Can near infrared spectroscopy measure the effect of pressure on oxygenation of sacral soft tissue?

OBJECTIVE: To test whether near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is applicable for the examination of the influence of external pressure on oxygenation of the soft tissues in the sacral area. METHOD: Tissue oxygenation was measured in 33 healthy volunteers in the prone position. A NIRS probe was positioned over the sacrum and external pressure was applied in 10 mmHg increments, from 20 mmHg to 200 mmHg and then decreased. At each level, tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) was measured. To test reproducibility, the protocol was repeated in six volunteers, in whom the thickness of the soft-tissue envelope at different levels of external pressure was assessed using ultrasound. RESULTS: There was wide variability in StO2 courses between the 33 subjects, with a non-linear relationship between pressure and StO2. The only consistent finding was that the StO2 was significantly higher after decreasing pressure than at the initial pressure of 20 mmHg, which is indicative of reactive hyperaemia. Despite the application of high external pressures, reasonable tissue oxygenation was maintained in 19 of 33 subjects. Reproducibility of the measurements was poor. Comparison of soft-tissue thickness with corresponding StO2 values showed that, with increasing pressure, the percentage decrease in tissue thickness was higher than the decrease in tissue oxygenation. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that NIRS is not useful for assessing tissue oxygenation in pressure ulcer research due to unacceptable inter-individual variability and poor reproducibility of measurements.

Bioresorbable fixation devices for musculoskeletal injuries in adults.

BACKGROUND: Bioresorbable implants for musculoskeletal injuries involving bone and ligaments in adults might have significant advantages compared to the conventionally used non-resorbable metal implants because they lead to a gradual transfer of the mechanical load from the implant to the healing bone and do not require a secondary removal operation. Tissue reactions may present a problem and bioresorbable screws are mechanically not as strong as their metal counterparts. OBJECTIVES: To compare bioresorbable implants to non-resorbable implants with respect to functional outcome, wound infections, other complications and reoperation rate,in the fixation of bone fractures or re-attachment of soft tissue to bone. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group Specialised Register (March 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2004), EMBASE (1988 to February 2004), BL Inside (to February 2004), SIGLE (to February 2004), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials at http//:controlled-trials.com/, and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials, comparing bioresorbable osteosynthesis with metal osteosynthesis (including titanium and stainless steel implants) were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data were pooled where relevant and possible. Sub-analyses for specific type of fractures and for specific type of tissue reactions were performed. Requests for more information were sent to trialists. MAIN RESULTS: No significant difference between the bioresorbable and other implants could be demonstrated with respect to functional outcome, infections and other complications. Reoperation rates were lower in some of the groups of people treated with bioresorbable implants. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In a selected group of compliant patients with simple fractures, the use of bioresorbable fixation devices might be advantageous.

Manual robot assisted endoscopic suturing: time-action analysis in an experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery systems were introduced to overcome the disadvantages of endoscopic surgery. The goal of this study was to assess whether robot assistance could support endoscopic surgeons in performing a complex endoscopic task. METHODS: Five experienced endoscopic surgeons performed end-to-end anastomosis on post-mortem porcine small intestine. The procedure was performed both with standard endoscopic techniques and with robotic assistance (da Vinci system, Intuitive Surgical, Sunny vale, CA). It was performed in three different working directions with a horizontal, vertical, and diagonal position of the bowel. Anastomosis time, number of stitches, knots, time per stitch, suture ruptures, and the number of stitch errors were recorded. Also, an action analysis was performed. RESULTS: Anastomosis time, number of stitches, and the number of knots did not differ significantly between the two groups. The time needed per stitch was significantly shorter with robot assistance (81.4 sec/stitch vs 95.9 sec/stitch, p = 0.005). More suture ruptures occurred in the robot group (0 (0-2) vs 0 (0-0), p = 0.003). In the standard group more stitch errors were found (2 (0-5) vs 0 (0-3), p = 0.017). These results were comparable for three different working directions. The action analysis, however, showed significant benefits of robotic assistance. The benefits were greatest in a vertical bowel position. CONCLUSION: Robot assistance might offer added value to experienced endoscopic surgeons in the performance of a small-bowel anastomosis in an experimental setup, even though total anastomosis time could not be demonstrated to be shorter and some suture tears occurred due to the lack of force feedback.

Long-term results of fasciotomy of the anterior compartment in patients with exercise-induced pain in the lower leg.

This prospective study aims to describe the results of fasciotomy in patients with exercise-induced pain in the lower leg with suspected (chronic) exertional compartment syndrome. The diagnosis of (chronic) exertional compartment syndrome was made if pain in the lateral side of the lower leg after a standard physical load was accompanied by elevated tissue pressures in the anterior muscle compartment. Tissue measurements were performed in 114 patients. In 56 patients (106 compartments) increased tissue pressure was found (> 50 mmHg measured immediately after exercise, or > 30 mmHg if the pressure before exercise > 20 mmHg, or if the pressure five minutes after exercise is still > 30 mmHg). Two years after fasciotomy, (remaining) complaints were evaluated on the basis of a questionnaire: 87 % of the patients had significant reduction in complaints. Patients who were not found to have increased tissue pressure were also asked to report developments through the questionnaire. In 18 patients a fasciotomy was performed on the basis of the typical history, despite normal or slightly increased intramuscular pressures. Twelve of these patients (24 compartments) were asymptomatic after surgery. Fasciotomy in patients with a (chronic) exercise-induced compartment syndrome in the anterior compartment of the lower leg, based on our criteria, gave a marked reduction in symptoms in 87 % of the patients. Further research has to be done for the minimum tissue pressures above which fasciotomy may be successful in terms of reducing complaints.

Costs associated with a strict policy to eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Dutch University Medical Center: a 10-year survey.

Although the Dutch policy to eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is very strict compared to policies employed in other countries, it has proven to be successful epidemiologically (incidence of MRSA in the Netherlands, <0.5%). The present study was performed to investigate both the financial and the logistical consequences of this strict, so-called "search and destroy" policy in the Netherlands. The data were based on a 10-year survey (1991-2000) of screening, surveillance, and outbreaks at the University Medical Center Utrecht. The consequences of the policy were determined by a panel comprising physicians from the Department of Surgery, the Department of Medical Microbiology, Subdivision Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention, the Department of Pharmacy, and Household Services. The costs associated with the policy were also calculated, including those for additional (disposable) material, cultures, specific medication, decontamination, and closing of the wards. Over the course of the 10 years, implementation of the MRSA policy resulted in more than 2,265 lost hospitalization days. In addition, the wards had to be closed 48 times, 29 healthcare workers had to temporarily discontinue working, and 78,000 additional cultures had to be performed. The total cost reached 6 million Dutch guilders (euro 2,800,000). The financial and logistical consequences were then compared to those in a hypothetical situation without the "search and destroy" policy. In such a situation, the hospital would be faced with an increased incidence of MRSA, vancomycin intermediate-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The costs associated with the use of alternative antibiotics, required in a scenario of high endemic-level MRSA, would be at least twice as high as the costs expended in the actual situation, thus demonstrating that a strict MRSA policy is financially worthwhile.

Comparison of two surveillance methods for detecting nosocomial infections in surgical patients.

Nosocomial infections play a role in quality and cost control in health care. Surveillance of these infections is the only way to gain more insight into their frequency and causes. Since the results of surveillance may lead to changes in both patient and hospital management, which are sometimes major, it is necessary that all healthcare workers involved agree on the criteria used for the diagnosis and surveillance of these complications. In order to compare the efficacy of two surveillance methods, nosocomial infections in surgical patients were registered by both the Department of Surgery (complication surveillance [CS]) and the Department of Infection Control (nosocomial infection surveillance [NIS]) at the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands, over a 2-month period. The CS team used the national criteria of the Association of Surgeons of the Netherlands and the NIS team used the international criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, to define cases of nosocomial infection. A total of 515 patients were included in both arms of the study. The CS team diagnosed 69 infections in 49 patients, and the NIS team diagnosed 64 infections in 45 patients. Of 104 total infections, 39 were diagnosed by the CS team exclusively, 35 by the NIS team exclusively and only 30 by both. The main reasons for the inconsistent results were as follows: (i) the lack of follow-up after discharge in the NIS arm, (ii) the use of clinical criteria for the definition of a nosocomial infection in the CS arm, and (iii) the use of positive cultures as part of the criteria in the NIS arm. From the perspective of infection control, the CS system cannot be recommended for the surveillance of nosocomial infections.

[Adverse effects if smoking on healing of bones and soft tissues]. / Rauchen ist nachteilig für die Heilung von Knochen und Weichteilen.

This article reviews the current body of knowledge on the adverse effects of smoking on soft-tissue and bone healing, with emphasis on tibial fractures in combination with severe soft-tissue injury. The pathophysiological effects are multidimensional, including arteriolar vasoconstriction, cellular hypoxia, demineralisation of bone, and delayed revascularisation. Several animal and clinical studies have been published about the negative effects of smoking on bone metabolism and fracture healing. These studies show that smokers have a significantly longer time to clinical union than non-smokers and a higher incidence of non-union. The negative effects of smoking gained increased interest among plastic and microvascular surgeons, because smokers have been shown to suffer higher rates of flap failure, tissue necrosis, and haematoma formation. Especially smokers presenting with an open tibial fracture will suffer the negative effects of their smoking behaviour, because these fractures are inextricably bound up with soft-tissue injury. Their fractures will need a significantly longer time to heal than in non-smokers, and will have a higher incidence of non-union. If microvascular surgery is to be performed, persistent smoking significantly increases the rate of postoperative complications, with wound infection, partial flap necrosis, and skin graft loss being more common. Cessation of smoking has both short- and long-term beneficial effects. Nowadays, there is strong evidence to be very insistent that patients presenting with a (open) tibial fracture should refrain from smoking immediately to promote bone healing and to lower the complication rate. In case of elective reconstructive procedures, patients should refrain from smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery. In both situations, cessation should continue during the full rehabilitation period.

Prediction of serious complications in patients admitted to a surgical ward.

BACKGROUND: Prediction of complications is an essential part of risk management in surgery. Knowing which patients are at high risk of developing complications will contribute to the quality and cost reduction of surgery. METHODS: All patients admitted to a general surgical ward during a 1-year interval were followed until 30 days after discharge. Complications and data on potential risk factors were recorded prospectively. Relative risks were calculated for each risk factor and predictive values for the development of a serious or minor complication were computed using logistic regression analysis. The predictive values of different combinations of variables were expressed as receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Of 3075 patients, 375 suffered one or more serious complications and 319 experienced a minor complication. A model was developed for prediction of serious complications, consisting of 11 variables, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.76 to 0.81). The prognostic value of the model for minor complications (seven variables) was lower (AUC 0.68 (95 per cent c.i. 0.65 to 0.71)). CONCLUSION: Serious complications in patients admitted to a surgical ward can be predicted using a model consisting of 11 variables. The risk score can be used in the decision-making process before surgery.

Religious circumcision under local anaesthesia with a new disposable clamp.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results using a new disposable clamp (the Taraklamp Circumcision Device, TCD, Taramedic Europe BV, Bilthoven, The Netherlands), used since 1998 in one clinic, and the conventional dissection technique (CDT) in another clinic, for religious circumcision in infants. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The TCD and CDT were compared prospectively; the duration of the procedure, complications and postoperative pain were recorded. The cosmetic result and the degree to which the parents were satisfied were evaluated after 6 weeks. After obtaining informed consent, 275 boys were included in the study (median age 3 years). RESULTS: The median operative duration was 8 min less for the TCD (15 vs 7 min; P < 0.001). There was no difference in complication rate (bleeding in one vs two; infection in two vs three) and postoperative pain was comparable in both groups. The cosmetic results were better for the TCD group (P < 0.001). The parents' satisfaction score for the procedure was equal in the groups, at 8, on a scale of 1 (very bad) to 10 (extremely good). CONCLUSION: A religious circumcision outside the hospital with the TCD is quicker and leads to a better cosmetic result than with the CDT, without increasing morbidity.

Quality of life after severe bacterial peritonitis and infected necrotizing pancreatitis treated with open management of the abdomen and planned re-operations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine quality of life after severe bacterial peritonitis and infected necrotizing pancreatitis treated with open management of the abdomen and planned re-operations. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University hospital intensive care unit, general wards, and outpatient department. PATIENTS: Forty-one patients who survived severe bacterial peritonitis and infected necrotizing pancreatitis treated with open management of the abdomen and planned re-operations. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Over a period of 7 yrs, 95 patients underwent open management of the abdomen and planned re-operations for severe bacterial peritonitis and infected necrotizing pancreatitis. Thirty-nine patients died during the initial intensive care unit stay and 12 as a result of nonperitonitis-related systemic diseases after discharge. Four patients were lost or excluded from final analysis. Long-term morbidity and quality of life using Karnofsky and Rankin scores at discharge and at follow-up at least 1 yr after discharge (mean: 4 yrs) and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) were determined. The remaining 41 patients reviewed showed significant long-term morbidity, including dysfunction of the abdominal wall resulting from herniation, persistent polyneuropathy, and mental disorders needing psychiatric support. Patients having persistent polyneuropathy and, to a lesser extent, mental disorders, showed significantly lower Karnofsky, higher Rankin, and higher SIP scores. After discharge, performance status of patients improved significantly, as shown by higher Karnofsky and lower Rankin scores, and, because Karnofsky and Rankin scores are closely related to SIP scores, higher SIP scores. Especially in measuring quality of life in terms of social and role management, assessment of the SIP proved to have additional value. CONCLUSIONS: About three-quarters of patients who survive open management of the abdomen and planned re-operations for severe bacterial peritonitis and infected necrotizing pancreatitis regain a good quality of life. Some patients, especially those who suffer from persistent polyneuropathy and mental disorders, show restrictions in daily life.

The floating shoulder. A multicentre study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to review a series of patients with ipsilateral fractures of the neck of the scapula and of the clavicle. Between 1991 and 1996 a total of 79 general and orthopaedic surgeons treated 46 patients with a floating shoulder in The Netherlands. The records and radiographs of these patients were studied. Of the 35 patients available for follow-up, 31 had initially been treated conservatively and four by operation; three underwent secondary reconstructive surgery. The mean Constant score for the 28 patients treated conservatively was 76 and for the seven treated operatively it was 71 at a mean follow-up of 35 months. In six of the 28 patients treated conservatively the glenoid was dislocated caudally at the end of treatment; they had a score of 42. In the 22 patients without this dislocation the score was 85. We conclude that this rare injury is not inherently unstable and, in the absence of caudal dislocation of the glenoid, conservative treatment gives a good functional outcome.

Results of group-circumcision of Muslim boys in Malaysia with a new type of disposable clamp.

This study evaluates the safety and results of surgery usingTaraKlamp Circumcision Device during a group circumcision. Atotal of 64 circumcisions of Muslim boys were performed by Medical Assistants supervised by Medical Doctors in a hall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A new type disposable clamp was used, which was removed 4 days after the operation. No major complications occurred and the boys experienced in general mild pain postoperatively. Mostly good cosmetic results were obtained and 90% of the parents would recommend this new clamp to others. Group circumcisions withTaraKlamp Circumcision Device (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) are safe, although proper patient selection and adequate training in using the device are mandatory.

The diagnostic value of MRI scans for the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective descriptive study to determine the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an aid in diagnosing (chronic) exertional compartment syndrome. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: MRI was performed in 21 patients (41 anterior compartments) with chronic compartment syndrome at rest and following physical exercise. Median (T2-weighted) signal intensity on the MRI scan was determined in the anterior and the (superficial) posterior compartment of the lower leg before and after exercise. Postexercise increases in the signal intensity in these two compartments were compared. After fasciotomy, a second MRI scan was performed in 13 patients (25 anterior compartments) on the basis of the same protocol. MR studies were performed in 12 normal controls (24 anterior muscle compartments) on the basis of the same protocol. RESULTS: T2-weighted signal intensity increased by 27.5% (range 13.6-38.6%) following exercise in the anterior compartment of patients with a chronic compartment syndrome. In the posterior compartment this increase amounted to 4.25% (range 0-10.2%). Following fasciotomy, the increase in the anterior compartment was 4.1% (range 1.0-5.2%), while the increase in the posterior compartment amounted to 5.6% (range 0-11.0%), In normal controls, the increase in the anterior compartment was 7.6% (range 0-9. 1%), while in the posterior compartment it was 4.0% (range 0-7.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a chronic compartment syndrome, the affected (anterior) compartment shows a statistically significant increase in (T2-weighted) signal intensity during exercise compared with both the (superficial) posterior compartment and the anterior compartment of normal controls. This effect disappeared after fasciotomy. In view of the substantial increase in T2-weighted signal intensity, MRI can be used in diagnosing chronic compartment syndrome.

Grade III open tibial fractures: functional outcome and quality of life in amputees versus patients with successful reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term functional outcome and the quality of life of patients who were treated for a (Gustilo) Grade III open tibial fracture. We included 43 patients with successful limb salvage (group A) and 21 amputees (group B). The groups were similar with regard to age, sex, and Injury Severity Score (ISS). The functional outcome was scored using the "Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment". To compare quality of life we used the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), the SF-36, and a questionnaire especially designed for this study. The mean lower extremity impairment (AMA) of patients in group A was 17.6%, compared to 73.5% for patients in group B. The results with both NHP and SF-36 show that patients in both groups have more problems in most categories than a healthy reference group. With the NHP, the difference in score was largest for the categories of pain, mobility, energy and sleep. The SF-36 scores correlated well with the NHP scores. No significant difference was found between the two groups. This type of injury has an enormous impact on every aspect of life--irrespective of the chosen treatment. A significant difference in lower extremity impairment is found between patients with a successful reconstruction and those who are amputees. However, the quality of life was shown to be the same.

Arthrodesis after osteosynthesis and infection of the ankle joint.

Nineteen patients with a severely infected ankle joint after previous osteosynthesis were treated with arthrodesis in our institution. Their notes and X-rays were reviewed. Goals of treatment were eradication of infection by aggressive débridement of infected tissues, obtaining adequate soft-tissue coverage, preservation/restoration of bonelength, and finally consolidation of the arthrodesis. Thirteen men and six women were treated, with a median age of 46 (17-69) years. Arthrodesis took place after a median of 6 months (0.5-40) post-accident, and after one to six earlier operative procedures. Primarily there had been four bimalleolar, five trimalleolar and ten pilon tibial fractures. Fifteen fractures were open with severe soft tissue damage. Seven free muscle transfers were performed, and ten cancellous bone graftings. Finally 29 attempts at arthrodesis were performed. Ultimately we had to perform two amputations. After a mean follow up of 3.5 years, one patient has an aseptic but asymptomatic pseudarthrosis, for which no further surgery is scheduled. Sixteen extremities are free from infection while full weightbearing is possible. The limb-threatening problem of deep infection after osteosynthesis of an ankle fracture can be resolved by consistent but prolonged treatment. After successful arthrodesis a weightbearing extremity without infection remains in the majority of cases.

Pulse oximeter-induced digital injury: frequency rate and possible causative factors.

OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency rate of and factors associated with pulse oximeter-induced digital injury (PIDI). DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: All patients with a length of stay of >2 days. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN RESULTS: We monitored 125 patients by using a pulse oximeter with a nondisposable clip-on probe changed every 3-4 hrs from one finger to another. Daily inspection was performed with special attention to digital injury. Factors implicated in the pathogenesis of PIDI, such as vasopressor therapy, hypotension, hypoxia, hypothermia, and arterial cannulation of the radial or ulnar artery were recorded daily. A total of 22 patients received norepinephrine and dopamine, 34 patients were given dopamine, and 69 patients did not receive vasoactive drugs. PIDI developed in 6 of 125 patients, five in the norepinephrine/dopamine group, one in the dopamine group, and none in the patients not receiving vasopressors. When comparing the frequency rate of PIDI in patients receiving norepinephrine (5 of 22) with patients not receiving norepinephrine (1 of 103) the relationship between the use of norepinephrine and PIDI is significant (p < .001). However, this relationship may also be explained by the fact that patients in the norepinephrine group were more severely ill than patients not requiring norepinephrine were. This is reflected by a higher median severity of illness score (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II) (p = .001), median duration of hypotension (p < .001), median number of saturation drops (p < .001), and higher mortality rate (p < .001). Hypothermia did not occur in any of the patients. There was no significant difference between the median right-left difference in duration of arterial cannulation between the two subgroups (p = .8). In all surviving patients, PIDI healed without permanent damage. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied population of critically ill patients in a surgical intensive care unit, the frequency rate of PIDI was 5% (6 of 125). Although an association with the use of norepinephrine was found, this small number of cases does not allow definite statistical conclusions concerning a relationship between the possible causative factors and PIDI. However, severely ill patients, as indicated by their need for more aggressive vasopressors, are more likely to develop PIDI. In survivors, PIDI healed without sequelae.

Functional results after treatment of hip fracture: a multicentre, prospective study in 215 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To find out which factors influence outcome after a fractured hip, so that the optimum treatment may be chosen for each patient. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: 3 teaching and 2 rural hospitals, The Netherlands. SUBJECTS: 215 patients aged 55-102 years (median 82) who presented with a fractured hip during 1994. INTERVENTIONS: Interviews shortly after the injury and 4 and 12 months later, study of radiographs, and evaluation of casenotes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mobility and functional recovery. RESULTS: 38 patients had died by the 4-month follow up, at which time 64/177 (36%) had regained the level of mobility that they had before the injury. At 12 months the figure was 58/148 (39%). The corresponding figures for functional recovery were 52/177 (29%) and 36/148 (24%). Factors that militated against recovery were increasing age, coexisting diseases, general complications and local complications. CONCLUSIONS: The chance of a patient with a hip fracture making any further recovery after 4 months is minimal. Local complications are the most important risk factor.