Cuboid Research Articles

Correlation between the granulosa cell layer and active caspase-3 expression in ovarian follicles of Tropidurus hispidus and T. semitaeniatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae): immunohistochemical approach

The greatest threats to terrestrial reptiles are urban development and habitat modification. In this sense, a better understanding of folliculogenesis in these animals would be important to knowledge of reproductive biology. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between the thickness of the granulosa cell layer and the expression of the active caspase-3 protein in the previtellogenic and vitellogenic follicles of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus . Ovaries were used for histological (morphology and morphometry: thickness of granulosa layer) and immunohistochemical (active caspase-3 expression) analyses. The previtellogenic follicles of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus showed a thicker granulosa layer, with pyriform and small cells. The vitellogenic follicles had a monolayer of cuboid cells, and a thicker thecal layer. The thickness of the granulosa layer was significantly higher in the previtellogenic compared to the vitellogenic phase for both species. However, no differences were observed between the species. Active caspase-3 was observed in the pyriform and intermediate cells in previtellogenesis of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus . Nevertheless, no immunostaining was observed in the vitellogenic phase in both species. In conclusion, this study shows that the thickness of the granulosa cell layer is higher in the previtellogenic follicles compared to the vitellogenic follicles in the two Tropidurus species. Pyriform and intermediate cells from previtellogenic follicles show high expression of the protein, indicating that remodeling of the epithelium is associated with apoptosis. Finally, our results provide a scientific basis for assisted reproductive techniques and conservation actions to the reptiles in the future.

Therapeutic effect of early directional catheterization on malignant middle cerebral artery infarction

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of cuboid stereotactic aspiration of necrotic brain tissue for treating malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in the elderly patients. Methods Sixteen elderly patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction were selected from June 2017 to January 2019 in our hospital. Patients were followed up for 6 months to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic aspiration of necrotic brain tissue using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results The 30-day mortality was 18.75%. Among the 16 elderly patients, 6 (37.5%) had an mRS score of 3 (defined as moderate disability), 6 (37.5%) had an mRS score of 4 (defined as moderate to severe disability), 1 (6.25%) had an mRS score of 5 (defined as severe disability), and 3 (18.75%) had an mRS score of 6. The probability of 6-month favorable outcome, defined as an mRS score of ≤3, was 37.5%, and the 6-month mortality was 18.75%. Conclusions It is a simple, minimally invasive, effective and safe method to treat malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in the elderly patients with cuboid stereotactic aspiration of necrotic brain tissue, which needs to be confirmed by further randomized controlled studies. Key words: Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction; Large hemisphere infarction; Decompressive hemicraniectomy; Cuboid stereotactic technique; Brain tissue; the aged; Soft channel; Minimally invasive puncture; mRS

Distractor-assisted reduction for Lisfranc injury complicated with compressive fracture of lateral foot column

Objective To evaluate distractor-assisted reduction for Lisfranc injury complicated with compressive fracture of lateral foot column. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 18 patients who had been treated surgically at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital between May 2014 and March 2017 for Lisfranc injury complicated with compressive fracture of lateral foot column. They were 10 males and 8 females, with an average age of 38.4 years (from 25 to 65 years). The injury involved the right foot in 11 cases and the left foot in 7. Their concomitant injuries were 12 compressive cuboid fractures and 6 compressive fractures of the calcaneal anterior process. According to the Chiodo-Myerson classification, there were 13 cases of three-column injury, 3 ones of middle-lateral column injury and 2 ones of medial-lateral column injury. All the injuries were closed. After the condition of foot soft tissues permitted, open reduction assisted by a distractor and internal fixation with a mini locking plate was performed. Functional outcomes were assessed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) at the final follow-ups and complications during follow-up. Results The 18 patients were followed up for one to 4 years (average, 2 years). Their AOFAS hindfoot-ankle scores ranged from 55 to 96 points (average, 80.4 points); their VAS ranged from 0 to 6 points (average, 1.5 points). Radiographic evidence of degeneration was noted in 10 patients. Of them, 2 reported persistent pain which was cured by arthrodesis after conservative therapy failed and one presented with symptoms of injury to sural and cutaneous nerves which disappeared after oral administration of neurotrophic drugs for half a year. No such complication as skin necrosis, infection or implant failure occurred in other patients. Conclusion Open distractor-assisted reduction and internal fixation of lateral foot column with a mini locking plate, combined with bone graft if necessary, is an effective treatment for Lisfranc injury complicated with compressive fracture of lateral foot column, because it can effectively restore the alignment of lateral column and result in satisfactory therapeutic effects. Key words: Cuboid bone; Calcaneus; Foot joints; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal

ZnxMg60–xO60 Nanoclusters with Tunable Near-Ultraviolet Energy Gaps

(MgO)60 and (ZnO)60 are predicted to be magic-number clusters in the shapes of cuboid (CB) and double-layer cage (DC), respectively. The composite ZnxMg60–xO60 nanoclusters that are isovalent to (MgO)60 and (ZnO)60 are studied using a basin hopping method with our newly developed combinatorial-ion-exchange (CIE) sampling technique and molecular dynamics in conjunction with density functional theory. The most stable ZnxMg60–xO60 is found to be either a CB (at low x) or a DC (at high x) nanocluster depending on the value of x with the crossover point at x = 42 or at Zn/Mg ≈ 2:1. CIE basin hopping calculations reveal that Zn prefers sites with the lowest Zn–O coordination, whereas Mg prefers sites with the highest Mg–O coordination. Aggregation of two small nanoclusters to form a large magic-number ZnO–MgO composite nanocluster is thermodynamically favorable. Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations show that the aggregation is dependent on the structural motifs of the small (MgO)n and (ZnO)n reactant...

Open reduction combined with a variable angle foot plate for treatment of acute Lisfranc frac-ture-dislocation

Objective To analyze the clinical outcomes of a standard protocol of open reduction and internal fixation using a variable angle foot plate for a consecutive series of patients with acute Lisfranc joint injury. Methods This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of 11 Chinese patients (13 feet) with acute Lisfranc joint injury who had been treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a variable angle foot plate from December 2016 to June 2017 at Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital.They were 8 men (10 feet) and 3 women (3 feet), aged from 19 to 57 years (average, 36.4 years).Of them, 10 were complicated with fracture of metatarsus, 6 with cuneiform fracture and/or dislocation, 4 with cuboid fracture, and one with cuboid fracture.According to the Myerson classification for Lisfranc frac-ture-dislocations, one case (one foot) belonged to type A, 2 (2 feet) to type B1, 5 (6 feet) to type B2, 2 (3 feet) to type C1 and one (one foot) to type C2.The outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the midfoot scores of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Results This cohort was followed up for 18 to 24 months (average, 22 months).Their VAS scores were decreased signif-icantly from preoperative 7.3±1.2 (from 6 to 9) to postoperative 1.2±0.2 (from 0 to 2) (P<0.05); their AOFAS midfoot scores were increased significantly from preoperative 0 to postoperative 84.6±4.6 (P< 0.05).Anatomic reduction was obtained in all the patients and all the fractures united successfully without any delayed union or nonunion.Superficial necrosis of the wound edge occurred in 2 cases without deep in-fection; skin anesthesia occurred in 2 and skin hypesthesia in 4, indicating a lesion of the superficial peroneal nerve. Conclusion Fixation of acute Lisfranc joint injury with a variable angle foot plate can lead to rigid stability, precise reduction and satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes. Key words: Foot; Wounds and injuries; Bone plate; Lisfranc

Packing convex homothetic polytopes into a cuboid

Packing convex homothetic polytopes into a cuboid

Testing method and distribution characteristics of spatial pesticide spraying deposition quality balance for unmanned aerial vehicle

In order to explore the spatial pesticide spraying deposition distribution, the downwash flow field characteristics for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pesticide application with accurate flight height and velocity and the relationship of these two aspects, a novel measurement method was proposed in this paper. A model ‘3WQF80-10’ single-rotor diesel UAV was tested using this method in wheat field and the effects of flight direction, flight parameters and crosswind on the distribution of spatial spraying deposition quality balance (SSDQB) and the downwash flow field distribution were researched. A cuboid aluminum sampling frame of spatial spraying deposition quality balance (SFSSDQB) with monofilament wires was made for collecting the droplets in four directions, and a set of multi-channel micro-meteorology measurement system (MMMS) was applied for measuring the downwash wind speed in three directions. Besides, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BNSS) was used for controlling and recording the working height, velocity and track of this model of single-rotor UAV. The results showed the distribution of the spatial spray deposition and the downwash flow field of UAV could be measured effectively at exact flight height and velocity via this method. When the average wind speed was 0.9 m/s, the average temperature was 31.5°C and the average relative humidity was 34.1%, and the average distribution ratios of spraying deposition for model ‘3WQF80-10’ UAV on the upwind part, the top part, the downwind part and the bottom part were 4.4%, 2.3%, 50.4% and 43.7%, respectively. The flight directions of forward and backward had an impact on droplet deposition distribution and the working effect of flying backwards, with 60% of deposition ratio of the bottom part of the SFSSDQB, was better than flying forward. There was a linear negative correlation between the coefficient of variation (CV) of the bottom part and the flight height and the coefficient of determination was 0.9178, which means that the deposition distribution becomes more uniform with the increase of height. Additionally, there was a linear positive correlation between weighted mean deposition rate and crosswind speed and the coefficient of determination was 0.9684, which shows the deposition distribution gets more concentrated towards the downwind part with the rise of crosswind speed. Therefore, according to the results of tests of downwash airflow speed, it is shown that regardless of the flight direction and height and the crosswind, all these factors influence the droplet deposition distribution via weakening the intensity of the downwash airflow field in the direction perpendicular to the ground. The results can provide valuable information for the research of UAV pesticide application techniques and the establishment of the standard of spraying deposition and drift tests of UAV in crop field. Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), spatial spraying deposition, distribution, downwind airflow, flow field DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181102.3187 Citation: Wang C L, He X K, Wang X N, Wang Z C, Wang S L, Li L L, et al. Testing method and distribution characteristics of spatial pesticide spraying deposition quality balance for unmanned aerial vehicle. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(2): 18–26.

Development of real-time laser-scanning system to detect tree canopy characteristics for variable-rate pesticide application

Improving pesticide application efficiency is increasingly important in orchard spraying. In this study, a laser-scanning system was designed to acquire gridding volumes of a tree to quantify the geometry characteristics of the tree canopy in real-time. A laser-scanning sensor mounted on a linear guide was utilized to measure the structure of a target tree canopy. A computer was used to receive measurement data from the laser scanner and obtain the movement distance of the laser-scanning sensor from a controller. An algorithm written with VC# program was designed to calculate gridding volumes of trees by recognizing valid measurement data from the laser scanner. Laboratory evaluations were conducted on three kinds of regular objects, and the maximum relative errors of section volumes of the cuboid, triangular prism and cylinder objects were 3.3%, 7.9% and 9.4%, respectively, which illustrated that the algorithm could calculate the section volumes in different parts of the objects with high accuracy. A conifer tree and an apple tree were chosen to verify detecting accuracy of the laser-scanning system at variable speeds and grid sizes. The variation coefficients of total volumes for each kind of the tree were 0.078 and 0.041, respectively, which indicated that the laser-scanning system could be applied to provide the gridding volumes of different canopy densities in real-time with good reliability for guiding a variable-rate sprayer. Keywords: laser-scanning system, sensor, tree canopy, variable-rate spray, pesticide application efficiency, gridding volumes, calculation algorithm DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20171006.3140 Citation: Cai J C, Wang X, Song J, Wang S L, Yang S, Zhao C J. Development of real-time laser-scanning system to detect tree canopy characteristics for variable-rate pesticide application. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2017; 10(6): 155–163.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary bone lymphoma

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, efficacy and prognostic factors of primary bone lymphoma (PBL). Methods The clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of 19 PBL patients from January 2012 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Nineteen PBL patients included 11 males, 8 females, and the median age was 51 years old. It occurred mainly in cuboid (5 cases) and spine (5 cases). 8 patients received chemoradiotherapy and 11 patients received chemoradiotherapy only. The overall response rate was 89.5%, including 12 cases with complete remission (CR) and 5 cases with partial remission. The 2-year overall survival (OS) and the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 19 patients with completed follow-up were 61.0% and 48.3%, respectively. Further analysis of 15 patients with primary bone diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PB-DLBCL) subgroup showed that their 2-year OS and PFS rates were 59.2% and 45.5% respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that the international prognostic index (IPI) score (≤2), no soft tissue invasion and CR in initial treatment could be treated as the favorable prognostic factors of both OS and PFS; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score (≤2) could improve OS; the addition of rituximab could improve PFS. Multivariate analysis indicated that the IPI score was the only independent factor of OS and soft tissue invasion was the only independent factor of PFS. Conclusions For PB-DLBCL patients, low IPI score (≤2) and local soft tissue without invasion indicate better prognosis, furthermore, a more appropriate IPI model should be explored based on local soft tissue invasion. Key words: Lymphoma, bone; Lymphoma, large B-cell, diffuse; Prognosis

Measuring and modeling two-dimensional irrigation infiltration under film-mulched furrows

Furrow irrigation with film-mulched agricultural beds is being promoted in the arid region of northwest China because it im-proves water utilization. Two-dimensional infiltration patterns under film-mulched furrows can provide guidelines and criteria for irrigation design and operation. Our objective was to investigate soil water dynamics during ponding irrigation infiltration of mulched furrows in a cross-sectional ridge-furrow configuration, using laboratory experiments and mathematical simulations. Six experimental treatments, with two soil types (silt loam and sandy loam), were investigated to monitor the wetting patterns and soil water distribution in a cuboid soil chamber. Irrigation of mulched furrows clearly increased water lateral infiltration on ridge shoulders and ridges, due to enhancement of capillary driving force. Increases to both initial soil water content (SWC) and irrigation water level resulted in increased wetted soil volume. Empirical regression equations accurately estimated the wetted lateral distance ( R l ) and downward distance ( R d ) with elapsed time in a variably wetted soil medium. Optimization of model parameters followed by the Inverse approach resulted in satisfactory agreement between observed and predicted cumulative infiltration and SWC. On the basis of model calibration, HYDRUS-2D model can accurately simulate two-dimensional soil water dynamics under irrigation of mulched furrows. There were significant differences in wetting patterns between unmulched and mulched furrow irrigation using HYDRUS-2D simulation. The R d under the mulched furrows was 32.14% less than the unmulched furrows. Therefore, film-mulched furrows are recommended in a furrow irrigation system.

Epidemiological characteristics of adult cuboid fracture in The Third Affiliated Hospital to Hebei Medical University from 2003 through 2012

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and trends of adult cuboid fractures in our hospital from 2003 through 2012. Methods The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed of all the adult patients with cuboid fracture who were treated between January 2003 and December 2012 at our institute. The patients' age, gender, fracture site and AO classification were documented. The data between January 2003 and December 2007 were assigned into group A while those between January 2008 and December 2012 into group B. The epidemiological characteristics concerning age, gender and fracture type were compared between the 2 groups. Results During the 10 years, 259 cuboid fractures were treated, involving 181 males and 78 females, with a male to female ratio of 2.32:1. They accounted for 4.45% of the contemporary adult tarsal fractures, 1.86% of the contemporary adult foot fractures, and 0.24% of the contemporary adult systemic fractures. Their peak ages ranged from 21 to 30 years (23.55%). The most frequent fracture type was 84-A (69.50%). In group A, there were 87 cases, with a male to female ratio of 2.00: 1 and a median age of 35.0 years. In group B, there were 172 cases, with a male/ female ratio of 2.51:1 and a median age of 42.0 years. There was a significant difference in the mean age between the 2 groups (P<0.05). Compared with group A, group B had significantly higher proportions of cuboid fracture in the contemporary tarsal, foot and systemic fractures, a significantly smaller age group of 16 to 20 years, and a significantly higher proportion of type 84-B (P<0.05). Conclusions During the 10 years in our hospital, the peak age of adult cuboid fracture ranged from 21 to 30 years. The most common fracture type was 84-A. compared with the first 5 years, the second 5 years witnessed a decreased proportion of patients of 16 to 20 years old, increased proportion of type 84-B, increased median age, and increased proportions of cuboid fracture in the contemporary tarsal, foot and systemic fractures. Key words: Tarsal bones; Cuboid bones; Fractures, bone; Epidemiology; Adult

On the existence of non‐microbiotherian Australidelphian marsupials (Diprotodontia) in the Eocene of Patagonia

AbstractA diverse assemblage of extinct mammals of early–middle Eocene age (Ypresian–Lutetian boundary) come from the Patagonian localities of La Barda and Laguna Fría around Paso del Sapo in northwestern Chubut Province (Argentina). Metatherians are well represented, mostly by dental remains of ‘Didelphimorphia’, Paucituberculata, Sparassodonta, Microbiotheria, and Polydolopimorphia. Here we analyse three calcanea and one astragalus referable to the same, indeterminate taxon, from La Barda, showing the fusion of their ectal and sustentacular facets. This facet arrangement characterizes the Australidelphia, a marsupial clade represented by Microbiotheria from South America and Antarctica, plus all Australasian lineages. Other australidelphian features shown by these tarsals include: in the calcanea, a reduced peroneal process and a tripartite cuboid facet; in the astragalus, a round, very small astragalar head in relation to the body; a convex trochlea with a half for the tibia and half, in slightly lower position, for the fibula. Their size and other anatomical features suggest that the new tarsals cannot be referred to the Microbiotheria. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the La Barda taxon lies within the Australidelphia, and that it is either closely related or belongs to, the Diprotodontia. The existence of advanced australidelphians in Patagonia adds further evidence of the close relationship between Patagonia, Antarctica, and Australia during the Late Cretaceous – early Palaeogene.

Clinicopathologic features of cystic hypersecretory lesion of the breast

To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and differential diagnosis of cystic hypersecretory lesion (CHL) of the breast. Clinicopathologic and follow-up data of six cases of breast CHL in 2010-2013 were collected and reviewed.Immunohistochemical and mucinous staining was performed. All six patients were female, age ranged from 37 to 71 years (average 49.3 years). Three cases were cystic hypersecretory hyperplasia (CHH), the other three cases were cystic hypersecretory carcinoma (CHC). Clinically the lesions presented as either breast mass or mammographic calcification.Grossly, the cystic hypersecretory lesions were poorly circumscribed, with multiple colloid containing cysts on the cut surface. Microscopically, the remarkable feature was numerous enlarged cysts which contained densely eosinophilic homogeneous secretion similar to the colloid seen in thyroid follicles, and calcification was seen in the cyst in one case. The secretion was D-PAS and mucicarmine positive. The lining epithelium of the cysts was uniformly flat, cuboid or columnar, and arranged in a monolayer. The cells may be arranged in turfs, solid or micropapillary patterns in CHH.In cases with dysplasia, the epithelium showed cytological and structural atypia, but the usual morphology of atypical dutal hyperplasia such as arcades, rigid bridges or cribriform pattern was less common. The three CHC included two invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) and one ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).In CHL, there was immunoreactivity to S-100 protein, CK5/6 and CK14.Of the three CHCs, ER and PR were expressed in only one IDC.No HER2 expression was identified in the two invasive CHCs.One patient was lost to follow-up, and the rest were uneventful at 18 months. CHL of the breast is a rare pathological entity. Multiple colloid-filled cysts is a unique histological feature. The epithelium of CHL may show usual hyperplasia, dysplasia or carcinoma.

Typing and operative management of malunion after midfoot injury

Objective To characterize clinical treatment of the malunion after midfoot injury.Methods A retrospective study was carried out of the 22 cases of malunion following complex midfoot injury who had been admitted to our hospitals from June 2004 through June 2012.They were 19 men and 3 women,16 to 65 years of age (mean,37.8 years).There were 6 cases of Lisfranc joint injury 7 cases of Lisfranc joint complex injury combined with cuboid compression fracture and 9 cases of Lisfranc joint complex injury combined with navicular fracture.Eight patients presented with poor soft tissue and massive scar at the dorsal foot.The foot deformity was categorized into 3 types and 3 subtypes repectively,with type Ⅰ indicating normal foot arch (type Ⅰa forefoot abduction,type Ⅰb forefoot adduction and type Ⅰc normal forefoot),type Ⅱ Pes Cavus deformity (type Ⅱa combination with forefoot abduction,type Ⅱb combination with forefoot adduction,and type Ⅱc normal forefoot),and type Ⅲ flatfoot deformity (type Ⅲa combination with forefoot abduction,type Ⅲb combination with forefoot adduction,and type Ⅲc normal forefoot).There were 2 cases of type Ⅰa,4 cases of type Ⅰc,9 cases of type Ⅱa,4 cases of type Ⅲ a,and 3 cases of type Ⅲc in our cohort.According to the malunion typing,fascio-cutaneous flap,osteotomy,joint arthrodesis,or realignment was used to correct deformity.Clinical outcomes were evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)midfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS).Results All the patients were followed up for an average of 34.7 months (range,from 15 to 53 months).The mean VAS score was 2.0 points (range,from 0 to 6 points) and the mean AOFAS score was 83.9 points (range,from 73 to 94 points) at the last follow-up,giving an excellent to good rate of 81.8％.All cases obtained favorable functional outcomes without bone nonunion,except for one patient who still suffered from midfoot walking discomfort 3 years after operation.Conclusions Operative management of malunion following midfoot injury is effective and good results can only be obtained by stabilizing the injured joint,realignment and restoring foot arch.Our typing of the midfoot malunion is helpful in the operative treatment. Key words: Foot injuries; Foot deformities, acquired; Surgical procedures, operative

Cannulated screws combined with transposition of cuboid periosteal flap pedicled with fascia and lateral tarsal artery in the treatment of talus neck fractures

Objective To investigate the surgical techniques and clinical efficacy of cannulated screws combined with transposition of cuboid periosteal flap pedicled with fascia and lateral tarsal artery in the treatment of talus neck fractures.Methods From March 2008 to June 2011,12 cases with talus neck fractures were treated with cannulated screws combined with transposition of cuboid periosteal flap pedicled with fascia and lateral tarsal artery.External fixation in functional position for 12-14 weeks,and the load time was determined by X-ray fracture healing.Functional results were assessed according to AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score at last follow-up.Results Twelve cases were followed up for an average of 24 months (12 to 48 months).One case of skin flap necrosis healed by dressing.All the fractures healed,and the mean healing time was 20 weeks (16 to 24 weeks).AOFAS ankle and hindfoot mean postoperative score was 82.5 (ranging from 55 to 96) points.Among them 4 cases were excellent,good in 5 cases,fair in 3 cases.Two cases presented with mild posttraumatic subtalar arthritis and pain relief after oral anti-inflammatory analgesic.One case with avascular necrosis of talus body,and X-ray displayed sclerosis of talus body,but no collapse,and the patient was told to reduce weight and regularly followed up.Conclusion The application of cannulated screws combined with transposition of cuboid periosteal flap pedicled with fascia and lateral tarsal artery for the treatment of talus neck fractures is an effective treatment,which can improves the blood supply of the talus body and reduces the occurrence of avascular necrosis of the talus. Key words: Talus ; Fractures ; Lateral tarsal artery; Cuboid ; Periosteal flap; Transposition

Evaluation of midfoot function after subtalar arthrodesis

Objective To evaluate the influence of simple subtalar arthrodesis to the motion and degeneration of midfoot.Methods Data of 37 patients (27 males,10 females) with an average age of 42.6 years who had undergone subtalar joint fusion from January 1996 to August 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.The MOS item short form health survey (SF-36),American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score were used.Midfoot sagittal and coronal motion were measured on ankle radiographs of maximum plantar flexion and dorsiflexion.On sagittal plane,the Meary angle was measured and the bilateral tarsometatarsal joints mobility was compared.On coronal plane,tibio-plantar angles (TPA) on 30 degrees varus slope and 30 degrees valgus slope were respectively measured on the anterio-posterior ankle X-ray films to observe the changes of midfoot activities.Besides,single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) of bilateral foot and ankle was taken to estimate the degeneration of midfoot joint.Results All the 37 patients were followed-up,with mean follow-up period of 9.2 years.The average SF-36 scores was increased from 34.26± 11.02 points preoperatively to 77.59± 12.57 points postoperatively.The average AOFAS midfoot scores were 86.14± 16.79 points preoperatively and 86.43± 16.70 points postoperatively without any statistical significant difference.On sagittal plane,medial tarsometatarsal joints mobility was limited by 20％.According to coronal plane of varus slope,the average TPA of healthy side and operated side were 61.32° and 64.91°,respectively,so the varus mobility of operated side was limited by 12.5％.While standing on the valgus slope,the average TPA of both sides were 76.54° and 82.28°,which indicated that valgus mobility of operated side was reduced by 42.6％.35.1％ patients of talonavicular joint,56.8％ patients of calcaneocuboid joint,and 27.0％ patients of metatarsal cuboid joint were found mild joint degeneration on SPECT/CT images without any clinical symptoms.Conclusion Subtalar arthrodesis can affect midfoot with less limit of sagittal mobility and more limit of coronal movement.And the lateral joints degeneration is more likely to happen for their compensatory activity. Key words: Subtalar Joint; Arthrodesis; Tarsal joints; Osteoarthritis

Bending of Allotropic Blocks 1

Recently, Green & Adkins examined finite flexure of an aelotropic cuboid and indicated the conditions under which the problem may be regarded as solved. In this paper, the problem of bending of an aelotropic circular block into an ellipsoidal shell has been examined on the lines of Green & Adkins and a solution has been obtained in terms of a completely general energy function for both compressible and incompressible materials. The problem of bending of a circular block into a spherical shell has been obtained as a particular case.

Surgical treatment of isolated fractures of the sustentaculum tali of calcaneus

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of surgical treatment of isolated fractures of the sustentaculum tali of calcaneus via medial approach.Methods The data of 23 patients with isolated fractures of the sustentaculum tali of calcaneus was retrospectively analyzed who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with cannulated screw or Kirschner wire via medial approach from September 2006 to March 2011.There were 19 males and 4 females,with an average age of 26.3 years (range,17-41 years).Associated injuries included 4 cases of talus fracture,4 of metatarsal fracture,and 3 of cuboid fracture.The functions of hiudfoot were assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores pre-operation and post-operation respectively.Results Fifteen patients got followed up with an average 20.5 months (10-56 months).Thirteen patients were rated as good,2 as excellent,and the excellent and good rate was 100％(15/15).All the fractures were stabilized reliably,and got clinical union with no obvious complications occurred.Time of fracture union was 8-10 weeks,with an average of 8.5 weeks.Three patients felt mild transient pain during the recovery of walking,but their pain disappeared quickly after physical therapy.No patients developed wound infection,nonunion and other complications.Conclusion For isolated fractures of the sustentaculum tali of caleaneus with articular surface displaced greater than 1 mm or involving the articular surface of middle subtalar joint,open reduction and internal fixation operation via medial approach under direct visualization is recommendable. Key words: Calcaneus; Fractures; Internal fixators; Fracture fixation, internal

Surgical treatment of the cuboid fractures

Objective To explore the operative methods of open reduction and fixation for the cuboid fractures. Methods The study involved 12 patients with cuboid fractures treated from October 2006 to October 2008. There were seven males and five females, at average age of 38.5 years (range 18-70 years). All patients had closed fractures, including 10 with compression fracture and two with sagittal fractures. The surgical treatments included open reduction, internal fixation by plate, screw or K-wire.Results Ten patients were followed up for 15 months on average ( range 12-24 months), which showed one stage wound healing, with mean time of bone union for 10 weeks ( range 8-15 weeks). No infection was found in any patient. The weight load walk began at 12 weeks ( range 8-18 weeks), with no obvious pain. According to American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) midfoot scale, the mean score was 88.6 (range 73-100). Conclusion Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation of the cuboid fractures is the key point for recovery of foot form, stabilization and function of the feet. Key words: Tarsal bones; Fracture fixation, internal; Follow-up studies

Three-column theory in the clinic treatment of tarsometatarsal joint injuries

Objective To investigate how the three-column theory can be applied in the treatment of injuries of the tarsometatarsal joint. Methods From January 2003 to April 2008, 38 patients with fracture-dislocation of the tarsometatarsal joint were treated, including 11 open injuries. According to anatomical three-column classification, 5 cases involved the single medial column, 13 the medial and middle columns, 8 the middle and lateral columns, 5 the single lateral column, and 7 the three columns. The fractures were complicated with the scaphoid in 6 cases, the cuboid in 5, the cuneiform in 12, and the metatarsal in 21. Hollow screws or plates were used to fix the tarsometatarsal joint depending on the severity for closed injury, and K-wires with or without a micro-external fixator for open injury. Results All patients had a mean follow-up of 16.5 months (range, 12 to 25 months) . All the wounds healed primarily except 2 open cases that had to receive flap reconstruction due to wound infection. Radiological evaluation demonstrated that 30 cases restored anatomic configuration of the three columns and transverse arch, but 8 showed flatfoot deformity and 7 complained of pain after removal of implants. Evaluation by Hardcastal functional and radiological scoring system showed 18 excellent cases, 11 good ones, 5 fair ones and 4 poor ones, with a good to excellent rate of 76. 3%. Conclusions The three-column theory can provide significant guidance for clinical practice. The medial and middle columns need to de reconstructed and fixed firmly, and the lateral column needs elastic fixation. The cuneiform and cuboid bones must be reconstructed as well. Key words: Foot injuries; Fracture fixation, internal; Tarsometatarsal joint; Three-column theory