[Proximal femoral fracture with bony ankylosis of the hip joint : Case report of difficult surgical treatment]

A 78-year-old female patient sustained a left-sided proximal femoral fracture due to a fall. Since childhood the patient had suffered from ankylosis of unknown origin in the ipsilateral hip joint. The recommended intramedullary osteosynthesis could restore the original status quo before the fracture. It needs less time in the operating room (OR) and includes a lower risk for intraoperative complications than a hip joint endoprosthesis. Arthroplasty can lead to a significant improvement in mobility of the hip joint but requires more time in the OR for the surgical procedure and anesthesia time and includes a higher risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications. The antetorsion angle of 76° in this patient deviated extremely from the standard and made the intramedullary osteosynthesis for this type of fracture a challenge. Using improvised techniques led to a load-stable fracture treatment that ultimately led to a satisfactory result.

Fixing a Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture with a Humerus Nail

A 17-year-old paraplegic patient sustained a subtrochanteric femoral fracture due to inadequate trauma. The unusual anatomical conditions associated with his congenital paraplegia did not allow treatment with a standard intramedullary implant for the femur. Because his soft tissues were already compromised, alternative options like plate osteosynthesis were considered unfavourable as a salvage procedure. Therefore, we used an implant designed for the humerus. A satisfactory result of osteosynthesis was achieved despite varus deformity, shortening and rotational error.

Independent Risk Factors for Impaired Early Outcome after Isolated Ankle Fracture - A Multivariate Analysis and Prognostic Models

BACKGROUND

Ankle fractures are common operative indications in orthopedic surgery. Their incidence is increasing.

OBJECTIVES

To identify independent risk factors and to develop prognostic models for the prediction of prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) and the onset of postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective, observational study analyzing data of 154 consecutive, isolated, surgically treated ankle fractures. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was applied to identify significant independent risk factors. The validity and clinical applicability of the developed prognostic models was assessed with ROC-curve analysis (ROC: Receiver Operating Characteristic). Internal validation of prognostic models was performed with randomized backwards bootstrapping.

RESULTS

The median LOS was 7 days. 50 patients (33%) had a longer LOS. 13% of operated patients had a postoperative complication (n = 20). Independent preoperative risk factors for prolonged length of stay were leukocytosis (p = 0.020; OR: 1.211), an increased CRP-level (p = 0.005; OR: 1.901), as well as a bi- (p = 0.002; OR: 15.197) or trimalleolar (p = 0.001; OR: 10.678) fracture type. Immediate operative therapy was an independent beneficial factor (p < 0.001; OR: 0.070). The onset of complications was associated significantly with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.004; OR: 9.903) and an elevated ASA score (p = 0,004; OR: 3.574). The developed prognostic models for the prediction of prolonged LOS (AUROC: 0.736) and postoperative complications (AUROC: 0.724) had a good clinical validity and were internally validated.

CONCLUSION

The current data pronounce the importance of preoperative laboratory works. Furthermore, co-morbidities play a major role in the prognosis of outcome. The developed prognostic models are able to reliably predict the outcome and enable the preoperative identification of high-risk patients.

Ex vivo limb perfusion for traumatic amputation in military medicine

BACKGROUND

Limb loss has a drastic impact on a patient's life. Severe trauma to the extremities is common in current military conflicts. Among other aspects, "life before limb" damage control surgery hinders immediate replantation within the short post-traumatic timeframe, which is limited in part by the ischemic time for successful replantation. Ex vivo limb perfusion is currently being researched in animal models and shows promising results for its application in human limb replantation and allotransplantation.

PRESENTATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS

The current lack of replantation possibilities in military operations with high rates of amputation can be addressed with the development of a portable ex vivo limb perfusion device, as there are several opportunities present with the introduction of this technique on the horizon. We hypothesize that ex vivo limb perfusion will enable overcoming the critical ischemic time, provide surgical opportunities such as preparation of the stump and limb, allow for spare-part surgery, enable rigorous antibiotic treatment of the limb, reduce ischemia-reperfusion injuries, enable a tissue function assessment before replantation, and enable the development of large limb transplant programs.

TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS

Data from in vivo studies in porcine models are limited by the relatively short perfusion time of 24 h. In the military setting, notably longer perfusion times need to be realized. Therefore, future animal studies must focus especially on long-term perfusion, since this represents the military setting, considering the time for stabilization of the patient until evacuation to a tertiary treatment center.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS

The development and clinical introduction of ex vivo limb perfusion in the military setting could lead to a drastic reduction in the number of limb amputations among service members. Ex vivo limb perfusion enables replantation surgery in Role 4 facilities and changes the clinical setting from a highly urgent, life-threatening situation to a highly methodical, well-prepared starting point for optimal treatment of the wounded service member. With its introduction, the principle of "life before limb" will change to "life before limb before elective replantation/allotransplantation after ex vivo limb perfusion".

Outcome of Surgical and Conservative Treatment of Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - a Prospective Comparative Clinical Study

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Subacromial impingement is one of the most common reasons for shoulder pain. The surgical management of this condition has recently become the focus of criticism because of the rising number of surgical procedures and the lack of superiority of surgical over conservative treatment. In this prospective comparative study, we compared standardised conservative care with surgical treatment and placed special emphasis on the patients' ability to work. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 106 patients (25 women, 81 men; mean age: 45.4 12.3 years) were included in this prospective comparative clinical study. Patients in the non-operative arm (n = 42) received standardised physiotherapy. Patients in the surgical arm (n = 38) underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression. All patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Shoulder function (Constant score), pain (Numerical Rating Scale), and the duration of inability to work were assessed. RESULTS Shoulder function and pain improved significantly with both kinds of treatment. At no time of follow up we detected significant differences between the two treatment options. An analysis of the patients' ability to work showed that conservative treatment was superior to surgical treatment at 3-month follow-up (0.3 versus 5.0 weeks; p < 0.001) and between 4 and 6-month after intervention (0.2 versus 1.6 weeks; p = 0.032). DISCUSSION In the study presented here, significant improvements in function (Constant score) and pain (NRS) were achieved in both the non-operative and the surgical arm. There were no significant differences between the two groups at any time point. These results are similar to those reported by other authors in recent studies. Unlike other research work, however, our study demonstrated a major difference in the development and duration of inability to work. CONCLUSIONS Conservative and surgical treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome led to similar outcomes for shoulder pain and function at 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention. However, patients who were managed conservatively returned to work significantly earlier than patients who underwent surgery. Key words: subacromial impingement, shoulder, constant score, pain, ability to work.

[Influence of Patients' Profession on Therapeutical Outcome of Patients with Primary Extrinsic Shoulder Impingement]

PURPOSE

Shoulder complaints are an important reason for inability to work. There are few considerations that link the effect of kind of therapy with ability to work in connection with kind of employment. This prospective, comparative clinical follow-up study examines the influence of occupational activity with conservative and operative therapy on the outcome of therapy in terms of function, pain and ability to work.

METHODS

In this study, 97 patients (women: n=22, men: n=75, mean age: 43.1±10.1 years) with a primary extrinsic shoulder impingement syndrome were included. Patients were divided into blue and white collar workers. Further on the subgroups of conservative and operative therapy were considered. Either a sole conservative therapy or an operative therapy with physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment took place. The conservative therapy was carried out as a structured re-coordination of muscles of the shoulder girdle under supervision of a physiotherapist. In the surgical cohorts an arthroscopic subacromial decompression was performed. Follow-up examinations were passed 3, 6 and 12 months after starting the intervention. Function (Constant Score), pain (NRS) and the duration of inability to work were assessed. The statistical analysis was performed using mixed-design ANOVA to calculate main effect and interactions (therapy*kind of employment*time) adjusted with age, sex and body mass index.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in terms of function and pain between blue and white collar workers. Office workers showed a significantly longer inability to work 3 months after surgical treatment compared with conservative treatment (7.3±0.8 weeks vs. 0.5±7.3 weeks; p<0.001). Further the group of white collars with operative therapy was significantly longer inable to work than the group of blue collar workers after operative therapy 3 months after surgical treatment (3.0±1.1 weeks vs. 7.3±0.8 weeks; p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

On the one hand, working in an office could be seen as a negative predictor for durance of inability to work. On the other hand, surgical treatment itself was a negative predictor for the durance of inability to work. Furthermore, no difference between conservative and surgical therapy could be observed in function and pain one year after starting the treatment.

Kramer and Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity - Retrospective Comparison of Functional and Radiological Results

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus is the most common forefoot deformity, with a prevalence of up to 23%. Surgical treatment is necessary in symptomatic patients. Prospective studies comparing different procedures are rare. Chevron osteotomy is the preferred procedure for distal osteotomy. The relevance of Kramer osteotomy is not clearly defined. The objective of this study was to compare the two procedures in terms of functional and radiological outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

174 patients (42 male, 132 female, 44.0 ± 16.8 years), treated with Chevron (n = 71) or Kramer osteotomy (n = 103) between 2008 and 2015, were enrolled in this retrospective study. Time for surgery was analysed. Pre- and postoperative X-rays were evaluated to detect hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and position of sesamoids (mean ± SD). Function and quality of life were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and EuroQol5D questionnaire. Pain was rated by using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Statistical analyses were performed with mixed model ANOVA and the t test for independent samples.

RESULTS

Both procedures reduce the hallux valgus angle (Kramer: 30° to 9°; Chevron 26° to 16°; p < 0.001). A significant difference was found between the two procedures (10° ± 2°; 95% CI: - 12.93; - 6.49; p < 0.001). A minimally reduced intermetatarsal angle was found in both groups (14° ± 3° to 12° ± 3°; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two procedures (p = 0.116). The position of sesamoids was more improved by Kramer osteotomy (2/2 to 0/1; p < 0.001) according to Appel than with the Chevron osteotomy (2/2 to 2/1; p = 0.052). Time for surgery was significantly shorter when Kramer osteotomy was performed (31 ± 14 min vs. 44 ± 12 min; p < 0.001). No relevant differences in pain and function were observed (NRS postoperative Chevron: 1.3; Kramer: 1.7; p = 0.413; FAOS: no significant differences in all categories).

CONCLUSION

The results of the two procedures were equal in functional outcome. Time of surgery and radiological results were significantly better in the group with Kramer osteotomy. Therefore, Kramer osteotomy is an alternative option to Chevron osteotomy. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm these results.

[Time in the OR, Outcome and Surgeons' Experience - The Use of Patient Matched Instruments in Arthroplasty of the Knee]

Background Arthrosis of the knee is a common problem in Germany that is often treated with arthroplasty. To support the orthopaedic surgeon, person-matched instruments (PMI) are available from several providers. In this study we investigated the clinical and radiological outcome of the use of the PMI Visionaire^™ (Smith&Nephew). Furthermore, we investigated the influence of operative experience of the orthopaedic surgeon on the clinical and radiological results. Time in the operating room (OR) was identified as a parameter for cost effectiveness even during training to become an orthopaedic surgeon. Material und Methods 173 of 436 cases (56.6% women, 68.7 ± 0.7 years) were included in this retrospective observation. Time in the OR, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), range of motion (ROM) as well as the position of the used implant under radiological control were the parameters used to describe the results. Hereby, we compared the use and the non-use of the PMI as well as the experience of the orthopaedic surgeon (years of training and experience). Results The use of PMI led to significant decrease of time in the OR (7 minutes in mean; p = 0.004). Surgeons with more than 6 years of experience were faster than surgeons with less than 6 years of experience with and without the use of PMI (21 respectively 17 minutes). In both groups, the use of PMI led to reduced time in the OR (more experience: 6 minutes [p = 0.211]; less experience: 10 minutes [p = 0.005]). There were no relevant differences in clinical and radiological findings in the comparison of use or non-use of PMI or surgeons with more or less than 6 years of experience. Conclusion The use of PMI for knee arthroplasty is a helpful tool for reducing time in the OR. Because there were no relevant differences in the clinical and radiological results, there were no higher risks for patients. The only relevant advantage was the reduction of time in the OR. If this affects the incidence of periprosthetic infections or leads to cost effectiveness for the hospitals especially during the period of training of young surgeons are questions that should be investigated in further studies.

[Influence of Operative and Conservative Therapy on the Ability to Work of Patients With Subacromial Impingement: A Prospective Clinical Comparative Study]

Background Subacromial impingement is a common reason for pain in the shoulder. Treatment is difficult and patients are not able to work for a long time. An increasing number of operative treatments can be observed although conservative treatment is effective, too. There is no study that observed how operative and conservative treatment influence ability to work. Methods 86 persons were included in this prospective study. Surgery was performed with an arthroscopy of the shoulder. Conservative treatment was carried out by a physiotherapist under control of the physician. Reevaluation was conducted 3 and 6 months after the initial contact. Here we observed the time the participant was not able to work, Constant Score and pain on the numeric rating scale. Results Both therapies were able to improve pain and function. During conservative treatment, improvement was faster than under operative care. Time without ability to work was 7 ± 5 weeks longer after operative treatment than under conservative therapy (p < 0.001). No relevant influence of acromioclavicular joint arthrosis could be observed. Bursitis subacromialis detected in the MRI was a predictor of faster recovery. Conclusion Conservative and operative treatment improved pain and function significantly. Properly carried out conservative therapy enables patients to get back to work earlier.

Modified minimally invasive extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis for scapholunate dissociation: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Scapholunate dissociation is the most common form of carpal instability. However, there is no gold standard for operative treatment. In this prospective observational study on 54 patients, a modified minimally invasive dynamic extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis is described, which is characterized by a smaller approach and application of a cannulated screw and washer for tendon fixation.

METHODS

Quick-Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)-questionnaire results, post-operative satisfaction, range of motion and grip strength are analyzed.

RESULTS

A median Quick-DASH of 54.6 was observed pre-operatively which significantly improved to a median of 28.4 after the procedure (p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 24 months. Of 46 completely followed-up patients, 31 patients (67.4%) reported that they were satisfied with the outcome. Thirty-seven patients (80.4%) would recommend the procedure to a friend. Thirty-five patients (76.1%) reported some kind of complaint in the operated hand during follow-up. There was no association of severity of symptoms and co-morbidities with the outcome. Neither palmar flexion, nor dorsal extension was significantly different between the operated and non-operated wrist. The operated wrists were observed to have less grip strength than non-operated wrists.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented method seems to be as successful as other techniques described in literature. It is less invasive, thus more patient friendly without harming feasibility of future salvage options. However, post-operative complaint rate was quite high.

[The educational program for modern military surgeons]

Casualties in military conflict produce patterns of injuries that are not seen in routine surgical practice at home. In an era of increasing surgical sub-specialization the deployed surgeon needs to acquire and maintain a wide range of skills from a variety of surgical specialties. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have become the modus operandi for terrorists and in the current global security situation these tactics can be equally employed against civilian targets. Therefore, knowledge and training in the management of these injuries are relevant to both military and civilian surgeons. To create this kind of military surgeon the so-called "DUO-plus" model for the training of surgical officers (specialization general surgery plus a second specialization either in visceral surgery or orthopedics/trauma surgery) has been developed in the Joint Medical Service of the German Bundeswehr. Other relevant skills, such as emergency neurotraumatology, battlefield surgery with integrated oral and craniomaxillofacial surgery and emergency gynecology, are integrated into this concept and will be taught in courses. Log books will be kept in accordance with the training curricula. On successful completion of the program medical officers will be officially appointed as Medical Officer "Einsatzchirurg" by their commanding officers for a maximum of 5 years and it will be necessary to renew it after this period. These refresher programs will require participation in visiting physicians programs in the complementary surgical disciplines in order to retain the essential specific skills.

Early bursting strength of human colon anastomoses--an in vitro study comparing current anastomotic techniques

An experimental in vitro study involving ten hand-sutured, ten biofragmentable anastomotic ring (BAR) and ten stapled anastomoses was conducted to compare current anastomotic techniques on the basis of early bursting pressure. The 30 fresh human colon segments used in the study were harvested from patients who had undergone elective oncologic resection. Following the construction of in vitro anastomoses, the pressure required to burst these specimens was measured. The results showed no significant differences among the three techniques. Since hand-sutured anastomoses proved to be as effective and reliable as the other methods and can offer the advantage of cost savings, they should remain standard procedure in colorectal surgery.

[Current status of diagnosis and therapy of chronic collateral ligament instability of the ankle joint: results of a survey of 267 German clinics in 1994]

A questionnaire was mailed to the heads of 400 German orthopaedic departments listed by the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie", with the aim of evaluating the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to chronic ankle instability that were current in 1994. The questionnaire was structured to focus on diagnostic imaging techniques, conservative and surgical management, and postoperative treatment. Evaluable questionnaires were returned from 267 hospitals (66.7%). The number of ligament reconstructions performed per institution ranged from 1 to over 100 (mean 17.5). Radiographic stress investigations and clinical examination were considered by 71.6% of the surgeons to be the most important criteria for surgical therapy. The methods most frequently used for primary reconstruction of the ligaments were: periosteal flaps (45.3%), anatomical repair (23.6%), different tenodeses (20.6%), and free anatomical implants of autologous or exogenous material (10.5%). Half the respondents used reconstruction procedures involving secondary repair of the injured ligament without augmentation or with periosteal flaps. The other half of the German surgeons preferred tenodeses or various other procedures. Conservative management of chronic ankle instability was considered by surgeons to be less appropriate for young active patients. Postoperative treatment includes casting and orthosis. The duration varied from 2 weeks to 8 weeks. The results of the nationwide survey demonstrate that more objective clinical methods of diagnosis are needed to allow preoperative differentiation between functional and mechanical instability. With better knowledge of the function of individual ligaments and more frequent exposure of the ligaments for simple overlap and direct suture, a lower rate of primary non-anatomical reconstructions may be possible in the future.