OBJECTIVETo explore the diagnostic value of 3D-indirectmagnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in detecting meniscustears of the knees.

METHODSForm January 2013 to January 2014, routine plain MR of the knees followed by the 3D-indirect MR arthrography was performed in 42 patients with suspected meniscal tears clinically. There were 31 males and 11 females, with an average age of 38.4 years old (ranged, 21 to 67 years old). The duration of the course ranged from 2 h to 15 d. The clinical symptom was knee pain. All the patients got subsequently arthroscopic examination or operation. The sensitivity and specificity of routine plain MR and 3D-indirect MR arthrography were compared based on the results of arthroscopic examination or operation.

RESULTSThe signal intensity in the area of meniscal tears on image of 3D-indirect MR arthrography was obviously higher than that of routine plain MR. The sensitivity of 3D-indirect MR arthrography was 85.79% (87/102), while the routine plain MR was 52.94% (54/102), and the specificity improved from 67.78%(61/90) to 86.67%(78/90). The difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 25.90, P < 0.01; χ2 = 9.13, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIn comparison with the routine plain MR findings, 3D-indirect MR arthrography demonstrates meniscus tears of the knee with the better sensitivity and specificity.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthrography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Knee Injuries ; diagnosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries

OBJECTIVETo study the diagnostic value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODSTwenty healthy volunteers and fifty patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent DTI in the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Ningbo University from January 2014 to April 2015. Healthy volunteers served as controls. Fifty patients were divided into three groups (group A , B, C) according to cervical MRI scan standard. Group A (17 cases) had only the dura mater spinalis compressed; Group B (23 cases) showed the cervical spinal cord compressed, but no high signal in it; Group C (10 cases) had the cervical spinal cord compressed with high signal in the same level. The average apparent diffusion coefficients(ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA)values in these examinee were analyzed and all subjects were performed fiber tracking.

RESULTSThere was no statistically significant differences in ADC and FA values in C2/C3, C3/C4, C4/C5, C5/C6, C6/C7 of control group (P>0.05). The average ADC and FA values in control group were (0.875 +/- 0.096) x10(3) mm2/s and 0.720 +/- 0.051, respectively; compared with group A,there was no statistically significant difference; compared with group B and C, there was significant difference; comparison among group A, B, C, there was significant differences.

CONCLUSIONDTI can early and accurately quantify the changes of microstructure in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Fiber tracking can show the damage range of spinal cord lesions.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spondylosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo develop an experimental model of composite facial and scalp allograft in canine in order to investigate technical and immunological aspects and functional recovery of facial muscles of this new approach to facial reconstruction.

METHODS(1) Anatomic study: Four mongrel dogs were used for anatomical dissection of the head and neck region and for harvesting flap experiment. (2) Autologous transplantation (group I): Three types composite facial and scalp autologous transplantation were performed in five mongrel dogs. Type I composite tissue flap (group I a n = 2) included bilateral external ear and orbicularis oculi muscle. Type II (group I b n = 1) included single-lateral external ear, orbicularis oculi muscle, external nose upper and lower lip. Type III (group I c n = 2) included single - lateral external ear and orbicularis oculi muscle. (3) Allograft transplantation (group II): In group II a (n = 2), two allograft transplantation were performed with type III composite facial and scalp . In group II b (n = 4), four allograft transplantation were performed with the modified type III composite facial and scalp which included single - lateral external ear, orbicularis oculi muscle and one third of inferior tarsal plate and palpebral conjunctiva. To prevent allograft rejection, Cyclosporin A (CsA) and Methylprednisolone (MP) or Prednisone (PS ) were combined used as immunosuppressive protocol . Dose of CsA was adjusted depending on its blood drug level. Electromyogram (EMG) of orbicularis oculi muscle was carried out at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months postoperation.

RESULTS(1) The facial anatomic characteristic of dog is similar to that of human being, external carotid artery and external jugular vein afford good blood supply to composite facial and scalp. (2) The dogs in group I c were long-term surviving with leakage of salivary juice. (3) In group II a (n = 2), one dog presented rejection reaction at 28th day postoperation, the reversal of rejection was achieved by increasing the dose of CsA and prednisone and with topical clobetasol for 2 weeks, the dog survived indefinitely( > 309 days). In group II b (n = 4), there were three dogs survived indefinitely ( > 159 days, > 129 days, > 108 days) without complication, EMG showed the function of orbicularis oculi muscle was gradually improving.

CONCLUSIONThe modified type III composite facial and scalp allograft transplantation model is an ideal model for facial allograft transplantation study.

Animals ; Dogs ; surgery ; Face ; Facial Transplantation ; Models, Animal ; Scalp ; transplantation ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Transplantation ; Transplantation, Homologous