the talocrural joint axis.

BACKGROUND: Despite intensive research there is no consensus about the talocrural joint axis. The aim of the present study is a new method to determinate the geometric rotational axis of the talocrural joint. METHODS: We analyzed 98 CT-scans of full cadaver Caucasian legs. We generated three-dimensional reconstruction models of the talus. A best fitting cone was orientated to the talar articular surface. The geometric rotational axis was defined to be the axis of this cone. RESULTS: The geometric rotational axis of the talocrural joint is orientated from lateral-distal to medial-proximal (85.6°±10 compared to anatomical tibial axis in torsional plane), from posterior-distal to anterior-proximal (81.43°±44.35 compared to anatomical tibial axis in sagittal plane) and from posterior-medial to anterior-lateral (169.2°±5.91 compared to intermalleolar axis in axial plane). CONCLUSIONS: The consideration of our results might be helpful for better understanding of ankle biomechanics.

Ankle morphometry based on computerized tomography.

BACKGROUND: Thorough understanding of the morphometry of the ankle joint is crucial to optimize conservative and operative therapy of ankle joint disorders. Despite recent improvements, basic anatomic and biomechanical correlations of the ankle joint including the orientation of the ankle joint axis and joint morphology as its key biomechanical features are not sufficiently recorded to date. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the ankle morphometry to gain information about the ankle joint axis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 98 high-resolution CT-scans of complete Caucasian cadaver legs were analysed. Using the software Mimics and 3-Matic (Materialize) 22 anatomic parameters of the talocrural joint were assessed, including the length, width and surface area of the tibial and talar articular areas. Additionally, the radii of the articular areas, the medial distal tibial angle and the height of the talar dome were determined. RESULTS: The radius of the central trochlea tali was 44.6±4.1mm (mean±SD). The central trochlea tali arc length was 40.8±3.0mm and its width was 27.4±2.5mm. Additionally we determined 47.0±4.4mm for the tibial sagittal radius, 27.6±3.0mm for the tibial arc length and 27.4±2.5mm for the central tibial width. CONCLUSION: The present study describes the three-dimensional morphometry of Caucasian ankle joints in detail. This dimensional analysis of the ankle joint will inform the development and placements of implants and prostheses.

Medial malleolar osteotomy for the treatment of talar osteochondral lesions: anatomical and morbidity considerations.

PURPOSE: Osteochondral lesions of the talus are often located posteromedially requiring open surgery to facilitate solid and complete osteochondral reconstruction. The aim of the study was to identify the optimal anatomical site for medial malleolar osteotomy based on the criteria of minimal cartilage damage (Study I) and to report on the morbidity in patients receiving osteotomy performed at the previously identified site (Study II). METHODS: For Study I, cartilage coverage of the tibiofibular ankle joint facet was measured in 40 cadaveric ankles (20 cadaver specimens). In Study II, we assessed clinical (VAS pain score, AOFAS score, range of motion) and radiological outcome measures (SPECT-CT) in 17 patients (mean age, 36.8 ± 10.8 years) undergoing medial malleolar osteotomy. RESULTS: The medial edge in the transition zone of the tibial plafond to the medial malleolus showed less than 75 % of cartilage coverage in 62.5 % of cadavers (Study I). Surgery resulted in lower pain levels (2.4 ± 2.6 compared with 6.3 ± 1.8 points; p < 0.001) and greater AOFAS scores (82.9 ± 14.1 compared with 43.5 ± 10.8 to points; p < 0.001) compared with baseline (Study II). No signs of intra-operative damage or mal- or non-union were found. Long-term morbidity was found in one patient. Implant removal was necessary in 12 of 17 patients (71 %). CONCLUSION: Anatomically, there is an optimal location for the medial malleolar osteotomy at the medial ankle edge involving minimal cartilage damage. Clinical results using this location showed no short- or mid-term morbidity and little long-term morbidity. However, many patients required re-intervention for implant removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Histomorphometric, CT arthrographic, and biomechanical mapping of the human ankle.

BACKGROUND: The specific morphological and biomechanical characteristics of the osteochondral unit of the ankle joint are not yet fully understood. This anatomical study aimed to map regional thickness of the articular hyaline uncalcified cartilage and its adjacent layers of mineralized cartilage and subchondral bone as well as to measure the regional indentation stiffness of human ankle joint cartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 pairs of human cadaver ankle joints (median age: 78 years) were evaluated by histomorphometry and multidetector row double-contrast CT arthrography for cartilage thickness in 17 distinct anatomical regions. In addition, regional distribution of the subchondral bone plate and of the mineralized cartilage was scrutinized histologically. Cartilage indentation stiffness was measured using an arthroscopic handheld device (Artscan200), especially validated for use in thin cartilage. The correlation between the thickness of different components of the osteochondral unit and the cartilage indentation stiffness was evaluated. RESULTS: The thinnest uncalcified cartilage was measured at the anterior talar dome and the distal fibula. The thickest uncalcified cartilage was found in the mid and posterior talar dome, as well as in the tibial plafond. Mineralized cartilage and subchondral bone showed highest values at the anteromedial talar dome. Cartilage indentation stiffness showed a bicentric distribution pattern in 14/20 ankle pairs and was highest in regions with thin cartilage. Positive correlation between the thickness of the mineralized cartilage and the subchondral bone plate was found. No correlation between the thickness of the uncalcified and the mineralized cartilage could be identified. CONCLUSION: This anatomical study provides a comprehensive mapping of the osteochondral unit of the human ankle joint in elderly people. Articular hyaline uncalcified cartilage and the subchondral bone plate showed clear regional differences and were reciprocally distributed. Cartilage indentation stiffness was inversely correlated to cartilage thickness in elderly people. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thorough understanding of the osteochondral unit of the ankle joint could be helpful for clinicians and researchers in the development of improved operative repair techniques for osteochondral defects in the ankle joint, for example, in constructing specific tissue-engineered osteochondral plugs.

Robotic Navigated Laser Craniotomy for Depth Electrode Implantation in Epilepsy Surgery: A Cadaver Lab Study.

OBJECTIVE: Depth electrode implantation for invasive monitoring in epilepsy surgery has become a standard procedure. We describe a new frameless stereotactic intervention using robot-guided laser beam for making precise bone channels for depth electrode placement. METHODS: A laboratory investigation on a head cadaver specimen was performed using a CT scan planning of depth electrodes in various positions. Precise bone channels were made by a navigated robot-driven laser beam (erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet [Er:YAG], 2.94-µm wavelength,) instead of twist drill holes. Entry point and target point precision was calculated using postimplantation CT scans and comparison to the preoperative trajectory plan. RESULTS: Frontal, parietal, and occipital bone channels for bolt implantation were made. The occipital bone channel had an angulation of more than 60 degrees to the surface. Bolts and depth electrodes were implanted solely guided by the trajectory given by the precise bone channels. The mean depth electrode length was 45.5 mm. Entry point deviation was 0.73 mm (±0.66 mm SD) and target point deviation was 2.0 mm (±0.64 mm SD). Bone channel laser time was ∼30 seconds per channel. Altogether, the implantation time was ∼10 to 15 minutes per electrode. CONCLUSION: Navigated robot-assisted laser for making precise bone channels for depth electrode implantation in epilepsy surgery is a promising new, exact and straightforward implantation technique and may have many advantages over twist drill hole implantation.

The basic science of the subchondral bone.

In the past decades, considerable efforts have been made to propose experimental and clinical treatments for articular cartilage defects. Yet, the problem of cartilage defects extending deep in the underlying subchondral bone has not received adequate attention. A profound understanding of the basic anatomic aspects of this particular site, together with the pathophysiology of diseases affecting the subchondral bone is the key to develop targeted and effective therapeutic strategies to treat osteochondral defects. The subchondral bone consists of the subchondral bone plate and the subarticular spongiosa. It is separated by the cement line from the calcified zone of the articular cartilage. A variable anatomy is characteristic for the subchondral region, reflected in differences in thickness, density, and composition of the subchondral bone plate, contour of the tidemark and cement line, and the number and types of channels penetrating into the calcified cartilage. This review aims at providing insights into the anatomy, morphology, and pathology of the subchondral bone. Individual diseases affecting the subchondral bone, such as traumatic osteochondral defects, osteochondritis dissecans, osteonecrosis, and osteoarthritis are also discussed. A better knowledge of the basic science of the subchondral region, together with additional investigations in animal models and patients may translate into improved therapies for articular cartilage defects that arise from or extend into the subchondral bone.

Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided parotid gland biopsy in cadavers performed by rheumatologists.

Introduction: Surgical biopsy of minor salivary glands is routinely performed for the diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome. However, surgical biopsies of the minor labial glands may result in various complications in up to 6% of patients. On the other hand, adverse events following core needle biopsies of the parotid gland in non-rheumatological settings have been reported as very rare. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and determine the presence of parotid gland tissue in ultrasound-guided parotid gland biopsies performed by rheumatologists in cadavers. Material and method: Two senior rheumatologists obtained, under direct ultrasound visualization in in-plane technique, biopsies of 8 parotid glands from 4 different cadavers using a core biopsy needle. One biopsy per gland was taken. Results: All histological exams showed typical parotid gland tissue without any neuronal or vascular tissue. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the parotid gland is a highly precise and easy method to obtain salivary gland tissue.Introduction: Surgical biopsy of minor salivary glands is routinely performed for the diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome. However, surgical biopsies of the minor labial glands may result in various complications in up to 6% of patients. On the other hand, adverse events following core needle biopsies of the parotid gland in non-rheumatological settings have been reported as very rare. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and determine the presence of parotid gland tissue in ultrasound-guided parotid gland biopsies performed by rheumatologists in cadavers. Material and method: Two senior rheumatologists obtained, under direct ultrasound visualization in in-plane technique, biopsies of 8 parotid glands from 4 different cadavers using a core biopsy needle. One biopsy per gland was taken. Results: All histological exams showed typical parotid gland tissue without any neuronal or vascular tissue. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the parotid gland is a highly precise and easy method to obtain salivary gland tissue.

Intraoperative vascular anatomy, arterial blood flow velocity, and microcirculation in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip repair aims to normalize the disturbed anatomy and function. The authors determined whether normalization of blood circulation is achieved. METHODS: The authors measured the microcirculatory flow, oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin level in the lip and nose of controls (n = 22) and in patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate. The authors measured these parameters before lip repair (n = 29 and n = 11, respectively), at the end of lip repair (n = 27 and 10, respectively), and in the late postoperative period (n = 33 and n = 20, respectively). The arterial flow velocity was measured in unilateral groups at the same time points (n = 13, n = 11, and n = 12, respectively). Statistical differences were determined using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Before surgery, the arterial flow velocities and microcirculation values were similar on each side of the face and between groups. The microcirculatory flow was significantly higher in the prolabium of bilateral patients than in the philtrum of controls. All circulation values in unilateral and bilateral patients in the late postoperative period were within the range of controls and of those before surgery. Intraoperatively, the authors consistently found a perforating artery on the superficial side of the transverse nasalis muscle. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no intrinsic circulatory deficit in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate patients. The increased flow in the prolabium indicates a strong hemodynamic need in this territory, compelling its vascular preservation. Whether surgical preservation of the nasalis perforator artery is of long-term benefit should be addressed in future studies. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

The sublabral foramen: does it affect stress distribution on the anterior glenoid?

Even though it is believed that a sublabral foramen (SF) requires no treatment, no objective data are available to establish whether this condition bears a relationship to anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability. Therefore, the influence on glenoid subchondral bone mineralization of an isolated SF was investigated, because the individual distribution of subchondral bone mineralization may be used as an indirect parameter for long-term stress distribution of joints. Two age- and side-matched groups of healthy glenohumeral specimens with SF (n = 10, aged 37-85 years) and without SF (n = 10, aged 36-86 years) were examined by computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry. As variables for comparison, the anterior and posterior density maxima on the glenoid were measured in a standardized manner. No shift of the anterior density maximum [p(x1) = 0.353/p(y1) = 0.739] was found between both groups, which is in contrast to anterior glenohumeral instability. This indicates a long-term stress distribution in SF shoulders comparable to that in non-SF shoulders. The data suggest that an isolated SF is probably not disproportionately related to glenohumeral instability and support the general assumption that surgical treatment of SF is not required.