METHODS: Nerve conduit was developed using decellularised artery seeded with C. asiatica-neurodifferentiated MSCs (ndMSCs). A 1.5 cm sciatic nerve injury in Sprague-Dawley rat was bridged with reversed autograft (RA) (n = 3, the gold standard treatment), MSC-seeded conduit (MC) (n = 4) or ndMSC-seeded conduit (NC) (n = 4). Pinch test and nerve conduction study were performed every 2 weeks for a total of 12 weeks. At the 12th week, the conduits were examined by histology and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS: NC implantation improved the rats' sensory sensitivity in a similar manner to RA. At the 12th week, nerve conduction velocity was the highest in NC compared with that of RA and MC. Axonal regeneration was enhanced in NC and RA as shown by the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP). The average number of myelinated axons was significantly higher in NC than in MC but significantly lower than in RA. The myelin sheath thickness was higher in NC than in MC but lower than in RA.
CONCLUSION: NC showed promising effects on nerve regeneration and functional restoration similar to those of RA. These findings revealed the neuroregenerative properties of C. asiatica and its potential as an alternative strategy for the treatment of critical size nerve defect.
METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent distal volar locking plate for distal radius fracture were included in a retrospective study. In all 30 patients no dorsal and intra-articular screw penetration were detected on standard AP and lateral views of a plain radiograph. CT scan of the operated wrist was performed to determine the number of intra-articular and dorsal screw penetrations. Clinical examination was performed to determine the wrist functions in comparison to the normal wrist.
RESULTS: Nineteen wrists were noted to have screw penetration either dorsally or intraarticularly. The highest incidence is in the 2nd extensor compartment where 13 screws had penetrated with a mean of 2.46 mm. Six screws penetrated into the distal radial ulnar joint and five screws into the wrist joint with a mean of 2.83 mm and 2.6 mm, respectively. However, there was no incidence of tendon irritation or rupture.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a high incidence of dorsal and intra-articular screw penetration detected by CT scan which was not apparent in plain radiograph. We recommend that surgeons adhere to the principle of only near cortex fixation and downsizing the locking screw length by 2 mm.