Load distribution on the foot and lofstrand crutches of amputee football players

Background: Amputee football is a worldwide popular sport with positive physical and psychological effects on the disabled. Amputee players use their hands dominantly for locomotion. However, the effect of using upper extremity which is not accommodated to loading is not very well known. Research question: The objective of this study was to determine the load distribution of amputee football players during walking, running and kicking the ball. Methods: This study was conducted with 15 certified amputee football players (age 24.5 +/- 5.8 years, body weight 62.3 +/- 10.9 kg, height 171.6 +/- 7.7 cm). The loads on their non-amputated lower extremity were measured with F-Scan mobile system sensors inserted in their shoes, and the loads on their upper extremities were measured with F-Grip system sensors affixed to the gloves. The participants were asked to walk, run and kick the ball using Lofstrand Crutches. Results: The maximum loading on the upper extremities during walking, running and kicking the ball varied between 111% and 175% of the body weight. While loading during walking and running was similar, the loading on the upper extremity during kicking the ball exceeded that of walking by 58.1% and running by 47.4%. The maximum loading on the non-amputated lower extremity varied between 134% and 196% of the body weight. Loading during running was 46.2% higher than that of walking. The loading on the foot during kicking the ball was 45.7% higher than that of walking. The loading on the foot during running and kicking were similar. Significance: Walking-running-kicking the ball with LC resulted in unusual loading particularly on the upper extremity. During running, the increased loading was transferred to the foot rather than the hands. During kicking, the loading increased extremely and was mainly transferred to the hands. The frequent repetition of kicking during the game may therefore increase the incidence of upper extremity injuries

A Novel Treatment Concept for Advanced Stage Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis Combining Isodose Curve Visualization and Nerve Preservation: A Prospective Pilot Study

Background: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is a severe complication of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. Treatment of advanced stage mandibular osteoradionecrosis may consist of segmental resection and osseous reconstruction, often sacrificing the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). New computer-assisted surgery (CAS) techniques can be used for guided IAN preservation and 3D radiotherapy isodose curve visualization for patient specific mandibular resection margins. This study introduces a novel treatment concept combining these CAS techniques for treatment of advanced stage ORN. Methods: Our advanced stage ORN treatment concept includes consecutively: 1) determination of the mandibular resection margins using a 3D 50 Gy isodose curve visualization, 2) segmental mandibular resection with preservation of the IAN with a two-step cutting guide, and 3) 3D planned mandibular reconstruction using a hand-bent patient specific reconstruction plate. Postoperative accuracy of the mandibular reconstruction was evaluated using a guideline. Objective and subjective IAN sensory function was tested for a period of 12 months postoperatively. Results: Five patients with advanced stage ORN were treated with our ORN treatment concept using the fibula free flap. A total of seven IANs were salvaged in two men and three women. No complications occurred and all reconstructions healed properly. Neither non-union nor recurrence of ORN was observed. Sensory function of all IANs recovered after resection up to 100 percent, including the patients with a pathologic fracture due to ORN. The accuracy evaluation showed angle deviations limited to 3.78 degrees. Two deviations of 6.42° and 7.47° were found. After an average of 11,6 months all patients received dental implants to complete oral rehabilitation. Conclusions: Our novel ORN treatment concept shows promising results for implementation of 3D radiotherapy isodose curve visualization and IAN preservation. Sensory function of all IANs recovered after segmental mandibular resection

Complications and Risk after Mandibular Reconstruction with Fibular Free Flaps in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence and types of postoperative complications after mandibular continuity reconstructions with fibular free flaps (FFF) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and identified potential risk factors for postoperative complications. Methods. Data were retrieved from the medical records in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology, VU University Medical Center/Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands from April 1995 to September 2013, and were statistically analyzed. Results. In this study, 85 patients were included in whom 86 FFFs were used for mandibular reconstruction. Thirty-seven patients (43%) developed ≥ 1 surgical complication and 9 patients (10.5%) developed ≥ 1 systemic complication. Three patients (3.5%) developed total flap failure and six patients (7.0%) developed partial flap failure. Surgical complications were correlated with tobacco use, partial glossectomy, type of mandibular defect, and anatomic staging. Systemic complications were associated with age > 60 years and Charlson comorbidity index > 2. Hospitalization > 30 days was associated with type of mandibular defect. Conclusions. The use of the FFF for reconstructing mandibular continuity defects in OSCC patients may be associated with postoperative complications. Patients with coexisting medical conditions and anterior mandibular defects have an increased risk for developing complications. Patients who undergo segmental mandibular resection including a partial glossectomy could have a reduced risk for complications