An external fixator in finger reconstruction

A fast, simple and always available low cost external fixation device, made of two parallel plastic tubes and transverse Kirschner wires was devised and clinically tested.

A simple aid for determination of nipple-areola position

A simple, inexpensive aid for nipple-areola site determination is the disposable electrocardiographic electrode. Patients participate in positioning of the future nipple-areola complex, and accurate localization can be checked even when the breast is covered with a brassiere.

Burns caused by bromine and some of its compounds

Our experience with infrequent and unfamiliar types of injury caused by various compounds of bromine are described and discussed. While bromine containing compounds share some of the characteristics of other common causes of chemical burns, they also have a specific, exclusive mode of affecting the skin. The delay in the appearance of clinical signs and symptoms is an important factor to be considered by those who treat injuries caused by bromine or some of its compounds, or by those who may be the first to see persons who are injured by these agents. As most of the injuries occur at work (92 per cent) it is in these industrial premises that considerable stress should be made of the importance of wearing protective clothing in order to reduce local damage and prevent systemic effects. Prompt first aid, by thorough washing with large volumes of water reduces the extent and depth of the injury.

High-pressure water jet injury of the hand

A rare case of high-pressure injection injury to the thumb with water is reported. The problem was managed without surgical exploration despite subsequent involvement of the small finger.

Latissimus dorsi three-flap nipple reconstruction

The author describes the use of latissimus dorsi skin in a one-stage procedure for reconstruction of the nipple. Three flaps of skin are fashioned based on a central disk design.

Cartilage tube formation by perichondrium: a new concept for tracheal reconstruction

The formation of a cartilage tube by perichondrium around a silicone rod is described. Variables introduced in three experiments were (1) perichondrium of auricular elastic cartilage versus that of rib hyalin cartilage, (2) intramuscular versus subcutaneous insertion of the implants, and (3) the position of the chondrogenic layer of the perichondrium either facing the rod or facing outward. A stable and rigid cartilage tube with a smooth inner surface was obtained by using rib perichondrium preferably with the chondrogenic layer facing the rod. No differences between subcutaneous and intramuscular insertion of the transplants were noted.

Treatment of mallet fingers by tenodermodesis

Recurrent and chronic mallet fingers were treated by tenodermodesis. The results of this simple and reliable technique are reviewed over a period of two and a half years in twenty-seven patients.

[Studies on sintering of dental porcelain. (Part 2) Binary system sintering of quartz and low fusing frit (author's transl)]

The effect of quartz addition was investigated on the sintering processes of powder compacts made from frit and glass powder with quartz powder. The results obtained are summarized as follows. 1) The quartz powder gave some effects on the shrinkage curves and the firing temperature range of frit and glass powder. Pyrex glass powder was more effective on the firing temperature range of the powder compacts with quartz addition comparing with other frits and glass powders. 2) The produced crystal during heat treatment of the powder compacts made from pyrex glass powder with quartz powder were cristobalite. 3) The sintered composite showed larger thermal expansion value by expansion due to the transition of cristobalite followed with the crystallization of cristobalite than that without crystallizing property.

An intraneural hemangioma of a digital nerve--case report

A case of cavernous hemangioma of the palm in combination with an intraneural hemangioma of the ulnar digital nerve of the index finger is described. Treatment consisted of resection of both lesions with the involved part of the digital nerve and bridging of the defect with a nerve graft.

[Studies on sintering of dental porcelain. (Part 1) Binary system sintering of alumina and low fusing frit (author's transl)]

Dental porcelains were made from frit and glass powder with electro fused alumina powder addition in the range from 20 to 60 wt% using sintering method at the temperature from 500 degree C to 1 000 degree C, and the effects of alumina content and firing temperature on firing processes of sintered composite were investigated. Shrinkage curves of the powder compacts varied with kind of frit and content of alumina. Particulary, powder compact with alumina addition in the range from 50 to 55% was found to have a remarkable influence for extention of firing temperature range. The densification of the powder compacts was considered to be accelerated by the dissolution of a small a mount of alumina particle into the frit and glass above 900 degree C. Expansion coefficient value of sintered composite of alumina and Pyrex glass powder gradually increased with increase of alumina content. Inversely, expansion coefficient of soda-lime-silica glass showed the minimum value at 40 wt% alumina content and then had a tendency of slight increases with increase of alumina content.

A poly(HEMA) sponge for restoration of articular cartilage defects

The properties of poly(HEMA) sponges have been studied after implantation in the weight-bearing articular surfaces of young and adult rabbit knees. Only sponges with small pores (less than 50 micrometer) were able to withstand weight-bearing. After 12 weeks, the implants were overgrown by cartilaginous or fibrocartilaginous tissue, and the ingrowth of chondroid tissue into the sponges was observed.

Cartilage formation from perichondrium in a weight-bearing joint. An experimental study

In 30 young and 20 adult rabbits a standard defect was made in the cartilage of both lateral tibial plateaus. Spontaneous healing on the left side was compared with healing after transplantation of an auricular perichondrial graft on the other. The latter was fixed in two different ways. Autologous perichondrial grafts result in repair of the articular cartilage, in young as well as in adult animals, provided that the chondral side of the graft is directed to the joint cavity. The different findings in both age groups are discussed.

Partial inhibition by lithium of the epinephrine-stimulated rise in plasma cyclic GMP in humans

Lithium-treated and drug-free individuals were each given 0.5 mg epinephrine subcutaneously and blood samples withdrawn for measurement of plasma cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. The rise in plasma cyclic GMP in response to epinephrine was found to be partially inhibited by lithium treatment, and previous reports of lithium inhibition of the plasma cyclic AMP rise were replicated. Effects of lithium on cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP may relate to lithium's biphasic efficacy in depression and mania.