Long-term outcome following upper extremity replantation after major traumatic amputation.

BACKGROUND: Amputations in general and amputations of upper extremities, in particular, have a major impact on patients' lives. There are only a few long-term follow-up reports of patients after macro-replantation. We present our findings in contrast with the existing literature. METHODS: Sixteen patients with traumatic macro-amputation of an upper extremity were eligible for inclusion in this study. Altogether, the patients underwent replantation in 3 institutions between 1983 and 2011. RESULTS: Twelve male and four female patients with an average age at injury of 40.6 years (range, 14-61 years) were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.5 years (range, 4.4-32.6 years; SD, 5.7 years). The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure was 41 (range, 5.2-94.8; SD, 18.2), functional independence measurement (FIM) was 125 (range, 120-126; SD, 1.8). Chen I representing very good function was accounted in six, Chen II representing good function in eight, Chen III (fair) in one and Chen IV (bad function) in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: We found that while the majority of the included patients exhibited good or very good function of the extremity, none of the replanted appendages regained normal levels of functionality. In addition, all participants were very satisfied with their outcomes. Positive long-term results with high rates of subjective satisfaction are possible after replantation of upper extremities.

[Early functional treatment of intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger using a modified traction device]. / Die frühfunktionelle Therapie intraartikulärer Mittelgliedbasisfrakturen mit der modifizierten Traktionsschiene.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of intra-articular fractures of the middle phalanx is both difficult and controversial. We report our experience of using a modified dynamic traction device (mTD) utilizing only one pin in the head of the middle phalanx and thus facilitating further open reconstructive surgery at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP). The pin does not necessarily have to be inserted in the movement axis of the joint. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to a) determine the effectiveness of the mTD, particularly in comparison with other distraction systems used in the treatment of middle phalanx fractures as described in the literature, and b) compare the results of patients treated using an mTD only with the results of those treated with an mTD in combination with additional open reconstructive surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 26 patients with a mean age of 37 years were treated for intra-articular fractures of the base of the middle phalanx using an mTD in the period between 2007 and 2011. 13 of these patients also underwent additional open reconstructive surgery. 18 of the 26 patients (69%) were reevaluated after 33 months (range 9-44 months); 10 of these had undergone additional open reconstructive surgery. Follow-up of 14 of the patients included their completion of a structured questionnaire and calculation of their DASH scores as well as radiological and clinical examinations. 4 patients completed the questionnaire and had their DASH score calculated. Measurement of range of motion was performed by the treating general practitioner. Patient records were analysed with a particular focus on complications and duration of therapy. RESULTS: The mTD was used for an average of 34 days (range 8-53 days) and overall treatment took an average of 74 days (range 66-154 days). 4 pin tract infections were reported. The mean DASH score was 6.4. The mean range of motion in the PIP joint was 70° (range 30-110°). The range of motion of the PIP and DIP joints (61º) was significantly poorer in patients with additional surgery than that (82º) in patients with sole mTD treatment. Treatment with the mTD gave results similar to those obtained with other distraction devices with good subjective evaluation by the patients. CONCLUSION: Dynamic traction with the help of the modified traction devices is suitable for treating intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint, as demonstrated by a comparison with the literature. Patients who underwent additional open surgery showed less favorable results. The present method has the advantage that only one wire needs to be inserted subcapitaly at a distance from the fracture in the middle finger and this facilitates further surgical interventions.

Long-term outcome of children with acute cerebellitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute cerebellitis (AC) is characterized by cerebellar symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes primarily confined to the cerebellum. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the neurological and cognitive long-term outcome of children with AC. METHODS: Children with AC diagnosed by typical clinical features and MRI findings were included in this retrospective study. Medical charts were reviewed and neurological deficits were assessed by neurological examination or by the expanded disability status scale telephone interview. Cognitive outcome was evaluated with a parental questionnaire (Kognitive Probleme bei Kindern und Jugendlichen). RESULTS: A total of 11 children (6 boys, 5 girls; age range: 3 years to 14 years and 10 months) were included. Of them, six children had a severe disease manifestation including mental status changes and neurological symptoms. Of the rest, two children had a moderate and three children had a mild form of AC. MRI of the cerebellum was obtained in the acute phase revealing signal alterations with different patterns. The average follow-up period was 4 years and 4 months. A complete recovery was observed in five children. Neurological sequelae were reported in five children ranging from ataxia to mild tremor. Cognitive deficits were found in six patients. The affected areas of cognition did include spatial visualization ability, language skills, and concentration. CONCLUSION: Neurological and cognitive sequelae are common in children with AC and underline the role of the cerebellum in cognition.

[Simultaneous reimplantation of both lower legs--5-year follow-up (case report)]. / Simultane beidseitige Unterschenkelreplantation--5-Jahres-Ergebnis.

We are reporting the case of a 29 year old male in whom we performed successful reimplantaton of both lower legs following trauma inflicted by a railroad boxcar. Five years after this accident, the patient's walk is almost normal and both deep sensitivity and two point discrimination on the soles of his feet are sufficient. The patient can walk, run and stand very well on one leg, both on even and on uneven ground.He returned to his job with the railroad 8 months after his accident. Originally the patient was employed as a railroad workman, and is now an office employee. His private life is normal and he enjoys hiking and dancing. In our opinion, sufficient function of the tibial nerve in the reconstructed extremity is important for clinically satisfactory long-term results. Both the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) and the NISSSA are helpful in making the decision on whether to primarily amputate or reconstruct Gustillo IIIC cases. Good long-term results as well as general cost reduction are achievable following reconstruction of extremities. Amputation of an extremity can be predicted with 100% certainty when MESS is 9 or more. Primary shortening and secondary lengthening of an extremity is a good method of treating Gustillo III C fractures.

[Immunological aspects of a child with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis and celiac disease]. / Immunologische Aspekte bei idiopathischer Lungenhämosiderose und Zöliakie.

A case report of a girl aged 3.5 years affected by the extremely rare combination of idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis (IPH) and coeliac disease (CD) is presented. It is the 13th such case that has been published over the last 25 years and only the 7th to be reported in a child. We believe that the concurrence of these two diseases is not coincidental, because a gluten-free diet had beneficial effects on the pulmonary symptoms not only in our case but also in other such patients. However, the pathogenetic relation between IPH and CD remains unclear. Although circulating immune complexes were detected in our patient's serum, there was no evidence of their putative damaging effect on the basement membrane of the alveolar capillaries. Furthermore, no IgA deposits could be demonstrated in alveolar basement membranes. Therefore the hypothesis that there is a reaction between IgA reticulin or endomysial antibodies and an alveolar basement membrane antigen with consecutive structural damage is unlikely.

[Predictive value of latex agglutination on Helicobacter pylori in children with recurrent abdominal pain]. / Praediktiver Wert einer Latex-Agglutination auf Helicobacter pylori bei Kindern mit rezidivierenden abdominellen Beschwerden.

In a prospective investigation, a rapid latex test for Helicobacter pylori in the serum (Pyloriset) was carried out in 39 patients with recurrent abdominal pain aged from six to 15 years. The test was positive in 19 patients. All of these children were subjected to gastroduodenoscopy. Seven cases showed a Helicobacter-associated chronic active antrum gastritis, whereas in the remaining 12 children gastritis not induced by Helicobacter or normal mucosa was found. Of the 20 Pyloriset-negative patients, only five could be biopsied. One of these showed a Helicobacter pylori-induced antrum gastritis. The latex test investigated had a positive predictive value which was too low (37%) to make it helpful in deciding for or against gastroduodenoscopy and the general anesthesia mostly associated with this.