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Forensic Science International Jul 2024A comparative analysis of 26 petrous bones and epiphyses of metacarpals from the Second World War era revealed no significant differences in DNA yield or success in STR... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
A comparative analysis of 26 petrous bones and epiphyses of metacarpals from the Second World War era revealed no significant differences in DNA yield or success in STR typing. This unexpected parity in DNA preservation between the petrous bone, a renowned source of endogenous DNA in skeletal remains, and the epiphyses of metacarpals, which are porous and susceptible to taphonomic changes, is surprising. In this study, we introduced ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an approach to unravel the correlation between bone molecular structure and DNA preservation. Metacarpals and petrous bones with same taphonomic history were sampled and prepared for DNA analyses. While one portion of the sample was used for DNA analysis, the other underwent ATR-FTIR spectroscopic examination. The normalized spectra and FTIR indices between the epiphyses of metacarpals and petrous bones were compared. Because the taphonomic history of the remains used is relatively short and stable, the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy unveiled subtle structural differences between the two bone types. Petrous bones exhibited higher mineralization, whereas epiphyses contained more organic matter. The unexpected preservation of DNA in the epiphyses of metacarpals can likely be attributed to the presence of soft tissue remnants within the trabeculae. Here observed differences in the molecular structure of bones indicate there are different mechanisms enabling DNA preservation in skeletal tissues.
Topics: Humans; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Petrous Bone; Epiphyses; DNA; Metacarpal Bones; DNA Fingerprinting; Microsatellite Repeats; World War II
PubMed: 38821024
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112076 -
Schweizer Archiv Fur Tierheilkunde Jun 2024Two six-month old female Lacaune lambs with severe skeletal malformations of both front limbs were presented to the Department of Farm Animals, University of Zurich. The...
Two six-month old female Lacaune lambs with severe skeletal malformations of both front limbs were presented to the Department of Farm Animals, University of Zurich. The clinical examination showed alert animals with a high body weight and body condition score as well as a valgus deformation without pain or swelling. Radiographic examination showed severe irregularities in the epiphysial plate of the metacarpal bones in both lambs. Delayed growth in the lateral aspects of the physis was evident and resulted in valgus deformation. Nutritional causes were considered as the main reason for this presentation and a nutritional consultation was performed by the Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zurich. The estimated energy intake of these lambs was 65 % higher than the recommended maximum for growing sheep and the estimated vitamin D content of the diet was 71 % below the recommended allowance. Both animals were euthanized, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was performed postmortem to measure total bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone mineral density (tBMD) and cortical bone mineral density (cBMD) of the left and right metatarsal bone of both animals. The BMD and the tBMD at 10 % of bone length were below the reference values and the BMD at 50 % was above the reference values. In addition, postmortem examination revealed a Salter-Harris-Typ-1 facture in the right caput humeri of one lamb. Histological evaluation showed defects in the articular cartilage with an eburnation in the metacarpal region and a disrupted area of columnar cartilage. This case report supports the fact that a high dietary energy intake leads to damage to the cartilage and the epiphyseal zone in sheep. In addition, insufficient dietary vitamin D intake contributed to the incomplete bone mineralization, as well as delayed growth and skeletal malformation.
Topics: Animals; Female; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Bone Density; Diet
PubMed: 38807435
DOI: 10.17236/sat00426 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Ulnar dimelia, also known as "mirror hand disorder", is a rare developmental disorder affecting the upper limb. Primarily, it involves the duplication of fingers, carpal...
Ulnar dimelia, also known as "mirror hand disorder", is a rare developmental disorder affecting the upper limb. Primarily, it involves the duplication of fingers, carpal bones, metacarpals, or ulna along the sagittal axis, and is often accompanied by the absence of the radius or thumb. The anomaly presents challenges in both bone and soft tissue development, impacting limb functionality and affecting a child's quality of life. We present the case of a one-year-old girl with unilateral ulnar dimelia. Surgical intervention was considered to address functional and aesthetic concerns. The surgery involved creating an opposable thumb from preaxial fingers through a carefully tailored approach. Post surgical therapy included physiotherapy and psychotherapy to ensure both physical functionality and psychological adjustment. The surgical procedure successfully provided an adequate grip pattern, and the patient demonstrated age-appropriate use of the modified hand at the six-month follow-up. Comparison with similar cases highlights the diversity in ulnar dimelia presentations and the need for customised surgical solutions. The timing of surgery is typically recommended between one and two years, considering both anatomical readiness and the advantages of cerebral plasticity in young patients.
PubMed: 38792609
DOI: 10.3390/life14050588 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024There is a limited description of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and no information on computed tomographic (CT) findings in the fetlock of non-lame, non-racing sports...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 31 Warmblood Showjumpers in Full Work and Competing Regularly.
There is a limited description of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and no information on computed tomographic (CT) findings in the fetlock of non-lame, non-racing sports horses. This study aimed to document comparative CT, MRI and radiographic findings in the metacarpophalangeal joints of showjumpers in full work. Clinical and gait assessments, low-field MRI, fan-beam CT and radiographic examinations of both metacarpophalangeal joints were performed on 31 showjumpers. Images were analysed descriptively. In most limbs (53/62, 85.5%), there were CT and MRI changes consistent with densification in the sagittal ridge and/or condyles of the third metacarpal bone (McIII). Hypoattenuation (subchondral bone resorption) was seen in CT reconstructions in the metacarpal condyle dorsoproximally (n = 2) and dorsodistally (n = 1), in the sagittal groove (n = 2) and medial fovea (n = 1) of the proximal phalanx. The McIII resorptive lesions were detected on MR images but not the proximal phalanx lesions. None were identified on radiographs. In conclusion, MRI and CT abnormalities previously associated with lameness were seen in the front fetlocks of showjumpers without relevant lameness. Densification in the sagittal ridge and the metacarpal condyles likely reflects an adaptive change to exercise. Subchondral bone resorption may indicate an early stage of disease; follow-up information is needed to establish its clinical significance.
PubMed: 38791635
DOI: 10.3390/ani14101417 -
Cureus Apr 2024Tumors that develop on the chest wall are usually rare. This case report highlights a rare occurrence of a giant cell tumor originating from the anterior arch of the...
Tumors that develop on the chest wall are usually rare. This case report highlights a rare occurrence of a giant cell tumor originating from the anterior arch of the fourth rib. The patient, a 21-year-old male, presented with a bulging mass that had been gradually increasing in size over an eight-month period, reaching dimensions of 12 x 8 cm. Despite the noticeable swelling, the patient reported no associated pain or discomfort and denied any history of weight loss or trauma. The absence of chest pain or cardiovascular symptoms distinguished this case from other chest wall pathologies. This report underscores the importance of considering rare entities such as giant cell tumors in the differential diagnosis of chest wall masses, especially in cases where clinical presentation and patient history do not align with more common conditions.
PubMed: 38774168
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58679 -
Cureus Apr 2024Tuberculosis inflicting small bones is infrequently reported, even in endemic countries. A case of isolated involvement of the left second metacarpal in an adult Indian...
Tuberculosis inflicting small bones is infrequently reported, even in endemic countries. A case of isolated involvement of the left second metacarpal in an adult Indian male with no pulmonary involvement is rare and has never been documented before in the medical literature. It's a diagnostic challenge due to non-specific clinical features, absence of constitutional signs of tuberculosis, ambiguity on radiograph films at early stages, and often results in delayed diagnosis. Moreover, it's a paucibacillary disease, and hence, diagnosis can be an arduous task. Herein, a case of a 20-year-old Indian male is presented who came with complaints of pain and swelling with a discharging sinus from the dorsum of his left hand. A detailed evaluation with the isolation of on a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test helped in the diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy per his weight.
PubMed: 38765441
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58476 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders May 2024Metacarpal shaft fracture is a common type of hand fracture. Numerous studies have explored fixing transverse fractures in the midshaft of the metacarpal bone. However,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Metacarpal shaft fracture is a common type of hand fracture. Numerous studies have explored fixing transverse fractures in the midshaft of the metacarpal bone. However, this section of the metacarpal bone is often susceptible to high-energy injury, resulting in comminuted fracture or bone loss. In such cases, wedge-shaped bone defects can develop in the metacarpal shaft, increasing the difficulty of performing fracture fixation. Notably, the research on this type of fracture fixation is limited. This study compared the abilities of four fixation methods to fix metacarpal shaft fractures with wedge-shaped bone defects.
METHODS
In total, 28 artificial metacarpal bones were used. To create wedge-shaped bone defects, an electric saw was used to create metacarpal shaft fractures at the midshaft of each bone. The artificial metacarpal bones were then divided into four groups for fixation. The bones in the first group were fixed with a dorsal locked plate (DP group), those in the second group were fixed with a volar locked plate (VP group), and those in the third group were fixed by combining dorsal and volar locked plates (DP + VP group), and those in the fourth group were fixed with two K-wires (2 K group). Cantilever bending tests were conducted using a material testing machine to measure yielding force and stiffness. The four groups' fixation capabilities were then assessed through analysis of variance and Tukey's test.
RESULTS
The DP + VP group (164.1±44.0 N) achieved a significantly higher yielding force relative to the 2 K group (50.7 ± 8.9 N); the DP group (13.6 ± 3.0 N) and VP group (12.3 ± 1.0 N) did not differ significantly in terms of yielding force, with both achieving lower yielding forces relative to the DP + VP group and 2 K group. The DP + VP group (19.8±6.3 N/mm) achieved the highest level of stiffness, and the other three groups did not differ significantly in terms of stiffness (2 K group, 5.4 ± 1.1 N/mm; DP group, 4.0 ± 0.9 N/mm; VP group, 3.9 ± 1.9 N/mm).
CONCLUSIONS
The fixation method involving the combined use of dorsal and volar locked plates (DP + VP group) resulted in optimal outcomes with respect to fixing metacarpal shaft fractures with volar wedge bone defects.
Topics: Metacarpal Bones; Bone Plates; Bone Wires; Humans; Biomechanical Phenomena; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone
PubMed: 38702748
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07482-2 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... May 2024Introduction and importance: The hand is one of the most vital organ that the surgeon aims to preserve its function and natural appearance. Gunshot injuries are common,...
Introduction and importance: The hand is one of the most vital organ that the surgeon aims to preserve its function and natural appearance. Gunshot injuries are common, especially in a war zone, and unfortunately, they create complex wounds that are hard to reconstruct and infection is very common. In this article, we report rebuilding segment of index finger with a pedicled osteo-tendo-cutaneous radial forearm flap. Case presentation: A 50-year-old man-African with no past medical comorbidities, sustained trauma to his left index finger by high-velocity injury that led to composite tissue loss including metacarpal and proximal phalanx. After applying the initial irrigation and dressing to the wound, his hand was supported by a volar cast then he was referred to the hospital. The hand was examined at the operation room and the index finger was found to be hanged with a medial skin pedicle with necrotic and exposed bone and tendon. He underwent a session of debridement followed by reconstruction using a pedicled osteo-cutaneous radial forearm flap accompanied with metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Clinical discussion: A significant number of war-related hand injuries resulted in amputations because there were not enough facilities or doctors. While they are alternatives to free flap, abdominal and regional flaps won't yield the same outcomes. The second ray of the hand is reshaped using a radial flap, producing an acceptable result. Conclusion: The Radial forearm flap was used to reconstruct segment of index finger and fulfill our requirements, which include bone, tendon, and skin cover. Additionally, this is a simple and single stage procedure and micro-surgical equipment is not necessary.
PubMed: 38643653
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109646 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Apr 2024Fractures of hands and feet are common in children, but relevant epidemiological studies are currently lacking. We aim to study the epidemiological characteristics of...
BACKGROUND
Fractures of hands and feet are common in children, but relevant epidemiological studies are currently lacking. We aim to study the epidemiological characteristics of hand and foot fractures and growth plate injuries in children and provide a theoretical basis for their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the data of children with hand and foot fractures who were hospitalized at Shenzhen Children's Hospital between July 2015 and December 2020. Data on demographic characteristics, fracture site, treatment method, etiology of injury, and accompanying injuries were collected. The children were divided into four age groups: infants, preschool children, school children, and adolescents. The fracture sites were classified as first-level (the first-fifth finger/toe, metacarpal, metatarsal, carpal, and tarsal) and second-level (the first-fifth: proximal phalanx, middle phalanx, distal phalanx, metacarpal, and metatarsal) sites. The changing trends in fracture locations and injury causes among children in each age group were analyzed.
RESULTS
Overall, 1301 children (1561 fractures; 835 boys and 466 girls) were included. The largest number of fractures occurred in preschool children (n = 549, 42.20%), with the distal phalanx of the third finger being the most common site (n = 73, 15.57%). The number of fractures in adolescents was the lowest (n = 158, 12.14%), and the most common fracture site was the proximal phalanx of the fifth finger (n = 45, 29.61%). Of the 1561 fractures, 1143 occurred in the hands and 418 in the feet. The most and least common first-level fracture sites among hand fractures were the fifth (n = 300, 26.25%) and first (n = 138, 12.07%) fingers, respectively. The most and least common first-level foot fracture locations were the first (n = 83, 19.86%) and fourth (n = 26, 6.22%) toes, respectively. The most common first-level and second level etiologies were life related injuries (n = 1128, 86.70%) and clipping injuries (n = 428, 32.90%), respectively. The incidence of sports injuries gradually increased with age, accounting for the highest proportion in adolescents (26.58%). Hand and foot fractures had many accompanying injuries, with the top three being nail bed injuries (570 cases, 36.52%), growth plate injuries (296 cases, 18.96%), and distal severed fracture (167 cases, 10.70%). Among the 296 growth plate injuries, 246 occurred on the hands and 50 on the feet.
CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to previous epidemiological studies on pediatric hand and foot fractures, we mapped the locations of these fractures, including proximal, shaft, distal, and epiphyseal plate injuries. We analyzed the changing trends in fracture sites and injury etiologies with age. Hand and foot fractures have many accompanying injuries that require attention during diagnosis and treatment. Doctors should formulate accident protection measures for children of different ages, strengthen safety education, and reduce the occurrence of accidental injuries.
Topics: Male; Child, Preschool; Infant; Female; Adolescent; Child; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Salter-Harris Fractures; Fractures, Bone; Hand Injuries; Metacarpal Bones; Foot Injuries
PubMed: 38589862
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07407-z -
International Journal of Surgery Case... May 2024Complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) dislocations are uncommon injuries that mainly affect the index finger and are typically caused by a fall on an...
INTRODUCTION
Complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) dislocations are uncommon injuries that mainly affect the index finger and are typically caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. It is exceptional for complex MCPJ dislocation to coexist with a distal fracture of the corresponding metacarpal bone.
PRESENTATION OF THE CASE
The authors report a case of a 23-year-old man presented to the emergency, with a complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation of the index associated with a distal metacarpal fracture confirmed by imaging. The patient had an open reduction and internal fixation of the proximal metacarpal fracture. The results were satisfying.
DISCUSSION
Dorsal MCP joint dislocations are rare, primarily affecting the index and little fingers, and are typically caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. Complex dislocations, characterized by irreducibility, involve structures forming a "noose" around the metacarpal head. Fractures associated with these dislocations are uncommon. Early diagnosis is crucial for better long-term functional outcomes. Radiographic imaging, including three different views, is necessary for accurate diagnosis. Surgery is usually required, with different approaches depending on the case. Arthroscopic techniques can be used when reduction is challenging. Timely surgical intervention yields the best results. Stiffness, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and growth arrest in pediatric cases are the main complications.
CONCLUSION
Complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) dislocations are rare. Open reduction is typically necessary for optimal outcomes. Complications such as stiffness, osteoarthritis can arise, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
PubMed: 38581936
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109532