OBJECTIVE: Vertebral metastases are quiet common and may result in vertebral collapse, spinal instability, and progressive neurological compromise. An anterior approach is the accepted method for decompression and stabilization by vertebral replacement. There is still need for discussion regarding the material of the replacement device. Here, the authors report on Harms' titanium cage (DePuy-Motech) for vertebral replacement. METHODS: From 1992 until 1995 17 patients with spinal metastases were treated by anterior vertebral replacement at the Orthopaedic Department, University of Magdeburg. Indications for the procedure were single metastases and respectively, progressive neurological deficit with vertebral destruction seen radiologically. Implantation of the cage was performed solely or in combination with anterior or posterior instrumentation. Pre- and postoperative assessments were evaluated by clinical scores. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 9.3 months. At the end of our study 11 patients had died (mean survival 6.7 months). Mean follow-up of the surviving 6 was 9.8 months. Patient's daily activity (Karnofsky) improved in 8 cases, became worse in 4 cases, and did not change in 5 cases. Neurologically (Frankel) there was improvement in 3 patients, deterioration in 4 patients, and no change in 10 patients. Walking ability showed improvement in 6 cases, deterioration in 3 cases and no change in 8 cases. Relief of pain (Moskowitz) was reported by 12 patients, no patient complained of increasing pain, 5 patients reported no change, and 10 patients were pain-free. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In most cases with spinal metastases, the quality of life may be improved by vertebral replacement with Harms' titanium cage. Amelioration of clinical symptoms such as neurological deficit, pain, and tack of walking ability occurred in most patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Long-term results with the Harris-Galante press-fit-cup].

AIM: The present work aims at evaluating the clinical and radiological long-term results of the Harris-Galante press-fit cup. METHOD: At an average follow-up time of 9.5 years (min. 9, max. 10.3) 123 patients with 138 Harris-Galante press-fit cups (HGP) were examined clinically and radiology. The clinical evaluation was done with the Harris hip score. Together with the HGP, which was inserted in all cases, five different femoral stems were implanted. A lateral approach, according to the technique of Watson-Jones, was used in all cases. RESULTS: The mean follow-up Harris hip score was 89 of 100 points and is assessed as a good result. 7 cups (5%) were classed as being radiological loose, but only one case had also clinical symptoms. A total of 10 cups (6.8%) had to be revised. 3 cups (2 %) had to be revised because of aseptic loosening. This result represents a survival rate of 93.2% according to Kaplan-Meier. CONCLUSION: The long-term clinical and radiological results of the Harris-Galante press-fit cup and there fixation method can assessed as good.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Vertebral Langerhans-cell histiocytosis in childhood--a differential diagnosis of spinal osteomyelitis].

BACKGROUND: The Langerhans cell histiocytosis has lots of different manifestations. Symptoms are not specific enough to identify the disease. In cases of vertebral Langerhans cell histiocytosis it is sometimes difficult to differentiate the lesions from spinal osteomyelitis. PATIENTS: Six children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis who had an operative treatment at our clinic in 1981 to 1995 have been reviewed. All patients had a localised vertebral presentation at the onset of the disease. METHODS: In this study we have been showed the clinical, radiological, histological and laboratory findings of our patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis for an average of six years. Especially the use of diagnostic tools has been examined. RESULTS: Diagnostic tools such as radiogram, computerised tomography, bone scan and MRI and their value in finding the correct diagnosis have been described. Especially the use of MRI in early diagnosing has been discussed. Early changes in MRI have been presented as well as the useful radiological signs and MRI signs to differentiate Langerhans cell histiocytosis and spinal osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral Langerhans cell histiocytosis in childhood is a possible differential diagnosis to spinal osteomyelitis.

Adolescent↗