Molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA from tomato cell suspension cultures

Summary Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from Lycopersicon esculentum was purified from cell suspension cultures. The DNA, isolated from mitochondria purified by two successive sucrose density gradients, was uncontaminated with nuclear DNA or DNA from proplastids. The total molecular weights of BamHI, BglI, and BglII fragments indicate a mitochondrial genome size of at least 270 kb. Cross hybridization between tomato mtDNA and cloned spinach plastid genes revealed some homology. In hybridization experiments using cloned mitochondrial rRNA genes and BamHI digested total mtDNA the presence of recombination repeats is demonstrated.     

Technique of anatomical footprint reconstruction of the ACL with oval tunnels and medial portal aimers

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to demonstrate an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction technique using oval tunnels. Aim of this single bundle technique is to fit the footprint anatomy of the ACL as closely as possible.

Technique and patients

The presented technique is a single bundle technique using a semitendinosus graft. For femoral tunnel placement, a specific medial portal aimer (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) is used. Aiming and drilling of the femoral tunnel are performed via the medial portal. Oval tunnels are created by stepwise dilatation with ovally shaped dilatators. The position of the femoral tunnel is visualized and controlled with the arthroscope via the medial portal. For the tibial tunnel placement, a specific aimer was used as well. With this technique, 24 patients were operated and all intra- and postoperative complications were analyzed prospectively. The tunnel position was documented postoperatively by CT scan.

Results

There were no significant intra- and postoperative complications associated with the oval tunnel technique. The postoperative 3D CT scan revealed that all femoral and tibial tunnels were located within the area of the anatomical ACL insertions.

Conclusions

This article presents an ACL reconstruction technique using oval dilatators and medial portal aimers to create oval tunnels. These oval tunnels match the insertion site anatomy much closer than round tunnels do.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, case series.     

Die arthroskopische Arthrolyse des Ellenbogengelenks

Objective

Arthroscopic assisted improvement of range of motion in elbow stiffness. Detailed diagnostic evaluation including medical history and preoperative radiographs, CT and MRI scans are necessary for planning the operative treatment.

Indications

Restricted range of motion <?30° in extension and/or more than 100° in flexion related to intraarticular causes (loose bodies, osteophytes or contracture of the capsule).

Contraindications

Extension deficit >?30°, extraarticular causes (e.g., heterotopic ossifications), nerve irritation, incongruity of joint surfaces, acute joint infection.

Surgical technique

Prone position, filling of the joint with irrigation fluid, arthroscopic examination of the anterior and posterior compartment. Partial synovectomy, debridement and capsular release, removal of loose bodies and resection of osteophytes.

Postoperative management

Intensive physiotherapy, continuous passive motion. Plexus anesthesia and nonsteroidal antiphlogistic medication.

Results

A total of 29 patients who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis of the elbow joint were evaluated after a mean follow up of 15.4 months after surgery. Average preoperative extension deficit improved from 23° to 5°. Mean preoperative flexion improved from 115° to 131°. Improvement of range of motion was 34° on average. No vascular or neurologic complications were noted. Infection was not observed. In one case, stiffness persisted and early arthroscopic revision was needed. Postoperative patient satisfaction on the VAS Scale was 8.9. The Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 92.9 points on average.     

Anatomische Einzelbündelrekonstruktion mit autologer Semitendinosussehne

Introduction

The aim of the anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is to place the graft within the anatomical insertion zones. Remnants of the ruptured ACL should be preserved as far as they do not interfere mechanically.

Surgical technique

Initially the semitendinosus tendon is harvested and the femoral tunnel is drilled via the medial portal using special off-set aimers with the knee flexed more than 110°. Landmarks are the linea intercondylaris and the cartilage-bone interface. The position of the guide wire is always controlled by the arthroscope via the medial portal (medial portal view). On the tibia the lateral meniscus anterior horn is used as a landmark in the absence of a visible ACL stump. The graft is fixed at the femoral site by a cortical button (Flipptack). At the tibial site a hybrid fixation is performed with absorbable interference screw fixation and a button.

Discussion

The anatomical reconstruction of the ACL with autologous semitendinosus tendon is an important standard technique which is suitable for many patients.     

Indikation und Technik der Meniskusrefixation

The indications for meniscus refixation depend on several factors: type of lesion, localization, vascularization, trauma, concomitant injuries as well as age and expectations of the patient. The complex rehabilitation should also be considered. Basically there are three different types of meniscus refixation technique: outside in, inside out and all inside. The technique selected is determined by the localization of the meniscus tear. The use of the all inside technique is preferred for lesions in the posterior horn. For all inside refixation different types of suture repair systems are available. Outside in and inside out techniques can be used for meniscus repair located in the intermediate part and outside in suture can be utilized for anterior horn lesions.     

Das hohe mediale Portal

An overview of the lateral condyle of the femur and the complete insertion field of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is difficult using a standard portal. For this reason we place the arthroscope for preparation of the femoral tunnel in an additional higher anteromedial portal. The instruments (portal target instrument and borer) are introduced into the joint via a deep set anteromedial portal. The surgeon has an excellent overview of the insertion field of the ACL during the whole tunnel preparation procedure via the high anteromedial portal. We employ this technique for single and double-bundle reconstruction procedures.