Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to S H Kuschner.
A number of complications can result from surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. They can be diminished with the use of a longitudinally directed incision, complete visualization of the median nerve, and an understanding of the anatomic variations of the median nerve. However, some complications (eg, a painful scar, infection, and wrist weakness) may not be completely prevented.
Seventy-eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis had 102 dorsal wrist tenosynovectomies, intraarticular synovectomies, and Darrach resection from 1962 to 1982. Follow-up after surgery averaged 11 years, with a range from 3 to 20 years. Pain was diminished in all but 17 wrists and motion decreased an average of 13 degrees. Synovitis recurred in 16 wrists and x-ray evidence of progressive intraarticular destruction was seen in 45 wrists. Revision surgery was necessary in 28 wrists.
The results of 36 total elbow arthroplasties in 32 patients are presented. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 12 years. The preoperative diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis in 27 patients and posttraumatic degenerative joint disease in 5. There were 23 women and 9 men. Unconstrained prostheses (London) were implanted in 6 elbows, semiconstrained prostheses (MAYO, AMC, and triaxial) in 26, and constrained prostheses (GSB, Schlein) were used in 4. There were five perioperative fractures (14%) that were successfully treated nonoperatively. Three ulnar nerve neuropraxias occurred (8%), one of which required surgical exploration and repeat anterior transfer of the nerve. Two superficial postoperative infections (6%) responded to nonoperative treatment. Major complications necessitating revision surgery occurred in 18 (50%). Loosening of the prostheses occurred in nine (25%); two were treated by reimplantation, with prosthetic removal in the others. Deep infections in four (11%) and dislocations occurring in two (6%) necessitated prosthetic removal. Traumatic fractures occurred in two (6%); one was successfully treated by internal fixation, while the other failed internal fixation, requiring prosthetic removal. Radiolucent lines were seen in 20 (56%).
Of the 422 primary malignant tumors of bone and soft tissue treated at one institution between 1968 and 1988, the 29 found in the upper extremity in children are reviewed. In the latter group, there were 13 patients with osteosarcoma; one was lost to follow-up shortly after diagnosis, one was alive and disease free four years after surgery, two are currently being followed, and nine are dead. All of the four patients with Ewing's sarcoma died. Three patients had chondrosarcoma; one was lost to follow-up after surgery, and the other two were disease free at four and 14 years' follow-up. Two of the nine patients with soft-tissue sarcomas died as a result of their tumors.
In 1965, Buchman published a report of a total femur and knee joint replacement he had performed the previous year. He reported this was his second total femur replacement and made passing reference to his first such case, noting only that it had been undertaken in a desperate effort to avert a hip disarticulation. The present authors report a 35-year follow-up study of Buchman's first case, the earliest known case of a total femur and knee joint replacement.
This study evaluates the time required for grip and pinch strength to return to preoperative levels after carpal tunnel release. Grip strength was 28% of preoperative level at 3 weeks; 73% by 6 weeks, and returned to the preoperative level by 3 months. At 6 months grip strength was found to increase to 116%. Pinch strength returned sooner being 74% of preoperative level at 3 weeks and 96% by 6 weeks. By 3 months an increase to 108% was seen and at 6 months an increase to 126% of preoperative levels was found. This data should prove useful in predicting when patients may be able to return to their previous level of occupational-related activity.
Two cases of compression of the ulnar nerve by ganglions in the distal ulnar tunnel are reported. The type of neurologic deficit (motor, sensory, or both) was helpful in predicting both the zone of nerve compression and the nature of the compressing lesion.
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Fourteen patients (16 knees) underwent total knee arthroplasty with a noncemented tibial component. Clinical evaluation at one year and two years showed a level of function and pain relief comparable to that reported in studies of cemented prostheses. Radiographic studies demonstrated evidence of active bone implant consolidation.
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