Critical size defects (CSD) in the long bones of New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have been used for years as an experimental model for investigation of the effectiveness of a new bone substitute material. There are varieties of protocols available in the literature. This technical note attempts to present an alternative surgical technique of a CSD in the New Zealand white rabbit tibia. Methods: Thirty-nine New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. A CSD of approximately 4.5 mm (width) X 9.0 mm (length) was surgically drilled at the proximal tibial metaphysis, approximately 1 cm from the knee joint. The surrounding of soft tissue was repositioned and sutured layer by layer with bioabsorbable surgical suture. Two x-rays of anteroposterior and lateral were taken before assessed under computed tomography scan at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Results: This alternative method created CSD with less bleeding from the muscle observed. No mortality or other surgical complications observed within 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks following surgery. Conclusion: A simple and safe method for performing CSD was demonstrated and recommended as an alternative approach for surgery on New Zealand White rabbits.
Synovial osteochondromatosis is an unusual, rare and benign tumour. This disease is characteristically monoarticular, most commonly found in knee joint, however it is rarely found in the elbow. A 49-year-old Indian man presented to hospital with a 6-month history of pain, swelling, intermittent locking, loss of range of motion of right elbow and a considerable size of elbow with no recollection of associated trauma. Plain radiographs of right elbow showed numerous radiopaque round and oval loose bodies within the right elbow joints. Computer Tomographic (CT) scan showed multiple bony mass within the right elbow joint. Arthroscopic synovectomy, debridement, excisional biopsy and loose body removal combined with miniarthrotomy of the right elbow was performed due to limited exposure for removal of larger loose bodies. Histopathological examination of the tissue sample is consistent with the diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis. The clinical and radiological evaluation at 6th month postoperatively showed marked reduction in the volume of the elbow, further improvement of elbow range of motion of this patient and the Mayo elbow performance score before surgery and at 6 months postoperative, with an increase from 50 to 80 points. Synovial osteochondromatosis of the joints is a rare condition. The signs and symptoms are not specific and may be suggestive of other pathology conditions. Arthroscopic synovectomy and removal of loose body is the standard operative procedure till today. However, combination of arthroscopy and miniarthrotomy in cases of large loose bodies may provide a good clinical and functional outcome.
A novel injectable calcium phosphate bone cement (osteopaste) has been
developed. Its potential application in orthopaedics as a filler of bone defects has been
studied. The biomaterial was composed of tetra-calcium phosphate (TTCP) and tricalcium
phosphate (TCP) powder. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
healing process of osteopaste in rabbit tibia.(Copied from article).
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity among teenager. For those indicated, early surgical intervention allows better surgical correction due to flexibility of the spine during teenage years, hence good functional outcome and better cosmetic can be expected. In this case report, there is the management of four patients surgically using the posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Pre-operatively patients were examined at IIUM Medical Centre spine clinic, all necessary investigations were carried out. A thorough explanation was done to patient and parents regarding procedure, risk and benefit. All patients were treated using the same surgical technique. Neuromonitoring was used throughout the whole surgery until skin closure. All patients were hospitalized around one week. Post-operatively patients were followed up at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and every six months thereafter. It is important for clinicians to identify patients with AIS as early detection and timely treatment will change the natural history of curve progression. Surgical intervention when necessary will be easier and with less risk of complications when surgery was carried out during teenage years as the spine is more flexible and the deformity is less severe.
This is a prospective study on infection following fixation of closed fractures done in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan ,Kuantan from May 2003 to May 2005. There were 23 cases in this study. The mean age of patient was 32.9 years (range 15 to 77). Twenty one were males and 2 females. Twenty (87%) infections occurred in the lower limb and only 3(13%) occurred in the upper limbs. Twenty two patients (91%) had plating done for the fracture. Infection following internal fixation is commonly a deep seated (96%) and florid (78%) infection in which 70% occur after the surgical wound has healed. Staphylococcus aureus is the commonest organism isolated in which 43% are Methicillin resistant (MRSA). Overall infection caused by gram negative organisms is more common than gram positive organisms.
A 15-year–old Malay male with congenital insensitivity to pain presented with recurrent septic arthritis of the left knee complicated by osteomylitis. Repeated arthrotomy and wound debridement was done, however, the condition was not resolved. Amputation was suggested as the best method of treatment to eradicate the infection.