[Surgical procedures to stabilize the upper cervical spine]

The options for surgical treatment of injuries to the upper cervical spine have increased considerably in recent years. A distinction can be made between two forms of surgical stabilization. Techniques of osteosynthesis serve to reconstruct the injured structure with the goal of maintaining mobility of the upper cervical spine. A spondylodesis, that can be performed at the atlantoaxial or occipitoatlantoaxial joint, aims to stabilize the upper cervical spine by fusion techniques. This article describes the surgical procedures for both treatment principles with regard to the indications, techniques, and complications.

[Distal humeri fractures]

Fractures of the distal humerus are rare and count only for a small number of all fractures in mature patients. Due to demographic changes surgeons will be faced with an increasing number of complex multifragmentary fractures with diminished bone quality. As conservative treatment frequently leads to limited and painful elbow function, open reduction and stable internal fixation with early range of motion exercises are considered the gold standard. Detailed knowledge of the complex articular anatomy, the biomechanics, operative approaches and available implants is needed for the proper management of these complex fractures.

[Intercompartment soft tissue emphysema after arthroscopic meniscus resection. Case report and differential diagnosis]

Soft-tissue emphysema following surgical procedures needs prompt and accurate diagnosis in order not to miss severe infections, such as clostridial myonecrosis and necrotizing fasciitis. We report the case of a 32-year-old patient who developed massive crepitation of the right leg and thoracic wall after knee arthroscopy had been performed a few days earlier. He was readmitted under suspicion of gas gangrene. This could not be ruled out by preoperative examinations as a subacute infection existed in the range of the infrapatellar incision. A mini-arthrotomy was carried out to exclude necrotizing soft tissue infection and to rinse the joint. An intercompartment emphysema could be confirmed intraoperatively. The postoperative course was uneventful. The main differential diagnoses of benign soft Tissue emphysema are summarized and treatment options are recommended.

[Injuries to the upper cervical spine. Part 1: ligamentous injuries]

This article for continuing education describes ligamentous injuries of the upper cervical spine. Functional radiological imaging studies are particularly important in the diagnostic workup. Computed tomography can serve to visualize additional osseous traumas and magnetic resonance imaging can demonstrate discoligamentous, neuronal, and vascular structures. Traumatic ligamentous instabilities of the upper cervical spine can be categorized into four main groups: occipitocervical dislocation and translational, axial, and rotational atlantoaxial instabilities. The incidence, classification, diagnostic workup, standard treatment, and characteristics of the individual ligamentous injuries are presented. In addition, the topic of combined injuries of the upper cervical spine is addressed.

[Functional results after osteosynthesis of the distal humerus fracture with an anatomically precontoured, angular-stable double plate system]

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results and determine/record the complications after treating distal humerus fractures with an anatomically precontoured and angular-stable double plate system (LCP Distal Humerus Plates, Synthes GmbH, Umkirch).

METHOD

51 patients (30 female, 21 male) with 52 fractures of the distal humerus and a mean age of 51 years (14-94) were prospectively recorded over a period of 42 months and treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the above-mentioned LCP Distal Humerus Plates System. Follow-up was performed in 44 patients with 45 fractures after a mean of 13 months (6-24). According to the classification system introduced by the "Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen" (AO [Association for the study of internal fixation, ASIF]) there were six A fractures (13.3%), five B fractures (11.1%) and 34 C fractures (75.5%). The AO/ASIF rate of type C3 fractures was 53%. Seven fractures were grade I (15.6 %) and three fractures grade II (6.7%) open. In addition to clinical examination and measuring range of motion (ROM), functional results were evaluated using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score (DASH).

RESULTS

Using the MEPS, excellent results were achieved in 19 patients (43.2%), good in 23 (52.3%), fair and poor each in one. Mean MEPS was 87.5 +/- 11.8 points (50-100). The mean DASH score reached 14.2 +/- 19.9 (0-65.8). Having a mean extension deficit of 10 +/- 14.1 degrees (0-40 degrees) and flexion up to 127.5 +/- 17.2 degrees (80-145 degrees), the mean ROM was 110 +/- 23.8 degrees (50-145 degrees). A primary stable osteosynthesis which allows early physiotherapy was gained in 38 fractures, in seven cases additional immobilisation was carried out (10 to 28 days). Postoperative complications were seen in eleven patients (24.4%). Overall revision surgery was necessary in nine cases.

CONCLUSION

By using the anatomically precontoured and angular-stable LCP distal humerus plates system a stable osteosynthesis allowing early physiotherapy is achieved in the majority of patients. Due to early initiation of physical therapy the functional results might be improved. Despite using the LCP system complications at the distal humerus fracture side were seen frequently, emphasising the challenging surgical procedure and demonstrating the need for further implant and surgical procedure improvement.

[Herniation of the middle lobe of the right lung due to a coarsely dislocated sternum fracture]

In cases of multiple trauma in patients with an injury severity score (ISS) > or =16 chest injuries, abbreviated injury scale (AIS) > or =3, are also sustained in 57.2% of all patients. Life-threatening complications may occur with lung contusions and rib fractures also in combination with hemothorax/pneumothorax being the most common diagnoses. In addition the lungs can also be functionally impaired by ruptures of the great thoracic vessels or in isolated cases by herniation of lung tissue following tears in the wall of the thorax. A case of multiple trauma in a 44-year-old male (ISS 29) with blunt thoracic trauma resulting in herniation of the middle lobe of the right lung into the subcutaneous tissue due to a coarsely dislocated fracture of the sternum is reported. This still ventilated lung tissue was surgically resituated 4 weeks after the event and the sternum fracture was simultaneously stabilized by plate osteosynthesis. Clinical examination and awareness of the possibility of other injuries (high level of suspicion) are essential. Therefore, standard diagnostic procedures combined with multislice computed tomography during the first examination and reassessment should be included to avoid missed injuries.

[Management of complex intra-articular distal radius fractures with open reduction and internal fixation with double dorsal locking plates]

AIM

In this prospective study we have analysed the clinical outcome of complex distal radius fractures that were reduced by a dorsal approach and fixed with 2 dorsal locking plates.

METHODS

In the period from January 2006 to June 2008 60 patients with a distal intra-articular instable radius fracture, who were treated with the above mentioned procedure, were prospectively included in this study. All fractures showed signs of a complex and dorsal instability. X-rays and CT scans were taken preoperatively. Follow-up examinations and X-rays were conducted after 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. The clinical outcome was measured with the aid of the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score (0-100 points). The functional outcome was measured with the Gartland and Wearley score (0-21 points). Subjective pain levels were noted with the visual analogue scale (0-10 points).

RESULTS

60 patients were examined after 6 weeks and 6 months. 40 patients were examined after 1 year. The average age was 56 (range: 16-78 years). In 36% of the cases we found an accompanying injury of the upper extremity that had to be treated operatively. The DASH score improved on average from 47 points after 6 weeks (28 points after 6 months) to 24 points after 1 year. The subjective pain level after 1 year was 2.4 points under stress and 1.1 points in relaxation. The Gartland and Wearley score showed an improvement of function of the wrist from 9.9 points after 6 weeks to 7.4 points after 1 year, which is considered a good result. In 12 cases reoperations were necessary, in 6 cases due to a postoperative carpal tunnel syndrome (10%) and in 1 case due to an infection of the wound.

CONCLUSION

Dorsal instable radius fractures can be stabilised in a satisfactory way. It is possible to achieve good results, assuming an exact analysis of the fracture and of the associated injuries is performed.

[Medical care reality in trauma surgical clinics in Germany. A survey of the professional committee of the German Society for Trauma Surgery]

Due to revised conditions of medical care in Germany, in particular the introduction of the newly designated specialist for orthopaedics and trauma surgery, the working conditions in trauma surgical clinics in Germany has changed. In May 2008 the professional committee of the German Trauma Society conducted a survey at the 729 trauma surgical clinics and departments in order to establish the true level of care at these particular sites. The results of the 90,000 variables presented in the following article, reflect the changes in trauma care as well as in the medical care structures and emphasize the increased work load. In particular the lack of qualified candidates underlines the main explanation for vacant posts and is also evaluated in this article.

[Triage systems in central emergency units]

Central emergency units were established for medical and economic reasons in many German hospitals. The huge number of patients requiring treatment more or less urgent led to an implementation of triage-systems, which are known from abroad. Five of those triage-systems with different approaches are going to be presented below. The Manchester triage-system is the one of those, which can be transferred to German circumstances the best and is the most common clinical triage-system in Germany. Before implementing the above-mentioned systems to German emergency unit all of them need further development. Furthermore a scientific verification of the efficiency and the safety of triage-systems is necessary.

[Diagnosis and therapy of cubital tunnel syndrome--state of the art]

The cubital tunnel syndrome is one of the most widespread compression syndromes of a peripheral nerve. In German-speaking countries it is known as the sulcus ulnaris syndrome (retrocondylar groove syndrome), which is anatomically incorrect. The cubital tunnel consists of the retrocondylar groove, the cubital tunnel retinaculum (Lig. arcuatum or Osborne band), the humeroulnar arcade and the deep flexor/pronator aponeurosis. According to Sunderland it can be divided into a primary form (including the ulnar luxation and the epitrocheoanconaeus muscle) and a secondary form caused by deformation or other processes of the elbow joint. The diagnosis has to be confirmed by a thorough clinical examination and nerve conduction studies. Neurosonography and MRI are becoming more and more important with improving resolution and enable the direct identification of morphological changes. Differential diagnosis is essential in atypical cases, especially C8 syndrome and pressure palsy. Double crush (double compression syndrome) may occur. Operative treatment is more effective than conservative treatment, which consists primarily of the prevention of exposure to external noxes. According to actual randomised controlled studies the therapy of choice of the primary form in most cases is the simple in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. This has to be extended at least up to 5-6 cm distally of the medial epicondyle and can be performed in the open or endoscopic technique, both under local anesthesia. Simple decompression is also the therapy of choice in uncomplicated ulnar luxation and in most post-traumatic cases and other secondary forms. In cases of severe bony or tissue changes of the elbow (especially cubitus valgus) the volar transposition of the ulnar nerve may be indicated. This can be performed in a subcutaneous or submuscular technique. Risks of transposition are impairment of perfusion and, above all, kinking caused by insufficient proximal or distal mobilisation of the nerve has to be avoided. In these cases revision surgery is necessary. The epicondylectomy is not common in our country. Recurrences may occur.

The 4G/5G promotor polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene and late lumen loss after coronary stent placement in smoking and nonsmoking patients

BACKGROUND

Instent restenosis remains a significant clinical problem. Identification of patients at risk for instent restenosis may allow selection of individualized appropriate therapeutic approaches. Genetic polymorphisms have been suggested to be associated with the risk of instent restenosis. Smoking is known to influence hemostatic parameters.

HYPOTHESIS

This study investigated the influence of the 4G/5G promotor polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1) gene on instent restenosis in smoking and nonsmoking patients.

METHODS

In all, 300 consecutive patients (133 nonsmoking; 167 smoking) with elective coronary stent placement and 6-month angiographic follow-up were studied. Quantitative coronary angiography and genotyping with polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed in all patients.

RESULTS

Nonsmoking PAI-1 4G/4G carriers showed a significantly greater late lumen loss (n = 38; 0.54 +/- 0.53 mm) compared with nonsmoking PAI-1 4G/5G (n = 68; 0.38 +/- 0.45 mm) or 5G/5G (n = 27; 0.19 +/- 0.23 mm) carriers, analysis of variance (ANOVA) p < 0.001. Smoking patients with the genotypes 4G/4G (n = 46; 0.53 +/- 0.54 mm) and 4G/5G (n = 79; 0.37 +/- 0.41 mm) had a late loss similar to that of nonsmoking patients. Smoking 5G/5G carriers had the highest late loss of all smoking patients (n = 42; 0.63 +/- 0.50); ANOVA p < 0.05; nonsmoking 5G/5G vs. smoking 5G/5G p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

The promotor polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene has a significant influence on instent restenosis after coronary stent implantation. The 5G/5G genotype predisposes nonsmoking gene carriers to less late lumen loss, whereas in smoking gene carriers this genotype is associated with the greatest late lumen loss. This might be explained by an altered expression pattern of hemostatic parameters.

Phase II trial of vinorelbine and trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. A prospective, open label, non-controlled, multicenter phase II trial (to investigate efficacy and safety of this combination chemotherapy)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy (progression free survival (PFS) and response rate) and safety of vinorelbine and trastuzumab combination chemotherapy in patients with HER2-overexpressing, metastatic breast cancer as a first line chemotherapy regimen. Patients with histologically confirmed, HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry (ICH) 3+, or 2+ and FISH+) metastatic breast cancer who had nor received prior vinorelbine or anti-HER2 therapy in the adjuvant setting, received at least eight weeks of vinorelbine i.v. (25 mg/g weekly) and trastuzumab (4 mg/kg on day 1 followed by 2 mg/kg weekly). Forty-one women from six participating centers were enrolled into the trial. The overall response rate, was 43.9% (18 of 41 patients), (CI 28-60.3%), 30% of patients were progression free after 1 year. Four patients reached complete remission, 14 partial remission and five had stable disease for at least 18 weeks. Six patients developed primary progression. 35 patients (85%) experienced progression after a median time of 235 days. Therapy was in general well-tolerated. There were two CTC grade 4 infusion syndromes and two patients experienced cardiotoxicity at least grade 2. This phase II trial of vinorelbine and trastuzumab demonstrated an effective and well-tolerated regimen with a favourable safety profile.

[Two-stage procedure to exchange septic total hip arthroplasties with late periprosthetic infection. Early results after implantation of a reverse modular hybrid endoprosthesis]

BACKGROUND

Between January 2001 and January 2005 we performed the exchange of infected total hip arthroplasties in 40 cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We applied a two-stage procedure when implant salvage was not possible. Our treatment algorithm included complete removal of the infected material, thorough débridement, and repeated revisions until cultures were negative. We then implanted a cemented acetabular polyethylene cup with specific antibiotic addition and a cementless modular stem (reverse modular hybrid endoprosthesis). Appropriate intravenous and oral antibiotic therapy was prescribed.

RESULTS

A total of 18 women and 22 men (age 48-86 years) were followed up for 4-48 months (mean: 12 months). Up to now 38 have remained infection free; in two cases the treatment failed and a resection arthroplasty had to be performed. There were eight complications intraoperatively (shaft fractures); four of them were treated conservatively and four needed additional stabilization. The mean hip score improved from 21 points initially to 81 points at the last examination. All details are listed in table form. Two-stage revision hip arthroplasty for infection using the inverse modular hybrid technique seems to be a safe and reliable method. Further investigation and a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.