[Glenoid replacement for omarthritis : indications, technique, results and new developments]

In anatomical shoulder arthroplasty glenoid replacement is a critical point. Although total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) provides better functional and pain results than hemi shoulder arthroplasty (HSA) there is great reluctance to implant a glenoid. For successful glenoid replacement it is necessary to preoperatively evaluate clear indications for glenoid replacement. Planning is a crucial point and has to be done thoroughly. The gold standard is an all polyethylene cemented glenoid. The implantation technique is most important to obtain an excellent and long-term result without complications. Significant key factors are preservation of the subchondral bone and an anatomical reconstruction of the glenoid. It seems that after a period of 10 years the loosening rate of glenoids increases and revisions rates rise. Therefore there is a high demand to develop new implants and a need for improved and convertible glenoids with better modularity and alternative options for fixation.

An evaluation of the efficiency of the use of an anatomical third generation shoulder prosthesis in 102 patients

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In this study a series of 102 cases was reviewed in which a so called third generation shoulder prosthesis had been used. There was an interest in evaluating the quality and efficiency of the outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The patient population consisted of 32 men and 70 women. The mean age was 65.8 years. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 44.5 months. Indication for arthroplasty was all common degenerative and traumatic conditions of the shoulder. All patients were evaluated and analysed prospectively by a standardised protocol. The postoperative investigation consisted of a clinical examination and a radiographic analysis. We used the Constant and the Wülker Score.

RESULTS

All patients had a significant improvement in shoulder function independent of the specific indication. The mean postoperative shoulder function attained 88% as measured by the Constant score. With regard to the different indications, the significant improvement was confirmed in each of the groups. Osteoarthritis reached the highest (91%) and rheumatoid arthritis the lowest value (71%). The results of total shoulder arthroplasties was better than in hemi-shoulder arthroplasties (93% versus 86%).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, it could be demonstrated that most indications for shoulder arthroplasty can be successfully treated by using a third generation implant. Total shoulders reach better results in a mid-term follow-up.

Hemiarthroplasty versus total shoulder prosthesis: results of cemented glenoid components

In this retrospective study, we compared the results of 705 total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs) with 469 hemiarthroplasties (HSAs), all having been performed with the Aequalis shoulder prosthesis. Each group, both TSA and HSA, was comparable by age (mean, 63.9 years) and sex (853 men and 321 women). Each group had comparable dominance and preoperative Constant scores (mean, 29 points). The length of follow-up averaged 43 months (range, 24-110 months) in both groups. The postoperative functional outcome and subjective assessment demonstrated the superiority of TSA over HSA independent of age or rotator cuff status (Constant score, 65.7 vs 56.3 points). The analysis of the radiographs showed a disturbing 68% of cases with radiolucent lines developing around the glenoid component and their subsequent progression with time. We saw an adverse effect on functional outcome by the presence of these radiolucent lines. This review would suggest that TSA is superior to HSA in most cases with chronic pathologic entities. HSA remains a satisfactory solution in specific cases. In the future, we need to optimize the designs of the glenoid implant and develop a better implantation technique to avoid the problems associated with glenoid replacement.

The influence of the implant size on the outcome of unconstrained total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

The influence of implant size on the results in unconstrained total knee arthroplasty has never been investigated before.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

133 patients with unconstrained total knee arthroplasty were examined (HSS Score, Knee Society Score) with consideration of the different sizes of femoral and tibial components and the thicknesses of the tibial inlays. The medium follow up was 41.2 months (8 months to 74 months).

RESULTS

Although the different component sizes gained different results, the differences were not significant. The combination of two component sizes did not lead to a significant change of the results. The results of the Knee Society Score seemed to become worse with thinner polyethylene tibial inlays although these differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, implant size had no significant influence on the outcome of total knee arthroplasty. The combination of two implant sizes showed no disadvantage.

Long-term results of high tibial osteotomy for medial osteoarthritis of the knee

We reviewed retrospectively the results in patients who had undergone one hundred and four high tibial lateral osteotomies. The operations were all performed between 1985 and 1993. Each one of fifty men and forty nine women demonstrated a varus deformity of the knee with a coexistent medial osteoarthritis. Results were reviewed in 49 patients (62 knees) with an average follow-up of 10.2 years (range 6-14 years). Of the remaining 42 patients, 8 were lost to follow-up, 10 had died, and 24 were subsequently treated with total knee arthroplasty at an average 4.7 years after having had a high tibial osteotomy. Clinical results were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery Score (HSS) and the Knee Society Score. Radiographs were systematically analysed to evaluate osteoarthritis and leg axis. Forty four (90 per cent) of the forty nine patients stated the results met their expectations and given the same circumstances, they would have the operation once again. In these patients the knee score results were excellent. The same patients had excellent HSS and Knee Society Scores. Five patients (10 per cent) had a poor result and twenty four patients were treated later by total knee arthroplasty because of pain. The following factors set these patients apart from those with more favorable results: previous arthroscopic debridement, obesity, lateral knee osteoarthritis, insufficient valgus correction, and an age of more than 55 years. High tibial valgus osteotomy provides good pain relief and improved function in carefully selected patients. Our results support this conclusion.

Age-related changes of the glenoid labrum in normal shoulders

A growing number of labral changes are described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the glenoid and labrum of normal shoulders at different ages and characterize any apparent age-dependent changes. We analyzed 32 normal cadaveric shoulders with a mean age of 57 years (range, 18-89 years). There were 22 male and 10 female cadavers, with 14 right and 18 left specimens. The shoulders were studied macroscopically, histologically, and radiologically. The radiologic evaluation consisted of an analysis of the subchondral mineralization of the glenoid with the use of computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry. Macroscopically, there were no statistically significant differences among the age groups. Histopathologically, the labrum showed a significant qualitative and quantitative increase (P <.01) in lesions across all regions with increasing age. In younger individuals, lesions at the 12-o'clock position were the most prevalent, with the incidence increasing with age. The anterosuperior position was the region with the next highest prevalence. This was also the area of the highest stress distribution on the glenoid. Our studies demonstrated clear histopathologic changes of the glenoid labrum that are significantly age-related at specific sites. The earliest changes are seen close to the area of highest stress distribution of the glenoid, which could explain the progressive labral changes with increasing age. Arthroscopically detected changes of the glenoid labrum should be evaluated in the context of age-related changes in normal shoulders.

[The sublabral foramen. Congenital or an acquired variance?]

The sublabral foramen is considered to be a clinically asymptomatic, isolated variant of the anterior-superior capsulo-labral-complex. It may be observed during shoulder arthroscopy and may implicate problems in differential diagnosis of traumatic lesions. In an anatomic study on 89 macroscopically healthy shoulder specimens the age distribution and the incidence in relation to the varying shape of the glenoid as feasible factors of influence for a sublabral foramen (SF) were analyzed in order to elucidate the unknown pathogenesis of SF. In addition histologic sections of three SF samples were obtained. Mean age of the specimens with a sublabral foramen [n=20; 69 (37-84) years] was significantly higher (p=0.04) compared to samples without a sublabral foramen [n=69; 59 (18-94) years]. An increased incidence of a sublabral foramen in relation to a distinct shape of the glenoid could not be established although a prevalence of a glenoid with anterior notch was observed. The results indicate an age-related development of the sublabral foramen,thus in younger patients with an anterior-superior capsulolabral displacement local signs of trauma and involvement of the biceps anchor should be controlled before definitive diagnosis.

Subchondral mineralization patterns of the glenoid after tear of the supraspinatus

Clinical experience has shown that in many cases of rupture of the supraspinatus tendon the head of the humerus shifts upward against the acromion. This implicates alterations in the stress acting on the joint surface. Accordingly, this should be reflected by changes in the distribution of the subchondral mineralization on the glenoid. Computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry was used to evaluate the distribution patterns on the subchondral bone plate of the glenoid in 67 human shoulders. The position of the two most frequent density maxima was determined by a standard procedure. In macroscopically normal specimens (n = 24) every case had an anterosuperior density maximum and the majority (75%) also had a posterior positioned maximum. In some instances a third maximum, placed centrally (17%) or in an anteroinferior position (4%) was seen. In shoulders with a torn supraspinatus tendon (n = 43) a third density maximum frequently appeared in the center of the glenoid (42%); however, most notable was a significant change of the posterior maximum position toward central and superior. With increasing size of the tendon defect an extension of the shift of the posterior maximum (superiorly and centrally) was observed in contrast to the constant anterior maximum. The changes in the distribution of glenoid subchondral bone mineralization in shoulders with a supraspinatus tear must be regarded as a morphologic parameter for the altered long-term stress acting on the joint surface.

The relation between primary osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint and supernumerary slips of the abductor pollicis longus tendon

We have studied whether accessory abductor pollicis longus slips inserting into the thenar eminence or trapezium influence the incidence and severity of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The right first extensor compartment of 73 cadavers was dissected and trapeziometacarpal degeneration was graded macroscopically. The main abductor pollicis longus tendon which inserted at the metacarpal base was accompanied by supernumerary APL slips in 96% of cases. Thenar or trapezial slips occurred frequently but coexisted in only one case. The incidence of trapeziometacarpal arthritis was not influenced by the number of accessory slips or whether they inserted onto the thenar eminence or the trapezium.

On the impact of calcified deposits within the rotator cuff tendons in shoulders of patients with shoulder pain and dysfunction

We wanted to prove the hypothesis that calcified deposits within the rotator cuff tendons are merely an epiphenomenon of complex morphological alterations in the shoulders of patients with shoulder pain and dysfunction. The shoulders of 92 patients with calcified deposits within the rotator cuff tendons as noted on plain radiographs were investigated by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; mean age of patient 51.1 years), as well as the shoulders of 28 age- and sex-matched patients with similar clinical symptoms but without any signs of such calcified deposits on plain radiographs. The MRI protocol comprised a coronal, oblique, T1-weighted, spin-echo sequence, a T2-weighted, turbo spin-echo sequence, a sagittal, oblique, T2-weighted, turbo spin-echo sequence, and an axial, T1-weighted, spin-echo sequence. Furthermore, a coronal, oblique, short tau-inversion recovery sequence and a gradient echo sequence were used. The results were compared with data from healthy, asymptomatic volunteers as reported in the literature. The MRI investigations showed no substantial differences between patients with or without calcified deposits within the rotator cuff tendons, but distinct differences between such patients and healthy, asymptomatic volunteers. For patients with shoulder pain, shoulder dysfunction, and calcified deposits within the rotator cuff tendons, these calcified deposits are most probably not the main cause of the clinical symptoms. Rather, it seems to be useful to consider the results of MRI investigations whenever planning therapeutic procedures for patients with shoulder pain and dysfunction, irrespective of whether or not there are signs of calcified deposits within the rotator cuff tendons on plain radiographs.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for chronic lateral tennis elbow--prediction of outcome by imaging

Today the clinical use of extracorporeal shockwave application (ESWA) for the treatment of lateral tennis elbow is hampered by the lack of results from randomized controlled trials and of predictive parameters of clinical outcome. The present prospective study aimed to provide the latter by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-three female and 19 male patients with unilateral chronic tennis elbow of the dominant site were clinically examined before and after repetitive low-energy ESWA. MRI was performed before ESWA to evaluate signal intensity changes or contrast enhancement of the common extensor tendon and the lateral epicondyle. After ESWA (mean follow-up period 18.6 months for all patients), clinical evaluation showed a significantly better mean clinical performance after ESWA than before treatment. Interestingly, male patients showed a significantly better mean clinical performance after ESWA than female patients, and male and female patients differed significantly in the signal intensity of the common extension tendon cross-section and tendon thickening on MRI. For female patients, MRI scans could be applied for predicting a positive clinical outcome of ESWA. This study reports the first indication of predictability of positive clinical outcome of the treatment of chronic lateral tennis elbow by ESWA using imaging prior to treatment. This may serve as an important step towards overcoming the therapeutic nihilism with respect to the non-operative management of this condition recently in the literature.

Shockwave application in calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder--prediction of outcome by imaging

This prospective study examined 62 patients (65 shoulders) with chronic courses of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder before and after low-energy extracorporeal shockwave application (ESWA) in order to identify variables associated with the outcome of this treatment. Before ESWA, radiographs and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected shoulders were obtained in order to document the size and morphology of the calcifications and the contrast media reactions in areas of interest (deposit, synovia, bursae), respectively. In addition, a clinical evaluation was performed. After ESWA (mean follow-up 18.2 months), clinical evaluations of all 65 shoulders revealed an increase in the Constant score from 44% to 78% (p < 0.0001). While size (p = 0.61) and morphology (p = 0.7) of the deposits before ESWA were not associated with the clinical outcome, negative contrast reactions around the deposits (p) = 0.0001), synovia (p = 0.0049) and bursae (p < 0.01) were associated with improved clinical outcomes. After the total study group was divided into two groups, one with Constant scores > or = 75% (n = 43) and the other with scores < 75% (n = 22), the positive predictive value (ppv), specificity (sp) and sensitivity (se) were determined for the negative reaction around the deposit (ppv: 0.94; sp: 0.95; se: 0.38), synovia (ppv: 0.84; sp: 0.82; se: 0.49) and bursae (ppv: 0.86; sp: 0.86; se: 0.44). In 5 cases (7.7%), surgery of the affected shoulder during the follow-up period was performed. No major side-effects were seen in the study group. In conclusion, our results suggest that in patients with chronic calcifying tendinitis, the absence of contrast enhancement, especially around the deposit, is a strong predictive parameter of a positive clinical outcome of ESWA.

Extracorporeal shock wave application for chronic plantar fasciitis associated with heel spurs: prediction of outcome by magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To clarify morphologic features associated with the clinical outcome of extracorporeal shock wave application (ESWA) in chronic plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

In this prospective study 43 patients (48 heels) with chronic courses of plantar fasciitis were clinically examined before and after repetitive low energy ESWA. Standard radiographs of the affected heels were obtained before ESWA to document the existence of a calcaneal heel spur. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before ESWA to evaluate abnormalities of the plantar fascia, the surrounding soft tissue structures, and bone marrow edema of the calcaneus.

RESULTS

After ESWA (mean followup 19.3 mo), clinical evaluation of all 48 heels revealed a statistically significant decrease in the mean visual analog scale score from 74.5 to 25.4. Using the Roles and Maudsley score (RM), an established scoring system for categorizing results of treatment following ESWA for patients with plantar fasciitis, patients could be divided into 2 groups, i.e., satisfactory clinical outcome of ESWA (grades 1 and 2 by RM scale; n = 36 heels) and unsatisfactory outcome (grades 3 and 4 by RM scale; n = 12 heels). While thickness of plantar aponeurosis, soft tissue signal intensity changes, and soft tissue contrast medium uptake did not correlate with clinical outcome, the presence of a calcaneal bone marrow edema was highly predictive for satisfactory clinical outcome (positive predictive value 0.94, sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.8).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, the presence of calcaneal bone marrow edema on pretherapeutic MRI is a good predictive variable for a satisfactory clinical outcome of ESWA.

Influence of facet joint angles and asymmetric disk collapse on degenerative olisthesis of the cervical spine

This study examined the facet angles of the joint facets of the intervertebral joints, the anterior and posterior heights of the intervertebral disks, and cervical lordosis as possible parameters of olisthesis. Lateral radiographs of the cervical spine in 123 patients were examined, and parameters were correlated to anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis in each segment. Results indicate anterolisthesis is caused by a decrease of the facet angles of the caudal joint facets. This process is favored by loss of anterior height of the intervertebral disks and a flattened position of the cervical spine. Loss of posterior height of the intervertebral disks promotes retrolisthesis.

Partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon

Partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon is a relatively rare event, and various degrees of partial tendon tears have been reported. In the current study four patients with partial atraumatic distal biceps tendon tears (mean age, 59 years; range, 40-82 years) are reported. In all four patients, a common clinical pattern emerged. Pain at the insertion of the distal biceps tendon in the radius unrelated to any traumatic event was the main symptom. In all patients the diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography imaging. In three of four patients the partial rupture of the tendon caused a significant bursalike lesion. The typical appearance was a partially ruptured biceps tendon, with contrast enhancement signaling the degree of degeneration, tenosynovitis, and soft tissue swelling extending along the tendon semicircular to the proximal radius. In three patients, conservative treatment was successful. Only one patient needed surgery, with reinsertion of the tendon resulting in total functional recovery.

[Analgesic effect of low energy extracorporeal shock waves in tendinosis calcarea, epicondylitis humeri radialis and plantar fasciitis]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Is there a pain reduction at the application site after extracorporeal shockwave application for tendinitis calcarea, epicondylitis radialis and plantar fasziitis?

METHODS

In a prospective study 85 patients were observed. Shockwave application was performed three or five times using low energies (0.09-0.18 ml/mm2). Before and after shockwave application pain was evaluated using SF-36 score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

After 5 months for all three indications a significant improvement of the pain situation could be reached. Patients with plantar fasziitis demonstrated the highest decrease of pain, followed by tendinosis calcarea and epicondylitis radialis. The number of applications had no influence to the clinical result of the ESWT.

RELEVANCE

In the present study the analgetic effect of ESWT after repeated low-energy application was described for the standard indications.

Surgical treatment of osseous metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Forty-five patients who underwent surgical treatment for osseous metastases secondary to renal cell carcinoma between 1980 and 1998 were reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all patients. The mean age of the 34 men was 61.5 +/- 9 years and of the 11 women 55.2 +/- 17.6 years. The most common locations of the metastases were the spine (15 patients), the pelvis (eight patients), and the femur (11 patients). In 21 patients, the renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed when the osseous metastasis was detected. The time from diagnosis of the primary tumor to metastasis in the remaining patients ranged from 0 to 23 years (mean, 3 +/- 5 years). At presentation, 19 patients had a singular lesion. Nine patients had multiple osseous metastases and 17 patients had additional visceral involvement. In seven patients, a wide or radical resection was done; in 35 patients, a palliative procedure was done; and in three patients, only a diagnostic procedure was done. For the whole group, the survival was 49% after 1 year, 39% after 2 years, and 15% after 5 years. Only the extent of the disease and the latency period between primary tumor diagnosis and first detection of osseous metastasis could be identified as independent factors of survival. Nine patients with solitary metastasis to the bone more than 12 months after resection of the primary tumor showed a 5-year survival of 54%.

The role of the bicipital groove in tendopathy of the long biceps tendon

Long biceps tendon disease is often underrated but plays an important role in anterior shoulder pain. We studied prospectively the anatomy of the bicipital groove and its relationship to clinical symptoms. Sixty-seven consecutive patients were investigated by mutual ultrasonography and radiographs of the intertubercular groove. All images were scrutinized for biceps tendon status (ultrasonography) and groove anatomy (radiography). Thirty-seven patients (21 male, 16 female, average age 48 years) had chronic anterior shoulder pain, and 30 patients (16 male, 14 female, average age 46 years) served as a control group. In 28 shoulders we found sonographic signs of tendovaginitis, and in 14 we found degenerative changes. The mean age of patients with pathologic conditions of the long biceps tendon was 40 years, significantly lower than that of the complete study group. The x-ray films revealed a great variation in the medial and total opening angle of the groove, whereas width, depth, and humeral head diameter showed sex-related differences. Radiologic signs of groove degeneration correlated in 43.6% with biceps tendon disease on the sonogram. Our study revealed statistically significant correlations between groove anatomy and long biceps tendon disease, which should be considered more while shoulder problems are evaluated.

[Complete rotator cuff rupture--differential surgical techniques and intermediate-term results]

QUESTIONS

What is the mid term result of open rotator cuff repair? What are the criteria for a good surgical result?

METHODS

Between February 1988 and December 1993 130 patients (135 shoulders) underwent surgery for rotator cuff repair. All surgical techniques were combined with a acromioplasty--transosseous refixation, transtendinous suture, isolated or combined transfers of tendons. The retrospective analysis consisted of clinical examination including the Constant score, X-rays and sonograms of the shoulder before and after surgery.

RESULTS

95 patients (98 shoulders) were controlled 4 years and 8 months after surgery by clinical, radiological and sonographical examination. 80% of all cases showed good or very good long term results by chiefly transosseous refixation alone or in combination with tendon transfer. Analysis of all data made it possible to create simple prognostic criteria. These criteria can help preoperatively to give an idea of the expected outcome.

CONCLUSION

The best preoperative criteria for a prognostic good surgical result were an acromion-humeral head distance in the native true a.p.-X-ray of more than 7 mm, a rotator cuff defect of less than 2 x 3 cm and a passive free range of motion.

Magnetic resonance imaging in lateral epicondylitis of the elbow

The purpose of the study was to determine the changes that might be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis of the elbow and to judge its value concerning the clinical treatment. Thirty-four patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were included in a prospective study. All individuals underwent MRI of the elbow on a 0.2-T dedicated system. The MRI findings were interpreted by an independent radiologist without knowledge of the clinical findings. In 6 surgical cases an additional histological study was done. The biopsy of the extensor tendon was performed for correlation with the MRI. In 21 of 34 symptomatic patients, increased signal changes in T1- and T2-weighted images were seen. In a further 11 cases, the morphology and signal intensity were normal. The histopathological analysis of 6 surgical cases confirmed the preoperative MRI findings by showing either focal fibrous degenerative tendon tissue or microruptures of collagenous fibres. MRI in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis can help to differentiate the disease and may be of use in clinical management, preoperative planning, and in the evaluation of the degree of degeneration at the common extensor tendon insertion.

Anterior debridement, fusion, and extrafocal stabilization in the treatment of osteomyelitis of the spine

To simplify and shorten the rehabilitation after anterior debridement and fusion in pyogenic and tuberculous osteomyelitis of the spine, the role of additional extrafocal dorsal transpedicular instrumentation was studied. Thirty-three (10 female, 23 male) patients were followed up in a prospective study and controlled with an average follow-up period of 22.1 months after the operation with clinical and neurologic check-up, blood test, and serial radiographs. Solid bony fusion and healing of the infection was achieved in all patients. Preoperative deformities could be corrected, and there were no life-threatening complications. Dorsal extrafocal stabilization offered the advantage of braceless rehabilitation without adding unpredictable risks.

Evaluation of imaging in loosening of hip arthroplasty in 326 consecutive cases

Between 1989 and 1995, 326 hip arthroplasties were surgically revised in our clinic because of loosening. For evaluation of loosening, we used history, clinical examination, radiographs, bone scans and arthrography with digital subtraction technique. In 130 cases (40%), surgery was planned by plain radiographs. In 116 cases (89%) a correct diagnosis of loosened components was made. Of the 72 patients (22%) with an additional bone scan, 87% (63 patients) had a correct diagnosis. Fifty-four patients (17%) with different findings were examined by hip arthrography; in 83% (45 patients) the diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively. In 93% (65 patients) of 70 patients (21%) with bone scans and arthrography, surgery confirmed the diagnosis. Sensitivity for loosening of the socket was 61% by bone scan and 85% by digital subtraction arthrography; specificity was 75% in each case. Sensitivity for loosening of the stem was 71% by bone scan and 65% by digital subtraction arthrography; specificity was 80% and 88%, respectively. Our results showed that in most cases of suspected loosening of total hip arthroplasties, analysis of plain radiograph series can lead to an accurate diagnosis in 85%-90%. In cases of uncertainty, we suggest the additional use of digital subtraction arthrography, which has a similarly high diagnostic quality. Because of the low sensitivity of nuclide bone scanning (about 60%) and its dependence on prosthetic material and fixation, we do not recommend primary scintigraphy. It can be helpful in problematic cases with additional questions like activity of ectopic bone formation.

Primary leiomyosarcoma affecting the ankle joint

In a 50-year-old patient with a malignant tumor of the left distal tibia (stage la, according to Enneking) undermining the cartilage of the ankle joint, an extremely rare primary leiomyosarcoma of bone was diagnosed. The diagnosis of a primary leiomyosarcoma of bone is possible only after a secondary (metastatic) leiomyosarcoma has been excluded. Furthermore, typical histopathological features, including immunohistochemical staining results, are required for the diagnosis. Surgery is the therapy of choice. An R0 resection should always be attempted.

Role of internal and external fixation in ankle fusion

Between August 1980 and September 1993, 35 tibiotalar arthrodeses in 34 patients with primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the ankle were performed. Two different surgical techniques were employed. Internal screw fixation according to Wagner and Pock [20] and an external fixation method according to the resection compression arthrodesis by Charnley and Muller [14]. Twenty patients with 21 fusions could be investigated retrospectively. For evaluation we used self-assessment, clinical examination and radiographic analysis in combination with the score described by McGuire et al. [12]. In 80% the results were good and satisfactory with a median improvement of 23 score points on a scale of 100% 95 points, respectively. The most important advantages were pain relief and increase of walking distance. The fusion rate was 95%. We found osteoarthritis in the neighbouring joints did not have any influence on the surgical result. With respect to the two surgical techniques, the internal screw fixation method achieved fusion earlier with fewer complications and better improvement according to the McGuire score. Tibiotalar fusion is a safe therapy with reproducible good results involving pain relief, full weight-bearing and increase of walking distance.

Diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Accuracy and limitations of antigranulocyte antibody imaging compared to three-phase bone scan

Thirty-seven patients with suspected osteomyelitis in conjunction with diabetic gangrene (N = 14, group 1), arthroplasty (N = 8, group 2), and various diseases (N = 15, group 3) were examined. Three-phase bone scans, followed by granulocyte imaging using I-123 labeled anti-NCA 95 monoclonal antibodies, were performed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of both procedures. Final diagnosis was established histologically, bacteriologically, or by both methods either through the clinical course or by long-term follow-up in patients in group 1. Osteomyelitis was proven in 17 out of the 37 patients. Bone and antigranulocyte imaging demonstrated positive results in all patients with osteomyelitis (sensitivity 100% for each method). No signs of skeletal infection were found in 20 patients. Fifteen of these patients had no antigranulocyte antibody accumulation, resulting in 75% specificity. Ten patients without infection had normal three-phase bone imaging results (specificity 50%). Antigranulocyte imaging results were negative in 6 out of 10 patients without osteomyelitis in groups 2 and 3 whose bone imaging results were questionable. However, because of identical bone and granulocyte imaging results, no increase of diagnostic accuracy could be obtained by additional granulocyte imaging in patients with diabetic gangrene. Final diagnoses of false-positive antigranulocyte studies were aseptic osteonecrosis (N = 2), loosening of prostheses, gouty arthritis, and pain after arthrolysis. In summary, antigranulocyte antibody imaging offered high sensitivity and acceptable specificity for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Diagnostic accuracy can be improved through the adjuvant use of antigranulocyte imaging for patients with suspected osteomyelitis, especially when radiographic and scintigraphic results are questionable or unreliable.

Surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation

Sixty-five patients were operated on for acromioclavicular dislocation between 1980 and 1991. Seventeen type II and 48 type III dislocations according to the criteria of Tossy et al. were treated. Three different surgical techniques were employed. (1) tension band wiring, (2) a modification of the Bosworth repair, (3) reconstruction of the ligaments with augmentation by a PDS (polydioxanon) cord. Forty-four patients could be investigated retrospectively, and an additional 12 were recorded by questionnaire. The Taft score was used, representing self-assessment, clinical statements and radiological findings. Of all investigated patients 87.5% had a normal range of motion without any loss of strength, and 32% suffered an osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. The average Taft score was 9.8. With respect to the three surgical techniques, reconstruction of the ligaments augmented by a PDS cord produced the best result, an average Taft score of 10.8.

[The methods and place of digital subtraction arthrography of the hip in detecting endoprosthesis loosening]

Digital subtraction arthrography (DSAr) of the operated hip is presented and compared to nuclide bone scan and plain radiograph. Surgical proof was obtained in 47 patients. In the evaluation DSAr proved to be superior to nuclide bone scan and plain radiograph. DSAr had the best predictive value in the diagnosis of loosening of a prosthesis. In contrast to conventional arthrography there is a better differentiation between the contrast medium, the prosthesis, the acrylic cement and the bone by using DSAr. In addition DSAr presents the advantage of postprocessing, especially pixel shift.

[Long-term sclerosing therapy of bleeding esophageal varices. A prospective course study]

Longterm sclerotherapy by flexible endoscopy was done in 109 patients with acute bleeding from oesophageal varices in a prospective follow-up study. The severity of the liver disease was classified according to Child (Pugh's modification) at the beginning of treatment. Patients were followed-up for at least 12 months with a maximum of 44 months. The one-year survival rate for all patients was 67%. Child-A patients (100%) and child-B patients (84%) had a significantly better survival than Child-C patients (36%; P less than 0.001). The rate of haemorrhage per patient-month was significantly lower (P less than 0.001) in Child-A patients (0.4%) and Child-B patients (2.4%) than in Child-C patients (8.5%). After initial sclerosing of 8 weeks' duration the rate of recurrent haemorrhage was only 1.3% per patient-month. There was a significant difference (P less than 0.005) between Child-A patients (0.2%) and Child-B and -C patients (2%). The data show that Child-Pugh's classification permits a high prognostic accuracy in predicting results of sclerotherapy. Child-A and -B patients are suitable candidates for longterm sclerotherapy whereas Child-C patients show a clearly increased risk of recurrent bleeding during the early phase of treatment and have a markedly reduced survival rate.

Esophageal function after sclerotherapy of bleeding varices

To study the effect of sclerotherapy of varices on esophageal function, the motility of the tubular esophagus and of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were recorded in 19 patients after 7 to 13 sclerotherapy sessions and in 15 healthy volunteers. In addition, esophageal functional scintigraphy (EFS) was performed in the patient group. Compared with the volunteers the patients had lower contraction amplitudes in the distal esophagus (30.5 +/- 17.5 mm Hg versus 43.6 +/- 9.1 mm Hg, p less than 0.01) and a higher percentage of non-propulsive simultaneous contractions (NPC) in the distal (33.4 +/- 23.2% versus 9.0 +/- 8.6%, p less than 0.005) and mid-esophagus (15.0 +/- 8.2% versus 8.3 +/- 8.1%, p less than 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the percentage of NPC in the distal and mid-esophagus and radionuclide transit (rs - 0.53, p less than 0.02). Three of 19 patients had a positive reflux index by EFS. The LES tone was only slightly lower in the patients than in the controls (10.7 +/- 3.2 mm Hg versus 13.4 +/- 3.6 mm Hg, p less than 0.05). Our findings indicate that sclerotherapy of esophageal varices may lead to a reduced peristaltic esophageal motility with an impaired transport function. This could contribute to the development of dysphagia or esophagitis.