The morphology of synovial lining of various structures in several species as observed with scanning electron microscopy.

Data concerning surface morphology of synovial lining of tendons, tendon sheaths, cruciate ligaments, infra-patellar fat pads and peripatellar synovial ridges in various species (rat, rabbit, dwarf goat, sheep, pig, dog, human) are reported on. Supportive studies with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and light microscopy were performed. Three principal morphological appearances of the synovium are evident. On structures with a dense fibrous architecture like tendons, tendon sheaths and cruciate ligaments the intimal cells and processes are mostly slender and may tend to orientation in the length-axis of the structure. On the peri- and infrapatellar adipose tissues two principal 'extremes' are seen: one in which the contours of the fat cells are clearly visible with fungoid shaped structures in between them, and one in which the fat cell contours are not recognizable and the intima consists of cauliflower-like cells. Transitional forms exist. Several features observed on tendons and tendon sheaths which have not been reported on before are presented in this paper. A consistent classification of synovium is presented.

Qualitative analysis of the four-channel, high-resolution urethral pressure profile of the female dog.

Four-channel urethral pressure profiles (UPP's) were measured on six female dogs with an improved perfused open tip technique. A four-channel catheter with one side-hole per channel was used to measure four UPP's simultaneously in different directions. The dynamic properties of the system have been improved significantly by replacing the conventional perfusion system by a pneumo-hydraulic perfusion system, according to the design of Arndorfer. The UPP's thus obtained consistently show multiple peaks which depend on catheter orientation. These observations are explained in terms of the presence of several symmetrical as well as asymmetrical muscles in and around the canine urethral wall. Clinical application of the developed technique is expected to yield new information on the functional anatomy of the human urethra.

Injuries to Dutch sport parachutists.

From 1981 to 1985 193,611 jumps were made by sport parachutists in the Netherlands. Of these 267 (0.14%) resulted in injuries including 4 fatalities. In this report the different types of injuries and their causes are discussed and comments are given in relation to training, selection, precautions and equipment, as well as upon accident registration and possible modifications.

The carpal boss.

A description is given of carpal boss, an arthritic deformity based on an additional ossal growth centre of the carpus in which degenerative changes were induced by (trivial) injury, mostly in young patients. Nine patients are reported in whom operative treatment viz. excision of the carpal boss, produced excellent results.