| 1 | Tochukwu Nze Ugorji, Jervas Ekezie, Chioma K.Anyam, William Ikechukwu Osuchukwu, James Ifeanyi Nwakanma (2018) | Inclusion of Ankle Joint in the Design and Fabrication of Below-Knee Prosthesis | ABSTRACT Background: The ankle (talocrural) joint is composed of a superior mortise, formed by the weight-bearing inferior surface of the tibia and the two malleoli, which receive the trochlea of the talus. The ankle joint is maintained medially by a strong, medial (deltoid) ligament, and a much weaker lateral ligament. On rocky surfaces, the natural ankle will initiate ground contact with reduced dorsiflexion to provide a relatively flatter foot. Patients wearing prosthesis attempt to replicate this strategy but are unable to mimic the ankle angle to match the terrain, presumably due to the reduced range of motion available from the ankle and foot. Therefore, the design of a prosthetic foot and ankle mechanism with expanded ranges of ankle motion presents an opportunity to restore vital functions among amputees using lower limb prosthesis and this forms the bases of this study. This design and fabrication of a below-knee prosthesis followed standard protocols in prosthetics and orthotics with the inclusion of ankle joint. Objectives: The aim of the study is to make accurate and proper assessments/measurements of the amputee which will help to design and fabricate different components of the prosthesis, including the devised ankle joint, then assemble the components and fit the below-knee prosthesis on the amputee in other to achieve a better ambulation and rehabilitation of the amputee. Materials and method: The methods followed in the fabrication of the device include: Assessment, Impression/measurement taking, Modification, Lamination of test/check socket, Lamination of a new positive cast/model, Formation of liners/inserts, Lamination of a definitive socket, Attachment of socket to pylon and ankle joint (bench alignment), Prosthesis finishing, Amputee’s training and follow-up. The below-knee prosthesis consists of a socket, metal pylon and ankle joint component, padding/suspension materials, screws, bolts and nuts. The materials used for fabricating these components and the below-knee prosthesis as a whole included: Plaster of Paris (POP) bandage and powder, Plastic polymer laminate, Reinforcement textile, Padding/suspension materials, Metals, Cosmetic finishing materials, and Adhesives. | International Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | volume 7 issue 3
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| 2 | Paul CW, Osuchukwu IW, Aigbogun (Jr) EO and Ekezie J (2018) | Stature Estimation from Foot Dimensions of Igbo Indigenes of Imo State Extraction in Nigeria | The use of anthropometric measurements of various anatomical structures for prediction and estimation of the height of an individual has been very useful especially when skeletal remains are often observed to be incomplete, therefore the estimation power of foot length will also be useful. This study was therefore carried out to determine the stature prediction strength of foot dimensions of Igbo indigenes of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 546 subjects, comprising of 300 males and 246 females were used for the study. Height and weight were measured using weight-bearing stadiometer calibrated in meters and kilogram, while foot dimensions were measured using a ruler and digital venire calliper. The data was analysed using SPSS (IBM version 23, Amork-USA). The test analysis showed that the males were taller than the females with mean heights of 1.73±0.08 and 1.66±0.08 respectively, and were also having larger foot dimensions than the females. The regression analysis showed that all foot parameters correlated significantly with stature, with the best correlation observed for foot length (R.R2=44.05%, and L.R2=36.13%; P<0.01). The right foot was seen to be more accurate with a predictability strength of accuracy of 50.26% in males and 44.05% in females. Conclusively, Foot morphometry in relation to stature showed that the foot length gives the highest prediction of stature with the right foot being more accurate than the left and Predictability strength of accuracy higher in males than in females. | International Journal of Recent Scientific Research. | 7 |
| 3 | Ukoha Ukoha, Ekezie Jervas, Ukoha Chinwe Clarice, Obazie Ezuchwu, MSc1; Okeke Chijioke Mmadueke, Miracle Oluebube Ebem (2018) | Study of Neck Circumference as a Measure of Obesity in South-Eastern Nigerian Population | Introduction Obesity is one of the key risk factors in the development of cardiometabolic diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between neck circumference (NC) with body mass index (BMI) and also with other anthropometric parameters in the assessment of obesity in the study population. Materials and Methods This study was conducted in the major towns (Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka) of Anambra State, Nigeria. The study population included a total number of 402 subjects (199 males and 203 females) of Igbo origin, within the age of 18-45-years. Anthropometric parameters were obtained using standard anthropometric methods. Results The result showed that the mean neck circumference in males was significantly higher than in females. Pearson’s correlation showed that NC had a very significant positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio for both the males and the females (p≤0.05). The strongest correlation was found between NC and BMI, followed by waist circumference (WC). Conclusion NC is a potential, inexpensive, cost-effective, easily measured clinical screening tool for evaluating central (regional) obesity and therefore, will be of importance to Clinicians, and Epidemiologists in the diagnosis/treatment of obesity and in forensic investigation. Keywords Neck circumference; Obesity; Body mass index; Anambra State; Nigeria. Abbreviations NC: Neck Circumference; WC: Waist Circumference; HC: Hip Circumference; BMI: Body Mass Index; WHR: Waist-Hip Ratio | Anthropology Open Journal | Volume 3 | Number 1|
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| 4 | Lotanna Somtoo Akudu, Ukoha Ukoha Ukoha, Jervas Ekezie, Chinwe Clarice Ukoha(2018) | Ultrasonographic study of the incidence of pyramidal lobe and agenesis of the thyroid isthmus in Nnewi population | Abstract Introduction: Ultrasound is the most reliable imaging modality for thyroid evaluation due to the limitations in the clinical examination of this gland. Thyroid gland developmental anomalies are rare. Most of its variations are due to the persistence of the thyroglossal duct and the absence of the isthmus. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of pyramidal lobe and agenesis of the thyroid isthmus in Nnewi population using ultrasound. Materials and method: A total of 321 subjects resident in Nnewi, including 167 males and 154 females, were randomized. Written consent was obtained from all patients. The subjects were aged between 18 and 35 years. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Thyroid glands were scanned using a 2-dimensional ultrasound machine with a 7.5 MHz transducer; model Siemens Sonoline Prima which was made in Japan for Siemens Medical System Incorporated, ultrasound Group, Issaquah, WA, 98029-7002, USA. Results: The study revealed no incidence of pyramidal lobe and agenesis of the thyroid isthmus in the study population. Conclusion: This study has clearly demonstrated no incidence of pyramidal lobe and agenesis of the thyroid isthmus in subjects resident in Nnewi, Nigeria. | J Ultrason 2018 | 18 |
