Objective To evaluate the results of NiTi shape memory alloy four-corner arthrodesis concentrator (NTMA-FCAC) for carpal collapse. Methods We reviewed retrospectively 13 patients who underwent scaphoid excision with four-corner arthrodesis using NTMA-FCAC for carpal collapse from August 2006 to June 2009. There were eight males and five females, with an average age of 38 years (range, 23-61years). The cause of carpal collapse was SNAC in 7 cases, perilunate dislocations in five and SLAC in one.The injury mechanisms included traffic accidents (5 cases), falling from a height (4 cases), crashes (3 cases)and sprain (1 case). Objective measurements included grip strength and range of the wrist. Radiographs were performed in all patients. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess wrist pain. The results were evaluated according to the Krimmer wrist scores. Results The mean follow-up time was 26.5 months (range,6-36 months). Clinical evaluation yielded the mean grip strength of (32.49±6.21) kg (80.8% of opposite side).The mean range of the wrist reached over 53% of the healthy side. Non-union and wound infection were not seen. The mean VAS scores had improved from 4.46±1.27 preoperatively to 1.31 ±0.95 postoperatively. The mean pain scores under stress had improved from 7.00±1.41 preoperatively to 2.62±1.26 postoperatively.There were remarkable differences between them. The mean Krimmer wrist score was 79. Conclusion Four-corner arthrodesis using NTMA-FCAC is an effective method for carpal collapse, preserving a majority of wrist function.

Background and purpose:Numerous researches indicated that the expression of pituitary tumor transforming gene1 (PTTG1) was correlated with the severity of glioma tumors. However the specific mechanism of PTTG1 is not clear in glioma. In this study, we explored the role and significance of PTTG1 in the invasion of glioma cells. Methods:Western blot was used to detect the expression of PTTG1 protein in various glioma cell lines. siRNA plasmid was used to transfect U87 cells. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of PTTG1 protein in transfected U87 cells. Matrigel invasion assay was used to detect the invasive ability in the cells being transfected in vitro. Western blot was used to analyze epithelial growth factor (EGF) induced protein phosphorylation of ARK5 and Akt in the cells being transfected PTTG1 plasmid (siPTTG1/U87) and scrambled siRNA (Scr/U87). Results:The expression of PTTG1 protein was higher in all glioma cell lines. After transfection, the invasion of siPTTG1/U87 was obviously decreased after 5 min with EGF stimulation than the Scr/U87, the phosphorylation of ARK5 and Akt was significantly enhanced. However, whether or not the existence of EGF, the phosphorylation of ARK5 and Akt had no differences in siPTTG1/U87. Conclusion:In glioma cells, PTTG1 protein is high expressed and maybe have an important function in glioma cells invasion through Akt-ARK5 signaling pathway.