ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients with refractory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative epilepsy and to evaluate potential clinical predictors. MethodsA retrospective collection of efficacy data was conducted on 24 patients with intractable MRI-negative epilepsy treated with VNS, who were followed up for more than six months, at Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Beijing Fengtai Hospital from January 2016 to September 2023. Patients were divided into two subgroups based on their response to VNS: responders (≥50% reduction in seizure frequency) and non-responders (<50% reduction in seizure frequency). The relationship between preoperative clinical data and VNS efficacy was further analyzed to identify potential predictors of VNS efficacy. ResultsA total of 24 patients were included, with an average age of (14.26±8.39) years old. Seizure frequency was reduced by more than 50% in 37.5% of patients, and 8.3% of patients achieved seizure-free after VNS treatment. Preoperative seizure frequency and interictal epileptiform discharge type were significantly associated with VNS efficacy (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that a monthly seizure frequency of less than 100 and focal interictal epileptiform discharges were independent predictors of VNS efficacy (P<0.05). ConclusionVNS is an effective treatment for patients with refractory MRI-negative epilepsy. Lower monthly seizure frequency and focal interictal epileptiform discharges are potential predictors of VNS efficacy. These findings provide important references for clinicians in selecting and evaluating patients for VNS treatment.
Objective To review the research progress of the role of periosteum in distraction osteogenesis. Methods The related domestic and foreign literature about the role of periosteum in distraction osteogenesis in recent years was extensively reviewed, summarized, and the mechanism and influencing factors of periosteum during traction and osteogenesis were analyzed. Results The periosteum is rich in all kinds of cells (mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, etc.), microvessel and various growth factors, which are necessary for the formation of new bone. It can promote the formation of new bone in the process of traction osteogenesis significantly. Conclusion The periosteum plays an important role in the progress of distraction osteogenesis.
Objective To provide the anatomical basis for the appl ication of the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap. Methods Ten cadavers which were immersed in formal in less than 6 months and were perfused by red latex were used in this study. There were 8 males and 2 females with an average age of 58 years (range, 35-78 years). The origin, course, branch,distribution, diameter, pedicle length, and neighbour of superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein were observed in the 2 sides of inguinal region. Results In these series of 10 cadaver (20 sides) dissections, the superficial inferior epigastric artery was identified in 18 sides, which average cal iber was 1.48 mm with a mean vascular pedicle length of 4.80 cm. In 11 sides, the superficial inferior epigastric artery arose aspart of a common trunk with one or more other vessels; in other 7, it originated from the femoral. There were 4 branch modes of superficial inperior epigastric artery: single trunks (5 sides), double ramification (3 sides), single lateral ramification (7 sides), and single medial ramification (3 sides). The superficial inferior epigastric vein was observed in 20 sides, which average cal iber was 2.33 mm with a mean sides pedicle length of 5.45 cm. In 8 sides, the venous drainage was as an individual vein; in 12 sides, both patterns were observed (a pair of venae comitantes and an individual vein). Conclusion The inferior epigastric artery flap can be appl ied to microsurgical flap transfer, potentially in breast reconstruction, phalloplasty, reconstruction of head, neck and four l imbs defects.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of folded transverse superficial epigastric artery perforator flap in repairing the large penetrating defect after buccal carcinoma resection. Methods Between January 2019 and June 2021, 12 patients with buccal squamous cell carcinoma were treated. There were 6 males and 6 females with an average of 66.9 years (range, 53-79 years). The pathological stage was T3a-T4b, and the preoperative mouth opening was (3.08±0.46) cm. The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months, with an average of 15 months. After buccal carcinoma radical resection and neck lymph node dissection, the penetrating defects in size of 8 cm×6 cm to 16 cm×8 cm and in depth of 0.5-1.5 cm were remained. The transverse superficial epigastric artery perforator flap in size of 8 cm×6 cm to 14 cm×8 cm were harvested and folded to repair the penetrating defects. The donor site was sutured directly. Results All 12 skin flaps survived after operation, and the wounds healed by first intention. No internal or external fistula complications occurred. All incisions at the recipient site healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). There was no obvious abnormality in the color and texture of the flap, the oral and facial appearances were symmetrical, and there was no obvious swelling in the cheek. At last follow-up, the patient’s mouth opening was (2.89±0.33) cm, which was not significantly different from that before operation (t=1.879, P=0.087). The subjective satisfaction scores of 12 patients were 6-8 points, with an average of 7.3 points. Significant scars remained at the donor site but concealed in location. Conclusion The folded transverse superficial epigastric artery perforator flap can be used as a surgical method for repairing large penetrating defects after the buccal carcinoma resection, with a good recovery of facial appearance and oral function.
With high thermal stability, excellent mechanical properties, suitable biocompatibility and radiolucency, polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) have been widely used in biomedical field such as trauma, spinal implants, craniomaxillofacial repair and so on. However, PAEKs are bio-inert in nature and often show weak osteointegration with host bone, limiting their further utilization in biomedical application. Therefore, how to improve the bioactivity and osteointegration of PAEK implants has become the focus in biomedical field. This paper reviews the current research advance and some existed problems in bioactive PAEKs, and outlooks the possible solution.
ObjectiveTo explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the X-ray cross complementary repair gene-1 (XRCC1) rs1799782 locus and thyroid cancer.MethodsStudies investigating the association between SNP in the XRCC1 gene and thyroid cancer susceptibility were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang, and CBM (China Biology Medicine) databases (published date up to February 15, 2021). Eligible studies were screened according to inclusion/exclusion criteria and principles of quality evaluation. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. Odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were pooled to assess the association between SNP in the XRCC1 gene rs1799782 locus and thyroid cancer susceptibility.ResultsTwelve articles were eligible for this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results were shown as follows: No significant association was found between XRCC1 rs1799782 polymorphism and thyroid cancer in overall population [Dominant model: CT+TT vs CC, OR=1.07, 95%CI (0.84, 1.36). Recessive model: TT vs CT+CC, OR=1.48, 95%CI (0.95, 2.31). Allelic model: T vs C, OR=1.15, 95%CI (0.93, 1.43). Codominant model: TT vs CC: OR=1.44, 95%CI (0.83, 2.53); CT vs CC, OR=1.02, 95%CI (0.82, 1.28); TT vs CT, OR=1.40, 95%CI (0.98, 1.99)]. rs1799782 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of thyroid cancer in Chinese population [Dominant model: CT+TT vs CC, OR=1.38, 95%CI (1.11, 1.71). Recessive model : TT vs CT+CC, OR=1.97, 95%CI (1.55, 2.50); Allelic model: T vs C, OR=1.40, 95%CI (1.16, 1.68). Codominant model: TT vs CC, OR=2.12, 95%CI (1.66, 2.71); CT vs CC, OR=1.26, 95%CI (1.09, 1.47); TT vs CT, OR=1.70, 95%CI (1.31, 2.21)]. rs1799782 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of thyroid cancer in Asian population [Dominant model: CT+TT vs CC, OR=0.64, 95%CI (0.49, 0.83). Codominant model: TT vs CC: OR=0.50, 95%CI (0.33, 0.74); CT vs CC, OR=0.65, 95%CI (0.49, 0.86)].ConclusionsThere is no significant correlation between XRCC1 rs1799782 polymorphism and the risk of thyroid cancer in general population. The XRCC1 rs1799782 polymorphism may be associated with an increased thyroid cancer risk among Chinese, and a tendency for decreased thyroid cancer risk among Asians (Chinese excluded). The XRCC1 rs1799782 polymorphism is not associated with thyroid cancer susceptibility among Caucasians under all genetic models.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization technique for chronic non-specific low back pain. MethodsFrom July 2019 to June 2020, 60 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain who underwent rehabilitation at the outpatient clinic of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine were prospectively selected. All patients were divided into trial group and control group by random number table method. There were 30 cases in each group. The control group used rehabilitation education and core muscle strength training. The trial group used dynamic neuromuscular stabilization of chest and abdomen combined with breathing control training on the basis of the treatment plan of the control group. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Dability Index (ODI), abdominal pressure stability, xiphoid level thoracic mobility and axillary level thoracic mobility were compared between the two groups of patients. ResultsAll the 60 patients in this study completed the trial, and there was no recurrent case during treatment, after treatment or during follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, or course of disease between the two groups (P>0.05). Taking VAS score as the dependent variable, the result of generalized estimating equations showed that the difference in VAS score between the trial group and the control group was statistically significant (χ2=4.132, P=0.042), and the VAS scores at 12 weeks of follow-up and at 8 weeks of treatment differed significantly from that before treatment (χ2=1618.814, P<0.001; χ2=1573.419, P<0.001); the between-group comparisons at different time points showed that the difference in VAS score between the two groups at 12 weeks of follow-up was statistically significant (P<0.001), and the remaining between-group differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Taking ODI score as the dependent variable, the result of generalized estimating equations showed that the difference in total ODI score between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=11.063, P=0.001), and the ODI scores at 12 weeks of follow-up and at 8 weeks of treatment differed significantly from that before treatment (χ2=524.694, P<0.001; χ2=717.236, P<0.001); the between-group comparisons at different time points showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups at 8 weeks of treatment and at 12 weeks of follow-up (P<0.001). After treatment, the improvement of stability value of abdominal pressure [(−4.93±8.14) vs. (−1.33±4.78) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)], the improvement of xiphoid level thoracic mobility [(1.87±0.62) vs. (1.52±0.70) cm] and the improvement of axillary level thoracic mobility [(1.78±0.62) vs. (0.92±0.45) cm] in the trial group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionThe dynamic neuromuscular stabilization technique can improve the dysfunction and relieve the symptoms of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, and it is worthy of promotion.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and advantages of skeletal tractor in closed reduction and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture compared with traction table.MethodsThe clinical data of 86 patients with intertrochanteric fractures, who were treated with closed reduction and PFNA internal fixation between October 2016 and March 2018 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analysed. Among them, 44 cases were treated with skeletal tractor (trial group) and 42 cases were treated with traction table (control group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, AO classification, and degree of osteoporosis (P>0.05). The preoperative position time, operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and postoperative Harris score were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe operation was successfully completed in both groups. Compared with the control group, the patients in the trial group had shorter preoperative position time and operation time, fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). The patients were followed up 12-21 months in trial group (mean, 14.2 months) and 12-22 months in control group (mean, 14.3 months). Venous thrombosis of lower extremity occurred in 8 patients (3 cases of trial group and 5 cases of control group) after operation. Internal fixation failure occurred in 5 patients (2 cases of trial group and 3 cases of control group) during 1 year after operation. All fractures healed except for those with internal fixation failure, the fracture healing time was (11.6±2.9) weeks in trial group and (12.4±3.6) weeks in control group; and there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.250, P=0.214). At 1 year after operation, Harris score of the trial group was 86.2±5.9 and that of the control group was 84.1±6.1. There was no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.768, P=0.080).ConclusionCompared with traction table, skeletal tractor in closed reduction and PFNA internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture can significantly shorten the preoperative position time and operation time, reduce the intraoperative fluoroscopy times, improve the operation efficiency, and have similar effectiveness.
In unicompartmental replacement surgery, there are a wide variety of commercially available unicompartmental prostheses, and the consistency of the contact surface between the common liner and the femoral prosthesis could impact the stress distribution in the knee after replacement in different ways. Medial tibial plateau fracture and liner dislocation are two common forms of failure after unicompartmental replacement. One of the reasons is the mismatch in the mounting position of the unicompartmental prosthesis in the knee joint, which may lead to failure. Therefore, this paper focuses on the influence of the shape of the contact surface between the liner and the femoral prosthesis and the mounting position of the unicompartmental prosthesis on the stress distribution in the knee joint after replacement. Firstly, a finite element model of the normal human knee joint was established, and the validity of the model was verified by both stress and displacement. Secondly, two different shapes of padded knee prosthesis models (type A and type B) were developed to simulate and analyze the stress distribution in the knee joint under single-leg stance with five internal or external rotation mounting positions of the two pads. The results showed that under a 1 kN axial load, the peak contact pressure of the liner, the peak ACL equivalent force, and the peak contact pressure of the lateral meniscus were smaller for type A than for type B. The liner displacement, peak contact pressure of the liner, peak tibial equivalent force, and peak ACL equivalent force were the smallest for type A at 3° of internal rotation in all five internal or external rotation mounting positions. For unicompartmental replacement, it is recommended that the choice of type A or type B liner for prosthetic internal rotation up to 6° should be combined with other factors of the patient for comprehensive analysis. In conclusion, the results of this paper may reduce the risk of liner dislocation and medial tibial plateau fracture after unicompartmental replacement, providing a biomechanical reference for unicompartmental prosthesis design.
ObjectiveTo investigate the method of treating tuberculosis in the craniovertebral junction and its effectiveness.MethodsThe clinical data of 18 patients with tuberculosis in the craniovertebral junction between July 2010 and January 2019 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 14 males and 4 females, aged 21 months to 75 years (median, 35 years). The disease duration ranged from 2 weeks to 60 months (median, 4 months), and the affected segment was C0-C3. Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.7±1.5 and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 16.1±1.8. The American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) grading system was applied to classify their neurological functions, according to which there were 6 cases of grade D and 12 cases of grade E. Among 18 patients, 4 patients underwent conservative treatment, 1 patient removed tuberculosis via transoral approach, 1 patient removed tuberculosis via posterior cervical approach, and 12 patients removed tuberculosis via transoral approach immediately after posterior cervical (atlantoaxial or occipitalcervical) fusion and internal fixation. The VAS score, ASIA grading, and JOA score were applied to evaluate effectiveness. X-ray film, CT, and MRI were taken after treatment to evaluate the tubercular recurrence, cervical stability, and bone healing.ResultsAll the patients were followed up 3 to 42 months (median, 12 months). At 3 months after treatment, the VAS score was 1.7±1.0, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=15.000, P=0.000); and the JOA score was 16.7±1.0, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=1.317, P=0.205). According to ASIA grading, 6 patients with grade D before treatment had upgraded to grade E after treatment, while the remaining patients with grade E had no change in grading. The imaging examinations showed the good stability of the cervical spine. All patients had complete tuberculosis resection and no recurrence, and the patients who underwent internal fixation via posterior cervical approach achieved atlantoaxial or occipitalcervical bone fusion.ConclusionOn the premise of regular chemotherapy, if there is no huge abscess causing dysphagia or dyspnea, atlantoaxial instability, and neurological symptoms, patients can undergo conservative treatment. If not, however, the transoral approach can be used to completely remove the tuberculosis lesion in the craniovertebral junction. One-stage debridement via transoral approach combined with posterior cervical fusion and internal fixation can achieve satisfactory effectiveness.