50 years of the Wyoming ram test: How sheep have changed.

Production characteristics of white-faced rams have been systematically evaluated over a 140-d test in Wyoming since 1961. Individual test records ( = 4,240) from rams on test were analyzed to determine change over the past 52 yr. Although rams on test are not older, weight on and off test has increased ( < 0.001) since 1961. Weight off test increased 22.7 kg and contributed to an increase ( < 0.001) in clean fleece weight. Rate of gain ( < 0.001) almost doubled over this 50-yr period. Growth efficiency improved from 0.23 ± 0.01 kg/d from 1961 to 1966 to 0.39 ± 0.01 kg/d from 2008 to 2013. Cubic, rather than linear, effects better explain the change in growth characteristics, suggesting a plateau or tapering of these traits. Wool characteristics remain an important component of the test index, and despite increases in body size and gain, wool diameter was unchanged ( > 0.15). Average daily gain correlated ( > 0.67; < 0.001) with lamb and feeder lamb price, with the strongest correlation at a 2-yr ( > 0.76) time lag. U.S. sheep inventory was negatively correlated ( > -0.72; < 0.001) with sheep price and ADG, with the greatest correlation at no time lag. Wool price 0, 2, or 5 yr prior did not correlate ( < 0.1; ≥ 0.5) with spinning count. Influences on white-faced ram selection appear to have largely impacted growth traits while avoiding negative impacts on wool quality.

Early experience with the PlantTan Fixator Plate for 2 and 3 part fractures of the proximal humerus.

This study reports the early results for clinical and radiological outcome of fixation of completely displaced or grossly angulated (>90 degrees ) 2 and 3 part fractures of the proximal humerus using the PlantTan Fixator Plate (Medizentechnik, Aachen, Germany). Using a deltopectoral approach the humeral head articular fragment was reduced onto the humeral shaft and fixed with the implant, tuberosity fragments were held with transosseous sutures. Early passive, progressing to active, physiotherapy was instituted from the first postoperative day. No other fixation or bone graft was used. In 15 patients, with 16 injured shoulders and an average age of 63 years the mean follow up was 17 months. As a percentage of the normal side the Constant-Murley score for those patients retaining the implant was mean 74% (range 36%-100%). There were six shoulders with score >80% (Good), four shoulders with score between 60 and 79% (Satisfactory) and four shoulders <60% (Poor). Four shoulders (all in patients over the age of 70 years), developed avascular necrosis. Of these, one patient underwent shoulder replacement hemiarthroplasty and one patient underwent removal of the implant. We have demonstrated functional outcome similar to other modes of internal fixation in patients under 70 years. It cannot be recommended for elderly patients (over 70 years) as it is associated with a high incidence of avascular necrosis and fixation failure.

Pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle in a juvenile.

The authors present a case of pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle. This case, the first in the English speaking literature of piriformis involvement in a juvenile, serves to illustrate the need for a high index of suspicion when treating children with symptoms related to impalpable pathology deep in the pelvis and the usefulness of MRI in early diagnosis and treatment before abscess formation. It also shows the potentially wide differential diagnosis in which the signs and symptoms may be misleading due to the close relationship of the pelvic muscles with the hip joint and adjacent viscera.