Extracorporeal shock wave treatment for defective nonunion of the radius: a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) on bony union using volume analysis of the callus mass by computed tomography and histology. METHODS: Both radii of 13 rabbits were osteotomised and a defective bony nonunion created by placing a polyethylene pad between the osteotomy site for 40 days. Nonunion was confirmed by radiography using Lane-Sandhu criteria. ESWT (14 kW, 0.46 mJ/mm(2), 1000 shock waves) was applied to the right radius of the rabbits. The left radius served as a control. Five rabbits were killed 4 weeks after ESWT (group 1) and 8 after 6 weeks (group 2). Volume analysis of the callus mass was performed using computed tomography and the bone healing process was assessed by histology. RESULTS: In group 1, callus volume on the treated side was invariably greater than that on the control side; the difference being statistically significant (p=0.032). In group 2, the callus volume of the treated side was greater than that of the control side, except in rabbits 4 and 9. Only after excluding the findings from the latter did the difference attain statistical significance (p=0.020). Histology confirmed that the bone-healing process was faster in the treated side. CONCLUSION: ESWT enhanced the bone-healing process by increasing both volume and speed of callus formation.

A case with Pyle type metaphyseal dysplasia: clinical, radiological and histological evaluation.

Pyle type metaphyseal dysplasia is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is primarily affect metaphyses. Here we present a case with Pyle type metaphyseal dysplasia. The characteristic features of the case were metapyhseal broadening with undertubulation and Erlenmeyer flask sign at distal femoral and proximal tibial metaphyses. There were also platyspondyly with biconcave lens appearance of the vertebral bodies, congenital hip dislocation and normal cranium. Bone histopathology showed decreased number of osteoclasts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Pyle type metaphyseal dysplasia from Turkey.

Effects of short-term hydrocarbon inhalation on rat tracheal mucosa.

Hydrocarbons used as solvents in industry are thought to have effects on respiratory system. However, its effect on tracheal morphology and function is poorly investigated. Therefore the present study attempted to investigate the rat tracheal structure following different types and concentrations of hydrocarbon exposure. To do this, 65 Swiss albino rats were divided into 6 groups. While control group animals were undergone no treatment, 5 experimental group animals received different types of hydrocarbons saturated in air, such as 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethylene, naphthalene, carbontetrachloride and carbonsulphide at 1, 3 and 6 hour intervals in isolated chambers. Control group consisted of 5 rats whereas the experimental groups contained 60 rats (12 for each group). Tracheal tissue samples were collected from the control and experimental group animals, and were processed for light microscopy. Tracheal morphology underwent distinct alterations after 1, 3, and 6 hours of hydrocarbon exposure. Common tracheal features for all experimental groups were a thinner epithelial layer along with occasional exfoliation, hyparemic and dilated vasculature with intraluminal haemorage, and inflammatory cell infiltration into the underlying connective tissue. Tracheal glands taking place in the lamina propria seemed to be increased following several hydrocarbon exposure. In conclusion, it may be postulated that the hydrocarbons used in the present study cause irreversible tracheal alterations. Therefore one must take extreme caution when these toxic compounds are used.