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Arndt P Schulz,1 Vivien Lange,2 Justus Gille,1 Christine Voigt,3 Susanne Fröhlich,4 Markus Stuhr,1 Christian Jürgens5 1Department of Orthopedics, Trauma, and Sports Medicine, University Hospital Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; 2Department of Rehabilitation, Sana Regio Klinikum, Wedel, Germany; 3Department of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, Diakoniekrankenhaus Friederikenstift, Hannover, Germany; 4Department of Orthopedics, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; 5Department of Orthopedics, Trauma, and Sports Medicine, BG Trauma Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany Introduction: Although known as a possible graft option for decades, quadriceps tendon grafts have often been termed a second-line graft option. We report a consecutive case series using this method as the primary treatment line. The rationale for this study was to evaluate the midterm results of this method in a prospective and consecutive case series. The primary study question was to determine the clinical results 24–36 months after primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a bone plug-free quadriceps tendon autograft fixed with bioabsorbable cross-pins. Materials and methods: The study population included 55 patients, of whom 24 were female (43.6%). The mean age at the index procedure was 31.7 years (15–58 years). All patients received an ACL construction using a bone block-free quadriceps tendon graft fixed with resorbable cross-pins. The postoperative regimen included partial weight-bearing for 3 weeks and flexion limited to 90° for six weeks; an orthosis was not used. The mean follow-up duration was 29.5 months (24.3–38.5 months) after the index procedure. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and examination form was assessed, as well as the Lysholm and Gillquist score and the Tegner activity index. The Rolimeter arthrometer was used to assess the anterior laxity of the knee. Results: Graft harvesting was possible in all cases; a bony extension was never required. On average, graft length was measured at 8.8 cm (7.5–10 cm). The mean IKDC subjective score at follow-up was 80.44 points (55.17–100 points, standard deviation [SD] 12.05). The mean preinjury Tegner activity index was 4.98 (2–7) compared to a mean value of 4.16 (2–7, SD 0.8) at follow-up. There was a mean loss of 0.82 index points. The average Lysholm and Gillquist score was 89 points (65–100, SD 17.7). Of the results, 89.1% were in the good or very good groups; in one case (1.8%), the result was poor, while the rest were fair. Conclusion: ACL reconstruction using a bone plug-free quadriceps tendon autograft achieved satisfactory results in a midterm review. Keywords: ACL reconstruction, arthroscopic treatment, quadriceps tendon, clinical case series

Abstract Acromioclavicular joint dislocations often occur in athletic, young patients after blunt force to the shoulder. Several static and dynamic operative procedures with or without primary ligament replacement have been described. Between February 2003 and March 2009 we treated 313 patients suffering from Rockwood III-V lesions of the AC joint with an AC-hook plate. 225 (72%) of these patients could be followed up. Mean operation time was 42 minutes in the conventional group and 47 minutes in the minimal invasive group. The postoperative pain on a scale from 1 to 10 (VAS-scale) was rated 2.7 in the conventional group and 2.2 in the minimal invasive group. Taft score showed very good and good results in 189 patients (84%). Constant score showed an average of 92.4 of 100 possible points with 89% excellent and good results and 11% satisfying results. All patients had some degree of pain or discomfort with the hookplate in place. These symptoms were relieved after removal of the plate. The overall complication rate was 10.6%. There were 6 superficial soft tissue infections, 1 fracture of the acromion, 7 redislocations after removal of the hook-plate. We observed 4 broken hooks which could be removed at the time of plate removal, 4 seromas and 2 cases of lateral clavicle bone infection, which required early removal of the plate. We can conclude that clavicle hook plate is a convenient device for the surgical treatment of Rockwood Grade III-V dislocations, giving good mid-term results with a low overall complication rate compared to the literature. Early functional therapy is possible and can avoid limitations in postoperative shoulder function.

Abstract The cut-out of the sliding screw is one of the most common complications in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. The reasons for the cut-out are: a suboptimal position of the hip-screw in the femoral head, the type of fracture and poor bone quality. The aim of this study was to reproduce the cut-out event biomechanically and to evaluate the possible prevention of this event by the use of a biopolymer augmentation of the hip screw. Concerning the density and compression force of osteoporotic femoral bone polyurethane foam according to the terms of the Association for Standard Testing Material (ASTMF 1839-97) was used as test material. The polyurethane foam Lumoltan 200 with a compression force of 3.3 Mpa and a density of 0.192 g/cm3 was used to reproduce the osteoporotic bone of the femoral fragment (density 12 lbm/ft3). A cylinder of 50 mm of length and 50 mm of width was produced by a rotary splint raising procedure with planar contact. The axial load of the system was performed by a hydraulic force cylinder of a universal test machine type Zwick 1455, Ulm, Germany. The CCD-angle of the used TGN-System was preset at 130 degrees. The migration pattern of the hip screw in the polyurethane foam was measured and expressed as a curve of the distance in millimeter [mm] against the applied load in Newton [N] up to the cut-out point. During the tests the implants reached a critical changing point from stable to unstable with an increased load progression of steps of 50 Newton. This unstable point was characterized by an increased migration speed in millimeters and higher descending gradient in the migration curve. This peak of the migration curve served as an indicator for the change of the hip screw position in the simulated bone material. The applied load in the non-augmented implant showed that in this group for a density degree of 12 (0,192 g/cm3) the mean force at the failure point was 1431 Newton (± 52 Newton). In the augmented implant we found that the mean force at the failure point was 1987 Newton (± 84 Newton). This difference was statistically significant. In conclusion, the bone density is a significant factor for the stability of the hip screw implant. The osteosynthesis with screws in material with low density increases the chance for cut-out. A biopolymer augmented hip screw could significantly improve the stability of the fixation. The use of augmentation with a fast hardening bone replacement material containing polymer-ceramic changes the point of failure under axial load in the osteoporotic bone model and could significantly improve the failure point. Our study results indicate, that a decrease of failure in terms of cut-out can be achieved with polymer augmentation of hip screws in osteoporotic bones.

Abstract Although there is a clear trend toward internal fixation for ankle arthrodesis, there is general consensus that external fixation is required for cases of posttraumatic infection. We retrospectively evaluated the technique and clinical long term results of external fixation in a triangular frame for cases of posttraumatic infection of the ankle. From 1993 to 2006 a consecutive series of 155 patients with an infection of the ankle was included in our study. 133 cases of the advanced "Gächter" stage III and IV were treated with arthrodesis. We treated the patients with a two step treatment plan. After radical debridement and sequestrectomy the malleoli and the joint surfaces were resected. An AO fixator was applied with two Steinmann-nails inserted in the tibia and in the calcaneus and the gap was temporary filled with gentamicin beads as the first step. In the second step we performed an autologous bone graft after a period of four weeks. The case notes were evaluated regarding trauma history, medical complaints, further injuries and illnesses, walking and pain status and occupational issues. Mean age at the index procedure was 49.7 years (18-82), 104 patients were male (67,1%). Follow up examination after mean 4.5 years included a standardised questionnaire and a clinical examination including the criteria of the AO-FAS-Score and radiographs. 92,7% of the cases lead to a stable arthrodesis. In 5 patients the arthrodesis was found partly-stable. In six patients (4,5%) the infection was not controllable during the treatment process. These patients had to be treated with a below knee amputation. The mean AOFAS score at follow up was 63,7 (53-92). Overall there is a high degree of remaining disability. The complication rate and the reduced patient comfort reserve this method mainly for infection. Joint salvage is possible in the majority of cases with an earlier stage I and II infection.

Abstract Introduction At present there are no reliable non-traumatic and non-invasive methods to analyse the healing process and loosening status after total hip replacement. Therefore early as well as late loosening of prosthesis and interface component problems are difficult to be found or diagnosed at any time. Methods In a cadaver study the potential application of Resonance Frequency Monitoring (RFM) will be evaluated as a non-invasive and non-traumatic method to monitor loosening and interface problems in hip replacement. In a 65 year old female cadaver different stability scenarios for a total hip replacement (shaft, head/modular head and cup, ESKA, Luebeck, Germany) are simulated in cemented and cement less prosthesis and then analysed with RFM. The types of stability vary from secure/press-fit to interface-shaft disruption. Results The RFM shows in cemented as well as cement less prosthesis significant intra-individual differences in the spectral measurements with a high dynamic (20 dB difference corresponding to the factor 100 (10000%)), regarding the simulated status of stability in the prosthesis system. Conclusion The results of the study demonstrate RFM as a highly sensitive non-invasive and non-traumatic method to support the application of RFM as a hip prosthesis monitoring procedure. The data obtained shows the possibility to use RFM for osteointegration surveillance and early detection of interface problems, but will require further evaluation in clinical and experimental studies.

Abstract The methods for ankle arthrodesis differ significantly, probably a sign that no method is clearly superior to others. In the last ten years there is a clear favour toward internal fixation. We retrospectively evaluate the technique and evaluate the clinical long term results of external fixation in a triangular frame. Patients and Methods From 1994 to 2001 a consecutive series of 95 patients with end stage arthritis of the ankle joint were treated. Retrospectively the case notes were evaluated regarding trauma history, medical complaints, further injuries and illnesses, walking and pain status and occupational issues and the clinical examination before arthrodesis. Mean age at the index procedure was 45.4 years (18-82), 67 patients were male (70.5%). Via a bilateral approach the malleoli and the joint surfaces were resected. An AO fixator was applied with two Steinmann-nails inserted with approximately 8 cm distance in the distal tibia, one in the neck of the talus and one in the dorsal calcaneus. The fixator was removed after approximately 12 weeks. Follow up examination at mean 4.4 years included a standardised questionnaire and a clinical examination including the criteria of the AOFAS-Score and radiographs. Results: Due to different complications, 8 (8.9%) further surgical procedures were necessary including 1 below knee amputation. In 4 patients a non-union of the ankle arthrodesis developed (4.5%). The mean AOFAS score improved from 20.8 to 69.3 points. Conclusion Non-union rates and clinical results of arthrodesis by triangular external fixation of the ankle joint do not differ to internal fixation methods. The complication rate and the reduced patient comfort reserve this method mainly for infected arthritis and complicated soft tissue situations.

Open tibial fractures usually result from high-energy trauma. Severe soft-tissue injuries are often combined with open fractures of the distal tibia. A consecutive series of 42 patients with open extraarticular distal tibial fractures (Gustilo I--IIIc) operated on between July 2006 and February 2009 were included in the study reported here. We performed open reduction and internal fixation for the Gustilo I cases. Soft tissue was closed directly after antibiotic beads had been temporarily applied. For the Gustilo II and III cases, our treatment protocol included soft-tissue debridement of all devitalized soft tissue and bone fragments, pulsatile jet irrigation, and external stabilization. Soft tissue was temporarily closed with Epigard® after the application of antibiotic beads. A second-look operation was scheduled after 3--5 days. Gustilo II patients needed an average of 1.1 (0--3) revisions until wound closure, compared to the average of 2.1 revisions necessary for the Gustilo III patients. It took 5.6 (0--16) days to obtain definitive wound closure in the Gustilo II patients and 9.9 (3--28) days in the Gustilo III patients. Skin grafting was sufficient for definitive soft-tissue closure in ten cases, local flaps in eight cases, and free musculocutaneous flaps were needed in six cases. Gustilo II patients with primary wound closure remained hospitalized for 11 days, while patients with secondary wound closure stayed in hospital for an average of 20 days. Our early results concerning infection rate, number of reoperations, and time to bony consolidation can be compared with other studies. Functional results will have to be evaluated at clinical follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large studies about the management of pediatric patients with unstable flexion-distraction injuries of the midcervical spine are rare. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl who sustained a cervical spinal injury with unilateral facet dislocation and discuss details and problems of diagnostic procedures and treatment in the light of the recent literature. The management and pitfalls of a unilateral facet dislocation in a child are summarized. After initial reposition, a multi- segmental instability with neurology developed. Although distraction-flexion cervical spine injuries are common in adults and often occur with concomitant neurological sequelae, they also can occur in the pediatric population. In conclusion, an MRI seems advisable. A treatment of postoperative mal-alignment with reposition via a halo-fixator cannot be recommended. Repositioning is possible but was lost when the fixator was removed. Comparing the historic and recent literature there is only weak evidence overall, nevertheless a ventral fusion seems to be the treatment option of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis is a rare complication after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. All case series reported so far have been retrospective, and case numbers of septic arthritis have ranged from 4 to 11. HYPOTHESIS: A stage-adapted treatment regimen for septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament surgery can provide reliable results. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: From June 1993 to May 2003, 24 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. The average age at trauma was 32.5 years. Treatment protocol was based on the grade of infection. Options included transarthroscopic treatment for Gaechter grades 1 and 2 infections or medial and lateral arthrotomy for grades 3 and 4 infections. Graft retention was decided based on clinical findings. The setting was a specialized trauma hospital. Follow-up included International Knee Documentation Committee forms, radiographs, and the Tegner and Lysholm scores at a mean of 66 months (range, 11-142) after treatment. RESULTS: In all cases, treatment of infection was successful; overall, a mean of 2.2 operations were required. In 7 cases, it was possible to salvage the graft. The Tegner activity level before the knee injury was 6.1 points. At follow-up, the average score was 3.8 points. The postoperative subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score averaged 64. The mean Lysholm score was 65.6. On clinical examination, a mean extension deficit of 3 degrees and a mean maximum flexion of 120 degrees were found. In the single-legged hop test, a mean capacity of 63% compared with the uninjured side was measured. CONCLUSION: The described treatment regimen gives reliable results for this complication. There were no recurrences of septic arthritis or bone infection. Early infection can be managed arthroscopically with satisfactory results regarding the treatment of infection. In advanced or chronic infection, a more radical approach seems favorable. Results in these cases are overall only fair compared with patients with an uncomplicated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is known that fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum in work-related accidents are associated with long periods of incapacity to work, a high rate of reduction in earning capacity (MdE) and high costs for pension/severance pay., Objective: Investigation of changes in pension claims and costs from 2013 to 2019 after isolated fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum in work-related accidents in Germany., Material and Methods: For all patients from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) registry with isolated fractures of the pelvic ring or acetabulum in work-related accidents, linear trend analyses were carried out among others for the proportion of MdE ≥20%, the proportion of cases receiving pension/severance pay and total costs for pension/severance pay from 2013 to 2019. A logistic regression analysis for the likelihood of receiving a pension was also performed., Results: The proportion of MdE ≥20% decreased for fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum in total from 14.3% for 2013 to 8.2% for 2019 and there was a decreasing trend for the proportion of cases receiving pension/severance pay for fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum in total from 23.1% for 2013 to 13.6% for 2019 as well as for both fracture types individually. There was also a decrease in the costs for pensions/severance pay for fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum in total from € 1,542,531 for 2013 to € 1,006,887 for 2019. The likelihood of receiving a pension decreased by 8% per subsequent accident year between 2013 and 2019., Conclusion: The proportion of pension claims and thus the costs for pensions/severance pay decreased for isolated fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum in work-related accidents from 2013 to 2019. The DGUV seems to fulfil its guideline Rehabilitation before pension., Competing Interests: Einhaltung ethischer Richtlinien. Interessenkonflikt: N. Hinz, J. Dehoust, S. Mangelsdorf, A.-P. Schulz, K.-H. Frosch und M.J. Hartel geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht. Vor dem Hintergrund, dass die studiengegenständlichen Patientendaten keinem Menschen mehr zugeordnet werden können (vollständig anonyme Datenauswertung), stellt diese Studie kein „Forschungsvorhaben am Menschen“ im Sinne des § 9 Abs. 2 des Hamburgischen Kammergesetzes für die Heilberufe dar und fällt auch nicht unter die nach § 15 Abs. 1 der Berufsordnung für Hamburger Ärzte und Ärztinnen beratungspflichtigen Forschungsvorhaben. Somit ist für diese Studie keine Beratung durch die Ethikkommission der Ärztekammer Hamburg erforderlich (2024-300456-WF). Diese Studie wurde im Einklang mit nationalem Recht sowie gemäß der Deklaration von Helsinki von 1975 (in der aktuellen, überarbeiteten Fassung) durchgeführt., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Short-stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) has gained popularity due to its bone-sparing technique, but its outcomes in patients with obesity remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity on postoperative subsidence and clinical outcomes after short-stem THA. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with a minimum follow-up of 24 months was conducted on 163 patients who underwent short-stem THA with a collarless, triple-tapered, cementless stem achieving fixation in the metaphyseal region. Patients were categorized into obesity (Body Mass Index, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) and nonobesity (BMI < 30 kg/m 2 ) groups. Subsidence rates, clinical outcomes, and complications were analyzed to assess the influence of BMI on the outcome of short stem THA. Regression analysis was performed to assess the influence of the independent variables (BMI, stem size, deviation from planning) on subsidence. Results: The obesity group (mean follow-up 58.6 months) exhibited significantly greater subsidence rates than did the nonobesity group (mean follow-up 38.9 months; 2.6 mm vs. 2.2 mm, p = 0.015). After removal of outliers, regression analysis revealed no linear relationship between BMI and subsidence ( p = 0.35), but planned stem size was significantly correlated with subsidence ( p = 0.005). Moreover, patients with obesity and larger planned stem sizes experienced greater subsidence. Clinical outcomes improved significantly in both groups. Conclusions: Obesity is associated with increased subsidence in short-stem THA, particularly in patients with larger planned stem sizes. Although BMI alone may not predict subsidence, careful selection of stem size and precise imaging techniques are crucial for minimizing subsidence risk in patients with obesity.

Background: Complex fractures of the trochanteric region, as well as fractures located in the directly subtrochanteric region, are controversially discussed around the world regarding the nail type to be used. A long nail is recommended by manufacturers but requires longer surgical and fluoroscopy times. A possible solution could be a nail with an appropriate length which can be locked in a minimally invasive manner by the main aiming device. We aimed to determine if such a nail model (DCN SL nail, SWEMAC, Linköping, Sweden) offers similar structural stability on biomechanical testing on artificial bone as a standard long nail when used to treat complex trochanteric fractures and compared it to long nails usually used in this setting., Methods: An osteoporotic bone model was chosen. The Swemac Hansson DCN Nail System was used as osteosynthesis material. Two types of nails were chosen: a superior lock nail which can be implanted with a singular targeting device, and a long nail with distal locking using free-hand technique. AO31A2.2 fractures were simulated in a standardised manner. Axial height of the construct, varus collapse, and rotational deformity directly after nail insertion were simulated. A Universal Testing Machine was used. Measurements were made with a stereo-optic tracking system., Findings: There was a detectable difference in the axial fracture movement resulting in narrowing of the fracture gap. There was no difference in varus collapse or rotational deformity between the nail variants CONCLUSION: We conclude that there are small differences which are clinically insignificant and that a superior locking nail can safely be used to manage complex trochanteric fractures., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The primary goal of this randomised controlled trial was to investigate whether there are differences in the outcome between the Gamma3 nail and a sliding hip screw (SHS) regarding quality of life 1 year after surgery., Methods: In a controlled randomised trial, we compared the Gamma3 nail (Stryker) and a SHS (Omega, Stryker) in the treatment of 193 patients with pertrochanteric fractures. The follow-up period was 12 months. The outcomes included the surgical duration, health-related quality of life measured with the EQ-5D Index and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the living situation and use of walking aid before trauma and 52 weeks after surgery; the Parker Mobility Score; the Harris Hip Score; and the revision, complication and mortality rates., Results: The Gamma3 group had a significantly shorter surgical duration than the SHS group (p < 0.0001). Implant-related complications were significantly lower in the Gamma3 group (p > 0.05). The revision rate was significantly lower in the Gamma3 group based on intention-to-treat (p = 0.0336) as well as as-treated (p = 0.0302) analyses. Otherwise, we did not find significant difference between the two groups regarding the EQ-5D Index and VAS scores, the Parker Mobility Score, the Harris Hip Score, the mortality rate, the use of walking aids and the living situation., Conclusion: There were no detectable differences between the groups in terms of quality of life and clinical scores 12 months after surgery. The surgical duration and revision rate were superior for the Gamma3 group., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)