Arterial and lymphatic supply of the knee integuments

Summary The surgical approach to the anterior knee region carries a risk for postoperative integument infection and skin necrosis. A hypothesis is that surgical approach may damage integumental blood supply and additionally the lymphatic drainage from the foot and leg. The goal of this study was to describe the arteries and lymphatics directly affected by the antero-medial approach. Injection of the femoral a. was used to identify the femoral and popliteal aa. and their branches distributed to the integument of the anterior, medial and lateral aspects of the knee. Lymphatic injection into the plantar aspect of the first toe was also performed to identify the subdermal lymphatics traversing the area. Our results showed that most of the blood supply arises from the medial aspect of the knee integuments. However, subcutaneous arterial anastomoses provide a significant blood-supply when there is interruption of the medial vessels as seen in the medial surgical approach to the knee. Most of the lymphatic drainage originating from the foot crosses the knee region on the medial side, opposite or below the tibial tuberosity. Because the subdermal arterial network is well-developed, the medial approach for knee surgery does not endanger the anterior knee integuments as long as the lateral vascular supply is preserved. However, this approach may interrupt the lymphatic circulation, particularly in the case of an extended incision, which could explain postoperative edema and an increased rate of wound infection.

---

Vascularisation artérielle et lymphatique des téguments du genou

Résumé L'abord chirurgical du genou présente un risque d'infection post-opératoire et de nécrose cutanée. Une hypothèse serait que la voie d'abord peut détruire la vascularisation artérielle et lymphatique qui draine la jambe et le pied. Le but de notre étude était de décrire la circulation artérielle et lymphatique impliquée dans la voie d'abord antéromédiale du genou. Des injections ont été utilisées pour identifier les aa. fémorale et poplitée et leurs branches qui se distribuent aux téguments de la région médiale et latérale du genou. Des injections lymphatiques ont été également utilisées pour localiser le réseau subdermique lymphatique de la région du genou. Nos résultats montrent que la majorité de l'apport artériel des téguments du genou provient de la partie médiale. Des anastomoses sub-cutanées entre les systèmes artériels latéral et médial permettent un apport artériel suffisant pour les téguments en cas d'interruption de l'apport médial. La plupart des vaisseaux lymphatiques provenant du pied et de la cheville croisent la région dorsale du pied de dehors en dedans à une distance variable de la tubérosité tibiale. Du fait du bon développement du réseau artériel sub-cutané, la voie d'abord médiale ne présente pas de risque de nécrose des téguments de la face antérieure du genou tant que l'apport latéral est préservé. Toutefois, elle peut être responsable de l'interruption des conduits lymphatiques, en particulier lorsque l'incision s'étend vers le bas, exposant aux lésions des collecteurs lymphatiques, ce qui expliquerait un dème post-opératoire et un taux accru d'infection.

     

Computerized Digital Imaging Techniques Provided by Digital X-ray Radiogrammetry as New Diagnostic Tool in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose Our study evaluates digital x-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) and Radiogrammetry Kit (RK) as a new diagnostic method for the measurement of disease-related osteoporosis including quantification of joint space narrowing dependent on the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods A total of 172 unselected patients with RA underwent computerized measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) and metacarpal index (MCI) by DXR, as well as a semiautomated measurement of joint space distances at the metacarpal–phalangeal articulation (JSD-MCP 2–5), both were analyzed from plain radiographs of the nondominant hand. Results Correlations between DXR-BMD and DXR-MCI vs. parameters of RK were all significant (0.34 < R < 0.61; p < 0.01). An expected negative association was observed between RK parameters and the different scoring methods (−0.27 < R < −0.59). The maximum relative decrease in BMD vs. MCI as measured by DXR between the highest and lowest RA severity group was −27.7% vs. −27.5% (p < 0.01) for the modified Larsen Score, whereas the minimal value of relative DXR-BMD and DXR-MCI reduction could be documented for the Sharp Erosion Score (−20.8% vs. −26.8%; p < 0.01). The relative reduction of mean JSD-MCP using RK significantly varied from −25.0% (Sharp Erosion Score) to −41.2% (modified Larsen Score). In addition, an excellent reproducibility of DXR and RK could be verified. Conclusion DXR in combination with RK could be a promising, widely available diagnostic tool to supplement the different scoring methods of RA with quantitative data, allowing an earlier and improved diagnosis and more precision in determining disease progression.     

Morphomechanics of the humero-ulnar joint: II. Concave incongruity determines the distribution of load and subchondral mineralization

Background: A deeper joint socket (concave incongruity) is found at most angles of flexion of the humero-ulnar joint and maintained over a wide range of physiological loading. It is, however, unclear how far this incongruity affects the distribution of load and subchondral mineralization of this joint as compared with a congruous configuration. Methods: Two nonlinear, axisymmetrical finite element models with two cartilage layers were constructed, one congruous and one incongruous, with a joint space of realistic magnitude. The distribution of subchondral mineralization was determined by computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry in the same six specimens that were investigated in the first part of the study, and compared with the biomechanical data obtained there and the predictions of the models. Results: In the congruous case, the center of the socket is highly loaded, whereas the periphery does not experience mechanical stimulation. A central bone density maximum is predicted. With concave incongruity the position of the contact areas shifts from the joint margin towards the center as the load increases, and the peak stresses are considerably lower. A bicentric ventro-dorsal distribution pattern of subchondral mineralization is predicted, and this is actually found in the six specimens. Conclusions: Concave incongruity is shown to determine load transmission and subchondral mineralization of the humero-ulnar joint. It is suggested that this shape leads to a more even distribution of stress, provides intermittent stimulation of the cartilaginous tissue, and has beneficial effects on the metabolism, nutrition, and lubrication of the articular cartilage during cyclic loading. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

M. articularis genus Observations on arrangement and consideration of function

Summary On the basis of 44 adult Japanese cadavers, the mode of origin, insertion and innervation of the articularis genus muscle (m. articularis genus: AG) is described. All the muscle bundles that are inserted into the posterior aspect of the synovial membrane of the joint capsule as well as the suprapatellar bursa are defined as AG. The inserting fibers spread medially and laterally over the subsynovial connective tissue which is the outer layer of synovial membrane facing the femur. The fatty tissue between each muscle bundle gradually increases with depth. A few deeper muscle bundles of AG seem to be separated by a layer of fat from those of the superficial layer. The deepest muscle bundles arise from the anterior surface of the femur at a slighlty lower level than the proximal apex of the suprapatellar bursa. It is inserted into the synovial membrane at the level of the junction of the suprapatellar bursa and proper joint cavity when the knee is extended. It is difficult to distinguish AG from m. vastus intermedius (Vi) only on the basis of the manner of origin and the surrounding fatty tissue. The innervation is in common with that of Vi, namely, a few nerves which run down obliquely to the lower medial part of Vi.Dedicated to Professor Emeritus Tomoo Nakayama in commemoration of his 77th birthday     

桡侧腕短伸肌腱部分移位修复第一腕掌关节脱位的应用解剖与手术设计

目的:为桡侧腕短伸肌腱部分移位修复第一腕掌关节脱位提供解剖学依据。方法:30侧成人上肢标本,将桡侧腕短伸肌腱分为上、中、下3部分,进行形态学测量。结果:桡侧腕短伸肌腱长度为(15.3±1.9)cm(10～22.5cm),其宽度:上段为(15.4±5.2)mm(5.3～23.8mm),中段(10.0±3.0)mm(4.2～18.5mm),下段(5.5±0.6)mm(3.7～9.6mm);厚度:上段为(0.6±0.3)mm(0.1～1.4mm),中段为(1.8±0.7)mm(0.7～3.0mm),下段为(2.1±1.2)mm(0.8～3.1mm)。结论:桡侧腕短伸肌腱部分转位有足够的长度以修复第一腕掌关节脱位。     

踝关节与距下关节矢状断层解剖学

目的：为踝、距下关节病变及损伤的诊断、修复和重建提供矢状断层解剖学基础。方法：用成年男尸右足标本5例，置冰柜冻硬后，每例切制4个踝及后足部矢状断层标本。结果：胫距关节矢状径最长为31．9mm，距骨滑车与胫骨关节软骨厚各为2．5mm与2．4mm，胫距关节间隙为2．6mm，内侧韧带厚为3．1mm；前、后距下关节软骨厚分别为1．5mm、1．2mm与1．7mm、1．4mm，关节间隙为0．8mm与1．4mm，后距下关节矢状径最长为18．9mm，距跟骨间韧带长8．6mm，矢状径为2．6mm。结论：本文结果为临床踝、距下关节疾患的诊治及关节镜技术提供了解剖学资料。     

Changes in extracellular potassium concentration in cat spinal cord in response to innocuous and noxious stimulation of legs with healthy and inflamed knee joints

Summary In 20 cats anaesthetized with alpha-chloralose and spinalized at the thoracolumbar junction we investigated the role of stimulation induced accumulation of extracellular potassium in the spinal cord in the processing of nociceptive discharges from the knee joint. For that we electrically stimulated the posterior articular nerve of the knee. We further performed innocuous and noxious stimulation of the knee and of other parts of the leg and studied the effect of an acute inflammation of the knee on [K⁺]₀ in the spinal cord. Innocuous stimulation of the skin (brushing or touching) and innocuous movements in the knee joint all induced rises in [K⁺]₀ which were maximal at recording depths of 1500 to 2200 m below the surface of the cord dorsum. Peak increases were 0.4 mM for touching the leg and 1.7 mM during rhythmic flexion/ extension of the knee joint. Noxious stimulation of the skin, the paw, the tendon and noxious movements of the knee joint also produced rises in [K⁺]₀, which were somewhat larger for the individual types of stimuli than those produced by innocuous intensities. Electrical stimulation of the posterior articular nerve induced rises in [K⁺]₀ by up to 0.6 mM. Stimulus intensities sufficient to activate unmyelinated group IV fibers were only slightly effective in raising [K⁺]₀ above the levels reached during stimulation of myelinated group II and III fibers. During development of an acute inflammation of the knee joint (induced by kaolin and carrageenan), increases in [K⁺]₀ and associated field potentials became larger by about 25%. We assume that this reflects an increase in neuronal responses. In conclusion, changes in [K⁺]₀ in the spinal cord are some-what larger during noxious stimulation than during innocuous stimulation. The absolute level reached depended more on the site and type of stimulation than on the actual stimulus intensity itself. Hence a critical role of spinal K⁺ accumulation for nociception is unlikely.     

Examination of the Diagnostic Value and Estimation of the Chaos Phenomenon in Temporomandibular Joint Sounds Using Fractal Dimension

.The aim of this study is to estimate the chaos phenomenon in temporomandibular joints (TMJ) sound using fractal dimension (FD), and to examine the diagnostic value of the FD in comparing TMJ sounds produced by 6 asymptomatic and 25 symptomatic TMJ. Multiple mandibular opening and closing cycles recorded were used to calculate the waveform dimension and correlation dimension in the FD. Chaos in the TMJ sounds was estimated by the FD that was saturated with some constant value to an increase of embedding dimension. Results reveal that fractal analysis produces a high degree of reproducibility within, and similarity across subjects, and indicate that both FD values of the asymptomatic TMJ sounds are significantly higher than those of the symptomatic. These findings suggest that chaos is present in TMJ sounds and the difference in the FD is of diagnostic value in evaluation of pathological change in TMJ sound signals.     

模拟股骨置入人工关节扭转与应力松弛蠕变的实验研究

研究了在相同扭矩作用下,正常组股骨和以生物学和骨水泥固定置入人工关节组股骨标本扭转角度,还对正常股骨、生物学固定股骨和骨水泥固定股骨进行应力松弛、蠕变实验,为临床提供生物力学参数。以电子万能试验机对正常对照组、股骨置入人工关节骨水泥固定组、股骨置入人工关节生物学固定组标本进行扭转和粘弹性实验研究。得出了各组标本在相同扭矩下的扭转角度及悬臂弯曲状态下,正常组和置入人工关节组标本应力松弛、蠕变数据和曲线。对实验数据进行归一化处理,得出了正常组和置入人工关节组标本的归一化应力松弛函数,归一化蠕变函数及曲线。表明:骨水泥固定组扭转角比生物学固定组小,说明骨水泥固定有较好的稳定性,其应力松弛、蠕变量丢失小。骨水泥固定组较生物学固定组3600s应力松弛、蠕变量大。     

膝关节韧带的生物力学研究进展

膝关节韧带的生物力学是近年来研究的热点之一,力学刺激对调控韧带功能、韧带组织愈合和重建有着重要的作用,作者从膝关节韧带的结构、力学与生化特点、愈合与重建、施加应力与制动对韧带的影响、应力对韧带细胞分化的影响和前交叉韧带与内侧副韧带的对比研究等方面综述了近年来的一些研究进展。