Gait Analysis before and after Cycle Training Using a 3D Pedal System

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In this pilot study, gait analysis was performed before and after training with a 3D pedal system (BIUS1), in order to clarify whether these differences are detectable by gait analysis after a short period of training. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two female and three male subjects were included in a prospective case-control pilot study. The patient and training characteristics were determined. Objective measurement data of the gait were obtained by using a three-dimensional motion analysis system with six infrared cameras and three force plates before and after training with the 3D pedal system. RESULTS The mean age was 36.7 ± 8.7 years and the subjects had a BMI of 21.8 ± 2.4 kg/m 2 . The training time per year was an average of 36.0 ± 11.2 days, with a training workload of 511.4 ± 36.7 km. For time-distance parameters, improvements for the left and right side were obtained for cadence and cycle time after training. In total, there was a reduction in hip abduction angle, and an increase in hip inward rotation, knee outward rotation, and range of the frontal knee angle. CONCLUSIONS Changes in parameters in the gait analysis after a short training interval demonstrate that a 3D pedal system is suitable to produce changes in the gait pattern detectable by gait analysis. Training effects on the supposedly weaker left side can be explained after a brief application of the BIUS1 system. Key words:cycle training, 3D pedal system, gait analysis.

Comparison of radiofrequency kyphoplasty and balloon kyphoplasty in combination with posterior fixation for the treatment of vertebral fractures

BACKGROUND

In case of complex vertebral fractures, posterior fixation is often required for correction of deformity and instability. Fixation is commonly supported by balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) anterior. A development of BKP is radiofrequency-targeted vertebral augmentation (RF-TVA), which leads to comparable results for augmentation and pain relief.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study evaluates the outcome of posterior fixation combined with RF-TVA or BKP, respectively.

METHODS

VAS, ODI, kyphosis angle and vertebral height of 44 patients were evaluated preoperatively, 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Both treatments improved vertebral height and kyphosis angle. At 12 months, vertebral height restoration was still significantly better in the BKP group (p < 0.001) and the improvement of kyphosis angle was comparable between both groups (p = 0.71). VAS and ODI improvements were significantly better in the RF-TVA group (p < 0.001). 8% of BKP patients had cement extravasations, compared to 10.5% in the RF-TVA group (p = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining posterior fixation with RF-TVA leads to better results of VAS and ODI, whereas the vertebral height restoration was favorable for patients treated with BKP. Cement leakage was comparable between both groups. It was asymptomatic and within reported ranges. Limitations of this study are the patient number and different stabilization instrumentation.

Detecting intratumoral heterogeneity of EGFR activity by liposome-based in vivo transfection of a fluorescent biosensor

Despite decades of research in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling field, and many targeted anti-cancer drugs that have been tested clinically, the success rate for these agents in the clinic is low, particularly in terms of the improvement of overall survival. Intratumoral heterogeneity is proposed as a major mechanism underlying treatment failure of these molecule-targeted agents. Here we highlight the application of fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM)-based biosensing to demonstrate intratumoral heterogeneity of EGFR activity. For sensing EGFR activity in cells, we used a genetically encoded CrkII-based biosensor which undergoes conformational changes upon tyrosine-221 phosphorylation by EGFR. We transfected this biosensor into EGFR-positive tumour cells using targeted lipopolyplexes bearing EGFR-binding peptides at their surfaces. In a murine model of basal-like breast cancer, we demonstrated a significant degree of intratumoral heterogeneity in EGFR activity, as well as the pharmacodynamic effect of a radionuclide-labeled EGFR inhibitor in situ. Furthermore, a significant correlation between high EGFR activity in tumour cells and macrophage-tumour cell proximity was found to in part account for the intratumoral heterogeneity in EGFR activity observed. The same effect of macrophage infiltrate on EGFR activation was also seen in a colorectal cancer xenograft. In contrast, a non-small cell lung cancer xenograft expressing a constitutively active EGFR conformational mutant exhibited macrophage proximity-independent EGFR activity. Our study validates the use of this methodology to monitor therapeutic response in terms of EGFR activity. In addition, we found iNOS gene induction in macrophages that are cultured in tumour cell-conditioned media as well as an iNOS activity-dependent increase in EGFR activity in tumour cells. These findings point towards an immune microenvironment-mediated regulation that gives rise to the observed intratumoral heterogeneity of EGFR signalling activity in tumour cells in vivo.

[Improvement of Psychosomatic Rehabilitation after Prestationary Intervention]

Aim of the study: Improvement of psychosomatic rehabilitation efforts with prestationary intervention. Method: The study is designed as a prospective and randomisized interventon study including 317 in patients. Result: Most of the patients were women (69.4 %), the mean age was 50.2 years. As measured with the BDI-II patients with prestationary intervention improved more than patients without intervention. The motivation has not been changed significantly in both treatment arms. Various independent cofactors like long duration of unemployment, disablement and patients who apply to pension were identified. Conclusion: Finally a prestationary telephon interview improves the results of psychosomatic rehabilitation measured with BDI.

Radiofrequency Ablation: Temperature Distribution in Adjacent Tissues

PURPOSE

This clinical study investigates the use of a radiofrequency ablation system specifically developed for the ablation of spinal metastases. The investigation examines possible temperature-associated risks for the adjacent tissues.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A tumour model was simulated for 8 lumbar and 8 thoracic vertebrae of a human cadaveric spine. The tumour mass was ablated with the SpineSTAR electrode (SpineSTAR, DFINE Inc., CA), which has been specifically developed for the ablation of spinal metastases. During the ablation procedure, the temperatures of the vertebra, the epidural space, and the neural foramen were measured with thermocouples. These temperatures were documented as means with standard deviations. Possible differences between lumbar and thoracic vertebrae were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The maximal temperature of the lumbar vertebrae was 46.4 ± 3.3 °C near to the ablation zone, the temperature of the neural foramen was 37.0 ± 0 °C, and the temperature of the epidural space was 37.3 ± 0.7 °C. In the thoracic vertebrae, the temperature was 44.4 ± 1.7 °C near to the ablation zone, 7.9 ± 1.7 °C in the neural foramen, and 37.25 ± 0.7 °C in the epidural space. There was no significant difference in temperature distribution between treated lumbar and thoracic vertebrae.

CONCLUSION

Ablation of spinal metastases in a cadaveric model using the SpineSTAR electrode was shown to be a safe method with respect to possible temperature-related risks for the adjacent tissues.

[Functional Comparison of the Outcome after Midvastus and Medial Parapatellar Surgical Approach in Total Knee Arthroplasty]

There are various approaches for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). On the basis of an analysis of the clinical results, it has been demonstrated that the midvastus approach (MV) is advantageous in the early postoperative period compared to the medial parapatellar surgical approach (MPP). The aim of this investigation was therefore to investigate whether the clinical advantage of MV is reflected in the functional outcome. This single blinded, prospective, randomised study was based on a power analysis. Selected randomised patients (MPP = 10, MV = 11) were examined using an instrumental gait analysis system (VICON) preoperatively, and 5 weeks (5 W) and 6 months (6 M) after implantation. The results were compared to a healthy control group (CG = 53). Besides clinical parameters, the primary objective of this study was to measure objective gait parameters; the secondary objective was to record self-assessment (Knee Society score, WOMAC). In both treatment groups, the measurements improved during the investigation period, although most parameters did not reach the CG levels. MV gave better values for the kinetic parameters sagittal knee moment (5 W) and knee power (5 W, 6 M), as well as self-assessment (WOMAC, 6 M). Other clinical parameters were similar in the two groups. In summary, in the early postoperative period, MV led to advantages in function and in subjective behaviour in daily life. From the biomechanical point of view, the MV approach is preferable.

[Diagnosis and Treatment of Spondylodiscitis/Spondylitis in Clinical Practice]

BACKGROUND

The clinical presentation of spondylsodiscitis/spondylitis are manifold. This commonly leads to a period of several months from initial symptoms to final diagnosis. A standardised treatment is difficult. The purpose of this study is to investigate the treatment carried out for patients with spondylodiscitis or spondylitis to develop an individualised standard care for better treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of 90 patients were retrospective analysed. In particular documented data of the initial examination and the following treatments concerning identification of causes and systematically control of pathogens were examined.

RESULTS

In 91 % of patients a diagnostically conclusive MRI was conducted. The degree of spondylidiscitis/spondylitis was mainly ASA criteria I or II (86 %). In 96 % of patients different diagnostic methods for identification of pathogens were conducted and documented. RESULTS confirmed the most common pathogens mentioned in the literature. 75 % of patients were treated by surgery. In 93 % of patients an antibiotic treatment was documented. 50 patients (81 %) were successfully healed.

CONCLUSION

It is important to identify and treat spondylodiscitis/spondylitis as early as possible. Diagnosis by means of blood culture and MRI and treatment of the infection with antibiotics and possibly surgical interventions seem be very suitable, but need to be individualised to each and every patient.

[A Comparison of Dorsal Decompression and Dorsal Decompression Combined with the Dynamic Stabilisation Device LimiFlex™]

BACKGROUND

Lumbar spinal canal stenosis is commonly treated by dorsal decompression. However, resection of posterior elements increases the biomechanical instability and may lead to further complications. In order to prevent this, fusion of the involved segments is often performed. But further complications may be associated with this, for example, highly reduced flexibility. In order to overcome fusion-related problems, dynamic stabilisation devices, like the new LimiFlex™ Paraspinous Tension Band (PSB), have been developed. This prospective study compares dorsal decompression without stabilisation and dorsal decompression with stabilisation using the PSB in patients with lumbar canal stenosis.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients with stenosis involving one or two lumbar vertebral levels were treated with dorsal decompression. Forty received the PSB following decompression surgery. Back, hip and leg pain as well as patient's degree of disability were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively for all patients. Evaluations were conducted using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Adverse events during the study period were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients who received the PSB experienced a better pain relief and improvement in disability compared to patients who received treatment through decompression only. A significant difference of VAS and ODI development was found between both groups when treating two vertebral levels. Furthermore, the total number of adverse events was lower in the PSB group compared to the decompression group.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic stabilisation using the PSB delivers better results in terms of VAS and ODI values when compared to only dorsal decompression. In addition, it is also associated with a lower number of complications. The PSB is most favourable when 2 levels are treated.

[Influence of Parkinson's Disease on the Perioperative Course of Patients after Lumbar Fusion Surgery]

BACKGROUND

The incidence of Morbus Parkinson (MP) increases with age. An increasing number of patients with MP in the orthopaedic patient population is expected. In the case of general surgery and trauma surgery MP in patients was identified as an important factor for perioperative morbidity. This study investigates the influence of MP on the perioperative course of patients after elective lumbar fusion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective matched-pairs analysis with 17 patients in each group was conducted with patients treated in the department of spinal surgery in an orthopaedic university hospital for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine disease without improvement after conservative therapy. The analysis compared the perioperative courses of patients with MP (MP) and patients without MP (no MP) concerning duration of hospital and intensive care treatment, duration for mobilisation, rehabilitation and occurrence of complications.

RESULTS

The mean duration of inpatient treatment (MP 18.4 ± 11.6 d; no MP 14.7 ± 5.4 d), duration of intensive care (MP 1.7 ± 4.2 d; no MP 1,0 ± 1,9 d) and duration for mobilisation (MP 8.8 ± 12.46 d; no MP 5.0 ± 4.2 d) tend to be longer for MP patients. There was no statistically significant difference between both patient groups. A rehabilitative inpatient follow-up treatment was more frequent in patients with MP (MP n = 4; no MP n = 2). None of the two groups showed an increased occurrence of complications.

CONCLUSION

While general surgery and trauma surgery patients show significant differences regarding duration of inpatient treatment, more frequent falls and more frequent rehabilitative inpatient follow-up treatments, patients after elective lumbar fusion show only a trend. Possibly the result is due to the underlying degenerative disease of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis and gait disturbance in the MP group and as well in the control group. Therefore both groups suffered from impaired mobility. Additionally there was a high incidence of other comorbidities in the control group, which could have affected the results of this study. Another limitation is the number of the included patients. Although, this study showed no increased occurrence of complications, typical risk factors, like increased risk for airway complications, urinary tract infection and falls, should be considered for the treatment of MP patients.

[Reality of treatment in psychotherapy: Results of a survey of German psychiatric hospitals]

OBJECTIVES

Since the introduction of the qualification as specialist for psychiatry and psychotherapy, in addition to psychopharmacotherapy psychotherapy is an integral component of the treatment of mentally ill people. A survey was carried out to evaluate the reality of clinical routine use of psychotherapy in German psychiatric hospitals.

METHODS

Between October 2011 and March 2012 German hospitals of psychiatry and psychotherapy were contacted by the head organization, the conference of national directors (Bundesdirektorenkonferenz), to participate in a survey regarding the application of psychotherapy in the real clinical world of daily treatment. With an anonymous questionnaire, data were requested as either a printed form or online version.

RESULTS

Data from 25 psychiatric hospitals in the year 2010 could be analysed (average number of beds 300 of which 53 were for psychosomatic/psychotherapeutic patients) and a total of 87,000 inpatients were treated whereby 34 % were diagnosed as F1 addictive disorders and 24 % as F3 affective disorders. More than 80 % of the hospitals applied group therapies of relaxation, cognitive behavior therapy, social competence training and specific techniques, such as dialectic-behavior therapy. As individual treatment methods, patients with depressive disorders were treated with cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy or psychodynamic therapy in more than 50 % of the cases. Relaxation techniques were offered in most cases by the nursing staff, behavior therapy by psychologists and physicians and psychodynamic therapy mainly by psychiatrists.

Zur Kristallstruktur von Sr6(CrO4)3Cl / On the Crystal Structure of Sr5(CrO4)3Cl

Single crystal X-ray investigation shows that Sr5(CrO4)3Cl is not isotypic with the apatite structure as being affirmed up to now. Chlorine occupies a position other than z = 0.250 implying the lower symmetry C6 6-P 63.

As a consequence one strontium coordination sphere changes from octahedral to trigonal prismatic.

[15-year results following implantation of a stem type AML hip prosthesis]

The trend in arthroplasty of the hip joint to implement new models is partly based on theoretical considerations. In order to verify to which extent the philosophy of individual models is ultimately successful, the presentation of long-term results is required. In the years 1991 and 1992, 433 patients with primary implantation of an uncemented total hip replacement in primary coxarthrosis with a stem type AML (anatomic medullary locking) were treated surgically. 283 of them got a cementless cup type Duraloc. In 311 (71.8 %) patients the mean survival rate of the prosthesis could be determined at a mean follow-up of 15.5 years. 145 (33.5 %) patients were followed up completely both clinically and radiologically. Radiographically, the stem position, changes of the periprosthetic bone of the stem and the cup, as well as the wear of the cups were examined. The cumulative survival rate of the AML stem after 15.5 years was 97.5 %, of the Duraloc cup 88.2 %. The clinical results of the hip scores according to Harris and Merle d'Aubigné were good and excellent and patient satisfaction was very high. There was no relationship between stem position, stress shielding and surrounding lyses at the femur and the acetabulum and survival of stem or cup. There was no correlation between inlay wear and survival of the Duraloc cup. A subsiding of the stem in 2 cases had no effect on the clinical symptoms and quality of life. The press-fit implanted AML stem and the Duraloc cup revealed very good results during the investigation period. Like other implants, the survival rate is limited at the presented implant mainly by the cup.

[Instrumented gait and movement analysis of musculoskeletal diseases]

Instrumented 3-dimensional gait analysis is increasingly being used for the evaluation of movement disorders in orthopedic and neurological musculoskeletal diseases. Due to the high reliability of the measurements the procedures are appropriate for diagnostic purposes as well as for outcome assessment after conservative or surgical interventions. Contrary to conventional clinical assessments gait analysis parameters are able to demonstrate a normal physiological gait pattern that can be achieved with improved kinematic and kinetic parameters. For a suitable application in clinically relevant problems the limitations of the procedures should be taken into account. Due to the high instrumental involvement combined with time and cost expenditure instrumented gait analysis will probably not develop to a clinical routine procedure. Nevertheless, an excellent set of information for answering clinical questions is provided. The present contribution presents selected measurement procedures and technologies and illustrates the wide variety of possibilities with the use of selected clinical examples.

Dynamics of intracranial venous flow patterns in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To examine the dynamics of intracranial venous flow patterns in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

METHODS

Nonrandomized controlled trial analyzing the difference in cerebral perfusion in 13 IIH patients and 12 healthy controls using contrast-enhanced duplex sonography. In patients, an additional 3D gradient echo magnetic resonance venography (MRV) using a new technique was performed to quantify stenosis of the cerebral sinus. The cerebral perfusion parameters, including cerebral transit time (CTT) and time to peak (TTP), were analyzed.

RESULTS

IIH patients had a higher BMI (29.3 [95% CI 26.4, 32.2] vs. 23.3 [95% CI 20.7, 25.9], p = 0.003) and an increased prevalence of headache, but all other clinical characteristics were comparable. The CTT did not differ significantly. The TTP was significantly longer in IIH patients compared to controls (8.5 [95% CI 7.6, 9.4] vs. 7.3 s [95% CI 6.3, 8.1], p = 0.04). Twelve of 13 (92%) IIH patients showed stenosis of the cerebral sinus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to report an altered cerebral venous flow in IIH patients compared to controls using a dynamic ultrasonographic technique. A simplified MRV technique confirms the high prevalence and reliable detection of venous stenosis in IIH patients.

Histamine H1, H3 and H4 receptors are involved in pruritus

Histamine has long been recognised as a classical inducer of pruritus. However, the specific mechanism of histamine-induced itch has still not been fully understood. The H1 and H4 receptor appear to be key components in the induction of itch. The specific role of the H3 receptor in histamine-induced itch remains unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of the four known histamine receptors (H1-4) in acute itch in mice. Intradermal injection of the selective H3R inverse agonist pitolisant induced strong itch in mice. Pitolisant (50 nmol/injection)-induced pruritus could be completely blocked by a combined treatment with the H1R antagonist cetirizine (15 mg/kg) and the H4R antagonist JNJ 7777120 (15 mg/kg), whereas the H2R antagonist ranitidine (15 mg/kg) failed to inhibit the scratch response. Next, expression and function of histamine receptors on sensory neurons isolated from dorsal root ganglia of mice were investigated. As the itch sensation results from the excitation of sensory nerves in the skin, we further focused on skin specific sensory neurons. Therefore, neurons were retrograde labelled from the skin by means of a fluorescent tracer. Expression of H1R, H3R and H4R on skin innervating sensory neurons was detected. By single-cell calcium imaging, it was demonstrated that histamine induces a calcium increase in a subset of (skin-specific) sensory neurons via activation of the H1R and H4R as well as inhibition of the H3R. It is assumed that the decreased threshold in response to H3R antagonism activates H1R and H4R on sensory neurons, which in turn results in the excitation of histamine-sensitive afferents and therefore elicits the sensation of itch.

[Evaluation of results after total hip replacement using a minimally invasive and a conventional approach. Clinical scores and gait analysis]

AIM

In a prospective study the results of total hip replacement of patients with coxarthrosis and minimally invasive anterolateral (MIS; n = 48) vs. conventional transgluteal approach (KONV; n = 10) were investigated by means of clinical and functional outcomes. Different clinical scores and gait parameters were compared with each other preoperatively and on average 5 weeks and 6 months postoperatively as well as to a control group (VG; n = 58) of healthy age-matched probands.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

For clinical examination the range of hip motion was determined and the Harris hip score (HHS), the score according to Merle d'Aubigné (MD), the intensity of pain (visual analogue scale - VAS), the SF-36 and the WOMAC arthrosis index have been used. Furthermore, the subjective gait pattern was interpreted and the Trendelenburg sign was analysed. The influence of the implantation on the biomechanics of the joint was estimated with a biomechanical score by analysing the pelvic radiographs. Objective measurement data of the gait were obtained by using a three-dimensional motion analysis system with six infrared cameras and three force plates.

RESULTS

Both groups of patients had good clinical results at five weeks after surgery, especially shown in the significantly better results of the used pain scores. Despite visually inconspicuous gait in both operated groups, the sensitive parameters of the gait analysis showed persistent large deficits. A significant improvement was appreciated six months after surgery, but the level of the healthy probands was not attained at this time. There were no significant differences of any gait parameter between the groups MIS and KONV at any time of examination.

CONCLUSION

Advantages of minimally invasive approaches in total hip replacement which can be found a short time after surgery (like less blood loss, less pain after operation, quicker beginning of mobilisation) were not found in this study 5 weeks later regarding functional outcomes. Persistence of functional deficits, caused by damage to the arthromuscular complex, which occur during the process of the development of the arthrosis, need much more time to recover after surgery, independent of the used approach.

Lead identification and optimization of diaminopyrimidines as histamine H4 receptor ligands

BACKGROUND

The human histamine H(4) receptor (hH(4)R) is a promising new target in the therapy of inflammatory or immune system diseases.

METHODS

For the development of new hH(4)R ligands, a broad virtual screening was performed and two hits were identified. Their annelated heterocyclic core was optimized with regard to affinity and potency.

RESULTS

Pharmacological characterization of the resulting diaminopyrimidines revealed different agonist and antagonist properties within the same scaffold.

Cognitive abilities, behaviour and quality of life in children after liver transplantation

AIMS

We investigated interrelations between cognitive abilities, behavioural problems, quality of life and disease-related variables of children after LTX.

METHODS

Our sample consisted of 25 children. They were 8.5/2.8 (M/SD) years old and had received the transplant 5.5/3.1 years previously. For assessment we used well-established instruments.

RESULTS

Liver transplanted children scored below the population mean on the cognitive as well as on the behavioural instrument and showed scores below average in the scales Self-esteem, Friends and Total Score regarding QoL. Behavioural problems were associated with poorer cognitive performance (r=-0.38 to -0.63). QoL regarding physical well-being was correlated with sequential processing (r=0.41). Lower sequential processing scores were associated with lower QoL. Also between behavioural parameters and QoL correlations could be determined. Children with more behavioural problems experienced lower QoL (r=-0.40 to r=-0.76). Age at onset of disease showed correlations with behavioural and QoL parameters (r=-0.49 resp. r=0.44). Cognitive functioning was associated with medical complications (r=-0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

High interrelations between cognitive functioning, behavioural deficits and QoL were obtained. Especially noticeable are correlations between sequential processing and internalized behavioural functions as both are associated with left lateralized brain functioning. This relationship could indicate differential effects on brain development during the preoperative phase.

Carotid- intima media thickness is independently associated with cognitive decline. The INVADE study

OBJECTIVES

Increased carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) is a non-invasive marker of atherosclerosis and predicts vascular events. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests an association between carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive decline. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between C-IMT and the development of cognitive impairment in a large population-based sample.

METHODS

This study was based on the data of the participants of the INVADE (Intervention project on cerebrovascular diseases and dementia in the district of Ebersberg, Bavaria) project. Vascular risk factors, Geriatric depression scale (GDS) and "6 Item Cognitive Impairment Test" (6CIT) were evaluated at baseline and after 2 years. The relationship between C-IMT and cognitive impairment was analysed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Complete baseline data were available in 3386 subjects (mean age 67.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 67.5, 68.0] years, 41% male). During follow-up, 174 subjects developed a new cognitive impairment. In the subgroup without cognitive impairment at baseline a significant association between cognitive decline after 2 years and elevated C-IMT at baseline could be detected with a significantly higher baseline C-IMT in those with cognitive decline (0.87 mm vs. 0.78 mm; p < 0.0001). After adjustment for various risk factors only age, GDS baseline 6CIT and C-IMT were independently associated with the development of a new cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that an increased carotid intima-media thickness predicts a cognitive decline in an elderly population without prevalent cognitive impairment.

In vivo measurement of polyethylene wear in cementless total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Recent years have seen an increase in cementless total hip endoprosthesis (THP) implantations. Easy radiological measurement of wear in cups coated with X-ray dense material, such as metal or ceramics, is not applicable. An alternative technique has thus been developed to radiographically measure wear on cementless spherical implants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors present a method in which the center of the head of the prosthesis relative to the center of the cup was defined by graphical extrapolation. Changes between the two centers on subsequent images allowed the estimation of wear. Data from 148 randomly selected patients with cemented THP were compared with that from 50 with cementless THP (head diameter always 32 mm). RESULTS Within the cemented group metal heads showed significant more wear than ceramic heads (1.244 mm vs. 0.504 mm). However, calculating the wear rate per year showed no significant difference. No significant differences were observed comparing cemented and cementless group. A comparison of the own results with those of the literature revealed analogous values.

DISCUSSION

Data of the cementless group were comparable with those obtained from conventional wear measurements on cemented hip cups thus validating the technique.

CONCLUSION

The method offers the potential to define wear of metal cups with a polyethylene inlay or with X-ray dense components such as ceramic or metal inlays.

[Somatic factors in cognitive impairment]

Mild cognitive impairment describes a cognitive decline greater than expected for an individual's age and education level that does not interfere significantly with activities of daily life. In the recent years concepts of "mild cognitive impairment" with divergent definitions have been discussed as potential preclinical forms of dementia. The etiology of cognitive impairment is heterogeneous and it can be promoted or caused by numerous somatic factors. Relevant somatic factors include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, chronic obstructive airways disease and bronchial asthma. Cognitive impairment may be facilitated by hypercholesterolemia, chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism, testosterone deficiency, minimal hepatic encephalopathy, HIV- and hepatitis C-infection. Knowledge and diagnosis of these somatic factors is essential in cognitive impairment, as diligent treatment may lead to improve cognitive performance and postpone the manifestation of dementia.

Cardiac sarcoidosis and heart transplantation: a report of four consecutive patients

Heart transplantation (HTx) is a well-established treatment for severe cardiac failure. However, HTx for cardiac sarcoidosis is rare; less than 80 patients have been reported worldwide. In many patients, the diagnosis was not made prior to HTx. The aim of this study was to describe the use of HTx in the treatment of severe cardiac sarcoidosis. The series was comprised of four Caucasian patients (1 male, 3 females), aged 25-57 years. HTx were performed in the period 1990-2006. None of the patients had clinically overt extra-cardiac sarcoidosis. In one patient the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was proven prior to HTx. In three patients, all with dilated cardiomyopathy due to myocardial sarcoidosis, the final diagnosis was obtained by examination of the explanted heart. Arrythmias (supraventricular and ventricular), heart block, mitral valve insufficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy were prominent clinical features. None of the patients had recurrence of sarcoid disease in the allograft. Two patients are long-term survivors and two are deceased, one of primary graft failure, the other from Cytomegalovirus myocarditis. In conclusion, HTx is a viable treatment for cardiac sarcoidosis with end stage cardiac failure. Cardiac sarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose. Myocardial biopsy has a low diagnostic sensitivity. However, when the newest non-invasive diagnostic methods, including magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, are applied, an endomyocardial biopsy should not be mandatory to make a diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis.

Pattern specification in the insect embryo

Specification of developmental pathways by specific determining substances prelocalized in the egg cytoplasm is duscussed using the so-called germ cell determinants as an example. Some theoretical considerations speak against the assumption that in insects the various elements of the basic body plan are specified by a prelocalized mosaic of specific determinants. Experimental evidence also points towards a largely epigenetic mode of pattern specification. The process of axial pattern specification can be altered drastically by experiment: in some insects, tail ends may be formed in place of head parts and identical wequences of bocy segments may be specified two or even three times along the longitudinal egg axis. The experimental results indicate that polarity and regional character of pattern elements formed are specified by one and the same influence, and that this influence can be shifted to or simulated in various other egg regions by transposition or elimination of egg components, or by UV irradiation. Evidence obtained from several types of experiment in the chironomid midge Smittia points towards a key role for local metabolsim or energy charge in determination of cell polarity and in pattern specification. A model for embryonic pattern specification involving differential reaction of cells to a system of longitudinal gradients, which was proposed in 1960, can in principle formally account for all results described. Some striking coincidences of model and experimental results with Wolpert's concept of positional information are noted. Finally it is pointed out that universality of mechansims for pattern specification is much more likely with respect to formal principles than at the level of their physiological realization.

[Radiological and clinical functional examinations 36 months after anterior cruciate ligament repair by a patellar tendon graft]

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine radiological and functional outcome measurements after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a bone-tendon-bone (BTB) graft. Investigations included assessment of bony integration conditions regarding the use of bioabsorbable cross pins or a lateral screw for femoral graft fixation. A description of radiological parameters in contrast with IKDC findings is also given.

METHOD

After ACL injuries, 45 patients underwent an ACL repair. For tibial tunnel placement the tibial guide was used in full knee extension. A size-specific femoral aimer was placed by using the transtibial technique in the "over the top" position and the tunnel was reamed with the acorn reamer to 30 mm depth. In 15 patients the BTB graft was fixed with a titanium blunt nose screw from the lateral aspect. The cross-pin technique with bioabsorbable RIGIDFIX implants was used in 30 patients. All patients underwent a follow-up study 36 month postoperatively. Geometric tests of digitised X-rays were performed. For clinical and functional outcome studies of ACL repairs the IKDC score is widely accepted. The score was modified into numeric parameters for 15 selected groups of the IKDC score. All 15 categories were rated from 1 to 4 points (Category A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1). Clinical and radiological results were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

According to the literature, tunnel placement tibial was physiological in 91% and femoral in 93% of the cases. The femoral tunnel was completely invisible in all patients. No necrosis or pathological findings in former pin holes were seen. In 24 patients the medial compartment space was smaller, but less than 50 % compared to intraoperative X-rays. Even if the mean of tibial tunnel widening was 2.65 mm it was statistically not connected to the results of the IKDC score or X-ray findings of the femoral tunnel. Results in the IKDC groups and categories were seen to be in accord with overall very good and good outcomes. The modified IKDC score showed a mean of 55 points with a range from 46 as lowest (1 patient) and 60 in 4 patients (9%) as highest numeric score.

CONCLUSION

Lateral femoral fixation with screws or bioabsorbable cross-pins shows a biological bony incorporation of a BTB graft. Tibial tunnel widening was seen but without any functional effects. Overall radiological and functional outcomes based on the IKDC score demonstrate results in favour of ACL reconstruction with BTB grafts. Due to the narrowing of the medial compartment space, more radiological outcome studies with a special emphasis on degenerative aspects have to be done.

[Modification of vascular risk factors by intervention on the primary care level. Results of the INVADE project]

BACKGROUND

The so-called INVADE project examines the efficacy of consistent diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular risk factors on the incidence of stroke.

METHODS

This analysis compares known cardiovascular risk factors (elevated blood pressure, dipositas, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking) and respective medication of 2930 patients with respect to cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and coronary heart disease (CHD) between baseline and follow-up examination after 2 years of intervention.

RESULTS

Using the ankle-brachial index (ABI), 381 patients (13%) with asymptomatic PAD were identified. Comparison between baseline and follow-up examination revealed significant reductions in the following risk factors. Cerebrovascular disease: elevated blood pressure -12.8%, dipositas -4.2%, and LDL -8.1%. For PAD the results were: elevated blood pressure -7.2%, smoking -1.2%, elevated cholesterol -6.4%, dipositas -3.2%, and LDL -7.4%. For CHD the results were: elevated blood pressure -11.3%, elevated cholesterol -13.0%, and LDL -14.9%.

CONCLUSION

By the use of ABI, previously undiagnosed asymptomatic PAD was identified in 13% of all patients. Two-year intervention on the primary care level yielded significant reduction of known vascular risk factors.