Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a rapid development technology in recent years of magnetic resonance imaging. The diffusion tensor interpolation is a very important procedure in DTI image processing. The traditional spectral quaternion interpolation method revises the direction of the interpolation tensor and can preserve tensors anisotropy, but the method does not revise the size of tensors. The present study puts forward an improved spectral quaternion interpolation method on the basis of traditional spectral quaternion interpolation. Firstly, we decomposed diffusion tensors with the direction of tensors being represented by quaternion. Then we revised the size and direction of the tensor respectively according to different situations. Finally, we acquired the tensor of interpolation point by calculating the weighted average. We compared the improved method with the spectral quaternion method and the Log-Euclidean method by the simulation data and the real data. The results showed that the improved method could not only keep the monotonicity of the fractional anisotropy (FA) and the determinant of tensors, but also preserve the tensor anisotropy at the same time. In conclusion, the improved method provides a kind of important interpolation method for diffusion tensor image processing.
Objective To analysis the electrophysiological dominance weight of the triceps brachii muscle/extensordigitorum communis muscle innervated by brachial plexus and to conclude its effect on the ipsilateral C7 transfer so as to offer electrophysiological data for the safety and indication of i psilateral C7 transfer. Methods From August 2007 to October 2007, 15 patients with complete brachial plexus nerve root avulsion received contralateral C7 transfer. There were 13 males and 2 females aged 18-49 years (28 years on average). Injury was caused by fall ing in 1 case, by crush in 2 cases and by traffic accident in 12 cases, involving left side in 8 cases and right side in 7 cases. The upper, middle and lower trunk of the brachial plexus were stimulated respectively, the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) at the triceps brachii muscle/extensor digitorum communis muscle was recorded, and then the electrophysiological dominance weight of the triceps brachii muscle/extensor digitorum communis muscle innervated by brachial plexus was confirmed according to the comparison of the ampl itude percentage of the CMAP by three trunks. The muscle strength of triceps brachii muscle/extensor digitorum communis muscle was evaluated and the electromyogram was taken 6 months after operation. Results All patients were followed up for 6 months. Concerning the electrophysiological dominance weight, the triceps brachii muscle was mainly innervated by uppermiddle trunk in 3 cases (20%), by middle-lower trunk in 3 cases (20%), by whole trunk in 7 cases (47%) and by middle trunk in 2 cases (13%). While the extensor digitorum communis muscle was mainly innervated by middle-lower trunk in 3 cases (20%), by whole trunk in 10 cases (67%) and by lower trunk in 2 cases (13%). Concerning the triceps brachii muscle, 2 patients got the muscle strength of 4 grade with recruitment simple phase at 1 month after operation and returned to normal at 3 month after operation, while 13 patients got the muscle strength of 5 grade with recruitment simple or mixed phase at 1 month after operation. Concerning the extensor digitorum communis muscle, the muscle strength and the recruitment phase of all 15 patients recovered to normal at 1 month after operation. Conclusion To patients with various kinds of electrophysiological dominance weight, the cutting of C7 does not substantially damage the triceps brachii muscle or extensor digitorum communis muscle, indicating that the ipsilateral C7 transfer is safe and feasible. However, it should be appl ied prudently for the patients with high dominance weight since it may result in the short-term decrease of triceps brachii muscle strength.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MRDTI) technique in displaying myocardial fiber architecture. Methods In five ex vivo swine heart, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was acquired in 25 directions within 2 hours after excision. The myocardial fiber was reconstructed by using brain white matter tractography algorithm to display its course, distribution and arrangement. Results In the swine heart 1 hour after excision, MRDTI revealed that the arrangement of the myocardial fiber had certain continuity. It spiraled and twisted to form the left and right ventricle. The divection of general myocardial fiber in the left ventricle was vertical below endocardium, horizontal below epicardium and oblique in stratum medium, which is consistent with the theory of ventricular myocardial band. Conclusion MRDTI can reveal the myocardial fiber architecture, showing its integrity and arrangement, and at some level confirming the theory of ventricular myocardial band.
ObjectiveChildhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a common syndrome of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.However, little is known about the brain structural changes in this type of epilepsy, especially in the default mode network (DMN) regions.Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive techniques that can be used to quantitatively explore structural characteristics of brain.This study aims at using the DTI technique to quantify structural abnormalities of DMN nodes in CAE patients.MethodDTI data were obtained in 14 CAE patients and 13 age-and gender-matched healthy controls.The data were analyzed using voxel-based analysis (VBA) and statistically compared between patients and controls.For the regions with significant difference in group comparison, their DTI metrics were further analyzed with clinical symptoms using Pearson's correlation.ResultsPatients showed significant increase of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in left medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) (P=0.042), while fractional anisotropy (FA) value was significantly decreased in left precuneus (P=0.010).In correlation analysis, ADC value from left MPFC was positively associated with duration of epilepsy.Neither the disease duration nor the seizure frequency showed significant correlation with FA values.ConclusionThe findings indicate that structural impairments exist in DMN regions in children suffering from absence epilepsy.This may contribute to understanding the pathological mechanisms and chronic neurological deficits of this disorder.
Objective To summarize the method and the cl inical outcome of repairing both toe extensor tendon and dorsal foot wounds with anterolateral thigh flap. Methods Between February 2007 and May 2009, 11 patients with toe extensor tendon and dorsal foot defect were treated with anterolateral thigh flap. There were 8 males and 3 females with a medianage of 45 years (range, 10-60 years). The causes of injury were sharp injury in 3 cases, machine crush injury in 3 cases, and traffic accident injury in 5 cases, including 7 cases of fresh wounds with a disease duration of 2-8 hours and 4 cases of old wounds with a disease duration of 3-15 days. The size of wound ranged from 6 cm × 5 cm to 25 cm × 15 cm. All cases compl icated by toe extensor tendon defect, which were located at the 2nd-5th toes in 1 case, 3rd-5th toes in 1 case, 2nd-4th toes in 2 cases, 2nd and 3rd toes in 3 cases, 1st and 2nd toes in 1 case, and 1st toe in 3 cases. In the first stage, the anterolateral thigh flap ranged from 8 cm × 7 cm to 27 cm × 15 cm was used to repair defect and fascia lata was used to bridge two ends of digitorum longus tendon; the donor site was sutured or repaired with the skin graft. The second stage was performed after 2-3 months, tenolysis for tendon was performed, and fascia lata was spl it into tendon-l ike shape; and the toe functional exercises were done. Results All flaps survived completely after the first stage, wounds healed by first intention; the donor skin graft survived and incisions healed by first intention. At 7 days after the second stage, marginal necrosis occurred in 3 flaps (0.5-2.0 cm in width), and healed after 15-20 days of dressing change; the other flaps survived, and incisions healed by first intention. Eight patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 15 months). Excepts 4 sl ight bulky flaps, the other flaps had satisfactory appearance and soft texture with two points discrimination of 1-3 cm. During the follow-up, part of the dorsiflexion function recovered in 5 patients (5-40°), andflexion function was normal; 3 dorsiflexion function disappeared without effect on the function of toe flexion, and the patients could walk normally. No toe ptosis occurred. Conclusion Appl ication of the anterolateral thigh flap can repair toe extensor tendon and dorsal foot wounds with short treatment time and less damage at the donor site, so it can avoid toe ptosis after surgery and achieve excellent cl inical results.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of modified extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendon transfer for reconstruction of spontaneously ruptured extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon by comparing with the traditional EIP tendon transfer. MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2011, 11 cases of spontaneously ruptured EPL tendon were treated by modified EIP tendon transfer to reconstruct extension function (modified group). On the base of traditional procedure, the proximal end of EPL tendon was sutured with EIP tendon and the distal end of EIP tendon was crossed round extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendon and sutured back with EPL tendon. A specific EI-EPL evaluation method (SEEM) was used to measure the EPL tendon function after transfer. The result was compared with that of the other 18 cases undergoing traditional operation (traditional group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and injury causes between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. In traditional group, 5 cases were out of follow-up, and the other 24 cases were followed up 1 year and 6 months on average (range, 8 months-2 years and 6 months). At the last follow-up, according to the evaluation of SEEM, the thumb elevation and flexion deficits of modified group were significantly less than those of traditional group (P lt; 0.05). The independent elevation deficit of the index finger of modified group was similar to that of traditional group (P gt; 0.05). The effectiveness was excellent in 9 cases and good in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 100% in modified group, and was excellent in 5 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 84.6%. The effectiveness of modified group was significantly better than that of traditional group (χ2=0.03, P=0.03). ConclusionReconstruction of EPL tendon function by modified EIP tendon transfer is effective and easy. It can increase strength of the transferred tendon and obtain satisfactory results, but the long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up.
Objective To evaluate the results of thumb opposition function by transferring the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensor poll icis brevis muscle tendons. Methods Between March 2006 and August 2009, 35 patients with dysfunction of thumb opposition were treated and the thumb opposition function was reconstruced by transferring the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensor poll icis brevis muscle tendons. There were 25 males and 10 females with an average age of 33.5 years (range, 20-53 years); 20 had median nerve injury in the wrist and 15 had median nerve injury with ulnar nerve injury. The causes were sharp instrument injury in 24 cases, blunt injury in 9 cases, and hot crush injury in 2 cases. Six cases complicated by shaft fractures of radius and ulna. All the patients underwent an operation of nerve repair at 1 to 3 hours after injury (mean, 2 hours). The time from injury to reconstructing operation was 6-14 months (mean, 7.5 months). Two cases was able to abduct thumb sl ightly, the others had no functions of thumb abduct and thumb opposition. Results All the wounds gained the primary healing. The patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). The wrist joint angle and thumb dorsal extension were satisfactory. Thumb abduct and thumb opposition function returned to normal in 20 patients with simple median nerve injury; in 15 patients with median nerve injury and ulnar nerve injury, thumb abduct and thumb opposition function returned to normal in 15 and 13, respectively. According to ZHAO Shuqiang’s standard, the results of thumb opposition function were normal in all patients at 12 months after operation. Conclusion It is a convenient and efficient procedure to reconstruct thumb opposition function by transferring the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensor poll icis brevis muscle tendons.
Objective To investigate the result of free vascular transplantation of denervated extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallusis brevisfor the treatment of late facial paralysis. Methods From April 2003 to April 2005, 26 cases of facial paralyces were treated by transplantation of denervated extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallusis brevis. During operation, the ends of the tendons were fixed at ala nasi, middle point of nasal labial fold,oral commisure and chin; the muscle belly were put around the masseter nerveto correct the nasal and oral deformity, microsurgery was applied to anastomosethe tarsus lateral vessels to the superficial temporalis vessels or the facial vessels. The result of the operation was evaluated by the Standard of Douglas Harrison and the Paresis Assessment scoring system of Stennert. Results The static appearance was satisfactory in 26 cases after operation, the bilateral oral commisure was symmetry and the dynamic appearance was greatly improved 6 months after operation. Among the 23 cases whose disease history was above 2 years，all could smile naturally and show their teeth symmetrically except 1 case whocould only move the oral commissure. Among the 3 cases whose disease history was less than 2 years, one could smile naturally and show his teeth symmetrically, one could smile but could not show his teeth symmetrically, another could move oral commissure but have no motion appearance. The result was evaluated as“” according to Standard of Douglas Harrison, accounting for 88% (23/26). Evaluated according to the Paresis Assessment scoring system of Stenert, the difference before operation and after operation was more than 5, accounting for 86% (22/26). Conclusion The free vascular transplantation of denervated extensor digitorum brevis and extensor halluces brevis can reconstruct the oral appearance for the treatment of late facial paralysis.
Objective To investigate a synthetical technique combining static and dynamic states for treating facial paralysis. Methods From October 1993 to November 2005, 93 patients (26 males, 67 females; aged 9-69 years; illness course, 6 months to 24 years) with facial paralysis were admitted for treatment, of whom 48 were unknown in their pathological origins, 32 had a history of intracranial or ear operation, 13 had their facial paralysis related to trauma. We applied synthetical techniques for treating facial paralysis, including denerved muscle (extensor hallucis brevis and extensor digitorum brevis) free graft using an operating or chemical technique, temporal muscular flap suspending, treatment of eye closure by uplifting zygomomalar tissues and temporal muscular flap suspending, brow lifting by the Buried Guiding Suture Appliance, Botox injection, and the nerve amputation of normal side for mandibular marginal ramus paralysis. Results After the treatment for 82 patients with the method of the denerved muscle free graft combining femporal muscular flap suspending, 3 patients with the method of uplifting zygomo-malar tissues combining temporalmuscular flap suspending for eye closure, 15 patients with the method of the Buried Giding Suture for eyebrow lifting, 4 patients with the Botox injection and nerve amputation of normal side for the mandibular marginal ramus paralysis,93 patientshad a good therapeutic result. The follow-up for 3 months to 10 years in all the patients revealed that 75 patients were satisfied with their treatment results and 13 patients were almost satisfied according to the criteria for the facialsymmetrical checking and the House-Brackmann grading system. The technique hadadvantages of a complete survival of the related small muscles, a hidden incision, less trauma for the Botox injection, and the denerved muscles for surrounding nerve inserting. Conclusion The synthetical technique combining static and dynamic states for treating facial paralysis is a good therapeutic method and the therapies for facial paralysis should vary with the different conditions of the paralysis. We advocate an individuation treatment for facial paralysis.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectivenesss of simple lateral extensor digitorum communis (EDC) split approach combined with loop-plate fixation in the treatment of ulnar coronoid fracture in terrible triad of elbow (TTE).MethodsThe clinical data of 60 patients with TTE who met the selection criteria between January 2015 and May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 48 males and 12 females, aged from 18 to 60 years (mean, 37.4 years). All the patients were closed fractures. Injury causes included fall injury in 28 cases, falling from height in 20 cases, and traffic accident injury in 12 cases. All patients had no vascular and nerve injury, and the time from injury to operation was 1-14 days, with an average of 4.8 days. The height and size of the fracture of the coronal process were measured by CT and accurate classifications were made. All the 60 patients were treated with simple lateral EDC split approach combined with loop-plate to fix the ulnar coronoid fracture; 20 patients of radial head fracture were fixed with hollow screw, 32 patients with mini-plate fixation, 8 patients with radial head prosthesis replacement; 16 patients with suture and 44 patients with suture anchor to reconstruct lateral collateral ligament complex; 10 patients with residual instability of elbow joint were fixed with hinge external fixator, and others were fixed with adjustable tension brace after operation. Postoperative imaging examination was performed to evaluate fracture healing and complications, such as loosening or breakage of internal fixator, osteoarthritis, and heterotopic ossification, etc. During follow-up, the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint was recorded, including elbow flexion, extension, and forearm pronation, supination. Mayo elbow function score system (MEPS) was used to evaluate elbow joint function at last follow-up.ResultsAll patients were followed up 16-24 months (mean, 20.2 months). All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no complications such as vascular nerve injury, elbow joint instability, internal fixation failure, and infection occurred; the fracture healing time was 9-17 weeks (mean, 11.7 weeks). Four cases developed elbow stiffness after operation, and all underwent elbow joint lysis with internal fixator removal within 12-15 months after operation; 10 cases developed heterotopic ossification without special treatment. At last follow-up, the ROM of elbow flexion ranged from 85° to 135° (mean, 116°), the ROM of elbow extension ranged from 0° to 20° (mean, 11°), the ROM of forearm pronation ranged from 55° to 75° (mean, 70°), and the ROM of forearm supination ranged from 60° to 90° (mean, 83°). The MEPS score ranged from 55 to 100 (mean, 86.1); the effectiveness were excellent in 40 patients, good in 10 patients, fair in 6 patients, and poor in 4 patients, with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%.ConclusionThe simple lateral EDC split approach is fully exposed, and the loop-plate can fix the ulnar coronoid fractures firmly and stably, which can restore the stability of the elbow joint, and the effectiveness is satisfactory.