Evaluation of a double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate cement in eviscerated rabbit eyes

Purpose: To evaluate the macroscopy, microstructure, and tissue reaction of a double-setting a-tricalcium phosphate bone cement used as an intraocular implant in rabbits.Methods: the internal and external surface of the double-setting a-tricalcium phosphate implant was analyzed macroscopically and by scanning electron microscopy. Twelve New Zealand rabbits received 12-mm implants made of double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate cement after unilateral evisceration. Clinical evaluation was performed daily for the first 15 days after surgery and at 15-day intervals until the end of the study period. For histopathologic analysis, 3 animals per experimental period were submitted to enucleation at 15, 45, 90, and 180 days.Results: on gross inspection, the external surface of the implant was solid, smooth, and compact. The microarchitecture was characterized by the formation of columns of hexagonal crystals with interconnecting channels forming micropores. No wound dehiscence, signs of infection, or implant extrusion were observed in any animal throughout the study period. Histologic examination revealed the formation of fibrovascular tissue surrounding the implants, and there were signs of minimal integration of the surface limiting the fibrocellular cap with the space previously occupied by the implant.Conclusions: the double-setting alpha-tricalcium phosphate implant behaved as an inert and nonintegratable material. The lack of incorporation of this material by fibrovascular tissue is related to its characteristics of compactness and high resistance.

New treatment for crow's feet wrinkles by vertical myectomy of the lateral orbicularis oculi

Crow's feet wrinkles are common complaints in patients looking for facial rejuvenation. This article describes a new technique for a lasting treatment by vertical myectomy of the lateral orbicularis oculi muscle. The author presents 20 cases surgically treated in the past 16 months. The results are very promising.

Magnesium sulphate given topically by iontophoresis for viability of random skin flaps in rats

Our aim was to assess the effects of magnesium sulphate given by iontophoresis on the viability of random skin flaps in rats. Endovenous magnesium sulphate is used to treat pre-eclampsia and diseases of blood vessels. Iontophoresis is an electrotherapeutic method which has shown satisfactory results in controlling ischaemia within the boundaries of the area in which it was given. Forty-five adult male Wistar rats, weighing 300 to 440 g were randomly divided into three groups of 15 animals each: random skin flap (control); random skin flap treated with magnesium sulphate without electrical stimulation; and random skin flap treated with magnesium sulphate with electrical stimulation of 4 mA for 20 minutes. The treatments were applied immediately after the operation and repeated on the following two days. The percentage of necrotic area was measured on the seventh postoperative day using a paper template. For each group, the mean percentage of flap necrosis was as follows: control, 46%; magnesium sulphate without electrical stimulation, 34%; and magnesium sulphate with electrical stimulation, 42%. There was no significant difference among the groups (p=0.18). Magnesium sulphate given by iontophoresis does not increase the viability of random skin flaps in rats.

Congenital deformity of the paw in a captive tiger: case report

Background: The aim of this report was to describe the clinical signs, diagnostic approach, treatment and outcome in the case of a tiger with a deformity of the paw.Case presentation: A 1.5-year-old tiger (Panthera tigris) was presented with lameness of the left thoracic limb. A deformity involving the first and second metacarpal bones, and a soft tissue separation between the second and third metacarpal bones of the left front paw were observed. The second digit constantly struck the ground during locomotion. Based on the physical and radiographic evaluations, a diagnosis of ectrodactyly was made. A soft tissue reconstruction of the cleft with excision of both the second digit and distal portion of the second metacarpal bone was performed. Marked improvement of the locomotion was observed after surgical treatment, although the tiger showed a low degree of lameness probably associated with the discrepancy in length between the thoracic limbs.Conclusion: This report shows a rare deformity in an exotic feline that it is compatible to ectrodactyly. Reconstructive surgery of the cleft resulted in significant improvement of limb function.

New treatment for frontal sinus hypertrophy

A new treatment of frontal sinus hypertrophy is described. The anterior wall is removed, inverted, and attached again. The resulting depression is filled with bone dust. Details are discussed, and a case is presented.

Estudo da perda da tensao do enxerto de tendão calcâneo bovino

Lesion of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is a problem that affects animals as well as humans and may evolve with joint instability that is often symptomatic and incapacitating. The main option for ligament substitution is the autologous tendon graft. The graft undergoes tensioning during ACL reconstructive surgery to reestablish the normal laxity of the ACL- deficient knee. Although graft tensioning plays a fundamental role in postoperative clinical evolution, ideal tensioning levels have not been established in the literature. Therefore, graft elongation that may occur over time is still one of the main reasons for ligament reconstruction failure. In this study, ten bovine calcaneus tendons underwent two successive assays of physiological tensioning for a maximum deformation of 2.5% of the initial tendon length, maintained for 600s with force (N) values recorded at zero time (initial), 300s and 600s. At the end of the first assay, the tendon returned to its initial length and was maintained at rest for 300s and then the next tensioning assay was initiated, repeating the previous procedure. Statistical analysis revealed that tendon elongation is more pronounced during the initial 300s, reflecting a more accentuated decline in the tension values of the graft. Therefore, 300s after tensioning and fixing the graft, the surgeon can assess with more precision if the tensioning level was adequate.

Implantação de biomembrana de colágeno tratada em solução alcalina ou conservada em glicerina a 98% na parede abdominal de equinos

The objective of this research was obtain collagen biomembranes treated in alkaline solution for 72 hours (GE) from tendineous diaphragmatic center of equines and compare its biocompatibility with membranes preserved in a glycerin solution 98% (GG) and membranes do not treated (GC). The membranes were implanted in the internal fascia of recto abdominis muscle of equines and removed, with adjacent tissues, seven, 63 and 126 days postoperative for the preparation of histological slides. The histomorphometric study revealed more intense inflammatory process to GG and CC implants and faster healing for GE implants. It was concluded that the collagen biomembranes treated in alkaline solution is more biocompatible than biomembranes preserved in 98% glycerin.

Management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction - Latin American study

PURPOSE