Massive infection of Cystidicoloides ephemeridarum in brown trout Salmo trutta with skeletal deformities.

We investigated the cause of skeletal deformities found in brown trout from the Aspromonte mountain area in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Toxicological, histopathological and parasitological analyses were carried out on 14 fish with evident macro-morphological alterations from 2 different locations in the same river, and 4 control fish without morphological alterations from a different river (far from the first river but still within the area under study). Histopathological and radiological observations confirmed severe skeletal deformities in the specimens investigated. Parasitological examinations highlighted the presence of the nematode Cystidicoloides ephemeridarum, found only within the gastrointestinal tract of specimens showing deformities. Moreover, a direct correlation between parasite number and fish size was found. Given the low heavy metal levels and the presence of a massive parasitosis in teleosts showing deformities, we postulate a correlation between skeletal deformities and nematode infestation: the parasites caused a serious vitamin and mineral deficiency in the fish, which led to a dysplastic vertebral column. The low calcium levels found in malformed specimens compared with negative controls effectively confirm this hypothesis.

A 24-month follow-up after treatment of hallux rigidus with resection arthroplasty in combination with a resorbable polymer-based implant and platelet-rich plasma.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome after treatment of hallux rigidus with implantation of a resorbable polymer-based implant immersed with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: Forty-five patients with hallux rigidus were treated with three-stage resection arthroplasty and subsequent covering of the metatarsal head with a polyglycolic acid-hyaluronan implant immersed with autologous PRP. Patients were clinically assessed using the AOFAS rating scale preoperatively and at 12 and 24 month follow-up. Alignment and range of motion in the metatarsophalangeal joint was measured using a goniometer. RESULTS: The AOFAS rating scale and ROM showed significant (p<.01) improvement in all subcategories one and two years after surgery compared to the preoperative situation. CONCLUSIONS: Covering of the metatarsal head after resection arthroplasty with the PGA-hyaluronan implant immersed with autologous PRP is safe and leads to a notable improvement of the symptoms in patients with hallux rigidus.

[Microdiscectomy in the treatment of lumbar slipped disk]. / La microdiscectomia nel trattamento dell'ernia del disco lombare.

The paper describes the surgical technique of microdiscectomy used in lumbar slipped disk and its clinical indications. A total of 113 patients were treated with microdiscectomy over a period of 4 years with positive results in 90% of cases.

[Percutaneous needle aspiration in the treatment of contained lumbar herniated disk]. / L'agoaspirazione cutanea nel trattamento dell'ernia discale lombare contenuta.

The authors describe the technique of percutaneous fine needle aspiration in contained lumbar slipped disk and its clinical indications. The paper reports a series of 20 patients treated two years with positive results in 75% of cases.

[Halo-vest in the treatment of fractures of the upper cervical spine. Fractures of the epistropheus]. / Halo-vest nel trattamento delle fratture del rachide cervicale superiore. Le fratture dell' epistrofeo.

The authors examine the use of a halo-vest brace in the treatment of fractures of the upper cervical spine. This brace forms a valid alternative to the classic plaster cast in that it is easily positioned, well tolerated by the patient and has a high restrictive capacity for the centre of the fracture. In the cases treated by the authors no complications were reported during treatment, and consolidation time was shortened by 30 days in relation to traditional plaster cast treatment.

[Biarticular endoprostheses of the hip. 2 years of experience]. / Endoprotesi biarticolari d'anca. Due anni di esperienza.

After briefly illustrating indications and biomechanical concepts of biarticular endoprostheses of the hip in the treatment of medial fractures of the femoral neck, a personal series from December 1985 to March 1988 is presented. 55 of 82 operated patients were followed up on the basis of purely clinical criteria, particular attention being paid to general preoperative conditions, the recovery of function and the rate of postoperative mortality. In conclusion, it is recalled that prognosis in fractures of the femoral neck is severe for generally gerontological reasons and the usefulness of biarticular endoprosthesis in the prevention of cotyloid wear and tear is underlined.

[Initial experience with the Ilizarov apparatus in orthopedic and traumatological pathology]. / Prime esperienze con l'apparato di Ilizarov in patologia ortopedica e traumatologica.

Personal experience of 4 years with the use of Ilizarov's apparatus is reported. The apparatus has been utilised on a routine basis in the treatment of complex fractures, in pseudarthrosis and in hypometrias. On the whole, the results obtained were positive, confirming the value of the apparatus and its ductility in the treatment of complex lesions of the skeleton.

[Clinico-statistical correlations in 586 cases of femoral neck fractures. An analysis of 212 cases of Ender's osteosynthesis]. / Correlazioni clinico-statistiche su 586 casi di fratture del collo del femore. Analisi di 212 casi di osteosintesi secondo Ender.

The advantages and complications of osteosynthesis using Ender nails are described on the basis of experience with 212 cases treated in 1985-1988. It is concluded that this currently represents the treatment of choice for selected fractures of the femoral neck.