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Background: Depressed fractures of the base of the middle phalanges are problematic because of frequent subluxations and centrally depressed fragments. There are two minimally invasive procedures available: 1) the less known intramedullary padding technique according to Hintringer and 2) the widely used distraction fixator of Suzuki. This article describes the technique and outcome of these two procedures., Methodology: The follow-up collective included 42 patients after treatment of a depressed fracture of the base of the middle phalanx. An intramedullary padding with percutaneous Kirschner wire retention was performed 28 times (group A) and treatment with a Suzuki fixator 14 times (group B). The study examined the hand function, the radiological results and the subjective pain level., Results: According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) classification 81% of the patients in group A achieved a good result but in group B the same result was achieved by only 50% of the patients. The median range of movement in the proximal interphalangeal joint was 82.5° after intramedullary padding and 47.5° after Suzuki fixator. In median, the impression was reduced from 2.35 mm to 0.5 mm in group A, but only from 1.6 mm to 1.15 mm in group B. Pain was a limiting factor in 2 out of 28 patients in group A and 1 out of 14 patients in group B., Conclusion: The intramedullary padding technique according to Hintringer enables good treatment of depressed fractures of the base of the middle phalanx of the finger. Repositioning of dorsal subluxations can be performed and centrally impressed fragments can be reduced better than by using the Suzuki dynamic fixator. In addition, the radiological course assessments can be assessed better than with the distraction fixator.

Background: Complications related to arthrodesis of the ankle or total ankle replacement require a critical assessment of the indication. Using denervation of the ankle, we have the possibility to delay the above-named surgical treatment for a number of years. The aim of this follow-up study was to review the results of ankle denervation after several years., Methods: Within a follow-up examination, we were able to evaluate the results of 45 patients an average of 102 months following ankle denervation., Results: A total of 82.2% of patients indicated an improvement of pain for an average of 60.9 months; 71.1% of patients reported that the operation was worthwhile. The AOFAS score improved from an average 37.9 (range 26-68) preoperatively to 55.6 (range 24-84) at follow-up., Conclusions: Ankle denervation can achieve good ankle pain reduction in the treatment of ankle arthrosis. Denervation should be considered a long-term treatment concept.

Background: In this study 56 dorsal phalangeal fractures of the distal segment were classified regarding morphological criteria., Material and Methods: Clinical and radiological results after 4 months were analyzed. Fractures including subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred rarely (n=3) and were treated by surgery. Fractures without subluxation had either a triangle-shaped fragment (n=40) or a fragment similar to a hunter's hat (n=9). Furthermore, there were two fractures with a tiny bony avulsion and two fractures with more radial or ulnar-oriented fragments. The triangle and hunter's hat type fractures were treated either by splinting (n=20) or by open reduction and stabilization with screws and wires (n=29)., Results: Clinical outcome was similar in both groups. In 12 out of the 20 fractures treated by splinting a stepping of the joint surface had to be tolerated. Initially only 8 out of 20 fractures showed a stepping of the joint surface. The fractures treated by surgery showed a better radiological outcome., Conclusions: Initially 27 fractures showed a stepping in the joint line but after surgical treatment only 9 fractures still presented a stepping. The remaining four fractures were successfully treated by splinting.

The treatment of three- and four-part fractures of the humeral head is still controversially discussed. Some advocate primary arthroplasty while the results of primary fixation seem to be superior if no necrosis of the humeral head develops. Today navigation is used in orthopaedic surgery mainly for interventions on the spine, the pelvis and arthroplasty. In trauma surgery it is still rarely used and some technical problems need to be overcome. We report on a case of a three part fracture of the humeral head with mini-open reduction and fixation with image-based guided headless compression screws. For the fixation each screw was placed on the first trial, total radiation time was 60 s. At 12-month follow-up assessment radiographs showed a consolidated fracture, no loosening of the screws and a good glenohumeral articulation. The patient had free function of the shoulder and no pain, the constant score was 98 and the dash score 0. There is no evidence of a necrosis of the humeral head. The literature focuses on shoulder arthroplasty. There are no reports on the use of image-based guidance in shoulder traumatology so far. In conclusion, the described technique allows an accurate fixation of the humeral head fracture as the guidance system (Surgix) ensures the "first try first hit" screw positioning. The new system was integrated in the workflow and supports the surgeon as an aiming device. The role of navigation system in enhancing minimally invasive surgery of the shoulder should be further explored.

Computer-assisted systems are used frequently in pelvis and spine surgery but are still rare in general trauma and hardly ever used in shoulder surgery. The major limitation is the use of rigid markers and the problem of obtaining navigable images in the complex shoulder region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a new image-based guidance system in shoulder traumatology. The system was used to implant a tightrope system in Tossy III lesions of the AC joint (n=7) and compared to the conventional method (n=8). Outcome parameters were duration of surgery, number of trials for perfect positioning of the guide wire, C-arm shots used till K-wire position is accepted, duration of radiation and surgeon's comment on usability and benefit. The new system did not shorten the surgical procedure significantly (45 vs 49 min, p=0.6) but reduced the average overall radiation time from 152 to 90 s (p=0.3). The number of shots to implant the guide-wire could be reduced significantly from 8 to 5 (p=0.01). The number of trials to implant the guide wire was less in the image-guided group compared to the conventional group (1 vs 2, p=0.02). For the first time image-based guidance was used in shoulder traumatology. The system holds high potential to assist surgeons without disturbing the workflow in assuring guide wire positioning, reduce the number of dangerous mistrials and reduce the emission of radiation.

Urolithiasis is seen in our region throughout the year as a periodic appearing disease with peaks not only in summer, but also--somewhat lower--in January, April and October. This appearance is especially caused by the calcium oxalate stones. Uric acid calculi show a rise between May and October. The magnesium ammonium phosphate stones appear almost completely irregular.