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Biomedical subjects

E Morscher

Publications and source records attributed to E Morscher.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Repair of lumbar spondylolysis with a hook-screw.

A hook-screw has been devised to link the vertebral arch and superior articular process across the defect of a spondylolysis. This method of direct repair overcomes the difficulty of fixation in dysplasia of the arch and avoids crossing the defect with a screw. Compression and a bone graft are applied to the defect to obtain union. This procedure has been used in 33 patients followed for an average period of 3.5 years, and has given satisfactory relief of back pain in 79% and radiographic fusion in 73%, with better results in patients under 20 years of age. Associated degeneration and instability of the disc spaces should be assessed before operation by magnetic resonance imaging so that a standard intervertebral fusion can be used if indicated rather than this direct approach to the lysis. The technical problems encountered and the recent addition of a compression spring to the hook-screw are described.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The modified Mayo procedure combined with basal valgus osteotomy of the first metatarsal for severe hallux valgus.

The modified Mayo procedure corrects valgus deformity of the great toe secondary to osteoarthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Basal osteotomy of the first metatarsal to correct metatarsus primus varus and to maintain correction of the valgus deformity may be performed simultaneously. We retrospectively reviewed the results in 55 of 70 feet treated by this combined procedure. The average duration of follow-up was 4.2 years (range 0.5-6 years) and the average age at operation was 63 years (range 45-80 years). The results were either very good or good in 82%, moderate in 14%, and poor in 4%. Our technique of basal osteotomy of the first metatarsal is a simple and effective procedure to correct metatarsus primus varus and may restore the distal transverse arch. It should be considered as a possible method of treatment when the intermetatarsal angle is greater than 10 degrees.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Principles and pathogenesis of post-traumatic axial malalignment in the growth years].

Deviations of the axis or leg-length discrepancies after fractures in children and adolescents can be due to growth disturbances or can be the result of incomplete reduction of the fracture. We distinguish between four types of growth disturbances. In type I, the overall growth activity of the cartilage is increased; growth is then enhanced, which results in the affected bone being too long without deviation; this usually occurs after fractures of the metaphysis or diaphysis. In type II, activity, the epiphyseal cartilage is severely impaired or completely arrested. The direction of growth is unchanged. This results in shortening of the bone, usually due to severe damage to the germination zone of the growth cartilage after destruction of the vessels or infection. In type III, growth of the epiphyseal plate is partially stimulated. The consequence of this disturbance is deviation of the axis with overgrowth (this is in fractures of the proximal tibia). Type IV is characterized by an asymmetric arrest of growth. This results in deviation of the axis and shortening. The cause of such growth arrest can be epiphyseolysis or epiphyseal fracture. The defect in growth cartilage heals with a bone bridge. This is a very serious kind of growth disturbance, and it occurs in only 1% of all fractures before skeletal maturity. Correction after incomplete reduction of fractures during growth can be direct or indirect and specific or nonspecific. Direct corrections occur in combination with fracture healing; indirect corrections occur with physiological changes of the growing skeleton without association with the healing process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Failures of knee joint prostheses. An analysis of knee prostheses and component revisions, 1980-1987].

Total knee arthroplasty has become more common in the last 20 years as a result of the continuous improvement in prosthetic design and operative techniques. Therefore, there have also been more failures. To show the reasons for these failures and the difficulties and results of revision surgery we studied the 48 uni- or tricompartmental revisions of total knee arthroplasties we performed in our institute between 1980 and 1987. Twelve to 94 months (mean 40.4) after revision we found 66% good or very good results. The main reason for failure was a poor surgical technique, which we found in 69% in unicompartmental, and in 28% in tricompartmental prostheses. Revision surgery needs a high level of practical knowledge and flexibility. The main problems consist of correction of the alignment and the filling of bone defects. Thus, we reconstructed ten large defects at the tibial plateau, which resulted in one very good, seven good and two moderate results.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Treatment of infected joint arthroplasty.

Sixty-two patients presented with an infected total hip arthroplasty. Their management depended on their general medical condition, the clinical signs of infection, the type of infection, the degree of fixation of the components and the available bone stock. Treatment consisted of one of the following: debridement and lavage without removing the prosthesis, one or two stage revision arthroplasty, or excision arthroplasty. There were 11 early and 51 late infections. The commonest bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus epidermidis (30%). Primary revision of the femoral component was slightly more successful with a cemented prosthesis than with an uncemented prosthesis. The overall success rates for cemented and uncemented femoral components were roughly comparable (91.5%:90%). We make various recommendations for the management of infected total hip arthroplasties based on our experience.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Comparison between straight- and curved-stem Müller femoral prostheses. 5- to 10-year results of 545 total hip replacements.

Between 1977 and 1982, 545 cemented femoral prostheses were implanted, in combination with a noncoated cementless polyethylene acetabular component (RM cup). Three hundred and eighty-one straight-stem and 76 curved-stem Müller femoral components were implanted, as well as 88 collared components with a 130-mm stem and a 130 degrees neck-shaft angle, derived from a long-stem steel prosthesis. Survivorship analysis of revisions for aseptic loosening at 10 years revealed 97% straight-stem survival, 91.6% curved-stem survival, and 88.3% 130 degrees stem survival. "Survival" curves were also constructed for radiological loosening, and the survival rates (patients without radiological evidence of loosening) were 69.8%, 78.8%, and 63.1% respectively at 10 years. The 130 degrees collared stem was associated with significantly less acetabular loosening than the other prostheses. This resulted in less calcar resorption, but there was a higher rate of stem loosening. Acetabular loosening and associated wear products appear to be responsible for calcar resorption, and stress shielding of the calcar appears to be of minor importance in the pathogenesis of aseptic stem loosening. Better cementing techniques have improved survivorship of the curved-stem prosthesis, and early fears of high rates of radiological loosening with the straight stem have not been substantiated.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The relationship between periosteal division and compression or distraction of the growth plate. An experimental study in the rabbit.

We subjected the proximal tibial growth plates of six-week-old rabbits to either compression or distraction of 1 kg on both legs. On one side the proximal tibial periosteum was divided circumferentially and stripped for 1 cm. After six weeks, growth was measured at both proximal and distal growth plates. Compression inhibited total tibial growth and distraction enhanced it. The compressed growth plate grew less and the distracted growth plate grew more, but there was a reciprocal change at the other end of the bone. Periosteal division enhanced growth at the adjacent growth plate but inhibited it distally; the effect of distraction was enhanced and that of compression reduced. We found reciprocal growth rates at the proximal and distal growth plates. Relatively small amounts of compression or distraction did affect total bone growth. Periosteal division appeared to induce overgrowth at least partly by a mechanical effect; it may be useful as an adjunct to other methods of leg lengthening, though not to epiphyseolysis.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Cementless uncoated polyethylene acetabular components in total hip replacement. Review of five- to 10-year results.

We reviewed the results of 545 consecutive total hip replacements using a cementless non-coated high-density polyethylene acetabular component combined with a cemented Müller stem at five to 10 years. In all, 421 patients (445 hips) were available for review, 118 by questionnaire and 303 by examination and radiography. Of these, 86% had a good or excellent result. We found a high rate of radiological loosening of the cup after the sixth year, and a high rate of clinical loosening after the eighth year. Loosening was commoner in women, in younger patients and where a smaller size of acetabulum had been used. Calcar resorption was significantly related to loosening of the acetabulum. Loosening appeared to be mainly due to polyethylene debris produced by micro-movement of the acetabulum against the bone, which had resulted in a giant cell foreign body reaction and subsequent bone erosion. We have abandoned the use of this prosthesis and suggest that direct contact between bone and polyethylene should be prevented by a coating of metal or some other material.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1990

[Total prosthesis arthroplasty in femur head necrosis].

In young patients with advanced necrosis of the femoral head, the short- and medium-term results of total prosthesis arthroplasty are the most satisfactory. However, the prospect of aseptic loosening hangs over such arthroplasties like Damocles' sword. Reports from the literature suggest that, in addition to the age of the patient, there is also an endogenous factor that can be responsible not only for the etiology and pathogenesis of the necrosis, but also for the early loosening of the prosthesis. We have followed up 54 patients (73 hip joints) who had total hip replacement as a result of necrosis of the femoral head between 1976 and 1988. Altogether, 3 acetabular and 5 femoral shafts had to be replaced (7 patients). This corresponds to a loosening rate of 10% after an average of 4.9 years. Hence, the prosthesis changing rate is lower than that reported by other authors, but is still higher than in patients with coxarthrosis. Only 2 of 52 cemented shaft prostheses had to be replaced; the average age of these patients was 61.4 years. Of the 21 cement-free shaft implantations, 3 had to be replaced, the average age of these patients being 42.9 years. The fact that the average age of the latter patients was lower may be the reason for the revision rate not being significantly higher for the non-cemented shafts. In view of the fact that necrosis of the femoral head can rapidly result in the patient becoming an invalid if it is allowed to follow its natural course, hip joint prostheses should also be offered to younger patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Perioperative risks and problems in total hip joint replacement].

In a population of 689 patients with primary total hip arthroplasties, perioperative problems and complications were investigated. A preoperative cardiovascular disease was found in 32%, obesity in 18% of the patients. The death-rate was 0.43% in a population of patients, two thirds of whom was older than 60 years, one third even older than 70 years. The importance in preoperative evaluation of health and in treatment of various diseases is emphasized. Postoperative management is crucial to reduce thromboembolisms, urinary retention and infections.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Cementless press-fit cup. Principles, experimental data, and three-year follow-up study.

The concept of the press-fit cup includes an operative defect as small as possible, achievement of intrinsic stability by press-fit, and surface coating by an orderly, oriented wire mesh coating. The design is a modified hemisphere with flattening in the pole area and oversized cup diameter. A first series of press-fit cups were fitted with titanium nitride-coated stainless steel mesh. The manufacturing of such chemically pure titanium has only recently become feasible. Animal experiments using mountain sheep have shown an increase in the stability of the press-fit cup within the acetabulum with time and progressive bony ingrowth; this was verified in cups retrieved at autopsy. Three hundred eighty-seven first-generation titanium nitride-coated stainless steel mesh implants have been reviewed with a follow-up time of 12 to 39 months (average, 16.6 months). There were no intraoperative complications related to the cup. The roentgenographic follow-up study of 330 (85.1%) hips showed only a single case with a radiolucent line in all zones (1-3) as a roentgenographic sign of loosening, i.e., fibrous ingrowth. Two cups had to be revised due to insufficient primary stability and tilting.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1989

[Treatment of infected hip joint arthroplasty. Results of treatment of 62 infected total prosthesis arthroplasties].

The treatment of 62 cases of infected total joint arthroplasty of the hip is reported. The treatment regimen for each patient was dependent on the general medical condition of the patient and the clinical signs of infection, as well as the type of bacteria, the bony anchorage of the prosthesis and the bone stock of femur and acetabulum. Surgical treatment was one of the following: treatment of the infection leaving the prosthesis in situ; one-stage or two-stage revision arthroplasty; or excision arthroplasty (Girdlestone procedure). There were 11 early and 51 late infections. The commonest bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus epidermidis (30%). The primary success rate of revision of the shaft was somewhat better with cemented than with uncemented prostheses. The overall success rates for cemented and for uncemented shafts were similar (91.5% versus 90%).

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Salter's innominate osteotomy. 20 years later...].

This is a retrospective review of nineteen innominate osteotomies with an average follow-up of 20, 6 years. These osteotomies were done mainly for treatment of late diagnosed congenital hip dislocation, or occasionally for persistent subluxation after orthopaedic treatment. The mean age at diagnosis was 2 years 2 months, at operation 3 years 5 months. We performed eight combined open reduction and pelvic osteotomies, eight associated pelvic and femoral varisation derotation osteotomies and only 3 isolated pelvic osteotomies. At follow-up the Charnley hip's score is 5.7 for pain; 5.4 for gait and performance, 5.6 for mobility. We found 15 hips without any significant pain and only 4 hips with mechanical pain. The Xray evaluation shows an average CE angle at 28.5 degrees, AC angle at 16 degrees and anterior coverage on "faux profil de Lequesne" at 40 degrees; 4 hips show arthritic changes, 4 others had important deformation of the head of the femur, but without diminution of the height of articular space. 6 hips (1/3) in 4 patients must be reoperated in adolescence because insufficiency of coverage of the head of the femur: 3 because technical errors and 3 because osteonecrosis with progressive cervicocephalic valgus. This historical serie with a very important follow-up, demonstrate that between 1/3 and 1/2 of cases have some kind of problems mainly radiological. The quality of results depends on the respect of the conditions and technique described by Salter, early diagnosis and absence of osteonecrosis eventually caused by prealable orthopaedic treatment.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1989

Endoprosthetic surgery in 1988.

Aseptic loosening remains the main problem of arthroplasty. On one hand, this has led to the development of new cements and improvement in cementing techniques. On the other hand, especially intensive efforts have been made in recent years to anchor the implants directly to bone. The major alternatives available today for endoprosthetic fixation are cement "pressurization" and "bony ingrowth". The differences in implant fixation, with or without cement, must take into consideration the design, surface characteristics, and the material properties of the implants as well as the operative technique. In principle, there are major differences both with regard to the biology and to the mechanics between the acetabulum and the femur. On the acetabular side, the objective of reliable fixation has been achieved at least in the medium term. Gratifying advances are also being increasingly shown in the femur. However, until today hardly any prosthetic femoral model is able to provide reliable primary results with regard to freedom from pain, as is the case with the modern cement techniques. For many orthopaedic surgeons, a "hybrid" is the solution to the problem for patients over 60 years old: i.e. cementless anchoring of the acetabulum socket and cementing of the prosthetic shaft. For young, active patients and for revision arthroplasties, with major loss of bone substance, we require a cementless technique. With this technique and use of bone transplantation, it is today possible to reconstruct even severely damaged joints and to create situations corresponding to those of a primary arthroplasty. In the knee joint aseptic loosening of cemented endoprostheses is less of a problem and the decision in favour of cementless fixation depends even more on the quality of the bone than on the hip joint. For the future it is becoming increasingly apparent that a single method on its own will not exist, but that the surgeon must choose the most suitable method (with or without cement) dependent on the case. Accurate preoperative planning becomes indispensable.

Arthroplasty↗