[The treatment of distal radius fractures using the external fixator]. / Die Behandlung der distalen Radiusfraktur mit dem Fixateur externe.

This is a report on the stabilisation of fractures of the distal end of the radius type C2 and C3 and open fractures by external fixator. Between 1982 and 1989 38 patients with 43 fractures were treated. A follow-up was done 8 to 80 months after operation including 35 patients. 14 patients were polytraumatised. Especially in this group of patients, the advantages of this procedure can be seen. This advantages are a small stress for the patient, involving only a short time of assembling of the external fixator besides a high stability of the system. Our results show, as well as the results of the literature, that the external fixator has its place in a differentiated therapeutic concept of intraarticular fractures, open fractures and fractures with a defect of the distal radius.

[Extensor indicis muscle as a replacement for the abductor pollicis longus muscle. A case report]. / Der Musculus extensor indicis als Ersatz des Musculus abductor pollicis longus. Ein Fallbericht.

The abductor pollicis longus muscle is very important for the function of the thumb. Its deficit hinders grasping bigger objects. Therefore, the reconstruction of the APL tendon is important in chronic injuries. The interposition of a tendon graft is considered the best method. However, the muscle loses its contractility very quickly because of its small gliding amplitude. Consequently, this procedure is only usable in the first six to eight weeks after injury. Later the function of the abductor pollicis longus muscle can only be recovered by a tendon transposition. The described tendon transposition methods the palmaris longus tendon, the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the radial half of the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon--do not fulfill the requirements of a good tendon transposition. Functional considerations may make the extensor indicis muscle the best substitution for the abductor pollicis longus. There is no disturbance of the function of the index finger by loss of the extensor indicis muscle. Both the extensor indicis and the abductor pollicis longus are functional synergists and are under voluntary control of the brain. By mobilization of the extensor indicis, abductor pollicis longus strength can be approached. A difference exists in the gliding amplitude of both muscles. The gliding amplitude of the extensor indicis is 55 mm while that of the abductor pollicis longus is 28 mm. If the extensor indicis muscle is placed under moderate tension the gliding amplitudes are identical. The strength of the abductor pollicis longus is 0.092 kp/m. The strength of the extensor indicis is unknown.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Fatigue fracture of the femoral neck in a recreational runner. A case report]. / Der Ermüdungsbruch des Schenkelhalses beim Hobbyläufer. Ein Fallbericht.

A report about a hobby runner's femoral neck fatigue fracture is presented. Femoral neck fatigue fractures are rare injuries. Young soldiers occasionally are involved. The under-evaluation of pains in the inguinal region delies the diagnosis. The femoral neck breaks under cyclic load. Therefore the operative treatment is necessary though the injury could be treated conservatively during early stage.

[Differentiated therapy of distal radius fracture]. / Die differenzierte Therapie der distalen Radiusfraktur.

The fracture of the distal radius loco typico is one of the most frequently occurring fractures. This article presents types of fractures, in particular Colles', Smith's, Barton's and multiple-fragment's fractures. Conservative and operative treatment is described, as well as problems related to the different procedures. Besides fracture retention by plaster splint or cast, Besides fracture retention by plaster splint or cast, transcutaneous osteosynthesis by Kirschner wire, lag screws, osteosynthesis by buttress plate and the use of the external fixator are described as examples of operative therapeutics.

[Rupture of the distal biceps tendon]. / Die Ruptur der distalen Bizepssehne.

Eight avulsions of the distal biceps tendon were operatively treated between 1982 and 1985. The operative procedure and results of subsequent investigations are described. The problems of correlation between injury and trauma and its assessment by histological observations are discussed. The clinical results have been good. So we can recommend the operative method according to Platt.

[Subcutaneous tendon ruptures of the upper arm]. / Die subkutanen Sehnenrupturen des Oberarms.

25 subcutaneous tendon ruptures of the upper arm were operatively treated between 1982 and 1985. The long biceps tendon was ruptured fifteen times, the distal biceps tendon eight times and the triceps tendon twice. Operative procedures and the functional results are described. The follow-up investigation was undertaken on an average of 14 months after operation. Mechanism of injury and variations of histological findings in the different tendons are compared. The functional results are good. The operative treatment of subcutaneous tendon ruptures of the upper arm is therefore recommended.

[Nerve transplantations in the upper extremity with autologous grafts]. / Nerventransplantationen an der oberen Extremität mit autologen Transplantaten.

The paper deals with the technique and indications of interfascicular nerve grafting. The operative technique and problems as well as new ideas are described. When the results published in this operative technique are compared, the following tendency is seen: some teams of microsurgeons have nearly the same excellent results after transplantation as after primary suture, while other teams have significantly more failures with transplantation. The problems with follow-up studies and the different methods of postoperative examination are discussed, as are the results of some of the teams.