OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of 3D printing spinal external fixator combined with McKenzie therapy for patients with lumbar dics herniation (LDH). METHODS: Sixty patients with LDH between January 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled. Among them, 30 patients were given McKinsey training. According to different treatment methods, all patients were divided into McKenzie group and McKenzie + 3D printing group, 30 patients in each group. The McKenzie group provided McKenzie therapy. The McKenzie + 3D printing group were treated with 3D printing spinal external fixation brace on the basis of McKenzie therapy. Patients in both groups were between 25 and 60 years of age and had their first illness. In the McKenzie group, there were 19 males and 11 females, with an average age of (48.57±5.86) years old, and the disease duration was (7.03 ±2.39) months. The McKenzie + 3D printing group, there were 21 males and 9 females, with an average age of (48.80±5.92) years old, and the disease duration was(7.30±2.56) months. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and lumbar spine function was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. VAS, ODI and JOA scores were compared between two groups before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 months. The VAS for the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(6.533±0.860), (5.133±1.008), (3.933±0.868), (2.900±0.759), (2.067±0.640), (1.433±0.504), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were (6.467±0.860), (5.067±1.048), (4.600±0.968), (3.533±1.008), (2.567±0.728), (1.967±0.809), respectively. The ODI of the McKenzie group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were (41.033±6.810)%, (37.933±6.209)%, (35.467±6.962)%, (27.567±10.081)%, (20.800±7.531)%, (13.533±5.158)%, respectively. For the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group, the corresponding ODI were(38.033±5.605)%, (33.000±6.192)%, (28.767±7.045)%, (22.200±5.517)%, (17.700±4.836)%, (11.900±2.771)%, respectively. The JOA scores of the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(8.900±2.074), (13.133±2.330), (15.700±3.583), (20.400±3.480), (22.267±3.084), (24.833±2.640), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were(9.200±2.091), (12.267±2.406), (15.333±3.198), (18.467±2.240), (20.133±2.751), (22.467±2.849), respectively. Before the initiation of treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores between two groups (P>0.05). At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the VAS in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly lower than that in the McKenzie group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The comparison of ODI between two groups at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment revealed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). At 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the JOA score in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly higher than that in the McKenzie-only group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of 3D printed functional spinal external fixation brace with McKenzie therapy can significantly improve and maintain lumbar function in patients with LDH.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; External Fixators ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Adult ; Braces ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To explore the advantages of high-frequency ultrasound-guided"cross-shaped"positioning method in accurate positioning and surgical effect in open reduction and internal fixation of rib fractures.Methods Retrospective analysis of 97 cases of multiple rib fractures treated surgically in our department from october 2019 to october 2024.Patients were divided into three groups based on different localization methods.The control group designed the surgical incision according to the results of chest three-dimensional reconstruction,the ultrasound group determined the incision based on the control group combined with high-frequency ultrasound,and Based on the method used in the ultrasound group,the"cross-localization"technique was combined to determine the incision in the cross-shaped group.The comparison of surgical-related data included fracture positioning accuracy,incision length of per singer rib,postoperative drainage volume,duration of drainage tube retention,postoperative pain score,operative time,intraoperative blood loss,length of hospital stay and incision infection rate.Additionally,commonly used inflammatory markers(white blood cell count,neutrophil percentage,CRP,IL-6,NF-κB)and pain-related biomarkers(PGE2,5-HT)were also included in the comparative analysis.Results In the control group,ultrasound group,and crossover group,aside from wound infections,the respective accuracies of fracture localization were 68.97％vs 87.50％vs 97.22％,the length of single rib incision was(3.50±1.23)cm vs(2.70±0.62)cm vs(2.45±0.58)cm,the volume of drainage on the day of surgery was(170.55±27.85)ml vs(150.69±24.67)ml vs(120.34±18.45)ml,the duration of drainage tube retention was(4.17±1.12)days vs(3.67±0.95)days vs(3.12±0.65)days,the postoperative pain scores were(6.86±2.15)vs(5.54±1.15)vs(4.89±1.53),the operation times were(75.84±15.62)minutes vs(67.74±11.85)minutes vs(57.35±9.36)minutes,the intraoperative blood loss was(85.78±11.78)ml vs(72.65±8.92)ml vs(62.23±9.63)ml,and the length of hospital stay was(8.42±1.47)days vs(7.12±1.14)days vs(6.56±1.32)days.The crossover group showed superior results in all metrics compared to the other two groups,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The inflammatory and pain stress indicators for the control,ultrasound,and crossover groups were as follows:white blood cell counts[(16.39±4.15)× 109/Lvs(13.25±2.45)× 109/L vs(12.02±2.77)× 109/L],neutrophil percentages[(80.14±12.21)vs(72.36±10.34)vs(65.73±8.83)],CRP[(31.86±6.87)mg/L vs(27.72±5.65)mg/L vs(24.69±4.11)mg/L],IL-6[(46.35±11.42)pg/L vs(41.42±8.75)pg/L vs(35.53±9.51)pg/L],NF-B[(22.55±4.98)pg/L vs(17.34±3.62)pg/L vs(15.91±3.84)pg/L],PGE2[(240.37±21.65)ng/L vs(209.45±23.24)ng/L vs(180.21±18.72)ng/L],and 5-HT[(290.62±34.37)ng/L vs(270.85±26.98)ng/L vs(210.62±19.64)ng/L].The crossover group demonstrated statistically significant differences compared to both the control and ultrasound groups(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in incision infection among the three groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The ultrasound-guided"cross"positioning method for rib fracture open reduction and internal fixation can more accurately locate the incision,shorten the incision length and hospitalization time,reduce postoperative inflammatory response and patient pain,and facilitate rapid recovery after surgery.

Objective To explore the advantages of high-frequency ultrasound-guided"cross-shaped"positioning method in accurate positioning and surgical effect in open reduction and internal fixation of rib fractures.Methods Retrospective analysis of 97 cases of multiple rib fractures treated surgically in our department from october 2019 to october 2024.Patients were divided into three groups based on different localization methods.The control group designed the surgical incision according to the results of chest three-dimensional reconstruction,the ultrasound group determined the incision based on the control group combined with high-frequency ultrasound,and Based on the method used in the ultrasound group,the"cross-localization"technique was combined to determine the incision in the cross-shaped group.The comparison of surgical-related data included fracture positioning accuracy,incision length of per singer rib,postoperative drainage volume,duration of drainage tube retention,postoperative pain score,operative time,intraoperative blood loss,length of hospital stay and incision infection rate.Additionally,commonly used inflammatory markers(white blood cell count,neutrophil percentage,CRP,IL-6,NF-κB)and pain-related biomarkers(PGE2,5-HT)were also included in the comparative analysis.Results In the control group,ultrasound group,and crossover group,aside from wound infections,the respective accuracies of fracture localization were 68.97％vs 87.50％vs 97.22％,the length of single rib incision was(3.50±1.23)cm vs(2.70±0.62)cm vs(2.45±0.58)cm,the volume of drainage on the day of surgery was(170.55±27.85)ml vs(150.69±24.67)ml vs(120.34±18.45)ml,the duration of drainage tube retention was(4.17±1.12)days vs(3.67±0.95)days vs(3.12±0.65)days,the postoperative pain scores were(6.86±2.15)vs(5.54±1.15)vs(4.89±1.53),the operation times were(75.84±15.62)minutes vs(67.74±11.85)minutes vs(57.35±9.36)minutes,the intraoperative blood loss was(85.78±11.78)ml vs(72.65±8.92)ml vs(62.23±9.63)ml,and the length of hospital stay was(8.42±1.47)days vs(7.12±1.14)days vs(6.56±1.32)days.The crossover group showed superior results in all metrics compared to the other two groups,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The inflammatory and pain stress indicators for the control,ultrasound,and crossover groups were as follows:white blood cell counts[(16.39±4.15)× 109/Lvs(13.25±2.45)× 109/L vs(12.02±2.77)× 109/L],neutrophil percentages[(80.14±12.21)vs(72.36±10.34)vs(65.73±8.83)],CRP[(31.86±6.87)mg/L vs(27.72±5.65)mg/L vs(24.69±4.11)mg/L],IL-6[(46.35±11.42)pg/L vs(41.42±8.75)pg/L vs(35.53±9.51)pg/L],NF-B[(22.55±4.98)pg/L vs(17.34±3.62)pg/L vs(15.91±3.84)pg/L],PGE2[(240.37±21.65)ng/L vs(209.45±23.24)ng/L vs(180.21±18.72)ng/L],and 5-HT[(290.62±34.37)ng/L vs(270.85±26.98)ng/L vs(210.62±19.64)ng/L].The crossover group demonstrated statistically significant differences compared to both the control and ultrasound groups(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in incision infection among the three groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The ultrasound-guided"cross"positioning method for rib fracture open reduction and internal fixation can more accurately locate the incision,shorten the incision length and hospitalization time,reduce postoperative inflammatory response and patient pain,and facilitate rapid recovery after surgery.

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

BACKGROUND:The traditional fixation method for femoral neck fractures is three hollow screws inverted triangle fixation,and the optimal fixation method for femoral neck fractures that have not achieved anatomical reduction is inconclusive. OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical properties of cannulated screws internal fixation for sub-capitated femoral neck fracture with different reduction qualities based on finite element analysis. METHODS:The three-dimensional digital model was reconstructed using CT data of the proximal femur from a healthy male volunteer.The femur was modeled to sub-capitated femoral neck fractures.Fracture models were divided into anatomical reduction group,coxa vara group,and coxa valgus group.All fracture model groups were transferred using the standard group,screw depression group,and screw elevation group.A vertical downward stress of 1 400 N was applied to the femoral head at the top of the acetabulum.The displacement and stress distribution of the femur and internal fixator under different fixation methods were observed,and the maximum stress and displacement of the femur and fixator were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)For anatomical reduction femoral neck fracture,the peak stress of fixation in the standard group,screw depression group and screw elevation group was 41.35,31.27 and 43.32 MPa,respectively.The maximum peak stress of the femur was found on the screw elevation group(28.58 MPa),and the standard group had the maximum peak displacement.(2)During hip varus,the stresses in the three subgroups were relatively dispersed and even.The peak stress of the femur in the standard group was the smallest,but the peak displacement was the largest.The stability of fixation might be poor.The peak displacement of the femur in the screw depression group was the smallest.(3)In the hip valgus,obvious screw stress concentration appeared in the screw depression group,and the peak displacement was the largest among the three subgroups,and an in-out-in phenomenon appeared.The peak stress of the screws in the screw elevation group was the largest among the three subgroups,but the peak displacement was the smallest.(4)It is concluded that for sub-capitated femoral neck fractures that are completely anatomically reduced,it is recommended to use standard inverted triangular nails for fixation.When the hip varus and hip valgus occur within the allowable range of the reduction standard,it is recommended to use the inverted triangle screw to fix it by rotating the corresponding angle in the same direction as the hip varus or valgus.

BACKGROUND:There is no consensus on the optimal bone tunnel position in the lateral clavicle,which guides coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction.Postoperative complications such as enlargement of the lateral clavicle bone tunnel,bone osteolysis,clavicle fracture,and failure of internal fixation are likely to occur.Bone mass density plays an important role in the strength and stability of endophytic fixation.Regional differences in the bone mass density of the distal clavicle should not be overlooked in the repair and reconstruction of acromioclavicular dislocation.Currently,there are no quantitative clinical studies in humans regarding the bone mass density of the distal clavicle. OBJECTIVE:To measure the magnitude of bone mass density in different regions of the distal clavicle by quantitative CT to provide a reference for surgeons to repair and reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament. METHODS:101 patients undergoing quantitative CT checking in Fuyang People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from October to December 2022 were enrolled,from which 1 616 samples of subdivisional bone mass density of the distal clavicle were measured.For each of the quantitative CT samples,firstly,the distal clavicle was divided medially to laterally into the following four regions:conical nodal region(region A),inter-nodal region(region B),oblique crest region(region C)and distal clavicular region(region D).Secondly,each region was divided into the first half and the second half to determine eight subdivisions,then setting semiautomatic region of interest(ROI)in each subdivision:(ROI A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2,D1,and D2).Thirdly,each quantitative CT scan was transferred to the quantitative CT pro analysis workstation,and cancellous bone mass density was measured in the distal clavicle ROI.Finally,the clavicular cortex was avoided when measuring. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no statistically significant difference in bone mineral density on the different sides of the shoulder(P＞0.05).(2)The analysis of bone mineral density in eight sub-areas of the distal clavicle A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2,D1,and D2 showed statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).It could be considered that there were differences in bone mineral density in different areas of the distal clavicle.After pairwise comparison,there was no statistically significant difference in bone mineral density between A1 and A2,D1 and D2,A2 and B1(P＞0.05),and there was a statistically significant difference in bone mineral density between the other sub-areas(P＜0.05).(3)The bone mineral density in the region A2 of the anatomical insertion of the conical ligament was significantly higher than that in the inter-nodular area(region B)(P＜0.05).The bone mineral density in the region A1 was higher than that in the region A2,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The bone mineral density in the region C1 of the anatomical insertion of the trapezium ligament was higher than that in regions C2,D1 and D2,and the bone mineral density in the inter-nodular area(region B)was significantly higher than that in regions C and D(P＜0.05).(4)These results have suggested that there are differences in bone mass density in different regions of the distal clavicle;regional differences in bone mass density in the distal clavicle during repair and reconstruction of acromioclavicular dislocation cannot be ignored.Consideration should be given not only to biomechanical factors but also to the placement of implants or bone tunnels in regions of higher bone mass density,which could improve the strength and stability of implant fixation and reduce the risk of complications such as bone tunnel enlargement,osteolysis,fracture and implant failure.