Ten anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) harvested from adult sheep were investigated under light microscopy for data on the frequency and localisation of neural structures. Serial sections of 25 microns thickness were stained with a modified gold chloride technique. Receptors were classified according to their histological structure. Topographic distribution and frequency within the ligament texture were determined with the help of computerized image analysis. Three distinct neural structures could be identified: Ruffini endings, Ruffini corpuscles of the Golgi tendon organ-like type and Pacinian corpuscles. Golgi tendon organs were not found. In total, 274 and 238 neural structures were present in the 10 ACL and 10 PCL, respectively. Pacinian receptors were the most common structures, with a mean frequency of 13.6 +/- 5.3 (ACL) and 12.4 +/- 5.1 (PCL), followed by Ruffini endings with 8.9 +/- 3.2 (ACL) and 7.8 +/- 2.9 (PCL), whereas Ruffini corpuscles had the lowest frequency with a mean value of 4.9 +/- 2.1 (ACL) and 3.4 +/- 1.1 (PCL). The majority of the neural structures were located in the subsynovial sheath or closely associated with endotenon structures. The tibial and femoral insertion areas had a significantly increased receptor density compared with the midpart of the ACL and PCL (P < 0.001), where only 19.3% and 23.7% of the receptors were located. These results emphasise the complex sensory structure of the cruciate ligaments and provide a valid morphological basis for further neurophysiological investigations.
Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a well known complication in severely traumatized patients. Existing data of AAC originate from retrospective analyses and episodic case reports. In a prospective study 45 polytraumatized patients admitted to our intensive care unit from January 1989 to June 1990 were clinically and sonographically screened for this condition at defined time intervals. Trauma scoring was performed according to the injury severity score and polytrauma score. AAC was defined as a combination of hydrops of the gallbladder, an increased wall thickness (> 3.5 mm), and the demonstration of sludge. We were able to document this diagnostic triad in 8 (18%) of 45 patients. As a consequence early elective cholecystectomy was performed in 1 of the 8 patients. The remaining patients were treated conservatively. The incidence of AAC in severely traumatized patients is higher than figures so far published suggest. Ultrasound is a reliable method of early detection and follow-up of this complication.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.