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Biomedical subjects

G K Frykman

Publications and source records attributed to G K Frykman.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Treatment of scaphoid nonunion with casting and pulsed electromagnetic fields: a study continuation.

This article presents a continuation of a study of the treatment of scaphoid nonunion with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and cast immobilization. Fifty-four patients were reviewed. The overall success rate for healing has decreased since the previous review from 80% to 69%. Proximal pole fractures healed in 50%. Success in nonunions with associated radiographic evidence of avascular necrosis decreased from 89% to 73%. Although we believe that the indications for use of PEMF have not changed significantly, this study suggests that a successful outcome with PEMF and casting is less likely than previously reported. We believe that until additional clinical studies have further defined the indications, treatment protocol, and efficacy of this method PEMF treatment should be a secondary alternative to bone-grafting procedures.

Adolescent

Irreducible epiphyseal plate fracture of the distal ulna due to interposition of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon. A case report.

It is well known that tendon or muscle interposition can cause fractures to be irreducible by closed means. A rare tendon interposition of extensor carpi ulnaris occurred in an 11-year-old boy. The isolated displaced distal ulnar physeal injury was the result of a motor vehicle accident. Attempts to perform a closed reduction failed. At operation, an interposed extensor carpi ulnaris tendon was found. After repositioning the tendon, a near anatomic reduction was easily accomplished. Only two cases seem to have been reported in the literature on the need for open reduction of distal ulnar physeal injury, none with an interposed tendon. Interposed extensor carpi ulnaris tendon should be considered as a cause of irreducible displaced distal ulna epiphyseal fracture.

Bone Nails

Automated nerve fiber counting using an array processor in a multi-minicomputer system.

It has been suggested that recovery of motor and sensory function in the site distal to a peripheral nerve lesion should be improved if the nerve bundles (fasciculi) are matched and individually sutured. Three parameters are proposed to provide quantitative data: the count of the nerve fibers that regenerate, the number of functional regenerated nerve fibers, and a measurement of end organ reinnervation. A thin cross section of a transected and repaired sciatic nerve of a mongrel cat is fixed, stained, photographed, and digitized through a microscope 6 months following nerve repair. The data arrays are then subjected to four basic processing routines: edge enhancing, thresholding, template matching, and peak detection. Finally, the peaks are counted and provide an estimate of the number of nerve fibers in the nerve under study. Comparing counts of nerve fibers proximal and distal to the transection site of the nerve provide data on the proportion of regeneration present at various times. The content of this paper is, to a large extent, describing the implementation of the needed image-processing algorithms for automated counting on the Multi-MiniComputer System (MMCS). Optimal use of the AP-120B array processor and the pipeline processing provided by using the Eclipse 200s and the Nova 3 make a marked improvement in overall throughput.

Animals

Peripheral nerve hamartoma with macrodactyly in the hand: Report of three cases and review of the literature.

Two patients with hamartomas of the median nerve and one with hamartoma of the ulnar nerve associated with macrodactyly are described. Nineteen similar cases of this association have been found in the literature. There is evidence that these two conditions are part of a localized regional growth disturbance. This type of macrodactyly should be differentiated from neurofibromatosis.

Adult

Peripheral nerve injuries in children.

Recovery after peripheral nerve injuries in children is more complete than in adults and is inversely related to the age of the patient. The prognosis for the return of sensation following laceration of the median, ulnar, or digital nerve depends upon recovery of two point discrimination (in millimeters approximately equal to the child's age) at the time of nerve repair. The better results in children probably reflect the greater adaptability of the immature central nervous system to the nerve injury. Operative exploration of an open wound when there is a potential for nerve injury in an uncooperative child is the only sure way of determining the status of the nerves. Primary repair of cleanly divided nerves in tidy wounds is advocated if it can be done competently. Secondary repair is indicated for avulsion injuries, gunshot wounds, crush injuries, and human or animal bites. Delicate, atraumatic technique and accurate repair of the divided nerve are stressed. The more exacting technique of funicular repair may yield better results. Interfascicular cable grafting is a new and useful alternative to extensive mobilization in closing nerve gaps. Nonoperative treatment of nerve injuries associated with closed fractures is advocated unless there are no signs of nerve regeneration in two to three months. Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries of the upper plexus carry a better prognosis than lower plexus or total plexus injury. Early range of motion exercises to prevent contractures are stressed. Maximal recovery takes place within two years. The acute nerve compression syndrome should be considered an emergency and may require surgical decompression if it is severe and if rapid return of function does not occur following reduction of the fracture.

Adolescent