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R Steiger

Publications and source records attributed to R Steiger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Interposition arthroplasty for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis: comparison of results using the technique of Epping and Weilby].

We compare clinically and radiologically two groups of total trapezectomy performed as treatment for the primary osteoarthritis of trapeziometacarpal joint combined in 83 cases (2000 to 2003) with tendon interposition arthroplasty type Weilby, in 51 cases (1987 to 1991) with Epping tendon interposition and ligament reconstruction arthroplasty in a retrospective study. In both groups we used a strip of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. The mean follow-up time in both groups is 33 months. Overall, both methods achieved similar results. The relief of pain and the patient satisfaction are better, stability and grip force are worse in the Weilby group. At least one year (12 to 57 months) after operation with the technique of Weilby, 88 % of the patients would prefer this method for the other side. It appears that there is no clinical and radiological benefit of ligament reconstruction. However, the two procedures studied yield equally good results in most cases, but we prefer the simple technique of Weilby and guess that the (missing) long-term results would be superior to the results after trapezectomy alone. Long-term results need to be evaluated.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius extension fractures in women over 60 years of age with the dorsal radius plate (pi-plate)].

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to review the clinical and radiological results and to correlate them with the functional outcome score DASH in women over 60 years who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a pi-plate for displaced distal radius fractures. METHOD AND CLINICAL MATERIAL: In this retrospective study, forty-nine women over 60 years old with mainly intra-articular distal radius fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a pi-plate. The dorsal approach was used permitting an anatomical reduction of the articular surface under direct vision of the radio-carpal joint. Patient follow-up was for a minimum of twelve months with a mean of 32 months. RESULTS: For 71 % of patients, there were no limitations in their daily activities and only one patient complained of a major disability. Overall, the flexion of the wrist was reduced by 15 degrees compared to the opposite side (mean 50 degrees). The DASH score (14.4) was not higher than that of a comparable age controlled group without radius fracture. The pi-plate was demonstrated to be a stable implant in osteoporotic bone and there was only one secondary dislocation. Most patients were painfree with two patients describing tolerable pain, one because of a progressing radio-carpal osteoarthritis and the second due to a neuroma of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. The other major complication was a late rupture of the extensor tendon of the index finger in one of the twelve patients where the pi-plate had not been removed. CONCLUSION: We recommend anatomical reduction and internal fixation for displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures using a dorsal approach to achieve a good wrist function including painless load bearing with the implant removed four months after surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of the effects of local analgesic solution in the navicular bursa of horses with lameness caused by solar toe or solar heel pain.

We hypothesised that analgesia of the navicular bursa is not selective for the navicular apparatus; and that solar pain in some horses can be temporarily abolished or attenuated by analgesia of the navicular bursa. To test this hypothesis, we caused lameness in horses by inducing pain in the dorsal margin or the angles of the sole and then evaluated the ability of a local analgesic solution administered into the navicular bursa to attenuate lameness. The response of horses with solar pain in the dorsal or palmar aspect of the foot to 3.5 ml local analgesic solution administered into the navicular bursa was examined. Lameness was induced in 6 horses by creating solar pain in the dorsal aspect of one forefoot and, at another time, the palmar aspect of the other forefoot, with set-screws inserted into a custom-made shoe. Horses were videotaped trotting before and after application of set-screws and after administering 3.5 ml local analgesic solution into the navicular bursa. Lameness scores were assigned by examining videotaped gaits. Scores were significantly lower (P<0.05) for all horses with set-screws applied to the dorsal margin of the sole after administration of local analgesic solution into the navicular bursa. In conclusion, analgesia of the navicular bursa was less effective in desensitising the angles of the sole than in desensitising the dorsal margin of the sole. Pain arising from the sole should not be excluded as a cause of lameness when lameness is attenuated by analgesia of the navicular bursa.

Anesthetics, Local↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of the effects of two volumes of local analgesic solution in the distal interphalangeal joint of horses with lameness caused by solar toe or solar heel pain.

The response of horses, with solar pain in the dorsal or palmar aspect of the foot, to 6 or 10 ml local analgesic solution administered into the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was examined. Lameness was induced in 7 horses by creating solar pain in the dorsal aspect of one forefoot and, at another time, the palmar aspect of the other forefoot with set-screws inserted into a custom-made shoe. Horses were videotaped trotting before and after application of set-screws and, in separate trials, after 6 or 10 ml local analgesic solution was administered into the DIP joint. Lameness scores were assigned by examining videotaped gaits. Scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for horses with set-screws applied to the angles of the sole and receiving 10 ml, but not 6 ml, local analgesic solution into the DIP joint. Scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for all horses with set-screws in the dorsal margin of the sole receiving either volume of local analgesic solution. Analgesia of the DIP joint was less effective in desensitising the angles of the sole than in desensitising the dorsal margin of the sole, and 10 ml local analgesic solution was more effective than 6 ml in desensitising these regions. The response of horses with solar pain to local analgesic solution in the DIP joint was influenced by the volume administered and the region of sole affected.

Analgesia↗
PubMed1997

[Fornicate structure of blind saccular lymph vessel segments in the conjunctiva--scanning electron microscopy studies].

BACKGROUND: The accepted fundamental element of the initial lymphatic system is a tubular structure (lymphatic capillary), which is present either in the form of a finger-shaped blind-ending protuberance, or in the nature of a plexiform composite arrangement. We were able to demonstrate experimentally that the finger-shaped protuberances, which are known as "initial segments" are in fact temporary filling states. As the filling process continues, these vascular elements become intermediate segments, via which other parts of the vascular network take up the dye. To date there have been no investigations of the internal structure of these apparently blind-ending vessel segments. In this study, lymphographically represented "terminal segments" should be cut away for the purpose of examining the fornix by scanning electron microscopy. Is the internal surface of the fornix regular and unbroken, or are there fissure-like structures which could explain the observed filling processes? MATERIAL AND METHODS: In conjunctiva of bovine eyes (n = 80), interstitial double-contrast lymphography (Berlinblue solution/air) under a slit-lamp microscope was used specifically to search for finger-shaped terminal segments. The conjunctivae had previously been prepared by fixing in polymeric resins. A proportion (n = 21) of the specimens were amenable to examination under the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Notwithstanding the observed great variation in the shape of the lymphographically obtained blind-ending structures-in the form of terminations shaped variously like fingers, balloons, domes, pistons or pyramids, terminations with two humps, and terminations shaped like spear heads-scanning electron microscopy revealed within the fornices many relatively uniformly shaped structures in the form of fissures, configured with lips and saw-tooth edges, rather like zip fasteners. These findings are suggestive of preformed connections to neighbouring segments. This appears to be another element, in addition to the familiar flap-like structures, for controlling the circulation of lymph. Does the "initial part" of the lymphatic system now have to be redefined?

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Peritonitis in horses: a retrospective study of 95 cases].

Clinical signs of horses with peritonitis were colic (67.4%), elevated heart rate (53.2%), altered mucous membranes (75.8%), reduced intestinal motility (63.2%), increased tension of the abdominal wall (69.9%) and pyrexia (45.1%). The amount of obtained peritoneal fluid was increased in 62.3% of the horses. Colour and translucency of the peritoneal fluid were abnormal in 98.8% of the patients. The nucleated cell count was 83.5 (10-595) x 10(3)/microliter, protein content 35.6 g/l (+/-14.2), specific gravity 1027.3 (+/-7.4) and the relative amount of neutrophils was 87.8% (+/-11). The physical examination and the examination of the peritoneal fluid were of diagnostic value. Complete blood count and blood chemistry indicated the degree of circulatory depression and the duration of the disease. Overall mortality was 47.4% (45/95). Non-survivors had significantly more often an increased heart- and respiratory rate, altered mucous membranes, an increased tension of the abdominal wall, reduced intestinal motility and increased amount of peritoneal fluid. Packed cell volume, urea, creatinine, glutamatdehydrogenase, sorbitoldehydrogenase, lactatdehydrogenase and blood pH were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. All these parameters were statistically of no prognostic value.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Preliminary results using a combined xylose absorption/hydrogen exhalation test in horses].

In the present study the breath hydrogen (H2) excretion test was combined with the xylose absorption test in 4 normal horses and 9 clinical patients with chronic diarrhea (n = 3) or chronic weight loss without diarrhea (n = 6). All horses underwent a thorough clinical examination. Laboratory evaluations consisted of haematology and serum biochemistry as well as bacteriological and parasitological examination of feces. In addition, serum electrophoresis and abdominocentesis was performed in all the clinical patients. Gastroscopy was carried out in 6 patients and rectal biopsies were obtained from 4 animals. Two animals were euthanized within 4 weeks after the evaluation. The diagnosis of chronic granulomatous enteritis was confirmed in one of them at necropsy, the cause of weight loss in the other remained unexplained. In the remaining animals, specific causes such as management, parasites, chronic infections and diseases of liver, kidneys and heart were excluded, but no specific diagnosis could be obtained. For the combined xylose absorption/H2 excretion test, the animals were starved overnight and given 0.5/kg/bwt xylose as a 10% solution by stomach tube the next morning. Blood samples were collected for plasma xylose analysis at 30 min intervals for 4 hrs, and breath samples were also collected at 30 min intervals for 8 hrs. With the exception of the animal with granulomatous enteritis, the diseased horses showed only slight alterations in either peak concentrations or times to reach peak levels of plasma xylose. None of the healthy animals showed an increase in breath H2 production after xylose administration, whereas five of the diseased animals showed distinct increases of variable heights. In addition, the diseased horses showed higher fasting breath H2 levels (range 7.5-61.5 ppm) than normal horses (range 0-5 ppm). It is concluded that gastrointestinal disorders might be influenced or even induced by a change in intestinal microbial composition, as evidenced by an increased hydrogenic metabolism.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Case report: polycythemia in a horse].

A 13 year old Thoroughbred gelding was presented with a history of a single episode of collapse during mild exercise. Clinical examination revealed a high packed cell volume (PCV) of 72%, a haemoglobin concentration of 24.9 g/l and 15.2 millions erythrocytes/microliters. Despite continuous intravenous infusion therapy with large volumes, the PCV never decreased to a physiological level. The animal showed a normal appetite and no signs of discomfort or syncope. Arterial blood gas values were in the normal range as well as the concentration of erythropoietin (measured by radioimmunoassay, RIA). A test for neoplasms (carcino-embryonic antigen, CEA) was negative. The liver enzymes of the animal were extremely elevated and a liver biopsy showed a severe fibrosis. Examination of sternal bone marrow aspirate revealed no abnormalities. Based on these findings, the presumptive diagnosis was "absolute polycythaemia". The animal was treated for 7 days with repeated phlebotomy. During this time, the PCV never decreased below 50%, despite no obvious signs of discomfort from the animal. Because of the poor prognosis based on the liver biopsy result, the animal was euthanized 11 days after hospitalization. Post mortem findings were: a granular cell myoblastoma with a diameter of approximately 5 cm in the lungs, severe fibrosis of the liver, mild acute tubular nephrosis in the kidneys, activation of the erythropoietic cells in the bone marrow and thrombosis of the abdominal aorta. The possibility of secondary polycythaemia due to the lung neoplasia was not entirely excluded, but considered to be unlikely. Therefore, the definite diagnosis was polycythemia vera.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Alpha B crystallin expression in response to hormone, oncogenes and stress.

alpha B crystallin is one of the major eye lens proteins and it is abundantly expressed in many non-lenticular tissues as well. The alpha B crystallin protein sequence is similar to that of small heat shock proteins and we could demonstrate that alpha B crystallin does indeed accumulate in response to heat shock and other forms of stress. Moreover, ectopic expression of alpha B crystallin establishes a state of thermotolerance. Glucocorticoid hormones activate the alpha B crystallin gene with a delayed kinetics. Induced expression of the Ha-ras oncogene accelerates hormone-mediated gene induction. A shorter promoter sequence is required for the ras supported hormone response. However, sustained Ha-ras oncogene expression attenuates glucocorticoid-triggered induction of the alpha B crystallin gene completely. Whereas the small heat shock protein Hsp27 is overexpressed in many human mammary carcinomas, we observed the frequent absence of alpha B crystallin in these tumors but not in the normal breast tissue. In contrast, overexpression of alpha B crystallin has been frequently observed in non-neuronal brain tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Diarrheal diseases in 1 to 4 week old suckling piglets from problem herds: microbial spectrum, histology, enzyme histochemistry].

Postmortem investigation was performed on 54 scouring (soon after onset of diarrhea) and 23 healthy suckling piglets. The animals were 1 to 4 weeks of age and were collected from 27 herds. In 21 herds diarrhea had been observed for a long time in piglets in this age group. Coccidia were found in 34 piglets, rotavirus in 2, cryptosporidia in 2, enterotoxigenic E. coli in 6, attaching and effacing E. coli in 1, Cl. perfringens type C in 1, Campylobacter coli in 53 and C. hyointestinalis in 8 piglets. Some of these microorganisms were isolated from healthy piglets as well. TGE- and PED-Virus antigen, as well as Salmonella were not recovered from any of the pigs. Results of the histopathological and enzyme histochemical investigations were in agreement with data from the literature. They confirmed and emphasized the role of coccidia as enteropathogenic agents in the animals examined. On the other hand evidence was shown, that C. coli is non-pathogenic. The role of C. hyointestinalis could not be fully elucidated. At least one sort of enteropathogenic agent was detected in about 68% (n = 37) of the scouring pigs or was present in 81% (n = 17) of the herds, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Surgical treatment of Galeazzi fracture].

In this study 20 patients with Galeazzi fractures were studied. In 19 patients the Galeazzi fracture was reset using the osteosynthetic procedure and one had conservative treatment alone. Open repositioning is apparently unavoidable. The fracture should be treated with dynamic compression plates (DCP) using 6-8 holes. It is also still open to question as to whether a prolonged healing process can be avoided. A revision of the wrist should only be done if the stability after osteosynthesis is not guaranteed or if repositioning is not satisfactory. Post-operative immobilization proved to be of no value. Although with improved operative techniques the prognosis is not bad, subluxation persists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[The treatment of fresh and chronic scapho-lunate tendon ruptures using trans-osseous reinsertion and capsulodesis].

Presented here is a surgical method which attempts to reconstruct the dorsal scapho-lunate ligaments in a anatomical manner. This is done by using the remainders of the ligaments which, in our patients, where still present month after the accident. For additional stabilisation a capsulodesis according to Blatt is performed. The early results up to 20 month after surgery in 11 patients are encouraging, especially according to subjective complaints. However, a restriction of movement must be expected. The dorsal subluxation of the lunate can only rarely be fully corrected. The more significant long-term results are as yet not available.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

[Infestation of a cattle herd with the ear mite Raillieta auris (Acarina, Mesostigmata)].

An infestation with Raillietia auris in a 4 years old cow is reported. For a period of 3 weeks the animal showed an increasing unrest, extreme efforts while trying to feed, and continuous shaking of the head which slanted to the left. After slaughter numerous specimens of the ear-mite R. auris were found in the basic part of the left auditory canal, located in the vicinity of a purulent paste-like plug. Histological examinations of the brain revealed a severe non-purulent meningoencephalitis with necroses of the vascular walls, focal malacia and gliosis. An etiological correlation of these lesions with the mite-infestation, however, is considered to be most unlikely. To the best of our knowledge the occurrence of R. auris in Switzerland was up to now unknown.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Late results of operated scaphoid pseudarthroses].

Beyond elimination of pain, the objective of surgical treatment of scaphoid pseudarthrosis is the prevention of otherwise inevitable arthrosis of the wrist. In a follow-up of twenty-five patients over at least ten years post-operatively, the rate of union, but above all, the development of carpal instability and arthrosis was investigated. In the healed scaphoid, instability did not increase, although signs of arthrosis were found in almost all patients. As a rule, the degree of arthrosis was more pronounced in those cases with persisting subluxation of the lunate and DISI pattern of instability. Consequently, simultaneous correction of lunate subluxation via ligament reconstruction must be recommended when scaphoid pseudarthrosis is to be treated effectively. Late results of this modified procedure are not yet available though.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Indications, technic, arthrodesis angle and functional effect].

The metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb has less range of motion than any other digital joint. Its stability is more important than its mobility. Thus, arthrodesis of this joint causes relatively little loss of function, provided only that the joint is fused in the correct position. The authors reviewed all MP joint fusions of the thumb which were done at their hospital between 1974 and 1985. They examined individually forty-one of the fifty patients and studied the indications, surgical techniques and difficulties, and the complications. Furthermore, they measured all angles of fusion and concluded that the optimal position is fifteen degrees of flexion and ten degrees of pronation. The use of tension band wiring facilitates the achievement and maintenance of the desired position. The stability of the fusion permits exercise immediately after the operation; this helps to avoid a tenodesis of the long extensor tendon of the thumb.

Adolescent↗