Sclerostin is a negative regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, probably through inhibition of the Wnt pathway. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) can be complicated by osteopenia and poor anabolic response, which may benefit from anabolic therapy. Sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) has been reported to stimulate bone formation and restore bone mass and strength in aged ovariectomised rats as well as to enhance fracture healing. We sought to examine the effects of Scl-Ab in a rat model of DO. A femoral osteotomy was stabilised with an EBI fixator in male Sprague Dawley rats, with distraction of 0.25mm twice daily to a total 7mm. Saline or Scl-Ab was administered twice weekly throughout distraction and/or up to 4 or 6 weeks post-commencement of distraction. Three groups were examined, Saline, Delayed Scl-Ab (D Scl-Ab, post distraction only) and Continuous Scl-Ab (Cont Scl-Ab). Radiographs demonstrated a trend for increased union rates with Scl-Ab at 6 weeks, with 50% of animals for D Scl-Ab or Cont Scl-Ab versus 20% of control animals. DEXA scans at 2 weeks revealed a 63% increase in regenerate BMD in the Cont Scl-Ab group (p< 0.01) and a 41% increase in the D Scl-Ab group (p< 0.05), compared to Saline. In addition, an increase of 116% in BMC was seen in the Cont Scl-Ab group (p< 0.01). At 6 weeks regenerate bone area was increased 18% in D Scl-Ab and 23% in Cont Scl-Ab. μCT scans of the regenerate revealed an 85%-89% increase in bone volume with Scl-Ab treatment at 6 weeks (p< 0.05). Bone volume ratio (BV/TV) was increased 77%-82% (p< 0.05). Scl-Ab treatment enhanced the amount of bone formed in this distraction model, when given throughout or post-distraction. Histological assessment of dynamic bone formation parameters will reveal the mechanism behind the enhanced repair, and its mechanical consequences will be examined.
Leg length discrepancy (LLD) after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures is a common problem reported in up to 43% of cases. Comminuted fractures with radiographic loss of bony landmarks have an increased possibility of being fixed with unequal leg lengths. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy of routinely obtaining a CT scanogram post-operatively on patients of comminuted femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and immediate correction of limb length inequality if indicated.Background
Aims
The new Fassier-Duval Telescopic IM System (FD-rod) has the advantage of a single entry point over the traditional telescopic rods such as the Bailey-Dubow or Sheffield rods. Although encouraging early results were presented by François Fassier, there is no formal publication in the literature as yet. The first 24 consecutive cases (age 1.5-12.5 years) with a minimum of 1 year follow-up (1-2.4 years) after femoral and/or tibial FD-rods were reviewed to assess complications involving migration, non-telescoping, joint intrusion, infections and re-operation rates in patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI, 15 cases), congenital tibial pseudarthrosis (CPT) in Neurofibromatosis Type1 (NF1, 2 cases), and Epidermal Naevus syndrome (1 case). In 6 cases of patients with Hypophosphataemic Rickets FD-rods were combined with an Ilizarov frame.Background
Methods
The transverse skin incision for anterior cervical spine surgery is not extensile, thus it must be made at the accurate level. The use of palpable bony landmarks is unreliable due to anatomical variations and pre-operative fluoroscopy to identify the level takes up operating room time, increases the radiation dose to the patient and increases the overall cost of the operation. To describe a simple, fast and inexpensive method of accurate transverse skin incision placement for anterior cervical spine surgery and to report on its use in 54 consecutive adult patients.Background
Objective
