Biomedical subjects

J Kelm

Publications and source records attributed to J Kelm.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

[Cubital tunnel syndrome--simple nerve decompression or decompression with subcutaneous anterior transposition?].

The purpose of this prospective, randomised and controlled study was to evaluate which kind of operative technique for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is favourable: subcutaneous anterior transposition or nerve decompression without transposition. This study included 66 patients suffering from pain and/either neurological deficits with clinically and electrographically proven cubital tunnel syndrome. 32 patients underwent nerve decompression without transposition, whereas 34 underwent subcutaneous transposition of the nerve. Follow-up examinations evaluating pain, motor and sensory deficits as well as motor nerve conduction velocities were performed three, nine and 24 months postoperatively. Irrespectively of operative procedures (simple decompression vs. subcutaneous anterior transposition) there were no significant differences between the outcomes of the two groups at either postoperative follow-up examination (p > 0.05).

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PubMed2006

[Spondylitis/spondylodiscitis].

Spondylitis is an inflammation of the vertebral body. If the infection is manifested in the vertebral motor segment it is called spondylodiscitis, which can be divided into specific and nonspecific forms. It is clinically impressive that at the beginning of the disease, the patients who are quite often immunosuppressed suffer from localized, especially nocturnally exacerbated backache. The initial diagnostic work-up generally consists of clinical history, examination, laboratory tests, and (especially advanced) imaging findings. Although computed tomography still remains the most frequently used advanced imaging technique, magnetic resonance imaging is the golden standard for the diagnosis of spondylitis and spondylodiscitis.

Back Pain↗

PubMed2006

[Differential diagnosis of back pain].

Back pain is one of the most frequent clinical pictures encountered in a physician's practice. It can pose a great burden on the individual and in addition have a multifactorial origin. It can be caused by intervertebral discs, vertebral joints, nerve roots, ligaments, sacroiliac joints, or a combination of the above. Back pain, as a symptom of a systemic disease, can also be a warning signal of grave disorders such as malignancies or in the event of aortic aneurysm. The well-considered choice of appropriate diagnostic procedures and suitable treatment requires a thorough knowledge of this multifactorial clinical picture.

Back Pain↗

PubMed2006

[Postoperative syndrome after spine surgery].

Postoperative syndrome after spine surgery, i.e., symptoms or syndromes caused by complications or procedure-related consequences, is gaining more and more importance. Due to great improvements concerning imaging and operative techniques (microsurgery, instrumentation) the total number of spinal surgeries as well as their related complications are increasing. Procedure-related postoperative complications including neurological deficit syndromes can occur acutely or at a later date. Concerning imaging techniques for postoperative evaluation after spinal surgery there are several modalities available. Their indications depend on complex factors including initial pathology the surgery was performed for, kind of surgical technique (surgical approach, instrumentation), anatomy of the patient as well as the time between onset of symptoms and surgery. In cases of ambiguous findings, the combination of different imaging techniques can be instrumental.

Back Pain↗

PubMed2006

[V.A.C.-therapy: a treatment option for wound healing complications after achilles tendon reconstruction].

INTRODUCTION: The postoperative course after Achilles tendon reconstruction is associated with a high incidence rate of infections and wound healing complications, which can lead to protracted healing process and, hence, limit the clinical outcome. PATIENT-METHODS: A 66-year-old male was referred to our clinic with an Achilles tendon rupture. MRI confirmed the diagnosis, an augmented tenoplasty was performed for tendon reconstruction. 11 weeks after surgery the patient presented himself again with an open wound and local infection signs. RESULTS: The surgical treatment included debridement and jet lavage. The V.A.C.-device with the white polyvinyl sponge at an initial pressure of 200 mm Hg was used. A pathogen organism could not be identified. For infection eradication a broad spectrum systemic antibiosis (cefuroxime and gentamicin) was applied. On 3., 6. and 14. day the dressings were changed and the wound was revised under progredient closure. At beginning formation of granulation tissue the pressure was reduced to 150-100 mm Hg. At decreasing blood inflammation parameters and amelioration of the local wound condition the patient could check out after 3 weeks hospitalization. After further successful ambulant management by means of the V.A.C.-therapy a meshgraft transplantation was performed (enlargement factor 1.5; layer thickness 0.3 mm). The V.A.C.-device was applied again at a pressure of 150 mm Hg with a single dressing change after 5 days. At a follow-up of 31 months no further complications occurred. DISCUSSION: The V.A.C.-therapy seems to be a valuable tool in the treatment of wounds with a critical local vascularity. After successful wound preconditioning the healing process of skin grafts transplants can be also optimised by means of the V.A.C.-device.

Achilles Tendon↗

PubMed2006

[Indications for use of the V.A.C.-system in the orthopedic surgery].

INTRODUCTION: The vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.)-therapy is accepted for an efficient option in the treatment of infected wounds with healing complications. However, reports on its use in the septic orthopedic surgery are seldom. Hence, the aim of this study is to demonstrate our experience with the V.A.C.-system in the treatment of orthopedic-related infections. PATIENTS-METHODS: Various musculoskeletal infections with prolonged wound healing (infections after Achilles tendon reconstruction, fibula osteosynthesis, dorsal spondylodesis, and total hip arthroplasty, skin necrosis after total knee arthroplasty and wound dehiscence after resection and irradiation of a liposarcoma) have been treated with the V.A.C.-device. After infection sanitation we performed skin graft transplantation in 3 cases for definitive wound closure, also assisted by the V.A.C.-therapy. RESULTS: An infection eradication with implant preservation, where necessary, could have been achieved in all cases. No complications were observed in the cases with the skin graft transplantations. No infection persistence or reinfection occurred at a mean follow-up of 36 months. DISCUSSION: The V.A.C.-therapy seems to be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of infected wounds in the orthopedic surgery, however, definitive conclusion should await the results of future clinical studies with large series.

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PubMed2005

[Spinal syndrome triggered by a lumbar spinal av malformation. A case report].

We report the case of a 64-year-old male suffering from long-term claudicatio spinalis who underwent surgery in an orthopedic outpatient ward for posterior lumbar interbody fusion and bony decompression due to spinal stenosis. Postoperatively, the clinical symptoms, consisting of difficulties with walking and stocking-like dysesthesia of both lower extremities, did not improve. Due to persistent complaints, spinal MRI was performed which revealed myelomalacia and moreover was indicative of dural arteriovenous (AV) malformation at the L2-3 spinal level, which was verified as a type Ia AV fistula (according to Spetzler) by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). After microsurgical treatment of the AV fistula, clinical symptoms improved and control DSA could demonstrate complete disconnection of the fistula without any signs of recanalization. This case demonstrates that neurological deficits of patients suffering from degenerative spinal disorders can generally be considered as caused by more common spinal disease such as lumbar stenosis. Since vascular malformations may also cause neurological deficits and even mimic symptoms of spinal stenosis, it is important to consider these entities in diagnostic evaluation.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗

PubMed2005

Simple decompression or subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome.

The purpose of this prospective randomised study was to evaluate which operative technique for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is preferable: subcutaneous anterior transposition or nerve decompression without transposition. This study included 66 patients suffering from pain and/or neurological deficits with clinically and electromyographically proven cubital tunnel syndrome. Thirty-two patients underwent nerve decompression without transposition and 34 underwent subcutaneous transposition of the nerve. Follow-up examinations evaluating pain, motor and sensory deficits as well as motor nerve conduction velocities, were performed 3 and 9 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences between the outcomes of the two groups at either postoperative follow-up examination. We recommend simple decompression of the nerve in cases without deformity of the elbow, as this is the less invasive operative procedure.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome↗

PubMed2004

[MRSA-infections-treatment with intraoperatively produced gentamycin-vancomycin PMMA beads].

INTRODUCTION: We present gentamicin-vancomycin-impregnated beads that can be produced intraoperatively in moulds and demonstrated their successful use in ten cases of problematic Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. METHODS: To produce the antibiotically loaded PMMA beads, a two-part mould of polyoxymethylene was used. The mixture of PMMA and antibiotic is poured into the mould halves, and during polymerisation the halves bond together. The in vivo antibiotic concentrations of wound secretion from the redon drainage were measured by fluorescence-polarisation immunoassay, and a concentration/time function was determined. The PMMA beads (2 g of vancomycin plus 0.5 g of gentamicin plus 40 g of PMMA) were implanted in ten patients aged 41-76 years. RESULTS: In all ten patients, the infection was cured (follow-up 15 months). CONCLUSION: The combination of gentamicin and vancomycin in the PMMA of standardised beads represents a good alternative in the treatment of MRSA infections. Understanding of the mechanism of antibiotic release from PMMA allows differentiated dosing during systemic application.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Gender-specific differences in school sports injuries.

OBJECTIVE: About 5 % of the pupils suffer from an injury in school sports every year. In addition to the kind of injury, the localization and the type of sport, the corresponding reasons for the injuries should be investigated to provide insights for physical education. METHODS: In a prospective study 213 accident cases with 234 injuries during physical education classes were examined. At primary presentation in our clinic, an empirical questionnaire was used to document the grade of class, the exact time point of the injury, the question of guilt, out-of-school sports activity as well as the mechanisms of injuries and the type of sport. Clinicians who worked in our out-patient clinic completed the questionnaire after physical examination documenting diagnosis, therapy and the duration of restriction of sports practice. All patients were followed until returning to physical education at school. The data were statistically analyzed using the chi (2)-test to examine gender-specific differences. RESULTS: Gender-specific differences were seen in the type (p = 0.018) and mechanisms (p = 0.028) of injuries. The most common injuries were sprains (female pupils 36.8 % male pupils 24.5 %], contusions (female pupils 27.4 % male pupils 27.9 %) and fractures (female pupils 14.7 % male pupils 18.6 %). Frequent mechanisms of injuries were errors in basic motion training like running, jumping and catching (female pupils 35.8 % male pupils 28.8 %). No gender-specific differences could be shown for the localization of injuries or for the type of sport. The upper extremity with 55 % was more frequently involved than the lower extremity with 37 %. Playing soccer (21.2 %) and basketball (19.8 %) were the most frequent reasons for sports injuries. The highest prevalence of school sports injuries occurred at the onset of and during puberty. CONCLUSION: For the girls it is necessary to improve the basic motor skills, while the boys need to learn considerate behavior and how to read the game. Basic skill levels in ball games must be improved before practice in competition form is initiated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

[The rupture of the tibial anterior tendon in a world class veteran fencer].

The rupture of the tendon of the M. tibialis ant. is a rare sport injury and has not been yet described in fencing. The lunge, the most common offensive movement in fencing, displays a high stress on the spanned tendons and ligaments over the ankle joint and led to the rupture of the pre-damaged tendon of our patient. Pain over the inner side of the foot should be assessed as knells of this tendon injury. The exact patient's history and the precise clinical investigation are adequate for diagnosing the rupture. Hereby, an absence of the tendon shape over the ankle joint and a distinct active deficit of the extension are presented in comparison to the other side where a gap in the tendon course is palpable. An x-ray is obligate, a sonography and a MRI are helpful for the operative planning. The surgical treatment is necessary for athletes. If possible, a primary tendon suture should be aimed, in case of a distal torn an osseous reinsertion should occur. An early functional, postoperative treatment with an orthesis should be rather preferred for athletes than an immobilization.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Closed subfascial v.a.C.-therapy in periprosthetic hip infections].

Infections after hip arthroplasty can lead to protracted and complicated treatments. A great problem is thereby the persistant secretion after surgical revision. 8 patients (3 x after acetabulum cup replacement, 2 x after Girdlestone hip, 2 x after spacer implantation and one case of rearthroplasty) have been treated with a V.A.C.-therapy after bacterial infection and persistant wound secretion. In all cases a pathogen organism could be identified during the frustrated attempts of sanitation. After meticulous debridement and jet lavage in each case, 1-3 polyvinyl sponges have been placed either periprosthetic or in the resection cavity with a transcutan tube outgoing. The wounds have been closed in layers. Initially a pressure of 200 mm Hg via V.A.C. has been attached. After 48-72 h an alteration from haemorrhagic to serous secret could be observed and afterwards the pressure has been reduced to 150 mm Hg. After a mean period of 11 days (8-13) the infection parameters have been retrogressive, the wound secretion was obviously reduced and the sponges were removed. During the remaining hospitalization of each patient no complications occured. In the mean follow-up of 21 months (2-46) no reinfections have been observed. Although the V.A.C.-therapy does not count to the primary therapy concepts of periprosthetic hip infections, it stands for an effective therapy option in exclusive cases.

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PubMed2003

[Sports injuries, sports damages and diseases of world class athletes practicing modern pentathlon].

108 world class athletes (54 males, 54 females) practicing modern pentathlon had been interviewed about their individual training and competition efforts as well as their sports related injuries, damages and diseases in the last world cup season using a standardized empirical questionnaire. The mean training extent was about 25 hours per week, the mean number of national and international competitions athletes made was 9, especially concerning swimming and running. Mean number of health threatening incidents of each athlete had been 2 with 41% diseases such as otitis and pharyngitis, 23% injuries such as contusions and distortions and 33% damages such as tendinitis, periostitis and strains. Head and neck involvement were more frequent than those of pelvis and the lower extremities. Training efforts were the most frequent reasons for health threatening events (84%), especially concerning diseases and damages, whereas most of the injuries happened during competitions (p<.01). Most of the injuries happened practicing horse riding during competitions (9%). Running was the most frequent reason for damages, whereas horse riding is the leading cause for injuries, furthermore damages and injuries are typical for fencing. Swimming is often associated with diseases. In contrary shooting did not show typically affiliated health threatening events. The incidence of health threatening incidents concerning world class athletes practicing modern pentathlon is quite low. Especially running and swimming combined with a high training extent empirically predisposed to suffer from damages and diseases. Horse riding with a quite low training extent and fencing show a higher incidence of injuries. From the training-methodological point of view the training extent should not be too extended. Due to a high number of diseases it may be profitable to be in attendance of an inner medicine physician.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Vesiculitis seminalis--a rare diagnosis in case of chronic groin pain].

In this case report we present a male soccer player suffering from chronic groin pain. Exact diagnosis, i. e. seminal vesiculitis, could finally be evaluated by the means of MR Imaging, and so the patient did fully recover after selective antibiotic therapy. In this case musculoskeletal involvement because of visceral pelvic disorders may be caused by synaptic interaction between the somato-sensory and viscero-motoric system due to the close anatomical relationship between the seminal vesicle of the pelvis and the pubic bone with its insertion of the adductor muscles. In case of chronic groin pain in athletes physicians should also be aware of visceral pelvic disorders. For diagnostic evaluation MR Imaging may be of important help.

Abdominal Pain↗

PubMed2002

[Atypical symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome - treatment and results].

PURPOSE: Additionally to the typical carpal tunnel symptoms, the patients of this study had atypical complaints. Other reasons for these symptoms than those caused by the compression of the median nerve could be excluded using medical examination or imaging techniques. Purpose of this study was to investigate whether decompression of the median nerve may reduce or even abolish the atypical complaints. METHOD: For this prospective study 378 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were clinically and electroneurographically examined, which was performed before and after (3 months) they underwent surgical decompression of the median nerve. RESULTS: 70 patients (19 % of all patients) with carpal tunnel symptoms suffered from additional atypical symptoms such as cardiac pain, ipsilateral headache as well as neck and shoulder pain. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was made using clinical and electroneurographical examination. Carpal tunnel symptoms of all patients disappeared completely after surgery. Respectively, 61 % of those patients with preoperative atypical complaints did also fully recover. CONCLUSION: This study shows that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may also suffer from atypical complaints. These symptoms have been shown to be associated with the compression of the median nerve. They may be caused by spinal synaptic interaction between sensory and sympathetic/parasympathetic neuronal pathways by somatically-induced reflex responses.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Two-stage exchange of infected knee arthroplasty with an prosthesis-like interim cement spacer.

Two-stage revision in infected knee arthroplasty is standard practice. One problem during the interim period is soft tissue fibrosis. Attempts have been made to preserve leg length and ligament length by introducing spacers, usually made out of antibiotic-loaded bone cement. We present a new interim prosthesis, which is made intra-operatively out of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Antibiotic-loaded cement provides a therapeutic level of antibiotics in the periarticular soft tissue. We report the results in ten patients, who were treated with this prosthesis-like spacer and were prospectively studied. After an average follow-up of 13.5 months, there was no recurrent infection.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

[Blunt trauma in soccer. The initial manifestation of synovial sarcoma].

Report on a young man, who was operated upon after adequate trauma following the diagnosis "organizing haematoma of the adductorial compartment". Surprisingly we found intraoperatively tumor suggilations. According to the definition of Enneking the surgical procedure was finished as "marginal excision" and the patient was referred to an oncological center. After multimodal therapy the patient is meanwhile tumor and recurrence free for 5 years. In case of such an unexpected diagnosis the importance of paying attention to the criterias of an "incisional biopsy" is emphasized. The concept of a "conceived biopsy" is explained in preoperatively malignant looking tumors. The outstanding responsibility of the surgeon for prognosis (local recurrence) and patients quality of life (amputation versus limb salvaging) is elaborated.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Controlled dynamic weight training in patients with neuromuscular disorders].

The question posed was whether individually adapted, controlled dynamic weight training, in accordance with training principles and methods from sports science, applied for a limited time, can lead to an improvement in the stimulation and release of muscular strength in patients with neuromuscular disorders. The muscles of the pelvic girdle and the lower extremity of 10 patients (5 with dystrophic muscle disease and 5 with neurogenic muscular atrophy) were exercised provisionally for a period of 6 weeks on various weight training machines. The training routine was 3 sessions (TS) per week at an intensity range of 40-60% of the respective best performance for the exercise (One Repetition Maximum; ORM), at 8-12 repetitions/set and 2-4 sets/exercise. Body weight and ORM were determined before, during and after the training period (TP), the different load criteria/TS were documented. It was possible to train the patients in accordance with principles of training known from sports science. Over the entire TP it was possible to increase the load criteria significantly (p < 0.01). The ORM had increased considerably in all exercises after the TP (p < 0.01). The changes in strength lay between 11 and 95%. Correlation analyses demonstrated that the percentage changes in strength correlated significantly (p < 0.01) and positively (r = 0.87) with the training load in terms of quality. No significant changes in development of strength could be ascertained between the two groups of patients (dystrophic versus atrophic). The individually adjusted, controlled dynamic weight training described above, leads to an increase in the stimulation and release of strength and can be conducted according to principles of training science. Applied in clinical rehabilitation, it represents a supplementary form of therapy in the symptomatic treatment of neuromuscular disorders.

Adult↗