Production of recombinant goldfish growth hormone I in a baculovirus expression system

The authors studied the effect of a positioning orifice introduced in the anterior palatine region of occlusal splints for patients with craniomandibular disorders of swallowing and speech patterns. The patients were evaluated in four distinct situations. It was concluded that the splint orifice significantly favored swallowing and speech while the splint was being used, and is more comfortable for the patient.     

A new splint for the nasal tip

A new nasal tip splint is described. It is used to reduce the disadvantages of prolonged postoperative edema and fibrosis after mestizo nose surgery with the techniques of open rhinoplasty with or without skin columellar incision. It thus offers more predictable long-term results, similar to those observed during surgery.     

Evaluation of acupuncture and occlusal splint therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders

One hundred patients showed signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, were participated in a one year follow up study. The patients were randomly divided into four groups: Acuhealth treatment (group A), occlusal splint therapy (group B), Acuhealth and occlusal splint therapy (group C), and control (group D). Each group comprised 25 patients. The patients were examined before and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. At the three month evaluation, the patients who were not satisfied with the treatment outcome were offered additional treatment. The result showed that 87% of the patients treated by Acuhealth unit, 77.3% of the patients treated with occlusal splint therapy, and 91.3% of the patients received Acuhealth and occlusal splint therapy were improved subjectively and clinically after 3 months follow-up. The patients who responded well to treatment initially also responded well in the long run. The study showed that the Acuhealth unit proved to be an ideal early therapy for TMD, and complemented later with occlusal splint.     

The effect of toothpaste containing triclosan on oral mucosal desquamation. A model study

SLS-containing toothpaste has previously been shown to cause oral mucosal desquamations when used in an experimental cap splint model. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of toothpastes containing SLS in combination with triclosan on oral mucosal desquamation in a similar cap splint model system. It has previously been shown that the antibacterial agent triclosan also may have anti-inflammatory properties. The concentration of triclosan in the experimental toothpastes was 0.3%, while SLS varied from 1.5% to 3%. No oral mucosal desquamations were observed after use of a 1.5% SLS 0.3% triclosan containing toothpaste, contrary to the positive control toothpaste that contained 1.5% SLS without triclosan. Furthermore, a statistically significant reduction in severe desquamations was observed after use of a toothpaste containing 3% SLS-0.3% triclosan compared with the positive control. It may thus be suggested that triclosan exerts a moderating effect on desquamative reactions caused by SLS and that the effect is dependent on the relative amount of triclosan and SLS in the toothpastes.     

Tendon repair using flexor tendon splints: an experimental study

Mechanical strength of tendon repair using Dacron tendon splints across the laceration site were evaluated in human cadaver profundus tendons; the splints were placed both on the dorsal surface and internally within the tendon substance. Comparison was made to modified Kessler, Becker, and Savage repair techniques. Ultimate tensile strength was 2.55 kgf for the Kessler, 3.00 kgf for the Becker, 8.29 kgf for the Savage, 8.46 kgf for the internal tendon splint, and 8.10 kgf for the dorsal tendon splint; the Savage and both Tendon Splints techniques had significant higher tensile strength than the Kessler and Becker. Gap strength was 1.44 kgf for the Kessler, 2.22 kgf for the Becker, 2.45 kgf for the Savage, 2.05 kgf for internal tendon splint, and 3.15 kgf for the dorsal tendon splint. The dorsal tendon splint technique showed significant greater gap strength than the other four techniques. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the gap during cyclic testing of these techniques; however, three of seven Kessler repairs failed and one of six Becker repairs failed. The results of these cadaver studies suggest that both tendon splint repair techniques are comparable to the Savage and may have sufficient strength to allow postoperative active motion against minimal resistance. Further in vivo testing is in order.     

Condylar condition and mandibular growth during early functional treatment of children with juvenile chronic arthritis

TMJ involvement in children with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis (JCA) will frequently cause disturbance of the growth of the mandible. Orthodontic treatment of these patients often includes orthognathic surgery, and are complicated to handle with respect to the damaged joint and impaired function. The aim of this presentation is to suggest an early treatment with a functional splint appliance, a distraction splint, with the purpose of increasing function of the joint and ensuring continuous growth of the mandible.     

Reoperations on the spine--outcome studies

Rheumatoid arthritis is described by Swanson (1995) as 'the greatest crippler from the standpoint of severity and prolonged disability' (p. 1307). One key factor in keeping persons with rheumatoid arthritis independent in their activities of daily living is maintaining functional use of their hands. In rural areas, where a move to assisted accommodation may require a person to leave the locality, this splint may help older citizens to remain functional and at home. The deformity and instability caused in rheumatoid arthritic hands by radial deviation of the wrist and subsequent ulnar deviation of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints can greatly affect functional use of the hands. In this article, design and fabrication instructions for a lycra working splint which is suitable for the rheumatoid arthritic hand with MCP ulnar deviation are presented. Health professionals working in rural areas will find this splint inexpensive and easy to design, either alone or, ideally, with the assistance of regional occupational therapists.     

The use of splints in the treatment of joint stiffness: biologic rationale and an algorithm for making clinical decisions

The purpose of this article are (1) to discuss the rationale for using splints to increase range of motion (ROM) and (2) to describe an algorithm that can guide therapists' clinical decisions when splints are used to treat patients who have limited ROM. The primary rationale for using splints is to apply relatively long periods of tensile stress to shortened connective tissues to induce tissue lengthening through biologic remodeling. The process of remodeling is contrasted with more temporary mechanical phenomena that occur in biologic tissues. The proposed algorithm guides the use of splints based on measurements of pain and ROM. We describe three variables of splint use that may be adjusted: frequency, duration, and intensity. The relative importance of each of these variables is discussed. The algorithm is not joint or injury specific and requires continual modification of splint use based on a patient's response to treatment. Deciding which patients are appropriate for end-range splinting and deciding when to discontinue splint use are also discussed.     

Effect of muscle relaxation splint therapy on the electromyographic activities of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of splint therapy on the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles (anterior temporalis and masseter) before and after the application of a muscle relaxation splint. Electromyography recordings from the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles were analyzed quantitatively during maximal biting in the intercuspal position both before and after treatment without a splint. Fourteen patients whose chief complaint was masticatory muscle pain were selected for the study. After the initial evaluations muscle relaxation splints were applied, and the patients were instructed to use the splints for 6 weeks. Surface electromyographic recordings were taken from each patient before the beginning of clinical therapy and after 6 weeks of wearing the splints. The data obtained were analyzed through paired sample t tests and Wilcoxon's signed rank tests. The results of the study were as follows: (1) the electromyographic activity of the two muscles during maximal biting was not markedly changed after the muscle relaxation splint was used; and (2) the changes observed in electromyographic activity of the involved and noninvolved sides were insignificant as well.     

Internal intestinal splinting with a soluble tube for the prevention of recurrent adhesion ileus

An absorbable, non-toxic, easy gliding, cross-linked gelatine tube has been developed to prevent and to treat chronical adhesion ileus. The tube is patterned upon the interior intestinal splinting with long tubes. By doing a small enterotomy it was possible to splint the whole intestine in pigs or endangered parts within a few minutes. The flexible gelatine tube does not kink and is melting off from the surface. It prevents the intestine from kinking and does not cause any lesions even on previously damaged intestinal walls. Possible complications seen by insertion and extraction of conventional tubes were not observed.     

Late manifestations of sickle cell trait (author''s transl)

As a result of a previous trial in which factors influencing swelling of the hand after fasciectomy were studied it was found that unacceptable oedema occurred in hands elevated in a roller towel by night and a high sling by day. An alternative system of elevation in a vacuum splint was investigated and found to reduce post-operative oedema. The advantages and disadvantages of the vacuum splint in the management of the hand after surgery or injury are discussed.     

An innovative pre-impregnated glass fiber for reinforcing composites

This article summarized the development of pre-impregnated, fiber-reinforced composites. Previous efforts with various reinforcement materials for splinting are cited. The benefits of pre-impregnation are explained. The clinical procedure for placing a fiber-reinforced composite splint is described.     

New contributions to clinical hypertension from molecular biology

The authors constructed a new dynamic guiding splint assisting the active mobilisation after flexor tendon repair distal to the wrist. In these cases, the "inverse" wrist position seems to be the best position for mobilisation. This means that finger flexion should be carried out during wrist extension, and finger extension during wrist flexion. The splint guides and co-ordinates the movements of the wrist and the fingers, and it limits the free usage of the hand.     

A disclusion appliance to eliminate occlusally generated TMD symptoms prior to, and during, fixed orthodontic therapy

Temporomandibular disorders are of multifactorial origin. If it is determined that the patient's occlusal scheme is a contributing factor to his/her TMD symptoms, it is accepted that reversible, noninvasive procedures be instituted at the outset of treatment. Splint therapy conforms to this guideline and serves to provide temporary, reversible alteration of the occlusal scheme in order to provide this relief. In a mutually protected occlusion, the posterior teeth accept the occlusal force of closure, while the anterior teeth serve to separate the dentition during excursive movements. The purpose of the disclusion splint described in this article is to eliminate muscle hypertonicity, along with its ensuing problems, by establishing a mutually protected occlusion via the guide planes created by the acrylic portions of the splint. Simultaneously, it does not compromise the patient's freeway space but acts as a preorthodontic, adjunctive-orthodontic, or post-TMD "stabilization-retentive" appliance because of its inherent ability to promote disarticulation of occluding dental surfaces during function.     

Simultaneous dorsal luxation of metacarpophalangeal joints of the four long fingers. Apropos of a case

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors describe an unusual case of simultaneous dorsal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the index, long, ring, and little fingers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 67-year-old man fell on the pavement when walking, striking his outstretched left hand. A diagnosis of multiple fingers dislocation was easily clinically and radiologically established. The wound was cleaned and the dislocations reduced by closed manipulation at the operating room. RESULT: The patient had an uneventful recovery, after a three week period of immobilization with a dorsal extension block splint. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The use of art extension block splint allowed a minimal healing delay for disrupted volar metacarpophalangeal structures, allowing a good fingers range of motion.     

The cast-brace treatment of femoral shaft fractures

Ninety-eight fractures of the shaft of the femur were seen in one unit over the two years 1974 and 1975, and the results have been assessed in sixty-nine. Of these, thirty-eight were treated by skeletal traction in a Thomas's splint followed by skin traction, and thirty-one by skeletal traction followed by a cast-brace. The technique of application is described in some detail. The average time for application of the cast-brace was six weeks after the injury, the time in hospital eight weeks and the time till removal fifteen weeks. The patients selected for a cast-brace were in hospital for just over half the time of the others and their fractures on average united more quickly, though with some trouble from angulation of fractures of the uppermost third of the shaft. It is concluded that when used with all the judgment and skill it demands, the cast-brace method is a great advance in conservative treatment.     

Functional distal interphalangeal joint splinting for trigger finger in laborers: a review and cadaver investigation

This two-part study evaluates the efficacy of functional distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) splinting for the treatment of trigger finger. Thirty-one fingers from 21 meat packing plant workers were treated with DIP splinting. A single corticosteroid injection was offered if triggering was stage 4 or greater. All workers returned to work immediately. Eighty-one percent of the digits were treated successfully (mean follow-up: 1 year). Treatment failure correlated with duration of symptoms and stage of triggering but did not correlate with age, race, sex, disease in multiple digits, or prior treatment. For the second part of the study, the effect of DIP splinting on flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon excursion was studied in 16 fingers from 4 fresh cadavers. Excursion decreased 4.8 mm for the Stax splint and 4.2 mm for the dorsal Alumafoam splint. We conclude that DIP splinting provides a reliable and functional means of treating work-related trigger finger without lost time from work. Our cadaver investigation supports our theory that DIP splinting significantly decreases FDP excursion.     

Endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Hospital incidence

To determine the effectiveness of high voltage pulsed current (HVPC) in reducing chronic hand edema, 120 individuals were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Group I clients were given an appropriate sized wrist splint, incorporating an energized, high voltage pulsed unit. Group II clients were given an identical splint with a non-energized unit. Each client received daily treatments at the worksite consisting of 30 minute sessions totaling 20 treatments during a 35 day period. Pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations included measurements of pain, grip strength, and edema volume; repetitive task testing; and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament sensory testing. In the energized group, post-treatment evaluation showed statistically significant decreases in the amount of stimulation required to stimulate the median nerve and the amount of hand edema and pain. The energized group also had improved repetitive task times. None of these improvements occurred in the non-energized group. Based on these results, HVPC appears to be an effective method for minimizing the severity of repetitive stress injuries of the wrist.     

Nurse 98 awards. A touching story. Interview by Anna Minton

A clinical example of effective treatment of an adult patient with combined deformations of the jaws (upper prognathism of the third degree and open occlusion of the second degree) is reported. Fragmented osteotomy of the maxilla at the level of symmetrical removal of second molars is performed. Due to Engle's arches soldered with Vasil'ev's splint and compression, a maxillary fragment was shifted 10 mm backward and downward at the expense of compressing the inter-root septae; the first molars were preserved. Diastemata and tremata between incisors of both jaws were eliminated by the same method.     

Dexamethasone abolishes the activation by nerve growth factor of protein kinase N: effects of nerve growth factor and dexamethasone on protein kinase N

Post-operative therapeutic rehabilitation in ligamentous-capsular injuries has a great importance and for the final result it is as the very operation. We begin it from making the patient realize that the good final result can be obtained only with patient, persistence and discipline. Early therapeutic rehabilitation after surgical treatment of ligamentous-capsular injuries is possible only when the ligament was reconstructed in a motor stable way. Painless, dosed, passive motion exercises with a limited range of movements did on a mechanical splint TELOS have a great importance for the final results.