Judit Pálinkás

The influence of lateral knee X-ray positioning on the accuracy of full extension level measurements: an in vitro study

The inaccuracy of full extension measurements can lead to errors, especially in reconstructive surgery of the knee and in the rehabilitation period following total knee replacement. The goal of this study was to first determine whether plain lateral X-rays of the knee can be used to measure the axis of the bones of the lower limb. The second goal was to determine whether the angle from which the X-ray is taken influences the true angle of the knee. We analyzed 620 digital photographs of cadaver knees to measure the difference between the true axis of the femur and tibia compared with lines drawn on the anterior and posterior cortex of the femur and tibia. We also analyzed 150 photographs of cadaver lower limbs to determine how the true flexion angle compares to the angles measured if the picture was taken from different rotated positions (maximum of 30°). Our results concluded that lines drawn onto the distal anterior cortex of the femur and proximal posterior cortex of the tibia can determine the true flexion angle with 2° of accuracy. We also concluded that lateral X-rays of the knee taken within ±30° of the true lateral position only causes a maximum of a 2% discrepancy in the true flexion angle.

Development and characterization of a new measurement technique for monitoring changes in acceleration during hippotherapy

Abstract The beneficial effects of hippotherapy lie in the transmission of the horses movements to the patient. The aim of our work was to create a measurement method for objective evaluation that can be used in natural settings without interfering with therapy. Methodology/Principal findings Our measurement system consists of three treble axis accelerometers connected to a data logger. Software was developed for data analysis and post processing. A commercial DVD recording camera was used to document the hippotherapy session. In this paper we present the results obtained in pilot measurements on ten children with cerebral palsy. For reference, a skilled rider was measured on the same horse using a passive following seat. Conclusions The acceleration diagrams show common characteristics useful to the interpretation of the movement transfer during hippotherapy as well as individual patterns indicating alterations in the movement reactions of different patients.

Ion guiding and formation of neutrals in PET polymer nanocapillaries

We measured the intensity and angular distribution of the transmitted ions and neutrals in function of time (deposited charge) when 3 keV Ar7+ ions were inserted into capillaries of 200 nm diameter in a polymer foil. The fraction of neutrals was relatively large compared to other lower charge states. Interesting dynamic behaviors were found, from which conclusions for the way of neutral creation could be obtained.