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Donald Serafin

Professor Emeritus of Surgery
Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery
Box 3372 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
300 Crutchfield, Durham, NC 27704

Selected Publications


Proximity interactome of lymphatic VE-cadherin reveals mechanisms of junctional remodeling and reelin secretion.

Journal Article Nat Commun · September 4, 2024 The adhesion receptor vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin transduces an array of signals that modulate crucial lymphatic cell behaviors including permeability and cytoskeletal remodeling. Consequently, VE-cadherin must interact with a multitude of intracell ... Full text Link to item Cite

Meningeal lymphatic CGRP signaling governs pain via cerebrospinal fluid efflux and neuroinflammation in migraine models.

Journal Article J Clin Invest · May 14, 2024 Recently developed antimigraine therapeutics targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling are effective, though their sites of activity remain elusive. Notably, the lymphatic vasculature is responsive to CGRP signaling, but whether meningeal ... Full text Link to item Cite

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER)/GPR30 forms a complex with the β1-adrenergic receptor, a membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) scaffold protein, and protein kinase A anchoring protein (AKAP) 5 in MCF7 breast cancer cells.

Journal Article Arch Biochem Biophys · February 2024 G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), also named G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), and the β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) that are implicated in breast cancer progression. Both receptors contain PSD-95/Discs ... Full text Link to item Cite

VE-Cadherin Is Required for Cardiac Lymphatic Maintenance and Signaling.

Journal Article Circ Res · January 7, 2022 BACKGROUND: The adherens protein VE-cadherin (vascular endothelial cadherin) has diverse roles in organ-specific lymphatic vessels. However, its physiological role in cardiac lymphatics and its interaction with lymphangiogenic factors has not been fully ex ... Full text Link to item Cite

The Orphan G-Protein Coupled Receptor 182 Is a Negative Regulator of Definitive Hematopoiesis through Leukotriene B4 Signaling

Journal Article ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science · August 14, 2020 The G protein-coupled receptor 182 (GPR182) is an orphan GPCR, the expression of which is enriched in embryonic endothelial cells (ECs). However, the physiological role and molecular mechanism of action of GPR182 are unknown. Here, we show that GPR182 nega ... Full text Cite

Dawn of a New RAMPage.

Journal Article Trends Pharmacol Sci · April 2020 Receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) interact with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to modify their functions, imparting significant implications upon their physiological and therapeutic potentials. Resurging interest in identifying RAMP-GPCR in ... Full text Link to item Cite

TBK1 Limits mTORC1 by Promoting Phosphorylation of Raptor Ser877.

Journal Article Sci Rep · September 17, 2019 While best known for its role in the innate immune system, the TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is now known to play a role in modulating cellular growth and autophagy. One of the major ways that TBK1 accomplishes this task is by modulating the mechanistic Tar ... Full text Link to item Cite

Chemerin-activated functions of CMKLR1 are regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) and β-arrestin 2 in inflammatory macrophages.

Journal Article Mol Immunol · February 2019 Chemerin receptor (CMKLR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in macrophage-mediated inflammation and in several forms of human arthritis. Analogous to other GPCR, CMKLR1 is likely regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) phospho ... Full text Link to item Cite

WNT Activates the AAK1 Kinase to Promote Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of LRP6 and Establish a Negative Feedback Loop.

Journal Article Cell Rep · January 2, 2019 β-Catenin-dependent WNT signal transduction governs development, tissue homeostasis, and a vast array of human diseases. Signal propagation through a WNT-Frizzled/LRP receptor complex requires proteins necessary for clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Par ... Full text Link to item Cite

Reply.

Journal Article Muscle Nerve · October 2018 Full text Link to item Cite

Single Cell Chemical Cytometry of Akt Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Normal Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes in Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor α.

Journal Article Anal Chem · August 2, 2016 The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is poorly understood, and 30% of patients are unresponsive to established treatments targeting tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Akt kinase is implicated in TNFα signaling and may act as a barometer of patient respon ... Full text Link to item Cite

G Protein Coupled Receptor Kinase 3 Regulates Breast Cancer Migration, Invasion, and Metastasis.

Journal Article PLoS One · 2016 Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease that has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Chemokine receptor interactions are important modulators of breast cancer metastasis; however, it is now recognized that quantitative s ... Full text Link to item Cite

Cellular targeting in autoimmunity.

Journal Article Curr Allergy Asthma Rep · December 2012 Many biologic agents that were first approved for the treatment of malignancies are now being actively investigated and used in a variety of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vascul ... Full text Link to item Cite

Drug imprinting ('unit labeling')--an update and a plea!

Journal Article Veterinary and human toxicology · February 2003 Cite

Effect of warm ischemia on neovascularization of island flaps - Invited discussion

Journal Article JOURNAL OF RECONSTRUCTIVE MICROSURGERY · November 1, 2001 Link to item Cite

Invited discussion

Journal Article Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery · January 1, 2001 Cite

Improved microsurgical anastomotic patency with low molecular weight heparin.

Journal Article J Reconstr Microsurg · July 1998 Blood flow to a free flap may be impaired by thrombotic occlusion at the anastomosis or by microemboli occluding microvessels. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight fractions of hepar ... Full text Link to item Cite

Heparin coating of vascular prostheses reduces thromboemboli.

Journal Article Surgery · November 1997 BACKGROUND: Synthetic conduits made from currently available materials are suboptimal for use in small-diameter vascular reconstruction because of their high surface thrombogenicity, which leads to failure. METHODS: In this study control, heparin-irrigated ... Full text Link to item Cite

Modulation of ultraviolet light-induced epidermal damage: beneficial effects of tocopherol.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · September 1997 Oxygen free radicals have been shown to result from and mediate deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin. The purpose of this study was to determine if topical DL-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) could reduce ultraviolet-induced damage to the e ... Full text Link to item Cite

Iloprost in alginate decreases the thrombogenicity of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

Journal Article J Reconstr Microsurg · May 1997 Vascular prostheses of small diameter perform poorly in vivo, in part because of the high thrombogenicity of available biomaterials. This study examined the thrombogenicity of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular graft segments (10 mm long x 4 ... Full text Link to item Cite

Soft-tissue fungal infections: surgical management of 12 immunocompromised patients.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · June 1996 Isolated fungal soft-tissue infections are uncommon but may cause severe morbidity or mortality among transplant recipients and other immunosuppressed patients. Twelve immunocompromised patients illustrating three patterns of infection were treated recentl ... Full text Link to item Cite

Microsurgical composite tissue transplantation at difficult recipient sites facilitated by preliminary installation of vein grafts as arteriovenous loops.

Journal Article J Reconstr Microsurg · May 1996 In microvascular surgery when local recipient vessels are inadequate, vein grafting is required. There are several potential inherent disadvantages of immediate vein grafting, including the development of graft thrombosis or leakage, an increased opportuni ... Full text Link to item Cite

Limiting impairment of muscle function following ischemia and reperfusion in rabbits.

Journal Article J Reconstr Microsurg · April 1996 Reperfusion injury is a phenomenon complicating microvascular reconstruction. Extensive investigations of free-radical scavengers exist in the literature. The potential beneficial effects of verapamil, deferoxamine, and dimethylsulfoxide were studied in th ... Full text Link to item Cite

Long-term sequelae following median sternotomy wound infection and flap reconstruction.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · December 1995 Use of muscle and omental flaps has been shown to provide reliable reconstruction of infected median sternotomy wounds; however, few reports emphasize the long-term sequelae of the complication and its treatment. This study was performed to evaluate the lo ... Full text Link to item Cite

Evaluation of the thrombogenecity of microvascular prosthesis by in vivo microscopy.

Journal Article J Korean Med Sci · October 1994 Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE) grafts 4mm long and 1mm in diameter were implanted into the iliac artery of 100-150g male rats using standard microvascular technique. Prior to clamp removal, the cremaster muscle was isolated as an island flap based ... Full text Link to item Cite

Reconstruction of rat femoral veins with microvascular prostheses.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · March 1991 Synthetic conduits have not been suitable for microvascular reconstruction owing primarily to their high thrombogenicity. Vein replacements are the most vulnerable to thrombosis because of their low shear rates and low pressure. Experimental replacement of ... Full text Link to item Cite

Establishment of normal ranges of laser Doppler blood flow in autologous tissue transplants.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · February 1991 Over a 3-year period, 136 patients were monitored following free autologous tissue transplantation using a laser Doppler flowmeter linked to a computerized data-acquisition system. This monitoring system has indicated perfusion compromise in free flaps mor ... Full text Link to item Cite

Acute difluoromethylornithine treatment increases skin flap survival in rats.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · July 1990 Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) pretreatment for 7 days improved survival of rat abdominal skin flaps in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to determine if acute administration of DFMO enhances survival. Each rat had a 7 x 7-cm abdominal skin f ... Full text Link to item Cite

Quantification of neutrophil adhesion to skeletal muscle venules following ischemia-reperfusion.

Journal Article J Reconstr Microsurg · July 1990 Ischemia-reperfusion is encountered in a wide variety of surgical situations. The damage resulting from ischemia-reperfusion may be due, in part, to the infiltration and activation of neutrophils into the reperfused tissue. The purpose of the study was to ... Full text Link to item Cite

Stimulation of DNA synthesis in human epidermis by UVB radiation and its inhibition by difluoromethylornithine.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · April 1990 The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rate of DNA synthesis in human skin could be increased by UVB radiation and to determine the potential for reversing the stimulatory effects of UVB radiation by alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). Sp ... Full text Link to item Cite

Toxic effects of catecholamines on skin.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · January 1990 The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of catecholamines on skin necrosis independent of their vasoactive effects. Rat abdominal or human breast skin was excised, pinned flat, and incubated at 37 degrees C for 6 hours in a buffered salt solut ... Full text Link to item Cite

THE INFERIOR GLUTEAL FREE FLAP IN BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Journal Article PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY · December 1, 1989 Link to item Cite

Pathologic considerations in the high-risk breast patient.

Journal Article Clin Plast Surg · October 1988 An understanding of the spectrum of benign breast changes is necessary to optimize diagnosis and treatment. To evaluate the relative risk for developing cancer with benign breast lesions, each of the entities included in the category of benign breast condi ... Link to item Cite

Of medicine and the breast.

Journal Article N C Med J · May 1988 Link to item Cite

Reduced cell death in skin flaps in rats treated with difluoromethylornithine.

Journal Article FASEB J · December 1987 The beneficial effects of alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) were assessed in a model of peripheral ischemia. DFMO is an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the initial enzyme in the production of polyamines. A 7 x 7 cm rat abdominal ... Full text Link to item Cite

Increased survival of skin flaps by scavengers of superoxide radical.

Journal Article FASEB J · August 1987 Elevation of rat abdominal skin flaps, followed by ligation and division of the left inferior neurovascular pedicle, resulted in only a 40% survival of the area normally perfused by the ligated artery and vein. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (EC 1.15.1.1) admi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Routine clinical use of laser Doppler flowmeter to monitor free tissue transfer: preliminary results.

Journal Article J Reconstr Microsurg · July 1987 Preliminary results indicate that a new laser Doppler flowmeter is more easily understood by nursing personnel than other laser Doppler units currently available. This monitor has demonstrated its capability in identifying and predicting tissue ischemia be ... Full text Link to item Cite

The orticochea pharyngoplasty and primary palatoplasty: an evaluation.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · April 1987 A primary Orticochea pharyngoplasty with a primary palatoplasty was studied in 15 children with cleft palates. Although all children demonstrated velopharyngeal competence, radiographic, endoscopic, and oral examinations suggested that 54% of the children ... Full text Link to item Cite

COMBINED TRANSPLANTATION OF FREE-TISSUES - DISCUSSION

Journal Article PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY · February 1, 1987 Link to item Cite

Discussion

Journal Article Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · January 1, 1987 Cite

Rat skin flap necrosis reduced with topical chlorpromazine

Other Surgical Forum · January 1, 1987 Cite

A rationale for modifying the site of insertion of the orticochea pharyngoplasty.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · June 1984 A modification of the insertion level of Orticochea flaps is proposed. The purpose of the modification is to place the pharyngoplasty at a higher site, in the area of attempted velopharyngeal contact. The site of velopharyngeal contact can be identified us ... Full text Link to item Cite

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

Journal Article N C Med J · February 1984 Link to item Cite

Successful replantation of an amputated upper lip

Journal Article Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · January 1, 1984 Full text Cite

Late necrosis of a latissimus dorsi free flap

Journal Article Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · January 1, 1984 Full text Cite

LATE NECROSIS OF A LATISSIMUS DORSI FREE FLAP - DISCUSSION

Journal Article PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY · January 1, 1984 Link to item Cite

SUCCESSFUL REPLANTATION OF AN AMPUTATED UPPER LIP - DISCUSSION

Journal Article PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY · January 1, 1984 Link to item Cite

Factitious vesicocutaneous fistula: an enigma in diagnosis and treatment.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · July 1983 A case report of a patient with a recurrent factitial vesicocutaneous and a tensor fasciae latae musculocutaneous flap were employed in reconstruction. Difficulty in diagnosis and treatment of this patient with factitial disease is emphasized. Excessive ho ... Link to item Cite

The lymphatics of the groin flap.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · December 1982 This communication briefly discusses lymph-draining potentials and problems of skin flaps; describes specifically the lymphatics of the groin flap, an axial pattern flap; gives examples of its clinical application as a lymphatic wick; and explains its part ... Full text Link to item Cite

Microsurgical composite tissue transplantation: indications and technical considerations in breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · July 1982 Twenty-six patients are presented who underwent reconstruction of the breast and thorax following mastectomy. A successful result ensued in 96 percent of the patients. Indications for the use of microsurgical composite tissue transplantation in breast reco ... Link to item Cite

The free scapular flap.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · May 1982 We present our early experience with a flap that should become important to the microsurgeon. The scapular flap is based on the circumflex scapular branch of the subscapular artery and is a versatile, hardy, easily dissected flap. We have used it in 14 cas ... Full text Link to item Cite

Nipple-areola reconstruction after mastectomy.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · January 1982 Hypopigmentation, fibrosis, and the risk of autotransplantation of malignant cells have resulted in diminished enthusiasm for preserving the nipple-areolar complex after mastectomy. Adequate color match for areola reconstruction can be obtained with a full ... Full text Link to item Cite

Reconstruction with vascularized composite tissue in patients with excessive injury following surgery and irradiation.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · January 1982 The biological effects of a single high dose of radiation are examined. Both cellular injury and repair are reviewed during early, intermediate, and late phases. Anticipated composite tissue morbidity is detailed for therapeutic radiation doses administere ... Full text Link to item Cite

Free latissimus dorsi muscle flap coverage of an electrical burn of the lower extremity

Journal Article Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · January 1, 1982 Full text Cite

Subcutaneous Flap as an Alternative to Venous Anastomosis in Replantation Surgery

Journal Article Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · August 1981 Full text Cite

A silent but lethal injury associated with facial trauma.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · May 1981 Without a careful evaluation of all patients with major facial injuries and a thorough search for possible associated injuries, traumatic transection of the aorta may be easily missed, if the patient survives the first 24 hours after injury. Any patient su ... Full text Link to item Cite

Transcutaneous PO2 monitoring for assessing viability and predicting survival of skin flaps: experimental and clinical correlations.

Journal Article J Microsurg · March 1981 Rectangular skin flaps based on the right superficial epigastric vessels were designed on the groins of 36 rats. Preoperative control, intraoperative, and postoperative readings of oxygen tension (PO2) were made at proximal, central, and distal sites on th ... Full text Link to item Cite

Twenty–five year evaluation of external halo fixation for severe maxillofacial injuries

Journal Article Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · January 1, 1981 Full text Cite

Microsurgery: past, present, and future.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · November 1980 Link to item Cite

Vascularized rib-periosteal and osteocutaneous reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible: an assessment.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · November 1980 Three approaches to provide rib-periosteal or osteocutaneous composite tissue in maxillary or mandibular reconstruction are presented. All methods appear to be useful in replacing viable osteocytes and improving vascularity of maxillary or mandibular defec ... Full text Link to item Cite

Use of skin staples in plastic surgery.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · October 1980 Skin closure with stainless steel staples can be done economically, simply, quickly, and accurately. Stapling is indicated in a wide range of surgical procedures. Scarring is minimal and patient acceptance is excellent. ... Full text Link to item Cite

Reconstruction of the lower extremity with vascularized composite tissue: improved tissue survival and specific indications.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · August 1980 A retrospective assessment of 50 vascularized composite tissue transfers was carried out with 48 patients. Factors responsible for improved tissue survival included (1) the evaluation and proper selection of recipient vasculature, (2) the increased depende ... Full text Link to item Cite

Vascularized transplantation of skeletal muscle: a case report.

Journal Article J Microsurg · 1980 Reconstruction of a severely injured forearm, which lacked flexor muscle function and which had a complete absence of volar sensation, was undertaken. A gracilis musculocutaneous flap was used as a free muscle transfer to replace the flexor muscle function ... Full text Link to item Cite

Late development of hematoma around a breast implant, necessitating removal.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · November 1979 We present a patient who bled into the pocket around a breast implant 2 1/2 years after an augmentation mammaplasty. She had received inflatible silicone prostheses, each containing 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide. Our belief is that this large dosage of ... Link to item Cite

Reduction mammaplasty utilizing an inferior pedicle nipple-areolar flap.

Journal Article Ann Plast Surg · September 1979 A technique utilizing the inferiorly based dermal pedicle nipple-areolar flap is described. The advantages of this technique are:(1) predictable breast shape based on preoperative markings; (2) direct visibility of all areas for ease of resection and hemos ... Full text Link to item Cite

Is there a reduction mammaplasty for "all seasons?".

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · June 1979 No technique will serve the needs of all patients requiring a reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy. However, the modified, inferiorly-based dermal flap technique appears to us to offer the most advantages and the greatest latitude for a predictable breast r ... Link to item Cite

Plastic surgery.

Journal Article JAMA · March 30, 1979 Link to item Cite

Invited commentary

Journal Article World Journal of Surgery · January 1, 1979 Full text Cite

Transfer of free flaps to provide well-vascularized, thick cover for breast reconstructions after radical mastectomy.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · October 1978 The use of a free flap to bring in well-vascularized cover for a breast reconstruction (following radical mastectomy) is presented. Eleven of 12 such transfers were successful. (One free groin glap failed, and that reconstruction was abandoned.) Patients f ... Full text Link to item Cite

Microsurgical composite tissue transplantation.

Journal Article Ann Surg · June 1978 Since 1974, 69 patients with extensive defects have undergone reconstruction by microsurgical composite tissue transplantation. Using this method, donor composite tissue is isolated on its blood supply, removed to a distant recipient site, and the continui ... Full text Link to item Cite

A rib-containing free flap to reconstruct mandibular defects.

Journal Article Br J Plast Surg · October 1977 A composite free flap based on intercostal vessels may be used to reconstruct in one stage defects around the mandible in which skin, soft tissue and bone are missing. A delay procedure is recommended one week prior to transfer. ... Full text Link to item Cite

Microsurgical composite tissue transplantation: a new method of immediate reconstruction of extensive defects.

Journal Article Am J Surg · June 1977 Of thirty-five cases of microsurgical composite tissue transplantation, twenty-five (71 per cent) were completely successful, four (11 per cent), were partially successful, and six (17 per cent) failed. If a microvascular flap should fail, older but more l ... Full text Link to item Cite

Comparison of free flaps with pedicled flaps for coverage of defects of the leg or foot.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · April 1977 The use of free flaps to repair defects of the leg or foot is a viable alternative to cross-leg flaps because (1) the total time of immobilization and hospitalization is less, (2) the total number of general anesthetics is less, and (3) the morbidity and c ... Link to item Cite

Microvascular procedures in reconstructive surgery.

Journal Article South Med J · December 1976 The application of microvascular technics to problems in reconstructive surgery has enabled the surgeon to revascularize ischemic digits, replant amputated digits, and to transfer directly composite tissue from one area of the body to another for reconstru ... Full text Link to item Cite

Microvascular anastomosis: an experimental model utilizing the rabbit ear.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · October 1976 Using the rabbit ear as an experimental model, a composite flap based on an anastomosed central artery and vein can be created and its viability determined. This inexpensive model can be used to train plastic surgical residents in microsurgery and in furth ... Link to item Cite

Successful treatment of acute vascular insufficiency in a hand by intra-arterial fibrinolysin, heparin, and reserpine. Case report.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · October 1976 A patient is presented who presumably had multiple drugs injected intra-arterially in the right hand. Clinical signs and angiographic evidence of severe vascular insufficiency were well demonstrated. Therapy with fibrinolysin, reserpine, and heparin was fo ... Full text Link to item Cite

Microsurgical composite tissue transplantation: a method of immediate reconstruction of the head and neck.

Journal Article Clin Plast Surg · July 1976 A new approach utilizing microsurgical composite tissue transplantation is advocated for the management of difficult reconstructive problems in the region of the head and neck. This method is especially useful when local flap coverage may be inadequate. Mo ... Link to item Cite

Fourteen free groin flap transfers.

Journal Article Plast Reconstr Surg · June 1976 We present 14 free flap transfers, 9 of which were completely successful (74 percent), two of which were partial successes (14 percent), and 3 of which were failures (22 percent). All the 5 cases involving free flaps to the head and neck region were succes ... Full text Link to item Cite

The place of microsurgery in hand surgery.

Journal Article Orthop Clin North Am · October 1973 Link to item Cite

Reimplantation of amputated digits and hands.

Journal Article Orthop Clin North Am · October 1973 Link to item Cite