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Biomedical subjects

G Puddu

Publications and source records attributed to G Puddu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

First measurement of the rho spectral function in high-energy nuclear collisions.

We report on a precision measurement of low-mass muon pairs in 158 AGeV indium-indium collisions at the CERN SPS. A significant excess of pairs is observed above the yield expected from neutral meson decays. The unprecedented sample size of 360,000 dimuons and the good mass resolution of about 2% allow us to isolate the excess by subtraction of the decay sources. The shape of the resulting mass spectrum is consistent with a dominant contribution from pi+pi- -->rho -->mu+mu- annihilation. The associated space-time averaged spectral function shows a strong broadening, but essentially no shift in mass. This may rule out theoretical models linking hadron masses directly to the chiral condensate.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

[Open wedge osteotomy of the distal femur in the valgus knee].

This review presents a novel technique for open-wedge varus osteotomies of the distal femur in lateral compartment osteoarthritis in valgus knees. Indications and contraindications are discussed. The technique, its potential pitfalls, and postoperative management are presented. The authors' results with this technique are compared to the data of the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A new technique for the study of periapical bone lesions: ultrasound real time imaging.

AIM: This study describes the use of a real time-ultrasound imaging technique (echography) for the study of periradicular lesions. METHODOLOGY: Twelve patients with periapical lesions of endodontic origin, diagnosed with conventional clinical and radiographic examination, were examined further using echography at the site of the diagnosed lesions. Each lesion was echographically characterized and described by an expert echographist together with an endodontist. Once the major echographic features were identified, information on the size of the lesion, its content, and its vascular supply was obtained and recorded. A tentative differential diagnosis between a cyst and a granuloma was made based on the data. RESULTS: In all cases it was possible to obtain an echographic image. It was also possible to measure the lesions, to evaluate their content and to view their vascularization in different regions of the mouth. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound real time imaging is a promising diagnostic technique in endodontology, but further work is required to refine the process.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed2001

Determination of the human salivary peptides histatins 1, 3, 5 and statherin by high-performance liquid chromatography and by diode-array detection.

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with diode-array detection for the quantification of several human salivary peptides is described. Sample pretreatment consisted of the acidification of whole saliva by phosphate buffer. This treatment produced precipitation of mucins, alpha-amylases and other high-molecular-mass salivary proteins, simultaneous inhibition of intrinsic protease activities and reduction of sample viscosity. Direct HPLC analysis by diode-array detection of the resulting acidic sample allowed one to quantify histatin 1, histatin 3, histatin 5, statherin, as well as uric acid, in normal subjects. Moreover, the groups of peaks pertaining to proline-rich proteins and cystatins were tentatively identified. The method can be useful in assessing the concentration of salivary peptides from normal subjects and from patients suffering oral and/or periodontal diseases.

Acids↗
PubMed2000

The axial view in evaluating tibial translation in cases of insufficiency of the posterior cruciate ligament.

The purpose of this report is to present a new radiological method of diagnosis and evaluation of posterior instability using the patellofemoral axial view. During a period of 22 months, we performed clinical and radiological assessments on 20 patients (6 acute and 14 chronic) with isolated posterior instability caused by posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture and on 20 patients with normal knees. The radiological examination included stress radiographs using the Telos device (Telos, Griesheim, Germany) as well as a modification of the routine axial patellofemoral view. Both diagnosis and quantification of the posterior tibial translation was possible in all cases by measuring, on the axial view, the distance between the anterior edge of the tibial plateau and the center of the femoral groove (trochlea). Clinical examination, conventional radiography, KT-1000 arthrometry, stress radiography at 90 degrees and at 20 degrees of flexion, and magnetic resonance imaging all assist in diagnosing a PCL tear. This new radiographic technique is simple, fast, and consistently effective both in patients with acute and those with chronic PCL tears, as well as in those who have undergone PCL reconstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Anterior cruciate ligament patellar tendon reconstruction: it is probably better to leave the tendon defect open!

The purpose of our prospective study was to establish whether or not in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) patellar tendon reconstruction the tendon defect has to be closed. In 50 consecutive ACL patellar tendon reconstructions, the tendon defect was randomly closed (group I) or left open (group II). The following data were recorded from all patients on the 4th and 14th days post operation: range of motion (ROM), pain at rest, pain and validity at isometric contraction, ability of bent leg raising (at 4th day) and straight leg raising (at 14th day). All the patients underwent ultrasonographic examination after 3 months and X-ray scanning at 6 months post operation. Forty patients underwent a CT-scan examination at 6 months. Thirty patients underwent isokinetic testing between 10 and 12 months post operation. Evaluating the immediate post operation data, no statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups. Ultrasonography showed in 68% of the knees of group I (defect closed) a thickened patellar tendon (PT), while in 60% of group II it was of normal thickness. No patients of either group developed patella infera by X-ray evaluation 6 months post operation. CT scans at 6 months showed that 100% of the knees of group I had a thickened PT in toto (nearly twice as thick as normal). Scar tissue was present not only in its central third but also in more than half of the cases in the medial and lateral third. In group II 75% of the patients had a normal thickness PT and 25% presented with only a minimal thickening. Scar tissue was distinguished only at its central third.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The double patella syndrome.

First described by A. Trillat, the double patella is an uncommon clinical feature following repetitive injuries of the extensor mechanism of the knee. The first injury is a tendo-periosteal avulsion of the suprapatellar or, less frequently, infrapatellar tendon from the corresponding patellar pole. Often these avulsions are misdiagnosed and therefore treated only with a cast or no immobilization at all. Subsequent giving-way episodes lead to extensive ossification which is adjacent to or separated from the patella. The peculiar shape of this ossification overriding or underlying the primary kneecap justifies the denomination of double patella. Surgical treatment consists of removal of the calcification and reattachment of the tendon to the patella by transosseous sutures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Different patterns of meniscal tears in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and in chronic ACL-deficient knees. Classification, staging and timing of treatment.

Through the retrospective study of 1103 reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) performed between 1984 and 1993, we try to outline the natural history of meniscal tears in acute lesions and in chronic insufficiency of the ACL. According to a more accurate evaluation of the clinical evolution, ACL-deficient knees can be classified into four different stages: acute, subacute, subchronic and properly chronic laxities. While acute injuries show a higher rate of lateral meniscus tears, chronic laxities are very frequently associated with severe medial meniscus lesions. Subacute and subchronic stages seem therefore to be the most favourable phases for ACL reconstruction, because of the lower percentage of severe associated meniscus tears and the minor risk of arthrofibrosis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

Arthroscopic treatment of the flexed arthritic knee in active middle-aged patients.

Twenty patients (22 knees) treated by arthroscopic removal of the anterior tibial osteophyte were selected for review from more than 150 arthroscopic debridements of the knee over a 5-year period (1986-1991). All the patients were middle-aged active individuals with competitive sports activity in their past. Their main complaint was flexion deformity of the knee (5 degrees-20 degrees) associated with pain and discomfort in recreational sporting activities and/or in activities of daily living. Roentgenographic examination in all cases showed an anterior tibial osteophyte located just anterior and medial to the anteromedial tibial spine of the intercondylar eminence. No varus or valgus malalignment or subchondral necrosis was detected. Arthroscopic treatment consisting of removal of the anterior tibial osteophyte by shaving and extraction of the bone, followed by a moderate notchplasty, was sufficient to improve the active extension of the knee and to decrease the pain and stiffness of the joint.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and augmentation with PDS graft.

The article briefly explains the biomechanical properties of the PDS and the most important ways of its use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The different techniques of ACL reconstruction with gracilis and semitendinosus tendons are outlined. The authors explain their technique of ACL reconstruction with gracilis and semitendinosus plus PDS-band. The possible variations and pitfalls are pointed out. The results of this surgery are expounded.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗
PubMed1992

Microvasculature of the human medial meniscus: operative findings.

The purpose of our study was to weigh the probability of a successful meniscus repair on the basis of the microvasculature of the human medial meniscus. In a series of 105 patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between January 1985 and December 1986, we chose the 40 patients who had a subtotal medial meniscectomy (38%) to study the microvasculature of the human medial meniscus adequately; the other patients had either an intact meniscus (23%), a meniscus repair (29%), or an already removed meniscus (10%). Forty medial menisci, from 40 male patients with an average age of 27 years, having an anterolateral and/or anteromedial chronic knee laxity and an associated meniscal pathology, were subdivided into two groups: (a) 20 tears restricted to the posterior horn, and (b) 20 bucket-handle tears observed under light microscopy. Meaningful capillary plexuses penetrating into the meniscal stroma were found in 18 of 40 menisci (45%). They were easier to identify in posterior horn tears (55%) than in bucket-handle tears (35%), and were found especially in younger patients (22 years on the average). Therefore, we encourage meniscus repairs even in chronic tears, particularly in younger patients and in posterior-horn tears.

Adult↗