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Classification of gait disorders in cerebral palsy (CP) remains challenging. The Winters, Gage, and Hicks (WGH) is a commonly used classification system for unilateral CP regarding the gait patterns (lower limb kinematics) solely in the sagittal plane. Due to the high number of unclassified patients, this classification system might fail to depict all gait disorders accurately. As the information on trunk/pelvic movements, frontal and transverse planes, and kinetics are disregarded in WGH, 3D instrumented gait analysis (IGA) for further characterization is necessary. The objective of this study was a detailed analysis of patients with unilateral CP using IGA taking all planes/degrees of freedom into account including pelvic and trunk movements. A total of 89 individuals with unilateral CP matched the inclusion criteria and were classified by WGH. Subtype-specific differences were analyzed. The most remarkable findings, in addition to the established WGH subtype-specific deviations, were pelvic obliquity and pelvic retraction in all WGH types. Furthermore, the unclassified individuals showed altered hip rotation moments and pelvic retraction almost throughout the whole gait cycle. Transversal malalignment and proximal involvement are relevant in all individuals with unilateral CP. Further studies should focus on WGH type-specific rotational malalignment assessment (static vs. dynamic, femoral vs. tibial) including therapeutic effects and potential subtype-specific compensation mechanisms and/or tertiary deviations of the sound limb.

The goniometer is the gold-standard measurement tool of ankle range of motion (ROM). However, several studies have questioned its inter- and intra-rater reliability. Therefore, we conducted this validation study to assess the reliability of a different tool, named Equinometer, as a measurement device of ankle ROM in addition to comparing the reproducibility of their results.Sixteen healthy individuals were included. They underwent both goniometer and Equinometer measurements in knee extension and 90° knee flexion (Silfverskjöld Test). Three raters reported the values of dorsiflexion (DF) and plantarflexion (PF) in each session using both measurement tools. Intra-rater reliability was assessed between 2 raters on another study group of 24 participants. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to determine the reliability of the used device.The age of study subjects ranged from 22 to 85 years. Fifty percent were males, and the right ankle joint was the most examined side (68.75%). In terms of DF and PF during knee extension and flexion, our analysis revealed that the measurements recorded by the Equinometer were equivalent to the goniometer. Of note, the intra-rater reliability of the Equinometer was excellent for both DF and PF assessment during both knee flexion and extension (Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.90 to 0.98), with minimal mean differences from goniometer measurements. Subgroup analysis based on age did not reveal any significant differences (P .05).Given the high intra-rater correlations of the Equinometer, we suggest that it is reliable and precise in recording ankle ROM in outpatient clinics, particularly to obtain reproductive, comparable and unbiased data from different observers.

Femoral neck prostheses have been developed for the treatment of osteoarthritis in young and active patients. The concept combines a bone-conserving and minimal invasive technique with proximal load transferring by metaphyseal anchoring, which results in a more physiological loading pattern. However, little is known about the morphology of periprosthetic fractures. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe fracture patterns and to determine patient-specific factors favoring periprosthetic fracture. This study was performed as a biomechanical experimental study using 10 fresh frozen femora and 10 Silent-Hip femoral neck implants (DePuy International Ltd., Leeds, UK). In order to simulate physiological loading, a static muscle reconstruction (abductor muscles and iliotibial band) and a dynamic simulation of the gait cycle were applied. During biomechanical testing (50% and 100% of normal weight-bearing), three periprosthetic fractures with two different morphologies occurred. The first pattern corresponds to an abrupt breakaway. The second type was of spiral configuration extending to the diaphyseal region and emerging from an initial fissure. Specimen-specific factors favoring periprosthetic fracture were body mass index and varus angle of the implant. Periprosthetic fractures may extend to the subtrochanteric/diaphyseal region and may be of spiral configuration. According to the finding of this study, body mass index and varus/valgus position of the implant are important factors influencing the risk of periprosthetic fractures. Furthermore, partial weight-bearing as part of the postoperative regimen may be favorable.

Equinus is a common deformity in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP). While dynamic equinus usually is treated by conservative therapy, fixed contractures need surgical correction. To choose the appropriate surgical method, it is important to discriminate between isolated gastrocnemius shortening and combined gastrosoleus complex contracture. In a retrospective study 938 patients with BSCP were studied. Patients underwent gait analysis and clinical examination. 248 patients (496 limbs) met the inclusion criteria. Data from motion analysis and clinical examination were used to calculate the prevalence and to further classify fixed equinus foot. The prevalence of equinus was 83.3%. During clinical exam 246 (59.6%) limbs showed combined gastrosoleus complex contracture and 167 (40.4%) isolated gastrocnemius contracture. Max. DF at stance and mean DF at initial contact were significantly reduced in combined contracture, while max. ROM was increased (P

The 45S5-bioactive glass (BG) composition is the most commonly investigated amongst BG-based bone substitutes. By changing BG compositions and by addition of therapeutically active ions such as boron, the biological features of BGs can be tailored towards specific needs and possible drawbacks can be overcome. The borosilicate glass 0106-B1 (composition in wt%: 37.5 SiO2, 22.6 CaO, 5.9 Na2O, 4.0 P2O5, 12.0 K2O, 5.5 MgO, 12.5 B2O3) has demonstrated pro-angiogenic properties. However, the osteogenic performance of the 0106-B1-BG and its influence on cell viability and proliferation in vitro as well as its osteogenic and angiogenic properties in vivo have not been investigated. Therefore, in this study, the impact of 0106-B1-BG and 45S5-BG on osteogenic differentiation, viability and proliferation on human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) was assessed in vitro. Furthermore, MSC-seeded scaffolds made from both BG types were implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice for 10 weeks. Osteoid formation was quantified by histomorphometry, vascularization was visualized by immunohistological staining. Additionally, the in vivo expression patterns of genes correlating with osteogenesis and angiogenesis were analyzed. In vitro, the impact of 45S5-BG and 0106-B1-BG on the proliferation, viability and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was comparable. In vivo, scaffolds made from 0106-B1-BG significantly outperformed the 45S5-BG-based scaffolds regarding the amount and maturation of the osteoid. Furthermore, 0106-B1-BG-based scaffolds showed significantly increased angiogenic gene expression patterns. In conclusion, the beneficial angiogenic properties of 0106-B1-BG result in improved osteogenic properties in vivo, making the 0106-B1-BG a promising candidate for further investigation, e.g. in a bone defect model.

As cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex disorder, classification of gait pathologies is difficult. It is assumed that unclassified patients show less functional impairment and less gait deviation. The aim of this study was to assess the different subgroups and the unclassified patients with unilateral CP using different gait indices. The Gillette Gait Index (GGI), Gait Deviation Index (GDI), Gait Profile Score (GPS) and spatiotemporal parameters derived from instrumented 3D-Gait Analysis (IGA) were assessed. Subgroups were defined using morphological and functional classification systems. Regarding the different gait indices, a ranking of the different gait patterns is evident. Significant differences were found between GMFCS level I and II, Winters et al. (Winters, Gage, Hicks, WGH) type IV and type I and the WGH-unclassified. Concerning the spatiotemporal parameters significant differences were found between GMFCS level I and II concerning velocity. The unclassified patients showed mean values for the different gait indices that were comparable to those of established subgroups. Established gait patterns cause different degrees of gait deviation and functional impairment. The unclassified patients do not differ from established gait patterns but from the unimpaired gait. Further evaluation using 3D-IGA is necessary to identify the underlying gait pathologies of the unclassified patients.

Background The market for dietary supplements in the sports sector has been growing rapidly for several years, though there is still lacking evidence regarding their claimed benefits. One group is that of nitric oxide increasing supplements, so-called "NO-boosters", which are claimed to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle by enhancing vasodilation. The aim of this study was to investigate three of these supplements in healthy male athletes for their muscle perfusion-enhancing potential using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).Methods This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized cross-over trial will be carried out at the Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury of the University Hospital Heidelberg. Three commercial NO enhancing products including 300 mg of the specific green tea extract VASO6™ and a combination of 8 g L-citrulline malate and 3 g L-arginine hydrochloride will be examined for their potential to increase muscular perfusion in 30 male athletes between 18 and 40 years and will be compared with a placebo. On each of the three appointments CEUS of the dominant biceps muscle will be performed at rest and after a standardized resistance training. Every athlete receives each of the three supplements once after a wash-out period of at least one week. Perfusion will be quantified via VueBox® quantification software. The results of CEUS perfusion measurements will be compared intra- and interindividually and correlated with clinical parameters.Discussion The results of this study may help to establish CEUS as a suitable imaging modality for the evaluation of potentially vasodilatory drugs in the field of sports. Other supplements could also be evaluated in this way to verify the content of their advertising claims.Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), ID: DRKS00016972, registered on 25.03.2019.

The objective of this prospective cohort study was the assessment of short-term outcome results of shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) using pyrolytic carbon (PC) heads. PC has been introduced as a new material to avoid surgical revision due to glenoid erosion after HA. Glenoid erosion due to the use of metallic heads is known to reduce durability.HA using PC heads shows comparable or better radiographic and clinical outcome compared to the conventional HA using metallic heads in the short-term.This study was conducted as a single center prospective cohort follow-up study including a total number of 16 consecutive HA with PC heads. Inclusion criteria were indication for HA, an intact rotator cuff, no proximal humeral fractures in patient's history and age18years. Mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 52.8±10.8years. The mean follow-up was 24.3±8.1months. Baseline and follow-up Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Constant Scores (CS), Range of Motion (ROM) and radiographs were assessed.At a mean follow-up of 24.3months the mean CS (p0.001), mean NRS (p0.001) and mean ROM (p0.05) improved statistically significant. Subgroup analysis revealed no differences between subgroups (sex, age, diagnosis, and handedness). Survival rate was high (94.1%). One periprosthetic fracture occurred as the only complication during follow-up. Radiographs showed glenoid erosion in one case and subacromial space reduction in two cases.PC heads in HA show satisfying short-term results at a mean follow-up of two years, which are comparable to those of conventional HA. The clinical improvements were highly significant with good implant survival. However, long-term follow-up results are necessary, especially compared to conventional HA.IV; observational therapeutic cohort study.

Introduction The objective of this prospective cohort study was the assessment of short-term outcome results of shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) using pyrolytic carbon (PC) heads. PC has been introduced as a new material to avoid surgical revision due to glenoid erosion after HA. Glenoid erosion due to the use of metallic heads is known to reduce durability. Hypothesis HA using PC heads shows comparable or better radiographic and clinical outcome compared to the conventional HA using metallic heads in the short term. Patients & methods This study was conducted as a single center prospective cohort follow-up study including a total number of 16 consecutive HA with PC heads. Inclusion criteria were indication for HA, an intact rotator cuff, no proximal humeral fractures in patient's history and age >18 years. Mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 52.8 ± 10.8 years. The mean follow-up was 24.3 ± 8.1 months. Baseline and follow-up Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Constant Scores (CS), Range of Motion (ROM) and radiographs were assessed. Results At a mean follow-up of 24.3 months the mean CS (p Discussion PC heads in HA show satisfying short-term results at a mean follow-up of two years, which are comparable to those of conventional HA. The clinical improvements were highly significant with good implant survival. However, long-term follow-up results are necessary, especially compared to conventional HA. Level of evidence : IV; Observational Therapeutic Cohort Study.

As unilateral cerebral palsy represents a complex disorder, gait classification is difficult. Knowledge of the most frequent gait patterns and functional impairment is crucial for proper decision-making. This study analyzes the prevalence of gait patterns as well as the relation of different gait patterns and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Eighty-nine patients were classified retrospectively using the GMFCS, the classification of Winters, Gage, and Hicks (WGH), and Sutherland et al. The distribution of GMFCS levels among the different gait patterns was analyzed using Chi-squared test. The most common subtypes were GMFCS level I, WGH type I, and recurvatum knee. Seventeen percent (WGH) and 59% (Sutherland) of the patients did not match any criteria. Applying both classifications complementarily reduced the number of unclassified patients significantly. There was no significant difference concerning the distribution of GMFCS levels or age among the different gait patterns. A combined use of various classification systems is beneficial for proper decision-making. Unclassified patients seem to be a heterogeneous subgroup concerning functional impairment. There is a need of further characterization of the unclassifiable gait patterns and the caused functional impairment. Instrumented gait analysis remains the gold standard and should be broadly used for future studies and in clinical practice.

Introduction The market for dietary supplements in the sports sector has been growing rapidly for several years, though there is still lacking evidence regarding their claimed benefits. One group is that of nitric oxide increasing supplements, so-called "NO-boosters," which are claimed to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle by enhancing vasodilation.The aim of this study was to investigate 3 of these supplements in healthy male athletes for their muscle perfusion-enhancing potential using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized cross-over trial will be carried out at the Center for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury of the University Hospital Heidelberg. Three commercial NO enhancing products including 300 mg of the specific green tea extract VASO6 and a combination of 8 g L-citrulline malate and 3 g L-arginine hydrochloride will be examined for their potential to increase muscular perfusion in 30-male athletes between 18 and 40 years and will be compared with a placebo. On each of the 3 appointments CEUS of the dominant biceps muscle will be performed at rest and after a standardized resistance training. Every athlete receives each of the 3 supplements once after a wash-out period of at least 1 week. Perfusion will be quantified via VueBox quantification software. The results of CEUS perfusion measurements will be compared intra- and interindividually and correlated with clinical parameters. Discussion The results of this study may help to establish CEUS as a suitable imaging modality for the evaluation of potentially vasodilatory drugs in the field of sports. Other supplements could also be evaluated in this way to verify the content of their advertising claims. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), ID: DRKS00016972, registered on 25.03.2019.