The Growth Plate

Evidence generated by a number of genetic studies indicates that growth is regulated by a number of genes and that interference with their expression can have catastrophic effects on the well being of the whole organism. This work covers skeletal development and growth.

This comprehensive and illustrated reference work covers all aspects of growth plate fractures and their complications. It is based on the unique resources of the Mayo Clinic regarding patient follow-up. Following general reviews of growth plate fractures, 21 chapters deal with each epiphyseal growth plate in the body. All of these chapters are constructed similarly for easy and quick retrieval of the required information.

Proceedings of the first international symposium held in Rome, Nov. 1986, study the problems of shortness of stature and attempt to find answers to the life-threatening and disabling impairments that affect achondroplasts. Contributions address genetics, ultrastructure, and cartilage histochemistry;

The application of extracorporeal shock waves in the locomotor apparatus offers new therapeutic concepts. This book provides an up-to-date overview on the use of shock waves in orthopaedics. The main emphasis is laid on the basics of shock wave techniques and on the impact of shock waves on cells and organs. The reader is provided with a summary of experimental and clinical results of shock wave therapy applied to the bone and the epiphyseal growth plate. Authors from five clinical centres report on their experiences with shock wave therapy in tendinosis calcarea, epicondylopathy and calcar spur. Furthermore they report on first experiences with shock wave therapy in children with cerebral paresis.

Strong roots in basic science and research enhance clinical practice. This book is a rich source of information for basic scientists and translational researchers who focus on musculoskeletal tissues and for orthopedic and trauma surgeons seeking relevant up-to-date information on molecular biology and the mechanics of musculoskeletal tissue repair and regeneration. The book opens by discussing biomaterials and biomechanics, with detailed attention to the biologic response to implants and biomaterials and to the surface modification of implants, an important emerging research field. Finite element analysis, mechanical testing standards and gait analysis are covered. All these chapters are strongly connected to clinical applications. After a section on imaging techniques, musculoskeletal tissues and their functions are addressed, the coverage including, for example, stem cells, molecules important for growth and repair, regeneration of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and peripheral nerves, and the genetic basis of orthopedic diseases. State-of-the-art applications such as platellet rich plasma were included. Imaging is a daily practice of scientists and medical doctors. Recent advancements in ultrasonography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance, bone mineral density measurements using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and scintigraphy was covered following conventional radiography basics. Further extensive sections are devoted to pathology, oncogenesis and tumors, and pharmacology. Structure is always related with function. Surgical anatomy was therefore covered extensively in the last section.

Consisting of case studies contributed by both domestic and international leaders in the field, Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction: A Case-Based Atlas will be an invaluable resource for all orthopedic surgeons and researchers and practitioners of limb lengthening, deformity correction and the Ilizarov method. Comprehensive yet accessible, it will cover pediatrics, foot and ankle, trauma and post-traumatic reconstruction, adult deformity, tumor and upper extremity interventions in dedicated sections. Each of the more than 150 unique cases will include color photographs and radiographs from before, during and after surgery, and will follow a consistent chapter structure which outlines a brief clinical history of the case, preoperative problem list, treatment strategy, basic principles, technical pearls and how to avoid and manage complications and subsequent problems. Suggested readings round out each case. A comprehensive presentation of techniques will be featured, including external fixation, internal fixation, combination approaches and fully implantable limb lengthening nails. This case-based approach will be an efficient and thorough way to learn this exciting new frontier in orthopedic surgery.