[A 19-year-old female patient with acute pancreatitis of unusual cause]. / 19-jährige Patientin mit akuter Pankreatitis ungewöhnlicher Ursache.

We report the case of a 19-year-old woman with abdominal pain and diarrhea. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis could be made clinically and through laboratory tests. The cause was a duodenal duplication cyst in the area of the papilla, which was initially relieved endoscopically. Once the acute inflammation had healed, the cyst was resected endoscopically to prevent recurrence and the increased risk of malignancy. Duodenal duplication cysts in the papillary area are a very rare (congenital) cause of acute pancreatitis. If a cyst is present in the area of the duodenal wall, however, this differential diagnosis should be considered. Resection is indicated for therapy.

The effect of 2 different premilking stimulation regimens, with and without manual forestripping, on teat tissue condition and milking performance in Holstein dairy cows milked 3 times daily.

The objectives were to study the effect of 2 different premilking stimulation regimens, with and without manual forestripping, on teat tissue condition and milking characteristics in dairy cows. In a randomized controlled crossover study, 130 Holstein cows milked 3 times daily were assigned to treatment and control groups. Premilking udder preparation for the treatment group consisted of: (1) predipping with 1% iodine, (2) sequential forestripping of 3 streams of milk per quarter, (3) wiping of teats, and (4) attachment of the milking unit. Premilking udder preparation for the control group was identical except that the forestripping step was omitted. The mean tactile stimulation durations were 16 s and 7 s for the treatment and control group, respectively. The time spent from first tactile stimulus (either forestripping or wiping of teats) to milking unit attachment was kept consistent at 90 s for both groups. The study lasted for 14 d with 2 periods, each consisting of a 2-d adjustment time followed by 5 d of data collection. Machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue were assessed by palpation and visually. The following milking characteristics were assessed with electronic on-farm milk meters: milk yield (MY), milking unit-on time (MUOT), 2-min MY (2MIN), and time spent in low milk flow rate (LMF). Generalized linear mixed models were used to describe the effect of treatment on the outcome variables. The odds of machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue were lower for cows that received forestripping compared with cows that were not forestripped (odds ratio = 0.31; 95% confidence interval = 0.22-0.42). Least squares means (95% confidence interval) for cows that were forestripped and animals that were not forestripped, respectively, were 12.7 (12.2-13.2) and 12.7 (12.2-13.2) kg for MY and 6.1 (5.8-6.4) and 5.6 (5.3-5.9) kg for 2MIN. There was an interaction between treatment and MY for LMF. Time spent in LMF for cows that were forestripped and received no forestripping, respectively, were 18 (17-20) and 24 (23-26) s for a MY level of 10 kg; and 13 (12-14) and 15 (14-16) s for a MY level of 15 kg. The effect of treatment on MUOT was modified by parity. Milking unit-on times for animals in first, second and third or greater lactation, respectively, were 230 (219-243), 249 (236-262), and 260 (249-272) s for cows that were forestripped, and 245 (232-258), 252 (239-266), and 268 (257-281) s for cows that received no forestripping. In this study, cows that were forestripped had shorter MUOT, higher 2MIN, lower LMF, and lower odds of exhibiting changes to the teat tissue after machine milking. We conclude that wiping of teats during premilking udder preparation alone and omitting forestripping of teats without compensating for the loss in stimulation time may not provide sufficient tactile stimulation to elicit the cows' maximum physiological milk-ejection capacity. This can aggravate the adverse effects of vacuum-induced forces on teat tissue during machine milking, diminish animal well-being, and possibly affect udder health.

Endoscopic or arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomy for iliopsoas impingement following total hip replacement. A prospective multicenter 64-case series.

INTRODUCTION: Impingement between the acetabular component and the iliopsoas tendon is a cause of anterior pain after total hip replacement (THR). Treatment can be non-operative, endoscopic or arthroscopic, or by open revision of the acetabular component. Few studies have assessed these options. The present study hypothesis was that endo/arthroscopic treatment provides rapid pain relief with a low rate of complications. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study included 64 endoscopic or arthroscopic tenotomies for impingement between the acetabular component and the iliopsoas tendon, performed in 8 centers. Mean follow-up was 8months, with a minimum of 6months and no loss to follow-up. Oxford score, patient satisfaction, anterior pain and iliopsoas strength were assessed at last follow-up. Complications and revision procedures were collated. Forty-four percent of patients underwent rehabilitation. RESULTS: At last follow-up, 92% of patients reported pain alleviation. Oxford score, muscle strength and pain in hip flexion showed significant improvement. The complications rate was 3.2%, with complete resolution. Mean hospital stay was 0.8 nights. In 2 cases, arthroscopy revealed metallosis, indicating revision of the acetabular component. The only predictive factor was acetabular projection on oblique view. Rehabilitation significantly improved muscle strength. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic or arthroscopic tenotomy for impingement between the acetabular component and the iliopsoas tendon following THR significantly alleviated anterior pain in more than 92% of cases. The low complications rate makes this the treatment of choice in case of failure of non-operative management. Arthroscopy also reorients diagnosis in case of associated joint pathology. Projection of the acetabular component on preoperative oblique view is the most predictive criterion, guiding treatment.

Microinstability of the hip: A review.

With the development of conservative hip surgery techniques, new entities such as microinstability have been identified. Microinstability is a painful supra-physiological mobility of the hip. It results from the association of architectural and functional abnormalities impairing joint stability. These risk factors concern hip joint bone architecture or peri-articular soft tissues. Bone abnormalities are identified on hip assessment parameters. Soft tissues also play a key role in the static and dynamic stability of the hip: the joint capsule, labrum, ligamentum teres and adjacent myotendinous structures affect joint coaptation; any abnormality or iatrogenic lesion concerning these structures may constitute a risk factor for microinstability. Diagnosis is based on interview, clinical examination and imaging. Findings of labral lesions or femoro-acetabular impingement do not rule out microinstability; they may be associated. Treatment is based first on physiotherapy for muscle reinforcement to improve joint coaptation. In case of failure, arthroscopic surgery is indicated for femoro-acetabular impingement and capsular plicature which is being evaluated. Periacetabular osteotomy or shelf acetabuloplasty may be indicated, according to the severity of joint bone architecture abnormality. Microinstability is a multifactorial entity. Lesions induced by microinstability may in turn become risk factors for aggravation. Diagnosis and indications for surgery are thus difficult to establish. Only full clinical examination and exhaustive imaging assessment allow microinstability and associated lesions to be identified.

Treatment of type B periprosthetic femur fractures with curved non-locking plate with eccentric holes: Retrospective study of 43 patients with minimum 1-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic femur fracture (PFF) is a serious complication after total hip arthroplasty that can be treated using different internal fixation devices. However, the outcomes with curved non-locking plates with eccentric holes in this indication have not been reported previously. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) the union rate; (2) the complication rate; (3) autonomy in a group of patients with a Vancouver type B PFF who were treated with this plate. HYPOTHESIS: Use of this plate results in a high union rate with minimal mechanical complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients with a mean age of 79 years ± 13 (41-98) who had undergone fixation of Vancouver type B PFF with this plate between 2002 and 2007 were included in the study. The time to union and Parker Mobility Score were evaluated. The revision-free survival (all causes) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The average follow-up was 42 months ± 20 (16-90). RESULTS: Union was obtained in all patients in a mean of 2.4 months ± 0.6 (2-4). One patient had varus malunion of the femur. The Parker Mobility Score decreased from 5.93 ± 1.94 (2-9) to 4.93 ± 1.8 (1-9) (P = 0.01). Two patients required a surgical revision: one for an infection after 4.5 years and one for stem loosening. The survival of the femoral stem 5 years after fracture fixation was 83.3% ± 12.6%. CONCLUSION: Use of a curved plate with eccentric holes for treating type B PFF led to a high union rate and a low number of fixation-related complications. However, PFF remains a serious complication of hip arthroplasty that is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality rates.

Iliac wing fracture following graft harvesting from the anterior iliac crest: literature review based on a case report.

The morbidity of bone graft harvesting from the iliac crest has been widely discussed in the literature. For some authors, it is considered to be low and for others relatively high. We report on a case of a fracture of the iliac wing after graft harvesting from the anterior iliac crest despite good surgical technique. This complication is well known and most of these fractures heal uneventfully if treated conservatively. However, if anatomical and technical considerations are respected, the patient could be spared this inconvenience. Based on a literature review, we discuss the procedure's potential complications and how to avoid them in an update.

[Endoscopic therapy for leaks in the gastrointestinal tract, the bile ducts and the pancreas]. / Endoskopische Therapie von Leckagen im Gastrointestinaltrakt, an den Gallenwegen und im Pankreas.

Surgery has been the mainstay of therapy in patients with gastrointestinal perforations, leakage or fistulas. New techniques for endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations provide tools for an effective treatment by less invasive procedures. Temporary placement of covered self-expanding stents is an established therapy for oesophageal perforations and anastomotic leaks. Using conventional endoclips small perforations and leaks in the oesophagus and gastrointestinal tract may be closed. With the new over-the-scope-clips a more effective endoscopic full wall closure is possible in the upper gastrointestinal tract and the rectum. Endoscopically guided endoluminal vacuum therapy using polyurethane sponges is an established method for treating rectal leaks and is now increasingly used also in oesophageal leaks. Biliary leakage following endoscopic or surgical interventions is effectively treated with temporary bile stenting in most cases, but closure using metal stents or coiling may be necessary. Pancreatic leaks are a major therapeutic problem and may require multimodal therapies.

[Combination of ulnar head fracture with undisplaced radial neck fracture: case report and review of the literature]. / Die Kombination einer Ulnakopffraktur mit einer undislozierten Radiushalsfraktur: Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht.

We present a case of a to our knowledge never described before combination of a displaced ulnar head--with an undisplaced radial neck fracture associated with a clinical instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). We discuss the management of our atypical case and review the literature.

Wireless capsule endoscopy for the detection of small bowel diseases in HIV-1-infected patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In HIV-infected patients, manifestations of the disease are common in the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of the Given(R) Video Capsule System (Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) in these patients. METHODS: After the exclusion of GI-tract stenosis by anamnestic exploration, 49 patients were included into the study. Stratification: Group A (n = 19): HIV-positive, CD4 cell count < 200/microl, gastrointestinal symptoms present. Group B: HIV-positive, CD subset4 < 200/microl, without gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 19 Group) C: healthy volunteers (n = 11). RESULTS: In group A there was a total of 30 pathological findings, 15 of which had therapeutic implications. In group B, there was a total of 22 pathological findings, 5 relevant for therapy. In group C there was a total of 13 pathological findings, 3 with therapeutic relevance. In 89% (group A) vs. 26% (group B), pathological findings were detected distal to the ligament of Treitz (p = 0.001). All capsules were recovered without any complication after 12 to 96 h from the stool. CONCLUSION: Wireless capsule endoscopy of the small intestine should be considered for HIV-infected patients with marked immunosuppression and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Direct magnetic resonance arthrography of the knee: utility of axial traction.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of axial traction during acquisition of direct magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography examination of the knee in terms of joint space width and amount of contrast material between the cartilage surfaces. Direct knee MR arthrography was performed in 11 patients on a 3-T MR imaging unit using a T1-weighted isotropic gradient echo sequence in a coronal plane with and without axial traction of 15 kg. Joint space widths were measured at the level of the medial and the lateral femorotibial joint with and without traction. The amount of contrast material in the medial and lateral femorotibial joint was assessed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists in a semiquantitative manner using three grades ('absence of surface visualization, 'partial surface visualization or 'complete surface visualization'). With traction, joint space width increased significantly at the lateral femorotibial compartment (mean = 0.55 mm, p = 0.0105) and at the medial femorotibial compartment (mean = 0.4 mm, p = 0.0124). There was a trend towards an increased amount of contrast material in the femorotibial compartment with axial traction. Direct MR arthrography of the knee with axial traction showed a slight and significant increase of the width of the femorotibial compartment with a trend towards more contrast material between the articular cartilage surfaces.

[Inguinal pain in sportmen: clinical and radiological examinations]. / Douleurs inguinales chez le sportif: examen clinique et radiologique.

Pain of the inguinal region is a frequent but difficult diagnostic problem. It may be induced by accidents, overload due to sports or profession as well as daily life activities. Numerous anatomic structures of the inguinal or hip region may be injured, but one should also think about adjacent structures as the bowel, uro-genital system, spine and nerves. The goal of this article is to describe which clinical and imaging parameters allow to establish a correct diagnosis for each patient.

[Femoro-acetabular impingement]. / Le conflit fémoro-acétabulaire.

Femur-acetabular impingement is a recently discovered etiology of early hip osteoarthritis. Patient history and clinical examination allow to make the diagnosis, whereas the radiological exams allow to find the etiology of impingement. Impingement is related to morphological alterations of the acetabular rim and/or proximal femur, leading to an abnormal contact between the articular components. The localisation of the abnormal morphology determines the type of impingement and the resulting articular damages. Because of the increasing risk of chondral lesions, only an early treatment may eventually improve the prognosis of the hip joint. If primary conservative treatment is unsuccessful in confirmed impingement cases, open or arthroscopic surgical treatment is indicated.

Spontaneous reduction of a traumatic L2-L3 subluxation without fracture in a 14-year-old boy.

OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of lumbar vertebral subluxation associated with spontaneous reduction in an adolescent treated conservatively. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 14-year-old male victim of a snowboard accident, which caused a lumbar spinal injury, was referred to the emergency room with significant lumbar pain. Neurologic examination was normal. Radiographic assessment at admission showed a unilateral left lateral subluxation of the L2-L3 vertebrae without associated fractures. These findings were confirmed by CT scan and a surgical management was decided. The preoperative MRI performed 24 h after the accident, however, revealed the spontaneous reduction of the subluxation, and an associated tear of the quadratus lumborum and the psoas muscles on the right side at the level of L2, L3 and L4. Following these findings conservative treatment with a plaster brace for 2 months was carried out. The brace was removed after 2 months. The patient had no pain and the range of motion of his lumbar spine was normal. Three months after injury, sports activities were resumed. At follow-up of 24 months, the patient was free of pain and radiographs showed a right positional bending without rotational or translation anomaly. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the first case of subluxation without fracture in a child, presenting without neurological deficit and where spontaneous reduction occurred. In this case, conservative treatment was effective and the outcome at 2-year follow-up was excellent.

Transolecranon anterior fracture dislocation.

Between January 1996 and July 2003, 93 consecutive patients operated on with a diagnosis of olecranon fractures were identified from our trauma unit files. Fourteen transolecranon fracture-dislocations were found after a retrospective X-radiographic evaluation. Eight patients were women and six were men, with a mean age of 54 years. There were 4 noncomminuted olecranon fractures, treated with K-wires and single tension-band wiring. The remaining 10 fractures were complex fractures, treated in 3 cases with multiple K-wires and single tension-band wiring, in 2 by use of one-third tubular plates, in 1 with a 3.5-mm dynamic compression plate, and in the remaining 4 with 3.5-mm reconstruction plates. Ligament repair was not performed in any case. Three patients needed reoperation because of early failure of primary fixation. Patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 3.6 years. Two reported difficulties in daily activities, none with any symptoms of elbow instability. According to the Broberg and Morrey score, 4 patients had excellent results, 6 had good results, 2 had fair results, and 2 had poor results. Four patients showed signs of degenerative arthritis on the radiographs obtained at follow-up. We conclude that transolecranon fracture-dislocation is an underreported and misdiagnosed injury. Various fixation techniques can restore the anatomic relationships and contour of the trochlear notch; the imperative goal is to obtain a good stable primary fixation and allow early active mobilization.

[Clinical and radiological aspects of femoro-acetabular impingement]. / Aspects cliniques et radiologiques du conflit fémoro-acétabulaire.

Femoro-acetabular impingement is an etiology of early osteoarthritis. It is a dynamic theory of development of arthritis due to bony deformations of the acetabulum or the proximal femur. The impingement is diagnosed clinically by the impingement and apprehension tests. The realisation of reproducible and technically irreproachable standard X-Rays is of first importance to detect the subtle but present signs of impingement. The MR arthrography is the best exam for detection of intra-articular pathologies with radial sequences allowing to establish a precise topography of the lesions. The treatment is most of the time surgical to avoid progression of cartilage lesions, either by an open surgical dislocation or arthroscopically for selected cases.

Tuberculosis of the greater trochanter. Report of four cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present four cases of tuberculosis of the greater trochanter. CASE PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: The four cases (3 females and 1 male), aged 45-70 years, presented with mechanical pain in the trochanteric area associated with progressive swelling in the 3 female patients in whom mobility was also restricted. X-ray revealed a mass in 2 females; CT scan and MRI exhibited an abscess in the 3 females. Histological and bacteriological examinations showed Mycobacterium bovis in the 3 females and M. tuberculosis in the male. In the females, tritherapy and surgery were performed, while in the male quadritherapy and surgery. All the patients recovered and were followed up for 4-9 years. CONCLUSION: These cases show that both chemotherapy and surgery must be synergic if tuberculosis is diagnosed and an abscess is confirmed by imaging.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of rosiglitazone in the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome.

BACKGROUND: HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS) as a long-term side effect of HAART is becoming increasingly important and negatively affects adherence to medication. Currently, an effective therapy is not available. There is some evidence that the drug class of thiazolidindiones might be effective in the treatment of LDS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective open-label study with 20 HIV-infected patients suffering from severe LDS. Patients received 4 mg rosiglitazone once daily for a 24-week study period. Efficacy was assessed by measurement of metabolic and anthropometric parameters, total body DXA scan, CT scan of the abdomen, photo documentation and self-assessment. RESULTS: Rosiglitazone treatment was well tolerated. DXA scans demonstrated a highly significant increase in adipose tissue of the limbs (2644 +/- 1334 g vs 3380 +/- 1614 g, p < or = 0.001) without any change in total fat mass. Abdominal CT-scans revealed a significant increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue (113.7 +/- 82.4 cm(2) vs 125.3 +/- 83.7 cm(2), p = 0.04). Abdominal circumference decreased significantly (94.7 +/- 8.7 cm vs 92.2 +/- 8.45 cm, p = 0.03) without any relevant change of body weight or BMI. We observed an increase in serum cholesterol (248 vs 281 mg/dl, p = 0.006) and serum triglycerides (301 vs 351 mg/dl, p = 0.1). Furthermore, no side effects of clinical relevance were observed. The insulin sensitivity index improved without reaching statistical significance. Thirteen patients (65%) reported general improvement of LDS symptoms. Evaluation of photo documentation by five HIV-experts revealed poor concordance and no relevant change of LDS. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that rosiglitazone is safe in the treatment of HAART-associated lipodystrophy and has moderate clinical efficacy. We found a trend towards improved insulin sensitivity and as a possible limiting factor an unfavorable increase in serum cholesterol and triglycerides.

[Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement]. / Arthroskopische Behandlung des femoroazetabulären Impingements.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is likely one of the main causes for osteoarthritis in young adults. Surgical treatment has until now been performed via open dislocation of the hip joint. With respect to its invasive nature and long rehabilitation, arthroscopic techniques have become established in recent years. The following article presents the latest developments in hip arthroscopy for FAI with a detailed description of technical aspects, pitfalls, and limitations. Hip arthroscopy is performed in the standard fashion with and without traction for arthroscopy of the central and peripheral compartments. Under traction, the anterosuperior cartilage and adjacent base of the acetabular labrum have to be inspected for frequent lesions such as cartilage flap tears and delaminations of the cartilage from the subchondral bone. An ossified labrum can be trimmed back with a burr. Currently, techniques are being developed for temporary detachment of the labrum, trimming of the acetabular rim, and refixation of the labrum with suture anchors. Without traction, femoroacetabular impingement has to be confirmed arthroscopically under flexion, internal rotation, and adduction of the hip. With respect to the frequent loss of internal rotation, the zona orbicularis and the iliofemoral ligament are released and removed if needed. The anterolateral bump of the head-neck junction is trimmed back for restoration of a more physiological head-neck offset. Postoperatively, continuous passive motion is important to prevent adhesions between the bleeding bone of the head-neck junction and the articular capsule. Weight bearing as tolerated is allowed if no treatment of cartilage defects or refixation of the acetabular labrum was performed. The early results after hip arthroscopy for FAI are very promising. Arthroscopic techniques will upstage open exposures of the hip joint for the treatment of FAI.

Modified triangular posterior osteosynthesis of unstable sacrum fracture.

We report preliminary results for unstable sacral fractures treated with a modified posterior triangular osteosynthesis. Seven patients were admitted to our trauma center with an unstable sacral fracture. The average age was 31 years (22-41). There were four vertical shear lesions of the pelvis and three transverse fracture of the upper sacrum. The vertical shear injuries were initially treated with an anterior external fixator inserted at the time of admission. Definitive surgery was performed at a mean time of 9 days after trauma. The operation consisted in a posterior fixation combining a vertebropelvic distraction osteosynthesis with pedicle screws and a rod system, whereby the transverse fixation was obtained using a 6 mm rod as a cross-link between the two main rods. Late displacement of the posterior pelvis or fracture was measured on X-ray films according to the criteria of Henderson. The patients were followed-up for a minimum time of 12 months. Four patients who presented with a pre-operative perineal neurological impairment made a complete recovery. No iatrogenic nerve injury was reported. One case of deep infection was managed successfully with surgical debridement and local antibiotics. All patients complained of symptoms related to the prominence of the iliac screws. The metalwork was removed in all cases after healing of the fracture, at a mean time of 4.3 months after surgery. No loss of reduction of fracture was seen at final radiological follow-up. The preliminary results are promising. The fixation is sufficiently stable to allow an immediate progressive weight-bearing, and safe nursing care in polytrauma cases. The only problem seems to be related to prominent heads of the distal screws.