Some cortical bone specimens from the femurs of adult cows and sea coral of Porites species were studied by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FTIR. Carbonate were shown to be present by indication of C-O stretch found between 1510-1410 cm -1 in both cortical bone and Porites. Based on the comparison of the relative intensity of CO3 2- bands with respect to the PO4 3- bands, peak intensity of Porites was found to be higher than peak intensity of cortical bone at carbonate band. This explains that Porites skeleton is made up of CaCO3 while bone consists of a mineral, hydroxyapatite Ca5(PO4)3OH with the present of carbonate ions, typically from 3 to 7 wt%.
Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compression neuropathies in the upper limbs and requires surgery if conservative treatment fails. This study assessed the functional outcome of vertical mini carpal tunnel release (CTR) at distal wrist crease.Objective To evaluate prospectively the safety, effectiveness, and reproducibility of vertical mini-open blind technique for CTR.Methods In total, 36 patients (40 hands) aged between 22 and 71 years with mild to moderate CTS based on nerve conduction studies were selected and screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The surgery was done with vertical mini-incision CTR at distal wrist crease. The preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes and grip strength were evaluated with Levine-Katz questionnaire and JAMAR Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer with 3 months follow-up after surgery.Results The mean score for both symptom severity and functional status reduced and mean handgrip strength improved 29.5% at 3 months after surgery. All the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the scar. Three patients had scar tenderness. All patients were able to return to work within 4 weeks after surgery, except one who developed chronic regional pain syndrome.Conclusion The vertical mini-open blind technique has been shown to be safe and easily reproducible and has short recovery period. All patients return to good functional status 3 months postoperative.