Anatomical basis for a technic of cutting flaps out of the musculus rectus femoris for creating a rectal sphincter apparatus

As demonstrate the surgical anatomy investigations of the m. rectus femoris performed in 100 preparations, obtained from corpses of persons belonging to various age periods, in connection with sphincteroplasty the vascular-nervous hilus of the muscle is projected at the level of the upper third of its medial part. The ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery with the vein of the same name and the muscular branch of the femoral nerve get into their composition. The intramuscular course of the vessels and nerves of the I-III orders of branching and that of the muscular fasciculi coincide. For the sphincteroplasty it is expedient to use muscular-tendinous flaps, cut out from the medial part of the musculus.     

Anatomical separation and clinical importance of two different parts of the vastus medialis muscle

In 32 corpses, either fresh or fixed, the deviations of the two heads (musculus vastus medialis longus and musculus vastus medialis obliquus) of the vastus medialis muscle from the long axis of the femur were measured. The deviations were between 15 and 18 degrees medially for the m. vastus medialis longus and between 46 and 52 degrees medially for the m. vastus medialis obliquus. Anatomical dissections of the vastus medialis muscle in 115 fixed thigh specimens could always demonstrate a clear separation between a long head of the muscle that inserts at the base (m. vastus medialis longus) and a short head (m. vastus medialis obliquus) that inserts at the medial margin of the patella. The plane of separation could be identified by a femoral nerve's branch in every case. In 17 instances the nerve's localization was superficial, in 57 in an areolar fascial plane, and in the depth between the muscles in 41 instances. The ramification of the femoral nerve's branch that runs along the separation plane showed four types of variation. With these investigations it was possible to distinguish between two individual heads of the vastus medialis muscle not only with regard to its function, but also to its anatomy.     

Ultrasound measurement of the volume of musculus quadriceps after knee joint injury

The monitoring of the recovery of femoral muscles, after the knee-joint injury, is possible by the method of ultrasound measurement of the muscular volume. In a clearly defined longitudinal study, our object was to standardize the method of ultrasound measurement of muscular volume and to evaluate its adequacy in practical application in quadriceps muscle rehabilitation. The ultrasound measurements of m. rectus femoris and m. vastus intermedius were conducted in three intervals: in the first 24 hours after the injury; after 1 week, when immobilization was removed; and after 6 weeks, when rehabilitation was finished. The study comprised 30 patients with knee-joint injury, and 30 asymptomatic subjects, who formed the control group. The results showed significant decrease of muscular volume (mm3) after joint immobilization on injured leg and a significant increase of volume after rehabilitation. The same differences were observed on healthy legs, but without significance. Within the same intervals, there were no changes in the muscular mass in the control group. M. rectus femoris was completely recovered in greater number of patients (54.1%), comparing to m. vastus intermedius (25.4%). We conclude that the ultrasound is an appropriate method for monitoring the process of muscular atrophy during immobilization, as well as the course of muscular restitution during the physical therapy.     

Effects of acetylcholine and other vasodilatory substances in the vascular bed of skeletal muscles during and after muscular contractions.

In dogs and cats perfusion pressure or femoral venous outflow and changes in the volume of the hind limb were measured. The influence of muscular contractions on the effects of acetylcholine, histamine, isoprenaline and papaverine in the vascular bed of the limb was investigated. It was found that after muscular excerise the effects of i. a. injection of acetylcholine into the isolated limb were markedly potentiated, whereas the effects of histamine and isoprenaline were diminished.     

三种啮齿类动物前肢挖掘效率分析

以甘肃鼢鼠(Myospalax cansus)、棕色田鼠(Lasiopodomys mandarinus)和小鼠(Mus musculus)为对象,对其尺骨、桡骨和肱三头肌结构进行了比较,并通过力学模型,对这三种生活类型鼠类前肢的挖掘效率进行分析。结果显示,甘肃鼢鼠肘关节位置大幅度前移,尺骨鹰嘴特化突出,形成更加省力的骨学杠杆基础,其中甘肃鼢鼠的鹰嘴尺骨比例达0.40;棕色田鼠和小鼠的鹰嘴尺骨比例分别约为0.19和0.18。此外,甘肃鼢鼠提供挖掘动力的肱三头肌近体端长头覆盖整个肩胛骨下缘,外侧头和内侧头覆盖桡神经沟到肱骨肘关节髁附近区域,远体端扁腱附着于尺骨鹰嘴,整块肌肉非常发达,棕色田鼠和小鼠均无此特化现象。说明甘肃鼢鼠前肢结构更加适应地下掘土生活,其挖掘效率远大于棕色田鼠和小鼠。     

Experimental anatomical basis for a new method of revascularizing the femoral head for the treatment of avascular necrosis

Two series of experiments were performed in rabbits of both sex at the age of 2-6 months. In I series (42 rabbits) the modelling of Perthes' diseases was performed by a lesion produced in the proximal diaepiphysial femoral growth zone. Character and course of pathological processes in the femoral head and neck were studied. They were mainly correspond to 5 clinical roentgenological stages of Perthes' disease. In II series (52 rabbits) with the model of Perthes' disease the suggested operation on revascularization of the femoral head by means of a periosteal muscular graft on a feeding peduncle was applied. Histological, angiological, roentgenological investigations and the method on indication of radioactive phosphorus (P32) demonstrated good vascularizational and reparative properties of the transplant applied. In 50 patients with Perthes' disease the result of a conservative treatment were studied. In 25 patients the operation on revascularization of the femoral head by means of a periosteal muscular transplant on a feeding peduncle was applied according to the technique suggested. The analysis of the treatment results demonstrated that restoration of the femoral bone configuration and that of functioning of the coxofemoral joint occurred sooner, further progressive course of the disease was stopped, duration of treatment was shorter as compared to the conservative methods. The operation suggested could be applied together with other operative methods for treatment of Perthes' disease.     

Investigation of the temporal and spatial dynamics of muscular action potentials through optically pumped magnetometers

AimThis study aims to simultaneously record the magnetic and electric components of the propagating muscular action potential.MethodA single-subject study of the monosynaptic stretch reflex of the musculus rectus femoris was performed; the magnetic field generated by the muscular activity was recorded in all three spatial directions by five optically pumped magnetometers. In addition, the electric field was recorded by four invasive fine-wire needle electrodes. The magnetic and electric fields were compared by modelling the muscular anatomy of the rectus femoris muscle and by simulating the corresponding magnetic field vectors.ResultsThe magnetomyography (MMG) signal can reliably be recorded following the stimulation of the monosynaptic stretch reflex. The MMG signal shows several phases of activity inside the muscle, the first of which is the propagating muscular action potential. As predicted by the finite wire model, the magnetic field vectors of the propagating muscular action potential are generated by the current flowing along the muscle fiber. Based on the magnetic field vectors, it was possible to reconstruct the pinnation angle of the muscle fibers. The later magnetic field components are linked to the activation of the contractile apparatus.InterpretationMMG allows to analyze the muscle physiology from the propagating muscular action potential to the initiation of the contractile apparatus. At the same time, this methods reveals information about muscle fiber direction and extend. With the development of high-resolution magnetic cameras, that are based on OPM technology, it will be possible to image the function and structure of the biomagnetic field of any skeletal muscle with high precision. This method could be used both, in clinical medicine and also in sports science.     

Glycosaminoglycans in tissue forming joint elements

A method is suggested to isolate and purify glycosaminoglycans forming elements of a joint from different kinds of connective tissue. The suggested method has been used to study the amount and composition of glucosaminoglycans in the knee joint tissues of people who had died from different accidents. The cartilage of patella and medial condyle of the femur, synovial membrane, medial meniscus and medial tendon of musculus quadriceps femoris are studied. Differences in the amount and composition of glucosaminoglycans in adults are shown.     

Observation on the development of osteochondrosis in young rats

A histopathological study on the development of spontaneous osteochondrosis in the humeral head and medial femoral condyle of rats (6-20 weeks old) was carried out. Findings were classified into three types: normal, transitional and osteochondrotic. In the normal type, the articular cartilage at the caudal region of the humeral head and medial femoral condyle was significantly thinned between 6 and 10 weeks of age (generally the caudal region was thicker than elsewhere at all ages). In the transitional type, the thinning of the cartilage was delayed. In the third type, osteochondrotic lesions were detected in the humeral head from 6 weeks of age and in the medial femoral condyle from 10 weeks of age. The thickness of the cartilage had slightly decreased or had not changed at 20 weeks of age. In the early stages, viable chondrocytes and small destructive foci of cartilage were observed in the basal layer of the thick deep zone. These cells were present in pairs or clusters surrounded by matrix in the large lacunae. Cells and destructive foci were also seen in the surface layer of the deep zone as the rats aged. In the advanced stage, a necrotic area or cleft was formed in the basal layer of the articular cartilage and fibrosis was observed in the subchondral bone.     

Trial of the RBC aggregometer head for estimating blood flow in veins in vivo

The whole blood RBC aggregometer head reported previously for measuring the degree of RBC aggregation in whole blood was tested for its usefulness as a flowmeter of blood vessels in situ. Modifications to its construction were made so that it became readily attachable and detachable without damage to the vessels. In ex vivo experiments employing a transparent vinyl tube and freshly drawn heparinized human whole blood, the RBC aggregometer head was applicable for evaluating semiquantitative flow changes within a limited flow range based on the degree of RBC aggregation. A linear relationship was observed between the logarithm of blood flow in a low shear range (below approximately 180/s) and changes in the light transmission of the flowing blood. The RBC aggregometer head with or without an electromagnetic flowmeter (EMF) was applied to the jugular vein and femoral vein in cats. A stop-flow change of whole blood in the jugular vein was detected by the RBC aggregometer head as a dramatic change in light transmission (LT). The aggregometer head recorded a similar LT change consistently, whereas the EMF was found to be rather discrepant, indicating the occurrence of anomalous flow. It is concluded that the RBC aggregometer head can be used as an semiquantitative flowmeter for relative changes in blood flow in veins in situ.     

Morphometric and histochemical characteristics of the frog sartorius muscle in ontogeny]

Morphometric and histochemical investigation of musculus sartorius was performed in ontogenesis in Rana ridibunda and Rana temporaria. Muscular composition was characterized according to the type of muscular fibres. Spectrum of lactatdehydrogenase isoenzymes was studied at different developmental stages. As the studies demonstrated, musculus sartorius underwent some essential changes in ontogenesis which manifested themselves in increasing number of muscular fibres and their areas, in changing LDG isoenzymic spectrum. Differentiation of the muscular fibres three types takes place at the 30th stage after P. V. Terentiev and depends on the nerve system maturation.     

Sensitivity analysis of hip joint centre estimation based on three-dimensional CT scans

In morphological analysis of the femur, the hip joint centre (HJC) is generally determined using a 3D model of the femoral head based on medical images. However, the portion of the image selected to represent the femoral head may influence the HJC. We determined if this influence invalidates the results of three HJC calculation methods, one of which we introduce here.

To isolate femoral heads in cadaver CT images, thresholds were applied to the distance between femur and acetabulum models. The sensitivity of the HJC to these thresholds and the differences between methods were quantified.

For thresholds between 6 and 9 mm and healthy hips, differences between methods were below 1 mm and all methods were insensitive to threshold changes. For higher thresholds, the fovea capitis femoris disturbed the HJC. In two deformed hips, the new method performed superiorly. We conclude that for normal hips all methods produce valid results.     

Sensitivity analysis of hip joint centre estimation based on three-dimensional CT scans

In morphological analysis of the femur, the hip joint centre (HJC) is generally determined using a 3D model of the femoral head based on medical images. However, the portion of the image selected to represent the femoral head may influence the HJC. We determined if this influence invalidates the results of three HJC calculation methods, one of which we introduce here. To isolate femoral heads in cadaver CT images, thresholds were applied to the distance between femur and acetabulum models. The sensitivity of the HJC to these thresholds and the differences between methods were quantified. For thresholds between 6 and 9?mm and healthy hips, differences between methods were below 1?mm and all methods were insensitive to threshold changes. For higher thresholds, the fovea capitis femoris disturbed the HJC. In two deformed hips, the new method performed superiorly. We conclude that for normal hips all methods produce valid results.     

Clinical and Muscle Imaging Findings in 14 Mainland Chinese Patients with Oculopharyngodistal Myopathy

Oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) is an extremely rare, adult-onset hereditary muscular disease characterized by progressive external ocular, pharyngeal, and distal muscle weakness and myopathological rimmed vacuole changes. The causative gene is currently unknown; therefore, diagnosis of OPDM is based on clinical and histopathological features and genetic exclusion of similar conditions. Moreover, variable manifestations of this disorder are reported in terms of muscle involvement and severity. We present the clinical profile and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of lower limb muscles in 14 mainland Chinese patients with OPDM, emphasizing the role of muscle MRI in disease identification and differential diagnosis. The patients came from 10 unrelated families and presented with progressive external ocular, laryngopharyngeal, facial, distal limb muscle weakness that had been present since early adulthood. Serum creatine kinase was mildly to moderately elevated. Electromyography revealed myogenic changes with inconsistent myotonic discharge. The respiratory function test revealed subclinical respiratory muscle involvement. Myopathological findings showed rimmed vacuoles with varying degrees of muscular dystrophic changes. All known genes responsible for distal and myofibrillar myopathies, vacuolar myopathies, and muscular dystrophies were excluded by PCR or targeted next-generation sequencing. Muscle MRI revealed that the distal lower legs had more severe fatty replacement than the thigh muscles. Serious involvement of the soleus and long head of the biceps femoris was observed in all patients, whereas the popliteus, gracilis and short head of biceps femoris were almost completely spared, even in advanced stages. Not only does our study widen the spectrum of OPDM in China, but it also demonstrates that OPDM has a specific pattern of muscle involvement that may provide valuable information for its differential diagnosis and show further evidence supporting the conclusion that OPDM is a unique disease phenotype.     

Effect of Ilizarov tibial lengthening on limb blood flow

The experiment in 23 adult dogs was based on the study of volumetric blood flow velocity in the superficial femoral artery and femoral vein, pulse changes in blood filling of the m. gastrocnemius in the conditions of tibial lengthening to 17.5-23% from the initial length. Complex changes in the blood flow parameters were revealed after surgical intervention and within 7 distraction days. When the distraction ended, the volumetric blood flow velocity in the femoral artery was reduced by 19% and the blood flow out of the vessel was improved by 17%. When fixation was over, the volumetric blood flow velocity in the vessel increased by 37% and the improved outflow preserved. At each experimental stage, there was an increased volumetric blood flow velocity in the femoral vein as compared to its value in the control group, its correspondence to the superficial femoral artery as well as similar dynamics in blood flow changes in the femoral vessels and m. gastrocnemius. The findings show that the vascular system of bone regeneration provides accelerated arterial blood transportation into the venous system during organotypical bone area formation.     

Dynamic knee extension as model for study of isolated exercising muscle in humans

In an attempt to approach a system of isolated exercising muscle in humans, a model has been developed that enables the study of muscle activity and metabolism over the quadriceps femoris (QF) muscles while the rest of the body remains relaxed. The simplest version includes the subject sitting on a table with a rod connecting the ankle and the pedal arm of a bicycle ergometer placed behind the subject. Exercise is performed by knee extension from a knee angle of 90 to approximately 170 degrees while flywheel momentum repositions the relaxed leg during flexion. Experiments where electromyographic recordings have been taken from biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and other muscles in addition to QF indicate that only the QF is active and that there is an equal activation of the lateral, medial, and rectus femoris heads relative to maximum. Furthermore, virtually identical pulmonary O2 uptake (Vo2) during and without application of a pressure cuff below the knee emphasizes the inactivity of the lower leg muscles. The advantages of the model are that all external work can be localized to a single muscle group suitable for taking biopsies and that the blood flow in and sampling from the femoral vein are representative of the active muscles. Thus all measurements can be closely related to changes in the working muscle. Using this model we find that a linear relationship exists between external work and pulmonary Vo2 over the submaximal range and the maximal Vo2 per kilogram of muscle may be as much as twice as high as previously estimated.     

Succinate dehydrogenase activity of brachial muscle antagonists after decrease in the force load at various times of the day in rats

In 140 male rats of Wistar strain the distal part of one thoracic extremity has been amputated in such a way that places of the brachial muscle fixation remained intact. This resulted in decrease of the force component of muscle contractions (more intensive in the musculus triceps brachii) without essential swing and speed of movements. The operation was performed during one day at three series: at 7 a. m. 3 p. m. and 11 p. m. During following 45 days the muscles developing various contraction force were studied: the medial head of the musculus triceps brachii and brachial muscle. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDG) activity in muscle fibers (MF) was estimated photometrically. In MF initially characterized with various SDG activity, attention was payed to its dynamics and also relation of the fibers number, possessing various level of the enzymatic activity was taken into consideration. SDG activity in MF and relation of various MF change wavy-like, fluctuating from the control meaning and returning to them again. MF with different SDG activity do not similarly react to a sharp decrease of the force loading. Fibers with high enzymatic activity react to changes of the force loading immediately, intensity of the reaction at this stage slightly depends on degree of biomechanical changes; at later stages the response is differentiated: if the loading is decreased considerably (musculus triceps brachii), the process continues developing and increasing uninterruptedly, if it decreases moderately (brachial muscle)--it stabilizes and even has tendency to adaptation and returning towards the control state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)