[Sawing and welding with ultrasonics. Experimental investigation to test the applicability of an apparatus for sawing and welding bone tissue with ultrasonics in orthopedics (author's transl)]. / Sägen und Schweissen mit Ultraschall. Experimentelle Untersuchung zur Prüfung der Anwendbarkeit eines Gerätes zum Sägen und Schweissen von Knochengewebe mit Ultraschall in der Orthopädie

An experimental investigation of a procedure for sawing and welding of bone tissue with ultrasonics in the area of orthopedics was reported. The welding of bone with ultrasonic waves, bone meal and a plastic adhesive did not product satisfactory results in terms of stability and tissue reaction. The applicability of the ultrasonic saw is limited by the thickness of the bone on which the osteotomy is to be performed. We saw no advantages over against the oscillating saws which were available to us. In our opinion, an indication for the application of the ultrasonic apparatus could be the removal of inflammatory, tumerous or necrotic bone processes.

[Anaesthetic problems arising during the surgical correction of scoliosis (harrington chnique]. / Spezielle Anästhesieprobleme bei der operativen Skoliosebehandlung nach Harrington

Anaesthesia for the surgical correction of scoliosis with the Harrington technique carries serious risks on account of the impaired cardiac and pulmonary function, the length of the operation, the area involved and the post-operative problems. Based on the experience gained in 32 young persons who had this operation the anaesthetic procedure for these cases is described: it comprises detailted pre- operative examination of cardiac and pulmonary function, continuous monitoring during the operation, a careful technique that takes into account the massive blood loss and stress associated with the operation, a careful technique that takes into account the massive blood loss and stress associated with the operation and close surveillance during the post-operative stage. Controlled hypotension (60 mm Hg) succeeded in reducing the blood loss during operation to 2,500 ml, compared with 4,500 ml without hypotension. If the pre-0perative examinations have established adequate cardiac function, if surgeon and anaesthetist work in close collaboration and if the heart action, pulse, arterial and venous pressure (catheter) and body temperature are continuously monitored, then controlled hypotension offers a means to reduce the, generally massive, blood loss during the surgical correction of scoliosis.