Relationships between Quadriceps:Hamstring Strength Ratio and Lower Extremity Injuries in Netball Players

Background: Netball is a popular sport. Due to high impact and quick movement, there is an enormous load on the lower extremities which increases the risk for injury. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quadricep and hamstring strength and the prevalence of lower extremity injuries in netball players. Setting: Twenty-five female netball players (age: 20.8 ± 1.4 years) voluntarily participated. Methods: The Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine concentric knee torques. Quadriceps:hamstring strength ratio was determined. Occurrence of lower extremity injuries was documented bi-weekly. Results: Medium effect sizes were noted for flexion torque:work for the left leg and for the quadriceps:hamstring ratio (≥60%) for the right leg. All the other measured variables have a small effect size. 18.75% of lower extremity injuries and ConQ:ConH of Conclusion: Injuries to the ankle and knee are especially common among netball players. Hamstring and quadriceps muscle asymmetry (>10%) were found to be a potential indicator of lower extremity injury. Contribution: This study highlights awareness on lower extremity injuries and the strength ratio between the quadriceps and hamstrings. This can aid coaches and netball players to lower the risk for injuries and thus improve individual- and team performance.

Expression of transforming growth factor-β in local bony callus in traumatic brain injury combined with extremity fracture in rats

Objective To investigate gene expression of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in local bony callus in tracumatic brain in jury combined with extremity long bone fracture in rats.Methods Eighty male SD rats were randomized into 2 even

Risk factors of posttraumatic cerebral infarction in patients with severe and extremely severe head injury

Objective To explore pathogenesis and risk factors for posttraumatic cerebral infarction (PTCI) in patients with severe and extremely severe head injuries for the purpose of providing clues for reducing occurrence of PTCI and case-fatality. Methods Gender,age,Glasgow coma scale (GCS) ,the presence or absence of basicranial fracture,cerebral hernia or infection,surgical modality,hypotension,and the use of diuretics

THE EFFECTS OF INJURIES IN THE EXTREMITIES ON HUMAN COAGULATION STATUS

Objective To investigate the changes of blood coagulation status and the safety of emergency microsurgery in patients with acute trauma to their extremities. Methods Forty seven patients with open injuries to the extremities were divided into 3 groups: in Group Ia (n=20), the patients presented with open injury to a single limb without traumatic shock and chest or head injuries, and they did not undergo microsurgery; while in Group Ib (n=13), an emergency microsurgery was done. In Group Ⅱ , the patients suffered from multiple compound fractures of the extremities with traumatic shock and chest or head injuries. The blood coagulation status of all the patients was evaluated by testing platelet count (PLC), platelet adhesiveness (PadT), serum antithrombin Ⅲ (AT- Ⅲ ), and D-dimer (D-Di) level. Results In Groups Ia and Ib, only PadT was increased and AT- Ⅲ declined preoperatively, then they returned to normal 24h postoperatively. In Group Ⅱ, at different periods after trauma, there was significant evidence of Pg and AT-Ⅲ decline accompanied by high increase of PadT and D-Di level; at 24h postoperatively, the mean values were 49.3% (PadT), 2.7mg/L (D-Di), 1..1g/L (Pg), and 69.1% (AT-Ⅲ), respectively. All these changes got significant difference (P<0.05) when compared with the normal value and those of Groups Ia and Ib, and did not completely return to normal even 72h after operation. Conclusion An emergency microsurgery could be safely performed in patients with ordinary open injuries to their limbs without traumatic shock, however it should be done with caution in cases of severe injuries with traumatic shock, because hypercoagulation status would follow in several hours after injuries. D-Di measurement may be used as a screening test to predict and assess hypercoagulation status more early after trauma.

Lower extremity nerve transfers:an underappreciated reconstructive approach

Lower extremity peripheral nerve injuries can be highly morbid to patients and challenging problems for reconstructive surgeons to manage.Nerve transfers have recently emerged as a promising technique in the treatment of these injuries.The nerve-transfer paradigm is predicated on the use of an expendable,unaffected nerve as a donor of axons to restore motor or sensory function in the target end organ.Distal transfers close to the end motor or sensory organ may allow for earlier and more robust reinnervation compared to more proximal primary repair or grafting.However,as clinical data on outcomes and rigorous comparative studies remain scarce,reconstructive surgeons must rely on principle-based treatment including a detailed understanding of lower extremity neuromuscular anatomy,gait mechanics,and nerve physiology to develop an appropriate treatment plan for each patient with the goal of functional limb restoration and independent gait.In this article,we review current concepts of lower extremity nerve transfers,including techniques and outcomes according to indication.

Lower extremity injuries in vehicle-pedestrian collisions using a legform impactor model

Though the bumper of a vehicle plays a major role in protecting the vehicle body against damage in low speed impacts, many bumpers, particularly in large vehicles, are too stiff for pedestrian protection. In designing a bumper for an automobile, pedestrian protection is as important as bumper energy absorption in low speed collisions. To prevent lower extremity injuries in car-pedestrian collisions, it is important to determine the loadings that car front structures impart on the lower extremities and the mechanisms by which injury is caused by these loadings. The present work was focused on gaining more insight into the injury mechanisms leading to both ligament damage and bone fracture during bumper-pedestrian collisions. The European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee （EEVC） legform impactor model was introduced and validated against EEVCAVG17 criteria. The collision mechanism between a bumper and this legform impactor was investigated numerically using LS-DYNA software. To identify the effect of the bumper beam material on leg injuries, four analyses were performed on bumpers that had the same assembly but were made from different materials.

Pattern of bony injuries among civilian gunshot victims at tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Purpose： Firearm injuries impose a continuous economic burden on society and hospital resources. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of bony injuries among victims of gunshots. Methods： A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics, Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital l〈arachi from January 2011 to December 2012. Patients with isolated bony injuries were included while patients with other systemic injuries were excluded. Results： There were 90 cases and the majority of them were male （84.4%）. Mean age was （32.52 ± 10.27） years. Most of the patients （72.2%） belong to the younger age group. A low velocity weapon was used in 61 （67.8%） cases and a high velocity weapon was used in 29 （32.2%） cases. Armed robbery （64.4%） was the cause of conflict in more than half of the cases. Lower limb was involved in 72.2%. Fifty eight （64.4%） patients remained hospitalized for 15-20 days and others for more than 20 days. Internal fixation with intramedullary nailing was done in 35 patients while K-wire was used in 5 patients. Fifty patients were managed with external fixation, either uniplanar or multiplanar ilizarov. Deep wound infection and nonunion were observed more often in high velocity injuries. Conclusion： Armed robbery was the leading cause of gunshot bony injuries in our hospital. Young males were victimized in a majority of cases. High velocity injuries were associated with more complications.