Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by supernumerous lumbrical muscle in hemihyperplasia of the upper extremity

INTRODUCTION

Hemihyperplasia of the upper extremity is a rare pathology that occurs in 1/86,000 births. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be associated with this disease.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 74-year-old male who has hemihyperplasia of both upper extremities since birth. At the age of 73, he started experiencing continuous, progressive and high intensity pain that occurred more frequently at night and was localized in the right hand. It was associated with paresthesia and hypoesthesia predominantly of the thumb, index finger and middle finger. Clinical examination and electrodiagnosis led to diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

RESULTS

The patient underwent surgical carpal tunnel release to treat the disease. The enlarged nerve was compressed by a supernumerous lumbrical muscle, which was resected intraoperatively. After six months of follow-up the patient has normal sensitivity and grip strength in the right hand.

CONCLUSION

Hemihyperplasia should be clearly distinguished from other complex pathologies that may also entail CTS. Since significant variation in the anatomy of the hemihyperplasic extremities is the rule rather than the exception, a conventional open approach should be taken to localize and treat the compression.

Clinical utility of anti-glycan antibodies in pediatric Crohn's disease in comparison with an adult cohort

BACKGROUND

We tested a panel of serological anti-glycan antibodies including the novel anti-laminarin (Anti-L) and anti-chitin (Anti-C) antibodies in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) patients for diagnosis of CD and association with complicated CD behavior. In addition, we compared this panel in pediatric CD with adult CD patients for possible changes in accuracy over time.

METHODS

Anti-L, Anti-C, anti-chitobioside (ACCA), anti-laminaribioside (ALCA), anti-mannobioside (AMCA), and anti-Saccaromyces cervisiae (gASCA) antibodies were tested in serum samples of 131 pediatric participants (59 CD, 27 ulcerative colitis [UC], and 45 noninflammatory bowel disease [IBD] controls) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were compared to an adult cohort of 728 participants (355 CD, 129 UC, and 244 non-IBD controls).

RESULTS

In all, 78% of the pediatric CD patients were positive for at least one of the anti-glycan antibodies. gASCA was most accurate for the diagnosis of CD, but combined use of the antibodies improved differentiation of CD from UC. gASCA, AMCA, ALCA, or Anti-L and an increasing antibody level were independently linked to complicated CD behavior, CD-related surgery, and ileal disease location (odds ratio 3.9-8.7). Considering the age at sample procurement the accuracy of the markers compared to an adult cohort remained stable for the differentiation of CD versus UC as well as for the association with complications, CD-related surgery, and ileal disease involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

A panel of anti-glycan antibodies including the novel Anti-L and Anti-C may aid in the differentiation of pediatric CD from UC and is associated with complicated CD behavior. The marker accuracy remained constant over time.

[Oscar Vulpius and tendon transfer in the hand]

Oscar Vulpius dealt extensively with the problem of tendon transfer for motoric deficits. An analysis of his works shows that the knowledge of tendon healing, aftercare and operative techniques was already very widely advanced at the beginning of the last century.

Acoustofluidics 6: Experimental characterization of ultrasonic particle manipulation devices

Because of uncertainties in material and geometrical parameters in ultrasonic devices, experimental characterization is an indispensable part in their successful application for the manipulation of particles or cells. Its miniaturized size precludes the use of many of the usual tools used for macroscopic systems. Also, a further challenge is the fact that the resulting motion due to the electromechanical actuation has both high frequency and small amplitudes. Contactless methods like laser interferometry are therefore promising methods. In addition, as long as there is strong electromechanical coupling between the transducer and the device also electrical measurements like admittance curves give insight into the frequencies at which the devices might work best. This is the case for example for piezoelectric transducers working at one of their resonance frequencies. Because the devices usually are used in resonant modes, narrow frequency detection methods like lock in amplifiers help to improve the signal to noise ratio. Also many analysis tools have been established in the context of modal analysis, which is based on frequency domain methods. Special emphasis is placed here on the determination of the quality factor Q of the resonator, as Q determines the efficiency of a device.

Proximal contact tightness between direct-composite additions in the posterior dentition: an in vitro investigation

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to test whether a novel three-step matrix technique for posterior direct-composite additions creates sufficiently strong proximal contacts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Contact tightness was measured between direct-composite additions and between original teeth on a model. Therefore, the frictional forces required to remove a straight, 0.05-mm-thick, metal matrix band inserted between adjacent teeth and held by a universal testing machine (Zwicki, Zwick GmbH, Ulm, Germany) were recorded. Measurements were taken at three time points to carry out reference analysis: at baseline, after removal of the maxillary right second premolar (tooth #15) to simulate a diastema, and after closure of the diastema by inserting two direct-composite additions with the three-step matrix technique on the maxillary right first premolar (tooth #14) and first molar (tooth #16). Measurements were performed in the maxillary right (first) and left (second) quadrants to document sagittal displacement.

RESULTS

The original contact tightness values were between 1.65 ± 0.88 N and 3.05 ± 0.60 N in the first quadrant and between 1.23 ± 0.51 N and 2.18 ± 0.43 N in the second quadrant. After removal of tooth 15, values decreased significantly in the first quadrant and insignificantly in the second. After reconstruction, the contact tightness between teeth 14 and 16 was significantly stronger (tighter) (3.20 ± 0.80 N) than the originally measured contact tightness between teeth 14 and 15 (2.86 ± 0.64 N) and teeth 15 and 16 (1.65 ± 0.88 N) (p=0.006 and 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of an in vitro investigation, this study has shown that by using a novel, three-step matrix technique, direct posterior composite additions can form sufficiently tight proximal contacts.

[Endoscopic decompression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel syndrome: about 55 patients]

INTRODUCTION

Sulcus ulnaris syndrome is the second most common neurocompression syndrome in the upper limb after carpal tunnel syndrome. Its severity can be appreciated by the Dellon Classification. We present our experience and results after endoscopic decompression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 55 patients operated over a 3-year period was performed. The patients, 37 men and 18 women, had an average age of 54 years (range: 27-82 years) at the time of surgery. The clinical diagnostic was always confirmed by a neurophysiological examination of the nerve conduction. According to the Dellon Classification, 11 patients had mild sulcus ulnaris syndrome, 31 had moderate and 13 had severe. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range: 6-42 months).

RESULTS

The sensibility was normalised in 85% of the patients. Compared to the contralateral non-operated side, the mean grip strength improved from 68 to 94% and the mean pinch grip from 72 to 95%. The rate of nerve luxation did not change (5.5%). According to the modified Bishop rating system, 38 patients (69%) had excellent, 13 patients (23.5%) good and four patients (7.5%) fair results. One haematoma necessitating a revision, a minimal lesion of the ulnar nerve with restitution ad integrum and a hypoesthesia of the elbow, occurred after surgery resulting in a complication rate of 5.5%. Ninety-eight percent of the patients responded that they would undergo the endoscopic procedure again if needed.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic decompression of the ulnar nerve in sulcus ulnaris syndrome is very well appreciated by patients and also provides promising clinical results.

Low hemoglobin is associated with poor functional outcome after non-traumatic, supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Introduction

The impact of anemia on functional outcome and mortality in patients suffering from non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been investigated. Here, we assessed the relationship between hemoglobin (HB) levels and clinical outcome after ICH.

Methods

One hundred and ninety six patients suffering from supratentorial, non-traumatic ICH were extracted from our local stroke database (June 2004 to June 2006). Clinical and radiologic computed tomography data, HB levels on admission, mean HB values and nadir during hospital stay were recorded. Outcome was assessed at discharge and 3 months using the modified Rankin score (mRS).

Results

Forty six (23.5%) patients achieved a favorable functional outcome (mRS ≤ 3) and 150 (76.5%) had poor outcome (mRS 4 - 6) at discharge. Patients with poor functional outcome had a lower mean HB (12.3 versus 13.7 g/dl, P < 0.001) and nadir HB (11.5 versus 13.0 g/dl, P < 0.001). Ten patients (5.1%) received red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the mean HB was an independent predictor for poor functional outcome at three months (odds ratio (OR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.92, P = 0.007), along with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11 - 1.24, P < 0.001), and age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04 - 1.12, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We report an association between low HB and poor outcome in patients with non-traumatic, supratentorial ICH. While a causal relationship could not be proven, previous experimental studies and studies in brain injured patients provide evidence for detrimental effects of anemia on brain metabolism. However, the potential risk of anemia must be balanced against the risk of harm from red blood cell infusion.

Evidence for a 58-kilodalton polypeptide as precursor of the coat protein of cauliflower mosaic virus

Purified cauliflower mosaic virus subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis separated into two zones, slow and fast, with the latter consisting of less than 5-10% of the total. When these two types of virions were excised from gels and subjected to analysis in dodecyl sulfate impregnated gels, the fast component consisted mainly of the 58- and 44-kilodalton (kd) phosphorylated forms of the coat protein whereas the slow component contained only lower molecular weight forms of the same protein. Pulse labeling experiments with 32P (as orthophosphate) or tritiated thymidine showed the fast electrophoretic form of the virus to become labeled more rapidly than the slow form. With long labeling periods the slow form accumulated more label than the fast form suggesting a precursor-product relationship between the fast and slow electrophoretic forms. With [32P]orthophosphate or [35S]methionine labeling, the 58-kd phosphorylated protein showed a much higher relative level of labeling than that obtained with protein stains such as Coomassie blue. With longer labeling periods greater amounts of activity appeared in the 44-kd and lower molecular weight forms of the coat protein. These results supported previous results suggesting that the 58-kd protein is the primary translation product of the coat protein gene and that this is the form used in encapsidation to produce mature virions.

Assessing the oral health of school-age children and the current school-based dental screening programme in Freiburg (Germany)

Germany has a three-tiered system of education at secondary school level, divided into the school types 'Hauptschule', Realschule' and 'Gymnasium'. All students receive, when aged 6-12 years, a uniform annual dental examination and oral health education programme.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to report on the dental caries levels of school-age children stratified into these three different school types at secondary school level to enable oral healthcare personnel to administer a focused, school-based dental screening and education programme according to patients' needs rather than a uniform dental examination.

METHODS

A representative, random sample of 12-year-old school children in Freiburg (Germany) was examined and dental caries was recorded using WHO criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 322 12-year-old children participated. The mean DMFT was 0.69. An examination of the distribution of the DMFT score revealed that its distribution is positively skewed. For this reason, this study provides summary analyses based on medians and a non-parametric rank sum test. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H-test showed a highly significant difference between median scores across the different school types (P-value = 0.004). The significance was a result of the 'Gymnasium' distribution of DMFT scores which differed markedly from the other two school types.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of the present study suggests that it may be useful to stratify the school dental screening and education programme according to school type and to prioritize children who attend 'Realschule' and 'Hauptschule'. This shift should systematically target children with the greatest need for dental care.

Serum antibody positivity for distinct Helicobacter pylori antigens in benign and malignant gastroduodenal disease

Infection with Helicobacter pylori may be associated with a variety of gastroduodenal diseases. Although H. pylori infection is common, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer occur in only a small minority of infected persons. This work was intended to correlate the pathological findings with the serological response to certain H. pylori antigens. Serum samples were taken from 285 patients who underwent gastroscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by histology, culture or rapid urease test (RUT). Serum IgG reactivity against H. pylori-specific antigens was studied by Western blot. There was a significant association between the diagnosis of gastric cancer and the presence of IgG antibodies against the 19.5, 33 and 136 kDa (CagA) antigens. Comparing all H. pylori-positive patients with the gastric cancer group for the presence of the 19.5, 33 and 136 kDa (CagA) antigens, the results were as follows: chi2: 17.482, p < 0.001, power P = 0.994, odds ratio (OR) for the presence of gastric cancer: 19.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.11-92.56). Antibodies against CagA alone or other bands (except 33 and 19.5 kDa antigens), as well as the age of patients were not related to a diagnosis of gastric cancer. Male patients were more likely to develop duodenal ulcer. IgG antibodies against the 19.5, 33 and 136 kDa (CagA) antigens could be helpful to identify patients at enhanced risk for the development of gastric cancer.

Common RAPD pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from patients and tap water in a medical intensive care unit

The epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and colonizations was studied prospectively on a 12-bed medical intensive care unit. Patients were monitored for P. aeruginosa colonization by performing throat swabs or tracheal aspirates on admission and weekly thereafter over a period of 6 months. Cultures of possibly infected sites were taken as clinically indicated. Water samples from all patient care-related tap water outlets were collected in 2-weekly intervals and examined for the presence of P. aeruginosa. Strains isolated from patients and water samples were analysed by serotyping and random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) typing. During the 6-month period, 60 of 143 (42%) water samples contained P. aeruginosa at various levels ranging from 1 to >100 colony-forming units per 100ml sample. Genotypically, water samples contained 8 different clonotypes. Nine patients had infections due to P. aeruginosa and 7 patients were colonized. Isolates from patients showed a similar distribution of genotypes as did tap water isolates, and strains of identical genotype as patient strains had been isolated previously from tap water outlets in 8 out of 16 (50%) infection or colonization episodes. However, patients also harboured strains not previously isolated from tap water. Thus, in addition to tap water, other environmental or unknown reservoirs appeared to play a role for the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa infections on this ward. However, because tap water played a significant role for strain transmissions, we conclude that intensified water site care is justified.

Two-year evaluation of a new nano-ceramic restorative material

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a new restorative material (Ceram.X) in combination with a new primer-adhesive (K-0127). One operator placed two Class I or II restorations in molars of 43 patients. One molar was restored with Ceram.X/K-0127, the other one with Tetric Ceram/Syntac Classic. At baseline, after 1 and 2 years, the restorations were evaluated by one evaluator using modified Ryge's criteria. After 2 years, 31 patients were examined. One Ceram.X-restoration had to be removed for root canal treatment due to pulpitis. Thus, failure rate of Ceram.X was 3.2% and of Tetric Ceram, 0%. In both groups, no sensitivity, no recurrent caries, and no changes in surface texture were recorded after 2 years. One restoration in each group showed slight changes in color stability (score B). Marginal discoloration (score B) was found concerning three Ceram.X-restorations (10.0%) and two Tetric Ceram-restoration (6.5%). Marginal integrity was score B for four Ceram.X-restorations (13.3%) and for four Tetric Ceram-restorations (12.9%). No statistically significant differences were found (p>0.05). After 2 years of clinical service, 96.8% of Ceram.X/K-0127 and 100% of Tetric Ceram/Syntac Classic restorations were in place and performed clinically well.

Two-staged reconstruction of the flexor pollicis longus tendon

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of two-stage reconstruction of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon. Sixteen patients who underwent reconstructive surgery of the FPL tendon were assessed retrospectively. Eight weeks after implantation of a silastic spacer, a tendon graft was used for reconstruction (thirteen palmaris longus tendons, two plantaris tendons, one half of the flexor carpi radialis tendon). Power grip, active range of motion, passive range of motion, the Buck-Gramcko assessment, the ASSH assessment and the DASH score were used to evaluate the results. Adequate function in 75% of the cases and a median of 11 on the DASH score was achieved. The results showed that two-stage reconstruction of the FPL tendon can produce satisfactory results, even if primary repair is the ideal.

Outcome Analysis, Including Patient and Parental Satisfaction, Regarding Nonvascularized Free Toe Phalanx Transfer in Congenital Hand Deformities

The therapy for congenital hand malformations, especially in symbrachydactyly and constriction ring syndromes, is challenging. Between 1975 and 1995, 20 children with congenital hand deformities underwent reconstruction by 56 nonvascularized free toe phalanx transfers. The average age at initial surgery was 4.8 (range, 0.5 to 22) years. Retrospectively, the children were examined after an average of 3.5 (range, 1.5 to 17.6) years for function of the hand, transplanted phalanx growth, assessment for the epiphyseal plate, and assessment for psychologic performance with their parents. Donor-site morbidity was determined according to measured growth deficit, observing the child's gait, and toe function. In the younger patients (up to 1.5 years), the grafts were well tolerated and showed good growth and only few resorptions. In the age group from 1.5 to 4 years, the grafts showed no growth. In the age group older than 4 years, the grafts were mostly resorbed. The clinical reexamination revealed in most cases only passive motion in the joints, but the function of the hand was improved, with only few problems of the donor site. Most patients and their parents reported a positive effect of the phalanx transfer.