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A sexual dimorphism (SD) of the “vertebra prominens” was found, namely the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) spinous process (SP) is more frequently longer in men and the 1st thoracic (T1) SP in women.[1] We assume that the cause of this SD is the different anatomy of the anterior upper thoracic region (AUTR) between men and women, due to the presence of the breast. One-hundred forty-two women aged 48.1±17 years old, who visited the OPD for neck complaints, were studied. Measures included the age, the relationship of C7 and T1 SP length, documented in three types (type 1= [C7>T1], 2 = [C7 = T1], 3 = [C7 < T1]), the breast size, (small, medium and large), the length ratio of C7/T1 SP and the BMI. Breast size and SP length relationship between C7 and T1 was found to be significantly correlated. The results confirm that the cause of the SD of the SP length of C7 and T1 seems to be the different female AUTR anatomy due to the presence of the breast and it is probably the result of the need of the posterior cervical anatomical structures to compensate for the higher torque created by the female AUTR anatomy. These original findings are useful in clinical examination, in breast oncology, for the plastic surgeons, in terms of implantation of the proper breast size implant, after mastectomies for malignancies but also for aesthetic reasons and the software of all surface topography devices should be adjusted accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ilizarov fixator is a small wire circular frame device invented by Gavriil Ilizarov in 1952. The principles of Ilizarov external fixator are very different from those of anatomical reduction and rigid external fixation. The method relies on the basic bio-mechanical principle of axial compressive loads and micro movement in the osteogenic zone stimulating biological bone bridging of the fracture gap. Thus, the Ilizarov method is proven to be very useful, where other methods may fail. The aim of the present study is to introduce a detailed description of the Ilizarov external fixator, its assembly, its indications, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this method from our clinical practice and experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used and considered first-line therapy for the treatment of depressive symptoms. SSRIs are generally preferred, because they are considered safer and better tolerated. However, SSRIs may have many side effects; among them it seems to be osteoporosis. Recent researches revealed a potentially important role for the serotonergic system in bone physiology. SSRIs block the serotonin transporter, while osteoblasts and osteocytes express functional serotonin transporters. Therefore, increased serotonergic activity may directly affect the bone, causing excess bone loss. If confirmed patients using SSRIs might be targeted for osteoporosis screening and treatment whenever it needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limb length Inequality (LLI) in children and adults may affect posture, gait, and several truncal parameters, and it can cause spinal scoliosis. In literature, however, there is a paucity of assessment of truncal and spinal changes due to mild LLI in children. This report presents children with LLI, and it aims to provide information in pelvic imbalance, spinal posture, and scoliotic curve, using surface topography analysis which is a novel methodological approach for this condition., Study Design: This is an ongoing prospective research study on patient series suffering LLI., Material and Method: Twenty children, attending the Scoliosis Clinic of the department, 7 boys, 13 girls, 9-15 years old, range 7.5-15, mean 15.5 years, having mild LLI, were assessed. The LLI was 0.5 to 2 cm, mean 1.2 cm. There was not any post-traumatic LLI. We evaluated the LLI in correlation to pelvic and spinal posture parameters. The 4D Formetric DIERS apparatus (4DF) was used for the surface topography assessment. The following were assessed: in the coronal plane , the coronal imbalance, the pelvic obliquity, the lateral deviation, and the 4DF scoliosis angle; in the sagittal plane , the sagittal imbalance, the 4DF kyphotic angle, the kyphotic apex, the 4DF lordotic angle, the lordotic apex, the pelvic tilt, and the trunk inclination; and in the transverse plane , the pelvis rotation, the pelvic torsion, the surface rotation, and the 4DF vertebral rotation. LLI was measured using a tape. The data were statistically analyzed, and reliability study for the LLI was also performed., Results/discussion: The LLI was statistically significantly correlated to the 4DF reading of pelvis rotation, pelvic tilt (pelvic obliquity), and surface rotation. The scoliometer readings (angle trunk rotation ATR or trunk inclination ATI) in the lumbar region were statistically significantly correlated to the 4DF readings of pelvic tilt (pelvic obliquity). The normally symmetric truncal parameters were also statistically significantly changed (all these deviating from the line of gravity through the vertebral prominence). Interestingly, LLI was not correlated to the scoliosis angle and the scoliometer reading at the lumbar level.The following 4DF readings are presented: in the coronal plane, the coronal imbalance, pelvic obliquity, lateral deviation, and 4DF scoliosis angle; in the sagittal plane, the sagittal imbalance, kyphotic angle, kyphotic apex, lordotic angle, lordotic apex, pelvic tilt, and trunk inclination; and in the transverse plane, the pelvic rotation, pelvic torsion, surface rotation, and vertebral rotation., Conclusions: Previous studies have reported the results after simulation of LLI in order to evaluate the effects on the pelvic balance and spinal posture parameters. This report is not a LLI simulation study but it presents the effects of mild LLI on truncal changes in the main cardinal planes in children suffering LLI. These changes undoubtedly affect not only the standing truncal posture but also the gait's economy as well.As mild LLI affects the pelvic balance and spinal posture parameters, our therapeutic approach is that mild LLI (less than 2.0 cm) has to be corrected using shoe elevation, in order to equalize the pelvic obliquity and, consequently, the spinal posture parameters., Competing Interests: Ethical approval was granted from our Hospital’s IRB, (minutes of the 50th meeting of the IRB on 8-10-2015). All the participants signed an informed consent to participate after the written and oral information were received.All the participants signed an informed consent to participate in a scientific publication.The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Background: The psychological response of injured people after traffic accidents includes stress and depression., Purpose: To assess orthopaedic patients' stress, depression, and satisfaction with life after traffic accidents in Greece., Methods: Descriptive, longitudinal, correlational study. Patients' background factors, injury severity, scores on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, and the Satisfaction With Life Quality (SWLQ) Scale were recorded. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki were applied., Results: In total, 60 patients participated in this study during hospitalization following a road traffic accident and 40 patients at 6 months after. Participants were mostly men (75%) with severe injuries (50%). The IES-R score at 6 months was significantly lower than during hospitalization. One out of 3 people had a CES-D score, which is considered of clinical significance. The SWLQ scores were considered high., Conclusion: As posttraumatic stress and depression seem to affect a considerable percentage of people involved in road traffic accidents in Greece, these individuals should be assessed for posttraumatic stress and depression while still hospitalized.

Background: The historical view of scoliosis as a primary rotation deformity led to debate about the pathomechanic role of paravertebral muscles; particularly multifidus, thought by some to be scoliogenic, counteracting, uncertain, or unimportant. Here, we address lateral lumbar curves (LLC) and suggest a pathomechanic role for quadrates lumborum, (QL) in the light of a new finding, namely of 12th rib bilateral length asymmetry associated with idiopathic and small non-scoliosis LLC., Methods: Group 1: The postero-anterior spinal radiographs of 14 children (girls 9, boys 5) aged 9-18, median age 13 years, with right lumbar idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and right LLC less that 10°, were studied. The mean Cobb angle was 12° (range 5-22°). Group 2: In 28 children (girls 17, boys 11) with straight spines, postero-anterior spinal radiographs were evaluated similarly to the children with the LLC, aged 8-17, median age 13 years. The ratio of the right/left 12th rib lengths and it's reliability was calculated. The difference of the ratio between the two groups was tested; and the correlation between the ratio and the Cobb angle estimated. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS package., Results: The ratio's reliability study showed intra-observer +/-0,036 and the inter-observer error +/-0,042 respectively in terms of 95 % confidence limit of the error of measurements. The 12th rib was longer on the side of the curve convexity in 12 children with LLC and equal in two patients with lumbar scoliosis. The 12th rib ratios of the children with lumbar curve were statistically significantly greater than in those with straight spines. The correlation of the 12th rib ratio with Cobb angle was statistically significant. The 12th thoracic vertebrae show no axial rotation (or minimal) in the LLC and no rotation in the straight spine group., Conclusions: It is not possible, at present, to determine whether the 12th convex rib lengthening is congenitally lengthened, induced mechanically, or both. Several small muscles are attached to the 12th ribs. We focus attention here on the largest of these muscles namely, QL. It has attachments to the pelvis, 12th ribs and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae as origins and as insertions. Given increased muscle activity on the lumbar curve convexity and similar to the interpretations of earlier workers outlined above, we suggest two hypotheses, relatively increased activity of the right QL muscle causes the LLCs (first hypothesis); or counteracts the lumbar curvature as part of the body's attempt to compensate for the curvature (second hypothesis). These hypotheses may be tested by electrical stimulation studies of QL muscles in subjects with lumbar IS by revealing respectively curve worsening or correction. We suggest that one mechanism leading to relatively increased length of the right 12 ribs is mechanotransduction in accordance with Wolff's and Pauwels Laws.

Background: All lateral spinal radiographs in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) show a Double Rib Contour Sign (DRCS) of the thoracic cage, a radiographic expression of the rib hump. The outline of the convex overlies the contour of the concave ribs. The rib index (RI) method was extracted from the DRCS to evaluate rib hump deformity in IS patients. The RI was calculated by the ratio of spine distances d1/d2 where d1 is the distance between the most extended point of the most extending rib contour and the posterior margin of the corresponding vertebra on the lateral scoliosis films, while d2 is the distance from the least projection rib contour and the posterior margin of the same vertebra, (Grivas et al 2002). In a symmetric thorax the "rib index" is 1. This report is the validity study of DRCS, ie how the rib index is affected by the distance between the radiation source and the irradiated child., Methods: The American College of Radiology's (2009) guidelines for obtaining radiographs for scoliosis in children recommends for the scoliotic - films distance to be 1,80 meters. Normal values used for the transverse diameter of the ribcage in children aged 6-12 years were those reported by Grivas in 1988., Results: Using the Euclidean geometry, it is shown that in a normal 12-year old child d1/d2 = 1.073 provided that the distance ΔZ ≈ 12cm (11,84) and EA = 180cm, with transverse ribcage diameter of the child 22 cm., Conclusions: This validity study demonstrates that the DRCS is substantially true and the RI is not practically affected by the distance between the radiation source and the irradiated child. The RI is valid and may be used to evaluate the effect of surgical or conservative treatment on the rib cage deformity (hump) in children with IS. It is noted that RI is a simple method and a safe reproducible way to assess the rib hump deformity based on lateral radiographs, without the need for any other special radiographs and exposure to additional radiation.

The human body odor contains different volatile organic compounds which can be used as biomarkers for various diseases. The early detection of heart failure (HF) through periodical screening provides an early treatment application. Therefore we have developed a completely new non-invasive method to identify HF applying an "electronic nose" (e-nose) which provides a "smelling" of the disease based on the analysis of sweat volatile gases from the skin surface. For this e-nose a special applicator carrying the sensor chip was developed which can be applied directly on the skin surface. 27 patients with decompensated HF (DHF), 25 patients with compensated HF (CHF, mean age 70.72 ± 12.02) and 28 controls (CON) were enrolled in this first pilot study.