Radiographic Evaluation of Postoperative Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Objective To demonstrate the greater accuracy of panoramic radiographs of the lower limbs (long) in relation to short radiographs of the knee in the measurement of the mechanical axis of the lower limb after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of long and short postoperative radiographic images of 70 patients submitted to TKA in our service. The images were analyzed at random, at different times, by three orthopedists. In all images, the mechanical axis of the limb, femur and tibia were traced and femorotibial angles (FTAs) were calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the agreement of the measurement of the inter- and intra-observer mechanical axis. Results It was observed that there was high intra and interobserver agreement when panoramic radiographs were used, with minimum intra and interobserver ICC of 0.89, equivalent to a very strong agreement. On short radiographs in the anteroposterior incidence (AP) of the knee, the ICC showed moderate agreement, obtaining a maximum value of 0.75. Conclusion There is a significant difference in accuracy for the measurement of the mechanical axis of the lower limb, comparing long and short radiographs of the lower limb. Thus, for the proper measurement of the mechanical axis of the lower limb, we suggest the performance of long radiography in the postoperative period of TKA.

Radiographic Evaluation of Postoperative Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty / Avaliação radiográfica do alinhamento pós-operatório na artroplastia total de joelho

Abstract Objective To demonstrate the greater accuracy of panoramic radiographs of the lower limbs (long) in relation to short radiographs of the knee in the measurement of the mechanical axis of the lower limb after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of long and short postoperative radiographic images of 70 patients submitted to TKA in our service. The images were analyzed at random, at different times, by three orthopedists. In all images, the mechanical axis of the limb, femur and tibia were traced and femorotibial angles (FTAs) were calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the agreement of the measurement of the inter- and intra-observer mechanical axis. Results It was observed that there was high intra and interobserver agreement when panoramic radiographs were used, with minimum intra and interobserver ICC of 0.89, equivalent to a very strong agreement. On short radiographs in the anteroposterior incidence (AP) of the knee, the ICC showed moderate agreement, obtaining a maximum value of 0.75. Conclusion There is a significant difference in accuracy for the measurement of the mechanical axis of the lower limb, comparing long and short radiographs of the lower limb. Thus, for the proper measurement of the mechanical axis of the lower limb, we suggest the performance of long radiography in the postoperative period of TKA.

Resumo Objetivo Demonstrar a maior acurácia das radiografias panorâmicas de membros inferiores (longas) em relação às radiografias curtas do joelho na medida do eixo mecânico do membro inferior após a artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ). Métodos Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo para avaliar a acurácia de imagens radiográficas longas e curtas pós-operatórias de 70 pacientes submetidos à ATJ em nosso serviço. As imagens foram analisadas ao acaso, em momentos distintos, por três ortopedistas. Em todas as imagens, o eixo mecânico do membro, do fêmur e da tíbia foram traçado,s e os ângulos femorotibiais (AFTs) foram calculados. O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) foi calculado para avaliar a concordância da medida do eixo mecânico inter e intraobservador. Resultados Observou-se que houve alta concordância intra e interobservador quando utilizamos radiografias panorâmicas, apresentando CCI mínimo intrae interobservador de 0,89, equivalente a uma concordância fortíssima. Já nas radiografias curtas na incidência anteroposterior (AP) do joelho, o CCI mostrou-se com concordância moderada, obtendo valor máximo de 0,75. Conclusão Existe uma diferença significativa na acurácia para a medida do eixo mecânico do membro inferior, comparando-se radiografias longas e curtas do membro inferior. Assim, para a adequada mensuração do eixo mecânico do membro inferior, sugerimos a realização de radiografia longa no pós-operatório de ATJ.

Radiographic Evaluation of Patients Submitted to Percutaneous Fixation With Solid Screw for Distal Radius Fracture Treatment.

Objective The present paper aims to present results from radiographic evaluations of patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures submitted to percutaneous fixation with a 3.5 mm solid screw. Methods Analytical, descriptive and retrospective case series of 16 patients with evaluation of the radiographic parameters. Results The average age of the study population was 46.5 years old (25-60 years old); 81.25% of the sample was female. The average time until surgery was 8.8 days (4-14 days). The mean preprocedural volar tilt was - 7.41° (-23.48°-5.29°, standard deviation [SD] ± 6.59°). The mean volar tilt immediately after surgery was 5.93° (SD ± 6.23°, p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in volar tilt values after 6 months of follow-up. The mean preprocedural radial height was 4.13 mm (-7.8 mm-9.5 mm, SD ± 5.06 mm). There was a statistically significant increase at the immediate postoperative period to 10.04 mm ( p = 0.002), and a significant reduction at 6 months to 9.55 mm ( p = 0.012). The consolidation rate was 100% with the technique used, with a minimal complication rate. No patient had infection or required a reoperation. Conclusion The technique was effective for the treatment of distal radial extra-articular fractures at 6 months, with a low complication rate; radiographic parameters values were acceptable and close to the anatomical ones.

Radiographic Evaluation of Patients Submitted to Percutaneous Fixation With Solid Screw for Distal Radius Fracture Treatment / Avaliação radiográfica dos pacientes submetidos a fixação percutânea com parafuso maciço para tratamento de fraturas da extremidade distal do radio

Abstract Objective The present paper aims to present results from radiographic evaluations of patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures submitted to percutaneous fixation with a 3.5 mm solid screw. Methods Analytical, descriptive and retrospective case series of 16 patients with evaluation of the radiographic parameters. Results The average age of the study population was 46.5 years old (25-60 years old); 81.25% of the sample was female. The average time until surgery was 8.8 days (4-14 days). The mean preprocedural volar tilt was - 7.41° (−23.48°-5.29°, standard deviation [SD] ± 6.59°). The mean volar tilt immediately after surgery was 5.93° (SD ± 6.23°, p< 0.001). There was no statistical difference in volar tilt values after 6 months of follow-up. The mean preprocedural radial height was 4.13 mm (−7.8 mm-9.5 mm, SD ± 5.06 mm). There was a statistically significant increase at the immediate postoperative period to 10.04 mm (p= 0.002), and a significant reduction at 6 months to 9.55 mm (p= 0.012). The consolidation rate was 100% with the technique used, with a minimal complication rate. No patient had infection or required a reoperation. Conclusion The technique was effective for the treatment of distal radial extra-articular fractures at 6 months, with a low complication rate; radiographic parameters values were acceptable and close to the anatomical ones.

Resumo Objetivo Apresentar o resultado das avaliações radiográficas dos pacientes com fraturas extra-articulares do rádio distal submetidos a fixação percutânea com parafuso maciço de 3.5mm. Métodos Série de casos, analítica, descritiva e retrospectiva de 16 pacientes com avaliação dos parâmetros radiográficos da técnica utilizada. Resultados A média de idade da população estudada foi de 46,5 anos (25-60 anos), sendo 81,25% do sexo feminino. O tempo de espera até a cirurgia foi de 8,8 dias (4-14 dias). O tilt volar médio pré-procedimento foi - 7,41° (−23,48°-5,29°, desvio padrão [DP] ± 6,59°). O tilt volar imediatamente após o procedimento cirúrgico foi de 5,93° (DP ± 6,23°, p< 0,001). Sem diferença estatística nos valores de tilt volar ao final de 6 meses de evolução. A altura radial pré-procedimento foi de 4,13 mm (−7,8°-9,5°, DP ± 5,06°). Aumento estatisticamente significativo no pós-operatório imediato para 10,04 mm (p= 0,002). Redução significativa ao final de 6 meses para 9,55 mm (p= 0,012). Atingimos 100% de consolidação com a técnica utilizada, com índice mínimo de complicações. Nenhum paciente apresentou infecção ou precisou ser reoperado. Conclusão A técnica mostrou-se eficaz para o tratamento de fraturas extra-articulares da extremidade distal do rádio ao final de 6 meses, com baixo índice de complicações e parâmetros radiográficos aceitáveis e próximos dos valores anatômicos.

Challenges and perspectives in porcine model of acute lung injury using oleic acid.

The oleic acid (OA) models of lung injury try to simulate the findings of human Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). However, these models are difficult to replicate because they vary in terms of animals species, OA doses, time for establishment of lung injury, different observation periods and settings of mechanical ventilation. The objective of this study was to evaluate a protocol of administration of OA in lung injury model, challenges in its development and its effects on respiratory mechanics, hemodynamic changes, histology, gas exchange and mortality. We then submitted ten Large White pigs to acute lung injury through intravenous infusion of acid oleic in the pulmonary artery. The mortality of the model was 50%, due to an intense hemodynamic instability during OA administration, even with early use of vasoactive drugs. Three animals required additional doses of OA to achieve criteria for acute lung injury. Histology showed findings consistent with acute lung injury. However, more pulmonary edema was observed in lower segments than in upper segments of both lungs (p = 0.01). IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased compared to normal lungs (p < 0.05), and IL-6 showed higher levels in upper segments compared to lower segments (p = 0.03). Positive cells for Caspase 3 were present in all samples, localized mainly in respiratory epithelial cells and macrophages. In conclusion, this model shows histological findings of acute lung injury and inflammatory response similar to those of clinical ARDS, it presents high mortality, inconsistent reproducibility and hardly controlled hemodynamic instability.

Effect of vaporized perfluorocarbon on oxidative stress during the cold ischemia phase of lung graft preservation.

Liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) instillation has been studied experimentally as an adjuvant therapy in the preservation of lung grafts during cold ischemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether vaporized PFC is also protective of lung grafts at different cold ischemia times. We performed histological analysis of and measured oxidative stress in the lungs of animals that received only preservation solution with low-potassium dextran (LPD) or vaporized PFC together with LPD. We conclude that vaporized PFC reduces the production of free radicals and the number of pulmonary structural changes resulting from cold ischemia.

Effect of vaporized perfluorocarbon on oxidative stress during the cold ischemia phase of lung graft preservation / Efeito do perfluorocarbono vaporizado sobre o estresse oxidativo no período de isquemia fria durante a preservação pulmonar

ABSTRACT Liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) instillation has been studied experimentally as an adjuvant therapy in the preservation of lung grafts during cold ischemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether vaporized PFC is also protective of lung grafts at different cold ischemia times. We performed histological analysis of and measured oxidative stress in the lungs of animals that received only preservation solution with low-potassium dextran (LPD) or vaporized PFC together with LPD. We conclude that vaporized PFC reduces the production of free radicals and the number of pulmonary structural changes resulting from cold ischemia.

RESUMO O perfluorocarbono (PFC) líquido tem sido estudado experimentalmente como uma substância adjuvante na preservação de enxertos pulmonares durante o período de isquemia fria. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o PFC vaporizado (e não instilado) também atuaria como protetor de enxertos pulmonares em diferentes tempos de isquemia fria. Realizamos análise histológica e dosamos o estresse oxidativo em pulmões de animais que receberam somente uma solução de preservação com low-potassium dextran (LPD, dextrana com baixa concentração de potássio) ou PFC vaporizado associado a LPD. Concluímos que o PFC vaporizado reduziu a produção de radicais livres e provocou menor número de alterações estruturais pulmonares decorrentes do período de isquemia fria que o uso de LPD isoladamente.

Total testosterone levels are correlated to metabolic syndrome components.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of interrelated risk factors of metabolic origin. Some studies suggest a possible link between low total testosterone (TT) levels and the presence of MetS. AIM: To analyze the strength and independence of associations between TT and MetS components in non-diabetic men. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 143 non-diabetic men older than 40 were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE: Blood samples were collected to evaluate metabolic profile and TT levels. MetS was defined as the presence of three or more of the following characteristics: fasting blood glucose levels ≥ 100 mg/dL, triglyceride ≥ 150 mg/dL, HDL-c < 40 mg/dL, hypertension or blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg, and waist girth > 102 cm. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 61.5 ± 8.61 years old. MetS was present in 47.9% of the individuals. Thirty-four men had low TT and MetS was observed in 23 (70%) against 50 (46%) in those with normal TT (≥ 300 ng/dL) (OR 4.94, p < 0.01), adjusted to confounder's factors. In multiple linear regression analysis, only waist circumference (Beta: -0.395; p = 0.03) and HDL-c (Beta: 0.19; p = 0.04) remained significantly correlated with TT levels. CONCLUSIONS: Low TT levels were associated with MetS diagnosis. Abdominal obesity was the MetS component independently correlated to low TT levels.

Technique for implanting intramuscular electrodes in the diaphragm by videolaparoscopy in pigs.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel approach for implanting intramuscular electrodes in the diaphragm through videolaparoscopy. METHODS: We used twelve pigs for this videolaparoscopic technique, which permits at the same time to explore the diaphragm, to locate its motor points and to fix the electrodes in the diaphragm bilaterally. In this technique we used three trocars: one portal for a 10-mm 0° viewing angle laparoscope, one portal for the manipulation of structures and another for electrode implantation. RESULTS: All animals survived the procedure without pneumothorax/capnothorax or other complication. Implanted electrodes provided an appropriate interface between the muscle and the electrical current generator, and electroventilation was satisfactorily generated in all animals. CONCLUSION: This videolaparoscopic technique with three trocars enables the exploration and identification of motor points and an efficient fixation of one or two electrodes in each hemidiaphragm.

Technique for implanting intramuscular electrodes in the diaphragm by videolaparoscopy in pigs

PURPOSE: To describe a novel approach for implanting intramuscular electrodes in the diaphragm through videolaparoscopy. METHODS: We used twelve pigs for this videolaparoscopic technique, which permits at the same time to explore the diaphragm, to locate its motor points and to fix the electrodes in the diaphragm bilaterally. In this technique we used three trocars: one portal for a 10-mm 0° viewing angle laparoscope, one portal for the manipulation of structures and another for electrode implantation. RESULTS: All animals survived the procedure without pneumothorax/capnothorax or other complication. Implanted electrodes provided an appropriate interface between the muscle and the electrical current generator, and electroventilation was satisfactorily generated in all animals. CONCLUSION: This videolaparoscopic technique with three trocars enables the exploration and identification of motor points and an efficient fixation of one or two electrodes in each hemidiaphragm.

Similarities in the surface area/volume ratio in the fibers of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can explain the symmetry in the vocal fold mobility?

We demonstrate in this paper that although there are statistical differences for all morphometric data [axon length, axon diameter, myelinated fiber diameter and degree of the myelination (g-Ratio)] between the fibers of recurrent laryngeal nerve right and left, the surface area/volume ratio in the fibers of both nerves is exactly the same (1/1.7). Thereby, this paper presents the hypothesis that this similarity between the nerves can actually trigger a considerable synchrony in mobility of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx that control of the vocal folds.

RC-3095, a selective gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist, does not protect the lungs in an experimental model of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.

RC-3095, a selective GRPR antagonist, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in different models of inflammation. However, its protective effect on lungs submitted to lung ischemia-reperfusion injury has not been addressed before. Then, we administrated RC-3095 intravenously before and after lung reperfusion using an animal model of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) by clamping the pulmonary hilum. Twenty Wistar rats were subjected to an experimental model in four groups: SHAM, ischemia-reperfusion (IR), RC-Pre, and RC-Post. The final mean arterial pressure significantly decreased in IR and RC-Pre compared to their values before reperfusion (P < 0.001). The RC-Post group showed significant decrease of partial pressure of arterial oxygen at the end of the observation when compared to baseline (P = 0.005). Caspase-9 activity was significantly higher in the RC-Post as compared to the other groups (P < 0.013). No significant differences were observed in eNOS activity among the groups. The groups RC-Pre and RC-Post did not show any significant decrease in IL-1ß (P = 0.159) and TNF-α (P = 0.260), as compared to IR. The histological score showed no significant differences among the groups. In conclusion, RC-3095 does not demonstrate a protective effect in our LIRI model. Additionally, its use after reperfusion seems to potentiate cell damage, stimulating apoptosis.