Using the novel pelvic organ prolapse histologic quantification system to identify phenotypes in uterosacral ligaments in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse is common, but the underlying etiologies are poorly understood, which limits our current prevention and treatment options. OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to compare the uterosacral ligament histologic features in women with and without prolapse using the novel pelvic organ prolapse histologic quantification system. Our secondary aim was to determine whether composite histologic findings in uterosacral ligaments are associated with prolapse risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study in which paracervical uterosacral ligament biopsies were performed at the time of hysterectomy for primary prolapse or other benign gynecologic indications and processed for histologic evaluation. The pelvic organ prolapse quantification system was used to determine the prolapse stage. In this study, 9 prominent histologic features were semiquantitatively scored using the pelvic organ prolapse histologic quantification system in a blinded fashion and compared between prolapse and control groups. Unbiased principal component analysis of these scores was independently performed to identify potential relationships between histologic measures and prolapse risk factors. RESULTS: The histologic scores of 81 prolapse and 33 control ligaments were analyzed. Compared with the control group, women in the prolapse group were significantly older and more likely to be in the menopausal phase. There was no difference in the number of vaginal deliveries, body mass index, hormone use, or smoking status between the groups. To control for baseline differences, patients were also stratified by age over 40 years and menopausal status. Compared with the control group, the prolapse ligaments in the premenopausal group had significantly more loss of smooth muscle fibers within the fascicles (P<.001), increased inflammatory infiltrates of neutrophils within the tissue and perineural inflammatory cells (P<.01 and P=.04, respectively), and reduced neointimal hyperplasia (P=.02). Prolapse ligaments in the postmenopausal group exhibited elevated adipose content compared with that of the control group (P=.05). Amount of fibrillar collagen, total nonvascular smooth muscle, and muscle fiber vesicles of prolapse ligaments did not differ in either the premenopausal or postmenopausal group compared with that of the control group. Unbiased principal component analysis of the histologic scores separated the prolapse ligaments into 3 phenotypes: (1) increased adipose accumulation, (2) increased inflammation, and (3) abnormal vasculature, with variable overlap with controls. Posthoc analysis of these subgroups demonstrated a positive correlation between increasing number of vaginal deliveries and body mass index with increasing adipose content in the adipocyte accumulation and inflammatory phenotype and increasing neointimal hyperplasia in the vascular phenotype. However, only the relationship between vaginal delivery and adipocytes was significant in the adipose phenotype (R2=0.13; P=.04). CONCLUSION: Histologic phenotypes exist in pelvic support ligaments that can be distinguished using the pelvic organ prolapse histologic quantification system and principle component analysis. Vaginal delivery is associated with aberrant adipose accumulation in uterosacral ligaments. Our findings support a multifactorial etiology for pelvic organ prolapse contributing to altered smooth muscle, vasculature, and connective tissue content in crucial pelvic support structures. To confirm these associations and evaluate the biomechanical properties of histologic phenotypes of prolapse, larger studies are warranted. Closing this gap in knowledge will help optimize personalized medicine and help identify targets for prevention and treatment of this complex condition.

Ligament of Marshall ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Beyond pulmonary vein isolation, the two main additional strategies: Cox-Maze procedure or targeting of electrical signatures (focal bursts, rotational activities, meandering wavelets), remain controversial. High-density mapping of these arrhythmias has demonstrated firstly that a patchy lesion set is highly proarrhythmogenic, favoring macro-re-entry through conduction slowing and providing pivots for localized re-entry. Secondly, discrete anatomical structures such as the Vein or Ligament of Marshall (VOM/LOM) and the coronary sinus (CS) have epicardial muscular bundles that are more frequently involved in re-entry than previously thought. The Marshall Bundle can be ablated at any point along its course from the mid-to-distal coronary sinus to the left atrial appendage. If necessary, the VOM may be directly ablated using ethanol infusion to eliminate PV contributions and produce conduction block across the mistral isthmus. Ethanol ablation of the VOM, supplemented with RF ablation, may be more effective in producing conduction block at the mitral isthmus than repeat RF ablation alone.

The ligament of Marshall and arrhythmias: A review.

The ligament of Marshall (LOM) is a remnant of the embryonic sinus venosus and left cardinal vein, and contains fat and fibrous tissues, blood vessels, muscle bundles, nerve fibers, and ganglia. The complexity of LOM's structure makes it as a source of triggers and drivers as well as substrates of re-entry for atrial arrhythmias, especially for atrial fibrillation (AF). LOM also serves as a portion of left atrial macro-re-entrant circuit, especially peri-mitral isthmus re-entrant circuit. Experimental studies demonstrate that the LOM acts as a sympathetic conduit between the left stellate ganglion and the ventricles, and participates in the initiation and maintenance of ventricular arrhythmias. Endocardial or epicardial catheter ablation or ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall may serve as an important adjunct therapy to pulmonary vein isolation in patients with advanced stage of AF, and may help alleviate ventricular arrhythmias as well.

From molecular to macro: the key role of the apical ligaments in uterovaginal support.

To explain the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse, we must first understand the complexities of the normal support structures of the uterus and vagina. In this review, we focus on the apical ligaments, which include the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments. The aims of this review are the following: (1) to provide an overview of the anatomy and histology of the ligaments; (2) to summarize the imaging and biomechanical studies of the ligament properties and the way they relate to anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse; and (3) to synthesize these findings into a conceptual model for the progression of prolapse.

Massage of the Hepatoduodenal Ligament Recovers Portal Vein Flow Immediately After the Pringle Maneuver in Hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The Pringle maneuver is often used in liver surgery to minimize bleeding during liver transection. Many authors have demonstrated that intermittent use of the Pringle maneuver is safe and effective when performed appropriately. However, some studies have reported that the Pringle maneuver is a significant risk factor for portal vein thrombosis. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of portal vein flow after the Pringle maneuver and the impact that massaging the hepatoduodenal ligament after the Pringle maneuver has on portal vein flow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with the Pringle maneuver for hepatectomies performed to treat hepatic disease at our hospital between August 2014 and March 2019 were included in the study (N = 101). We divided these patients into two groups, a massage group and nonmassage group. We measured portal vein blood flow with ultrasonography before and after clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament. We also evaluated laboratory data after the hepatectomy. RESULTS: Portal vein flow was significantly lower after the Pringle maneuver than before clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament. The portal vein flow after the Pringle maneuver was improved following massage of the hepatoduodenal ligament. After hepatectomy, serum prothrombin time was significantly higher and serum C-reactive protein was significantly lower in the massage group than in the nonmassage group. CONCLUSION: Massaging the hepatoduodenal ligament after the Pringle maneuver is recommended in order to quickly recover portal vein flow during hepatectomy and to improve coagulability.

Intraoperative physiological lateral laxity in extension and flexion for varus knees did not affect short-term clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: Medial release during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is used to correct ligament imbalance in knees with varus deformity. However, questions remain on whether residual ligament imbalance would be related to inferior clinical results. The purposes of the present study were to measure the intraoperative joint gap and to evaluate the effect of intraoperative soft tissue condition on the new Knee Society Score (KSS 2011) at 2-year follow-up, without the maneuver of additional medial release to correct the asymmetrical gap balance. METHODS: Varus-valgus gap angle and joint gap were measured using a tensor device without medial release for 100 knees with preoperative varus deformity. The knees were categorized according to the varus-valgus gap angle and the laxity. The preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes using KSS 2011 were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The average varus-valgus angles had a residual imbalance of 2.8° varus and 1.3° varus in extension and flexion, respectively. In comparison, according to varus-valgus joint gap angle and knee laxity in extension and flexion, no significant differences were found in postoperative range of motion and subscale of KSS 2011 among the groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative asymmetrical joint gap and physiological laxity do not affect early clinical results after TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the pelvic organ prolapse: A parametric biomechanical modeling.

AIMS: To evaluate the role of soft tissue and ligaments damage and level of pelvic muscles activation versus intra-abdominal pressure, on pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: This was a computational modeling based on the finite element analysis. Three pelvic muscles, four pelvic ligaments, and three organs (urethra, vagina, and rectum) were simulated. The model was subjected to total 41 472 analysis cases including three intra-abdominal pressures, two damaging levels for the ligaments, three damaging levels for the muscles, and four intentional levels of activation for muscles. RESULTS: Increased intra-abdominal pressures caused significant statistical increase of the pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.000) up to 10 mm downward. Ligaments' defect had no statistically-significant effect on prolapse of the organs (P = 0.981 for rectum, P = 0.423 for urethra, and P = 0.752 for vagina). Damage in the pelvic floor muscles and low intentional level of activation also deteriorated the prolapse (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Increase of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as may be existed during pregnancy or physical activity increased the organ prolapse. Damages of the ligaments caused less effects on the prolapse. Loss of the passive properties of the muscles which is probable after delivery or aging moderately deteriorated the prolapse disorder. However, activation of the pelvic floor muscles prevented the prolapse. Different recruitments of the muscles, specifically the pubococcygeus (PCM), could compensate the possible defects in other tissues. Targeted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) could also be effective in older adults due to considerable role of the pelvic muscles' intentional activation.

The mechanics of urethral closure, incontinence and midurethral sling repair. Part 2 further experimental validation (1993-2003).

IN: Part 1, The original 1990 science behind the MUS, the hypothesized closure mechanisms, and the prototype MUS itself were presented. The next phase of MUS development began in 1990 in collaboration with the late Ulf Ulmsten. It had two arms Further development of the prototype MUS. Further anatomical, imaging, urodynamic studies to validate the role of PUL in the closure mechanisms. A second series of prototype MUS operations performed under LA/sedation resulted in a permanently implanted polypropylene sling and the MUS as is known today. The tape was elevated until no urine leaked on coughing. This demonstrated that the artificial PUL neoligament needed to be at a specific length to work. Anatomical, EMG and video ultrasound, and X-ray studies confirmed three directional muscles contracted pubourethral (PUL) and uterosacral (USL) ligaments. The contribution of the horseshoe shaped rhabdosphincter (RS) to continence was directly tested with pressure measurements under live surgery conditions. It was concluded that the RS was responsible for pressure generation but not continence. Continence was a consequence of intraurethral resistance to flow created by the distal and proximal urethral closure mechanisms, both governed ultimately by the Law of Poiseuille. CONCLUSIONS: The key element in curing USI is creation of a competent PUL using the collagenous neoligament surgical principle described in Part 1. This creates a firm insertion point for the three directional muscle forces, restoring their contractile strength and closure.

The mechanics of urethral closure, incontinence and midurethral sling repair. Part 1 original experimental studies. (1990).

AIMS: To summarize the mechanics of urethral closure, incontinence, and midurethral sling repair, a work in 3 parts Part 1. Original scientific studies (1990). Part 2. Experimental validation of reliance of the closure mechanisms on a competent PUL (1993-2003). Part 3. Surgery (1990-2016). METHODS: Part1. Two unrelated observations in the mid 1980s led to the discovery of the MUS: a hemostat applied on one side of the midurethral area of the vagina, controlled urine loss on coughing without bladder neck elevation; an implanted Teflon tape cause a collagenous reaction. It was hypothesized that urinary stress incontinence (USI) was caused by collagen loss in the pubourethral ligament (PUL) and a tape implanted in the exact position of PUL would reinforce it and cure USI. A tape removable at 6 weeks was configured as an inverted "U" in the vagina and lowered sequentially. RESULTS: At a certain point, the patient was continent on coughing but was able to pass urine freely. This proved the mechanism for continence was not obstructive. Post-op xrays showed no elevation of bladder neck. This invalidated Enhorning's Theory. Ultrasound showed closure of distal urethra from behind and descent of vaginal fornix on straining. This indicated there were two closure mechanisms, distal urethral, and bladder neck. Three months following sling removal, there was a 50% failure rate. CONCLUSIONS: The 1990 results indicated a permanent sling was required for the MUS. Further proofs were required for the proposed musculoelastic mechanisms.

What is the reason of the high fibular head in the Discoid Lateral Meniscus?

The purpose of this study was to assess the factors associated with high fibular head in symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (DLM). Eighty-seven patients with complete DLM (discoid group) and 80 normal subjects (control group) were included prospectively. Plain X-rays and MRI were analyzed for level and angle of the fibular head and thickness and type of Wrisberg ligament. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to find the factors associated with levels of the fibular head and DLM. The angle of the fibular head was the only factor associated with level of the fibula in the discoid group (odds ratio : 3.0, p=0.007). The 13.6mm cut off value for fibular level had 70.5% sensitivity and 77.0% specificity for diagnosis of DLM. A high fibular head was associated with larger angle and type of fibular head. Level of evidence : Level II.

[Additive technologies for complete recovery of joint function in revision endoprosthesis surgery (experimental trial)]. / Additivnaia tekhnologiia v polnom vosstanovlenii funktsii sustava pri éndoprotezirovanii (éksperimental'noe issledovanie).

AIM: Experimental analysis of the strength properties of integration of muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments, bone tissue into titanium highly porous materials prepared by using of additive technologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 9 mature rabbits of the Chinchilla breed. Both posterior paws and latissimus dorsi muscles (36 specimens) were used. Titanium models (Ti-6-Al-4-V, 'Rematitan', Germany) were made by additive technologies with preliminary prototyping, the prototypes had a highly porous mesh structure. RESULTS: It was developed experimental model of functional bone defect involving points of attachment of the muscle and ligaments. Strength of attachment of muscles to highly porous implants was 145 H vs. 31 H for standard models. Tensile strength for fixation to bone tissue was 84 H vs. 152 H in the main group. CONCLUSION: It was found integration of soft tissues and bones into highly porous titanium implants prepared with additive technologies. Fixation strength significantly exceeds that for standard models.

Repeated High Rate Facet Capsular Stretch at Strains That are Below the Pain Threshold Induces Pain and Spinal Inflammation With Decreased Ligament Strength in the Rat.

Repeated loading of ligamentous tissues during repetitive occupational and physical tasks even within physiological ranges of motion has been implicated in the development of pain and joint instability. The pathophysiological mechanisms of pain after repetitive joint loading are not understood. Within the cervical spine, excessive stretch of the facet joint and its capsular ligament has been implicated in the development of pain. Although a single facet joint distraction (FJD) at magnitudes simulating physiologic strains is insufficient to induce pain, it is unknown whether repeated stretching of the facet joint and ligament may produce pain. This study evaluated if repeated loading of the facet at physiologic nonpainful strains alters the capsular ligament's mechanical response and induces pain. Male rats underwent either two subthreshold facet joint distractions (STFJDs) or sham surgeries each separated by 2 days. Pain was measured before the procedure and for 7 days; capsular mechanics were measured during each distraction and under tension at tissue failure. Spinal glial activation was also assessed to probe potential pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for pain. Capsular displacement significantly increased (p = 0.019) and capsular stiffness decreased (p = 0.008) during the second distraction compared to the first. Pain was also induced after the second distraction and was sustained at day 7 (p < 0.048). Repeated loading weakened the capsular ligament with lower vertebral displacement (p = 0.041) and peak force (p = 0.014) at tissue rupture. Spinal glial activation was also induced after repeated loading. Together, these mechanical, physiological, and neurological findings demonstrate that repeated loading of the facet joint even within physiologic ranges of motion can be sufficient to induce pain, spinal inflammation, and alter capsular mechanics similar to a more injurious loading exposure.

Sternocostal slipping rib syndrome.

PURPOSE: Classical slipping rib syndrome (SRS) can be subclassified based on anatomical location. We describe our experience with three patients suffering from symptomatic sternocostal slipping rib syndrome (SCSRS), a much less common variant of SRS. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with SRS from 1988 to 2016. Described is our experience. RESULTS: Of 44 patients identified with SRS, three patients underwent operations for SCSRS variant. All three had significant pain and point tenderness at the sternocostal junction, and all experienced a popping sensation localized to this area. The mean age at onset was 14.3 years and mean time to diagnosis was 1.3 years. All patients experienced total resolution of symptoms following localized excision of the offending cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion based on history and physical examination are key to the early diagnosis of SCSRS. Excision of the symptomatic cartilage is effective for treatment.

Cadaveric-biomechanical study on medial retinaculum: its stabilising role for the patella against lateral dislocation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the biomechanical role of medial retinaculum, as a stabilising factor against lateral patellar dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cadaveric-biomechanical study included the patellae of 10 cadaveric knees, which were surgically exposed and the medial retinaculum of each one was located. A stable 24.51 N force was applied to the four parts of the quadriceps, and an increasing lateral displacing force was applied to the patella, up to 5 mm dislocation. The study was repeated for 0o, 45o, and 90o of knee flexion, with the medial retinaculum intact and dissected. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for data analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered as statistical significant. RESULTS: After the dissection of medial retinaculum, the lateral displacement force was lower at every angle of knee flexion (p = 0.005, p = 0.007, p = 0.005, respectively). The lateral displacement force increased as the flexion angle increased (p = 0.005), regardless of medial retinaculum integrity. CONCLUSIONS: Medial retinaculum acts as a stabilising factor for the patella, against its lateral dislocation in lower flexion angles. Therefore, methods of surgical reinforcement or repair of medial retinaculum could provide protection against recurrent patellar dislocation.

Small incision releasing of transverse carpal ligament in diagnosis and treatment of mild carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition due to compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. Few studies have been carried out to examine the effectiveness of mini-open technique for carpal tunnel release using minor wrist skin crease incision in patients with mild CTS. Therefore, the present study was designed to improve the neurophysiological parameters for the diagnosis of mild CTS, and to examine the effectiveness of small incision surgery for the clinical treatment of mild CTS. To this end, we applied the electrophysiological diagnosis of difference between median and ulnar palmar latencies (PMPU) and the difference of median and ulnar latencies from D4 stimulation (D4MD4U) in 80 patients with mild CTS, whom were diagnosed by hand surgeon at the First Hospital of Jilin University. Those patients showed normal in median nerve electrophysiological examination, and received minor wrist skin crease incision surgery. All patients were followed up and received electromyography (EMG) examination. We showed that D4MD4U and PMPU methods are sensitive diagnosis methods for mild CTS, and mini-open wrist crease incision is beneficial for the treatment of mild CTS in clinical settings.

Slipping Rib Syndrome: An elusive diagnosis.

Slipping rib syndrome remains rarely recognized and frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Awareness of this condition may prevent extensive and unnecessary diagnostic evaluation and avoid chronic debilitating pain. Persistent lower chest and/or upper abdomen pain after analgesic treatment may suggest the possibility of this disorder. The diagnosis of this syndrome, is a clinical one, based on history and the hooking maneuver. A few cases have been published in the literature, giving no clear consensus about the treatment of this condition. In this overview article, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and treatment modalities of this syndrome will be discussed.

Is levator hiatus distension associated with peripheral ligamentous laxity during pregnancy?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The impact of pregnancy on pelvic floor disorders remains poorly understood. During pregnancy, an increase in ligamentous laxity and pelvic organ mobility is often reported. Our main objective was to investigate a possible association between peripheral ligamentous laxity and levator hiatus (LH) distension during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal study of 26 pregnant women followed up from the first to the third trimester. We collected the following information: occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms (score higher than 0 for the POP section of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 questions score), 4D perineal ultrasound scan results with LH distension assessment and measurement of metacarpophalangeal joint mobility (MCP laxity). The association between MCP laxity and LH distension was estimated by mixed multilevel linear regression. The associations between MCP laxity and categorical parameters were estimated in a multivariate analysis using a generalized estimating equation model. RESULTS: MCP laxity and LH distension were correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.26 (p = 0.02), and 6.8% of the LH distension variance was explained by MCP laxity. In the multivariate analysis, MCP laxity was associated with POP symptoms with an odds ratio at 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.11) for an increase of 1° in MCP laxity. CONCLUSION: LH distension and peripheral ligamentous laxity are significantly associated during pregnancy. However, the relationship is weak, and the results need to be confirmed in larger populations and with more specific techniques such as elastography to directly assess the elastic properties of the pelvic floor muscles.

Impact of Distal Ulnar Fracture Malunion on Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability: A Biomechanical Study of the Distal Interosseous Membrane Using a Cadaver Model.

PURPOSE: Certain distal ulna fractures may contribute to distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. We hypothesized that residual distal ulna translation could affect DRUJ stability by slackening the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM). We aimed to test this hypothesis in a cadaver model. METHODS: We created an ulnar translated distal ulna fracture model in 6 cadavers. Dorsal and palmar displacements of the ulna relative to the radius were measured and DRUJ instability was staged under the following conditions: (1) 0-, 2-, and 4-mm ulnar translation of the distal ulna with an intact triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and DIOM; (2) 0-, 2-, and 4-mm translations with TFCC divided and an intact DIOM; and (3) a 0-mm translation with TFCC and DIOM divided. RESULTS: With an intact TFCC, dorsal and palmar displacements were not increased with any amount of distal ulna translation. After TFCC division with 0-mm translation, dorsal displacement increased significantly with DRUJ dislocation, whereas palmar displacement increased to a lesser extent with DRUJ subluxation. Palmar displacement gradually increased as the translation increased, and with 4-mm translation the ulnar head displaced to a perched position off the sigmoid notch. With TFCC and DIOM division, displacements increased markedly with DRUJ dislocation both dorsally and palmarly. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal dislocation occurred when the TFCC was divided regardless of the amount of distal ulna translation. Palmar subluxation occurred when the TFCC alone was divided. Palmar displacement to a perched position occurred because of slackening of the DIOM as a result of translation of the distal ulna. Bidirectional DRUJ instability with dorsal dislocation and palmar displacement to a perched position occurred when the TFCC was divided and the distal ulna was ulnarly translated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bidirectional DRUJ instability might occur when distal ulna translation deformity is associated with TFCC injury because the DIOM loses its function as a secondary stabilizer.