Search

Question Shoulder pain and rotator cuff tears are highly prevalent among wheelchair dependent individuals with paraplegia. The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors associated with the development of rotator cuff tears in this population. Methods A total of 217 wheelchair dependent individuals with paraplegia were included in this cross-sectional study (level of evidence III). The mean age of this population was 47.9 years and the mean duration of wheelchair dependence was 24.1 years. Each individual was asked to complete a questionnaire designed to identify risk factors for rotator cuff tears and underwent a standardized clinical examination with the documentation of the Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both shoulder joints. Results MRI analysis revealed at least one rotator cuff tear in 93 patients (43%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the following factors to be associated with the presence of rotator cuff tear: patient age, duration of spinal cord injury/wheelchair dependence, gender, and wheelchair athletic activity. Neither BMI nor the level of spinal cord injury was found to pose a risk factor in the population studied. With respect to patient age, the risk of developing a rotator cuff tear increased by 11% per annum. In terms of duration of spinal cord injury, the analysis revealed a 6% increased risk per year of wheelchair dependence (OR = 1.06). Females had a 2.6-fold higher risk of developing rotator cuff tears than males and wheelchair sport activity increased the risk 2.3-fold. Discussion There is a high prevalence of rotator cuff tears in wheel-chair dependent persons with paraplegia. Risk factors such as age, gender, duration of paraplegia, and wheel chair sport activity seem to play an important role in the development of rotator cuff tears.

A prospective observational study reporting correlation between sCD95L (serum cluster of differentiation 95 ligand) serum levels and remission after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). To describe the correlation between sCD95L serum levels and remission after traumatic SCI in a human protocol compared with animal studies. Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), Germany. We included 45 patients with traumatic SCI. According to their neurological outcome, patients were divided into two groups, patients with (G1, n=26) and without (G2, n=19) remission. Blood was collected on post-admission and according to a fixed scheme, that is, after 4, 9, 12 h, 1, 3 days and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks. By comparing G1 with G2, we found a correlation between neurological remission and sCD95L serum concentrations. Consistently elevated levels of sCD95L in G1 between 9 h and 1 month after injury show significantly differing values 7 days after injury. This indicates a correlation between patients with clinically documented neurological remission and elevated sCD95L serum concentrations. In opposite to animal studies, our patients with neurological remission show on average higher levels of sCD95L compared with patients without. Therefore, spinal cord-injured patients would probably not profit from neutralizing CD95L. Our results present that the transfer of findings from animal studies to humans must always be considered critically. We were able to show that peripheral serum cytokine expression is suitable to state processes after SCI in humans.

Objective To determine serum concentrations of soluble CD95 ligand (sCD95L) in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. Methods Patients with traumatic spinal cord injury were recruited. Blood was collected on admission to hospital and at 4 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 days, 7 days, and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postadmission. Serum concentrations of sCD95L were determined via immunoassay. Result The study included 23 patients. Mean sCD95L concentrations were significantly lower at 4 h, 9 h, 12 h and 24 h than at admission, and were significantly higher at 8 and 12 weeks, compared with admission. Conclusion The serum sCD95L concentration fell significantly during the first 24 h after traumatic spinal cord injury. Concentrations then rose, becoming significantly higher than admission levels at 8 weeks. sCD95L may represent a possible therapeutic target for traumatic spinal cord injury.

A retrospective study reporting specific complications of certain skin flaps for treating pressure ulcers.To describe the rate and type of complications after pressure ulcer surgery in patients with spinal cord injury.Germany, Rheinland Pfalz.We collected data from 352 patients treated with 421 skin flaps to determine the rate and type of complications of each skin flap used.In this study, we analyzed the results of 421 skin flaps in 352 patients with a total of 657 pressure ulcers from January 2006 to December 2010. Our patients had ischial, pelvic, sacral, trochanteric and lower extremity ulcers. Ischial ulcers were most common, followed by sacral and trochanteric ulcers. There were 87 complications in 421 flaps, which was an overall rate of 21%. Suture line dehiscence was the most common complication with 27 cases (31%), followed by 22 cases of infection (25.2%), 17 cases of hematoma (19.5%), 12 cases of partial necrosis (13.7%) and 9 cases of total flap necrosis (10.3%).Pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients are very common and difficult and expensive to treat. The high rate of complications and the associated costs suggest the importance of evaluating the efficacy of treatment options. Conservative procedures have been standardized, but there still has been limited success in establishing guidelines on how to manage complications arising from flap surgery. Our extensive documentation of flap plastics will be useful managing complications after the surgical treatment of pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients.

A prospective observational study reporting the correlation between matrix metalloprotein serum levels and remission after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). To investigate serum cytokine levels as predictive markers. Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz). Between 2010 and 2015, data sets from 115 patients (33 female, 82 male) after traumatic SCI were recorded at the BG Trauma Centre Ludwigshafen. We examined the serum levels of Matix metallopraoteinases (MMPs) MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10 and MMP-12 over a 12-week period, that is, at admission and 4, 9, 12 h, 1 and 3 days and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after trauma. Following the same match-pair procedure as in our previous studies, we selected 10 patients with SCI and neurological remission (Group 1) and 10 patients with an initial American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A grade and no neurological remission (Group 0). Ten patients with an isolated vertebral fracture without neurological deficits served as a control group (Group C). Our analysis was performed using a Luminex Performance Human High Sensitivity Cytokine Panel. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the predictive value of MMPs with respect to neurological remission vs no neurological remission. MMP-8 and MMP-9 provided significantly different values. The favoured predictive model allows to differentiate between neurological remission and no neurological remission in 97% of cases. The results indicate that further studies with an enlarged collective are warranted in order to investigate current monitoring, prognostic and tracking techniques as well as scoring systems.

39 patients were studied for late effects of cervical laminectomy. With a mean follow-up of 51 months and mean extent of laminectomy of 4.15 levels, analysis of pre- and postoperative radiographs showed changes in cervical spine curvature type in 72% and in 44% extreme spinal deformity. In addition, postoperative effects on pain and neurological symptoms are evaluated. Close follow-up during rehabilitation in essential for the prevention of clinical deterioration after laminectomy.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the initial American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) category and the conversion rate in acute traumatic tetraplegic patients on the development of heterotopic ossifications (HO). The second objective was to prove the hypothesis that tetraplegic patients with autonomic dysreflexia (AD) develop HO more often than patients without AD. METHODS A retrospective analysis from 2002 to 2009 of 330 patients with spinal cord injuries was performed and led to the inclusion of 77 traumatic tetraplegic patients. Clinical data was reviewed to determine the appearance of HO (n = 8) and its possible coincidence with AD during urodynamics. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to test the relationship between HO and initial AIS category or the change in AIS category within 6 weeks. A matched pair (age, neurological level of injury) analysis of two samples (n = 8 with/without appearance of HO; total n = 16) was performed. RESULTS The appearance of HO was significantly correlated with an initial AIS A compared to incomplete tetraplegia at baseline (p

Objective Aim of study was to evaluate the urodynamic findings in patients with infantile cerebral palsy. Material and methods In 29 patients (aged 3-53), a videourodynamic investigation was performed after evaluation of urological anamnesis, clinical assessment and sonographic determination of residual urine. The patients were divided into group 1 (23 symptomatic patients aged 5 years and older with recurrent urinary tract infection, pollakiuria or urinary incontinence) and group 2 (6 asymptomatic patients). Results In group 1, 21/23 patients (91%) had reduced compliance (0.6 - 16.4 ml/cmH(2)O) and 16/23 patients (70%) increased leak point pressure (> 40 cmH(2)O). In all 23 patients, detrusor instability and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (during voiding) was found. Fluoroscopy showed bladder trabeculation or diverticula in 14 patients (61%) and 2nd-3rd degree vesicoureterorenal reflux in 2 patients (9%). In group 2, 2/6 patients (33%) had reduced compliance (0.7 and 5.8 ml/cmH(2)O) and 4/6 (67%) increased leak point pressure (> 40 cmH(2)O). In 5/6 patients (83%), detrusor instability and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia was seen. Fluoroscopy showed bladder trabeculation in 3 patients (50%), whereas no reflux was observed. Only one of the 29 patients (3 %) showed no pathological videourodynamic or anamnestic findings. Conclusions We conclude that videourodynamic assessment should be performed in all patients with infantile cerebral palsy. The decision should not be based on clinical symptoms such as pollakiuria, recurrent urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence.

Within the last couple of years, partial restoration of lost motor functions in a larger number of spinal cord injured patients has become possible by the introduction of neuroprostheses into the clinical environment. The Freehand system in particular is the first implantable neuroprosthesis from which a certain group of tetraplegic patients with stable shoulder function, but missing or weak grasp and hold function of the hand do benefit. The system is based on the combination of electrical stimulation and operative tendon transfers and thus represents a multicomponent concept for long-term restoration of the grasp function. The crucial prerequisites for successful use of an implantable neuroprosthesis are the right indication, careful preoperative muscle stimulation, differentiated planning of the surgery and functional training adopted to the individual residual functions. After successful completion of an extensive rehabilitation program, patients are able to use the system for activities of daily living without the need for special additional aids, which enhances their quality of life and independency. In order to extend the group of potential users of neuroprostheses in the future, new technological developments will have to take into account that nowadays the majority of spinal cord injured patients suffer from an incomplete lesion of the spinal cord. For these particular patients who still possess residual functions, modular, "naturally" controllable systems for supporting these functions are needed rather than complex systems to substitute them.

Study design: Case report. Objective: To describe a patient with a large tumor lesion of the 6th vertebrae affecting surrounding soft tissue, and symptoms of cord compression. Histologic diagnosis indicated a destructive osteoblastoma following dorsal and anterior resection and internal fixation. Setting: University Hospital, Germany. Methods: A 23-year old male patient was admitted with a 2-month history of increasing upper extremity weakness and pain. X-ray and MRI indicated massive involvement of the anterior and posterior elements of the 6th vertebrae with a large soft tissue mass. Following emergency decompression and dorsal stabilization, the pathologic investigation revealed a destructive osteoblastoma. Subsequent dorsal and anterior resection with internal fixation were performed. Results: The patient initially presented with symptoms of beginning paraplegia of C6/7. According to the neurologic classification of spinal cord injury, motor function score was 56 and sensory function score 83. After emergency dorsal decompression and internal fixation with Luque-Instrumentation® he showed increasing neurological recovery. Complete neurological recovery was achieved at 2 and 12-months postoperatively, following secondary dorsal and anterior resection of the tumor and internal fixation with bone cement (PalacosR®) and Harms-cage®. Radiologic signs of local recurrence were identified 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion: Osteoblastoma of the cervical spine is rare. Patients often present with severe neurological symptoms due to significant tumor mass. Complete resection is necessary to regain full recovery, to prevent recurrence and, in some cases, malignant transformation.

The level of levofloxacin was determined in serum, bone and several tissues after a single dose of 500 mg i.v. Twenty-one patients (mean age: 56.8 years) undergoing bone surgery (nine patients) or surgical debridement of a decubitus ulcer (12 patients) who received levofloxacin as perioperative prophylaxis were included in the study. During surgery, blood and tissue samples were obtained approximately 1.5 h (range 40-210 min) postdosing. Levofloxacin concentrations in 87 specimens including 21 serum samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The mean serum concentration at 1.5 h was 8.6+/-2.3 microg/ml. Concentrations above the MIC of common pathogens were reached in all tissues during the collection period with a maximum in skin samples (19.9+/-9.9 microg/g) followed by wound tissue and granulation tissue with 17.3+/-6.5 and 13.7+/-6.4 microg/g respectively. In muscle and fatty tissue mean levofloxacin concentrations of 8.0+/-0.9 and 4.0+/-2.2 microg/g were attained. Mean levels in cancellous bone were 6.6+/-3.6 microg/g, lowest levels were measured in cortical bone (2.8+/-1.1 microg/g). Twenty-two different pathogens were cultivated from the lesions of 11 of 12 patients with pressure ulcers. MIC values for levofloxacin were determined and compared with the corresponding tissue concentrations. Levofloxacin may be useful for perioperative prophylaxis and treatment in orthopaedic patients due to its good tissue penetration.

We report on the first experience with the Freehand system in German-speaking countries, an implantable neuroprosthesis developed for the functional electrical stimulation of the upper extremity. Indications for its use are neurological deficits of the cervical spinal cord with active mobility of the shoulder and elbow flexion in tetraplegics, ideally in C5/6 tetraplegics. A further precondition for the implantation of this system is an intact reflex arc of the muscles that are to be stimulated, i.e. of the forearm and hand. Central defects such as hemiparesis, cerebral palsies or athetoid disorders or peripheral nerve palsies (e.g. brachial plexus lesions) are no good indications for the implantation of the Freehand system. We report on patient selection criteria, preoperative percutaneous electrical stimulation, the surgical procedure itself with optional active tendon transpositions, the intensive postoperative rehabilitation program until the patient is able to use the system independently and the life-long after-care.

Studies. Purpose: Measurement of the oscillating CSF flow in the spinal canal (SC) of healthy volunteers and in patients with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) using an optimized MRI protocol as well as to determine whether stenosis induced velocity changes are detectable using MRI. Methods: In 68 healthy volunteers quantitative studies of CSF flow in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions were performed. First, an optimized sequence was developed and tested in 19 volunteers using four different flow-encoding velocities (4, 8, 12, 16 cm/s). Secondly, the optimized sequence was employed in 49 volunteers to measure the different CSF patterns in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal canals (CSC, TSC, LSC). Part three of the study, in which patients with PTS are being examined is still underway. We measured the maximum velocity (cm/s). the pixel area (mm 2 ), and the stroke volume (ml/s). Using a flow model the velocities prior to and after compression with 5 different power levels were measured at the stenosis and at a distance of 70 cm. Results: A total of 226 dynamic measurements have been performed - so far 76 in the first part (62=81.5% evaluable) and 150 in the second part - using the optimized sequence and optimal flow velocities. A flow-encoding sequence of 12 cm/s was found best in the CSC and one of 6 cm/s in the TSC and LSC. The maximum velocity in the CSC was 0.95 cm/s with the flow being directed caudal and 0.38 cm/s with the flow being directed cranial. In the TSC the values were 4.7 cm/s and 1.65 cm/s and in the LSC 0.96 cm/s and 0.59 cm/s. The highest velocities were found at the TSC, which has the smallest diameter compared to the CSC and LSC. In the 4 patients with PTS, the maximum velocities were between 0.09 cm/s anal 0.97 cm/s with the flow being directed cranial and between 0.04 cm/s and 1.03 cm/s with the flow being directed caudal. The stroke volumina in the CSC were between 0.1 and 1.23 ml/s (mean: 0.48 ml/s) and 0.2 and 2.45 ml/s (mean: 0.66ml/s) in the TSC and in the LSC 0.08 ml/s and 0.67 ml/s (mean: 0.29 ml/s). The results of the flow model studies showed an increase of velocity between 2.06 and 4.94 cm/s (mean: 3.31 cm/s) at the stenosis and 1.1 and 1.33 cm/s (mean: 1.23 cm/s) at a distance of 70 cm. Conclusion: Quantitative measurement of the oscillating CSF flow in the entire spinal canal (SC) is possible using an optimized MRI protocol as well as to detect stenosis induced velocity changes. Due to the high interindividual variability in the data of spinal CSF dynamics, further studies are necessary to collect normal data. The detection of movement of CSF in a post-traumatic spinal cord lesion may alter the therapeutic management.

A 63 year old architect sustained, during a ridingaccident, a fracture luxation of his third and fourthcervical vertebra with intraspinal bleeding, resulting ina complete tetraplegia below C4, incomplete below C3.There were no other injuries. The rescue team foundthe patient still breathing spontaneously, but severelydyspnoeic. The situation necessitated immediateintubation and controlled ventilation at the site ofthe accident. The patient was admitted to hospital, aventral spondylodesis between C3 and C4 wasperformed, and due to insu†cient spontaneous breath-ing, a tracheotomy followed, through which the patienthas since been ventilated. Sonographic and radiologicalcontrols of the diaphragm showed active mobility ofthe left side with no mobility on the right. There hasbeen no further neurologic recovery. The patient is – 4months after his injury – breathing spontaneously for4 h a day, otherwise dependent on artificial respiration.Please discuss your management of this patient.

The aim of the multicentre study* entitled `Description and Documentation of Painful States in Spinal Cord Injury Patients', in addition to the description and documentation of chronic pain and stressful dysaesthesiae in SCI patients, was the search for correlations between these symptoms and medical and psychosocial variables. To this end, the sample was selected to be as representative as possible. All patients referred for in-patient or out-patient treatment at the centres taking part were enrolled in the study in order of presentation, providing they gave consent and met the inclusion criteria. Psychosocial, medical and demographic data were elicited by a standardized battery of questions and a standardized physical examination, as were any chronic pain/dysaesthesiae (P/D) present in any localization. Among 901 patients, 34% had no chronic pain or dysaesthesiae, 50% had pain only, 11% had painful dysaesthesiae and 5%, non-painful but chronic and distressing dysaesthesiae. The intensity of P/D was noted as seven or more on a 10 cm visual analogue scale by 61% of the patients affected and was experienced as rather or very distressing in 75% of cases. Most (86%) P/D were located below the spinal lesion or in the transition zone. There were significant correlations between the presence of P/D and age on questioning and at onset of the paraplegia/tetraplegia, problems with rectal paralysis, expectations of life as a paraplegic/tetraplegic, and subjective assessment of changes in working life. Highly significant correlations were found with subjective distress resulting of paraplegia/tetraplegia as such, depressed mood and psychosomatic disturbances of wellbeing. Overall, among the selected variables of our study, we found that correlations between P/D and psychosocial variables were more frequent and closer than those between P/D and medical variables.

Kindern mit Gliedmasenfehlbildungen oder Amputationen der unteren Extremitat soll ein entwicklungsgerechtes Stehen und Gehen ermoglicht werden, gehoren doch gerade Stand und Gang zu den wichtigsten Voraussetzungen einer bestmoglichen Integration. Die Versorgung mit Prothesen, Orthesen und Orthoprothesen ist hierbei ein unverzichtbarer Bestandteil der Rehabilitation. Wahrend Prothesen Gliedmasenteile ersetzen, wird bei Orthesen die vorhandene Extremitat stabilisiert. Orthoprothesen dienen zum Ausgleich longitudinaler Fehlbildungen und wirken zugleich stutzend, im Wachstum lenkend und verkurzungsausgleichend. Genauso wichtig wie das Hilfsmittel ist auch die Forderung nach einem fruhen Behandlungsbeginn. Je fruher die Therapie beginnt, desto besser sind die Resultate. Im Team der betreuenden Berufsgruppen wird ein Behandlungskonzept erarbeitet, bei dem die verantwortungsvolle Zusammenarbeit mit den Eltern von groster Wichtigkeit ist. Im Mittelpunkt aller Bemuhungen steht naturlich das behinderte Kind. Anhand von Beispielen soll der Weg zur erfolgreichen Rehabilitation von gliedmasengeschadigten Kindern aufgezeigt werden. Auf die psychische Situation bei Eltern und Kind wird eingegangen.

A pilot study measuring the levels of serum-soluble CD95 ligand (CD95L) in eight spinal cord-injured patients.To determine the soluble concentration of CD95L in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients after trauma.We collected blood samples from eight patients with acute traumatic SCI. Soluble CD95L serum levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) was determined according to ASIA classification. The patients were monitored, and venous blood was drawn after arrival at the hospital on the 1st and 3rd day and during the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th weeks after trauma.The average patient age was 48.1 years (18-86 years). Three patients were paraplegic (two incomplete, one complete), five were quadriplegic (one complete, four incomplete). The serum concentration of soluble CD95L (sCD95L) decreased during the 1st week (41 ng(- l)) and increased after the 2nd week in all eight patients. It peaked during the 4th week (68.5 ng (- l)) and reached a plateau during the 12th week (76.2 ng (- l)). There are many possible explanations for not being able to detect a statistical significance, one of course being the small sample size.Promising results for anti-CD95L therapy have already been documented in lab studies with rodents. Anti-CD95L blocks the pro-apoptotic and proinflammatory activity of membrane-bound CD95L during the acute phase of SCI. We observed that sCD95L levels are elevated during the subacute and intermediate phases of SCI. It would be of great interest to study a larger group of patients to determine whether higher sCD95 levels are correlated with improved or impaired neurological outcome or with increasing levels of autoimmune components in peripheral blood.

Prospective, observational study of 20 spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients with chronic pressure ulcers (PUs) using Medihoney. To determine the effects of Medihoney by bacterial growth, wound size and stage of healing in PUs. We treated 20 SCI adult patients with chronic PUs using Medihoney. In all, 7 patients (35%) were female, and 13 (65%) were male. The average patient age was 48.7 years (30–79). In all, 6 patients (30%) were tetraplegic and 14 (70%) were paraplegic. Also, 5 patients (25%) had grade IV ulcers and 15 patients (75%) had grade III ulcers according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. After 1 week of treatment with Medihoney, all swabs were void of bacterial growth. Overall 18 patients (90%) showed complete wound healing after a period of 4 weeks, and the resulting scars were soft and elastic. No negative effects were noted from the treatment using Medihoney. No blood sugar level derailment was documented. The medical-honey approach to wound care must be part of a comprehensive conservative surgical wound-care concept. Our study indicates the highly valuable efficacy of honey in wound management and infection control as measured by bacterial growth, wound size and healing stage.

Six tetraplegic (T) and 4 paraplegic (P) subjects underwent a 20-minute pre sauna phase (30 degrees C DB; 65% RH), and an up to 15-minute sauna (85 degrees C DB; less than 10% RH), followed by a 15 minute post sauna phase (30 degrees C DB; 65% RH). During all phases subjects wore a bathing suit and remained supine on a hospital trolley. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded during all phases. Rectal temperature (Trec) was measured by a probe (AD590) inserted approximately 14 cm into the rectum. Oral temperature (Toral) also utilising (AD590) circuitry was recorded simultaneously with Trec. Skin temperature (Tsk) (AD590) was measured on the head, chest, right thigh and right calf. Forehead sweat rate (SR) was determined from dew point temperature (Tdp). A catheter was inserted into a dorsal hand or foot vein and venous blood was withdrawn at selected times and analysed for haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct), and the separated plasma was analysed for glucose (Glu), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (C1-). Venous blood sampled just prior to entering and just prior to leaving the sauna, was analysed for adrenalin (A) and noradrenalin (NA) using high performance liquid chromatography. For both groups HR rose significantly during the sauna with a significant decline in HR for the P group during the post sauna phase. There were no significant changes in systolic BP for either group. A significant decline in diastolic BP was found for the T group during the post sauna phase. There were no episodes of syncope.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Case report. Complications in spinal cord injury (SCI) are a challenging problem for the patients and often difficult to manage. Three cases of spondylodiscitis, localized at the lumbosacral junction in long-term paraplegic patients are presented. Spinal Cord Injury Center, Orthopaedic University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. In all three cases, neurological deterioration (ASIA A) was caused by a secondary compression of the spinal cord at the lumbosacral spine. Increase of spasticity and pain, atonic bladder and sphincter function accompanied by vegetative symptoms were present in all patients. Microbiological analysis of the sacral area showed coagulase negative staphylococcus in two cases, whereas in one case no microorganism was found. The diagnosis was made by MRI of the whole spine and surgical treatment was required. At follow-up (6 months), patients showed no AIS (ASIA Impairment Scale) changes. If neurological deterioration occurs, spondylodiscitis should be ruled out in paraplegic individuals. The therapeutic goal is to achieve emergent decompression of the spinal cord and to administrate adequate antibiotic therapy to avoid a neurologically complete situation.

Case report.To describe a rare case of paraplegia in a patient with Scheuermann's disease and dysplastic thoracic spinous processes.Spinal Cord Injury Center, Orthopaedic University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.The authors report on a 15-year-old boy with progressive incomplete spastic paraplegia presenting segmental dysplastic thoracic spinous processes and Scheuermann's disease. The magnetic resonance imaging showed a kyphotic angulation at T 5/6 and signs of myelopathy. Hypoplastic thoracic processes and hypoplastic paraspinal muscles in the upper thoracic spine were observed intraoperatively. In this case, dorsoventral stabilization from T 4-7 was performed and the neurological outcome improved at follow-up (6 months).Paraplegia can be accelerated in patients with Scheuermann's disease, severe kyphotic angulation and dysplastic posterior elements. After operative treatment, neurological recovery and a normal walking pattern were shown.

The complete restoration of movements lost due to a spinal cord injury (SCI) is the greatest hope of physicians, therapists and certainly of the patients themselves. Particularly, in patients with lesions of the cervical spinal cord every little improvement of missing or weak grasp function will result in a large gain in quality of life. Despite the fact that novel drugs for axonal regeneration in the spinal cord are in the phase of imminent human application, up to now, the only possibility of restoration of basic movements in SCI persons consists in the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES). While FES systems in the lower extremities for standing or walking have not reached widespread clinical acceptance yet, devices are available for demonstrable improvement of the grasp function. This applies to tetraplegic patients with stable, active shoulder function, but missing control of hand and fingers. Particularly, with the use of implantable systems a long-term stable, user-friendly application is possible. Most recent work aims at the development of minimally invasive, subminiature systems for individual functional support. The possibility of direct brain control of FES systems will extend the application of grasp neuroprostheses to patients with injuries of the highest cervical spinal cord.

Study design: A prospective study was performed to evaluate the gait training of seven consecutive spinal cord injured patients and 10 controls on a treadmill using instrumented gait analysis and video documentation. Objectives: To determine whether it is possible to maintain gait motion within physiological limits during treadmill training. Setting: Primary and secondary care unit for spinal cord injury, Heidelberg, Germany. Methods: Treadmill training was instituted as early as possible. Gait analysis was performed when the patients were stable enough to walk without manual aid from therapists and enough endurance to allow measurements. A control group of healthy volunteers were examined as well. Video documentation and a camera system using passive markers were employed. Results: Treadmill training started with weight reduction of 25% of bodyweight (18 (0–35) kg), maximum walking speed 0.28 (0.15–0.7) m/s and maximum walking duration 4.7 (3–7) min. At the end of the training, weight reduction decreased to 9.3 (0–20) kg, maximum walking speed increased to 0.67 (0.23–1.1) ms with a maximum walking duration of 11 (8–15) min. 3-D motion analysis of hip, knee and ankle demonstrated joint excursions almost entirely within the limits of normal gait. Exceptions were due to fixed contractures. Conclusions: Our data suggests that it is possible to perform early gait training on a treadmill with no supportive orthoses within the physiologic range of joint motion. The risk for repetitive stress injuries or other negative effects is low.

We report on a 29-year-old male patient with multiple intracerebral and spinal cavernomas. Bleeding in the thoracic cord at admission and additional bleeding which occurred 12 days later in the cervical cord resulted in complete paraplegia below thoracic level 4 (Th4). Four years earlier multiple cerebral cavernomas had been diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based upon reported cases in the literature multiple intracerebral and spinal cavernomas are exceptional. Additionally, the clinical presentation in our case is uncommon.

Das mechanische Wirkprinzip des Harrington-Instrumentariums oder der Plattenstabilisierung entspricht den anatomischen oder mechanischen Gegebenheiten der traumatisch instabilen Brust- und Lendenwirbelsaule nur ungenugend. Den hier zu stellenden Anforderungen an Art der Verankerung, Kurze der Fusionsstrecke, Repositionsmoglichkeit und Variabilitat konnen nur die mechanischen Eigenschaften eines Fixateur externe gerecht werden. Magerl hat die Richtigkeit dieser These mit dem von ihm entwickelten Fixateur externe fur die Wirbelsaule praktisch nachgewiesen. Es lag daher nahe, das mechanische Prinzip des Fixateur externe auf ein Implantatsystem anzuwenden, das subkutan direkt an die Wirbelsaule montiert werden konnte. Das erste Instrumentarium dieser Art wurde von Dick als “Fixateur interne” 1983 vorgestellt und in Bad Wildungen seit November des gleichen Jahres mit gutem Erfolg eingesetzt. Die Erfahrungen aus uber 40 Operationen mit dem Dickschen Fixateur interne flossen in die Entwicklung eines eigenen Wirbelsauleninstrumentariums ein, das wir seit Anfang 1985 in ersten Prototypen verwenden.

1. Spongiosa des Skelets ist besonders geeignet, erste Veranderungen eines gestorten Gleichgewichts im Knochenumbau erkennen zu lassen. Normwerte uber Balkchenbreite und Spongiosadichte in den einzelnen Skeletteilen bilden Voraussetzung einer exakten Beurteilung quantitativer Veranderungen des Skelets ohne sonstige grobe morphologische Symptome. 2. Es werden deshalb Messungen der Knochenbalkchenbreite, ihrer Flache und Dichte aus der Spongiosa der 4. Rippe, des 1. Lendenwirbelkorpers und des linken Darmbeinkamms von 102 Leichen durchgefuhrt und Normwerte der Balkchenbreite und der Spongiosaadichte fur insgesamt 10 Altersgruppen errechnet. 3. In jedem Alter ist das Spongiosabalkchen der Rippe schmaler als das der Lendenwirbel, die Breite der Balkchen im Wirbel und im Beckenkamm etwa gleich. Die Spongiosdichte des Beckenkamms liegt jedoch erheblich uber der des Wirbels und der Rippe. 4. Die Balkchenbreite und -dichte erreicht bei 16- bis 25jahrigen ihren hochsten Wert und fallt mit zunehmendem Alter kontinuierlich ab. Die Grenze zur Altersosteoporose liegt bei etwa 65 Jahren. Der kontinuierliche Abfall der Spongiosadichte fuhrt in den Jahren vor 65 zu Zustanden, die als Praosteoporose bezeichnet werden. 5. Bis zum 40. Lebensjahr haben Frauen durchschnittlich starkere Knochenbalkchen und eine dichtere Spongiosa als Manner gleichen Alters. Nach dem 40. Lebensjahr setzt aber bei der Frau im Vergleich zum Mann ein groserer Verlust an Knochensubstanz ein, der die Werte der Altersosteoporose erreicht oder ubertrifft, allerdings vorubergehend ist und einen Zeitraum von 10 bis 15 Jahren einnimmt. Man kann von einer passageren Praosteoporose der Frau im Klimakterium sprechen. Im hoheren Alter gleicht sich die Frau wieder dem Mann an. 6. Ubermasiger Schwund der Spongiosa wird im Vergleich zu Normwerten bei kindlichen Leukamien, bei Cushing-Osteoporose und bei sekundarem Hyperparathyreoidismus, eine ubermasige Zunahme bei eosinophilem Hypophysenadenom festgestellt. 7. Der ursprungliche Bauplan der Spongiosa ist die Netz- oder Verbundform, die die hochste Stabilitat gegen allseitige Druck- und Zugkrafte gewahrleistet. Eine Ausrichtung der Spongiosabalkchen nach Druck- und Zuglinien in spateren Lebensjahren kommt durch einen negativen Auslesevorgang zustande (negative Anpassung), da im Zuge des standigen Umbaus von Knochengewebe die auserhalb der Druck- und Zuglinien liegenden Balkchen nicht erneuert werden.

In 160 statischen Kompressionsversuchen wurden die Brust- und Lendenbandscheiben von 10 Leichen untersucht. Die Zwischenwirbelscheiben verhielten sich wie homogene elastische Korper. Auser dem Elastizitatsmodul und der Druckfestigkeit wurde die von den Bandscheiben wahrend der elastischen Verformung tolerierte Verformungsarbeit ermittelt, die als ein Ausdruck ihrer Federkapazitat angesehen werden kann.