[Electrostimulation of anterior sacral nerve roots in the treatment of central neurogenic bladders. G.S. Brindley's technique. Results of the 40 first French cases]. / L'électrostimulation des racines sacrées antérieures dans le traitement des neuro-vessies centralies. Technique de G.S. Brindley. Résultats des 40 premiers cas français.

The results of the first 40 cases who underwent implantation of a sacral anterior root stimulator (G.S. Brindley) in France are reported. One patient die two years after implantation from an unrelated cause. 39 patients are using electrostimulation with a 6 month to 8 year follow-up. 90% have a satisfactory continence and no longer require an incontinence appliance. 82% of the patients have a post-void residue of 0 to 50 cc. Urinary infection rate has dramatically decreased. Bladder capacity and compliance have increased, and urethral closure pressure has decreased according to posterior rhizotomy. Possible side effect of total posterior rhizotomy from S2 to S4 could be stress incontinence.

[Multidimensional analysis of reactive forces of the foot during normal walking]. / Analyse multidimensionnelle des forces de réaction du pied au cours de la marche normale.

The authors present the analysis of the three components of ground reaction forces on both left and right feet on 50 subjects. Fourier analysis shows that a 25-Hz sampling is sufficient to fully characterize the normal gait. The approach used in order to study the data tables built for each component consisted in principal component factor analysis. This multivariate method, which looses the least possible information in relation to raw data, has indicated a high variability between subjects. Concerning the intrasubject variability, great asymmetry occurred between the forward and back forces. With respect to the relationship, the three components, the medial-lateral force was very independent of the two others. Particular classes of normal gait have been proposed.

[Correlation and validation of different methods of evaluation of results after surgery of the rotator cuff. Plea for a standardized method]. / Confrontation et validation de plusieurs méthodes d'évaluation des résultats après chirurgie de la coiffe des rotateurs. Plaidoyer pour une expression uniformisée.

Several charts elaborated for the assessment of the results of surgical treatment of cuff rotators tears were critically analysed. Twenty-one patients were reviewed and results assessed with three different charts, the Patte, Kenesi and Constant ones. The correlation of the parameters was studied and was found to be satisfactory.

Percutaneous interbody osteosynthesis in the treatment of thoracolumbar traumatic or tumoural lesions. A review of 51 cases.

The authors describe a technique of percutaneous interbody osteosynthesis applicable to the dorsal and lumbar spine. 51 patients were so treated for different aetiologies: traumatic conditions (35 cases) and tumoural lesions (16 cases). The material used consisted of special instruments that are positioned in double obliquity by a percutaneous posterolateral approach. A posterior approach limited to the pathological focus was used jointly whenever a graft or a decompression was necessary (19 cases). Several types of anaesthesia were used (local, local-regional, general, neuroleptanalgesia). The patients benefited by the advantages that usually accompany percutaneous techniques. The advantages and limitations of the method are discussed.

Discectomies of the lower cervical spine using interbody biopolymer (B.O.P.) implants. Advantages in the treatment of complicated cervical arthrosis. A review of 150 cases.

The authors report their experience with 150 cases of discectomies performed with interbody grafts using a copolymer (Biocompatible Orthopedic Polymer or BOP). Made of N-Vinylpyrrolidone-Methylmethacrylate monomers, polyamide fibres and calcium gluconate. BOP is a biocompatible, biodegradable, osteoconductive matrix, easy to use and quite safe. These properties are quite well appreciated for cervical interbody grafting. After discectomy, stabilization of the spine is immediate, and fusion slowly occurs around and through the biopolymer within one year. The biomaterial avoids morbidity inherent in the harvesting of an autograft, as well as any limitations resulting from the use of allografts.

[Direct osteosynthesis of fractures of the odontoid process using a biodegradable implant (B.O.P.)]. / Ostéosynthèse directe des fractures de l'odontoïde par un implant biodégradable (B.O.P.).

The authors describe a new technique for treatment fractures of the dens. An anterior approach (technique of Boehler) is used. It provides for one-stage fusion and no additional disturbance of C1-C2 rotation. Under AP and lateral guidance the body of C2 is drilled medially, and so are the site of fracture. Then comes the gradual impaction of a conical implant of biocompatible resorbable implant [*], tip cephalad. The biopolymer is used for grafting purposes in all type of fractures of the odontoid process, which permits the latter to be fused without using screws or any other metal implant.

Soft tissue augmentation as a method of reducing the liability to pressure sores in spinal injured patients.

The development of a procedure designed to reduce the liability to pressure sores over bony prominences is described. This employs the properties of a particular type of carbon fibre pad implanted surgically over the bony prominence. The mechanical response of the pad to loading has been examined. The host tissue response to the pad involves penetration of the interstices between the carbon fibres with organised fibrous tissue. The host-tissue--carbon fibre pad complex has been found to be highly vascular. An 'ischiobarograph' has been developed and used in order to evaluate the alteration in pressure profile produced by the presence of the implanted prosthesis (the patient being in a sitting position).

[Pars tuberalis : a neuro-endocrine formation. Study in the piglet]. / La pars tuberalis : formation neuro-endocrinienne. Etude chez le porcelet.

Pars tuberalis of the young Pig has been studied by cytoimmunological techniques and by electron microscopy. Electron microscopy demonstrates the high content of the area in nervous fibers and aminergy terminals making frequent synapses with granulated glandular cells. Amongst these, the majority were reacting as corticolipotropic cells of the intermediate lobe. However in the new-born pig, these cells, although very active and excreting in the perivascular spaces generally react with the anti-LPH beta immunesera.

[Cyto-immunochemical detection of gamma endorphin in swine adenohypophysis]. / Détection cyto-immunochimique de l'endorphine gamma dans l'adéno-hypophyse du porc.

An immunserum was prepared from gamma endorphin and its specifity was checked by the indirect method. It was tested on hypophysis which were taken from Pigs since birth till 3 months old. The anterior lobe as well as the intermediate lobe have reacted. The same cells were positive in the anterior lobe and recognized the anti-ACTH, anti-beta MSH and anti-beta LPH immunserums. However, the reaction was more labile than with these last immunserums and it was varying with the delay of fixation after the death and the penetration in the gland by the fixator.

[Importance of acidophilic fine granulation cells in the corticotropic activity of the adenohypophysis]. / Signification des cellules à fines granulations acidophiles dans l'activité corticotrope de l'adénohypophyse

The cyto-immunological tests prove that anti-ACTH (17-39) immunserums do not become localized only on beta cells of anterior lobe of Man's pituitary. They can also react upon cells with slender erythrosinophilic granules. Normally, these cells are very scattered. However, we have established that they were particulary numerous in the pituitary of six infants suddendly deceased. Conspicuously, these cells with acidophilic granulations correspond to a stage of corticotropic cells maturation.