The Distribution of CGRP Containing Cells Innervating the Calcaneal Tendon in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglia / 대한해부학회지

This study was performed to investigate origins of the dorsal root ganglion cells containing calcitonin gene -related peptide (CGRP) which innervate the calcaneal tendon in the rat. We used the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or fluoro -gold (FG) to trace retrogradely somatic afferents in dorsal root ganglion cells after unilateral injections into the rat calcaneal tendon. HRP or fluoro -gold labeled DRG cells for the calcaneal tendon were seen generaaly in lumbosacral (L1 to S1) DRGs ipsilaterally. In lumbosacral DRGs, the largest number of labeled cells were found in the L6 DRG. Many DRG cell bodies contained the CGRP throughout the L1~S1. A plenty of HRP -or FG -labeled cells innervating the calcaneal tendon were also identified to contain the CGRP in L1~S1 DRGs. These FG +/- CGRP DRG cells innervating the calcaneal tendon were primarily found in the L6 DRG. These results suggest that the main sensory DRG for the calcaneal tendon is the L6. This fact may be available in diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic pain in the calcaneal tendon.

Cannulated Screw Fixation for Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Multiple fixation techniques for arthrodesis of the ankle and hindfoot have been introduced. The cannulated screw fixation provides excellent internal compression for arthrodesis. We used 5.0 and 6.5mm cannulated screws for seven ankle, seven subtalar, four tibiotalocalcaneal, three pantalar and two triple arthrodesis between January 1994 and September 1995. No iliac bone graft was utilized. The follow-up period was from 12 to 25 months. Ages of the patients ranged from 25 to 58 years. All fused except one who was preoperatively diagnosed as pyogenic arthritis of the ankle and hindfoot. One patient with diagnosis of Streeter's disease was complicated with partial necrosis of the forefoot. We think this procedure has several advantages; 1. The leg or foot length is largely preserved because minimal subchondral bone is removed. So, the leg and foot is aesthetically pleasing and the musculature around the ankle and foot can be maintained in the normal balanced position. 2. The rate of fusion is high, because the soft tissues are minimally stripped and cannulated screw compresses the subchondral bone surface. 3. The cannulated screws rarely requires removal. So, we believe that the cannulated screw fixation for the ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis is an excellent treatment method.