Experimental and numerical simulation study on the erosion behavior of the elbow of gathering pipeline in shale gas field

During the production period of shale gas, proppant particles and rock debris are produced together,which will seriously erode the elbows of gathering pipelines. In response to this problem, this paper takes the elbow of the gathering pipeline in the Changning Shale Gas Field as an example to test the erosion rate and material removal mechanism of the test piece at different angles of the elbow through experiments and compares the four erosion models with the experimental results. Through analysis, it is found that the best prediction model for quartz sand-carbon steel erosion is the Oka model. Based on the Oka model, FLUENT software was used to simulate and analyze the law of erosion of the elbow of the gas gathering pipeline under different gas flow velocities, gas gathering pressure, particle size, length of L1,and bending directions of the elbow. And a spiral pipeline structure is proposed to reduce the erosion rate of the elbow under the same working conditions. The results show that this structure can reduce erosion by 34%.

Peri-articular elbow fracture fixations with magnesium implants and a review of current literature: A case series

BACKGROUND In recent years,the use of Magnesium alloy implants have gained renewed popularity,especially after the first commercially available ConformitéEuropéenne approved Magnesium implant became available(MAGNEZIX®CS,Syntellix)in 2013.AIM To document our clinical and radiographical outcomes using magnesium implants in treating peri-articular elbow fractures.METHODS Our paper was based on a retrospective case series design.Intra-operatively,a standardized surgical technique was utilized for insertion of the magnesium implants.Post–operatively,clinic visits were standardized and physical exam findings,functional scores,and radiographs were obtained at each visit.All complications were recorded.RESULTS Five patients with 6 fractures were recruited(2 coronoid,3 radial head and 1 capitellum).The mean patient age and length of follow up was 54.6 years and 11 months respectively.All fractures healed,and none exhibited loss of reduction or complications requiring revision surgery.No patient developed synovitis of the elbow joint or suffered electrolytic reactions when titanium implants were used concurrently.CONCLUSION Although there is still a paucity of literature available on the subject and further studies are required,magnesium implants appear to be a feasible tool for fixation of peri-articular elbow fractures with promising results in our series.INTRODUCTION In recent years,the use of Magnesium alloy implants in orthopaedic surgeries have gained renewed popularity.Apart from being bioabsorbable,negating the need for implant removal,magnesium also has good osteoconductive properties[1-4].Biomechanically,it exhibits greater biomechanical strength than any pre-existing polymers,and reduces the stress-shielding effect associated with titanium and steel implants as it has a Young’s modulus closer to bone[4].Currently,the main utility of magnesium implants in the orthopaedic community is within the foot and ankle community where satisfactory results have been reported with its utility in forefoot osteotomies[5-7].However,its utility in the setting of orthopaedic trauma has been steadily increasing[8].Our study aims to document our clinical and radiographical outcomes using magnesium implants to treat peri-articular elbow fractures.To our knowledge,our study is the first study analyzing outcomes in radial head and coronoid fractures in the English literature.

Clinical study on improving the diagnostic accuracy of adult elbow joint cartilage injury by multisequence magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Due to frequent and high-risk sports activities,the elbow joint is susceptible to injury,especially to cartilage tissue,which can cause pain,limited movement and even loss of joint function.AIM To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)multisequence imaging for improving the diagnostic accuracy of adult elbow cartilage injury.METHODS A total of 60 patients diagnosed with elbow cartilage injury in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study.We analyzed the accuracy of conventional MRI sequences(T1-weighted imaging,T2-weighted imaging,proton density weighted imaging,and T2 star weighted image)and Three-Dimensional Coronary Imaging by Spiral Scanning(3D-CISS)in the diagnosis of elbow cartilage injury.Arthroscopy was used as the gold standard to evaluate the diagnostic effect of single and combination sequences in different injury degrees and the consistency with arthroscopy.RESULTS The diagnostic accuracy of 3D-CISS sequence was 89.34%±4.98%,the sensitivity was 90%,and the specificity was 88.33%,which showed the best performance among all sequences(P<0.05).The combined application of the whole sequence had the highest accuracy in all sequence combinations,the accuracy of mild injury was 91.30%,the accuracy of moderate injury was 96.15%,and the accuracy of severe injury was 93.33%(P<0.05).Compared with arthroscopy,the combination of all MRI sequences had the highest consistency of 91.67%,and the kappa value reached 0.890(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Combination of 3D-CISS and each sequence had significant advantages in improving MRI diagnostic accuracy of elbow cartilage injuries in adults.Multisequence MRI is recommended to ensure the best diagnosis and treatment.

Elbow Dislocation in Children: About Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Background: Elbow dislocations in pediatric patients are rare injuries. This is a therapeutic emergency because a delay in treatment can have disastrous consequences on the functional level of the upper limb. Objective: To present the management of elbow dislocation in children in cases of limited resources. Presentation of the Cases: These were 2 older male children aged 7 and 9 years old, admitted to the emergency room for painful functional impotence of the right elbow after a fall and landing on the right hand. Clinical and radiological examinations were in favor of posterior elbow dislocations. The reductions were carried out under sedation and immobilization in Jersey. According to Robert’s criteria, the functional result was excellent in both patients. Conclusion: Emergency reduction and immobilization whatever the means ensure an excellent functional prognosis even in cases of limited resources.

基于ABAQUS软件ELBOW单元的LNG管道有限元模拟

本文运用ABAQUS软件中的ELBOW单元进行LNG管道有限元模拟,并与CAESAR II计算结果对比,最大应力出现在Π型弯下侧弯头处,差值比小于5%,可见ELBOW单元可用于管道应力分析。进一步分析了管道温度对应力的影响,结果表明,温度变化对二次应力和操作应力影响较大,对一次应力无影响。

Atlas of Elbow Soft Tissue Pathologies Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou and the Polyclinique Notre Dame de la Paix (Burkina Faso)

Introduction: The elbow is a superficial joint, particularly exposed to direct impact, forced movement, and overstrain. Our work aimed to study magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pathologies of the soft tissues of the elbow through illustrative cases. Methodology: This was a retrospective and prospective cross-sectional study covering a period of one year, from June 2020 to June 2021, at the Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou and the Polyclinique Notre Dame de la Paix. Results: In general, this study found that the pathologies diagnosed on MRI were lateral epicondylitis, subcutaneous type V elbow lipoma and liposarcoma, anteromedial cortical fracture of the radial cup, cortical detachment fracture of the lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, villonodular articular synovitis, simple dermo-hypodermatitis, sequellar fibrosis of the ulnar nerve, Workman's syndrome (median and ulnar nerves) and osteoarthritis of the elbow. Lateral epicondylitis was the most frequent pathology, and most patients consulted for elbow pain predominantly associated with pressure on the epicondyle, with relative functional impotence and, occasionally, elbow swelling. Conclusion: MRI, as a complement to ultrasound and radiography, remains the most informative examination for exploring soft-tissue pathologies of the elbow.

K-Hyperparameter Tuning in High-Dimensional Space Clustering:Solving Smooth Elbow Challenges Using an Ensemble Based Technique of a Self-Adapting Autoencoder and Internal Validation Indexes

k-means is a popular clustering algorithm because of its simplicity and scalability to handle large datasets.However,one of its setbacks is the challenge of identifying the correct k-hyperparameter value.Tuning this value correctly is critical for building effective k-means models.The use of the traditional elbow method to help identify this value has a long-standing literature.However,when using this method with certain datasets,smooth curves may appear,making it challenging to identify the k-value due to its unclear nature.On the other hand,various internal validation indexes,which are proposed as a solution to this issue,may be inconsistent.Although various techniques for solving smooth elbow challenges exist,k-hyperparameter tuning in high-dimensional spaces still remains intractable and an open research issue.In this paper,we have first reviewed the existing techniques for solving smooth elbow challenges.The identified research gaps are then utilized in the development of the new technique.The new technique,referred to as the ensemble-based technique of a self-adapting autoencoder and internal validation indexes,is then validated in high-dimensional space clustering.The optimal k-value,tuned by this technique using a voting scheme,is a trade-off between the number of clusters visualized in the autoencoder’s latent space,k-value from the ensemble internal validation index score and one that generates a value of 0 or close to 0 on the derivative f″′(k)(1+f′(k)^(2))−3 f″(k)^(2)f″((k)2f′(k),at the elbow.Experimental results based on the Cochran’s Q test,ANOVA,and McNemar’s score indicate a relatively good performance of the newly developed technique in k-hyperparameter tuning.

Simple lateral elbow dislocation:A case report

BACKGROUND Simple lateral elbow dislocation(SLED)is a rare type of elbow dislocation;however,its treatment may be complicated by accompanying soft tissue or neurovascular damage.Herein,we report a rare case of SLED managed secondarily with open reduction and soft tissue repair following failure of closed reduction.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old woman suffered SLED after falling on her outstretched left hand with her elbow extended.She developed pain,swelling,and movement restriction in the elbow;there were no neurovascular symptoms,except for numbness in the 4th and 5th digits.Radiologic investigation confirmed the SLED,and a closed reduction under anesthesia was performed.The follow-up radiographs at 1-wk revealed failure of reduction;accordingly,open reduction with lateral collateral ligament and common extensor origin repair were carried out.The patient regained full elbow range of motion by six weeks.CONCLUSION Adequate concentric reduction for SLED,conservatively or surgically,reduces complications and provides a more functional joint.

Effect of elbow position on radiographic measurements of radio-capitellar alignment

AIM:To evaluate the effect of different elbow and forearm positions on radiocapitellar alignment.METHODS:Fifty-one healthy volunteers were recruited and bilateral elbow radiographs were taken to form a radiologic database.Lateral elbow radiographs were taken with the elbow in five different positions:Maximal extension and forearm in neutral,maximal flexion and forearm in neutral,elbow at 90° and forearm in neutral,elbow at 90° and forearm in supination and elbow at 90° and forearm in pronation.A goniometer was used to verify the accuracy of the elbow's position for the radiographs at a 90° angle.The radiocapitellar ratio(RCR)measurements were then taken on the collected radiographs using the Slice Omatic software.An orthopedic resident performed the radiographic measurements on the 102 elbows,for a total of 510 lateral elbow radiographic measures.ANOVA paired t-tests and Pearson coefficients were used to assess the differences and correlations between the RCR in each position.RESULTS:Mean RCR values were-2% ± 7%(maximal extension),-5% ± 9%(maximal flexion),and for elbow at 90° and forearm in neutral-2% ± 5%,supination 1% ± 6% and pronation 1% ± 5%.ANOVA analyses demonstrated significant differences between the RCRin different elbow and forearm positions.Paired t-tests confirmed significant differences between the RCR at maximal flexion and flexion at 90°,and maximal extension and flexion.The Pearson coefficient showed significant correlations between the RCR with the elbow at 90°-maximal flexion;the forearm in neutralsupination;the forearm in neutral-pronation.CONCLUSION:Overall,95% of the RCR values are included in the normal range(obtained at 90° of flexion)and a value outside this range,in any position,should raise suspicion for instability.

Effect of flow velocity on corrosion behavior of AZ91D magnesium alloy at elbow of loop system

A loop system was used to investigate the effect of flow velocity on corrosion behavior of AZ91 D magnesium alloy at an elbow of loop system based on array electrode technology by polarization, computational fluid dynamics(CFD) simulation and surface analysis. The experimental results showed that the corrosion rate increased with increasing flow velocity, and a critical flow velocity could exist in the corrosion of AZ91 D magnesium alloy. When flow velocity exceeded the critical flow velocity, fluid hydrodynamics was dominant in the corrosion of AZ91 D magnesium alloy. On the contrary, the electrochemical factors were dominant.

Primary total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures of the distal humerus

AIM:To evaluate short-to medium term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty(TEA)in complex fractures of the distal humerus.METHODS:A consecutive series of 24 complex distal humerus fractures operated with TEA in the period2006-2012 was evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance score(MEPS),plain radiographs,complications and overall satisfaction.The indications for surgery were 1:AO type B3 or C3 or Sheffield type 3 fracture and age above 65 or 2:fracture and severe rheumatoid arthritis.Mean follow-up time was 21 mo.RESULTS:Twenty patients were followed up.Four patients,of which 3 had died,were lost to follow up.According to the AO classification there were 17 C3,1B2 and 2 A2 fractures.Mean follow-up was 21 months(range 4-54).Mean MEPS was 94(range 65-100).Mean flexion was 114 degrees(range 80-140).According to MEPS there were 15 excellent,4 good and 1 fair result.Patient satisfaction:8 excellent,10 good,2 fair and 1poor.There were two revisions due to infection treated successfully with revision and three months of antibiotics.In two patients the locking split had loosened.One was referred to re-insertion and one chose yearly con-trols.Two patients had persistent dysaesthesia of their5th finger,but were able to discriminate between sharp and blunt.CONCLUSION:Our study suggests that TEA in complex fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients can result in acceptable short-to medium term outcome.

Understanding the medial ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow: Review of native ligament anatomy and function

The medial ulnar collateral ligament complex of the elbow, which is comprised of the anterior bundle [AB, more formally referred to as the medial ulnar collateral ligament(MUCL)], posterior(PB), and transverse ligament, is commonly injured in overhead throwing athletes. Attenuation or rupture of the ligament results in valgus instability with variable clinical presentations. The AB or MUCL is the strongest component of the ligamentous complex and the primary restraint to valgus stress. It is also composed of two separate bands(anterior and posterior) that provide reciprocal function with the anterior band tight in extension, and the posterior band tight in flexion. In individuals who fail co-mprehensive non-operative treatment, surgical repair or reconstruction of the MUCL is commonly required to restore elbow function and stability. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and biomechanical properties of the MUCL is imperative to optimize reconstructive efforts, and to enhance clinical and radiographic outcomes. Our understanding of the native anatomy and biomechanics of the MUCL has evolved over time. The precise locations of the origin and insertion footprint centers guide surgeons in proper graft placement with relation to bony anatomic landmarks. In recent studies, the ulnar insertion of the MUCL is described as larger than previously thought, with the center of the footprint at varying distances relative to the ulnar ridge, joint line, or sublime tubercle. The purpose of this review is to consolidate and summarize the existing literature regarding the native anatomy, biomechanical, and clinical significance of the entire medial ulnar collateral ligament complex, including the MUCL(AB), PB, and transverse ligament.

Mechanical solution for a mechanical problem:Tennis elbow

Lateral epicondylitis is a relatively common clinical prob lem, easily recognized on palpation of the lateral protu berance on the elbow. Despite the "itis" suffix, it is no an inflammatory process. Therapeutic approaches with topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortico steroids and anesthetics have limited benefit, as would be expected if inflammation is not involved. Other ap proaches have included provision of healing cytokine from blood products or stem cells, based on the recog nition that this repetitive effort-derived disorder repre sents injury. Noting calcification/ossification of tendon attachments to the lateral epicondyle(enthesitis), dry needling, radiofrequency, shock wave treatments and surgical approaches have also been pursued. Physi ologic approaches, including manipulation, therapeuti ultrasound, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, acupuncture and exposure of the area to low level laser light, ha also had limited success. This contrasts with the benefi of a simple mechanical intervention, reducing the stres on the attachment area. This is based on displacemen of the stress by use of a thin(3/4-1 inch) band applied just distal to the epicondyle. Thin bands are required as thick bands(e.g., 2-3 inch wide) simply reduce mus cle strength, without significantly reducing stress. Thi approach appears to be associated with a failure rateless than 1%, assuming the afflicted individual modifies the activity that repeatedly stresses the epicondylar attachments.

Bionic Design and Finite Element Analysis of Elbow in Ice Transportation Cooling System

With the increase in mining depth, mine heat harm has appeared to be more prominent. The mine heat harm could be resolvedor reduced by ice refrigeration. Thus, ice transportation through pipeline becomes a critical problem; typically flowresistance occurs in the elbow. In the present study, according to the analysis of the surface morphology of fish scale, abiomimetic functional surface structure for the interior wall of elbow is designed. Based on the theory of liquid-solid two phaseflow, a CFD numerical simulation of ice-water mixture flowing through the elbow is carried out using finite element method.Conventional experiments of pressure drop and flow resistance for both bionic and common elbows are conducted to test theeffect of the bionic elbow on flow resistance reduction. It is found that with the increase in the ice mass fraction in the ice-watermixture, the effect of bionic elbow on resistance reduction becomes more obvious.

Comparison between direct repair and humana cellular nerve allografting during contralateral C7 transfer to the upper trunk for restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion

Direct coaptation of contralateral C7 to the upper trunk could avoid the interposition of nerve grafts. We have successfully shortened the gap and graft lengths, and even achieved direct coaptation. However, direct repair can only be performed in some selected cases, and partial procedures still require autografts, which are the gold standard for repairing neurologic defects. As symptoms often occur after autografting, human acellular nerve allografts have been used to avoid concomitant symptoms. This study investigated the quality of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion following direct repair and acellular allografting to evaluate issues requiring attention for brachial plexus injury repair. Fifty-one brachial plexus injury patients in the surgical database were eligible for this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods. Direct repair was performed in 27 patients, while acellular nerve allografts were used to bridge the gap between the contralateral C7 nerve root and upper trunk in 24 patients. The length of the harvested contralateral C7 nerve root was measured intraoperatively. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength, and degrees of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion were examined according to the British Medical Research Council scoring system;meaningful recovery was defined as M3–M5. Lengths of anterior and posterior divisions of the contralateral C7 in the direct repair group were 7.64 ± 0.69 mm and 7.55 ± 0.69 mm, respectively, and in the acellular nerve allografts group were 6.46 ± 0.58 mm and 6.43 ± 0.59 mm, respectively. After a minimum of 4-year follow-up, meaningful recoveries of deltoid and biceps muscles in the direct repair group were 88.89% and 85.19%, respectively, while they were 70.83% and 66.67% in the acellular nerve allografts group. Time to C5/C6 reinnervation was shorter in the direct repair group compared with the acellular nerve allografts group. Direct repair facilitated the restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. Thus, if direct coaptation is not possible, use of acellular nerve allografts is a suitable option. This study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China (Application ID:[2017] 290) on November 14, 2017.

Total elbow arthroplasty is moving forward: Review on past, present and future

The elbow joint is a complex joint, which, when impaired in function, leads to severe disability. In some cases however, an arthroplasty might be an appropriate treatment. In the past four decades, large steps havebeen taken to optimize this treatment in order to achieve better post-operative outcomes. To understand these progresses and to discover aspects for upcoming improvements, we present a review on the past developments, the present state of affairs and future developments which may improve patient care further.

Impact of inter-particle collision on elbow erosion based on DSMC-CFD method

In this work,computational fuid dynamics(CFD)is used to study elbow erosion due to a gas-solid two-phase fow.In particular,the direct simulation Monte Carlo(DSMC)method is used to study the impact of inter-particle collision on the erosion behavior.The two-way coupled Euler-Lagrange method is used to solve the gas-solid fow,and the DSMC method is used to consider the collision behavior between particles.The efects of key factors,such as the particle concentration distribution and inter-particle collision,on the erosion ratio are evaluated and discussed.The efectiveness of the method is verifed from experimental data.The results show that the inter-particle collision signifcantly infuences the particle movement path and erosion ratio.When the inter-particle collision is considered,the maximum erosion position is ofset.The erosion model proposed by Oka et al.,who used the DSMC method,agrees best with the experimental data,and the average percentage error decreases from 39.2 to 27.4%.

Flow-induced Noise and Vibration Analysis of a Piping Elbow with/without a Guide Vane

The effect of a guide vane installed at the elbow on flow-induced noise and vibration is investigated in the range of Reynolds numbers from 1.70×10^5 to 6.81×10^5, and the position of guide vane is determined by publications. The turbulent flow in the piping elbow is simulated with large eddy simulation （LES）. Following this, a hybrid method of combining LES and Lighthill＇s acoustic analogy theory is used to simulate the hydrodynamic noise and sound sources are solved as volume sources in code Actran. In addition, the flow-induced vibration of the piping elbow is investigated based on a fluid-structure interaction （FSI） code. The LES results indicate that the range of vortex zone in the elbow without the guide vane is larger than the case with the guide vane, and the guide vane is effective in reducing flow-induced noise and vibration in the 90° piping elbow at different Reynolds numbers.

Biepicondylar fracture dislocation of the elbow joint concomitant with ulnar nerve injury

In this article, we present a case of humeral biepicondylar fracture dislocation concomitant with ulnar nerve injury in a seventeen year-old male patient. Physical examination of our patient in the emergency room revealed a painful, edematous and deformed-looking left elbow joint. Hypoesthesia of the little finger was also diagnosed on the left hand. Radiological assessment ended up with a posterior fracture dislocation of the elbow joint accompanied by intra-articular loose bodies. Open reduction-Internal fixation of the fracture dislocation and ulnar nerve exploration were performed under general anesthesia at the same session as surgical treatment of our patient. Physical therapy and rehabilitation protocol was implemented at the end of two weeks post-operatively. Union of the fracture lines, as well as the olecranon osteotomy site, was achieved at the end of four months post-operatively. Ulnar nerve function was fully restored without any sensory or motor loss. Range of motion at the elbow joint was 20-120 degrees at the latest follow-up.

Immediate Total Elbow Arthroplasty Following Olecranon Osteotomy: A Case Report

Consistent with an aging population, the overall number of distal humeral fractures in the elderly is increasing. Indications for application of acute total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in the setting of distal humeral fractures are still being defined. A variety of factors including chronologic age, physiologic age, bone quality, presence of pre-existing arthritis and pre-existing medical conditions need to be considered. Optimally the decision to proceed with TEA verses open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is made preoperatively. The need to abandon ORIF may be not be apparent until after fracture exposure, and the presence of an olecranon osteotomy makes performing TEA challenging. A case is presented of acute conversion from ORIF to TEA following olecranon osteotomy, utilizing internal fixation bridging the ulnar component and its cement mantle.