Extra-articular tenosynovial chondromatosis mimicking a neoplastic disease in the first web space of the hand

Tenosynovial chondromatosis is a very rare disease. The most common symptom is a slowly enlarging soft tissue mass, which may be painful or cause limitation of joint motion. Plain radiograph may appear normal during early phases of the disease, but subsequent imaging may be necessary to exclude other pathologies. Nonoperative treatment may be elected for some patients, but a synovectomy and the removal of loose bodies are indicated for persistent symptoms. This report describe a case with a multinodular cartilaginous proliferation and rice body in the first web space of the hand, similar to synovial chondromatosis, but arising in the tenosynovial membranes

The Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Distraction Osteogenesis

The effects of electromagnetic field on distraction osteogenesis and new bony tissue were investigated. Twenty-five New Zealand rabbits were divided into an experimental (12 rabbits) and a control (13 rabbits) group. An osteotomy was performed on the right tibia in the diaphyseal region in both groups. The experimental group was exposed to a magnetic field of 50 Hz 1.0 mT for 3 hours a day for 13 weeks. The control group was kept in a similar environment but with no electromagnetic field. The distraction was continued until an increase of 10 mm was achieved. At weeks 4, 8, and 13, radiography, scintigraphy, and a biopsy were performed in both groups, and the results were statistically analyzed. The X-ray results were similar in both groups at all times. On the other hand while the scintigraphic and histopathological results were similar at weeks 4 and 13 in both groups, the osteoblastic activity was significantly greater in the experimental group at week 8 (p < 0.01). In conclusion an electromagnetic field increases the osteoblastic activity and osteogenesis, but has little effect during the remodeling phase.