Treatment of Cleft Foot Deformity using Fish Mouth Incision and Suture-Button in Paediatric Foot

Cleft foot is a congenital anomaly characterized by absence of the metatarsal bones and phalanges. It is commonly seen in children with Ectrodactyly-ectrodermal dysplasia and clefting syndrome (EEC) ranging from a median cleft up to the mid metatarsals to a deep cleft up to the tarsal bones. Surgical treatment in the form of cleft closure, excision of the rudimentary metatarsal bone and cross K-wire fixation of metatarsal bones have been tried for the management of such cases. Here, we report a case of one year old child with Type III cleft foot having four metatarsals, who was treated with suture-endobutton system using three transverse tunnels in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones in order to bring them closer. We were able to achieve a satisfactory outcome with a normal fitting shoe wear. Keywords: Cleft foot; suture-button; fish mouth incision.

Can Left Atrioventricular Valve Reduction Index (LAVRI) Predict the Surgical Strategy for Repair of Atrioventricular Septal Defect?

Despite improved survival, surgical treatment of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) remains challenging. The optimal technique for primary left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) repair and prediction of suitability for biventricular approach in unbalanced AVSD are still controversial. We evaluated the ability of our recently developed echocardiographic left atrioventricular valve reduction index (LAVRI) in predicting LAVV reoperation rate and surgical strategy for unbalanced AVSD. Retrospective echocardiographic analysis was available in 352 of 790 patients with AVSD treated in our institution and included modified atrioventricular valve index (mAVVI), ventricular cavity ratio (VCR), and right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV) inflow angle. LAVRI estimates LAVV area after complete cleft closure and was analyzed with regard to surgical strategy in primary LAVV repair and unbalanced AVSD. Of the entire cohort, 284/352 (80.68%) patients underwent biventricular repair and 68/352 (19.31%) patients underwent univentricular palliation. LAVV reoperation was performed in 25/284 (8.80%) patients after surgical correction of AVSD. LAVRI was significantly lower in patients requiring LAVV reoperation (1.92 cm2/m2 [IQR 1.31] vs. 2.89 cm2/m2 [IQR 1.37], p = 0.002) and significantly differed between patients receiving complete and no/partial cleft closure (2.89 cm2/m2 [IQR 1.35] vs. 2.07 cm2/m2 [IQR 1.69]; p = 0.002). Of 82 patients diagnosed with unbalanced AVSD, 14 were suitable for biventricular repair (17.07%). mAVVI, LAVRI, VCR, and RV/LV inflow angle accurately distinguished between balanced and unbalanced AVSD and predicted surgical strategy (all p < 0.001). LAVRI may predict surgical strategy in primary LAVV repair, LAVV reoperation risk, and suitability for biventricular approach in unbalanced AVSD anatomy.

Unraveling a Force-Generating Allosteric Pathway of Actomyosin Communication Associated with ADP and Pi Release

The actomyosin system generates mechanical work with the execution of the power stroke, an ATP-driven, two-step rotational swing of the myosin-neck that occurs post ATP hydrolysis during the transition from weakly to strongly actin-bound myosin states concomitant with Pi release and prior to ADP dissociation. The activating role of actin on product release and force generation is well documented; however, the communication paths associated with weak-to-strong transitions are poorly characterized. With the aid of mutant analyses based on kinetic investigations and simulations, we identified the W-helix as an important hub coupling the structural changes of switch elements during ATP hydrolysis to temporally controlled interactions with actin that are passed to the central transducer and converter. Disturbing the W-helix/transducer pathway increased actin-activated ATP turnover and reduced motor performance as a consequence of prolonged duration of the strongly actin-attached states. Actin-triggered Pi release was accelerated, while ADP release considerably decelerated, both limiting maximum ATPase, thus transforming myosin-2 into a high-duty-ratio motor. This kinetic signature of the mutant allowed us to define the fractional occupancies of intermediate states during the ATPase cycle providing evidence that myosin populates a cleft-closure state of strong actin interaction during the weak-to-strong transition with bound hydrolysis products before accomplishing the power stroke.

Placement of dual capsular tension rings for the combined management of traumatic cyclodialysis cleft and zonular dialysis

Background To evaluate the efficacy and safety of placing dual capsular tension rings for the combined management of traumatic cyclodialysis cleft and zonular dialysis. Methods A modified capsular tension ring was inserted into the ciliary sulcus and a capsular tension ring or modified capsular tension ring was inserted into the capsular bag in 20 eyes in 20 consecutive patients showing signs of ocular hypotony and ectopia lentis. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure, best-corrected visual acuity, and postoperative complications. Results Dual capsular tension ring placement was performed in 20 patients with a mean age of 48.7 years. The cyclodialysis cleft extended over 2.9 clock hours (range 0.5–6.5). The modified capsular tension ring was successfully inserted into the ciliary sulcus and a capsular tension ring or modified capsular tension ring in the capsular bag in all eyes. At the last follow-up, the cyclodialysis cleft was closed in 16/20 (80.0%) eyes. The intraocular lens was stable in all patients postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity, in terms of the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution, improved from 1.3 ± 0.8 before surgery to 0.4 ± 0.3 after surgery (P < 0.001). Intraocular pressure increased significantly from 10.6 ± 3.2 mmHg before surgery to 13.0 ± 4.8 mmHg after surgery (P = 0.040). Postoperative complications included a painful reversible intraocular pressure spike in four patients (20.0%). Logistic regression revealed no significant factors associated with successful cleft closure and a stable final intraocular pressure of ≥ 10 mmHg. Conclusions The placement of two capsular tension rings into the ciliary sulcus and the capsular bag is a safe, successful procedure combined for repairing a traumatic cyclodialysis cleft and managing zonular dialysis.

Spontaneous Palatal Cleft Closure

This case report presents a palatal cleft that healed spontaneously, with complete formation of mucosa and bone. Even though the nasal structures could initially be observed through the cleft palate, a thin membrane sealed any communication between the oral and nasal cavities. The origin of this tenuous membrane cannot be fully understood with current discernment of palate formation, but it probably served as a basis for the formation of the other tissues. No previous record of nonintervened spontaneous closure of a cleft palate has been reported.

Repair of tricuspid valve regurgitation due to a tricuspid valve cleft

A cleft in the tricuspid valve, classified as congenital dysplasia, is a rare disease. Here, we report the case of a 79-year-old man with tricuspid regurgitation due to a cleft in the anterior leaflet. The patient underwent successful tricuspid valve repair with cleft closure, chordal reconstruction, and tricuspid annuloplasty.