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Biomedical subjects

A Krödel

Publications and source records attributed to A Krödel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Long-term results of ventro-dorsal versus ventral instrumentation fusion in the treatment of spondylitis.

This study examines prospectively the randomised, long-term, clinical and radiological results of the treatment of spondylitis patients by ventro-dorsal or ventral spine fusion. Group 1 consisted of 12 patients who (after ventral removal of the focus of infection and autologous bone grafting) were treated by dorsal instrumentation. Group 2 consisted of ten patients who, after similar ventral removal and bone interposition, were stabilised by ventral instrumentation. The patients prospectively underwent clinical and radiological studies. In addition, they were asked to fill in self-assessment questionnaires such as the short-form (SF)-36 health survey, the Oswestry questionnaire, and the visual analog scales (VAS). The postoperative follow-ups were at 6 months, 2 years and 5.4 years. It proved possible to demonstrate clinically that patients with an isolated ventral spondylodesis feel significantly better and experience significantly less pain in the area of spinal fusion than patients with ventro-dorsal fusion 2 and 5.4 years after the operation. Over a number of years a stable fusion can be achieved through either operation. Ventral stabilisation yields more advantages than dorsal instrumentation in the long term. These advantages result in a clinically smoother course after the operation. If, in the individual case, ventral instrumentation is feasible, this method should be used.

Adult↗

[Material removal after anterio-posterior spondylodesis -- necessity of posterior instrumentation removal after osseous fusion].

BACKGROUND: The present study on spondylitis patients with anterio-posterior spondylodesis was carried out to get a recommendation whether material removal is necessary after osseous fusion. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with spondylitis were operated on at the Orthopaedic Department of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich with posterior instrumentation after debridement and fusion with autologous bone transplant. In a prospective clinical investigation we examined our patients regarding clinical and radiological outcome preoperatively, 2 weeks, 12 months and 4.9 years after operation. We paid special attention on complications and loss of correction in leaving posterior instrumentation. RESULTS: Compared with the advanced clinical signs of spondylitis, minor intra- and postoperative complications were seen. Two patients showed superficial wound infections with fistulization because of the posterior implants 3 years postoperatively. Both cases closed after revision and material removal without complications. 12 months and 4.9 years postoperatively the average loss of correction was constant 2 degrees . CONCLUSION: Generally material removal of posterior spinal instruments results in a significant loss of correction in the spondylodesis segment. Our study shows, that persisting posterior instrumentation could prevent loss of correction. On the other hand we recommend material removal in case of spondylodesis after osseous fusion to prevent wound healing complications.

Adult↗

[Differences between anteroposterior and posterior spondylodesis in clinical scores].

The present study on spondylitis patients was carried out to compare prospectively results of clinical scores of patients treated with anteroposterior or anterior spondylodesis. A total of 22 patients with spondylitis were enrolled in the randomized trial to undergo an operation with anteroposterior or posterior spondylodesis. For quality of life adjustment, the SF-36 health survey was applied. Pain and disability were measured using the Oswestry low-back pain disability questionnaire and visual analogue scales (VAS). Twelve patients were assigned to undergo anteroposterior spondylodesis and ten patients anterior spondylodesis. Postoperative improvement of spinal function, general health, well being, back pain, and mobility could be observed in both groups of patients. Better results of patients treated with anterior spondylodesis compared with anteroposterior spondylodesis were seen. No statistical difference was found between the two groups at any time. The less invasive nature of anterior spondylodesis could be responsible for that result.Anterior spondylodesis should used if possible and deemed adequate because it causes less discomfort.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Fibromatosis of the plantar fascia: diagnosis and indications for surgical treatment.

Plantar fibromatosis is a rare, benign lesion involving the plantar aponeurosis. Eleven patients (13 feet) underwent 24 operations, including local excision, wide excision, or complete plantar fasciectomy. Clinical results were evaluated retrospectively. There were no differences among the subgroups in postoperative complications. Two primary fasciectomies did not recur. Three of six revised fasciectomies, seven of nine wide excisions, and six of seven local excisions recurred. Our results indicate that recurrence of plantar fibromatosis after surgical resection can be reduced by aggressive initial surgical resection.

Adult↗

Anterior debridement, fusion, and extrafocal stabilization in the treatment of osteomyelitis of the spine.

To simplify and shorten the rehabilitation after anterior debridement and fusion in pyogenic and tuberculous osteomyelitis of the spine, the role of additional extrafocal dorsal transpedicular instrumentation was studied. Thirty-three (10 female, 23 male) patients were followed up in a prospective study and controlled with an average follow-up period of 22.1 months after the operation with clinical and neurologic check-up, blood test, and serial radiographs. Solid bony fusion and healing of the infection was achieved in all patients. Preoperative deformities could be corrected, and there were no life-threatening complications. Dorsal extrafocal stabilization offered the advantage of braceless rehabilitation without adding unpredictable risks.

Adult↗

Rapidly progredient scoliosis associated with multicore disease.

Multicore disease is a rare congenital myopathy that normally stops or makes slow progress. It starts with delayed motor development and frequent falls. Especially the proximal muscles are involved. Other symptoms include contractures of joints, clubfoot, high arched palate, chest deformities, involvement of eye-muscle, cardiac abnormalities, hyperlordosis and scoliosis that normally does not require surgery. We report a rare case of advanced scoliosis in multicore disease requiring operative treatment in a 15-year-old girl. In this case the scoliosis took a rapidly progredient course in puberty close to the end of skeletal growth. A dorsal spondylodesis with USS instrumentation from T9 to L3 was performed. A significant reduction of the scoliosis was obtained. Scoliosis in multicore disease may take a rapidly progredient course. Frequent checks will lead to the initiation of surgical treatment in time.

Actins↗

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of bone marrow: differentiation of benign versus pathologic compression fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of bone marrow for differentiating between benign and pathologic vertebral compression fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with 39 vertebral compression fractures were examined with MR imaging. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed with a steady-state free precession sequence in 22 acute benign osteoporotic and/or traumatic fractures and 17 pathologic compression fractures. Biplanar radiographs, T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) MR images, and short inversion time inversion-recovery (STIR) MR images were available for all patients. The signal intensity characteristics were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively (bone marrow contrast ratios and signal-to-noise ratios) for all sequences. RESULTS: At diffusion-weighted MR imaging, all benign vertebral compression fractures were hypo- to isointense to adjacent normal vertebral bodies. Pathologic compression fractures were hyperintense to normal vertebral bodies. Benign vertebral fractures had negative bone marrow contrast ratios at diffusion-weighted imaging, whereas pathologic vertebral fractures had positive values (P < .001). The difference in bone marrow contrast ratios for benign and pathologic compression fractures at T1-weighted SE and STIR imaging was not significant (P > .01). CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging provided excellent distinction between pathologic and benign vertebral compression fractures.

Adult↗

Spinal cord compression caused by the rod of a Harrington instrumentation device: a late complication in scoliosis surgery.

We report a unique complication caused by the rod of a Harrington instrumentation device, which resulted in spinal stenosis and myelopathy. A literature review revealed no previous causes of direct spinal cord impingement caused by the rod of a Harrington device. In this case, years after the initial operation, the rod penetrated the lamina at the junction between a thoracic and a lumbar curve, causing spinal stenosis and myelopathy. We conclude that regular control of the position of the device and awareness of possible late neurological complications are necessary to identify such complications as early as possible.

Female↗

[Avoidance of homologous blood transfusion despite extreme blood loss].

We report the case of a 22-year-old woman who underwent two-step scoliosis surgery without allogeneic transfusion, although the intraoperative blood loss (3500 ml) during the first procedure was higher than the calculated blood volume (3250 ml). Preoperatively the patient had donated four units of autologous blood. Intraoperatively blood-saving methods were combined. During the first operation acute normovolemic hemodilution (target hemoglobin 9.0 g/dl) was applied and during the second operation controlled hypotension (systolic blood pressure 80 mmHg). Intraoperative auto-transfusion was used in both procedures. During the first operation severe normovolemic anemia (minimal hemoglobin 3.5 g/dl) was accepted while the patient was ventilated with FiO2 1.0. The hemoglobin concentration was 8.6 g/dl after the first procedure and had increased to 11.6 g/dl 4 weeks after the second procedure. No severe complications occurred during the postoperative phase. This case report shows that also in surgical procedures with extreme blood loss any allogenic transfusion can be avoided by the combination of blood-saving methods, acceptance of low intraoperative transfusion trigger and ventilation with 100% oxygen.

Adult↗

Mechanical principles of compressive interbody fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: A biomechanical study on cadaveric lumbar spines was performed measuring interfragmentary forces and contact areas between intercorporal bone blocks and vertebral endplates. OBJECTIVES: To show the correct application of internal fixators to achieve interfragmentary compression between bone blocks and adjacent endplates. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Several researchers have previously tried to compress interbody bone blocks by internal fixator systems. Knowledge of the correct way to use the internal fixator systems for this purpose has been lacking. METHODS: Ten cadaveric lumbar spines were analyzed by instrumenting each motion unit with an intercorporal bone block and a dorsal transpedicular arbeitsgemeinschaft osteosynthesefragen internal fixator. Interfragmentary load and compression surface and their distribution were measured with a capacitive measuring mat. The internal fixator was loaded in compression in two different ways to determine the optimum mode of application. RESULTS: Simple compression of an internal fixator did not achieve sufficient interfragmentary forces and compression surfaces. Usually lordotic contouring of the instrumented spinal motion unit with a decrease in interfragmentary forces and width of compression surfaces developed. Preloading the fixator in slight kyphosis and compressing it in a second step achieved significantly improved interfragmentary forces and sufficient compression surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Preloading an internal fixator in kyphosis and secondary compression is mandatory to get sufficient interfragmentary forces and compression surfaces between interbody bone blocks and adjacent vertebral endplates. The technique described provides a compressive interbody fusion and can be performed preserving the physiological shape of the spine.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Degenerative disk vascularization on MRI: correlation with clinical and histopathologic findings.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was designed to determine the MRI features, clinical significance, and correlation to histopathologic findings of secondary vascularized degenerative intervertebral disks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with localized painful spine syndrome were investigated prospectively by contrast-enhanced MRI. Pain was not predominantly radiating and there was no clinical evidence of spinal infection. In all patients sagittal SE T1-weighted, fast SE T2-weighted or turbo-STIR, and T1-weighted frequency-selective fat-suppressed images were obtained. RESULTS: We identified 37 vascularized disks in 26 patients. In 18 patients the changes had occurred spontaneously, in 6, the affected disk had been operated on previously, and 2 patients had spondylolisthesis. In 15 patients, vascularization was accompanied by medullary edema adjacent to the vertebral endplates. In one of the vascularized disks, herniation was also found. In seven patients, ventral diskectomy was performed. Histopathologic findings confirmed disk vascularization in six of seven cases. CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative, band-like disk vascularization is a feature which is associated with local pain. It was demonstrated by contrast-enhanced MRI. Degenerative disk vascularization is an important differential diagnosis to bacterial spondylodiskitis. It can be a cause of pain in patients with postdiskectomy syndrome.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation.

Sixty-five patients were operated on for acromioclavicular dislocation between 1980 and 1991. Seventeen type II and 48 type III dislocations according to the criteria of Tossy et al. were treated. Three different surgical techniques were employed. (1) tension band wiring, (2) a modification of the Bosworth repair, (3) reconstruction of the ligaments with augmentation by a PDS (polydioxanon) cord. Forty-four patients could be investigated retrospectively, and an additional 12 were recorded by questionnaire. The Taft score was used, representing self-assessment, clinical statements and radiological findings. Of all investigated patients 87.5% had a normal range of motion without any loss of strength, and 32% suffered an osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. The average Taft score was 9.8. With respect to the three surgical techniques, reconstruction of the ligaments augmented by a PDS cord produced the best result, an average Taft score of 10.8.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗

Indications for and results of operative treatment of spondylitis and spondylodiscitis.

We present a retrospective follow-up study of 24 patients with spondylitis or spondylodiscitis whose treatment included surgical intervention. Tuberculous spondylitis was diagnosed in 14 patients and 10 suffered from non-specific spondylitis. The average age of the patients was 50.2 years and average follow-up was 3 years. All patients were asymptomatic at the time of examination and showed radiographic evidence of solid fusion. We recommend radical debridement and spinal fusion through a ventral approach in patients with destruction of the ventral vertebral body, progressive neurological impairment, septicaemia and antibiotic-resistant, symptomatic infections of the spine. In the elderly patient, even in reduced states of health, early surgical intervention can be particularly valuable. Although surgical intervention should be reserved for specific indications, we were able to document favourable results in all 24 patients treated with debridement and spinal fusion.

Bone Transplantation↗

Destructive changes of the spine in magnetic resonance imaging.

Twenty-nine patients were examined by magnetic resonance imaging for various lesions of the spine. The results of these scans were compared with those of plain radiographs, computertomographs, and radionuclide bone scans. The findings were substantiated by intraoperative or histological findings in 18 cases. The MRI scans proved to be very sensitive in the detection of a wide spectrum of morphological changes of the bone marrow of vertebral bodies. Characteristic changes of the signal patterns for inflammatory and tumorous lesions were not observed. The differentiation of these lesions will presently continue to have to be based on morphological criteria.

Adolescent↗

The importance of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the planning of stabilizing operations on the cervical spine in rheumatoid patients.

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as chronic polyarthritis or spondylarthritis ankylopoietica, can occasionally lead to vertebral instabilities of the occipitoatlantal or atlantoaxial level, requiring some form of stabilizing operation. By means of functional magnetic resonance imaging, i.e., with the cervical spine at its maximal range of flexion and extension, performed on 11 patients suffering from an instability at the above level, it was possible to demonstrate not only the extent of synovial tissue, but also how this sometimes excessive soft-tissue growth hinders an adequate reduction of the subluxated vertebrae. The importance of this investigation lies in the fact that the necessary operation can be planned appropriately. As such, three patients required a decompressing operation entailing resection of the posterior arch of the atlas, widening of the foremen magnum, or both.

Aged↗

[Patellar dislocation as a cause of osteochondral fracture of the femoro-patellar joint].

Acute traumatic dislocation of the patella may be associated with osteochondral fractures. Clinical examination invariably shows a tense effusion. A detailed radiographic examination including antero-posterior, lateral and skyline views of the patella is usually necessary to establish an exact diagnosis. Once diagnosis is made open reduction and fixation of the osteochondral fracture should be carried out if it is possible. Out of 78 patients of our own with patella dislocation 24 cases suffered an osteochondral fracture. In ten cases refixation of the osteochondral fragment was achieved. Intraoperatively the alignment of the patella was controlled in any case. In cases of lateral subluxation lateral release and medial reconstruction was performed. In two cases medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity was carried out. Osteochondral fractures of the femoro-patellar groove represent an important injury in the course of acute patellar dislocation. With exact diagnosis and correct treatment congruity of the femoro-patellar joint can be restored in many cases.

Bone Transplantation↗

[The treatment of post-traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation using Du Toit's operation].

From 1.4. 1986 to 31.12. 1987 we operated 21 patients with a recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder with the Du Toit staple capsulorrhaphy. 20 patients we followed clinically and radiologically for an average period of one year and four months. By using a rating sheet 17 patients had an excellent and three patients a good result. There was, against other operation techniques, a minimally limiting of external rotation. We had no recurrents of dislocation. We concluded that the Du Toit staple capsulorrhaphy makes necessary only short postoperative immobilisation and renders an early return of motion and that a good function can be expected.

Adult↗

[Use of a capacitive measuring mat for recording inter-fragment pressures and pressure distribution in ventral inter-corporal spondylodesis].

With respect to ventral interbody fusion, rates of pseudarthrosis of up to 30% are reported. With the aim of reducing this figure, the use of dorsal fixation systems to stabilise the fused spinal units is recommended by a number of authors. The aim of these osteosynthetic procedures is to elevate the interfragmentary compression between the ventral bone block and the adjacent vertebrae. In order to measure the pressure achievable, and its local distribution, an experimental investigation involving the use of a capacitive measuring mat has been designed. The system of capacitive measurement and its application to the spine is described. The simple mode of measurement and mechanical stability, combined with high accuracy, are the specific advantages of capacitive systems of measurement. Especially in the documentation of interfragmentary pressure and pressure distribution, capacitive measuring mats are superior to comparable systems.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗