Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J L Leahey.
A new technique for measuring intraosseous pressures involves inserting a miniature transducer directly into the intraosseous space. A high-performance, high-fidelity pressure transducer is easy to assemble and insert. The transducer permits dynamic studies of intraosseous pressure during gait, and constitutes a promising tool for detecting changes in intraosseous pressure in osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis.
A method of partial epiphysiodesis is described for correction of idiopathic genu valgum or varum in the adolescent patient. A standard curve is used to determine the proper timing for partial epiphysiodesis, including allowance for the remaining growth to correct the deformity before skeletal maturity is reached. The surgical technique is designed to produce partial epiphysiodesis of the femur and/or tibia. The advantages of this procedure are predictability, a small scar, and the avoidance of a second procedure. The results in 13 extremities treated and followed to maturity demonstrate the efficacy of the operation.
For better understanding of the etiology of "post-supracondylar fracture cubitus varus," an in vitro anatomic experiment was performed. Elbow models were precisely photographed in 256 combinations of 10 degrees increments of varus angulation, posterior angulation, internal rotation, and/or flexion contracture. Varus angulation was the most important single factor contributing to deformity. Addition of flexion contracture or posterior angulation to a given varus angulation decreased apparent deformity, whereas addition of internal rotation worsened the deformity. Control of varus angulation in the clinical setting, by whatever method, should minimize post-supracondylar fracture cubitus varus.
Ten years' clinical experience with below-elbow plaster cast treatment of distal one third pediatric forearm fractures was subjected to an independent retrospective radiographic review. In the study population of 761 fractures, no significant displacement occurred while the forearm remained in plaster. The average angulation change was 4.5 degrees (SD +/- 2.2 degrees). In each angulation change > 5 degrees, poor cast molding was evident, as reflected by a high "cast index" (p < 0.01). Although this technique is technically demanding, excellent results are obtained in all distal pediatric forearm fractures if proper cast molding is used.