Summary
An experimental model has been evolved for provoking dysplasia and dislocation of the hip in autopsy specimens from infants. This was achieved by a constant, submaximal load of 17–32 N acting on the femur for up to 6 h. The test apparatus is described.
For an accurate assessment of the deformation the specimens were frozen at the end of the experiment while still under load. The deformation was then examined by cryodissection and serial cryosectioning. These new techniques are described in detail. As both methods could not be used on the same joint, the experiments had to be specially designed. It is concluded that both unilateral and bilateral loading of the hips seems to be necessary in studies of this kind.
Our methods for provoking and examining dysplasia have proved satisfactory. From the results some conclusions of pathologico-anatomical and clinical interest can be drawn. Dysplasia and dislocation can be provoked by moderate forces acting in 3 to 6 h, without macroscopic damage to the ligaments or capsule. The degree of deformation is related not only to the force but also to the duration of loading.
In some experiments the dysplasia and dislocation provoked were similar to autopsy findings in congenital dislocation of the hip. The methods described would seem suitable for use in similar studies of other joints.
Résumé
Nous avons mis au point un modèle expérimental permettant de réaliser une dysplasie et une luxation de la hanche sur des cadavres d'enfants, grâce à l'application d'une charge maximale de 17 à 32 N sur le fémur pendant 6 h. Nous décrirons l'appareil utilisé pour effecteur le test.
Pour réaliser une évaluation précise de la déformation nous avons congelé les sujets en fin d'expérimentation alors qu'ils étaient toujours soumis à la charge. La déformation a ensuite été analysée par cryodissection et cryosection en série. Ces nouvelles techniques seront décrites en détail. Comme il est impossible d'utiliser les deux méthodes sur la même articulation, les deux techniques ont été effectuées séparément. Ceci nous a permis de conclure que l'étude de charges unilatérale et bilatérale était nécessaire pour un travail de ce type.
Nos méthodes pour provoquer et étudier la dysplasie se sont révélées satisfaisantes et il nous a été possible, à partir des résultats, de tirer des conclusions d'intérêt anatomico-pathologique et clinique. La dysplasie et la luxation peuvent être provoquées par des forces modérées exercées pendant une période de 3 à 6 h sans dommages macroscopiques pour les ligaments ni pour la capsule. Le degré de déformation dépend non seulement de la force exercée mais aussi du temps de la charge.
Dans certaines expériences, la dysplasie et la luxation provoquées étaient identiques à celles trouvées sur des autopsies réalisées sur des sujets présentant une luxation congénitale de hanche. Les méthodes décrites semblent également applicables pour des études similaires sur d'autres articulations.
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Hjelmstedt, Å., Asplund, S. & Rauschning, W. Cryodissection and cryosectioning in biomechanical studies on congenital dislocation of the hip. Anat. Clin 4, 13–21 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01811185
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01811185