Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K M Stürmer.
The removal of a broken femoral nail due to refracture or nonunion is always a surgeon's challenge. Especially the distal fragment is often difficult to remove. We describe here another minimally invasive and safe method using the antegrade and retrograde approach to the femur.
Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare disorder which causes recurrent episodes of hypovolemic shock due to a markedly increased plasma shift into the interstitium. Hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia and a monoclonal gammopathy are characteristic laboratory findings. A rare manifestation of this disease is a compartment syndrome with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. We describe a patient who suffers from a compartment syndrome of both lower legs and the left forearm secondary to systemic capillary leak syndrome, and discuss the pathophysiological background.
INTRODUCTION: Total meniscus resection usually leads to osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Preservation and refixation of the injured menisci are therefore of great clinical importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study examines 40 meniscal injuries in 37 patients that were arthroscopically treated with Clearfix meniscal screws (Mitek, Norderstedt, Germany) in the period from August 1999 to December 2002. The mean patient age was 27.7 (range 16-62) years. Nine patients were female. A total of 24 patients (27 meniscal tears) also had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) lesion, and 5 patients had cartilage injuries. Twenty-two patients were treated within the first 2 weeks following the trauma, 10 patients within 8 weeks, and 5 patients after 8 weeks. The lesions were a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus in 11 cases and a bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus in 2 cases. The posterior horn of the medial meniscus was torn in 13 cases, and the pars intermedia in 3 cases. The posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was torn in 8 cases, and the pars intermedia in 3 cases. The mean tear length was 2.9 (+/- 1.5) cm and was fixed with an average of 1.8 (+/- 0.7) screws. In 7 cases, the anterior horn was treated with an additional meniscal suture. A total of 35 patients were examined after an average of 18 (range 7-45) months. RESULTS: In the event of a moderate outcome, MRI was performed as part of the follow-up investigation. The average Lysholm score was 93 (+/- 7.4), the Tegner activity index was 6.3 (+/- 2.0) before the accident and 5.8 (+/- 2.0) at the follow-up, the Marshall knee score was 47 (+/- 3.8). The VAS pain assessment was 1.6 (+/- 1.3) and the VAS function assessment was 7.9 (+/- 1.6). Of the 7 patients with a moderate result, 2 patients without additional ligament lesions suffered re-ruptures after and 13 months, respectively. The other 5 patients with a moderate result each had multiple accompanying injuries or pre-existing damage to the affected knee joint. CONCLUSION: The Clearfix screws achieved a clinical success rate of 82% in isolated meniscal tears in stable knee joints and a clinical success rate of 100% with additional ACL reconstruction. In view of the good clinical results and the simple procedure for use, the implant should be recommended for meniscal refixation.
We set out to clarify whether in hospitals with a large volume morbidity and mortality rates after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be improved, whether the effects are consistent, and whether minimum recommendable caseloads can be inferred. We conducted a systematic review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL and performed a hand search without restrictions on language or publication types. We identified 1406 citations, of which 13 studies including 1,110,962 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of these, six studies explored the same administrative data source. Five studies enrolling 448,897 were eligible for quantitative analysis. All studies corresponded to evidence level 2b (prospective or retrospective cohort study with >80% follow-up). We found homogeneous results about hospital mortality. Between 2551 and 821 TKA must be performed by high-volume rather than by low-volume providers to prevent 1 extra death. Absolute event rates are notably small.
PURPOSE: To compare image quality of single-slice spiral CT (SSCT) and multislice spiral CT (MSCT) in the diagnosis and classification of calcaneal fractures and to present a rapid and precise algorithm for the classification system of Stuermer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 102 patients with 124 calcaneal fractures, spiral CT was performed, in 82 cases as SSCT with a slice thickness (SD) of 3 mm, a table speed (TS) of 3 - 4 mm/rot and an increment of 1.5 mm. In 42 cases, patients were scanned using MSCT (SD of 1.25 mm, increment 0.8 mm). For these examinations, 2 different scan protocols were used, with a TS of 3.75 mm/rot in one group (n = 21) and a TS of 7.5 mm/rot in the other group (n = 21). The image quality of axial sections and reconstructed images was assessed on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = very good; 5 = insufficient). The fractures were evaluated using a classification system according to Stuermer, which assigns three main groups (A/B/C) and three subtypes (1/2/3). RESULTS: MSCT had substantial advantages over SSCT with respect to scan time and image quality, especially for multiplanar reformatting (median 1.5 versus 4.0). TS showed no significant influence on the image quality. The standardized evaluation of the images enabled a classification of fractures within 5 minutes. All fractures could be assigned to the different types and subtypes. This classification system takes into account the severity of the fracture and the therapeutic approach. The most common type (90 of 124 fractures) were "joint depression" fractures (type C), which were treated by surgery in 92 %. Type A fractures were treated conservatively in 72 %. CONCLUSION: Spiral CT, especially MSCT, allows rapid diagnosis and precise classification of calcaneal fractures, achieved with high quality multiplanar reformatting. The presented classification in different fracture types and subtypes allows an adequate planning of therapy.
An osteochondral lesion in a weight bearing joint causes therapeutic problems. Surgical therapy focuses on the restoration of the articular surface, unlimited motion of the joint and prevention of cartilaginous degeneration. A causal therapy to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis is the fixation of osteochondral fragments. Various absorbable implants for the purpose of refixation are available, but only a few have proved to be biocompatible. This retrospective study presents the preliminary results after refixation of osteochondral fragments of the ankle and knee joints. We used self-reinforced absorbable pins, nails and screws made of polylactide acid. The results for 15 patients with 17 fractures of 16 joints were evaluated. All patients were scored by the Tegner-activity-level, the McDermott-score and the DGKKT-score, and 13 of them were monitored by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The follow-up extended for an average of 14.3 months (range: 4-43 months). The clinical results for all patients were good (McDermott-score: Ø 89 points, DGKKT-score: Ø 78.8 points, Tegner: pre-op vs post-op=Ø 4.6 vs Ø 5.1) and the surgical therapy proved to be successful. The MRI showed the complete incorporation and vitality of the fragment as well as a congruence of the joint surface. The clinical course and the MRI gave little reference to an inflammatory reaction due to the implants that complicated the course of two patients. These results indicate that absorbable implants made of polylactide acid are biocompatible and effective in the fixation of osteochondral fragments.
For unstable fractures of the distal radius, the dorsal plate requires exposure of the fragments, frequently spongioplasty, and usually removal of the implant later on. However, with the palmar approach for the reconstruction of the articular surface and restoration can easily be achieved with the T-plate. In the Traumatology Department of the University at Göttingen, we have gained experience in the treatment with the palmar T-plate in more than 400 patients. In a prospective study, we investigated the functional and radiological results after palmar T-plate osteosynthesis in Colles fractures. From September 1994 to December 1998 we treated 200 patients with the palmar T-plate (AO, 3.5 mm, titanium). 166 patients (83%), mean age 59 years, could be followed up >18 months. AO classification: A2:10, A3:45, B1:18, B2:10, C1:24, C2:40, C3:19. We compared group 1 (younger than 60 years, n=88) vs group 2 (older than 60 years, n=78). The patients' evaluation of the usability of the hand was normal in 56% and in 26,5% slightly reduced. 12,5% felt handicapped and 5% felt severely handicapped. 5% of the patients changed the domain hand, 15,4% at least partly. Function according to Lidström: 23% excellent, 58% good, 15% fair and 4% poor results. Radiological results according to Lidström were excellent and good in 88,3% and fair in 11,7%. Gartland and Werley score was excellent in 66%, good in 24%, fair in 6% and poor in 4%. There was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in the age-depending results. The secondary dislocation, the average dorsal tilt was 3 degrees, the mean shortening of the radius was 1,5 mm. We saw steps in the joint surface from 0,5-1 mm in 10%. An algodystrophy occurred in 5%. 12% of the patients complained of limited sensitive irritations of the medianus nerve most likely originating in the formerly used approach close to the medianus nerve. After changing this approach, we saw no irritation of the Nervus medianus among 50 patients so far. Evaluation of the functional and radiological investigations: The palmar T-plate has produced reliable and good results in the treatment of unstable distal fractures of the radius without angle-stable screws up to now. This type of osteosynthesis is stable for exercise and ensures early mobilization with good functional results even in elderly patients.
BACKGROUND: Trauma and emergency surgeons (S) are in contact with high-risk patients (P) infected with HBV, HCV, and HIV without knowing which P is and which is not infected. The aim of this paper was to analyze routine screening (SCR) in trauma care. METHOD: Microparticle enzyme immunoassays (MEIA) (Abbott Axym system) were analyzed from routine blood samples: HBsAg (V2), HCV version 3.0, HIV 1/2gO. All positive or uncertain samples were confirmed with ELISA/PCR. RESULTS: From January 2002 to October 2002 a total of 1074 emergency P were examined. The results were available within 50 min after admittance to the emergency room. In 53 of 1074 (4.9%) the MEIA was positive or in threshold margins (LV): HBV 15 P plus 3 LV (9 secured by ELISA/PCR), prevalence (PV) 0.84%. HCV 34 P plus 1 LV (31 secured with ELISA/PCR), PV 2.9%. HIV 2 P, PV 1.86 per thousand, 1 in co-infection with HCV, 1 with HBV. Of 42 infections, 21 were unknown before screening, and in 5 P the S suspected an infection. After screening, nine surgical procedures were changed to safer procedures. CONCLUSION: MEIA is a good tool for quick SCR of HCV, HBV, and HIV in emergency surgery (ES). When the infection is known the S is more aware to perform only safe procedures during surgery (no touch technique) or to use more protective devices (e.g., fluid shield, double gloves). Our results indicate that surgeons and nurses in ES are exposed four to six times more often to infection with HCV, HBV, and HIV than represented by officially published data. We recommend routine SCR of HBV, HCV, and HIV for all P in ES. Prevention procedures are discussed.
The treatment of comminuted fractures of the radial head with concomitant injuries of the ulnar complex by resection of the radial head usually does not provide satisfactory long-term results. Other than joint instability in the elbow and a limited range of motion, radius proximalisation in the sense of ulnocarpal impingement, osteoarthritis and pain in the elbow have been described. Between 1995 and 1997, 11 radial head prostheses were implanted in ten patients who had sustained a comminuted fracture of the radial head with concomitant injury to the ulnar complex. A follow-up survey was conducted with the patients on average 5 years after the injury. Eight patients with nine implants participated in the follow-up, one patient had died and another refused to participate but declared that he did not suffer from any impairment. According to the Morrey score, two of the results were found to be very good, five to be good, one to be fair and one to be poor. Despite the severe injuries sustained by the elbow, neither joint instability in the elbow nor proximalisation of the radius, cubitus valgus, ulnar nerve syndrome, nor loosening of the prosthesis were found in any of the patients. In the event of comminuted fractures of the radial head which are impossible to reconstruct by osteosynthesis and which occur with concomitant ulnar ligamentous or osseous injury, the implantation of a prosthesis is preferred over the resection of the head of the radius.
The principles of treatment for fractures of the femoral shaft in children include conservative and operative management. Traditionally, these fractures have been treated conservatively with skeletal traction. More frequent consideration is being given to the psychological and economical outcome. At what age of the patient surgery can be performed is still open to debate. From 1988 to 1999, 52 children with closed femoral shaft fractures were treated conservatively in the Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie der Universität Göttingen (until 1994 Klinik für Allgemeinchirurgie). Overhead traction was applied in 27 children with a mean age of 19.9 months (group I), and a 90-90 skeletal traction was performed in 25 children with a mean age of 47 months (group II). This treatment was followed by spica casting on an outpatient basis. At a mean follow-up of 6 11/12 years (2 4/12-12 5/12) in 33 children all fractures were healed and no malalignment with clinical relevance could be observed. In four patients the limb overgrowth was 15-20 mm. The assessment of psychological and somatic aspects revealed disturbances in the family environment. The average length of hospitalization was much shorter in group I (mean: 17.4 days) than in group II (mean: 23.7 days). Our study confirms the good long-term results after conservative treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children up to 6 years. Social and psychological problems due to the prolonged period of hospitalization as well as the high costs of skeletal traction favor surgical treatment for children older than 3-4 years.
Aim of the study was to analyse the results following osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures with cannulated blade plate 90 degrees (Synthes, Mathys Medizinaltechnik AG, Bettlach, Schweiz) in elderly patients. Between 6/1998 and 12/1999 we treated 20 patients (12 female, 8 male) > 65 years (65-92 y, 75 y) with the cannulated blade plate (fracture type according to AO: 8 x 11-A3, 5 x 11-B1, 3 x 11-B2, 1 x 11-B3 und 3 x 11-C2). Regarding to mechanical and functional advantages we modified the 90 degrees angulation of the implant by bending intraoperatively up to 110-120 degrees. Early post-op physiotherapy was permitted. The radiological results of all patients were evaluated and in 13 patients a clinical follow-up (median 8 months) was obtained. According to the Constant-score 62 points on average were achieved, which corresponds to a satisfactory result (contralateral shoulder 92 points). Complications due to the implant were loosening of the blade plate in 3 cases (A3, B2, C2) and 1 perforation of the blade plate (C2). The consecutive reoperation consisted in a compound osteosynthesis with the blade plate (A3, B2) in 2 cases, a prosthetic replacement and a removal of the implant (C2) in 1 case respectively. Neither infection, major nerve and vessel trauma nor avascular necrosis occurred. The cannulated blade plate 90 degrees represents a justified alternative in the treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients. Commendable indications are fracture types A and B according to AO with stable fixation of the blade plate in the humeral head, which allow early physiotherapy and avoid an alteration of the rotator cuff. C-type fractures tend to complications (2/3).
Apart from bleeding complications, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II is the most severe side effect of heparin therapy. It is widely agreed that its most important clinical symptom is thrombocytopenia, with or without thromboembolism.Assuming, unlike other authors, that thrombosis is the leading clinical symptom of HIT type II, we investigated the frequency of an immunological reaction indicative of HIT type II in patients suffering from thrombosis. From January 1999 to December 2000, 77% ( n=6713) of our in-patients received heparin for more than 5 days as thrombosis prophylaxis. When thrombosis was suspected on the grounds of clinical appearances, the patient concerned underwent phlebography, and two different serological tests for anti-heparin antibodies were also carried out. In such cases, patients were immediately switched to hirudin instead of heparin. In 29 out of 101 patients, the clinical suspicion of thrombosis was confirmed. Three patients developed pulmonary embolism. In 4 patients both serological tests revealed the presence of anti-heparin antibodies. Three of the remaining 72 patients with negative phlebography results were found to have antibodies on serological testing. In none of the 7 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HIT type II was the classical sign of thrombocytopenia was present. Even with thorough clinical and phlebographic examinations, the incidence of HIT type II is only 0.13% in our institution. One of the 7 patients with thrombosis was not thrombocytopenic but did show the typical immunological reaction. Since the incidence of HIT type II is low and thrombocytopenia is not a reliable indicator for HIT II, the need for frequent thrombocyte counts (twice weekly) should be reconsidered.However,patients developing thrombosis while receiving heparin need to be treated for clinically suspected HIT type II until the final diagnosis is made.
UNLABELLED: 46 cases of clavicular fracture (25 of the middle third and 21 of the distal third) are reviewed concerning indications for surgery, surgical technique and postoperative results. In 32 cases surgery was necessary due to dislocation (in 7 cases with a rupture of the coracoclavicular ligaments), 3 times due to a complex trauma of the shoulder joint, 3 times due to a local neurovascular involvement, 3 times due to a delayed fracture healing and 3 times due to a pathological fracture. In two cases an open fracture required osteosynthesis. The most frequent surgical procedure was plate osteosynthesis using the following materials: 3.5 mm LCDC plate, the so called "Balser plate" and the "Ulrich plate", 3.5 mm reconstruction plate, 3.5 mm T-plate and compound plate. In 14 cases autogenous bone grafting was performed. Additional suture of the coracoclavicular ligaments was indicated in 7 patients. In every case early physiotherapy followed the surgical procedure. COMPLICATIONS: in 2 cases an avascular pseudarthrosis emerged after plate osteosynthesis without autogenous bone grafting. In one case a non-union developed due to infection. Moreover we found a loosening of a "Balser plate" and in one patient the development of keloid tissue. The functional outcome according to the Constant score was good. 32 patients achieved 89 out of 100 possible points (average follow up 31 months). In distal clavicle fractures we prefer the use of the "Balser plate" combined with a suture of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Due to the occurrance of delayed fracture healing with pseudarthrosis (2/25) in fractures of the middle third, the indication for surgical treatment has to be discussed. In case of local soft tissue trauma and damage of the periostal blood supply, plate osteosynthesis in combination with autogenous bone grafting should be performed.
Retrospectively 20 patients with a surgically treated ankle fracture caused by hobby-accidents were examined clinically and radiologically by a score modified to Phillips after 12 months postoperatively. Further they have taken part in a dynamical gait analysis at the same time. A group of 20 healthy adults was used as a control group comparable to age, sex, height and weight. Although 19 patients out of 20 have achieved a good result at the score evaluation and none of them was clinically noticed with any pathological gait, gait analysis has shown a significant slowed gait speed and a decreased stride length. The reduction of the plantarflexor moment at the injured ankle joint immediately following heel contact was yet the most remarkable result of the gait analysis. The changes of gait pattern are interpreted as an adapted and internalized motion pattern caused by pain and behaviour of rest at any time while the mobilisation-phase was going on. It could not document any significant correlation between subjective and clinical parameters and parameters registered by gait analysis. However, a significant correlation of gait-analysed parameters was found between the injured and uninjured side. By dynamical gait analysis it is possible to quantify remarkable gait changes, to obtain objective data, but also to demonstrate asymmetrical loading and motion that were not clinically detectable previously. It follows that it can be relevant to patients with complaints by leading them to specific physiotherapeutical treatment and gait training so that they would be able to carry on their sports-activities again.
The goal of this study was to characterize growth, mineralization and bone formation of osteoblast-like cells in titanium pore channels of defined diameter. Titanium implants with continuous drill channels of diameters of 300, 400, 500, 600 and 1,000 microm were inserted into human osteoblast-like cell cultures. The ingrowth of the cells into the drill channels was investigated by transmitted-light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence and histological analysis of 15-channel sections of each diameter were used to investigate the growth behavior and the matrix protein patterns. Mineralization was evidenced by Alizarin red staining and high-resolution microradiography. The ingrowth of human osteoblast-like cells in the drill channels occurred in a sequence of four characteristic stages. In stage 1, osteoblast precursor cells adhered to the wall of the channel and migrated three-dimensionally into the channel by forming foot-like protoplasmic processes. For all 15 sample drill channels that were investigated, the cell ingrowth over 20 days amounted on average to 793 microm (+/- 179) into 600-microm-diameter channels, where they migrated significantly faster than in all the other channels. In stage 2, approximately on day 5-7, the osteoblast-like cells began to anchor on the substrate wall by matrix proteins and to build up a dense network of matrix proteins in the drill channel. The mineralization of the extracellular matrix, while depending on cell stimulation, was initiated in stage 3, on average after 4 weeks. In drill channels of a diameter of 1,000 microm the cell growth was incomplete and no mineralization was found by radiological assessment. Starting in week 6, in the drill channels of diameters ranging from 300 to 600 microm, the network of extracellular matrix proteins and osteoblast-like cells began to form an osteon-like structure. Neither the highly developed migration behavior of osteoblastic cells nor the reorganization from a fiber-like matrix to a lamellar structure have so far been described for cell cultures.
Report and progress of 2 traumatic hemipelvectomies in motor-cyclists with excluding extraperitoneal tearing of half of the pelvis and disrupture of the pelvic vessels for 18 years. The purpose of this case study was the analysis of the quality of life, the clinical complications and the reintegration of the 2 patients 18 years after traumatic hemipelvectomy.
Thirty-five patients were prospectively examined on average 5.9 and 11.1 months after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Eighteen patients were treated postoperatively with a regular physiotherapy (PT) program 2-3 times per week for 30 min, 17 patients with a special, extended, and supervised rehabilitation program 3-5 times per week for 2.5 h. Criteria for exclusion from this study were previous operation or fractures of the affected knee. The bases for the evaluation of the clinical results were the clinical examination, the Lysholm and Tegner scores, KT 1000, angular reproducibility according to Barrett (proprioception), and the figure-of-eight hop test. It appeared that patients treated with extended ambulatory physiotherapy (EAP) gained a significantly higher degree of functionality in the Lysholm score after 5.9 months (p < 0.02) and the Tegner score after 11.1 months (p < 0.05) than patients treated with regular physiotherapy. Patients treated with EAP also displayed better results in the proprioceptive capability test with an angular deviation of 5.8 degrees after 5.9 months compared to 11 degrees in patients receiving regular PT. After 11.1 months, there were no differences in proprioceptive capability between the two groups. Although the EAP patients were faster in the figure-of-eight hop test (0.39 s difference compared to 0.58 s in the PT patients), the results were not statistically significant. In KT 1000 ventral tibial instability was on average 21% lower in the PT patients than in the EAP patients. After 11.1 months, both groups exhibited the same median value of 3 mm. Furthermore, EAP patients were able to return to work after 36.7 days on average, a 35% shorter period than in the case of PT patients (55 days), also of statistical significance (p < 0.02). To conclude, the primarily higher costs of this intensive rehabilitation program are justified by the better functional outcome linked with an earlier return to work.
PURPOSE: Fractures of the radial shaft associated with disruption of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) are termed as Galeazzi-fractures. In Galeazzi's fracture, the aim of treatment is restoring the congruency of the joint and the stability of the DRUJ, thus preventing a loss of pronation or supination. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In this study, we included 24 patients (m = 22, f = 2) with 25 Galeazzi fractures treated between 1980 and 1998. Surgical treatment and the duration of therapy were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical and radiological results of 15 patients were followed up. Two children were treated conservatively with immobilization in an above-the-elbow plaster. 19 patients were treated surgically by rigid internal fixation with a plate approximately one week after the accident. Four patients were treated initially in a different way. In 13 cases, the distal radioulnar joint was immobilized by pinning with Kirschner wires. In ten patients, the DRUJ showed no instability. Patients with DRUJ pinning received an above the elbow plaster for six weeks, the other patients received a forearm cast for the time of wound healing. RESULTS: Two patients developed a pseudarthrosis following Kirschner-wire or rush-pin osteosynthesis. The consolidation of remaining fractures was regular. In two patients, the DRUJ was not completely stable after temporary fixation. The remaining patients revealed a stable DRUJ. Eight patients showed a limited pro- or supination after temporary Kirschner wire fixation of the DRUJ. The other patients did not reveal a decrease in range of motion. CONCLUSION: A stable and optimal reduction and a rigid internal osteosynthesis are requisites for healing of the radius fracture. Open reduction of the DRUJ is only indicated when soft tissue interposition prevents exact reposition. Surgical revision of the distal radioulnar joint was not necessary in our patients. Patients after Kirschner-wire fixation showed a diminished pro- or supination. To prevent Kirschner-wire failure, postoperative cast immobilization is indicated. Due to the retrospective nature of the study it is not definitely clear if Kirschner wire fixation is superior to immobilization.