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Biomedical subjects

G T Rodeheaver

Publications and source records attributed to G T Rodeheaver.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Compensatory growth following premature closure of the coronal suture in rabbits.

Premature closure of a cranial suture results in skull deformation characterized by inhibited skull growth in a direction perpendicular to the course of the affected suture. Early surgical release of the closed suture results in a "normal" skull morphology. The present experimental study measured alterations in growth at the transverse cranial sutures that occurred following induced premature closure of the coronal suture and its subsequent release in New Zealand White rabbits. Using roentgenocephalometric methods, growth and morphometric changes were monitored at the frontonasal, coronal, and anterior lambdoid sutures following premature closure of the coronal suture at 9 days of age. The results indicated that premature closure of the coronal suture did not result in compensatory (increased) growth at the other transverse sutures of the vault. In fact, growth at these sutures was significantly reduced. This reduced growth at adjacent transverse sutures was not ameliorated by early surgical release of the fused suture.

Animals↗

Mechanical performance of polyglycolic acid and polyglactin 910 synthetic absorbable sutures.

The mechanical performance of polyglycolic acid and polyglactin 910 sutures has been assessed using standardized reproducible tests. The results of these studies demonstrated distinct differences in their performance that can be related, in part, to their structural configuration. The size of the 4-0 polyglactin suture was significantly larger than that of the 4-0 polyglycolic acid suture. Since the strength of any suture is proportional to its cross sectional area, the strength of unknotted and knotted polyglactin 910 sutures was signficantly greater than that of the polyglycolic acid sutures. The strength of both sutures was similarly diminished by the formation of the knot. When these sutures were added to tissue, the breaking strength was even further reduced. The rate of decline in breaking strength of the two absorbable sutures in healing skin wounds was comparable. These absorbable sutures displayed knot security with a two throw square knot, 1 = 1. The ability of these sutures to reach knot break with this knot configuration is characteristic of sutures in which the surface exhibits a high coefficient of friction. Their rough surface also caused them to drag through tissue, making difficult to adjust tension on a continuous running suture.

Absorption↗

Pluronic F-68: a promising new skin wound cleanser.

Pluronic F-68 is a new skin cleanser that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans. In experimental studies, this nonionic detergent prevented the development of infection with no discernible toxicity. We have used Pluronic F-68 clinically in wounds in more than 1,000 patients without demonstrable side effects. As a result of this experience, Pluronic F-68 has replaced all other commercially available scrub solutions for use as a skin wound cleanser in our medical center.

Animals↗

In vivo and in vitro antimicrobial activity of silver sulfadiazine and cerium nitrate.

The antimicrobial activity of cerium nitrate and silver sulfadiazine was assessed in vitro and in vivo using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vitro, the activity of silver sulfadiazine was significantly greater than that of cerium nitrate. Synergism between silver sulfadiazine and cerium nitrate was observed in water or saline solution suspensions, but not in broth. In vivo, cerium nitrate offered no therapeutic benefit in reducing wound infection in contaminated wounds. Treatment of similar wounds with silver sulfadiazine resulted in a significant decrease in wound infection and in the level of viable bacteria when compared with that for untreated controls. The addition of cerium nitrate to silver sulfadiazine in aqueous soultion reduced the therapeutic benefit of silver sulfadiazine.

Animals↗

Topical antimicrobial cream sensitivity testing.

These gratifying results have made topical antimicrobial sensitivity testing an integral part of bacteriologic monitoring of the burn wound. Presently, we use the needle extrusion test routinely on all burn patients at our center. Its selection over the other antimicrobial tests is based on technical considerations. The needle extrusion test can be completed by an experienced technician within five minutes, but the disk diffusion test and agar-well diffusion test take two and five times longer, respectively. This time saving is an important consideration when the microflora of ten or more burn patient at our center are being monitored by this test every other day. This test system may prove useful for the topical antibiotic selection for the treatment of other wounds beside the burn wound. Its potential value in these other conditions must await the results of carefully controlled clinical studies.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Activity of antibiotics in contaminated wounds containing clay soil.

Most traumatic wounds are contaminated to some degree by soil and run a high risk of infection. The presence of soil in wounds interferes with natural tissue defenses, which include phagocytosis and serum bactericidal capacity. The experimental studies reported herein clearly demonstrate that soil also limits the antibacterial effects of specific antibiotics. This inactivation appears to be the result of a chemical reaction between the charged antibiotics and the soil particles.

Animals↗

Extinguishing the flaming burn victim.

The multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers are unusually efficient in extinguishing many classes of fire: A) ordinary combustible; B) flammable liquids and C) electrical equipment. This exemplary performance of multipurpose extinguishers is associated with minimal toxic effects to humans. Following contact of soft tissue with the multipurpose dry chemical, the tissue exhibits a remarkable ability to resist infection and a normal capacity to heal following injury. This negligible toxicity of the multipurpose dry chemicals makes them safe for extinguishing the flaming clothes of human burn victims.

Animals↗

Practical technique for quantitating anaerobic bacteria in tissue specimens.

Quantitative bacteriology has considerable influence on the care and management of surgical wounds. Heretofore, these techniques have been limited to measurements of aerobic bacteria. A technique is reported herein which permits quantitation of obligately anaerobic bacteria in tissue specimens. This technique is easily reproduced in any clinical laboratory and eliminates the need for expensive anaerobic chambers.

Anaerobiosis↗

Craniofacial growth following experimental craniosynostosis and craniectomy in rabbits.

Premature fusion of the coronal suture was produced in 9-day-old rabbits by immobilization of the suture area bilaterally with methyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive. The effects of suture fusion and its surgical release on suture growth and on skull morphology were evaluated by radiographic cephalometry. Immobilization resulted in significant changes in the angular dimensions in the vault toward an anteroposterior shortening. No permanent deformity was observed in the angular relationship between the cranial base and the facial skeleton. Craniectomy at 30 days, when a skull deformity had been established, resulted in rapid separation of the bones at the suture site which returned the deformed skull to a normal configuration by 90 days of age. Surgical removal of a normal suture in a control group also resulted in accelerated separation of the bones at the excised suture site, but it was less than after removal of an immobilized suture. The experimental data indicate that premature fusion of rapidly growing sutures results in consistent skull deformity. Early release of the fusion, when this is the primary abnormality, will result in spontaneous correction of the deformity.

Age Factors↗

Mechanisms by which proteolytic enzymes prolong the golden period of antibiotic action.

These experimental studies provide an explanation for the therapeutic value of proteolytic enzymes as adjuncts to antibiotic treatment of contaminated wounds. After wounding, a fibrinous coagulum develops on the wound surface. This coagulum surrounds the bacteria and protects them from contact with sustemically or topically administered antibiotics. Treatment of the wound surface with proteolytic enzymes disrupts the coagulum and exposes the bacteria to the action of the antibiotic. The topical use of enzymes is also associated with significant increases in the concentration of antibiotic at the wound and thus a decrease in the rate of infection.

Administration, Topical↗