Serum C-reactive protein and S100A12 concentrations in dogs with hepatic disease.

OBJECTIVES: To describe serum C-reactive protein and S100A12 concentrations in dogs with hepatic disease and to determine whether there is a relationship between the concentration of either and the severity of hepatic necroinflammation. METHODS: Serum C-reactive protein and S100A12 concentrations were measured in 46 dogs undergoing hepatic biopsy. Dogs were divided into three groups: congenital portosystemic shunts, chronic hepatitis and hepatic neoplasia. The histological severity of hepatic necroinflammation was scored. RESULTS: C-reactive protein and S100A12 concentrations were greater than the upper limit of the reference intervals in 39 and 26% of dogs, respectively. There was no association of disease group with C-reactive protein (P=0·1733) or S100A12 (P=0·1513) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between serum C-reactive protein concentration and hepatic necroinflammatory activity (rs =0·428, P=0·006). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Increased serum C-reactive protein and S100A12 concentrations were observed in a subpopulation of dogs with various types of hepatic diseases, suggesting acute-phase inflammation and activation of phagocytic cells, respectively. Dogs with higher hepatic necroinflammatory activity scores tended to have higher serum C-reactive protein concentrations. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding in a larger group of dogs.

Interfascicular reconstruction of the peroneal nerve after knee ligament injury.

Peroneal palsy is the most common lower extremity nerve injury. Although most studies emphasize particularly poor prognosis after traction injuries to the peroneal nerve, interfascicular nerve grafting has emerged as a promising technique. We describe the case of a 20-year-old man who sustained a traction injury to the peroneal nerve (0/5 foot dorsiflexion and eversion) concomitant with tears of the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. Interfascicular sural nerve grafting (10-14 cm in length) was performed 7 months after injury and 6 months after ligament reconstruction. The patient recovered motor strength (4+/5) in both anterior and lateral compartments by 2 years' postsurgery. The results obtained indicate that interfascicular nerve grafting is a valuable technique for reconstruction of the disrupted peroneal nerve; it provides sufficient benefit to justify the time, expense, and effort involved. An aggressive approach is thus recommended in patients with peroneal nerve disruption in the setting of multiple knee ligament injuries.

Anatomy of the joints of the fingers.

The anatomy and function of the three joints within each finger are mutually complementary; none functions independently of the other two. A complex, yet precise, intrinsic and extrinsic soft-tissue support links these three joints and provides a precisely articulated balance for the mobility of the finger. This complex interrelationship requires both strength and stability, which are inherent in the design of the bony architecture and their surrounding soft tissues. Understanding this interrelationship is essential for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the numerous problems with which these joints are sometimes afflicted.

Tendon subluxation after de Quervain's release: treatment by brachioradialis tendon flap.

Volar subluxation of the tendons of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist occurred in two patients after surgery for treatment of de Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis. In both patients a painful tenosynovitis of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus developed, which was unresponsive to conservative therapy as the tendons prolapsed over the prominence of the first dorsal compartment. A distally based flap of the brachioradialis tendon was used to prevent tendon prolapse, with both patients asymptomatic and free of subluxation one and five years after operation.

Management of selected problems in revision knee arthroplasty.

In discussing revision arthroplasty, understanding the failure mode is essential to success. In general there are five major categories that one must address in assessing the failed knee replacement: Infection, mechanical problems, extensor mechanism dysfunction, fractures adjacent to the components, and skin problems. These five areas are discussed in this article.

Wrist arthroscopy.

Understanding of wrist biomechanics and pathology is enhanced by wrist arthroscopy. The procedure does indeed provide an alternative to arthrotomy in selected situations, greatly decreasing patient morbidity. It is a difficult skill to acquire; however, wrist arthroscopy presents diagnostic and therapeutic benefits that far outweigh this short-lived drawback.

Orbital abscess following blepharoplasty.

Orbital abscess following blepharoplasty is surprisingly rare. The diagnosis may not be obvious from the physical signs alone. Ultrasonography is a helpful diagnostic tool in such problems. The abscess cavity can be visualized. A case of orbital abscess is presented.

Influence of Host Nutrients on the Parasitic Development of Mermis nigrescens (Mermithidae).

Schistocerca gregaria nymphs and adults of both sexes were infected with eggs of Mermis nigrescens. Mermithid larvae grew more slowly in nymphal hosts, and emerging larvae were smaller than those from adult hosts. The longer the larvae remained in the host, the greater their size. Those developing in adult female hosts were longest. Single mermithid larvae that were transferred to a second host continued to grow and were significantly longer at emergence than larvae that developed solely in one host. In adult hosts that were infected with 40-300 M. nigrescens eggs, the percentage of mermithids that became males was strongly dependent on host weight at infective doses of 90 eggs or more. Results are discussed in relation to nutrient stress on the larvae and its importance in developing in vitro culture techniques.