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L Gotzen

Publications and source records attributed to L Gotzen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Traction radiography for the diagnosis of scapholunate ligament tears.

The diagnosis of scapholunate ligament injury by traction radiography was investigated within a consecutive study. The right wrists of 25 healthy volunteers and 22 wrists with arthroscopically proven complete scapholunate ligament tears were examined. Traction radiography was performed under fluoroscopy with a force of 5 kg applied to the thumb. In the normal wrists, this led to selective widening of the scapholunate joint space whereas the lunotriquetral distance remained unchanged. In 25 healthy right wrists, the median scapholunate distance measured 2.1 (range 1.3-2.6) mm on resting radiographs and 2.2 (range 1.7-3.5) mm on the stress radiographs. For the 22 wrists with complete scapholunate ligament tears, the median scapholunate distance was increased from 2.0 (range 1.0-3.0) mm to 3.8 (range 3.0-5.5) mm by traction (median difference of 1.8 (range 1.0-3.0) mm). In conclusion, a scapholunate distance of 3.0 mm or more in unloaded wrists or widening of the scapholunate interval by 1.0 mm or more under thumb traction should both be considered as pathological findings. We recommend traction radiography as a simple and valuable diagnostic procedure for suspected scapholunate ligament injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Quality management and strategic consequences of assessing documentation and coding under the German Diagnostic Related Groups system].

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of the German Diagnostic Related Groups (D-DRG) system requires redesigning administrative patient management strategies. Wrong coding leads to inaccurate grouping and endangers the reimbursement of treatment costs. This situation emphasizes the roles of documentation and coding as factors of economical success. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the quantity and quality of initial documentation and coding (ICD-10 and OPS-301) and find operative strategies to improve efficiency and strategic means to ensure optimal documentation and coding quality. METHODS: In a prospective study, documentation and coding quality were evaluated in a standardized way by weekly assessment. RESULTS: Clinical data from 1385 inpatients were processed for initial correctness and quality of documentation and coding. Principal diagnoses were found to be accurate in 82.7% of cases, inexact in 7.1%, and wrong in 10.1%. Effects on financial returns occurred in 16%. Based on these findings, an optimized, interdisciplinary, and multiprofessional workflow on medical documentation, coding, and data control was developed. CONCLUSIONS: Workflow incorporating regular assessment of documentation and coding quality is required by the DRG system to ensure efficient accounting of hospital services. Interdisciplinary and multiprofessional cooperation is recognized to be an important factor in establishing an efficient workflow in medical documentation and coding.

Diagnosis-Related Groups↗
PubMed2004

[Diagnosis and therapy of acute complaints after "whiplash injury" in Germany. Results of a representative survey at surgical and trauma departments in Germany].

Whiplash injury of the cervical spine is a relevant medical and socioeconomic problem, which is still the subject of controversy. We performed a survey to evaluate the current status of diagnostics, classification, treatment, and doctors' subjective opinions at surgical and trauma departments in Germany. A total of 1568 hospitals were addressed to answer a standardized questionnaire on their proceedings and opinions concerning whiplash injury. We received 540 (34.44%) completed questionnaires. There was overall agreement concerning the need for physical examination. The radiological assessment included an a.p. and a lateral plain X-ray of the cervical spine in 82.6%. The indication for functional X-rays in flexion/extension was inconsistent. On average they were performed in 39.1% of all patients. In most cases (68.9%) whiplash injury was not classified; 13.2% of doctors used the classification according to the Quebec Task Force and 13.9% according to Erdmann. A cervical collar was prescribed in 85%. While 30% of patients received only a cervical collar, 55.6% underwent additional physiotherapy. Only 8.3% were treated by physiotherapy without immobilization. The doctors' subjective opinions indicated psychological factors to be important for long-lasting problems, but not for the acute period of complaints. There is no homogeneous concept for diagnostics, classification, and treatment of patients who suffered a whiplash injury in Germany. This situation reflects the current problems in management of this condition. Scientific evidence for functional treatment to avoid adverse influence of immobilization by cervical collars has not yet been transferred to our daily routine in Germany.

Germany↗
PubMed2004

[Marburg shoulder radiography splint (MSR splint) for standardized and high quality plain film radiography in fractures of the proximal humerus].

To ensure safe, quick, pain-relieving, standardized, and reproducible high quality plain film radiography in fractures of the proximal humerus, the MSR splint was introduced into clinical practice. With the rectangular and completely radiolucent splint the shoulder radiographs are obtained in supine position by a sole radiographer. Two radiographs are taken in projection at 90 degrees to one another: the true anteroposterior and axillary views, the most important views for fracture visualization and assessment. The smooth flat bottom part of the splint glides easily across the X-ray table below the injured shoulder. The arm lying on the chest is carefully rotated externally up to the neutral position and placed in the splint, then fixed with Velcro fastening with the forearm supinated. The splint is adjusted to the patient for the anteroposterior view which is taken with the central ray directed at the coracoid process and perpendicularly on the film cassette. For the axillary view the MSR splint holding the upper extremity is carefully swiveled into a 80-90 degrees abduction position. Even in cases of comminuted fractures this maneuver is not painful for the patients. The X-ray tube is put into a horizontal position with the central ray pointing to the humeral head in an angle about 25 degrees to the long body axis. The cassette is placed upright in touch with the shoulder girdle. In our institution the MSR splint is not only routinely used for diagnosing fractures of the proximal humerus but also for radiological follow-up controls.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2003

Bioengineered human bone tissue using autogenous osteoblasts cultured on different biomatrices.

Surgical treatment of critical-size posttraumatic bone defects is still a challenging problem, even in modern bone and joint surgery. Progress in cellular and molecular biology during the last decade now permits novel approaches in bone engineering. Recent conceptual and technical advances have enabled the use of mitotically expanded, bone-derived cells as a therapeutic approach for tissue repair. Using three different tissue carrier systems, we successfully cultivated human osteoblasts in a newly developed perfusion chamber. We studied cell proliferation and the expression of osteocalcin, osteopontin, bone morphogenetic protein-2A, alkaline phosphatase, and vascular endothelial growth factor as parameters for osteoblast function and viability. Adherence of highly enriched human osteoblasts had already started after 1 h and resulted in completely overgrown human bone pieces after 10 days. Expression analysis of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase indicated differentiating osteoblasts, whereas the high mRNA expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin revealed terminally differentiated osteoblasts and the process of mineralization. Additionally, gene expression was significantly higher when demineralized bone was used as biomatrix, compared to autoclaved bone and hydroxyapatite ceramics. We conclude that with our newly developed perfusion culture system, vital autogenous bone implants of clinically applicable size can be generated within 17 days in order to manage critical-size bone defects.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Results of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in forearm fractures in childhood].

Conservative treatment of unstable forearm fractures in childhood leads to disappointing results in up to 50%. Therefore the indication for a primary operative treatment is given. In the early 1990s the ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) Procedure was the commonly practiced treatment. Nowadays elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is increasingly recommended. Aim of our prospective investigation was to evaluate difficulties, early results and complications of the elastic stable intramedullary nailing of forearm fractures in children. From January 1998 to December 2000 fifty-four children (23 female, 31 male) with an average age of 8 years (8-16) were treated operatively with ESIN. 48 patients had a single forearm-fracture,6 were multiple injured (ISS<16). Open reduction was necessary in 7,4% cases. Clinically and radiologically a good consolidation was found in all fractures. In one case a large callus formation induced a reduced range of motion. As complications seven superficial infections,which required neither pharmacological nor surgical intervention,were treated. In two cases a temporary paraesthesia of the N. radialis superficialis occurred. In one patient a progressive lesion of the N. ulnaris was observed, due to a constriction of scar-tissue. All fractures healed, in all cases with full range of motion. No relevant difference of length or deviation of the axis was observed. Good clinical results, the low risk of complications and the positive biological impact make the ESIN to the standard procedure in the treatment of unstable forearm fractures in childhood.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Influence of processing and sterilization on the mechanical properties of pins made from bovine cortical bone].

In a biomechanical study pins made of xenogenous cortical bone were tested in vitro. Forty pins of 3 mm diameter and 60 mm length were made of eight different cattle tibiae and allocated to five different treatment groups. Freeze-dried pins served as control group. Pins of the second group were preserved in concentrated sodium chloride solution and defatted with acetone (Tuto-plast processing). Pins of groups three to five were treated with sodium chloride and acetone and afterwards sterilized by different means (ethylene oxide, autoclavation, or gamma radiation). All pins were subjected to a three-point-bending test and a shear test. We found that bending strength and shearing strength were most increased after sodium chloride and acetone treatment, whereas after sterilization with ethylene oxide or autoclaving, the stability of the pins was similar to the control group. The stability was considerably diminished after gamma radiation. Taking into account possible toxic side effects of ethylene oxide, we conclude that Tutoplast processing followed by autoclavation presents a reliable preparation method for the clinical use of implants made of bovine cortical bone.

Acetone↗
PubMed2002

[Computed tomography for the assessment of posterior pelvic injuries in patients with isolated fractures of the pubic rami in conventional radiography].

To investigate the incidence of occult posterior injuries of the pelvic ring in patients with isolated fractures of the pubic rami, additional computed tomography (CT) was performed. Data from 70 patients were collected within a prolective study. Solitary fractures of the anterior pelvic ring based on conventional radiographic diagnosis were included. Spiral CT, slice thickness 5 mm, was carried out in all patients. In only 47% of cases was the diagnosis of isolated fractures of the pubic rami confirmed. A further 35 fractures of the sacrum and two partial disruptions of the sacroiliac joint were diagnosed using CT. All sacral fractures were incomplete, most were found at the anterior part of the bone. Furthermore, CT revealed three acetabular fractures. Dorsal injuries were significantly more frequent after high energy accidents. Clinical examination did not assist in the prediction of posterior injuries of the pelvic ring. There was no correlation between the extent of the anterior injuries in conventional x-ray and incidence of the posterior injuries in CT. None of the patients with dorsal injuries underwent operative treatment. In conclusion, CT is not required for the routine diagnosis of supposed isolated fractures of the pubic rami.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Pathomorphology, diagnosis and treatment of "hangman's fractures"].

In a retrospective study diagnostic procedures and outcome of treatment were evaluated in 33 patients with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis (Hangman's fracture) who were treated in our department between 1986 and 1999. There were 18 men and 15 women with an average age of 41 (17-88) years. The cause of the injury was in 23 cases an accident as a driver of a car, in 2 cases an accident with a bike, 2 patients had an accident as a pedestrian. 5 patients fell on their head and 1 patient was hit by a beam. In 15 cases there were relevant accompanying injuries. To assess the stability of the injury, a subtle radiological examination was performed including functional X-rays. After introduction of the MRI and increasing experience with the method as a standard procedure in clinical practice it was used instead of functional X-rays to get a direct image of the involvement of the discoligamental structures.17 patients with stable lesions were treated conservatively, 15 with a Minerva-cast, 2 with a halo-jacket. One polytraumatized patient had temporary immobilization with a stiff-neck. 16 patients with discoligamental instability C2/3 were treated operatively by Robinson-spondylodesis with additional anterior plating. In one case an additional posterior fusion was necessary. After 6-8 weeks all of the conservative treated patients achieved solid bony consolidation. The patients operated on did so as well within 6 to 8 weeks. Two polytraumatized patients died. 18 of the 31 surviving patients were free of pain. 12 patients complained of pain or tension of the cervical muscles during physical stress. 1 patient suffered of paresthesia of the ulnar left hand. Average duration of hospital stay was 12,9 days (1-47). All working people returned to their job. Differences in the outcome of the conservative and the operative treatment group could not be seen. We derive from these results that Hangman's fractures, mostly caused by a hyperextension trauma, achieve solid bony fusion by conservative treatment in most of the cases. The Minerva-cast has proved its capability. In cases of instable luxation fractures including tearment of the anterior longitudinal ligament and affection of the intervertebral disc C2/3 we suggest operative stabilization. We prefer the modified Robinson-spondylodesis with additional anterior plating which proved its value as a method achieving solid bony fusion combined with low rate of complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Results of early mobilisation of acute whiplash injuries].

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management of acute neck pain after whiplash is a frequent but unsolved clinical problem. Long-lasting symptoms and disability are common. Former studies proposed beneficial effects of physiotherapy in the early management of whiplash injury. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of early active mobilization versus standard treatment with a soft cervical collar. METHODS: Between August 1997 and February 2000 a prospective randomized clinical trial with a total of 168 patients was performed. Of these patients 81 (31 male, 50 female; average age 28,78 years) were randomly assigned to the standard therapy group, which received a soft cervical collar, and 87 (31 male, 56 female; average age 29,62 years) to the early mobilization group, treated by physiotherapy. Study participants documented pain and disability twice (baseline and six week follow-up) during a one week period by diary, using numeric rating scales ranging from 0 to 10. RESULTS: The initial mean pain intensity (4,75) reported by the standard therapy group was similar to disability (4,76). There were no significant differences to initial pain (4,50) and disability (4,39) reported by the early mobilization group. The mean pain intensity reported by the standard therapy group after 6 weeks was 2,66 and disability was 2,40. The mean pain intensity indicated by physiotherapy group was 1,44 and mean disability was 1,29. The differences between the groups were both significant. CONCLUSIONS: Early mobilization is superior to the standard therapy regarding pain intensity and disability. We conclude that mobilization should be recommended as the new adequate standard-therapy in the acute management of whiplash injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Dedifferentiation-associated changes in morphology and gene expression in primary human articular chondrocytes in cell culture.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was the investigation of differential gene expression in primary human articular chondrocytes (HACs) and in cultivated cells derived from HACs. DESIGN: Primary human articular chondrocytes (HACs) isolated from non-arthritic human articular cartilage and monolayer cultures of HACs were investigated by immunohistochemistry, Northern analysis, RT-PCR and cDNA arrays. RESULTS: By immunohistochemistry we detected expression of collagen II, protein S-100, chondroitin-4-sulphate and vimentin in freshly isolated HACs. Cultivated HACs, however, showed only collagen I and vimentin expression. These data were corroborated by the results of Northern analysis using specifc cDNA probes for collagens I, II and III and chondromodulin, respectively, demonstrating collagen II and chondromodulin expression in primary HACs but not in cultivated cells. Hybridization of mRNA from primary HACs and cultivated cells to cDNA arrays revealed additional transcriptional changes associated with dedifferentiation during propagation of chondrocytes in vitro. We found a more complex hybridization pattern for primary HACs than for cultivated cells. Of the genes expressed in primary HACs the early growth response (EGR1) transcription factor showed the strongest expression whereas D-type cyclin was expressed in proliferating cells. Other factors associated with differentiated HACs were the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, VEGF, TGFbeta2, and the monocyte chemotactic protein receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that HACs dedifferentiate when grown in monolayer cultures. Moreover, the expression patterns also show that proliferation and differentiation are exclusive features of human chondrocytes.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Evaluation and results of the gliding nail in the elderly patient].

Evaluation of the gliding nail in the elderly patient with unstable fracture of the proximal femur. Primary aims of the study were the description of surgical procedure, the specific complications, postoperative pain, recovered mobility and social status after nailing procedure. The observation period of this prospective non-randomized observational cohort study was from 10/97 to 07/00. 121 patients (90 female, 31 male) with unstable femoral fracture were included. Data evaluation included type of fracture, surgical data, procedure specific complications and pre and post surgical development (pain, mobility and social status). The evaluation of the outcome was performed at least 3 months (median 10.4 months) after surgical intervention by telephone-interview. A subgroup of 20 patients was re-examined. 24 A1-, 65 A2-, 16 A3-, 11 subtrochanteric and 5 other fractures were stabilized with a gliding nail. The mean time of surgery was 77 minutes. In 15 out of 121 patients complications lead to a second surgical intervention. In the follow-up examination we were able to obtain following findings: 33.9 % vs. 56.2 % (preoperative) of patients were self-contained. The need for professional care was unchanged. 23.5 % vs. 58.7 % (preoperative) showed unlimited mobility. 20.3 % vs. 12.8 % complained light or moderate pain. According to our experience the gliding nail is a safe and minimal invasive system with a low complication rate. In consideration of patient based outcome the gliding nail shows good results compared to other treatment options. For the given reasons the authors prefer the gliding nail as treatment of choice for proximal femoral fractures.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Midterm results after treatment of injuries of the distal extensor mechanism with the MPT-fixateur. A critical analysis].

Between 1994 and 2000 at our institution 37 patients (8 women, 29 men) with fractures of the lower patellar pole and a proximal avulsion fracture of the patellar ligament underwent a primary surgical repair and patello-tibial fixateur for external protection. All patients underwent immediately after the reconstruction a functional rehabilitation program without any movement limitation and under early full weight bearing. Postoperative follow-up after an average of 58.5 months (range 14 to 102 months) was possible in 26 patients. Physical examination, roentgenographic evaluation and isokinetic testing were performed. The clinical evaluation was carried out according to the strict criteria of the IKDC-score. The radiological measurement of the patella height was carried out using the index of Blackburne & Peel; the femoropatellar changings were registered according to the score of Sperner. The clinical evaluation showed in 8 patients a normal, in 10 patients a nearly normal, in 7 patients an abnormal and only in 1 patient a severe abnormal result. The average muscle strength deficit in comparison to the contralateral knee joint was between 10 % and 20 %. All patients showed clinically and radiologically a sufficient distal knee extensor mechanism. The patella height ratio was in the average 0.82 on the injured and 0.79 on the non-injured side. In 17 cases we didn't saw any femoropatellar arthrosis. Eight patients showed a moderate femoropatellar arthrosis. There was no case with severe femoropatellar arthrosis. By good follow-up results in general we could demonstrate the value of the MPT-fixateur as a dynamic protection method after reconstructive operations of the distal knee extensor mechanism.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Posterior atlanto-occipital dislocation and concomitant discoligamentous C3-C4 instability with survival.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report is presented. OBJECTIVES: To describe the diagnostic procedure, treatment, and outcome of a 56-year-old man with posterior atlanto-occipital dislocation and concomitant discoligamentous C3-C4 instability. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old male seat-belted driver of a car was involved in an accident. After initial spontaneous breathing and weak movements of all his extremities, artificial respiration became necessary because of increasing respiratory insufficiency. Radiologic diagnostics, including computed tomography scans, showed a posterior atlanto-occipital dislocation and a Grade 2 craniocerebral trauma with occipital subarachnoidal bleeding. Further examination showed a serial rib fracture with concomitant hemopneumothorax. After stabilization of the patient, magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed a contusion of the upper cervical spinal cord. Additionally, rupture of the interspinal ligaments and the posterior longitudinal ligament could be seen, as well as a rupture of the intervertebral C3-C4 disc. Operative stabilization was performed by posterior fusion of C0-C4 using the CerviFix-System and autogenous bone grafts taken from the iliac crest. At 12 months after the operation, the patient had only slight weakness of the left arm and a 70% limitation in the range of motion of the cervical spine. CONCLUSIONS: With improvements in advanced trauma life support, the number of patients with atlanto-occipital dislocation admitted to hospital alive is increasing, so this particular lesion must be kept in mind. When the patient survives the accident, the long-term prognosis is quite good, with a high rate of recovery after initial neurologic deficits.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2001

[Thromboembolism complication in multiple trauma patients: an underestimated problem? Results of a clinical observational study of 50 patients].

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of thromboembolic complications in patients with severe polytrauma in the ICU is not well known. Only a few publications deal with this problem. Systematic investigations in this high-risk patient group are not routinely used. METHOD: From January 1996 to January 1998, 50 polytrauma patients with a mean ISS > 15 were included in a clinical study to evaluate the incidence of thromboembolism in this patient group. Further inclusion criteria were a minimum stay of 72 h in the ICU and mechanical ventilation for a minimum time of 72 h. All patients were examined with color-coded duplex sonography according to a standardized protocol. The duplex sonography was performed before the patients were first mobilized in the ICU (15 +/- 12.8 days). RESULTS: If not otherwise indicated all values are given as mean +/- SD. The age of the patients was 38 years (range 17-77 years), the severity of trauma was characterized by an ISS of 40 (range 16-70). Eight of the included patients died during their stay in the ICU after developing a multiple organ failure. According to autopsy data none of them had a deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolus. Eight patients (19%) developed deep venous thrombosis, and 4 patients with thrombosis developed pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The incidence of deep venous thrombosis in polytrauma patients seems to be much higher than expected reviewing the results of other publications. The low detection rate of other authors results from using only clinical signs. The routine use of color-coded duplex sonography is effective in detecting unsuspected deep vein thrombosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Strength testing of pins made of human femur cortical bone].

For biomechanical evaluation of cortical bone as a potential source for internal fixation devices, pins of 2 and 3 mm in diameter were made from fresh human femora and subjected to bending loads. Some of the pins were tested without further treatment; others were defatted and dried in acetone solution. Of the acetone-treated pins, some were autoclaved either at 121 degrees C for 20 min or at 134 degrees C for 8 min. Acetone treatment of the pins caused a 5.5% increase in bending strength (p < or = 0.05) and a 6.6% increase in the elastic modulus (p < or = 0.05). The mean bending strength of the acetone-treated pins was 257 +/- 52 N/mm2 and the mean elastic modulus was 18,346 +/- 1292 N/mm2. Autoclaving of the pins at the lower temperature for a longer time led to a decrease in the bending strength of up to 16% and at the higher temperature for a shorter time to a decrease of up to 41%. To compare the strengths of the cortical and synthetic pins, 2-mm Biofix pins were also tested. The Biofix pins showed a 25% higher bending strength than the acetone-treated pins but a 12.5% lower elastic modulus. It should be noted that in animal studies the synthetic Biofix pins showed a 20% loss of strength within 2 days after implantation in situ.

Bioprosthesis↗
PubMed2001

[A holder for standardized radiological detection of ulnar capsule-ligament lesions of the thumb base joint].

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the usefulness of a self-constructed holding device for standardized, investigator-independent radiodiagnostics for ulnar capsulo-ligamentous lesions of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint compared to the uninjured side. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A holding device for stress roentgenograms was constructed. Normal abduction arcs were evaluated in 20 degrees flexion in 28 healthy volunteers. The investigator-dependent variance was assessed. The study group comprised 123 consecutive patients (68 male, 55 female, aged 7 to 68 years, mean age 30 years). RESULTS: The normal arc of abduction was calculated to be 12 degrees (range 3 degrees to 24 degrees), while the mean individual difference in side by side comparison in volunteers was 0.3 degree (SD 2.69 degrees, range 0 degree-8 degrees). A rupture was diagnosed in 47 patients; 41 were operated. The preoperative diagnoses confirmed correct in all operated patients. A difference of greater than 6 degrees is indicative of a rupture with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 96.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the holding device is useful for the practical work. Individual differences of less than 4 degrees are negative, between 4 degrees and 7 degrees questionable positive, between 7 degrees and 12 degrees are positive and over 12 degrees proof indicator of a rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

Adolescent↗