Search

A total of 60 patients with solely dorsally reconstructed type C fractures of the thoracic spine admitted between January 2000 and December 2003 were retrospectively evaluated. Stability was determined by measuring kyphosis of the vertebral body, the operated segments and of lateral bending on the basis of plain films and computed tomography immediately postoperatively and after 2 and 19 months.There were 48% C2, 38% C1 and 13% C3 fractures. Of the injuries, 28% were caused by motorbike accidents, 25% by car accidents, 23% by falling from a height, 13% by suicidal jumps, 3% by ski accidents and 3% for other reasons. A total of 92% of the patients had severe thoracic trauma as attendant injuries, 42% further vertebral fractures, 35% a head injury, 30% an extremity fracture, 15% a clavicle fracture, 8% an abdominal trauma and 7% a fractured pelvis. At 19+/-12 months postoperatively, the angle of the operated segments increased by 4.7 degrees +/-4.0 degrees and that of lateral bending of the operated segments by 0.7 degrees +/-1.8 degrees compared to the immediate postoperative values.In spite of the high instability of the injured spine, the collective examined had no relevant postoperative loss of correction and no increase in lateral bending. Therefore, a solely dorsal reconstruction is sufficient, reasonable and economical.

The standard method of treating acute primary dislocation of the glenohumeral joint is immobilization of the arm in adduction and internal rotation with a sling. The recurrence rate for anterior instability after nonoperative treatment in young active patients is extremely high (up to 90%) and well reported. A new method of immobilization with the arm in external rotation improves the position of the displaced labrum on the glenoid rim. With the use of control MRI before and after immobilization in external rotation, a study on this new repositioning of the labrum is evaluated.Ten patients (mean age 30.4 years) with primary anterior dislocation of the shoulder and Bankart lesion as shown on MRI but with no hyperlaxity of the contralateral side were immobilized in 10-20 degrees of external rotation for 3 weeks. Scans with MRI were taken in internal and external shoulder rotation post trauma and in internal rotation after 6 weeks. All patients were reevaluated after 6 and 12 months.Dislocation and separation of the labrum were both significantly less with the arm in external rotation due to the tension of the anterior capsule and the tendon of the subscapularis muscle. In the MRI taken in internal rotation 6 weeks post trauma, all Bankart lesions were fixed in reposition after three weeks of immobilization in external rotation. At 12-month follow-up, the average Constant Score was 96.1 points (range 63-100), and the Rowe Score was 91.5 points (range 25-100). One patient had traumatic redislocation after 8 months.After primary shoulder dislocation, immobilizing the arm in 10-20 degrees external rotation provided stable fixation of the Bankart lesion in an anatomic position. First long-term indications from an ongoing prospective study of recurrence rates after immobilization in external rotation are promising.

The aim of this study was to analyse the number of thoracic injuries associated with acute traumatic paraplegia of the upper and middle thoracic spine and review the early management in respect to treatment standards.Using a prospective study protocol, data were sampled and analyzed from 12 December 2000 to 31 March 2002 at a level 1 trauma center.Twenty-two consecutive patients were included in the study. Sixteen suffered severe chest traumata. Lung contusion was diagnosed in 81%, followed by haemopneumothorax (75%) and fracture of the bony chest (75%). Intubation was performed 12 times in all. Chest drainage was performed in 14 patients. The mean duration of artificial ventilation was 20 days (range 2-93) and of intensive care treatment 25 days (range 2-93). Five patients died.Acute traumatic paraplegia of the upper and middle thoracic spine caused by high energy trauma is highly associated with severe chest trauma. Therefore, respiratory impairment must be kept in mind during the early treatment. If respiratory failure becomes more evident, emergency procedures such as intubation and chest drainage have to be performed. Secondary transfer should be avoided.

Trauma surgery and orthopedic trauma surgery have been accompanied not only by internal quality assessment, but also by external quality assessment procedures right from the beginning. The reasons for these mechanisms were based on legal regulations of treatment of work-related accidents. In 1958, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthese (Working Group on Osteosynthesis, AO group) was founded. The results of the AO's scientific activities built the basis of osteosyntheses. In 1988, legal regulations changed again in Germany. Since this reform of some important facets of public health care, each hospital or institution is committed to perform external and internal quality assessment. In addition, the introduction of a payment system based on diagnosis-related groups makes it necessary to install basic quality management systems within the next few years. This paper presents some well-established procedures, especially the diagnosis-related study in the whole district of Westphalia-Lippe. The aim of the study was a quality assessment of the treatment of intracapsular fractures of the collum of the femur. Problems in data analysis and interpretation are shown. Because of some grave problems, certain changes in the study design seem to be warranted. Despite these facts, however, we are convinced that we not only need this kind of quality assessment, but that we should try to expand these studies based on the experiences we gained.

The successful combination of osteoinductive factors with current materials used in both endoprosthetics and implantology improves bony ingrowth and long-term stability of the chosen implants. The aim of the present experimental animal study was to clarify in what way faster bony integration can be achieved through additional BMP-3-coating of titanium test implants of different surface textures (hydroxy-apatite-coated or corundum-blasted).Thirty of 60 cylindrical titanium test implants with a hydroxy-apatite or corundum-blasted surface were coated with 230 microg porcine, high-purified BMP-3-precipitate per implant to check their osteoinductive potential in a bioassay. In each case a BMP-3-coated and an uncoated control-device were implanted with a gap formation of 1 mm into the femoral part of the patellofemoral joint of the right and left leg of 30 adult giant rabbits. Serial saw slices of all explanted specimens were prepared, and the osseous integration of the implant and time-dependent bone neoformation were analyzed microscopically and histomorphometrically 14, 35, and 56 days after implantation.Coating of TiAl4V6-test devices with BMP-3 led in both groups after gap implantation to an improved osseointegration, that was histomorphological and histomorphometrical verifiable. Statistical evaluation using the t-test for matched samples showed 5 weeks after surgery a significant higher volume of new formed bone of the BMP-3-coated corundum-blasted or hydroxy-apatite-coated TiAl4V6 test devices compared to the non-coated controls of the same type (P0.01). Light microscopy demonstrated osseointegration without connective tissue membrane around the surface of the implants after 2, 5, and 8 weeks. Better osseointegration was achieved in the hydroxy-apatite-coated implants than in the corundum-blasted implants.Our results indicate that composite metal implants, as used in endoprosthetics and implantology, are suitable carriers for BMP-3 and improved fixation of the implants can be achieved.

Beside of modern surgical and implant techniques and basic pathophysiological knowledge, internal fixation of subcapsular fractures of the neck of the femur is still known to be connected with a high rate of complications. Implant failure, the typical early complication arising within the first 3 months, non-union, avascular necrosis of the femoral head and late segmental collapse are the typical complications. The type of fracture, timing of operation (emergency operation), quality of reduction and implant positioning have all been shown to predict outcome significantly. However, it is also suggested that further therapeutical interventions like intra-articular pressure decrease by evacuation of hematoma, the kind and technique of reduction, special surgical techniques and postoperative treatment can influence outcome, as well as patient-associated factors like age, degree of osteoporosis, neurological disease, and alcoholism. The superiority of one of the 100 different existing implants have not been proved either by clinical or by biomechanical trials. However, besides screw osteosynthesis, the sliding screw plate and less often sliding nail plate implants are commonly used. Because of the very different biomechanical principles it is of great importance to adhere to the special operative techniques to avoid intraoperative complications that might cause treatment failure. To reduce the frequency of these almost always fatal and in special circumstances lethal complications, we need some more detailed information from good clinical trials and sufficient external quality assurance.

Persisting infections of the hip joint are regarded as one of the most feared complications following total hip arthroplasty or failed osteosynthetic treatment of fractures of the proximal femoral part. In these cases resection arthroplasty according to Girdlestone often is the ultimate treatment.Twenty-seven patients (11 men and 16 women) who had undergone resection arthroplasty according to Girdlestone could be included in this study. In all cases Girdlestone operations had been performed because of persisting infections of the hip joint. The mean follow-up was 7.1 years.In 22 out of 27 cases (81.5%) eradication of the infection was finally achieved. At the time of re-evaluation 6 patients had no pain, 12 sometimes suffered from moderate pain, 7 from pain during physical activities and 2 patients experienced pain even at rest. At the time of follow-up, 11 patients used a cane, 14 patients needed two canes or crutches and in 2 cases a wheelchair was necessary. The mean shortening of the leg was 5.2 cm (range 3-15 cm). Clinical evaluation using the score according to Merle d'Aubigné and Postel to assess the functional results showed a mean of 6.7 points (range 2-10 points). Of our patients, 59.3 % were satisfied with the functional results obtained.In the long run the Girdlestone procedure still seems to be a reasonable salvage operation for persisting deep infections following hip surgery.

It is generally accepted that septic conditions of the shoulder often lead to an earnest situation with joint damage. Because of the low incidence of shoulder infections there are only a few cases reported in the literature. Therefore, unlike joint infections of the knee no diagnostic and therapeutic standard procedure is documented for the shoulder.In a retrospective study the results of 15 patients with a surgical revision at the BG-Clinic-Bergmannsheil-Bochum between 1 January 1989 and 31 August 1999 after an infection of the shoulder joint were analyzed. We registered the following parameters: etiology, intervall until the first clinical symptoms, clinical signs, diagnostic procedure, intraoperative site (Gächter classification), and operative treatment. The diagnostic procedure followed an algorithm, including CRP-determination, ultrasound of the shoulder, ultrasound-guided aspiration and a Gram stain. If the result was positive, surgical joint revision followed. The infection stage was classified intraoperatively according to the criteria of the Gächter classification. Eight patients were reexamined after an average follow-up of 4.8 years.Fourteen infections followed injection. All patients demonstrated increasing CRP levels and a painful limited range of motion. In all Gram stains we detected bacterial organisms. The diagnosis of an acute infection according to the criteria of this diagnostic algorithm was verified intraoperatively in all 15 joints. Two patients with delayed admission died postoperatively due to septic multiorgan failure despite maximal treatment under intensive care conditions.If there are suspicious clinical symptoms after a typical anamnesis, we recommend an immediate diagnostic algorithm, including CRP determination, ultrasound of the shoulder, ultrasound-guided joint puncture and a Gram stain. If there is acute joint infection, time-consuming diagnostic procedures must be avoided because of the risk of secondary reduced joint mobility or life-threatening complications.

Between 1981 and 1994 at the Bergmannsheil Ruhr University Hospital in Bochum, Germany, we treated 145 patients with femoral diaphyseal nonunions following initial operative treatment. Of these patients, 138 received this initial operative treatment at an outside institution. The primary reconstructions for the fractures utilized plates in 112 cases, reamed nails in 24 cases and external fixators in 9 cases. The average age of the patients was 35 years and the mean time from the initial operative treatment was 2 years. Twenty-seven patients (19%) presented with a hypertrophic nonunion and 118 (81%) with an atrophic nonunion. There was a significant correlation between primary "classic" plating and development of an atrophic nonunion (chi 2-test: P0.01). We observed 34 wound infections (23%) with no significant correlation to the type of primary osteosynthesis. We determined that 73 of the pseudarthroses were due to improper osteosynthesis techniques. Of these cases, 41% involved the use of plates, 83% involved the use of reamed nails, and 78% involved the use of external fixators. Fracture location near the diaphyseal-metaphyseal junctions was common in this problematic group. Ninety-two percent of all plates led to atrophic nonunions. There were 21 open fractures and of these 90% (n = 19) developed an atrophic pseudarthrosis and 29% (n = 6) developed a wound infection. Fifty-seven (39%) of all patients had additional injuries, but we found that did not increase the risk of disturbed bone healing. Our revision operations focused on the elimination of wound infections, refreshment of bone healing, and improvement in fragment stability. Only 28% of all "classic" plates and 11% of all external fixators were changed to an intramedullary implant at the time of the first revision surgery. Hypertrophic nonunions required a mean of 1.3 revision operations to achieve bone healing whereas a mean of 2 revision operations were necessary to fuse atrophic bone ends (P0.05). In cases of diaphyseal pseudarthrosis healing time was not affected by the type of osteosynthesis used for primary reconstructions. Since lack of fracture healing can often already be observed directly from postoperative X-rays, we recommend that revision procedures be performed early. The prolonged length of time to care for femoral nonunions underlines the importance of appropriate primary fracture treatment. That takes into consideration both the biomechanical and the biological aspects of bone healing.

Interleukin-12-p70 (IL-12-p70) is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine composed of a heavy chain (p40) and a light chain (p35). Contradicting results have been reported with regard to leukocyte release and systemic concentration of IL-12 after polytrauma.We daily analyzed systemic concentrations of IL-12 in polytrauma patients (n = 37, mean ISS 33.9) in comparison to healthy donor values during intensive care course by ELISA. Patients were divided according to their mean IL-12 levels into those with elevated IL-12 (group 1, n = 7), those with decreased IL-12 (group 2, n = 4) and those with IL-12 in the normal range (group 3, n = 26).Patients in group 1 revealed elevated levels of IL-12 up to p701000 pg/ml and p402500 pg/ml. The common clinical feature of group 1 was a thorax trauma in combination with pneumonia (85% survivors). Patients with single thorax trauma or pneumonia without thorax trauma (group 3) showed normal IL-12 values. Patients with decreased IL-12 levels revealed also a thorax trauma and pneumonia but all patients succumbed. The groups significantly differ in their stay in the intensive care unit, in TISS, in MODS score and in respiratory ratio, but not in ISS, mean CRP values and leukocyte counts. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relation between systemically altered IL-12 values and clinical parameters, with the exception of a negative correlation of p70 and ISS (r = -0.785) or MODS score (r = -0.314) in group 1.After major injuries there is no overall suppression of IL-12 formation. Patients with normal or elevated IL-12 levels belong mainly to the survivors, whereas patients with decreased IL-12 levels are at high risk of succumbing to multi-organ failure.

There is a wide range of alternatives for primary bone reconstruction in the treatment of open lower leg fractures with soft tissue damage of the type Gustillo II and III. The primary objective should always be the protection of soft tissue damage whether one uses the fixateur externe, or an unreamed nail or primary bone shortening with secondary callus distraction. In recent years, this approach has produced better results and a reduction in the rate of major amputations. The overall effects of the initial treatment can only be analysed after a number of years. Research results indicate long-term soft tissue complications of the lower leg, varying from harmless swelling to venous ulcer. We conducted a clinical investigation which compared 80 patients, who were treated between 1985 and 1994 using the venous-occlusion plethysmography, to 50 healthy individuals. Clinically significant damage of the deep venous system was found in over 50% of cases. There was a direct correlation between the number of years since the initial treatment and the degree of damage found. Based on these findings, we recommend that the initial treatment of this condition and the preventative treatment of the secondary trauma diseases should follow regulated surgical guidelines and be recognised for insurance purposes.

Posttraumatic stiffened joints are mostly well restored by means of operation, however, the range of motion remains restricted by secondary soft tissue shrinking and scarring. Conservative treatment yields only limited success rates. Open arthrolysis is a useful tool in regaining function; in postoperative treatment, immediate passive mobilization and prevention of heterotopic ossification are most important.Sixty-nine patients were arthrolyzed on average 25.3 months post trauma, with an average of 1.5 previous operations (range 0-8) and a follow-up period of 14.7 months.By means of the open arthrolysis, an increase in range of motion for flexion and extension of 62.3 degrees (preoperative 38.4 degrees, postoperative 87.9 degrees, at follow-up 100.7 degrees ) and 29.3 degrees for pro- and supination was achieved on average. The highly important range of motion between 0-30 degrees and 110 degrees was accomplished in 78.2 % of the patients. We analyzed the postoperative management including irradiation, pharmacological ossification prophylaxis with indomethacin and immediate passive motion. Whenever the time to arthrolysis exceeded 9 months, clearly worse results were obtained, thus we measured a difference in the correlated increase of motion from 54.3 % - 34.6 %. Comparisons of our results with German (after Blauth and Hipp) and French (after Cauchoix and Deburge) standard follow-up forms are made, and the rehabilitation program is underlined and explained. Another task of this study was to discuss the complication rate.

The increasing number of biomaterials for the skeletal system requires mote and move their distinct clinical application. To guarantee useful therapeutic results the characteristics of the biomaterials have to be matched with the characteristics of the implantation site. Recently developed biodegradable polymers with a slow degradation process and longer stability are being increasingly clinically applied with a low complication rate. The development of new remodelable bone cements for bone-defect filling revives the idea of cement-metallic implant constructs. Finally, recombinant human bone growth factors are currently under controlled clinical examination with first promising results. Long-term results allowing common clinical use of these factors are still to be expected.

Prophylactic surgery on the musculoskeletal system has a wide range of indications, for example posttraumatic or non-traumatic malalignment of the lower extremities, joint instabilities or bony lesions with the risk of fracture and secondary malignant change. The goals of treatment include pain relief, improved function and redistribution of the physiological mechanical forces. Clinical experience over the past three decades has defined the current role of realignment of the lower limbs. Recent technological advances have further improved the surgical ability to assess and select patients who are candidates for realignment osteotomy or joint stabilization.

Osteomyelitis can be subdivided into a bacterial exogenic (post-traumatic/postoperative), bacterial endogenic (hematogenous) and an abacterial type, including the rare group containing primary chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, which is typically localized in the clavicle. In a review of the literature, the criteria for the various types of chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis are analyzed. Out of a group of 17 patients with osteomyelitis of the clavicle treated between 1978 and 1996, three cases of primary chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis are demonstrated. In the differential diagnosis, primary chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis of the clavicle has to be taken into consideration despite its rareness. After establishing a diagnosis by biopsy, in contrast to the other forms, drug therapy will be the treatment of choice and not an operation.

Forty-five patients with fractures of the talus were treated operatively at the Department of Surgery in Bergmannsheil Hospital between 1989 and 1995. Of these, 21 patients were operated on the day of the accident. The Marti/Weber classification system was used: 9 fractures were type I, 12 type II, 18 type III and 6 type IV. Twenty-five neck-fractures were classified according to Hawkins (type I-6, type II-10, type III-6, type IV-3). The mean time of follow-up was 37.3 months (minimum of 12 months). One patient needed a primary and 2 other patients a secondary arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joint; 2 others required arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint. Eleven patients showed no complaints at follow-up. Twenty-five reported complaints only during strenuous exercise, 5 others during walking and 3 patients reported initial pain when walking. The mean time of therapy was 22.5 weeks. As a consequence of trauma, 7 patients changed their jobs. The most important prerequisites for successful surgery are early reduction and stable osteosynthesis. Residual complaints are frequently seen. The rate of avascular necrosis (8% in fractures of the neck of the talus) and the necessity for arthrodesis was significantly diminished.

Between 1990 and 1995, 27 patients with posttraumatic disorders of the subtalar joint were treated by correcting fusion. Preoperatively 24 patients (88.89%) suffered from pain; 15 (55.56%) had a walking range below 100 m. Seven patients were unable to work in their original profession. After an average period of 13.85 months postoperatively the patients were examined again. At this time 18 (66.67%) had no or minimal pain; 19 (70.37%) had no claudication. According to the score of Angus and Skuginna, in 81.48% of patients the result of the correcting arthrodesis was successful; according to Kitaoka's clinical rating system for ankle-hindfoot, midfoot, hallux and lesser toes, the average postoperative score was 75.8 points.

In a prospective study, 53 fractures of the distal fifth of the tibia were stabilized by unreamed nailing. Additional involvement of the ankle joint occurred in 18 patients. 50 patients returned for follow-up. In 30 patients tibia and fibula were fractured at the same (distal) level; in 20 patients the fracture of the fibula was located more proximally. In 12 patients the fractures extended into the tibial pilon. Severe soft tissue damage was seen in 24 fractures (18 open, 6 closed). Ninety percent of all fractures healed uneventfully without further surgical intervention after unreamed nailing. In two patients the unreamed nail had to be exchanged for a reamed tibial nail. Bone grafting and secondary dynamization of the nail by removal of a proximal interlocking bolt were performed in one case each. Thirty-one fractures healed in anatomical position. Valgus or varsus angulation of less than 5 degrees occurred in 18 patients. One fracture healed with rotatory angulation of 15 degrees. The highest rate of complications (22%) was seen in patients with distal fractures of the fibula without additional plating (of the fibula). There was no deep infection. Tibial fractures close to the ankle joint can be managed by unreamed nailing. Distal fractures of the fibula should be stabilized by additional plating. Because of the unreamed technique of implantation this procedure can also be used in grade II or III open fractures.

Trauma is the leading cause of death for people up to 40 years of age in Germany. Most of the patients were injured in traffic accidents where special injury patterns could be detected: head injuries in bicycle and pedestrian accidents, lower extremity injuries in motorcycle accidents, and chest and pelvis injuries in car accidents. After falls from a height, the most common injuries were fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. The treatment of polytrauma patients requires high health care resources and demands sophisticated medical support. It is estimated that every trauma patient costs daily approximately DM 4,700. It is not only the acute medical care that burdens our social system, but also the long period of rehabilitation and reintegration. The number of preventable trauma deaths can be significantly reduced in special trauma centers, and the high costs could be damaging for smaller hospitals. A plea is made for more preventive measures and legislative changes to reduce the number of traffic accidents. The medical care of trauma patients should be in special trauma centers.

According to sonographic criteria, 55 patients underwent surgical treatment with mobilisation in a lower leg plaster or conservative treatment with early mobilisation in heel pad (3 cm) shoes when an acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) was diagnosed. The follow-up period in 51 patients was 2.4 years (operated group = 28 patients, conservative group = 23 patients) with clinical examination and testing of isokinetic muscle strength in knee joint flexion. After surgical treatment, minor wound infections occurred in 10.6%. Reruptures occurred in 13% of the conservative group. Following conservative treatment, the rate of stress-related achillodynia was significantly higher (P = 0.019). In the operated group mean isokinetic muscle strength was 13.7% lower than in the uninvolved leg and decreased significantly with non-operative treatment to 75.3% (P = 0.012). We recommend surgical treatment of acute ATR. The indications for conservative treatment depend on the extent of the rupture (measured by ultrasound in the equinus position), the desired level of daily activity and the patient's degree of compliance.

For Weber type B ankle fractures, operative treatment is generally recommended. Yet, there is no general agreement about the role of functional treatment. In a prospective follow-up study from December 1990 to May 1994, 146 patients were reviewed. The mean follow-up time was 17.3 months for clinical examinations and 19.6 months for X-rays. There were no failures. In all, 85 patients (58%) were treated conservatively (group K). A below-the-knee plaster was applied to 23 patients for 6 weeks, and 62 patients had functional treatment with an ankle brace. According to the Olerud Score, the first subgroup (K-plaster) achieved 89.4 points and the last (K-func.) reached 95.7 points. There were no signs of post-traumatic arthritis. 61 patients (42%) had open reduction and internal osteosynthesis (group OP). In 19 patients a plaster immobilization was necessary, and in 42 patients early mobilization was possible. The first subgroup (OP-plaster) achieved 85.0 points in the Olerud Score; the last (OP-func.) achieved 92.4 points. According to the degree of instability following ankle injuries, a new algorithm for treatment of type B ankle fractures is described, emphasizing early mobilization and functional after treatment.

In a prospective study 20 patients were monitored with serial sonograms and radiographs during distraction osteogenesis at the lower limb. All sonograms were obtained in four planes using a 7.5 MHz transducer. The distraction gap was seen as a sonolucent area in all patients after corticotomy. At an average of 20.7 (14-28) days after the beginning of the distraction, echogenic foci occurred and showed increasing longitudinal alignment with further distraction. Radiographical signs of beginning mineralization were seen an average of 48.3 days after the start of the distraction. Exact measurement of the distraction gap was possible in all patients during lengthening. Bone healing complications and hematoma could be detected by ultrasound. A rapid increase of bone mineralization was seen after the distraction was stopped. With increasing cortication of the regenerate bone, sonograms showed a hyper-reflecting solid line so that further mineralization and the time of removal of the fixator could not be assessed by ultrasound. Ultrasound is more sensitive than radiography in identifying new bone formation during distraction, measuring the length of the distraction gap, and detecting early bone-healing complications and can therefore reduce the need for radiographs.

Between June 1993 and September 1995, 18 distal femoral fractures were treated using the supracondylar intramedullary nail. There were 8 type A fractures and 10 type C fractures (AO classification). The operative technique involved retrograde insertion of an unreamed supracondylar nail through the intercondylar notch. Follow-up was available on all patients and averaged 18.3 months (range 6-32 months). All fractures healed with an average time to union of 12.4 weeks (range 8-16 weeks). Bone grafting was not necessary in any case. Sixteen patients achieved almost the same ROM as they had had before the injury. One patient developed a varus malignant and underwent correction with a supracondylar osteotomy 20 months post trauma. There were no infections or nonunions. The retrograde supracondylar nail is an excellent alternative to plate osteosynthesis in the management of dia- and supracondylar femoral fractures.

In a first clinical protocol 19 ankle fractures have been fixed by plates and screws made of biodegradable polylactic acid. Fracture confirmation was achieved within 6 weeks. 52% of our patients demonstrated an aseptic soft tissue problem caused by delayed clearance of the degrading polylactide particles. In a 2nd protocol with 7 patients volume reduced plates and screws with flat heads were applied. None of these patients had any soft tissue reaction. These results emphasize that the application of plates and screws of polylactic acid is acceptable for fixation of ankle fractures. Soft tissue inflammatory reactions can be avoided by using volume reduced implants.

A case of dysphagia and hoarseness due to external compression by anterior hyperostosis between the third and fourth cervical vertebra is reported. Immediate relief of the symptoms was accomplished by surgical excision of the hyperostosis through an antero-lateral approach. The pathogenesis of the symptoms with reference to literature is discussed.

Clinical diagnosis of early postoperative complications remains a major issue in patients undergoing total hip replacement. Early diagnosis is essential because (clinical) signs of inflammations as fever or elevated white blood count already reflecting late complications. The goal of our study was to evaluate postoperative monitoring for early detection and treatment of hematoma and abscess following total hip replacement. 308 patients undergoing total hip replacement were postoperatively monitored for the development of hematoma and abscess, comparing routine ultrasound to on demand ultrasound in case of clinical signs of infection. The diagnostic puncture was 6.5% (10/154) in group A (on demand ultrasound) versus 11.7% (18/154) in group B (routine ultrasound). Infections were seen in 5.2% (8/154) of patients in group A compared to 0.6% (1/154) in group B, leading to surgical intervention in 3.3% (5/154) group A, respectively 0.6% (1/154) in group B.

Sixty-seven fractures of the tibial shaft with concomitant soft tissue injury were managed at the "Bergmannsheil" Bochum, University Clinic between May 1, 1991 and March 31, 1993. 33 fractures underwent unreamed nailing whereas 34 fractures were stabilized with external skeletal fixation. There were 20 closed fractures with soft tissue compromise (13 types GII and 7 types GIII (Oestern/Tscherne classification)) and 25 compound fractures (8 grade I, 12 grade II and 27 grade III (Gustilo-Anderson classification)). The grade III open fractures were subdivided by the Gustilo-Mendoza-Williams classification (13 types IIIA, 10 types IIIB and 4 types IIIC). Sixty-five fractures have healed (1 amputation type IIIC, 1 patient died). The mean time to union was 28 weeks in the fixator group and 23.5 weeks in the unreamed nail group (statistically not significant, p0.095). Also the infection rate (1 case in each group), the fasciotomies due to compartment syndrome, the number of bone grafts, the number of device change and mesh grafts was not statistically significant in both groups. Only the number of performed flaps for wound coverage was statistically significant higher in the fixator group (p0.05). In the unreamed nailing population, breakage of the locking bolts occurred in 4 cases. In 3 cases secondary reamed nailing was necessary (2 delayed unions, 1 avulsion of distal bolts). Two fractures underwent dynamization by removal of the distal locking bolts 6 weeks post initial static nailing. The unreamed nail is a versatile implant for tibial shaft fractures with closed and open soft tissue compromise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spinal column trauma with a fracture of the breast and lumbar spine is with 2-3% relatively uncommon in the pediatric patient population (from birth-16 years). In a review of 22 patients (7-15 years old) treated between 1978-1988 the individual management of treatment is reported. The goal of our study was to describe the absolute indications for the operative treatment and the difference between conservative and operative procedure depending on the age of the patient. The follow-up study after an average of 7 years and 8 months demonstrated an improvement of the neurological status (neurological status of Frankel) of 8 patients and a spontaneous correction of kyphotic angle from 21 degrees after treatment to 3 degrees.The treatment must be individual and depends on the age of the patient.

Combinations of fractures or dislocations with vascular damage of the leg have a high incidence of amputation or severe functional deficit. With this type of lesion 22 patients were treated at "Bergmannsheil" from 1986 to 1991. Using a pre-, intra- and postoperative protocol, the amputation rate decreased to 18%. More than 80% of the patients had a good function of their leg with only minor joint restrictions.

In a retrospective analysis 93 external fixations with different rigidity after open tibial shaft fractures have been reviewed and compared concerning complications and healing time. Fracture consolidation was attained in fixation with unilateral frame after 14 weeks, with bilateral v-shaped fixator after 19 weeks and with triangular configuration in about 28 weeks. Subsequent internal fixation or extension to v-shaped fixation was necessary in about 33% after initial unilateral half-pin frame, whereas 90% of the two rigid systems could be left in situ until fracture consolidation was achieved. Cancellous bone grafts were performed in 58% after triangular, in 40% after v-shaped, and 28% after unilateral fixation. Pin infections were observed in 36% after triangular, 25% after bilateral v-shaped, and in 15% after unilateral fixation.

Acute respiratory failure is still one the main problems in surgical intensive care. Unknown pathophysiological mechanisms permit only symptomatic therapy. Today ventilatory strategies by using PEEP und IRV are established to improve gas exchange and FRC by recruiting collapsed alveoli, decreasing intrapulmonary shunting and returning V/Q matching to normal. Furthermore different studies have shown the effects of supine and lateral decubitus posture in patients with acute respiratory failure. There are only rare reports on using the prone position, which doesn't require two-lung ventilation in difference to lateral position. We have studied 16 patients with acute respiratory failure by using continuous changing between prone and supine position under mechanical ventilation. All were male, aged 41.3 years in the middle and showed an average "Injury Severity Score" of 30 (13-50). 15 were trauma patients with blunt chest trauma in 11 cases. We have used prone position on threatening or manifest ARDS. In all patients we observed an increment of PaO2 during prone position on to 48 mmHg so that FiO2 could be reduced on an average of 0.2 within the first 48 h since changing patient's position. Posture changing depends on blood gas analysis, specifically on decreasing PaO2 after previous increment. Patients remained in prone and supine position at a mean of 6.3 (4.5-20) h and posture changing was proceeded over a period of 15.4 (7-32) days. No problems recording to blood pressure or mechanical ventilation appeared during prone position. 11 of 16 patients survived (68.8%), 5 died of cardiac (2) and multi organic failure (3) in connection with sepsis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Possible indications for the use of biodegradable implants are presented and the chemical compounds in question are briefly described. The results of a laboratory investigation to determine mechanical stability, tensile strength and molecular weight are reported, in order to characterize the polymers and co-polymers of the lactide under study.

Polylactide-l test rods showed an initial stability of 130 N/mm2 in the three-point bending test; the stability decreased after implantation in the dorsal muscle of the rat within 5 weeks to about half the initial value. The copolymer materials showed less initial strength, and the stability decreased under the same conditions much earlier. All materials showed good tissue compatibility. After a transverse section of the beagle radius was stabilized with plates and screws out of polylactide-l, a delayed bony union with callus formation was observed.