Effects of media stories featuring coping with suicidal crises on psychiatric patients: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests beneficial effects of media stories featuring individuals mastering their suicidal crises, but effects have not been assessed for psychiatric patients. METHODS: We randomized n = 172 adult psychiatric patients (n = 172, 97.1% inpatients) to read an educative article featuring a person mastering a suicidal crisis (n = 92) or an unrelated article (n = 80) in a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Questionnaire data were collected before (T1) and after exposure (T2) as well as 1 week later (study end-point, T3). The primary outcome was suicidal ideation as assessed with the Reasons for Living Inventory; secondary outcomes were help-seeking intentions, mood, hopelessness, and stigmatization. Differences between patients with affective versus other diagnoses were explored based on interaction tests. RESULTS: We found that patients with affective disorders (n = 99) experienced a small-sized reduction of suicidal ideation at 1-week follow up (mean difference to control group [MD] at T3 = -0.17 [95% CI -0.33, -0.03], d = -0.15), whereas patients with nonaffective diagnoses (n = 73) experienced a small-sized increase (T2: MD = 0.24 [95% CI 0.06, 0.42], d = 0.19). Intervention group participants further experienced a nonsustained increase of help-seeking intentions (T2: MD = 0.53 [95% CI 0.11, 0.95], d = 0.19) and a nonsustained deterioration of mood (T2: MD = -0.14 [95% CI -0.27, -0.02], d = -0.17). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients with affective disorders appear to benefit from media materials featuring mastery of suicidal crises. More research is needed to better understand which patient groups are at possible risk of unintended effects.

Seasonality in schizophrenia-An analysis of a nationwide registry with 110,735 hospital admissions.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal patterns in hospitalizations have been observed in various psychiatric disorders, however, it is unclear whether they also exist in schizophrenia. Previous studies found mixed results and those reporting the presence of seasonality differ regarding the characteristics of these patterns. Further, they are inconclusive whether sex is an influencing factor. The aim of this study was therefore to examine if seasonal patterns in hospitalizations can be found in schizophrenia, with special regard to a possible influence of sex, by using a large national dataset. METHODS: Data on all hospital admissions within Austria due to schizophrenia (F20.0-F20.6) for the time period of 2003-2016 were included. Age standardized monthly variation of hospitalization for women and men was analyzed and the level of significance adjusted for multiple testing. RESULTS: The database comprised of 110,735 admissions (59.6% men). Significant seasonal variations were found in the total sample with hospitalization peaks in January and June and a trough in December (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in these patterns was found between women and men with schizophrenia (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that schizophrenia-related hospitalizations follow a seasonal pattern in both men and women. The distribution of peaks might be influenced by photoperiod changes which trigger worsening of symptoms and lead to exacerbations in schizophrenia. Further research is necessary to identify underlying factors influencing seasonal patterns and to assess whether a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia is especially vulnerable to the impact of seasonal variations.

[Ultrasound diagnosis in shoulder trauma]. / Die Sonographie beim Schultertrauma.

In cases of injuries to the shoulder region, ultrasonography is an ideal supplement to clinical and radiologic examination, including dynamic functional evaluation. The advantages of the method in children and adults are mainly the reduction of conventional radiographs and thus a minimum exposure to radiation. Despite the growing experience of clinicians and the development of high-resolution sonographic technology, primary conventional radiology cannot be dispensed with. Moreover, sonographic examination is rather time-consuming. Evaluation of the subacromial space and the glenohumeral joint itself is impossible in adults, and diagnosis of lesions to the labrum and the articular capsule requires a great deal of experience on the part of the clinician. Ultrasonography has gained increasing importance in the evaluation and follow-up of shoulder trauma in adults and children.

[Ultrasonography in trauma]. / Sonographie beim Trauma.

The aim of this paper is to report on the possibilities of ultrasonography of the musculoskeletal system following traumatic injuries. Subsequent to clinical and radiologic examination, ultrasonography is able to confirm the primary diagnosis by dynamic comparison with a minimal expenditure of time and costs. The size, extent, and anatomic topography of tissue lesions are depicted. This paper focuses especially on the diagnosis of fluid within joints and soft tissues, the identification of foreign bodies, the diagnosis and follow-up of fractures, the diagnosis of infections (possibility of sonographically guided puncture), and musculotendinous injuries. Furthermore, the use of ultrasonography for the evaluation of postoperative pain and complications, the preoperative planning of metal removals, and its performance during spinal surgery are discussed. This paper deals with indications and technical tips for sonography as well as methodological limitations and sources of error in the evaluation of ultrasonographic findings.

Primary ulnar head prosthesis for the treatment of an irreparable ulnar head fracture dislocation.

We report the case of an irreparable fracture - dislocation of the ulnar head with a concomitant fracture of the radius (Galeazzi lesion), treated by implantation of a Herbert Ulnar Head Prosthesis((R)). A stable distal radio-ulnar joint was achieved by careful dissection of a posterior soft tissue flap and accurate reduction of the radius.

A new bioabsorbable interference screw: preliminary results of a prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial.

SUMMARY: A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare a bioabsorbable polyglyconate screw (Endo-Fix; Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) to a metal screw in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A total of 124 patients were operated on and 113 assessed up to 1 year postoperatively. Assessments included a history and physical examination, the IKDC evaluation, and knee arthrometry measurements. No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to any of the IKDC problem areas at 1 year. The IKDC final evaluation was normal or nearly normal in 92% of polyglyconate patients and 90% of controls. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar in the 2 groups. One polyglyconate patient developed a subcutaneous cyst that may have been related to breakdown of the screw. This resolved without treatment and the patient had an excellent clinical outcome. This study shows that the polyglyconate screw is an effective alternative to metal in endoscopic reconstruction of the ACL.

Midterm results of arthroscopic treatment of scapholunate ligament lesions associated with intra-articular distal radius fractures.

Since 1993, we have treated 30 patients with acute intra-articular distal radius fractures using arthroscopic assistance. Concomitant lesions of the intrinsic scapholunate (SL) ligaments were diagnosed in 12 patients (40%). Using the grading system of Geissler et al. [13], the identified lesions included a single grade I tear, three grade II, six grade III, and two grade IV. The grade III and IV lesions were accompanied by intraoperative findings of marked instability. Therefore operative stabilization was performed by temporary scapholunate and scaphocapitate arthrodesis. Seven patients in this group (87.5%) were followed up clinically and radiologically for an average of 3 years postoperatively. Clinical examination included range of motion and a subjective questionnaire concerning pain and ability to work. Objective grip strength was measured using a Jamar-tester and compared to the contralateral wrist. Radiological evaluation consisted of posteroanterior and lateral views and of stress views in radial and ulnar deviation. Data were evaluated by the scoring systems of Jakim et al. [21], Cooney et al. [5] and by the demerit point system of Gartland and Werley [12], as modified by Sarmiento et al. [36]. An excellent result was present in 100% of our patients by the Gartland and Werley system, in 86% by that of Jakim et al., and in 60% by that of Cooney et al. Based on a subjective questionnaire, all of the patients had an excellent or good result.

Anatomical and safety considerations in establishing portals used for wrist arthroscopy.

Eight portals are used for wrist arthroscopy, five for the radiocarpal joint and three for the midcarpal space. These portals pass between important vessels and cutaneous nerves and the extensor tendons underlying the extensor retinaculum and permit access to the common pathologies of the wrist joints. The portals can be safely established making precise use of the external landmarks and are associated with little soft tissue damage and few complications when performed gently and through the dorsal side of the wrist.

The Graz learning and training model for arthroscopic surgery.

Up to 30% of all operative procedures in orthopaedic surgery are performed arthroscopically. Because of the steadily increasing number of residents, it seems to be difficult both to maintain high standards and to guarantee an adequate training in arthroscopic surgery. However, in contrast to many other surgical techniques it is possible to learn and practice arthroscopy using artificial models and cadaver joints, provided that experienced surgeons and anatomists act as supervisors and instructors. The aim of this paper is to assess practice models and training programs which should guarantee sufficient practical experience during the training period.

Scope and limitations of ultrasonography in the documentation of fractures--an experimental study.

Sonographic studies were performed on cadaveric bones placed in a water bath, using 7.5-MHz linear-array transducers and 3.5-MHz sector transducers. Depending on its size, the defect was revealed as an interruption of the cortical reflection of echo or a dorsal band of echoes confined to the region of the fracture. It was interesting to note that fractures and bony defects are not visualized when the transducer is placed parallel to the fracture line or the zone of bony impaction. A further remarkable aspect was the numerous artefacts adjacent to each other at several fracture margins. It may be concluded that in an experimental setting and under standardized conditions, high-resolution transducers permit the examiner to detect cortical discontinuities of 1 mm or more.

[Ultrasound anatomy and pathology of the elbow joint in the child and in the adult]. / Sonoanatomie und -pathologie des Ellbogengelenks beim Kind und beim Erwachsenen.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic anatomy of the elbow joint in children and adults and to point out the indications for an ultrasound examination after elbow joint trauma. The study was carried out using isolated joint specimens, muscle specimens and cadaver limbs. Additionally, a clinical trial was performed using high-resolution ultrasound probes (7.5-12 MHz). When assessing standard sections, one has to consider both the position of the elbow joint in the frontal plane and the position of the forearm during pro- and supination. The outstanding advantage of this method, especially in children, is the possibility of a dynamic examination with evaluation of the articular cartilage and with a comparison to the healthy contralateral elbow joint.

Wrist arthrography after acute trauma to the distal radius: diagnostic accuracy, technique, and sources of diagnostic errors.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this investigation was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of wrist arthrography in the detection of interosseous ligament disruptions and of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in patients after acute wrist trauma and to define the sources of diagnostic error of wrist arthrography after recent trauma. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with radial fractures after acute wrist trauma underwent arthrography and arthroscopy of the wrist. Arthrography was performed in a standardized manner by two- or three-compartment injection technique. Subsequently wrist arthroscopy was performed within the same session. Image analysis included the evaluation of interosseous carpal ligaments, the TFCC, and the osseous structures. RESULTS: In 22 patients, 11 injuries of the intrinsic ligaments and the TFCC were diagnosed by arthroscopy, of which 9 had been diagnosed correctly with arthrography before surgery. One scaphoid fracture previously missed on conventional radiographs also could be diagnosed by arthrography. CONCLUSION: Arthrography of the posttraumatic wrist is a valuable tool in the diagnostic evaluation of interosseous carpal ligaments and the TFCC.

Transsection of the peroneal nerve complicating knee arthroscopy: case report and cadaver study.

We report the case of a 36-year-old male patient who sustained a hyperextension trauma of the left knee. After performing diagnostic arthroscopy (partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament) and partial resection of the anterior cruciate ligament, the patient experienced a complete paralysis of the peroneal nerve. One year after the first surgical procedure, a reconstructive repair of the peroneal nerve and a transfer of the anterior tibial muscle was performed. This complication is reported for the first time in literature.

Radial avulsion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in acute wrist trauma: a new technique for arthroscopic repair.

The advantages of arthroscopically assisted treatment of intraarticular distal radius fractures, especially the detection of additional carpal lesions, also focus attention on special surgical techniques for operating on these injuries within the same session. When we consider the biomechanical situation, various kinds of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, and their arthroscopic aspects, there are probably two possibilities for surgical treatment that are similar to arthroscopic meniscal surgery: resection of flap tears and the refixation of peripherally disinserted TFCC. Avulsions from the ulnar styloid or from the ulnar collateral ligament and the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon can easily and satisfactorily be treated by convenient arthroscopic suture techniques, whereas the reattachment of the triangular disc in the sigmoid notch is very tricky. This problem is solved by a recently developed procedure using the so-called T-Fix-device (Acufex), which provides the possibility of transosseus refixation by closed arthroscopic procedure and therefore guarantees the principle of minimal invasive surgery.

[Scapholunar ligament injuries in acute wrist trauma. Arthroscopic diagnosis and minimally invasive surgery]. / Skapholunäre Bandverletzungen beim akuten Handgelenktrauma. Arthroskopische Diagnose und minimal-invasive Therapie.

The final result of the treatment of distal intraarticular radius fractures depends both on the accuracy of the fracture reduction and on the presence or absence of additional carpal injuries. In particular, lesions of the intrinsic ligaments usually cause severe degenerative damage of the wrist joint if they are missed primarily. With the introduction of wrist arthroscopy these tears can be evaluated and treated earlier. Since 1993 arthroscopically assisted treatment has been performed in 23 patients with distal intraarticular fractures of the radius (mainly C fractures according to the AO classification system or group VII and VIII fractures according to Frykman). SL tears have been found in 11 patients (47.8%), 7 of whom showed marked instability and were stabilised at the time of surgery.

[Value of ultrasound imaging of the Achilles tendon in traumatology]. / Wertigkeit der Sonographie der Achillessehne in der Traumatologie.

METHOD: In an experimental study on ten isolated human cadaver tendons, the ultrasound anatomy and the reproducibility of artefacts was determined using 10- and 13-MHz probes. With these in vitro data, the form and diameter of a non-injured tendon were documented in a series of 30 patients between 3 and 60 years old. In a second series of 32 patients with acute, traumatic ruptures of the Achilles tendon and 40 patients with chronic disorders, we distinguished the pathological anatomy. RESULTS: Injuries to a tendon with chronic disorders, reruptures and complications in the postoperative period after tendon repair can be made more difficult by calcification, scars, oedema, haematoma and suture materials. It is necessary to check the changing ultrasound patterns owing to an haematoma or oedema with tendon carpulence, the missing linear signals in a fresh rupture and the different signals after operative or nonoperative treatment. CONCLUSION: Using high-frequency probes with 10 or more MHz, it is possible to examine even the insertion area of the tendon or the pathology of a subachilleal bursa by tilting the probe. The dynamic examination and the comparison with the contralateral side in two planes should be included in a standardized examination procedure and are of great importance in some cases of fresh tendon ruptures. Knowledge of the physical principles and the possibility of misleading artefacts is crucial.

Lesions of the scapholunate ligaments in acute wrist trauma--arthroscopic diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.

The final result of the treatment of distal intra-articular radius fractures depends both on the accuracy of the fracture reduction and on the presence of additional carpal injuries. In particular, lesions of the intrinsic ligaments usually lead to severe degenerative damage of the wrist joint if they are missed primarily. With the introduction of wrist arthroscopy, these tears can be evaluated and treated earlier. Since 1993 arthroscopically assisted treatment has been performed in 23 patients with distal intra-articular fractures of the radius (mainly C-fractures according to the AO classification system or group VII and VIII fractures according to Frykman). Scapholunate (SL) tears were found in 11 patients (47.8%), 7 of whom showed marked instability intraoperatively and were stabilised at the time of surgery.

[Ultrasound imaging of foreign bodies--an experimental study]. / Sonograpische Darstellung von Fremdkörpern--eine experimentelle Studie.

In an experimental study, the US pattern of foreign materials such as are often found in wounds, was investigated. The exploration was carried out with the aid of high-resolution, mechanical US probes (10-12 MHz) used to examine foreign bodies placed in a gelatine bath and in the shoulder of a pig. The study showed that all foreign bodies that measured at least 1-2 mm in diameter were reliably detected. The intensity of the interface echoes was identical with all the materials employed, irrespective of the nature of the surface. However, the artefacts caused by the foreign bodies used revealed considerable differences. Complete acoustic shadow, acoustic attenuation, reverberation echoes and even "comet-tail" artefacts were observed. In clinical practice, familiarity with the artefacts that may be expected during sonographic exploration and localization of foreign bodies in wounds would seem to make good sense.

[Value of ultrasound in diagnosis of post-traumatic heterotopic ossifications]. / Stellenwert der Sonographie in der Diagnostik posttraumatischer heterotoper Ossifikationen.

Heterotopic ossification is a non-neoplastic deposit of bone within soft tissue (myositis ossificans). The most common localized form is post-traumatic myositis ossificans. The ultrasonographic appearance of heterotopic ossification is characterized by highly echogenic areas with attenuation or complete disappearance of the acoustic signal distal to these areas. The size and extent of para-articular ossifications can also be evaluated, and the choice of the surgical approach is facilitated and damage to soft tissue minimized by the ultrasonographic examination.

[Ultrasound imaging and localization of metal implants. A clinical study]. / Sonographische Darstellung und Lokalisation von Metallimplantaten. Eine klinische Studie.

In a first experimental study we investigated the visualisation of metal implants in reference to dimension, shape, material (titanium, steel, biodegradable screws) and surface structures and an eventual change of the echo pattern in correlation to the surrounding structures, the vicinity to bone and the change of the sound angle. For this purpose ultrasound investigation was performed in artificial and cadaver bones and in cadaver limbs after implantation of screws, plates, K-wires and cerclage wires. We found that metal implants of a certain dimension can be localised by typical artefacts (resonance artefact, comet tile artefact). In the following clinical study we investigated the value of ultrasound in finding and localisation of implants after osteosynthesis. In patients with 25 locking femur nailing, 30 locking tibia nailing, 30 osteosynthesis done by screws and plating, metal was easily localised by typical artefacts. Ultrasound examination gave the possibility to define the number of screws, the localisation to surrounding tissue, loosening of screws and eventual as sociated inflammatory tissue swelling (bursitis, tendovaginitis).