Prozessmanagement bei axillären Plexusblockaden

Given a case-by-case accounting system, the analysis of medical performance becomes increasingly important. Quality of treatment and the time effort attached play an important role. Anaesthesia procedures require a high level of quality and safety. Moreover, they are personnel intensive. In the area of regional anaesthesia, new procedures such as the use of high definition ultrasonography for nerve blocks, allow a possible time gain as well as improved quality. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the impact on time and results when using ultrasonography or nerve stimulation for axillary brachial plexus blocks. Therefore, over a time period of 9 months, the ultrasound-guided plexus anaesthesia (Sono) and the neurostimulation methods (NStim) were investigated based upon the anaesthesia documentation of patients undergoing hand surgery. Only those cases were included where an axillary brachial plexus block had been performed, incomplete protocols were excluded and 1.5% mepivacaine was used as medication. Overall, a total of 130 cases fulfilled these criteria. The success rates, time consumption and timelines were evaluated. All data was stored on an Excel-sheet and statistically evaluated. The results revealed a significant increase in the success rate for the patient group where ultrasound was used (98.2% Sono vs 83.1% NStim) and the operation could begin 15 min earlier in the Sono group (5 min vs. 20 min, p<0.001). Furthermore, the duration of anaesthesia was significantly shorter (85 min vs. 120 min, p<0.001) and the necessity for post-operative observation was less (5.4% vs. 32.4%, p<0.001). The data provided in the study indicate that the use of ultrasound for the identification of the nerves can clearly improve quality and time-scales of axillary brachial plexus blocks.

Intraazetabuläre Lokalisation eines Osteochondroms mit Subluxation des Hüftgelenkes

INTRODUCTION

Intra-acetabular localisation of an osteochondroma causing subluxation of the hip joint is a rare entity in children suffering from multiple hereditary exostoses. In literature only 6 operatively treated cases have been reported.

CASE

We add the case of an 8-year-old boy with an intraarticular exostosis of the left acetabulum causing subluxation of the hip. Using an anterolateral approach to the hip joint this exostosis was removed surgically together with some extraarticular exostoses of the proximal femur. The hip could be re-centered in combination with an additional varus derotation osteotomy of the proximal femur. Intraoperatively the femoral head was only subluxated to minimise the risk of avascular necrosis. After a follow-up of two years the patient has complete remission of symptoms and there is no evidence of avascular necrosis radiologically with good remodelling of the left hip.

CONCLUSION

The operative treatment of an intraarticular exostosis of the hip joint is a difficult and risky surgical procedure. The reported open surgical procedure allowed resection of the intraarticular exostosis in combination with therapy of additional pathologies of the proximal femur.

Cementless acetabular reconstruction and structural bone-grafting in dysplastic hips

BACKGROUND

Studies of acetabular reconstruction with use of cement and bulk bone graft have demonstrated increasing rates of cup failure in patients with dysplastic hips seven years after total hip arthroplasty. Comparable data on the long-term results of bulk bone-grafting done in conjunction with cementless implants are limited. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and radiographic results of autologous bulk bone-grafting in conjunction with a cementless cup.

METHODS

From 1987 to 1992, forty-seven patients (forty women and seven men, with an average age of 50.4 years) who had developmental dysplasia of the hip underwent fifty-six total hip arthroplasties and received a structural graft in combination with a cementless Harris-Galante type-I cup. All patients were followed prospectively. In fifty-five hips, implant migration was measured with single-image radiographic analysis.

RESULTS

After an average duration (and standard deviation) of 10.2 +/- 2.9 years, three patients (four hips) had died. In the surviving patients, four implants had been revised and two had radiographic evidence of loosening. With use of revision and loosening as end points, the eleven-year survival rates were 91.6% and 88.9%, respectively. Of the fifty implants that had no loosening, fourteen had measurable cup migration, thirty-five had no migration, and one implant could not be measured. All migrations but one were progressive. With loosening used as the end point, the survival rate at eleven years was 100% for the implants with no migration; however, the survival rate for the cups that had migrated was 69.3% (p = 0.0012).

CONCLUSIONS

The eleven-year survival rate for the spherical press-fit cups in combination with bulk bone-grafting is satisfactory, given the complexity of these reconstructions. However, the difference between the survival of the implants that had migrated and those that had not was significant. We expect that the thirteen implants with progressive acetabular migration at the time of the latest follow-up are at risk for loosening, which will increase the revision rate for this series in the coming years.

Prüfung eines einfachen Schulterfunktionstests an operativ behandelten Patienten mit Rotatorenmanschettendefekt

INTRODUCTION

To assess overall shoulder function a simple examination of the range of motion and strength may not be sufficiently representative. because the shoulder in its daily use is often required for repetitive activities, fatigue at an early stage could be a sign of disturbed shoulder function. Therefore the shoulder function test (SFT) was created to incorporate the factor time into shoulder assessment. With this study the SFT was evaluated for its clinical use in the prospective follow-up of a series of patients operated on for rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

Using forward flexion, the patient had to lift a 500-g weight onto a shelf placed at a height which he could reach with his extended arm. The achieved height (5 levels possible) and the time he needed for 5 repetitions were recorded. The SFT value was calculated by division of the time required by the level of the reached shelf. Thus, a lower SFT score represents a better shoulder function. This was tested on 45 patients prior to rotator cuff repair and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. As validation the SF-36 and the Constant score were evaluated in parallel. Construct, criterion, content and discriminative validity and responsiveness were calculated Results: At all assessments the SFT correlated with the Constant score (r = - 0.47 to r = - 0.62) and the SF-36 (r = - 0.26 to r = - 0.61) demonstrating construct validity. As criterion validity the SFT correlated with the reported pain (r = 0.34 to r = 0.61), patients' self-estimation (r = 0.38 to r = 0.59) and doctors' estimation of the patients shoulder function (r = 0.36 to r = 0.54). Known groups validity was positive as the SFT could differentiate between shoulders with and without rotator cuff tears. The SFT demonstrated a good responsiveness with significant improvement (p = 0.01) after rotator cuff repair.

CONCLUSION

Repetitive forward flexion is an important function of the shoulder in daily activities. The SFT allows a reliable and valid quantitative measurement of this function. In order to improve functional assessment of the shoulder and scoring we would recommend using this patient- and function-orientated test in combination with the Constant score to document the current status of shoulder function.

The effect of suture materials and techniques on the outcome of repair of the rotator cuff

In a prospective, randomised study on the repair of tears of the rotator cuff we compared the clinical results of two suture techniques for which different suture materials were used.

We prospectively randomised 100 patients with tears of the rotator cuff into two groups. Group 1 had transosseous repair with No. 3 Ethibond using modified Mason-Allen sutures and group 2 had transosseous repair with 1.0 mm polydioxanone cord using modified Kessler sutures. After 24 to 30 months the patients were evaluated clinically using the Constant score and by ultrasonography.

Of the 100 patients, 92 completed the study. No significant statistical difference was seen between the two groups: Constant score, 91% vs 92%; rate of further tear, 18% vs 22%; and revision, 4% vs 4%. In cases of further tear the outcome in group 2 did not differ from that for the intact repairs (91% vs 91%), but in group 1 it was significantly worse (94% vs 77%, p = 0.005).

Overall, seven patients had complications which required revision surgery, in four for pain (two in each group) and in three for infection (two in group 1 and one in group 2).

Magnetic Vascular Port in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) is a well-established operative procedure. However, it is technically demanding and is therefore somewhat underused. We evaluated the clinical and angiographic outcome of patients undergoing a MIDCAB procedure with the Ventrica Magnetic Vascular Port (MVP) system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A Ventrica MVP system was used in 10 of 11 selected MIDCAB patients. The system consists of 6 magnetic clips, with 3 clips forming a set. One magnetic clip set is positioned at the arteriotomy of the target artery and of the bypass graft using a preloaded delivery system. These ports then form an anastomosis by magnetic coupling. The mean age of the 10 patients (6 male) was 60.3+/-11.0 years. Three patients had an angiogram at the time of discharge and 8 returned for a 6-month angiogram. The total procedure time was 128.2+/-12.2 minutes. The mean anastomotic time was 199 seconds. The mean ischemic time during the anastomosis was 146+/-146 seconds. There were no in-hospital complications and no device-related adverse events. All 3 predischarge and all 8 6-month angiograms showed patent anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

The magnetic vascular port facilitates the MIDCAB procedure significantly and reduces the ischemic time during the anastomosis. This minimally invasive procedure has the potential to be an alternative to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stenting in proximal left anterior descending (LAD) stenosis. It may expand the acceptance of hybrid procedures in which a left internal mammary artery (LIMA)-to-LAD graft optimally supplies the anterior wall and the septum while the circumflex and right coronary artery may be treated interventionally.

Magnetic Vascular Port in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) is a well-established operative procedure. However, it is technically demanding and is therefore somewhat underused. We evaluated the clinical and angiographic outcome of patients undergoing a MIDCAB procedure with the Ventrica Magnetic Vascular Port (MVP) system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A Ventrica MVP system was used in 10 of 11 selected MIDCAB patients. The system consists of 6 magnetic clips, with 3 clips forming a set. One magnetic clip set is positioned at the arteriotomy of the target artery and of the bypass graft using a preloaded delivery system. These ports then form an anastomosis by magnetic coupling. The mean age of the 10 patients (6 male) was 60.3+/-11.0 years. Three patients had an angiogram at the time of discharge and 8 returned for a 6-month angiogram. The total procedure time was 128.2+/-12.2 minutes. The mean anastomotic time was 199 seconds. The mean ischemic time during the anastomosis was 146+/-146 seconds. There were no in-hospital complications and no device-related adverse events. All 3 predischarge and all 8 6-month angiograms showed patent anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

The magnetic vascular port facilitates the MIDCAB procedure significantly and reduces the ischemic time during the anastomosis. This minimally invasive procedure has the potential to be an alternative to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stenting in proximal left anterior descending (LAD) stenosis. It may expand the acceptance of hybrid procedures in which a left internal mammary artery (LIMA)-to-LAD graft optimally supplies the anterior wall and the septum while the circumflex and right coronary artery may be treated interventionally.

[Preliminary clinical experience with the Ventrica automatic distal anastomosis system in coronary surgery]

The surgical treatment of coronary lesions is based on bypassing the anatomical lesions with autologous vascular grafts. This procedure has traditionally been "invasive", requiring a micro-surgery technique, institution of extra-corporeal circulation, as well as temporary cardiac arrest with a cardioplegic solution. Recently, an automatic distal anastomosis procedure has been developed (Ventrica, Medtronic Inc.), based on a magnetic coupling with two implanted intravascular magnets, allowing easy connection between the graft and the coronary artery. The immediately obvious advantages are the time saved, ease of use, reproducibility and reliability. The learning curve is fast. Furthermore, the use of this automatic process does not compromise a manual anastomosis in case of implantation failure. The immediate post-operative results, as well as angiography immediately and at 6 months are all satisfactory. This technique is applicable for multiple revascularisations, all types of autologous grafts, terminal or sequential bypasses, as well as nearly all types of coronaries. The contribution to beating heart, closed thorax coronary surgery seems equally promising.

Deformitätenkorrektur am Unterarm bei Kindern mit multipler kartilaginärer Exostosenkrankheit

AIM

Deformity of the forearm with shortening and bowing is common in children with multiple cartilaginous osteochondromas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefit of ulnar lengthening using an external fixateur in these patients.

METHOD

9 patients (10 cases) underwent surgery of the forearm between 1995 and 2001 and were evaluated using a standard protocol. The mean follow-up was 33.6 months, the mean age at operation 8.9 years. All patients were treated with ulnar lengthening, in 6 cases combined with an excision of the osteochondromas.

RESULTS

Four out of ten patients did show an improvement in postoperative forearm rotation, two deteriorated and 4 presented unchanged. Wrist motion improved in 7 patients and remained unchanged in 3. The postoperative radial articular angle showed an improvement in 6, the carpal slip in 9 of the patients. The preoperative radial head dislocation in one patient remained unchanged postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The authors advocate this therapeutic concept for the correction of forearm deformity in multiple hereditary osteochondromas to prevent a progression of the deformity and to establish carpal stability. A significant improvement of forearm and wrist function could not be reached.

[Proposal for the classification of the periprosthetic membrane from loosened hip and knee endoprostheses]

After 10 years, loosening of total joint endoprostheses occurs in about 3 to 10 percent of all patients, requiring elaborate revision surgery. A periprosthetic membrane is routinely found between bone and loosened prosthesis. Further histomorphological examination allows determination of the etiology of the loosening process. Aim of this study is the introduction of clearly defined histopathological criteria for a standardized evaluation of the periprosthetic membrane. Based on histomorphological criteria and polarized light microscopy, four types of the periprosthetic membrane were defined: periprosthetic membrane of wear particle type (type I), periprosthetic membrane of infectious type (type II), periprosthetic membrane of combined type (type III), periprosthetic membrane of indifferent type (type IV). Periprosthetic membranes of 268 patients were analyzed according to the defined criteria. The correlation between histopathological and microbiological diagnosis was high (89%, p<0,001), the inter-observer reproducibility was sufficient (95%). This classification system enables a standardized diagnostic procedure and therefore is a basis for further studies concerning the etiology of and pathogenesis of prosthesis loosening.

Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis in children

BACKGROUND

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) in children is a chronic non-suppurative inflammation involving multiple sites. Some children affected by chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) do not have multiple lesions or a recurrent course.

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the long term outcome of children with the full spectrum of CNO.

METHODS

30 children diagnosed with CNO were followed up for a mean of 5.6 years and their disease assessed using a clinical score, multiple imaging, and a diagnostic biopsy, including extensive microbial analysis.

RESULTS

9 patients had unifocal non-relapsing disease, 3 unifocal lesions with relapses, 9 multifocal lesions without relapses, and 9 multifocal lesions with relapses (CRMO). Granulocytes were present significantly more often in CRMO than in unifocal and non-recurrent lesions. Pustulosis was more common in multifocal cases regardless of recurrence. Mean duration of treatment in 15 children with a single occurrence was 9.2 months. Naproxen treatment was generally effective. Naproxen treatment in 12 patients with relapses lasted 25 months. However, 7 of these were not effectively treated with naproxen alone. Five were treated with oral glucocorticoids for 27 days in addition to naproxen, which induced remission in four, lasting for at least 1.5 years. Longitudinal growth of affected bones was not altered, except for the development of hyperostosis.

CONCLUSION

CNO is a spectrum of inflammatory conditions, with CRMO being the most severe. Most children with CNO have a favourable outcome of the disease. Oral glucocorticoids may be necessary in severe recurrent cases.

[Osteochondral lesions of the talus -- indications for MRI with a contrast agent]

AIM

This study aims to establish the indication for a pre- and postoperative MRI examination with an intravenous contrast agent in patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus.

METHODS

20 patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus in the different stages according to DiPaola were prospectively examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by an MRI investigation with an i. v. contrast agent. The Weber ankle score was determined pre- and postoperatively. A correlation was calculated between MRI and arthroscopic findings of an osteochondral lesion (Spearman-rho).

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation among the radiological, the MRI and the arthroscopically determined locations. With regard to staging only 12 out of 20 lesions were staged correctly by MRI using arthroscopy as a gold standard. Due to metal artifacts and morphological changes the postoperative MRI could not be used for staging.

CONCLUSION

A preoperative MRI investigation is indicated in patients with ankle pain of unknown origin, a normal radiograph and a suspected osteochondral lesion of the talus. MRI is not indicated to determine the localization and the stage of an osteochondral lesion. A postoperative MRI is only necessary for the exclusion of a secondary pathology.

Magnetic resonance imaging criteria of successful core decompression in avascular necrosis of the hip

To identify imaging criteria that determine the outcome of core decompression (CD) in femoral-head avascular necrosis (AVN). Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 65 hips with early stage AVN treated by core decompression between January 1990 and December 2000 for AVN were reviewed. All hips were categorized into two groups according to the result of CD using total hip arthroplasty (THA) as an end point. Hips that had no THA at follow-up were allocated to group I; those treated with a THA were allocated to group II. CD results were calculated for each group using THA as an end point. The parameters analyzed were the presence or absence of edema associated with the double-line sign on the preoperative MRI, the type of epiphyseal scar (ES) according to Jing, and the type of necrosis according to Mitchell. On follow-up, 45 hips had no THA (group I); 20 patients had a THA (group II). Patients with a radiographic crescent sign and those with edema associated with the double-line sign progressed to THA significantly more frequently. The extent of the necrosis had less discriminatory effect between the two groups. ES and necrotic tissue types had no prognostic value. In regard to the success of CD, it is important to differentiate on MRI between a double line sign plus bone marrow edema and a double-line sign only.

[Long-term results of uncemented Parhofer-Mönch screw rings]

AIM

The aim of this study was an analysis of the long-term behaviour and implant migration of the Parhofer-Mönch-screw cup seen in patients between 1982 and 1991.

METHOD

92 cups (m : f = 53 : 39, mean age 53 +/- 7 years) were included mainly prospectively. After 118 +/- 45 months all patients were examined clinically and radiologically. Digital migration analysis was performed using the single-film X-ray analysis (Einbildröntgenanalyse, EBRA).

RESULTS

5 patients had died. 32 cups were revised, in 7 patients a loosening of the cup was suspected. The 10-year-survival was 71.4 %. In 53 of 81 analysed cups a migration of more than 1 mm was shown, 28 cups did not migrate. In comparison to these stable implants the survival of migrated cups was significantly inferior.

CONCLUSION

The 10-year-survival and the high rate of implant migration document the poor results of the PM cup. In spite of an extraordinary primary stability, the failure of secondary osseointegration represents the main cause of loosening in this type of cup.

Reliabilitäts-, Validitäts- und Änderungssensitivitätsprüfung des Funktionsfragebogens Bewegungsapparat (SMFA-D) in der stationären Rehabilitation von Patienten mit konservativ behandelter Coxarthrose

BACKGROUND

Modern patient based outcome measures like the SMFA-D (German Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Questionnaire) are able to detect the impairment and functional capacity of patients with musculoskeletal extremity disorders. The SMFA-D was successfully evaluated in several cohorts treated operatively for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, rotator cuff tears and rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the SMFA-D in patients with conservative treatment for hip osteoarthritis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

69 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip were enrolled in a prospective controlled clinical trial. All patients completed the SMFA-D, SF-36, WOMAC, FFbH-OA. A standardized test of walking speed and the functional status of the patient as judged by the physician were recorded. Statistical analysis were done for the following: re-test reliability (ICC), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), validity and responsiveness.

RESULTS

Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was alpha = 0.89 and alpha = 0.97 for the SMFA-D scales. The retest reliability (ICC, unjust, mixed effect) was 0.91 (p < 0.001) for the function index and 0.73 (p < 0.001) for the bother index. Both indices correlated significantly with the FFbH-OA (r = 0.66 to r = 0.84), the WOMAC (r = 0.55 to r = 0.86) and the scales of the SF-36 (r = - 0.34 to r = - 0.85) on all three time points, which supports construct validity. There was mainly a significant correlation between the SMFA-D scales and the functional status of the patient (r = 0.21 to r = 0.44), pain reported by the patient (r = 0.43 to = 0.54) and the self selected walking speed (r = 0.28 to r = 0.51), which supports external validity. We were able to differentiate operatively and conservatively treated patients (discriminant construct validity). At the end of the rehabilitation program we were able to demonstrate small to medium treatment effects in SMFA-D and SF-36. The WOMAC and FFbH-OA were not able to demonstrate these treatment effects.

CONCLUSION

Even in patients with conservative treatment of hip osteoarthritis the SMFA-D represents a reliable, valid and responsive measure. The use of the SMFA-D can be recommended as a patient based outcome measure.

Das Aneurysma spurium der A.�genus superior lateralis

Arterial complications after total knee arthroplasty are rare. If the formation of a false aneurysm does occur, it usually affects the popliteal artery. We report the case of an 77 year old female with a false aneurysm of the lateral superior genicular artery. The patient was suffering from gonarthrosis and received a duocondylar knee replacement without resurfacing of the patella. Postoperatively, she reported anterior knee pain and a revision of the joint with lateral release was carried out. In the third postoperative week, a painful swelling in the lateral and superior aspect of the knee occurred. A scintigraphic investigation with enrichment in the early period was misinterpreted as infection. Ultrasonographic and angiographic investigations gave the right diagnosis of a false aneurysm. In the same angiographic investigation, the aneurysm could be cured by coil embolisation. The interval between the operation leading to the problem and the formation of the aneurysm, as well as the low incidence of this complication, made it hard to diagnose. Ultrasonographic and angiographic examinations allow for proper diagnosis in cases of unclear painful swellings. When dealing with an arterial complication following total knee arthroplasty, a specialized radiologist or vascular surgeon should be consulted immediately.

[Is running associated with premature degenerative arthritis of the hip? A systematic review]

AIM

The study was performed to investigated correlations between running and degenerative arthritis of the hip, according to the principles of evidence-based medicine.

METHOD

The database Medline, the Cochrane Library, the centre for Evidence Based Medicine in Oxford and the sports science database Spolit, Spofor and Spowis were scanned systematically for the keywords "arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative, hip, sports, running, jogging, walking".

RESULTS

10 retrospective case control studies and 3 prospective studies were included for further analysis. The clinical examinations reported in the prospective studies did not reveal a significant difference between runners and non-runners. In one study a slightly increased risk for signs of arthritis at the X-ray was found in runners below 50 years with a very high mileage. No increased risk for degenerative arthritis was reported in most of the retrospective studies. A few authors of retrospective studies reported a slightly to moderately increased risk. The pooled estimate of the included studies showed a slightly increased risk for degenerative arthritis in runners (pooled OR 1.24 95 % CI 0.87-1.85). However, the increased risk did not reach a level of statistical significance. The graphic analysis of the data with the technique of the funnel plot gives an OR of 1.04.

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence that running is associated with an increased risk for degenerative arthritis of the hip. There is no evidence for a different risk in men and women.

[Design and evaluation of the Extra Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Questionnaire XSMFA-D]

AIM

The XSMFA-D (German Extra Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Questionnaire) was developed on the basis of the SMFA-D to provide a short questionnaire for assessment of the functional status from patient's perspective in routine use.

METHODS

Based on psychometric and medical aspects 16 items were extracted from the SMFA-D during an iterative process. 633 SMFA-D questionnaires of 199 patients were used as basic data. The XSMFA-D was evaluated on 67/51 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee/hip undergoing total joint replacement.

RESULTS

The tests for reliability and internal consistency produced favorable results. The Knee Score, Harris Hip Score, WOMAC and SMFA-D showed significant correlations to the XSMFA-D indicating construct validity. The criterion validity could be demonstrated successfully by relations with external parameters like walking distance, patients reported pain, mobility judgements by physicians and degree of osteoarthritis. The discriminant validity could also be demonstrated by significant differences between several different patient groups. Almost all effect sizes were generally large.

CONCLUSIONS

The XSMFA-D could be demonstrated to be an appropriate short questionnaire for the evaluation of therapy results from patient's perspective. The use of the XSMFA-D can be recommended for routine use. Further investigations of the instrument will be undertaken.

Langzeitergebnisse (5 - 13 Jahre) nach lokaler Rekonstruktion und Deltoideuslappenplastiken bei massiven Rotatorenmanschettendefekten

AIM

The functional long-term results of reconstructions of massive rotator cuff tears (Bateman IV) were evaluated and analyzed.

METHODS

38 patients (6 female/32 male) had a clinical and sonographical assessment and an evaluation of the Constant score after a follow-up of 81 (60 - 160) months. Operative procedures were direct transosseous refixation in 16, local tendon shifts in 17 and deltoid flaps in 5 patients.

RESULTS

The average age and sex related Constant score was 77 %. The 5 patients with the deltoid flap achieved a Constant score of 60 %, all had a sonographically detected re-tear and 4 of them rated their result as only moderate. 25/33 patients with reconstruction (76 %) rated their result as good or excellent, 5 (15 %) as satisfactory, 1 (3 %) as moderate and 2 (6 %) as poor. 12 (36 %) of the 33 patients met the sonographic criteria of a re-tear. These patients had a Constant score of 71 %, whereas 21 (64 %) patients with intact reconstruction achieved a score of 85 %.

CONCLUSION

The reconstruction of massive rotator cuff tears achieves good clinical long-term results if the tendons remain intact. But even with a recurrent defect, the results have been better than in patients treated with a deltoid flap. In massive rotator cuff tears a thorough selection of the operative procedure regarding atrophy and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles as well as the tendon retraction and quality is mandatory.

The German Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire: reliability, validity, responsiveness, and comparison with the Short Form 36 and Constant score—a prospective evaluation of patients undergoing repair for rotator cuff tear

In a prospective clinical trial, first the German Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire (SMFA-D) was tested for reliability, validity, and responsiveness in 23 patients with rotator cuff tears, and secondly the Short Form (SF)-36, and the Constant score were evaluated comparatively in 45 patients with rotator cuff tear undergoing open repair. Retest reliability was excellent for the functional index of the SMFA-D and satisfactory for the bother index. The SMFA-D showed good validity and responsiveness. All three instruments demonstrated significantly the positive effect of rotator cuff repair at 12-month follow-up. Using comparable scales, effect sizes were bigger with the SMFA-D than with the SF-36 and as big as the Constant score. Significant correlations of the SMFA-D indices with the SF-36 scales and the Constant score could be shown preoperatively. At 12-month follow-up, all correlations between SMFA-D indices, SF-36 scales, and Constant score function scales were still significant. We recommend use of the SMFA-D to assess changes in functional status concerning patients with rotator cuff tear undergoing open repair.

Reliabilit�ts-, Validit�tsund Responsivit�tspr�fung des Funktionsfragebogen Bewegungsapparat (SMFA-D) bei Patienten mit Coxarthrose und totalendoprothetischem Gelenkersatz des H�ftgelenkes

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to check for reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire (SMFA-D) in patients with coxarthrosis undergoing total hip replacement.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

In a prospective clinical trial the SMFA-D, the SF-36, the Harris Hip score, test of walking speed and the functional impairment according to the physician assessment were recorded.

RESULTS

The reliability of the instrument could be demonstrated by a correlation coefficient of r = 0.78 for the function index and r = 0.84 for the bother index. Patients could be distinguished by the physician's assessment to show discriminative validity. Both indices correlated significantly with the Harris Hip score, scales of the SF-36 and the walking speed supporting the construct validity. The responsiveness could be shown with large effect sizes (1.04 for the function index and 1.02 for the bother index) at the three-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The SMFA-D was found to be a reliable, valid and responsive instrument in patients with coxarthrosis undergoing hip replacement and the use of this instrument can be recommended.

Transient marrow edema syndrome of the hip: results after core decompression. A prospective MRI-controlled study in 22 patients

BACKGROUND

Transient marrow edema syndrome (TMES) of the hip is a disease of acute onset and severe functional disability. There is histological evidence for an ischemic etiology of TMES of the hip. Core decompression as applied for avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is therefore a therapeutic alternative to conservative therapy, the latter leading only to a reduction of symptoms but never a shortening of the course of the disease.

METHODS

Between January 1998 and June 2000, 22 hips with TMES were treated with core decompression in our department. TMES was diagnosed by exclusion. MRI was done preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The postoperative MRI result was classified into three categories.

RESULTS

After an average of 7.2 (range 1-30) days, all patients were pain-free after core decompression. In 2 patients, TMES progressed to AVN despite core decompression. All others had no signal alterations of the head of the femur on MRI after 6 months. The postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) in patients with TMES was on average 93.7 (range 77-95); in patients with AVN, the postoperative HHS was 47 (range 45-49).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that core decompression of the hip significantly shortens the natural course of disease of TMES of the hip.

[Long-term results in total knee arthroplasty]

The number of total knee arthroplasties performed per year has increased steadily. This increase will probably continue since the principal risk factors obesity and advanced age will increase as well. The results of total knee arthroplasty are influenced by many physical, psychological, and social factors, which are presented. These factors have not been taken into account sufficiently by most of the investigations performed so far. Therefore, very few long-term data on the quality of life and functional gain are available. Survival analyses of single centers exhibit serious methodological flaws and a simplified data presentation, which reduces the generalizability of these results considerably. A critical analysis of these results was performed. Total knee arthroplasty has positive effects on the patient's pain level, ability to walk, and quality of life. There are a number of reliable uni- and tricompartmental designs. The revision rate is influenced by age, sex, disease, fixation mode, and prosthetic design. Tricompartmental prostheses have a revision rate of about 7% after 10 years. The revision rate has continuously improved over the last decades. Studies on total knee arthroplasty can be improved considerably according to international standards in terms of methodology and presentation of the results. The results from the patient's perspective need to be taken more into account.

Treatment of transient bone marrow oedema of the hip--a comparative study

Between 1990 and 2000, we treated 43 patients with transient bone marrow oedema of the hip. Five were treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and limited weight bearing, and 38 by core decompression followed by limited weight bearing. At follow-up 2-10 years later, all patients were assessed by a structured interview as well as the Harris hip score (HHS) and the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Both groups reached the same clinical outcome (HHS and WOMAC). Core decompression enabled a significantly faster recovery. There were no complications, but progression to avascular necrosis was seen in both groups. Core decompression induced fast pain relief, making it the preferable treatment.

German short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire (SMFA-D): comparison with the SF-36 and WOMAC in a prospective evaluation in patients with primary osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty

In a prospective clinical trial, the German short musculoskeletal function assessment (SMFA-D), the short form (SF)-36, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) were evaluated in 63 patients with primary osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty. All instruments were sensitive to change, demonstrating the effect of total knee arthroplasty at 1-year follow-up. The SMFA-D effect sizes in comparable scales were bigger than in the SF-36 and similar to those of the WOMAC. Significant correlations of the SMFA-D indices with the SF-36 and WOMAC scales preoperatively could be shown. After 1-year follow-up, all correlations between the SMFA-D indices and SF-36 scales were significant. In other comparison, only the correlation between the SMFA-D function index and the WOMAC function scales remained significant. The correlation of the SMFA-D function index with external validation criteria was higher than that using the other instruments. We recommend the SMFA-D for assessing change in functional status of patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee following arthroplasty.

[Wilhelm Roux's concept of 'developmental mechanics']

The aim of Roux's 'developmental mechanics' was to determine the causes of individual development. One of the central points of 'developmental mechanics' is the distinction between processes of 'self-differentiation' and processes of 'dependent differentiation'. In the case of self-differentiation the factors responsible for the differentiation of an egg or part of an egg lie in the part itself, whereas the case of dependent differentiation the specific development is driven essentially by external conditions. The principal type of dependent differentiation is 'functional adaptation', a concept by which Roux tried to explain in mechanistic, non-teleological way the adaptation of the inner structure of various organs (e.g. bones, cartilage, muscles) to their specific function. It is common to regard Roux's embryological experiments on problems of self-differentiation as more or less isolated from his research on functional adaptation. Such an approach is inadequate since 'developmental mechanics' rests on both research fields equally. This is also testified by the specific character of Roux's synthetic theory of ontogeny, which divides ontogeny into several phases according to their different shares of inherited and non-inherited, functional factors of differentiation.

[Clinical and radiological short- and mid-term results of triple pelvic osteotomy according to Tönnis in adolescents and adults]

AIM

We report our clinical and radiological results after triple pelvic osteotomy according to Tönnis and accompanying femoral osteotomies in selected cases.

METHOD

48 patients were evaluated in a retrospective study with an average follow-up to 2 years and 9 months.

RESULTS

In 68 % of our patients excellent to good results in the Harris Hip Score were achieved. We could significantly decrease pain awareness. The CE angle improved significantly from 10.6 degrees to 32.2 degrees and the acetabular angle of the weight-bearing zone according to Bombelli from 20.8 degrees to 3.8 degrees at the last follow-up. The VCA angle according to Lequesne and de Seze improved from 18.6 degrees to 33.5 degrees. Non-union of the ischial or the pubic bone developed in 7 cases as a relevant complication.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our results and the literature, the triple pelvic osteotomy according to Tönnis can be recommended for the treatment of acetabular dysplasia in adolescents and adults.

[The role of MRI in therapy and follow-up after surgical treatment of osteochondrosis dissecans of the talus]

AIM

Our study was designed to evaluate the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the follow-up of surgically treated osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) of the talus.

METHOD

We investigated 16 patients (18 joints) with OCD of the talus, surgically treated in our department between 1990 and 1997. All of them had preoperative MRI scans of the affected ankle. The mean follow-up was 40 months (8-82). All patients were evaluated by clinical examination, plain radiography and MRI using a standard protocol.

RESULTS

The clinical Bray score improved significantly from 58 preoperative to 82 postoperative. Using a visual analogue scale we saw a significant reduction of the patients pain level post-op. In 72% of the patients the preoperative MRI was able to predict the accurate stage of the cartilage. Postoperative MRI showed no more lesion in 3, intact articular cartilage in 11, and disrupted cartilage in 4 joints. There was no correlation between clinical, plain radiographical, and MRI findings postoperative.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopy remains the golden standard in evaluating articular cartilage. Using our data, MRI is not the method of choice in the follow-up of surgically treated OCD lesions of the talus. Postoperative use of intravenous contrast media gave no additional information. Postoperative MRI should be reserved only for symptomatic patients to gather additional information about the actual state of the OCD. Afterwards a prompt arthroscopy of the symptomatic ankle should be performed.

[Atraumatic locked posterior-inferior shoulder luxation in a child]

We report a rare case of recurrent atraumatic posterior-inferior dislocation of the shoulder in an eight year old girl. After closed reduction of the locked dislocation and conservative treatment three further dislocations occurred. Because of the recurrence of locked dislocations and functional impairment arthroscopy including partial synovectomy was performed. Postoperative rehabilitation included the use of a brace in handshake position for six weeks and strengthening exercises. Within a clinical followup of 24 months the shoulder remained stable without loss of function but atraumatic posterior-inferior dislocation of the contralateral shoulder occured. The bilateral involvement indicates a predisposing factor, predominantly gross capsular laxity, of this rare form of instability.

[I. Cultural adaptation, practicability and reliability evaluation of the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Questionnaire]

INTRODUCTION

The patient-based evaluation of outcome is gaining increased importance. The aim of the study was to translate and culturally adapt the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire (SMFA) into German and to evaluate the practicability, metric properties, and distribution characteristics of the German version (SMFA-D).

METHODS

The SMFA is a questionnaire on the functional status of the musculoskeletal system of patients consisting of a function index (34 items) and bother index (12 items) with a 5-point response format. The SMFA was independently translated by orthopaedic-trained, qualified German- and English-speaking translators. A consensus committee review and selection of an optimally comprehensible German version was performed. Patients checked this version for comprehensibility and time to complete the questionnaire. 40 fluently German-speaking patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee completed the SMFA-D twice at a one week interval. The test-retest reliability and internal consistency were evaluated. The values are standardized on an scale from 0-100. High values indicate a poor function.

RESULTS

The SMFA-D is comprehensible and can be completed within 20 minutes in the mean. There were no skewness and no floor or ceiling effects. The mean function index was 47 (SD 17, range 16-80). The mean bother index was 44 (SD 19, range 5-75). Test-retest reliability were 0.88 (function index) and 0.71 (bother index), respectively. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.92 (function index) and 0.88 (bother index), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The SMFA-D is a practical and reliable questionnaire for patient-based evaluation of functional problems of the musculoskeletal system.

[II. Validity and sensitivity to change of the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Questionnaire in primary gonarthrosis and total endoprosthetic joint replacement]

INTRODUCTION

Scoring systems used so far in total knee arthroplasty are limited by their non-fulfillment of basic test criteria. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the validity and responsiveness of a German version of the new short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire (SMFA-D) in patients with primary osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

66 patients with a tricompartmental cemented PFC-Sigma total knee arthroplasty completed the SMFA-D and the WOMAC questionnaire preoperatively and at 12 to 16 weeks follow-up. Preoperatively, physicians' rating of function of the leg, patients' self-selected walking speed, pain and arthritis severity score were registered for demonstration of criterion validity. Construct validity was evaluated with the WOMAC. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing patients with or without previous surgery at the knee, use of pain medication and use of walking aids. The function and bother indexes of the SMFA-D were correlated with these parameters. Standardized response means were calculated.

RESULTS

The function index correlated with physicians' rating (r = 0.51), walking speed (r = 0.61), pain (r = 0.36) and the arthritis severity index (r = 0.36). The bother index correlated with pain (r = 0.37) and the arthritis severity index (r = 0.25). The function and bother index correlated with the WOMAC (r = 0.77) and (r = 0.81), respectively. Patient groups with or without walking aids (p = 0.02) and with or without pain medication (p = 0.001) differed in the function index. The bother index of patients with or without pain medication (p < 0.001) and with or without walking aids (p < 0.006) differed. Function and bother index improved from 46 (SD 17) to 34 (SD 19, p < 0.001) and 43 (SD 18) to 33 (SD 22 p < 0.001), respectively. The standardized response mean was 0.86 for the function index and 0.53 for the bother index.

CONCLUSIONS

The SMFA-D questionnaire is valid and responsive in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee and total knee arthroplasty. It measures function and bother from the perspective of these patients.

Results of posterior cruciate-retaining unconstrained total knee arthroplasty after proximal tibial osteotomy for osteoarthritis. A prospective cohort study

The purpose of the study was to investigate the results of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after previous proximal closed wedge tibial osteotomy for degenerative arthritis according to the technique recommended by Coventry and Insall. Thirty-five patients with previous proximal tibial osteotomy were matched to 35 patients without previous osteotomy according to age, sex, and Knee Society patient category. TKA after osteotomy was technically more difficult, often requiring a more extensive exposure. Complications were similar in the two groups, but an extended hematoma was more common in patients with previous osteotomies (2 patients) than in those with primary arthroplasty (1 patient). Knee Society scores were significantly lower in those with previous osteotomy, primarily because of decreased anteroposterior stability and pain. No significant differences were found in function scores, range of motion, or alignment. However, overall results of this PCL-retaining unconstrained TKA did not match those reported after PCL-substituting TKA.

Balance sheets of knee and functional scores 5 years after total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a source for patient information

To improve patient information on the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis, 253 primary TKAs of a prospective study with a mean follow-up of 5.3 years were analyzed. The increase or decrease of the individual variables of the Knee Society knee and function score and the percentage of operated knees in which these variables increased were determined. Improvement in pain rating had the largest increase of all variables, contributing 60% to the knee score increase. Pain improved in 95% of the knees. Alignment improved in about 90% of knees and accounted for 25% of knee score increase. Improvement in level walking contributed more to increase of function score than better stair-climbing abilities. Level walking improved in 80% of knees and stair climbing in 55%. Pain is the most rewarding indication for TKA, followed by deformity and poor walking ability. Key words: total knee arthroplasty, knee score, functional score, patient information.

Hybrid total knee arthroplasty

A prospective study of a hybrid total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an uncemented femoral component and cemented tibial and patellar components was performed to combine the advantage of a press-fit femur while avoiding the problems in uncemented tibial and patellar implants. A total of 329 posterior cruciate-preserving TKA were studied at an average of 4.7 years after surgery: 84% of the knees had at most mild or occasional pain, 68% had good or excellent knee scores, and 62% could walk more than 1000 m. The function scores were 40% good or excellent in this collective, with an average age of 69.4 years at surgery. The component position and alignment were biomechanically correct. Radiolucent lines were observed regularly at the edges of the tibial and femoral components. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening. Hybrid TKA provides good results comparable to cemented TKA.

Varicella pancreatitis complicated by pancreatic pseudocyst and duodenal obstruction

Several viral infections, including mumps, coxsackie B, and infectious mononucleosis, have been associated with acute pancreatitis; however, varicella infection has not previously been associated with this complication. A 29-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and hyperamylasemia several days following the onset of a characteristic varicella skin rash. His son had been diagnosed with varicella one week earlier. The hospital course was complicated by the development of pseudocysts in the head and tail of the pancreas which caused partial obstruction of the common bile duct and duodenum. The pancreatitis, pseudocysts, and duodenal obstruction resolved with conservative medical management. This is the first report of acute pancreatitis associated with varicella infection.

Heroin addiction as a family phenomenon: a new conceptual model

The chronic relapsing nature of heroin addiction can be explained from a family systems viewpoint. The addiction cycle is part of a family pattern involving a complex homeostatic system of interlocking feedback mechanisms. These serve to maintain the addiction and consequently the overall family stability. Drug-taking usually starts at adolescence. It is related to an intense fear of separation experienced by the family in response to the addict's attempts at individuation. The family becomes stuck at a particular developmental stage. Heroin provides a solution at several levels to the dilemma of whether or not to allow him independence. Paradoxically, it permits him to simultaneously be both close and distant, "in" and "out", competent and incompetent, relative to his family of origin. This is pseudoindividuation. An understanding of these concepts, and their integration into a homeostatic model, can provide the basis for effective treatment.