[The prosthesis nail -- a new stable fixation device for periprosthetic fractures and critical fractures of the proximal femur]. / Der Prothesennagel-primär belastungsstabiles Implantat bei peri- und subprothetischen Frakturen des Femurs.

Increasing numbers of total hip arthroplasties in combination with increasing age and growing daily activities of the elderly lead to increasing numbers of periprosthetic fractures and revision arthroplasties in osteoporotic bone. The prosthesis nail is a hybrid of a hip prosthesis and an intramedullary nail allowing immediate full weight bearing and early rehabilitation. The prosthesis nail consists of three self-locking components: a distally locked intramedullary nail, different lengthening modules, and a hip prosthesis module. From 1992 to 1999, 28 prosthesis nails were implanted in 26 patients (40-88 years, mean age: 71 years). The indications were 21 peri- and subprosthetic fractures caused by trauma, 2 fractures of the proximal femur in combination with a fracture of the femoral head or severe degenerative arthritis, and 4 revision arthroplasties associated with poor bone quality. A combination of the prosthesis nail and bone cement was used in one patient suffering from a pathological fracture of the distal femur. Patients were additionally treated with wire cerclage (six patients) and autogenous bone grafting (ten patients). All patients-except those who received a reconstruction of the acetabulum in the same session (four patients)-were mobilized with full weight bearing on the operated side as soon as wound pain diminished. Bone healing was observed in all periprosthetic fractures. In three patients the prosthesis nail had to be revised: one patient suffered from recurrent dislocations and in one patient weighing 350 pounds limb shortening occurred after the distal locking screw broke. Intramedullary infection was observed once after treatment of a periprosthetic fracture. When bone union was achieved the prosthesis nail was removed and the patient was mobilized with a girdlestone situation. The idea of the prosthesis nail is based on the logical consequence of treating femur fractures with the most efficient procedure, which is intramedullary nailing. The prosthesis nail can be applied according to the requirements of the fracture as a reamed or unreamed nail and immediate full weight bearing is possible. Considering the high average age of the patients, low morbidity, short rehabilitation time, and low costs are the major advantages of this new device. Taking into account the unfavorable preoperative conditions associated with elderly and multimorbid patients, the rate of complications is relatively low.

[Postoperative radial paralysis. Fate or negligence, conservative wait or revision?]. / Postoperative Radialisparese. Schicksalhaft oder fahrlässig, zuwarten oder revidieren?

Radial nerve palsy is a rather frequent complication caused by an accident as well as by surgery of the humerus. As a primary, i.e., accidental lesion, its incidence as stated in the literature is up to 30%, primarily fractures in the distal diaphyseal half. Secondary, i.e., surgically induced, nerve lesions surprisingly are reported with a similar frequency, though recently the incidence only approaches some 3%. Experts continue to argue over the timing for operative revision. Many authors rely on spontaneous recovery of the nerve as maintained by L. Boehler in the early 1960s, but this theory was rendered obsolete by the technical achievements of microsurgery and the patients' economic constraints. Other authors are afraid of accidentally damaging the nerve by revision surgery. The stand we take in this controversy is instant revision surgery both for accidental lesions as well as uncompromisingly for those incurred during surgery when the surgeon had not explored the nerve far enough to preserve it during the operation. Three exemplary cases are reported, one of them submitted for an expert's opinion because of an alleged mistake on the part of the doctor. Forensic responsibility has to match actual indication principles and the specific technique applied.

[Therapy and prognosis of enchondroma of the hand]. / Therapie und Prognose bei Enchondromen der Hand.

Enchondromas are the most common bone tumors of the hand. In a retrospective study, medical records and radiographs of 112 patients were reviewed. These patients were operated on between January 1973 and June 1997. After extirpation of the tumor, the defect was preferably treated with bone grafting in 102 patients. A malignant transformation (chondrosarcoma) was diagnosed in 2 patients. Follow-up examination of 92 patients with a mean follow-up of 1.6 years (range: 7 months to 14 years) yielded excellent or good results in 76 patients (82.6%), according to the evaluation scheme of Wilhelm and Feldmeier. Four recurrences were probably related to an incomplete resection of the tumor. The authors conclude that enchondromas of the hand should be treated surgically to prove the diagnosis and to prevent a pathologic fracture.

Primary resective shortening followed by distraction osteogenesis for limb reconstruction: a comparison with simple lengthening.

Resective distraction osteogenesis is a new approach to treat segmental diaphyseal bone defects by primary limb shortening and secondary distraction osteogenesis from the same site. A rabbit model was introduced to compare the bone-regeneration characteristics of this technique with those of simple lengthening procedures. Twenty-four skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two equal groups. In the test group, limbs were lengthened after a 10-mm segmental diaphyseal bone resection and limb shortening. In the control group, a simple subperiosteal osteotomy for limb lengthening was performed without resection. New bone formation was evaluated mechanically, radiologically, histomorphometrically, and densitometrically. Bone bridging occurred in all animals. Normalized mechanical values for the newly reconstructed tibiae demonstrated similar torsional stiffness (71+/-3.3 compared with 71+/-8.2%; p = 0.95) and strength (64+/-5.3 compared with 68+/-7.3%; p = 0.66) in the two groups. The average normalized callus diameter was significantly greater in the test group than in the control group (p < 0.01). The remodeling index calculated from densitometry, however, showed a significantly less progressed stage of remodeling in the test group (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis of the callus center supported this finding, showing significantly lower values for trabecular thickness (p < 0.05) and total bone volume (p < 0.01) in the test group. The results demonstrated the possibility of new bone formation after resection and monofocal shortening. This suggests a new therapeutic option to treat diaphyseal segmental bone defects.

Distraction osteogenesis after acute limb-shortening for segmental tibial defects. Comparison of a monofocal and a bifocal technique in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Segmental bone defects can be treated with immediate limb-shortening followed by monofocal or bifocal distraction osteogenesis. In the present study, the efficacy of monofocal distraction osteogenesis was compared with that of bifocal distraction osteogenesis in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twenty-four skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two equal groups: one group had monofocal distraction osteosynthesis, and the other had bifocal distraction osteosynthesis. In both groups, a one-centimeter-long segment of bone was resected from the midpart of the tibial shaft. In the monofocal reconstruction group, the limb was immediately shortened to close the segmental defect and the defect was allowed to heal for ten days. Lengthening was then begun at this site, with use of a specially designed external fixator, at a rate of 0.5 millimeter per twelve hours. In the bifocal reconstruction group, the segmental defect was closed immediately and the fragments were fixed with microplates. A subperiosteal osteotomy was performed proximal to the tibiofibular junction, and lengthening was performed at the site of the osteotomy. The animals in both groups were killed twenty days after the lengthening was completed. New-bone formation then was evaluated with use of radiographs, densitometry, biomechanical testing, and histological and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Osseous consolidation occurred in all but one of the animals. Biomechanical testing demonstrated that the tibiae that had been treated with use of the simple monofocal reconstruction technique tended to have greater torsional stiffness (p = 0.14) and strength (p = 0.09). Follow-up radiographs revealed that both groups had a significant decrease in radiolucent area (p < 0.05), which occurred at essentially the same rate after lengthening. No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to new-bone mineral density, new-bone area, or the amount of callus. Thus, after resection of a diaphyseal bone segment comprising 10 percent of the original length of the tibia and acute shortening, limb reconstruction was completed successfully through distraction osteogenesis with use of either a monofocal or a bifocal technique in rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, both monofocal and bifocal techniques of shortening and distraction osteogenesis were effective for the reconstruction of segmental bone defects. Under some conditions, the monofocal method may provide a simpler means of treating such defects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Damage to the soft-tissue envelope as well as venous and lymphatic stasis impose limits on the amount of limb-shortening that can be achieved with use of the monofocal method and also influence the indications for this procedure in the clinical setting.

[Fractures of the distal forearm. Which therapy is indicated when?]. / Brüche am distalen Unterarm. Welche Therapie ist wann indiziert?

Every 15th case of a bone fracture in patients aged more than 65 years concerns the distal radius in Germany. This means the second rank of all geriatric fractures following fractures of the hip. According to the approved and increased apply of operative stabilisation there are arising more and more reports upon poor results of nonsurgical treatment. Especially in older patients the main reason for the discontented outcome of conservative management is osteoporosis, which is an affirmative circumstance for the genesis of fracture but also for secondary mal-aligment of comminuted thin cortical walls and crushed porotic cancellous bone. The rational of this perception is either filling artificial bonelike tissue--avoiding the need of harvest cancellous bone graft from a second surgical site--into the resultant cavity following reduction, or supplementary trans-styloidal or intrafocal K-wiring until remodeling is obtained within an average of 10 weeks. Both arrangements should be secured in addition with a trans-articular external fixation. According to a literature review and our own experiences of 92 follow up cases of distal radius fractures in patients who were older than 65 years this procedure seems to be superior at present for A-2, A-3 and most cases of type-C fractures of the distal radius, despite the disadvantage of joint immobilisation for about 5 weeks. Type B-fractures, however, should be provided better with an internal fixation. Sudeck's algodystrophia is the mostly serious complication of the distal radius fracture and its treatment in older patients. Recognising punctually neurovegetative stimulated patients, treat them cautiously and coming in on their special situation is usually the best way to reduce this risk. To pay attention to the topography of the nerves during the application of the pins and to act at the first signs of complications immediately is also very important. We examined 92 patients who were older than 65 years with a fracture of the distal end of the radius in a follow up study. In this group we treated 62 distal radius fractures of the type A and C of the AO classification with an trans-articular external fixateur and with supplementary measures if necessary. Additionally we filled the bone cavity with an artificial bone graft (Endobon) following closed reduction in 32 cases, 12 times a complementary K-wiring was added and in 8 cases the external fixateur was combined with both. Sudeck's disease appeared in 1.1% of all cases. In 5 cases we recorded complications with an obligation to treatment as well. Lesion of the superficial branch of the radial nerve were noted in 2 cases (2.1%), as far as we extended the surgical approach for the pin application. Technical problems from the site of the external fixateur appeared in 3 cases, two of them could be attributed to an infirmity of the fixateurs ball joints which is now eliminated by the producer. 4 patients with a type-B fracture was provided by plating, additionally 4 patients with a type-C fracture because of non-compliance. The external fixateur is an essential part of a differentiated treatment with reference to the several types of distal radius fractures in older patients.

[Flexor and extensor tendon injuries of the hand]. / Die Verletzungen der Beuge- und Strecksehnen im Handbereich.

Injuries of the flexor tendon are usually open injuries. In most cases primary treatment is therefore seldom performed by orthopaedic surgeons. This is different for injuries of the extensor tendon. Three quarters of injuries of the extensor tendon are closed injuries. Therefore we do go into primary and secondary reconstruction of the flexor tendon, but focus on primary and secondary reconstruction of the extensor tendon in the most common zones (1, Th I, 3, Th III).

[Secondary reconstruction of flexor tendon function of the fingers]. / Die sekundäre Rekonstruktion der Beugesehnenfunktion an den Fingern.

Among the various procedures to restore flexor tendon function after failed or omitted primary suture flexor tendon grafting is the most frequently applied technique. It can be performed in a one-stage procedure using a palmaris- or plantaris graft in cases with less scarring or in a two-stage procedure for cases in unsuitable conditions. The main purpose for using silicone rods is to prepare an artificial tendon sheath to avoid adhesions of the tendon graft. The disadvantage of two operations seems to be justified by better results. We performed this technique in 168 zone-II-lesions. According to the Buck-Gramcko score we achieved excellent results in 30.9% and good results in 25.6%. In 76 fingers we applied the combination of the Paneva-Holevich technique of using a pedicled superficialis tendon with Hunters method without obtaining better results (22.4% and 32.9% respectively). The various techniques of grafting are described as well as indication and technique of tenodesis and alternatively staged procedure for isolated profunda lesions.

[Closed rupture of the tendon of the anterior tibial muscle]. / Die gedeckte Ruptur der M.-tibialis-anterior-Sehne.

Closed rupture of the anterior tibial tendon is rare. Fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the literature, perhaps because the symptoms are often neglected by the patient as well as by the doctor. Most often the rupture occurs as a consequence of a sudden plantar flexion of the ankle and pre-existing degenerative changes of the tendon tissue due to systemic disease or iatrogenic local corticoid injections. Clinically, the tendon rupture presents as acute weakness of the ankle extensors without reddening, swelling or neurological signs. Differential diagnoses such as anterior tibial syndrome and peroneal nerve palsy can thus be excluded. During the clinical examination the distal stump and the discontinuity of the anterior tibial tendon are often palpable. The clinical diagnosis can be confirmed by an ultrasound examination. An operation may be undertaken up to 3 months after the injury. Preferred procedures are end-to-end anastomosis and transosseous refixation of the tendon, followed by a plaster cast for 6 weeks post-operatively. High-risk patients can be treated conservatively, but the functional results are less satisfactory. We describe a case of an acute closed rupture of the anterior tibial tendon. A yet unpublished method of osseous reinsertion of the tendon is presented.

[Osseous avulsion of the ischio-crural muscle group with concomitant sciatica]. / Die knöcherne Avulsion der ischiokrualen Muskelgruppe mit begleitender Ischialgie.

Avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity are rare. They are often caused by a typical "splits"-like accident. In general the patients feel sudden severe pain in the buttock with localized tenderness in the region of the ischial tuberosity, rarely in combination with sciatic nerve irritation. According to the functional anatomy, flexion of the knee and extension of the hip may be impaired. Roentgenograms often reveal no abnormality and show no evidence of fracture. Therefore, inadequate therapy because of missed diagnosis can result in avoidable persistent pain. We report on a 42-year-old man with an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity. The epidemiology, symptoms, including irritation of the sciatic nerve, differential diagnoses, diagnostic procedures and therapy are presented in detail.

[Open pelvic fracture--an indication for laparotomy?]. / Die offene Beckenfraktur--eine Indikation zur Laparotomie?

Open pelvic fractures are rare and account for 1-5% of all pelvic fractures. Mortality rates of 50% and even more have been reported. Bleeding and septic complications are the major causes of death. In our retrospective study from 1974 to 1996 the data of 40 patients were analyzed. Five patients died (12.5%); 28 survivors could be investigated with a mean follow-up of 10 years. It is concluded that the comparably low mortality rate is due to a standardized treatment protocol. The main principles of management are emergency stabilization of the unstable pelvis and early laparotomy.

[Primary management of flexor tendon injuries of the hand]. / Die primäre Versorgung von Beugesehnenverletzungen der Hand.

The repair of interrupted flexor tendons of the hand and their return to satisfactory function has been one of the most difficult and challenging tasks and problems even for the hand surgeon. Accordingly, nearly all publications have dealt with suture techniques, suture material and even the number of knots with regard to vascularization, course of sheaths and biology of healing. The aim of all surgical intentions is intrinsic healing, with as few adhesions as possible. On the one hand, this requires non-traumatic treatment of the tendon, respecting the dorsally located blood support and, on the other, early motion, jeopardizing the continuity of sutures. These diametrical requirements are the crux of flexor tendon surgery. Many authors-including-prefer a combination of Kleinerts intratendinously knotted suture with Ikuta's technique with the knot sunk below the tendon surface. Closure of the severed sheath is recommended, as is reconstruction of both tendons, provided that both are injured. The repair of partial lacerations is different, however. Kleinert's early motion treatment in the rubber-hand-protected flexion position is the postoperative management that has the most acceptance. In two consecutive follow-up studies (1974-1987 and 1988-1994) of 253 patients with 348 injured fingers, we achieved excellent and good results in 84.8% in the earlier group and in only 80.3% in the later one, which involved more surgeons with varying amounts of experience in hand surgery.

[100 years tendovaginitis stenosans de Quervain--review of the literature and personal results]. / Hundert Jahre Tendovaginitis stenosans de Quervain--Spiegel der Literatur und eigene Ergebnisse.

One hundred years ago, Fritz de Quervain first described the surgical treatment of tendovaginitis of the first dorsal compartment. Since then, various ways of treatment have been pointed out. In a series of 72 patients treated surgically, 82% recovered completely. Postoperative complaints included irritations of the superficial branch of the radial nerve.

Fractures of the pelvis in children.

Pelvic bony injuries are uncommon in children except for avulsion fractures. Medical records and radiographs of 54 children, in whom pelvic fractures were diagnosed from 1974 to 1993, were reviewed. Children 16 years of age and younger who were treated as inpatients were included in this study. Thirty-two patients were boys (59.3%) and 22 were girls (40.7%). In 47 (87.0%) patients, trauma was caused by motor vehicle accidents. The fractures were classified according to the Torode and Zieg classification and the Tile AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation classification. Forty-seven (87.0%) children had associated pelvic or extrapelvic injuries. The mean Injury Severity Score was 30.5 (range, 4-66). The AO classification correlated well with the severity of the injury. Eight children (14.8%) died. In most (38 patients = 70.4%) patients, the pelvic bony injury was treated by conservative means. External or internal fixation of the fracture was performed in 16 (29.6%) patients. A followup examination was conducted in 35 of 44 survivors (79.5%; 2 other patients died of unknown causes) with a mean followup of 135 months (range, 18-235 months); 1 additional patient was interviewed by telephone. In this series, long term morbidity was rare and was attributed to severe pelvic ring disruptions, acetabular fractures, or concomitant injuries. It is concluded that in unstable pelvic ring disruptions and acetabular fractures, the principles of management in children should not differ greatly from those in adults. Serious associated pelvic or extrapelvic injuries may pose more management problems than does the pelvic fracture.

[Intramedullary nailing in forearm shaft fractures--an 18 year retrospective study of a patient sample]. / Bündelnagelung bei Unterarmschaftfrakturen--eine retrospektive Studie des Krankengutes aus 18 Jahren.

Between 1976 and 1993 we have operated 253 patients with 350 fractures of the radius-and/or ulna. 180 fractures were stabilized with a plate (ASIF) or external fixation. In 100 patients with 170 fractures Hackethal's bundle nailing was performed, including 23 times nailing of one bone and external fixation or plating of the other bone. Our indications for Hackethal's bundle nailing of forearm fractures are closed and 1 degree open A and B-fractures of the 2. to 5. sixth of the radius and/or the ulna. 83 of 100 patients, stabilized with bundle nailing, were followed up clinically and radiologically after a mean of 6.8 years. For evaluating follow-up results, the score by Oestern and Tscherne was employed. Very good and good results were found in 74.7%, satisfying and poor results in 25.2% of the cases. Injuries of the same extremity, e.g. fractures of the humerus, arterial- or nerve lesions interfered with the results. We found a low complication rate after bundle nailing: 1 osteomyelitis (0.59%), 3 non-unions (1.76%), 1 refracture (0.59%), 5 synostoses (4.12%, incl. 2 patients (1.18%) with a combination of bundle nailing and plate osteosynthesis or external fixation). In the mentioned indications the stabilization of forearm fractures by Hackethal's bundle nailing is a low-risk method with fast bone healing and short operation time.