Biomechanical Comparison of Locking Compression Plate versus Positive Profile Pins and Polymethylmethacrylate for Stabilization of the Canine Lumbar Vertebrae.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the stiffness, angular deformation, and mode of failure of lumbar vertebral column constructs stabilized with bilateral pins and polymethylmethacrylate (Pin-PMMA) or with a unilateral (left) locking compression plate (LCP) with monocortical screws. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo biomechanical, non-randomized. SAMPLES: Cadaveric canine thoracolumbar specimens (n=16). METHODS: Thoracolumbar (T13-L3) vertebral specimens had the L1-L2 vertebral motion unit stabilized with either Pin-PMMA or LCP. Stiffness in flexion, extension, and right and left lateral bending after nondestructive testing were compared between intact (pretreated) specimens and Pin-PMMA, and LCP constructs. The Pin-PMMA and LCP constructs were then tested to failure in flexion and left lateral bending. RESULTS: Both the Pin-PMMA and LCP constructs had reduced range of motion at the stabilized L1-L2 vertebral motion unit compared to intact specimens. The Pin-PMMA constructs had less range of motion for the flexion elastic zone than LCP constructs. The Pin-PMMA constructs were stiffer than intact specimens in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and stiffer than LCP constructs in flexion and left lateral bending. The Pin-PMMA constructs had less angular deformation at construct yield and lower residual deformation at L1-L2 than LCP constructs after destructive testing to failure in flexion. The Pin-PMMA constructs were stiffer, stronger, and had less deformation at yield than LCP constructs after destructive testing to failure in lateral bending. Most constructs failed distant to the implant and fixation site. CONCLUSIONS: Pin-PMMA constructs had greater lumbar vertebral stiffness and reduced ROM than LCP constructs; however, both Pin-PMMA and LCP constructs were stronger than intact specimens.

Immediate effects of acupuncture on tongue pressure including swallowing reflex latency in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: It is important to evaluate tongue function in terms of its clinical implications for swallowing ability. Motor dysfunction and loss of coordination of the tongue are frequently seen, and this influences the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a single acupuncture treatment for tongue pressure in Parkinson's disease. METHODS: A total of 13 patients, aged 57- 84 years, were recruited. Tongue pressure was measured using a tongue pressure manometer. Furthermore, swallowing reflex latency was measured in 3 of the 13 patients. RESULTS: Significant changes were seen after acupuncture in mean tongue pressure, which increased from 23.1 to 26.7 kPa (p<0.01). Reductions were seen after acupuncture in mean swallowing reflex latency (from 5.2 to 4.6 s for first saliva swallow; from 19.9 to 15.7 s for second saliva swallow; and from 10.4 to 5.7 s for third saliva swallow(s)). CONCLUSIONS: Our study's findings suggest that acupuncture may be useful for improving oral cavity function, but further controlled trials are needed.

Effect of acupuncture on gait in Parkinson's disease: a case report.

This case report describes the treatment of gait disturbance in a 64-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease. Needling for 10 min of areas of muscle stiffness and of muscle tonus areas in both lower limbs resulted in immediate temporary alleviation of muscle stiffness and muscle tonus of the bilateral anterior surface of the thigh muscle, the biceps femoris muscle, and the semitendinosus muscle for the duration of the treatment, with improvement in the disturbed gait of the patient. This response occurred regularly on repeated treatment, and was maintained between treatments.