Acute effect of foot strike patterns on in vivo tibiotalar and subtalar joint kinematics during barefoot running

Background:Foot kinematics,such as excessive eversion and malalignment of the hindfoot,are believed to be associated with running-related injuries.The maj ority of studies to date show that different foot strike patterns influence these specific foot and ankle kinematics.However,technical deficiencies in traditional motion capture approaches limit knowledge of in vivo joint kinematics with respect to rearfoot and forefoot strike patterns(RFS and FFS,respectively).This study uses a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system(DFIS)to determine the effects of different foot strike patterns on 3D in vivo tibiotalar and subtalar joints kinematics.Methods:Fifteen healthy male recreational runners underwent foot computed tomography scanning for the construction of 3-dimensional models.A high-speed DFIS(100 Hz)was used to collect 6 degrees of freedom kinematics for participants’tibiotalar and subtalar joints when they adopted RFS and FFS in barefoot condition.Results:Compared with RFS,FFS exhibited greater internal rotation at 0%-20%of the stance phase in the tibiotalar joint.The peak internal rotation angle of the tibiotalar joint under FFS was greater than under RFS(p<0.001,Cohen’s d=0.92).RFS showed more dorsiflexion at 0%-20%of the stance phase in the tibiotalar joint than FFS.RFS also presented a larger anterior translation(p<0.001,Cohen’s d=1.28)in the subtalar joint at i nitial contact than FFS.Conclusion:Running with acute barefoot FFS increases the internal rotation of the tibiotalar joint in the early stance.The use of high-speed DFIS to quantify the movement of the tibiotalar and subtalar joint was critical to revealing the effects of RF S and FFS during running.

The Clinical Outcomes of Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy in Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Review

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive technique started during the late 20th century. This process is done through microscopic view under local anesthesia. There is a growing but still insufficient evidence that lumbar EDS shows slightly better results in terms of minor tissue damage, shorter hospital stay, faster return to ordinary daily activities, and patient satisfaction. Recurrence rate still remains a matter of debate, and is related with the surgical skills of the surgeon. The complication rate seems to be similar in both of the techniques i.e., open and endoscopic. More randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analysis are needed to clarify whether lumbar EDS can be considered comparable if not superior to standard open discectomy. In spite of lacking defined clinical evidence, lumbar EDS is without doubt a rapidly expanding PELD and its future developments are incredibly promising. Due to less complication rate this technique can be considered as a gold standard compared to the open discectomy. The surgeons still require more cadaveric practices for learning the curve and to approach the herniated disc area. The main objective of this review article is to show the clinical outcomes of the Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy in treating the lumbar disc herniation.

Decompression of the small bowel by endoscopic long-tube placement

AIM:To investigate and compare the decompression effect on small bowel obstruction of a long tube inserted using either endoscopic or fluoroscopic placement.METHODS:Seventy-eight patients with small bowel obstruction requiring decompression were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups.Intubation of a long tube was guided by fluoroscopy in one group and by endoscopy in the other.The duration of the procedure and the success rate for each group were evaluated.RESULTS:A statistically significant difference in the mean duration of the procedure was found between the fluoroscopic group(32.6±14.6 min)and the endoscopic group(16.5±7.8 min)among the cases classified as successful(P<0.05).The success rate was significantly different between the groups:88.6%in the fluoroscopic group and 100%in the endoscopic group(P <0.05).CONCLUSION:For patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction,long-tube decompression is recommended and long-tube insertion by endoscopy was superior to fluoroscopic placement.

Placement of a Long Intestinal Tube in Patients with Early Postoperative Small Bowel Obstruction under Fluoroscopic Guidance

Objective To investigate the placement of a long tube into the small intestine under fluoroscopic guidance and to evaluate its decompression effect on early postoperative small bowel obstruction(EPSBO).Methods Fifty-four patients with EPSBO requiring decompression between April 2010 and July 2014 were enrolled in the study.Insertion of a long tube was guided by fluoroscopy.We first used the guide wire to pass the pylorus and then used the 10 Fr feeding tube as an exchangeable tube to put the superstiff wire into the duodenum.Finally the long tube could be passed over the guide wire through the pylorus into the intestine.The total procedure time,the radiation exposure time,and the incidence of complications were evaluated.Results The long tubes passed into the jejunum on initial insertion for all patients,so the success rate of this technique was 100%.The long tube was inserted into ileum in 18 patients.The mean total procedure time was 34.4±8.6 minutes,and the mean radiation exposure time 18.9±6.8 minutes.A total of 47 patients(87%) experienced full recovery following long-tube decompression and without the need for surgical intervention.Conclusions Using the wire-exchange technique,it is easy to place a long tube into the small bowel under fluoroscopic guidance.This decompression method is safe and effective for management of EPSBO.

Radiation exposure during image-guided endoscopic procedures: The next quality indicator for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is one of the most frequently used image-guided procedures in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Post-ERCP pancreatitis is an important concern, and prophylaxis, cannulation and other related technical procedures have been well documented by endoscopists. In addition, medical radiation exposure is of great concern in the general population because of its rapidly increasing frequency and its potential carcinogenic effects. International organizations and radiological societies have established diagnostic reference levels, which guide proper radiation use and serve as global standards for all procedures that use ionizing radiation. However, data on gastrointestinal fluoroscopic procedures are still lacking because the demand for these procedures has recently increased. In this review, we present the current status of quality indicators for ERCP and the methods for measuring radiation exposure in the clinical setting as the next quality indicator for ERCP. To reduce radiation exposure, knowledge of its adverse effects and the procedures for proper measurement and protection are essential. Additionally, further studies on the factors that affect radiation exposure, exposure management and diagnostic reference levels are necessary. Then, we can discuss how to manage medical radiation use inthese complex fluoroscopic procedures. This knowledge will help us to protect not only patients but also endoscopists and medical staff in the fluoroscopy unit.

Intraoperative Fluoroscopic Monitoring during TVM Surgery: Safer Procedure Even for Beginners

Tension-free vaginal mesh (TVM) surgery is a common and minimally invasive procedure for female pelvic organ prolapse. In 2004, this procedure was developed by a French group, and standardized surgical kits are now commercially available in many countries. Although it is less invasive, one of the shortcomings of this procedure is that it involves a single surgeon groping around with their fingers without any intraoperative monitoring. Therefore, using Intraoperative fluoroscopic monitoring during TVM surgery makes it safer, even for beginners. In this case, we performed TVM for the anterior vaginal wall. First, we used the c-arm of a fluoroscope to insert bilateral ureteral stents. A urethral catheter was then used for both urine drainage and contrast medium injection. In all procedures, we were able use fluoroscopic imaging whenever necessary. We were able to easily confirm the positions of the prolapsed bladder and the bilateral ureteral stents with fluoroscopic imaging, and the ischial spine was easy to locate before the procedure. We were also able to confirm the position of the top of the needle with fluoroscopic imaging whenever necessary. If a surgeon is worried about the risk of bladder injury during TVM surgery, they should inject contrast medium into the bladder at the start of the procedure. Intraoperative fluoroscopic monitoring during TVM surgery is easy and makes the procedure safer, even for beginners. Moreover, fluoroscopic imaging also allows intraoperative training. To avoid exposing the body to excess radiation, we must minimize the total length of the fluoroscopic examination.

Clinical observation of acupoint injection combined with nerve electrical stimulation in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia

Background:Post-stroke dysphagia is one of the common clinical symptoms in the rehabilitation department of primary hospitals,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their families.Majority of medical workers have comprehensively studied post-stroke dysphagia as it easily induces inhalation pneumonia,asphyxia,and many other complications.At present,many methods for post-stroke dysphagia have been proved to be effective.With regard to comprehensive treatment effect,patient compliance,technology promotion difficulty,grassroots hospital operability,and other factors,we found that acupoint injection combined with nerve electrical stimulation is a good method worthy of promotion.Methods:A total of 130 patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into nerve electrical stimulation group(n=41),acupoint injection group(n=40),and comprehensive treatment group(nerve electrical stimulation plus acupoint injection,n=49).The therapeutic effect in each group was evaluated before treatment and 20 days after treatment using the improved water swallow test,video fluoroscopic swallowing study,and standardized swallowing assessment.Results:After 20 days of treatment,significant differences were noted in each group.The scores of improved water swallow test decreased from 4.10±0.74 to 2.12±0.95 in the nerve electrical stimulation group,4.00±0.78 to 2.28±1.04 in the acupoint injection group,and 4.16±0.77 to 1.73±0.79 in the comprehensive treatment group;video fluoroscopic swallowing study scores increased from 3.71±2.16 to 5.05±2.111 in the nerve electrical stimulation group,3.80±1.94 to 5.20±1.942 in the acupoint injection group,and 3.73±2.22 to 6.24±2.21 in the comprehensive treatment group;and standardized swallowing assessment scores of the three groups also decreased from 35.13±3.38 to 28.17±3.42,34.66±3.46,and 34.48±3.26 to 26.39±3.86,respectively.The overall scores of each group after treatment were significantly different from those before treatment(P<0.05),indicating that both nerve electrical stimulation and acupoint injection were effective for post-stroke dysphagia;the scores of nerve electrical stimulation group and acupoint injection group were similar,but those of the comprehensive treatment group were significantly better than the single treatments(P<0.05).It shows that the two treatment methods have synergistic effect,and combined treatments have more benefits.Conclusion:Nerve electrical stimulation and acupoint injection have a synergistic therapeutic effect on post-stroke dysphagia.The combined treatment is more beneficial to patients with post-stroke dysphagia than the single treatments.

Malignant obstruction in the ileocecal region treated by selfexpandable stent placement under the fluoroscopic guidance: A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant tumors of the ileocecal region often cause intestinal obstruction.Emergency surgery is the main treatment for patients presenting with an obstruction.However,this procedure is associated with a high mortality rate and frequent complications.The placement of colon stents is commonly performed for obstructions in the distal colon and is a less invasive and safer procedure.However,obstructions in the proximal colon are more challenging to treat by stent placement due to the increased distance from the anus.CASE SUMMARY This case report concerns an 88-year-old man with malignant intestinal obstruction in the ileocecal region.He was contraindicated for general anesthesia and surgical enterostomy.The placement of a self-expandable metallic stent seems an alternative to surgery,although stenting in this area is thought to be difficult and few studies have been reported so far.After three attempts at different interventional approaches,a stent was successfully placed in the obstructed segment under fluoroscopic guidance.After the procedure,the patient's abdominal distension and abdominal pain were significantly better than before.CONCLUSION For patients with proximal colonic obstruction,self-expandable metallic stent placement under fluoroscopic guidance could be considered as a feasible treatment to relieve abdominal distension and pain in patients with acute bowel obstruction.It has the characteristics of high safety and high patient tolerance.However,further study is still needed.

Usefulness of the SNR Using the Subtraction Method and Image Visibility Using the Howlett Chart Method in X-Ray Fluoroscopic System

X-ray fluoroscopy has been used not only for diagnoses but also for treatment, as in interventional radiology. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) using the subtraction method, which is used in the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, and image visibility using the Howlett chart method in the fluoroscopic examination. The fluoroscopy unit has a detector with an image intensifier and a color liquid crystal display. A 2620 dosimeter and an ionization chamber were selected for the dose measurement. Fluoroscopic images for visual and physical evaluations were collected as dynamic data. The skin surface absorbed dose rates for each tube current were measured using a dosimeter. The SNR using the subtraction method and image visibility using the Howlett chart method were examined. The results from both indicate that as the SNR improves, visual evaluation increases, but the rate of increase gradually saturates. Therefore, physical and visual evaluations are possible with the SNR using the subtraction method and the image visibility using the Howlett chart method.

Clinical application of improved 2D computer-assisted fluoroscopic navigation through simulating a 3D vertebrae image to guide pedicle screw internal fixation

Objective To study the effect of using improved 2D computer-assisted fluoroscopic navigation through simulating 3D vertebrae image to guide pedicle screw internal fixation.Methods Posterior pedicle screw internal fixation,distraction

Assessing validation of dual fluoroscopic image matching method for measurement of in vivo spine kinematics

Background Accurate knowledge of the spinal structural functions is critical to understand the biomechanical factors that affect spinal pathology. Many studies have investigated the human vertebral motion both in vitro and in vivo. However, determination of in vivo motion of the vertebrae under physiologic loading conditions remains a challenge in biomedical engineering because of the limitations of current technology and the complicated anatomy of the spine. Methods For in vitro validation, a human lumbar specimen was imbedded with steel beads and moved to a known distance by an universal testing machine （UTM）.

Effect of Joint Line Elevation after Posterior-stabilized and Cruciate-retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty on Clinical Function and Kinematics

Background： Joint line （JL） is a very important factor for total knee arthroplasty （TKA） to restore. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early clinical and kinematic results of TKAs with posterior-stabilized （PS） or cruciate retaining （CR） implants in which the JL was elevated postoperatively. Methods： Data were collected from patients who underwent TKA in our department between April 2011 and April 2014. The patients were divided into two groups based on the prosthesis they received （PS or CR）. At 1-year postoperatively, clinical outcomes were evaluated by the American Knee Society （AKS） knee score, AKS function score, and patella score. In vivo kinematic analysis after TKA was performed on all patients and a previously validated three-dimensional to two-dimensional image registration technique was used to obtain the kinematic data. Anteroposterior （AP） translation of the medial and lateral femoral condyles, and axial rotation relative to the tibial plateau, were analyzed. The data were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results： At time of follow-up, there were differences in the AKS knee scores （P = 0.005）, AKS function scores （P = 0.025）, patella scores （P = 0.015）, and postoperative range of motions （P = 0.004） between the PS group and the CR group. In the PS group, the magnitude of AP translation for the medial and lateral condyle was 4.9 ± 3.0 mm and 12.8 ± 3.3 mm, respectively. Axial rotation of the tibial component relative to the femoral component was 12.9 ± 4.5°. In the CR group, the magnitude of AP translation for the medial and lateral condyle was 4.3 ±3.5 mm and 7.9 ± 4.2 mm, respectively. The axial rotation was 6.7 ± 5.9°. There were statistically different between PS group and CR group in kinematics postoperatively. Conclusion： Our results demonstrate that postoperative JL elevation had more adverse effects on the clinical and kinematic outcomes ofCR TKAs than PS TKAs.