Further studies are currently underway in this area to obtain more definitive conclusions.”
“Background: Radiographic measurements such as those of the hallux valgus angle and the intermetatarsal angle are essential parameters for assessing the severity of hallux valgus deformities and the extent of surgical correction
required. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the reliability of the measurements that are made radiographically before and after ALK inhibitor a proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of different methods that are used to measure the angles and to determine the most reliable method.
Methods: We selected twenty preoperative and twenty postoperative dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiographs for patients who had undergone a proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal. Three foot and ankle surgeons measured the hallux valgus find protocol angle and the intermetatarsal angle with use of five different methods. We calculated the intraobserver and interobserver correlation coefficients and agreement to determine the most reliable method.
Results: Significant differences were observed among the methods with regard to the postoperative hallux valgus angle (p < 0.05) and the preoperative and postoperative
intermetatarsal angles (p < 0.01 for both). The method in which a line connecting the centers of the first metatarsal head and the proximal articular surface of the first metatarsal was used EGFR assay to define the longitudinal axis of the first metatarsal yielded the highest intraobserver and interobserver correlation coefficients for the preoperative hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles and the postoperative hallux valgus angle. For this method alone, the intraobserver and interobserver agreements for the angular measurements were found to be >80%.
Conclusions: A line connecting the centers of the first metatarsal head and the
proximal articular surface of the first metatarsal to define its longitudinal axis yields the best intraobserver and interobserver reliability for the measurement of the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles. Therefore, this method can be recommended for evaluating radiographs before and after a proximal crescentic osteotomy performed for the treatment of hallux valgus.”
“Purpose of review
The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in development and adult tissue homeostasis. Recent investigations implicate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in abnormal wound repair and fibrogenesis. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent key studies that support a role for Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in fibrosis.
Recent findings
Studies of patients with fibrotic diseases have demonstrated changes in components of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.