Detecting submaximal effort in power grip by observation of the strength distribution pattern.

This study examined patterns of grip strength when maximal and submaximal effort are applied. Using a sensor glove, 50 healthy subjects performed two different power grips. Both maximal and submaximal gripping showed characteristic patterns of strength distribution that were independent of the degree of power applied. Significant differences were also noted in the strength distribution patterns, depending on whether the grip was performed at maximal, or submaximal, strength. The small finger plays a decisive role in this. In maximal strength gripping, the total measured strength is distributed relatively evenly over all four fingers, with each finger contributing between 23% and 27% of the total strength. In submaximal strength gripping, the little finger is involved very little and only contributes between 14% and 15% of the total strength, with the remainder of the gripping distributed relatively evenly between the index, middle and ring fingers, each of which contributes between 26% and 32% of the total.

[Predictive value of the HISS-scoring system for estimation of trauma severity and the time off work after hand injuries]. / Einschätzung der Verletzungsschwere sowie der Dauer der Arbeitsunfähigkeit bei Handverletzungen mit dem HISS-Bewertungsschema.

BACKGROUND: The estimation of the time off work depending on the injury pattern and severity is of major interest in the treatment of hand injuries. The predictive value of the HISS score (Hand Injury Severity Scoring System) was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: According to this score, 184 work-related injuries (1999 to 2002) were analyzed prospectively, excluding injuries of both hands. The median age was 37.9 years (18 to 65 years), 11 % of the patients were female. RESULTS: A significant correlation was established between the HISS score and the time off work (p < 0.0001, r = 0.51). The score also correlated with the degree of work incapacity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the predictive value of the HISS score for the early estimation of the time off work resulting from hand injuries. However, the estimation is limited to injuries distal to the wrist.

[Treatment of flexor tendon injuries in children]. / Die Behandlung von Beugesehnenverletzungen im Kindesalter.

In contrast to the standard therapy of flexor tendon injuries in adults, the postoperative treatment program for children remains a controversial topic. Some prefer immobilization therapy in a variety of forms and for different periods of time. Others prefer early mobilization programs. We present results for twenty-eight children with thirty-seven flexor tendon injuries. The average age was 5.8 years. After primary tendon suture in children six years and younger (group A), our postoperative program consisted of immobilization for three weeks. The older children (group B) were treated with an early passive mobilization program. Follow-up examinations were carried out on twenty six of the children at three months and at 3.7 years. Three months after surgery, the children in group A showed only average results while those in group B presented good finger motion. After 3.7 years both groups showed good results.

[Reconstruction of bone defect by vascularized fibular transfer after failed wrist arthroplasty]. / Die Rekonstruktion eines Knochendefekts nach Explantation einer Handgelenkprothese mit einem vaskularisierten Fibulatransplantat.

A bone defect of 14 cm resulted after wrist implant removal because of loosening in a 46-year-old patient. Performing wrist arthrodesis the defect was reconstructed by a vascularized fibular transfer. Solid bone fusion was complete in six weeks. Free function of the digits was seen because of length reconstruction.

[Infected animal bite injuries of the extremities]. / Infizierte Tierbissverletzungen an den Extremitäten.

The appearance of animal bite injuries varies in regard to location and extent. Injuries with puncture wounds involving the extremities carry great risk of infection. Managing the complications often requires substantial medical treatment and increased costs. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the course of disease, medical care, and treatment costs in patients with infected bite injuries. In the year 2000, 16 patients were treated for infection after bite injuries of the extremities. Fourteen patients received substandard therapy because of incorrect assessment of the extent of the bite wound. Because of infection, the average time needed for treatment before returning to work was 3 months, including 12 days of hospitalization and 16 days of out-patient treatment. The average treatment costs exceeded 6,100 Euro for the health insurance companies. Because of its increasing prevalence and inadequate treatment, this type of injury has become a serious public health problem.

Correlation of bone mineral density with strength and microstructural parameters of cortical bone in vitro.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of microstructural parameters, such as porosity and osteon dimensions, on strength. Therefore, the predictive value of bone mineral density (BMD) measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) for intracortical porosity and other microstructural parameters, as well as for strength of cortical bone biopsies, was investigated. Femoral cortical bone specimens from the middiaphysis of 23 patients were harvested during total hip replacement while drilling a hole (dia. 4.5 mm) for the relief of the intramedullary pressure. In vitro structural parameters assessed in histological sections as well as BMD determined by quantitative computed tomography were correlated with yield stress, and elastic modulus assessed by a compression test of the same specimens. Significant correlations were found between BMD and all mechanical parameters (elastic modulus: r = 0.69, p < 0.005; yield stress: r = 0.64, p < 0.005). Significant correlations between most structural parameters assessed by histology and yield stress were discovered. Structural parameters related to pore dimensions revealed higher correlation coefficients with yield stress (r = -0.69 for average pore diameter and r = -0.62 for fraction of porous structures, p < 0.005) than parameters related to osteons (r = 0.60 for osteon density and average osteonal area, p < 0.005), whereas elastic modulus was predicted equally well by both types of parameters. Significant correlations were found between BMD and parameters related to porous structures (r = 0.85 for porosity, 0.80 for average pore area, and r = 0.79 for average pore diameter in polynomial regression, p < 0.005). Histologically assessed porosity correlated significantly with parameters describing porous structures and haversian canal dimensions. Our results indicate a relevance of osteon density and fraction of osteonal structures for the mechanical parameters of cortical bone. We consider the measurement of BMD by quantitative computed tomography to be helpful for the estimation of bone strength as well as for the prediction of intracortical porosity and parameters related to porous structures of cortical bone.

[Results of basal joint arthrosis treatment--comparison of Epping ligament reconstruction with trapeziectomy alone]. / Ergebnisse nach Rhizarthrosebehandlung--Vergleich der Aufhängeplastik nach Epping mit der alleinigen Trapezektomie.

Objective of this study is to compare clinical and radiological results of two different methods of treatment for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthrosis of the thumb. Eighteen patients received operative treatment. An operation according to Epping was performed in eleven cases (collective I), while nine cases were treated with a trapeziectomy only (collective II). The mean follow-up of the first collective was 40 months and 15 months for the second one. The results of the two patient groups were subjected to statistical comparison in a retrospective study. This revealed no significant differences with regard to active range of motion, power, and subjective symptoms, classified according to the Buck-Gramcko score. With a mean of 49 points for the first and 50 points for the second collective, both achieved very good results. However, the mean operating time was significantly shorter in the patients treated with a trapeziectomy only, while the mean distance between the base of the first metacarpal bone and the scaphoid bone was significantly greater in this group. This is surely due to the shorter follow-up of the patients who underwent trapeziectomy only, since further proximalisation has to be expected. We were able to demonstrate that both methods yield equally good results, and hence the simpler technique of trapeziectomy alone should be given preference, at least in the standard situation of a patient, whose intermetacarpal ligaments offer sufficient stability after trapeziectomy.

[Problems of malunited fractures of the distal radius]. / Problematik der in Fehlstellung ausgeheilten distalen Radiusfraktur.

The essential problematic of the distal fracture of the radius lies in the quality of its reduction and retention. 35 patients with distal fractures of the radius and strain fractures of the styloid process of the ulna were followed up with regard to their functional and radiological results and their subjective symptoms. Patients with intra-articular fractures were found to have significantly poorer functional results compared to those with extra-articular fractures. 29 out of 35 patients developed a nonunion of the styloid process of the ulna in the form of a compensatory false position with a significant dorsal tilt of the articular surface of the radius. Their functional results were also significantly poorer than those of the other 6 patients. The patients whose radii were shortened by more than 2 mm also had significantly poorer functional results and a median dorsal tilt of 5 degrees of the articular surface. Where the dorsal inclination of the articular surface of the radius exceeded 5 degrees, a significant increase in the scapholunar angle, which averaged 62 degrees, was found. On the basis of these figures, we conclude that in the reduction of the distal fracture of the radius, shortening by not more than 2 mm and a dorsal inclination of the articular surface of the radius, taken laterally, of not more than 5 degrees should be tolerated in order to minimise functional impairments of the wrist.

Functional treatment of physeal and periphyseal injuries of the metacarpal and proximal phalangeal bones.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Hand fractures are common injuries in infants. Complications are rare because of potent remodeling dimension and rapid healing of growing bone. There is limited remodeling capacity for angular and rotational deformity so displaced fractures often require open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: The authors present a splint system for a protected reduction and mobilization program of displaced proximal phalanx and metacarpal fractures. The custom-molded 2-component thermoplastic splint allows motion of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. It has been developed to allow bone healing and recovery of motion at the same time. In this study, the authors evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of a series of 11 consecutive infants with displaced metacarpal fractures and 13 displaced proximal phalanx fractures who received functional treatment. RESULTS: Fracture consolidation and full active motion was achieved simultaneously in 4 weeks in 21 children; 2 infants required physiotherapy, and 1 child was lost to follow-up. No further growth abnormality was seen within a 12-month observation period. CONCLUSION: When there is no damage of soft tissue the functional mobilization program can lead to good results treating displaced physeal and periphyseal hand injuries of proximal phalanx and metacarpal fractures. J Pediatr Surg 36:611-615.

[Measuring grip strength of the hand with a sensor glove by gripping with submaximal and maximal strength]. / Kraftmessung an der Hand mit einem Sensorhandschuh bei Griffen mit submaximaler und maximaler Kraft.

Grip strength measurements with the aid of dynamometers are dependent on the cooperation and motivation of the individual examined. Recognising a simulated loss of grip is a hitherto unresolved problem. With a sensor glove developed at the Berlin University of Technology, the force distribution pattern of any form of grip can be captured via ten pressure sensors and evaluated by computer. In five subjects, the force distribution patterns at submaximum and maximum force of five different grips were determined in three successive measurements each. The data were recorded in force-time diagrams. For each act of grasping, the measurements produced a curve with near-constant measuring signals within a defined period (plateau). The difference in the plateau heights of successive grips and the structures of the individual plateaux (oscillation, standard deviation) were used as distinguishing criteria. The dynamics of the measuring signals showed statistically significant differences between grips with submaximum and maximum force (p < 0.0001).

[Reproducibility of measuring the finger joint angle with a sensory glove]. / Reproduzierbarkeit von Fingergelenkwinkelmessungen mit einem Sensorhandschuh.

Joint angles are measured using goniometers according to the neutral-zero method. These measurements are dependent on the examiner and are thus subject to great variation. With a newly developed sensor glove, the grip patterns of the hand can be captured with a computer-assisted technique. In a comparative study involving five subjects, the joint angles during power grip around a cylindrical body and while clenching a fist were determined by nine examiners at three different times, using the conventional technique according to the neutral-zero method. In the same experimental design, the joint angles were measured with the sensor glove. As a criterion for the reproducibility of the measurements, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated by means of an analysis of variance. The ICC is a value which approximates 1 if the reliability of the measurements is high. At 0.94, the ICC of the data determined with the sensor glove was markedly higher than the mean ICC for all examiners of 0.50 using the conventional method. Besides the measurement of the finger joint angles, the sensor glove allows the dynamic recording of joint movements of all finger joints during different grip patterns of the hand.

[Dorsal V-ligament reconstruction in scapholunate instability]. / Die dorsale V-Bandplastik zur Therapie der posttraumatischen skapholunären Instabilität.

In dynamic and static scapholunate instability after trauma, the repair of the scapholunate ligament is important to avoid scapholunate advanced collapse of the wrist. Direct suture even of fresh-torn ligaments can be technically demanding and occasionally unreliable, thus reconstruction may require additional tissue beside the ligament. Eighteen patients suffering from dynamic (n = 10) and static (n = 8) scapholunate instability were treated by a dorsal ligament reconstruction six months after trauma. A clinical wrist score according to Cooney showed an average of 86 points (maximum 100) within a follow-up of nineteen months after surgery. X-ray films documented no significant loss of scapholunate reduction. Using local tissue only, this method is always possible, very reliable and easy to perform.

[DIGITOS-prosthesis for the proximal interphalangeal joint. A 2-year follow-up]. / DIGITOS-Fingermittelgelenkprothesen--Zweijahresergebnisse.

The treatment of osteoarthrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint by prosthesis bears several specific problems. With the DIGITOS-prosthesis a new implant is now available. It is a cemented modular hinged prosthesis. We report our experiences with this implant from a prospective clinical trial. Seven patients with osteoarthrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint had ten prosthetic middle joint replacements performed with DIGITOS-prostheses. Over an observation period of two years, the functional results were found to be good. The mean preoperative range of motion in the affected joints was 51.5 degrees. Three months after surgery, this had improved to 60.5 degrees, but then decreased to 53.0 degrees after one year and to 49.5 degrees, i.e. the original range of motion, by the end of the second postoperative year. No implant became loose. Nearly all patients were free from pain. The only serious complication was an iatrogenic lesion of the middle slip of the extensor aponeurosis resulting in a buttonhole deformity. In spite of these encouraging two-year results, the further follow-up has to be observed carefully.

The effectiveness of ADCON-T/N, a new anti-adhesion barrier gel, in fresh divisions of the flexor tendons in Zone II.

In a prospective randomized clinical trial, ADCON-T/N was investigated with regard to its effectiveness in fresh traumatic injuries of the flexor tendons in Zone II of the hand. Thirty patients participated in the trial. Following a standardized technique of tendon repair, the total active motion (TAM) and total extension lag (TEL) were determined after 12 weeks and evaluated according to the Buck-Gramcko score. Excellent results were achieved in 15 out of 16 patients in the ADCON-T/N group and 12 out of 14 in the control group. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the mean TAM and TEL in the two groups.

[Conservative management of articular metacarpophalangeal joint fractures]. / Konservatives Management artikulärer Grundgliedbasisfrakturen der dreigliedrigen Finger.

We present a splint system for a protected mobilization program after closed reduction of articular proximal phalangeal base fractures. This therapy consists of the periarticular soft tissue and functional anatomy. The soft-tissue around the base of the proximal phalanx leads to a circular stabilization effect. This so called Zancolli Complex (Metacarpophalangeal Retention Apparatus) can be used with the effect of a brace treatment. Treating 31 patients with articular fractures of the proximal phalanx way we found good functional results within a mean follow up period of 2 years after the accident.

[Soft tissue reconstruction after scalping injury caused by a dog bite]. / Weichteilrekonstruktion nach Skalpierungsverletzung durch Hundebiss.

The reconstruction of soft-tissue damage on the part of the head which is covered with hair is aimed not only at repairing the damage in such a way that it will withstand mechanical strain but also at the restoring the hair on the scalp. In a 5-year-old boy with a scalping injury involving second- and third-degree soft-tissue damage over an area of 20 x 12 cm after a dog bite, surgery was initially performed to transform the damage into purely second-degree damage, which was then repaired with a split skin graft. One year later, the scalp containing the hair was stretched with the aid of two skin expanders over a period of 3 months, so that the split skin graft area could be removed and the hair on the scalp restored.

[Cost analysis of the treatment of patients with multiple trauma]. / Kostenanalyse der Behandlung polytraumatisierter Patienten.

Current clinical management after multiple trauma is expensive. The aim of the present study was to quantify the actual costs of inpatient treatment after multiple trauma in a German university hospital, to compare the actual costs with the reimbursement rates, and to identify important determinants of costs. Routine documentation of hospital costs at a patient level was not available. Therefore a method for calculating the costs of resource utilization during clinical treatment of patients was developed. The concept was based on financial and utilization data provided by the hospital administration and patient-specific data. The average costs per case in the study group (mean ISS = 37) were 73.613 DM, maximal costs were up to 292.490 DM. The most costly components were intensive care, accounting for 60%, followed by procedures in the operating room (24%). A comparison with the reimbursement rates resulted in an average loss of 23.211 DM per case. Factors significantly associated with the costs of acute care hospitalization were outcome, injury severity, pattern of injury, blood volume replacement, length of mechanical ventilation, and number of operations. Whereas patient age, CNS state, mechanism of injury, pre-hospital care, and time between accident and hospital admission revealed no effect. Given the current reimbursement rates, multiple trauma care clearly belongs to those categories of care which have to be subsidized within the hospital. Any challenge to the optimal level of care resulting from this should be avoided.

Influence of etiology in heterotopic bone formation of the hip.

OBJECTIVE: Heterotopic ossification (HO) in periarticular tissue can appear after brain or local joint trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate differences of manifestation and outcome after surgical therapy of patients suffering from HO of the hip after isolated brain injury (n = 18), local hip trauma (n = 21), or the combination of both (n = 25). HO can cause progressive lost of joint movement; once mature, the only therapy to improve joint mobility is the excision. METHODS: All patients underwent surgical removal of HO and postoperative irradiation therapy. On the basis of plain radiographic findings, we evaluated the recurrent ossification after 1-year and 5-year follow-up periods. Within this prospective study, clinical performance status was scored according to the classification of d'Aubigne and a planimeter was used to evaluate the area of heterotopic bone formation in standard x-rays films. RESULTS: The severity of brain trauma observed by Glasgow Coma Scale correlated with the ossification size (square centimeters). Correlation was noticed as well between severity of brain injury and functional outcome. The evaluation of an average 1-year and 5-year follow-up period showed relief of pain and clear improvement of range of motion in all patients. There was mild recurrence of heterotopic bone growth within the first postoperative year without deterioration of the functional results. CONCLUSION: The severity of brain trauma has an influence on the extent of HO near the hip joint and also on the rehabilitation process. The histologic findings and recurrence of HO after excision were not affected by the localization of initial trauma. There was only mild recurrence of heterotopic bone growth between the first and fifth postoperative year. For objective evaluation of heterotopic bone formation in standard x- ray films, planimetric measurement is a useful method.

Dynamic treatment of displaced proximal phalangeal fractures.

We report a splint system for a protected mobilization program (termed dynamic treatment) of proximal phalangeal fractures. This program can be used for nonoperative treatment or after operative treatment. Intra-articular fractures of the proximal phalanx at the metacarpophalangeal joint were included. The custom-molded 2-component thermoplastic splint allows motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. It was developed to allow bone healing and recovery of motion at the same time. We evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of a consecutive series of 48 displaced proximal phalangeal fractures in 45 patients who received dynamic treatment. Fracture consolidation was achieved in all patients and bone healing and recovery of full active motion was achieved simultaneously in all but 4 patients by 6 weeks. The advantage of this splint system is the variability of its application. The splint can be used both for nonsurgical and surgical management. It can be removed to change dressings and for radiologic evaluations. The period of dynamic treatment can be determined individually in each case.