Distal radius fractures: treatment using the Epibloc system.

Summary The Epibloc™ system of percutaneous endomedullary internal fixation is best indicated for AO type A2-3 extra-articular fractures of the distal radius and AO type C1 slightly comminuted articular fractures. This system includes pins that can be inserted into the medullary canal and advanced without breaking through the second cortex. This fixation is stabilised by an external plate and rendered dynamic by the pins' elasticity which compresses the fractured surfaces. Moreover, this system results in transversal ligamentotaxis which helps prevent secondary reduction losses. The result of a preliminary series of 326 cases is evaluated

Can we regrow a human arm? A negative perspective from an upper-limb surgeon

If we would like to devote time and money to the task of regrowing a human arm, we should feel free to do it, in principle. However, if we recognize a purpose in biomedical research, we must scrutinize this task in the light of a possible clinical application. We will then discover that regrowing a human arm is not only likely to be not possible, but also not required in the clinic. Bionic arms and better reconstructive surgery already provide a different, simpler and easier solution to the loss of a human arm, and should be promoted. Probably, "can we regrow a human arm?" is not the right question. Instead, we should ask, "can we restore the function of a lost human arm?"

Nerve-conduits or nerve-guides? When terminology matters

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A discussion on the limits of carbon-fibres reinforced polymers prompted by a case of destruent synovitis in the wrist

A discussion on the limits of carbon-fibres reinforced polymers prompted by a case of destruent synovitis in the wris

Role of Phosphatidyl-Serine in Bone Repair and Its Technological Exploitation

In the 1970s, morphological evidence collected by electron microscopy linked mineral deposition ( calcification or mineralization ) in newly-forming bone to membrane-encapsulated particles of a diameter of approximately 100 nm (50 200 nm) that were called matrix vesiscles . As the characterisation of these vesicles progressed towards their biochemical composition, the role of lipids in the biomineralization process appeared to be crucial. In particular, a group of cell-membrane phospholipids were identified as major players in the crystal formation process. Indeed, in the 1980s it became clear that phosphatidylserine, together with proteins of the annexin family, was among the most important molecules in binding calcium ions and that this phospholipid was involved in the regulation of the early stages of mineralization in vivo. During the same period of time, the number of surgical implantations of orthopaedic, dental and maxilo-facial devices requiring full integration with the treated bone prompted the study of new functionalisation molecules able to establish a stable bonding with the mineral phase of the host tissue. In the late 1990s studies started that aimed at exploiting the potential of calcium-binding phospholipids and, in particular, of the phosphatidylserine as functionalisation molecules to improve the osteointegration of artificial implants. Later, papers have been published that show the potential of the phophatidylserine and phosphatidylserine-mimicking coating technology to promote calcification both in vitro and in vivo. The promising results support the future clinical application of these novel osteointegrative biomaterials

Ulnar nerve regeneration in a 70-year-old patient assessed upon revision of a degradable nerve guide after 9 months.

This report gives the notice that the use of a degradable nerve guide and its removal after a clinical recovery was achieved, both proved beneficial in treating a 70-years old patient giving him a better outcome than what was expected with traditional autograft transplantation