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B R Simmen

Publications and source records attributed to B R Simmen.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Shoulder joint instability after primary arthroplasty].

Instability is one of the most common complications after shoulder arthroplasty. The literature cites subluxation or luxation to occur between 0% and 38% in various studies. Instabilities may present either as subluxation or frank dislocation, and may be directed in an anterior, posterior, inferior or, depending on the state of the rotator cuff, cranial direction. The stability of any shoulder joint is given by the balance of the muscles directing the forces around the shoulder joint in association with the passive stabilizers of the shoulder joint capsule as well as the bony contours between glenoid and humeral head. Any disturbance of this delicate balance will lead the shoulder into instability, particular so if bony erosion patterns such as posterior glenoid wear in osteoarthritics will develop subluxation early on. Therefore implantation of any prosthesis is required to be done in the appropriate version as to avoid secondary instability through the prosthetic components. In the study undertaken here instability was found to be the most common complication in 44 shoulder revision surgeries. The result with an average Score of 41.9 recorded after Constant demonstrates that the excellent and good results obtained with primary arthroplasties can not be expected in revision surgery. Posterior instability may be present just as well as the more easily observed anterior instability. Separate to frank luxation or instability is the late cranialisation of the rotator cuff deficient shoulder which, although resulting in many cases in superior anterior subluxation, will mostly be seen as a late complication after arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty, Replacement↗

Compression arthrodesis of the rheumatoid ankle and hindfoot.

The reported frequency of involvement of the rheumatoid ankle and hindfoot varies between 9% and 70%. Fusion of the ankle joint, the subtalar, talonavicular, or calcaneocuboidal joint (Chopart's joint) or all of them is the preferred method of treatment for severe rheumatoid involvement causing pain, instability, and/or severe deformity. Ankle arthroplasty is indicated rarely. Pantalar arthrodesis is performed more frequently than talonavicular fusion or ankle fusion. Reported rates of fusion after compression arthrodesis of the ankle joint vary from 65% to 90%, averaging 80% to 85%. Higher success rates of as high as 95% were obtained with internal lag screw fixation as proposed by Wagner. The result of various combinations of arthrodesis (n = 54) of the ankle joint, the subtalar joint, and Chopart's joint in 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis operated on in a 10-year period from 1984 through 1993 are presented. In all cases internal fixation by lag screws according to Wagner was used with a modified lateral approach incorporating osteotomy of the distal fibula. The technique is described in detail. Solid fusion was obtained in 21% of the cases after 8 weeks, in 9% of the cases after 12 weeks, and in 92% of the cases after 16 weeks. In 8% (3 patients) revision because of delayed union or nonunion eventually led to bony fusion. Postoperative pain, walking capacity, gait, and the subjective outcome were assessed. Complications occurred in 16%, revision was performed in 11.6% of the cases; in all cases healing was obtained. Overall patient satisfaction was 93%.

Adult↗

[Infection following shoulder and elbow arthroplasty. Diagnosis and therapy].

The rate of infection reported in recent publications is 0.8% after shoulder arthroplasty and ten times higher (8.1%) after elbow arthroplasty. The figures for shoulder arthroplasty correspond well with our own rate of revision for infection of 0.5% after 363 primary shoulder replacements. However, our average rate of revision for infection (1.8%) after 278 GSB-III elbow arthroplasties was considerably lower and included rheumatoid as well as post-traumatic indications. Our experience concerning etiologic factors, nature, diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term consequences of superficial and deep infections after shoulder and elbow arthroplasty are discussed for each joint separately and in relation to the literature.

Aged↗

[Tendon diseases in chronic rheumatoid arthritis].

Rheumatoid arthritis is basically a disease of the synovium and involves the synovium-lined sheaths that surround many of the tendons in the hand and wrist. Proliferative synovitis affects the tendons, infiltrates the tendons, causes formation of nodules, changes their ultrastructure, and eventually leads to spontaneous rupture. The three common sites of tendon sheath involvement are the dorsal and palmar aspect of the wrist, and the palmar aspect of the digits. Early tenosynovectomy can prevent tendon ruptures and should therefore be the cornerstone of treatment. Once spontaneous rupture has occurred, early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further rupture. Reconstruction of isolated ruptures of extensor or flexor tendons gives good results. Multiple tendon ruptures, however, are difficult to treat and have a worse prognosis. The severity of the patient's disease and the degree of articular involvement have a greater effect on the outcome of surgery than reconstruction techniques. Our current approach to the management of this difficult problem is presented.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

[The wrist joint in chronic polyarthritis--a new classification based on the type of destruction in relation to the natural course and the consequences for surgical therapy].

Existing classifications of rheumatoid wrist involvement are based on the degree or stage of destruction of the wrist. We suggest to classify rheumatoid wrist involvement according to the type rather than the extent of destruction. In order to recognize the nature of wrist destruction at an early stage of the disease as well as in late stages, a continuous series of 63 patients with definitive rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years and wrist involvement of more than ten years were analysed both clinically and radiologically. Based on radiological appearance of the late stage, three different types of wrist involvement can be recognized: Group I--Type I: rheumatoid arthritis--ankylosis Group II--Type II: rheumatoid arthritis--(secondary) osteoarthrosis Group III--Type III: rheumatoid arthritis--destabilization Spontaneous ankylosis is characteristic for patients with a juvenile onset of rheumatoid arthritis, however, it also occurs in patients with a later consent of the disease. Patients in group II (type II) demonstrate a tendency to develop secondary arthrosis. Articular surface cartilage loss progresses at a rate which remains in relative equilibrium with processes typical of arthrosis, stabilizing the carpal architecture. In group III (type III), all wrists develop an unstable radiocarpal joint as evidenced by ulnar and palmar subluxation of the carpus relative to the radius and progressive loss of carpal height. When early surgical treatment is considered, it is crucial to recognize patients with type III wrist destruction. For these patients, an osseous stabilizing procedure is essential for long-term stabilization of the wrist. It is important that any evidence of progressive loss of carpal height or of ulnar radiocarpal translocation not be ignored.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

[Complications after endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression].

In an own prospective series with 18 endoscopic decompressed carpal tunnel syndrome patients the problems with this new release technique are described. Although most of the patients did clinically well, four major complications, all with revision operations, were observed. Two cases still suffer residual problems. Due to these complications we stopped the endoscopic technique and returned to the traditional surgical treatment of open carpal tunnel decompression.

Adult↗

[Arthroscopic treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome: possibilities and limitations].

Serious impingement syndromes of the shoulder unresponsive to conservative measures can be relieved by means of the approved open anterior acromioplasty. However, the rise of shoulder arthroscopy allowed the same procedure to be performed arthroscopically. Based on an accurate indication the outcome of arthroscopic subacromial decompression may be considered as equally successful as that obtained by the open procedure. The advantages of the arthroscopic approach are: a significantly less gross destruction of the deltoid and--as a result--a reduced rehabilitation period a smaller incision and the possibility of an arthroscopic inspection of the joint prior to decompression For the repair of complete tears of the rotator cuff the arthroscopic procedure will provide less satisfactory long-term results. For those cases the open reconstruction will remain the treatment of choice.

Acromion↗

Spontaneous ruptures of flexor tendons secondary to extreme DISI deformity of the lunate in a rheumatoid wrist. A case report.

Spontaneous flexor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid arthritis are associated with flexor tenosynovitis and/or with attrition due to bony prominences in the carpal tunnel. The commonest bony prominence observed is the distal pole of a rotated scaphoid. We are reporting the case of an eighty-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis who presented with the inability to actively flex both the interphalangeal and the metacarpophalangeal joints of the right index finger, with preservation of passive motion. There was also loss of active flexion of the interphalangeal joint of the right thumb. Roentgenograms revealed a marked dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) pattern in both wrists associated with advanced joint destruction and collapse. Surgical exploration revealed total rupture of the FDS and FDP of the index finger and of the FPL, as well as partial rupture of the flexor tendons of the long finger. Rupture of the FPL was found to be due to attrition on the relatively common finding of a prominent and malrotated scaphoid. Ruptures of the flexor tendons of the index and long fingers appeared to be caused by a markedly prominent palmar protrusion of the lunate. Surgical repair was undertaken, including correction of the DISI deformity and reconstruction of carpal height by radiolunate fusion from a palmar approach. In addition the tubercle of the scaphoid was resected, and the FDS tendon of the ring finger was transferred to the distal stump of the FDP of the index finger; the FPL tendon was not reconstructed as arthrodesis of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb was planned at a later date.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

[Partial arthrodesis of the carpal bones in advanced carpal collapse in chronic scapho-lunar instability and following scaphoid pseudoarthrosis].

Degenerative arthritis of the wrist as a consequence of chronic scapho-lunate instability or chronic scaphoid non-union follows very specific patterns. Joint destruction occurs primarily in the radio-scaphoid and in the luno-capitate joints while the radio-lunar joint is preserved. Treatment by partial carpal fusion between capitate, scaphoid and lunate aims at reconstruction of correct length of the central column and restoration of normal carpal height by reducing the dorsiflexed lunate bone, thereby decompressing the painful radio-scaphoid joint. We have carried out the procedure in 21 cases. At follow up (19 months) 17 patients were free of pain and 4 patients experienced major improvement but had some residual pain. The mean range of motion of the wrist was 57 degrees, representing a loss of 34% of preoperative range of movement. Bony union was achieved in all cases. All patients returned to their former occupation. Partial carpal fusion for treatment of SLAC-wrist and scaphoid nonunion has proven successful with respect to pain relief and partial preservation of wrist motion avoiding complete fusion or arthroplasty of the wrist.

Adult↗

[The treatment of fresh Lisfranc dislocations and fracture-dislocations].

Dislocations and fracture dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joint are usually the result of a high energy trauma to the forefoot. A missed diagnosis or an insufficient treatment or a massive destruction of the tarsometatarsal joint result in a high rate of late morbidity. An appropriate radiological assessment, open anatomical reduction and temporary K-wire arthrodesis followed by a functional after-treatment can improve the long-term results of this severe forefoot injuries. The long term results (7 months to 20 years) of 24 tarsometatarsal injuries are analysed and a concept of their treatment presented.

Adolescent↗

[Finger tip amputations in children].

Among the various alternative forms of treatment of digital tip amputations, replantation of the amputated tip as composite graft or conservative treatment (healing by secondary intention) are of special interest for the management of fingertip injuries in children. From 1986 until 1987, the authors treated thirteen fingertip amputations in children between one and eight years of age (mean 3.5 years). In twelve cases, the amputated tip was reattached as composite graft, one injury healed by secondary intention. Twelve children were reexamined according to a prospective protocol after a mean follow-up time of 3.4 years. In three cases, primary healing of the replanted tip could be observed, in eight cases partial necrosis and superficial mummification preceded complete healing. At follow-up, seven cases presented with an anatomical tip, four with a slight asymmetry. Distal phalangeal length was identical to the opposite side, but in two cases a maximal loss of length of 2 mm was observed. Fingernails showed no significant deformities, although nail bed injuries had occurred in 90% of the cases. Sensitivity was normal in all cases. Child and parents considered the final result excellent in 75% and good in 25%. Reattachment as composite graft or conservative treatment for management of fingertip amputations in children (Zone I to III according to Rosenthal) is recommended and discussed.

Amputation, Traumatic↗

[Clinical significance and treatment concept of Lisfranc dislocation and dislocation fracture].

Dislocations and fracture dislocations of the tarsometotarsal joint are uncommon (only 30 cases have been treated in our hospital in a 20-year period). The late results of tarsometotarsal injuries in 20 patients have been reviewed. The average follow-up was 3.8 years (range 8 months to 20 years). Methods of treatment were either open (n = 15) or closed (n = 5) reduction with (n = 18) or without (n = 2) internal fixation and cast immobilization (n = 10). Late results clearly correlate with the quality of reduction. An open procedure is usually necessary to achieve anatomical reduction. Diagnostic and operative problems are discussed.

Adolescent↗

[Long-term results after the surgical treatment of saddle joint arthrosis with Swanson's silastic prosthesis].

The use of a silastic implant in resection arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb allows the joint space to be preserved. With the Swanson type arthroplasty relief of pain, good function, as well as stability and improved pinch force can be obtained, avoiding the consequence of carpal instability by narrowing of the joint space associated with resection of the trapezium alone or in combination with tendon interposition arthroplasty. The two main problems associated with Swanson arthroplasty are prosthetic dislocation and longterm stability of the prosthesis itself. The joint surface of the prosthesis wears out asymmetrically, and mild to severe foreign body reactions can be seen in the carpal bones, mainly the scaphoid. Clinical and radiological results of a series of 77 operations in 65 patients from 1975-1981 are presented and discussed.

Adult↗

[Surgical therapy of chronic polyarthritis of the hand].

Surgical therapy and the common surgical procedures for the rheumatoid hand are presented: synovectomy, boutonnière deformity, swan-neck deformity, arthroplasty, and surgical therapy of the rheumatoid thumb. The indications, early and late results, and the prophylactic value of synovectomy are discussed and compared with synoviorthesis (intra-articular injection of radioisotopic beta-emitters) in early stages of synovitis. In general, radioisotope synovectomy has reduced the need for early operative synovectomy. If synoviorthesis has no significant effect or if biomechanical factors are predominant in the affected joint (tenosynovitis, massive distension of the capsule and extensor mechanism or large masses of fibrin), then operative synovectomy is indicated. Multicenter studies have confirmed that pain can be relieved and joint swelling reduced by synovectomy for over 10 years after the operation. However, no significant preventive or retarding effects could be proven with regard to the progression of deformity or further radiologic changes. The risks in tenosynovectomy are minimal and the prognosis for improved function and prevention of ruptures is excellent. Restorative procedures on tendons are discussed in conjunction with restoration of joint function. Pathogenetic mechanisms of boutonnière and swan-neck deformities and their therapeutical consequences (soft tissue procedures and arthroplasty of the respective joints) are discussed. Because of the unpredictability of joint resection arthroplasty, many attempts have been made to develop joint prostheses. Surgical experience with cemented components, constrained hinges and prostheses with a fixed axis has been disappointing and forbids their routine clinical use. The most widely used device is the silastic spacer developed by Swanson, a silicone rubber implant acting as flexible hinge to maintain the joint relationship and improve resection arthroplasty. Several authors have obtained good long-term results using the Swanson silastic prosthesis for MP and interphalangeal arthroplasty. However, the silastic spacer still leaves room for improvement, which is particularly evident in patients with constitutional or drug-induced (steroid hormones) ligamentous laxity where bone resorption can be seen due to the piston effect and abrasion of the silicone as well as to sinking and often breakage of the prosthesis. Attempts to prevent this effect are reported. To obtain good functional results with MP arthroplasty, adequate function of the interphalangeal joints and thumb is essential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Late complications in elbow arthroplasty.

The world literature (1986 to 92) reports an amazingly high complication rate of elbow arthroplasty, amounting to 43%. Accordingly, we also find a high revision rate (18% on average) and a considerable rate (15%) of permanent complications. These figures do not correspond to our own experience with the GSB III (Gschwend/Scheier/Bähler) elbow prosthesis, a sloppy hinge with flanges on the lower and anterior part of the distal humerus. Our respective figures of complications are two to four times lower for rheumatoid elbows. When complications are discussed, a clear distinction of the type of prosthesis is mandatory, because linked or nonlinked and nonconstrained or semiconstrained prostheses have specific complications. The following complications are discussed separately: loosening (radiologic and clinical), ulnar neuropathy, infection, dislocation and subluxation, uncoupling, intraoperative bone fractures, and failure of the implant. The possible causes are analyzed, and means to avoid or treat these complications are discussed. We conclude that even in the long term ( > 10 years), results obtained with elbow arthroplasty are approaching those of hip and knee arthroplasty.

Adult↗