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Biomedical subjects

B J van Royen

Publications and source records attributed to B J van Royen.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Basilar impression in osteogenesis imperfecta: can it be treated with halo traction and posterior fusion?

Basilar impression (BI) and hydrocephalus complicating osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is usually treated by anterior transoral decompression and posterior fixation. Nevertheless, it may be questioned if posterior fusion following axial halo traction is adequate in patients with symptomatic BI complicating OI. We report on a case with progressive symptomatic hydrocephalus and BI complicating OI that was successfully treated by halo traction followed by posterior occipitocervical fusion. However, after a symptom free interval of 2 years the patient suffered from recurrence of symptomatic hydrocephalus needing additional ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. In conclusion, posterior fusion without additional VP shunt placement may not be effective in the long term for ameliorating symptoms and signs and halting progressive hydrocephalus in BI complicating OI.

Adult↗

ASAS/EULAR recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence based recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) as a combined effort of the 'ASsessment in AS' international working group and the European League Against Rheumatism. METHODS: Each of the 22 participants was asked to contribute up to 15 propositions describing key clinical aspects of AS management. A Delphi process was used to select 10 final propositions. A systematic literature search was then performed to obtain scientific evidence for each proposition. Outcome data for efficacy, adverse effects, and cost effectiveness were abstracted. The effect size, relative risk, number needed to treat, and incremental cost effectiveness ratio were calculated. On the basis of the search results, 10 major recommendations for the management of AS were constructed. The strength of recommendation was assessed based on the strength of the literature evidence, risk-benefit trade-off, and clinical expertise. RESULTS: The final recommendations considered the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (conventional NSAIDs, coxibs, and co-prescription of gastroprotective agents), disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, treatments with biological agents, simple analgesics, local and systemic steroids, non-pharmacological treatment (including education, exercise, and physiotherapy), and surgical interventions. Three general recommendations were also included. Research evidence (categories I-IV) supported 11 interventions in the treatment of AS. Strength of recommendation varied, depending on the category of evidence and expert opinion. CONCLUSION: Ten key recommendations for the treatment of AS were developed and assessed using a combination of research based evidence and expert consensus. Regular updating will be carried out to keep abreast of new developments in the management of AS.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Histopathology of retrieved allografts of the femoral head.

From November 1994 to March 1997, we harvested 137 grafts of the femoral head from 125 patients for donation during total hip arthroplasty according to the guidelines of the American Associations of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the European Association of Musculo-Skeletal transplantation (EAMST). In addition to the standards recommended by these authorities, we performed histopathological examination of a core biopsy of the retrieved bone allograft and of the synovium. Of the 137 allografts, 48 (35.0%) fulfilled all criteria and were free for donation; 31 (22.6%) were not regarded as suitable for transplantation because the serological retests at six months were not yet complete and 58 (42.3%) were discarded because of incomplete data. Of those discarded, five showed abnormal histopathological findings; three were highly suspicious of low-grade B-cell lymphoma, one of monoclonal plasmacytosis and the other of non-specific inflammation of bone marrow. However, according to the standards of the AATB or EAMST they all met the criteria and were eligible for transplantation. Our findings indicate that the incidence of abnormal histopathology in these retrieved allografts was 3.6%. Since it is essential to confirm the quality of donor bones in bone banking, we advise that histopathological screening of donor bone should be performed to exclude abnormal allografts.

Adult↗

Polysegmental lumbar posterior wedge osteotomies for correction of kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis.

Between 1984 and 1993 we treated 21 consecutive patients who had progressive thoracic kyphosis due to ankylosing spondylitis by polysegmental posterior lumbar wedge osteotomies. In 19 patients we used the Universal Spinal Instrumentation System and in the last 2 patients the H-frame. The average correction in 20 of 21 patients at follow-up was 25.6 degrees (range 0 degrees-52 degrees), with a mean segmental correction of 9.5 degrees and a mean loss of correction after operation of 10.7 degrees (range 0 degrees-36 degrees). There were no fatal complications, but in one patient no correction could be obtained during surgery and another patient was reoperated due to lack of correction. Breaking out of screws through the pedicle during compressive correction was seen in seven patients. Implant failure, such as breakage of the threaded rods and/or loosening of the junction between the pedicle screw and the rod, occurred in 9 out of 21 patients. Two patients required reoperation at long-term follow-up. Five out of seven deep wound infections required removal of the implant. Polysegmental lumbar wedge osteotomies for correction of progressive thoracic kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis is only recommended in patients at a mild stage of the disease with mobile discs and in combination with strong instrumentation.

Adult↗

Correction of a dystrophic cervicothoracic spine deformity in Recklinghausen's disease.

A case is presented of a 14-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis who had a 92 degrees dystrophic kyphosis (as measured on radiographs between C3 and C7) of the cervical spine. He was treated successfully by posterior stabilization and anterior fusion using a free vascularized fibula graft. This method appears to be an attractive alternative to an avascular fibula graft and avoids the risk of graft resorption (creeping substitution), weakening (fracture), or nonunion during the process of bony consolidation. It provides a stable and longstanding anterior strut, essential in the management of high grades of kyphosis. At 1-year followup the patient has no symptoms, is fully mobile, and shows radiographically complete incorporation of the graft with no loss of correction.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of frozen shoulder by distension and manipulation under local anaesthesia.

We report the results of hydraulic distension of the glenohumeral joint with manipulation using local anaesthesia and radiographic control in 24 frozen shoulders in 22 patients. In a prospective study, the pre- and postoperative range of movement in 3 planes was measured by an electronic digital inclinometer. At 3 months, the range compared with the unaffected shoulder was abduction 93%, glenohumeral abduction 84%, forward flexion 94%, backward extension 96%, internal rotation 75% and external rotation 73%. The procedure was repeated once in 3 patients. One also had a manipulation under general anaesthesia and was classed as a failure. The subjective outcome was good in all the other patients. This investigation shows that the technique is safe, reliable and effective treatment for frozen shoulder.

Adult↗

Closing-wedge posterior osteotomy for ankylosing spondylitis. Partial corporectomy and transpedicular fixation in 22 cases.

From 1990 to 1993 we treated 22 consecutive patients who had progressive spinal kyphosis due to ankylosing spondylitis by a closing-wedge posterior vertebral osteotomy with partial corporectomy of L4 and transpedicular fixation. The average correction was 32 degrees (24 to 52) with a mean loss of correction after operation of 2.7 degrees (0 to 13). The average operating time was 185 minutes (135 to 240) and blood loss was 2500 ml (1200 to 5000). The osteotomy corrected all patients sufficiently to allow them to see ahead and their posture was improved. There were no fatal complications, but in two cases there was failure of the instrumentation and one patient needed reoperation for nerve compression. Two deep wound infections required removal of the implant and six patients had superficial skin infections under the plaster. The use of a circoelectric bed and intermittent prone lying eliminated this problem.

Adult↗

Effects of immobilization and continuous passive motion on postoperative muscle atrophy in mature rabbits.

The effects of continuous passive motion and cast immobilization on muscle atrophy were compared 3 weeks after bilateral arthrotomies on 10 mature New Zealand rabbits. The gastrocnemius, rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were excised and weighed, and the dry weights of the gastrocnemius were also determined. The protein concentration and cross-sectional areas of types I and II muscle fibres in the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were measured. Compared with the results in rabbits treated by cast immobilization, continuous passive motion significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced muscle atrophy as determined from the wet and dry weights of the gastrocnemius muscles, the protein content in the tibialis anterior muscles and the cross-sectional areas of the type II fibres in the rectus femoris muscles.

Animals↗

A comparison of the effects of immobilization and continuous passive motion on surgical wound healing in mature rabbits.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of continuous passive motion (CPM) and cast immobilization on postoperative wound healing. Medical parapatellar skin incisions and arthrotomies were performed on both knees of 10 mature New Zealand rabbits. After closure of the incisions, one knee was immobilized in a cast while the other was treated by continuous passive motion for 3 weeks. Six standardized skin specimens (2 mm wide) from each wound were tested to failure and one specimen was examined histologically. With respect to the breaking force, tensile strength, strain at failure, stiffness, and toughness, the wounds in the continuous-passive-motion group were significantly stronger, stiffer, and tougher than those in the cast group. Histologically, the structural organization of the collagen fibers was also superior in the scars treated with continuous passive motion. The results of the present investigation indicate that compared to immobilization, continuous passive motion enhances postoperative wound healing in rabbits.

Animals↗