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Biomedical subjects

K Lowka

Publications and source records attributed to K Lowka.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Implants of pure titanium for internal fixation of the peripheral skeleton.

In a multicentre study, a clinical evaluation of the new titanium implants of the sizes 2.7, 2.0 and 1.5 mm was done. In seven centres, 133 patients were operated on and the personal, subjective opinions of the surgeons were recorded. In the opinion of these surgeons experienced in using steel implants, the outcome of the internal fixations was the same for titanium as for steel implants. Three metal-related complications occurred in the smallest size screw type (1.5 mm), namely, one screw broke and two bent. In the cases in which the implant had been removed, good tissue contact with the implant could be seen. Only in one case was there discolouring of the soft tissue due to titanium. It is recommended that surgeons who are used to handling stainless steel screws should be aware of the slightly different behaviour of titanium screws.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Surgical therapy of frequent hand injuries. Part 2: Injuries of the tendons, neurovascular bundles and soft tissues].

Injuries to the extensor and flexor tendons are among the most common injuries to the hand (cf. Part 1 of this overview). Severance of individual flexor tendons as also isolated injuries to individual nerves may occasionally be overlooked. In the case of doubt, operative revision is to be recommended. With the aid of dynamic fixation as described by Kleinert, good functional results can be achieved even with injuries "in no-man's-land". In the event of infections following minor injuries, conservative treatment should be applied only in the early stage; thereafter, surgical revision is indicated. In the region of the flexor tendons, immediate surgery is necessary. Also in the case of a paronychia or a panaritium, early surgical treatment of the abscess and necroses is advisable.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Surgical therapy of frequent hand injuries. 1: Fractures and capsular ligament injuries].

The hand is often involved in accidents and injuries. Most of these injuries can be treated adequately by the physician providing initial care. This paper gives the reader an outline of the most common hand injuries with the aim of facilitating recognition of the involvement of functional structures and thus ensure proper treatment or referral to the specialist. If a good functional results is to be achieved, misalignments in the longitudinal and transverse axes or torsional misalignments must be avoided. Fixation procedures facilitate provision of early-functional aftercare. In the event of injuries to the capsular ligament, a differentiation between complete and incomplete ruptures is of decisive importance for the further treatment.

Finger Injuries↗
PubMed1992

[Carpal tunnel syndrome. The most frequent pressure-induced peripheral nerve lesion].

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the term given to compression neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. It is the most common pressure-induced peripheral nerve lesion. It is typically associated with numbness of the index, long and ring fingers, and nocturnal brachialgia. The diagnosis is supported by the typical clinical symptomatology and the positive Hoffmann-Tinel sign, and is confirmed by the electroneurographic examination (ENG) of the median nerve, which can also be used for follow-up monitoring. During surgery, careful inspection and palpation of the carpal tunnel must be performed to detect such conditions as synovitis, anatomical variants and tumors.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

[Computerized tomography diagnosis of scaphoid fracture and pseudarthrosis in comparison with roentgen image].

Twenty eight patients with fourteen acute scaphoid fractures and fourteen with scaphoid non-union were examined with standard X-rays in two planes, special scaphoid projections and computed tomography. Nine scaphoid fractures were revealed by both standard X-rays and CT, whereas four fractures could only be detected by CT. Computed tomography should be used when there is clinical suspicion of scaphoid fracture but standard radiographs remain negative. All carpal bones should be examined. Fourteen patients with suspected scaphoid non-union were examined. In twelve patients, scaphoid non-union seemed to be complete in standard X-rays, whereas CT showed a bony bridge between the proximal and distal fragment. Another patient showed bony union. Two patients showed no non-union in standard X-rays. One was confirmed after a Matti-Russe procedure, but the bone graft was dislocated, causing restricted wrist motion. One scaphoid non-union was demonstrated by CT. Two patients showed signs of additional carpal fractures. Diagnostic applications of CT for scaphoid non-union include the determination of the exact location of the fragments and the evaluation of post-traumatic cysts, thus simplifying pre-operative planning.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Pseudarthrosis of the capitate bone with special reference to ligamentous stabilization].

Non-union of the capitate is rare. So far, six cases of non-union have been reported. The authors add a new case report, involving a 29-year old tobacco worker with a typical history. The length of the capitate was restored by corticocancellous bone grafting. The mechanism by which non-union occurs is discussed, showing that the uninjured palmar V ligament in the wrist is responsible.

Bone Screws↗
PubMed1991

[Hypersupination dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint after distal radius fracture].

Following an intraarticular distal radius fracture of the scaphoid, scapholunate dissociation and fracture of the ulnar styloid process without dislocation, the distal radius fracture healed with rotational deformity. In the course of conservative treatment, a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint in locked hypersupination developed. Due to the locked rotational deformity, standard X-rays were difficult to assess. Only with the help of a CAT-scan, were the authors able to visualize the distal radioulnar joint dislocation and later control the postoperative result.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Traumatic herniation of the heart into the right pleura.

This case report summarizes our experience with a 19-year-old male patient who suffered a blunt chest trauma during a traffic accident. On admission no serious injuries could be detected, but 12 hours later displacement of the heart to the right side combined with sudden cardiac failure appeared. Emergency operation showed a right-sided rupture of the pericardium with complete herniation of the heart into the right pleural cavity and consequent strangulation by the pericardial margin.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Fractures of the mid-hand area--classification, management, results and problems].

Of the various types of hand fractures, metacarpal fractures occur quite frequently, predominantly in younger people. In order to maintaining hand function man's most important tool, the treatment of coice in recent years has shifted from predominantly conservative measures to more surgical procedures. From 1980 to 1988, 33 patients with metacarpal fractures were treated: 66% received surgical and 34% conservative treatment. We report on the results as regards hand function, the length of unemployment, the patient's subjective complaints and the peri- and postoperative complications.

Disability Evaluation↗
PubMed1990

[Computed tomography of the wrist].

CT is a diagnostic tool that allows imaging of the wrist, wrist joint and distal radioulnar joint in the axial plane without superimposition. The differentiation of bone, joint space and soft tissue is possible in a single examination. This is helpful in the diagnosis of traumatic, degenerative or malignant lesions of bones together with the soft tissue reactions. Further information can be obtained by means of three-dimensional reconstructions.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Septic aneurysm in a free flap].

The indications for free flap transfer are well known, and include infected areas or large defects. In the case presented tissue destruction lead to a septic aneurysm with ischemia of the flap. After resection and new anastomosis the flap did not recover. The mistakes and its consequences are shown.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Fever of unknown origin].

A 54-year-old man suffered from intermittent episodes of high fever up to 40 degrees C for a period of about 2 years. In 1945 he was wounded by a shell fragment entering the left lower thorax. Finally the combination of diagnostic procedures revealed the origin of the fever. A colonic fistula leading to the shell fragment in the spleen was found.

Colonic Diseases↗