[Classification of post-traumatic soft tissue lesions]. / Klassificatie van posttraumatische wekedelenschade.

A successful treatment of fractures with soft tissue injuries depends on surgical principles and on the individual prognosis of each trauma. Classification systems are ment to be an aid in taking therapeutical decisions in the assessment of the prognosis and in comparising of different lesions. In the anglo-american literature the classification of Gustilo in open fractures grade 1 to 3 and the subclassification of grade 3 lesions in A, B and C are the most accepted. In the german-spoken countries the classification of Tscherne and Oestern, dividing open and closed fractures in 4 different categories is the most used.

[Corrective osteotomy of malunited distal radius fractures]. / Korrekturosteotomie fehlverheilter distaler Radiusfrakturen.

The malunion of the distal radius may result in shortening, radial impaction, volar angulation, dorsal displacement or rotatory deformity. For restoration, the anatomy and kinematics of the distal radioulnar joint and the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) are of importance. This nonunion consists of the articular disk, a meniscus homologue, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments. Malunion of the distal radioulnar joint leads to an increase in loading on the individual parts, as well as pain and a decrease in supination and pronation. Osteotomy is indicated if the angulation of the malunion is more than 20 degrees in the frontal or sagittal plane. Corrective osteotomy requires detailed preoperative planning with calculation of the correct position in all planes. The most common operation that has proved to be effective is osteotomy of the radius, insertion of a trapezoidal bone graft in place, and internal fixation with a dorsal or volar plate.

Comparative studies on the circadian rhythm of corticosterone, lipid and cholesterol levels in adrenals and blood of rats.

The time-dependent relationship of corticosterone, lipids and cholesterol over a 48-hr period was studied in the adrenals and blood of rats. In addition an attempt was made to determine whether there was a reciprocal dependence among these compounds and also a correlation between corticosterone and cholesterol in the adrenals and blood. Corticosterone and cholesterol exhibit a circadian rhythm in the adrenals and blood. The same is true for lipids in the serum. A reciprocal dependence between the compounds in the adrenals and blood could not be demonstrated. Only the time-dependent processes of the corticosterone content in the adrenals and plasma are well correlated with each other. High levels of these steroids in the adrenals are associated with high levels of these steroids in the plasma and vice versa. An inverse correlation between corticosterone and cholesterol exists in the adrenals and in blood. Maximal levels of corticosterone correspond to minimal levels of cholesterol and vice versa.