[Diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection : Development of an evidence-based algorithm by the work group of implant-associated infection of the AE-(German Society for Arthroplasty)]. / Diagnostik der periprothetischen Infektion : Entwicklung eines evidenzbasierten Algorithmus der Arbeitsgruppe implantatassoziierte Infektion der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Endoprothetik.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint infections (PPI) will challenge orthopaedic surgeons and the health care system in the coming years. Evidence-based and reliable preoperative diagnostics are necessary for success in the field of revision arthroplasty. Especially the preoperative detection of PPI is important with respect to the treatment strategy. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop a detailed and structured standard operating procedure (SOP) to detect PPI preoperatively. METHODS: A systematic literature research was performed and relevant articles identified. After extracting the data, statistical calculations of sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value and positive/negative likelihood ratio were performed. The results were discussed and evaluated in four meetings analogously to standard Delphi rounds by the workgroup of implant-associated infections of the German AE (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Endoprothetik). An algorithm for the diagnostic approach according to ISO 5807 was made. RESULTS: The standardized algorithm combines a sequence of evidence-based procedures with detailed and structured main and additional criteria to every critical step in the diagnostic approach. CONCLUSION: The detection of PPI is of tremendous importance prior to revision arthroplasty and determines its success or failure. The diagnosis "prosthetic joint infection" requires a substantial change with respect to treatment concepts. The algorithm summarizes current literature and specialized expert opinions in a modern standardized format for a transparent diagnostic approach.

Pain relieve without impairing muscle function after local infiltration anaesthesia in primary knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: Purpose of the current study was to compare early effectiveness of pain relieve of 3 in 1 regional pain catheter to local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Secondary endpoint was quadriceps muscle strength after both procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed. Patients eligible to TKA were either randomized into group 3 in 1 regional pain catheter (C), or group local infiltration anesthesia (L). Pain relieve was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and under physical activity (PA) prior to surgery (t0) and at days one through six. In addition, quadriceps muscle strength ( = straight leg raise) was tested according to the Manual Muscle Testing Scale. Functional outcome was measured using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: 121 patients were included in the study. 59 (48.8%) patients were allocated to group C, 62 (51.2%) patients to Group L. No differences concerning pain level evaluated by VAS could be detected between the groups at any time. Comparing straight leg raise test group L was significantly superior over the complete postoperative period (p < 0.03). The mean OKS decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from preoperatively 34.2 ± 7.5 points to 16.9 ± 6.0 points at the six months final follow-up. Regarding OKS there were no intergroup differences at the final follow-up at 6 months postoperative. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in pain relieve comparing LIA to 3 in 1 catheter in perioperative pain management in TKA. The advantage of LIA is unimpaired quadriceps muscle function in the short-term follow-up.

[The S2k guideline: Indications for knee endoprosthesis : Evidence and consent-based indications for total knee arthroplasty]. / S2k-Leitlinie: Indikation Knieendoprothese : Evidenz- und konsensbasierte Indikationsstellung in der Knie-Endoprothetik (EKIT-Knie).

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequent surgical procedures in orthopaedic surgery. Until now there have not been any standardized indication criteria, which might contribute to the large geographical differences in the frequency of TKA. This guideline aims to consent minimal requirements (main criteria), additional important aspects (minor criteria), as well as relative and absolute contraindications for TKA. The following main criteria have been consented: knee pain, radiological confirmation of osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis, inadequate response to conservative treatment, adverse impact of knee disease on the patient's quality of life and the burden of suffering due to the knee disease. Relative contraindications have been consented as severe general disease with reduced life expectancy and a BMI ≥40; absolute contraindications are an active infection and if the patient is not able to undergo major surgery.

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular pincer impingement.

OBJECTIVE: Arthroscopic resection of the bony overhang of the acetabular rim with concurrent treatment of associated chondrolabral injury in order to improve femoroacetabular clearance, provide symptomatic relief and in theory, delay the onset or progression of osteoarthritis of the hip. INDICATIONS: Clinical and radiographic evidence of femoroacetabular pincer or combined impingement, with minimal to moderate degenerative change in the hip joint. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Advanced osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Femoroacetabular pincer impingement arising from generalised overcoverage, e.g. coxa profunda. Acetabular retroversion in a dysplastic hip. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Arthroscopy of the peripheral compartment, using a proximal anterolateral viewing portal and anterior and anterolateral working portals. Labral assessment, release from its capsular reflection, limited bony resection of the acetabular rim or labral ossification. Central compartment arthroscopy under traction, using the anterolateral and anterior portals alternately as viewing and working portals, and a distal anterolateral accessory portal. The labrum is detached to expose the bony overhang in the acetabular rim, which is resected with a burr. The labrum is refixed if it is of sufficient quality and debrided or resected otherwise. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Labral resection: partial weight bearing, with pain-controlled progression to full weight bearing over 1-2 weeks. Labral refixation: Protected (20 kg) weight bearing for the first 4 weeks. Continuous passive motion therapy and the use of a stationary bicycle for 4 weeks, and early proprioceptive training are part of the rehabilitation regimen. RESULTS: Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has been shown to provide symptomatic relief, improve hip outcome scores and is postulated to delay progression of osteoarthritis. Better clinical outcomes can be obtained with labral refixation if the labrum is of sufficient quality.

[Management of Flexion Contracture in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty]. / Umgang mit der Beugekontraktur in der primären Knieendoprothetik.

Flexion contracture is a common deformity of the arthritic knee. The present publication describes causes, clinical relevance and surgical technique in the presence of flexion contractures in total knee arthroplasty. Flexion contracture can be attributed to different causes. Basically it is a mismatch between flexion and extension gaps. Moderate and severe deformities have to be corrected by additional surgical interventions. In most cases soft tissue techniques with release of contracted structures, the removal of osteophytes and additional distal femoral bone resection are necessary. The goal of these interventions is to achieve full extension of the knee. During rehabilitation attention has to be paid to maintain it with intensive physical therapy. A remaining flexion contracture is associated with inferior functional outcome and persistent pain.

[Defect Reconstruction in Total Knee Arthroplasty with wedges and blocks]. [Corrected]. / Defektrekonstruktion in der Knieendoprothetik mit Wedges und Blöcken.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical technique for primary and revision total knee arthroplasty to reconstruct bone defects with metal augments and reproducible positioning of the implant at the right joint line. INDICATIONS: Primary and revision total knee arthroplasty with bone defects. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Complete destruction of the metaphysis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Implantation of revision components performed in three consecutive steps: first, positioning of the tibia component at correct height and rotation; second, determination of the posterior joint line in flexion through the size and correct rotation of the femoral implant; third, determination of the distal joint line by use of positioning of the femoral component. These steps are performed independently from bone defects, which are subsequently reconstructed with metal augments. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization with weight bearing and range of motion as tolerated, depending on osseous and soft tissue condition at primary or revision surgery. RESULTS: In a prospective study, 132 consecutive knee revisions in 76 women and 56 men with an average age of 72.4 years (range 49-93 years) were followed up clinically and radiologically preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 74 months (range 38-105 months). Clinical results were based on the American Knee Society score. The score was 46.3 (range 31-65) preoperatively and 82.5 (range 61-96) at follow-up. Radiologically 12.1 % of the knees showed lysis around the augment with no clinical signs of loosening. No revisions were performed due to aseptic loosening. The joint line was correctly reconstructed in 84.8 %.

[Complications after minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty]. / Komplikationen nach minimal-invasiver Hüftendoprothetik.

BACKGROUND: The goal of minimally invasive surgery in total hip arthroplasty (MIS-THA) is reduction of surgical trauma without any limitations regarding exposure of the femur and acetabulum to achieve reproducible results. Despite improved instrumentation the implementation of these techniques is associated with a risk of higher complication rates. AIM: The article describes specific and unspecific complications of MIS-THA and gives hints and tips on how to avoid them. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study 152 THA revisions following MIS-THA were examined and an error analysis was performed. RESULTS: The study of 152 MIS-THA revisions included 87 female and 65 male patients. A gender-specific incidence of complications could not be found. The most common indication for revision surgery was due to recurrent dislocation. An increased incidence of fractures of the greater trochanter was observed using the anterolateral approach with the patient in a supine position. DISCUSSION: The MIS-THA procedure contributes to excellent early rehabilitation when performed correctly. The muscle preserving aspect can be counted as an advantage particularly for young patients. This patient collective has a high risk to undergo revision surgery.

[Early results of gender-specific posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty without patella resurfacing]. / Konventionelle und geschlechtsspezifische kreuzbandersetzende Knietotalendoprothesenimplantation. Vergleich frühfunktioneller Ergebnisse.

INTRODUCTION: To address anatomical gender differences in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) specific total knee prostheses have been developed for women. Potential benefits of these modified prostheses are currently under debate. The present study investigated whether the modified design features bring benefits compared to uni-sex TKA. METHODS: A total of 80 prospectively blinded and randomized patients underwent implantation of unilateral TKAs with NexGen LPS Gender Solutions (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA, group gender-specific GS prosthesis, n = 40) or NexGen LPS Flex (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA, control group standard prosthesis ST, n = 40) The follow-up was carried out 10 days and 6 weeks postoperatively. Clinical data and the subjective assessment of quality of life were evaluated using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSS), the short form 36-item health survey (SF-36) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: The two groups showed equal values in KSS, SF-36 and WOMAC preoperatively and ten days postoperatively the GS group reached an average KSS knee score of 62.6 ± 16.1 points (ST group 56.9 ± 14.7, p = 0.184) and a functional score of 28.5 ± 12.1 (ST group 24.3 ± 15.3, p = 0.082). In the overall score the GS group reached 91.1 ± 24.1 points (ST group 81.0 ± 27.1, p = 0.104). The GS group reached a knee score of 85.5 ± 14.4 points (ST group 77.8 ± 16.8, p = 0.03) and a functional score of 68.1 ± 20.7 points (ST group 62.3 ± 18.5, p = 0.185) 6 weeks postoperatively. In the overall score the GS group reached 153.7 ± 30.7 points (ST group 139.6 ± 32.4, p = 0.048). The analysis of SF-36 and WOMAC showed no significant differences at all time points. No evidence of loosening or migration was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data presented, gender-specific TKA type NexGen LPS Gender Solutions has advantages in terms of early functional outcome. This result is not reflected in the patient satisfaction and is not considered to be clinically relevant.

Microporous calcium phosphate ceramics as tissue engineering scaffolds for the repair of osteochondral defects: Histological results.

Treatment of defects in joint cartilage aims to re-establish normal joint function. In vitro experiments have shown that the application of synthetic scaffolds is a promising alternative to existing therapeutic options. A sheep study was conducted to test the suitability of microporous pure ß-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramics as tissue engineering scaffolds for the repair of osteochondral defects. Cylindrical plugs of microporous ß-TCP (diameter: 7mm; length: 25mm; porosity: 43.5±2.4%; pore diameter: ~5µm) with interconnecting pores were used. Scaffolds were seeded with autologous chondrocytes in vitro and cultured for 4weeks. A drill hole (diameter 7mm) was placed in both medial femoral condyles of sheep. For the left knee the defect was filled with a TCP plug and for the right knee the defect was left empty. After 6, 12, 26 and 52weeks, seven animals from each group were killed and studied. The samples were examined employing histological, histomorphometric and immunohistological methods as well as various imaging techniques (X-ray, microcomputer tomography and scanning electron microscopy). After explantation the cartilage defects were first assessed macroscopically. There were no signs of infection or inflammation. Histological grading scales were used for assessment of bony integration and cartilage repair. An increasing degradation (81% after 52weeks) of the ceramic with concomitant bone formation was observed. The original structure of cancellous bone was almost completely restored. After 26 and 52weeks, collagen II-positive hyaline cartilage was detected in several samples. New subchondral bone had formed. The formation of cartilage began at the outer edge and proceeded to the middle. According to the O'Driscoll score, values corresponding to healthy cartilage were not reached after 1year. Integration of the newly formed cartilage tissue into the surrounding native cartilage was found. The formation of biomechanical stable cartilage began at the edge and progressed towards the centre of the defect. After 1year this process was still not completed. Microporous ß-TCP scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes are suitable for the treatment of osteochondral defects.

Microporous calcium phosphate ceramics as tissue engineering scaffolds for the repair of osteochondral defects: biomechanical results.

This work investigated the suitability of microporous ß-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds pre-seeded with autologous chondrocytes for treatment of osteochondral defects in a large animal model. Microporous ß-TCP cylinders (Ø 7 mm; length 25 mm) were seeded with autologous chondrocytes and cultured for 4 weeks in vitro. Only the upper end of the cylinder was seeded with chondrocytes. Chondrocytes formed a multilayer on the top. The implants were then implanted in defects (diameter 7 mm) created in the left medial femoral condyle of ovine knees. The implants were covered with synovial membrane from the superior recess of the same joint. For the right knees, an empty defect with the same dimensions served as control. Twenty-eight sheep were split into 6-, 12-, 26- and 52 week groups of seven animals. Indentation tests with a spherical (Ø 3mm) indenter were used to determine the biomechanical properties of regenerated tissue. A software-based limit switch was implemented to ensure a maximal penetration depth of 200 µm and maximal load of 1.5 N. The achieved load, the absorbed energy and the contact stiffness were measured. Newly formed cartilage was assessed with the International Cartilage Repair Society Visual Assessment Scale (ICRS score) and histomorphometric analysis. Results were analysed statistically using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. After 6 weeks of implantation, the transplanted area tolerated an indentation load of 0.05±0.20 N. This value increased to 0.10±0.06 N after 12 weeks, to 0.27±0.18 N after 26 weeks, and 0.27±0.11 N after 52 weeks. The increase in the tolerated load was highly significant (p<0.0001), but the final value was not significantly different from that of intact cartilage (0.30±0.12 N). Similarly, the increase in contact stiffness from 0.87±0.29 N mm-(1) after 6 weeks to 3.14±0.86 N mm(-1) after 52 weeks was highly significant (p<0.0001). The absorbed energy increased significantly (p=0.02) from 0.74×10(-6)±0.38×10(-6) Nm after 6 weeks to 2.83×10(-6)±1.35×10(-6) Nm after 52 weeks. At 52 weeks, the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scores for the central area of the transplanted area and untreated defects were comparable. In contrast, the score for the area from the edge to the centre of the transplanted area was significantly higher (p=0.001) than the score for the unfilled defects. A biomechanically stable cartilage was built outside the centre of defect. After 52 weeks, all but one empty control defect were covered by bone and a very thin layer of cartilage (ICRS 7 points). The empty hole could still be demonstrated beneath the bone. The histomorphometric evaluation revealed that 81.0±10.6% of TCP was resorbed after 52 weeks. The increase in TCP resorption and replacement by spongy bone during the observation period was highly significant (p<0.0001). In this sheep trial, the mechanical properties of microporous TCP scaffolds seeded with transplanted autologous chondrocytes were similar to those of natural cartilage after 52 weeks of implantation. However, the central area of the implants had a lower ICRS score than healthy cartilage. Microporous TCP was almost fully resorbed at 52 weeks and replaced by bone.

The role of the transverse acetabular ligament for acetabular component orientation in total hip replacement: an analysis of acetabular component position and range of movement using navigation software.

Orientation of the native acetabular plane as defined by the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) and the posterior labrum was measured intra-operatively using computer-assisted navigation in 39 hips. In order to assess the influence of alignment on impingement, the range of movement was calculated for that defined by the TAL and the posterior labrum and compared with a standard acetabular component position (abduction 45°/anteversion 15°). With respect to the registration of the plane defined by the TAL and the posterior labrum, there was moderate interobserver agreement (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and intra-observer reproducibility (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). The mean acetabular component orientation achieved was abduction of 41° (32° to 51°) and anteversion of 18° (-1° to 36°). With respect to the Lewinnek safe zone (abduction 40° ±10°, anteversion 15° ±10°), 35 of the 39 acetabular components were within this zone. However, there was no improvement in the range of movement (p = 0.94) and no significant difference in impingement (p = 0.085). Alignment of the acetabular component with the TAL and the posterior labrum might reduce the variability of acetabular component placement in total hip replacement. However, there is only a moderate interobserver agreement and intra-observer reliability in the alignment of the acetabular component using the TAL and the posterior labrum. No reduction in impingement was found when the acetabular component was aligned with the TAL and the posterior labrum, compared with a standard acetabular component position.

[Extension first technique for TKA implantation]. / Die Extension-First-Technik bei der Knie-TEP-Implantation.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to combine the femur first and tibia first techniques in order to reduce surgical mistakes regarding rotation and alignment. INDICATIONS: Symptomatic arthritis of the knee. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General contraindications for TKA. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Osseous preparation starting with a distal femur cut. Then the proximal tibia cut is accomplished and the knee is balanced in extension after checking for correct alignment. Bone-referenced positioning of the femoral cutting block for further preparation of the femur. Finally, the rotation of the femur is checked in 90° of flexion by means of ligament tension. If required, the rotation is checked and the flexion gap balanced, respectively. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization with weight bearing and range of motion as tolerated. RESULTS: In a prospective study, 267 knees (160 women, 107 men, average age of 69.3 [46-89] years) were followed up preoperatively and after 6 weeks. The clinical results were based on the American Knee Society score. The scores were 48.9 (32-68) preoperatively and 86.5 (75-100) at follow-up. Radiologically 92.1% of the knees showed a malposition <3°.

[TKA revision of semiconstraint components using the 3-step technique]. / Knie-TEP-Revision auf ein halbgekoppeltes Prothesensystem mit der 3-Schritt-Technik.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical goal is to achieve a pain free and stable knee joint after revision total knee arthroplasty in three steps. An important component of the technique is the reproducible restoration of the joint line. INDICATIONS: Revision total knee arthroplasty. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Complete bone loss at the knee joint (epicondyles and tibia plateau), persistent joint infection, loss of the extension apparatus, and neurological disease with progressive ligament instability. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Implantation of revision components is performed in three steps. The first step is the positioning of the tibia component at the correct height and rotation. As the position of the tibial articular surface is independent of the knee position, the tibia serves as a reference both in extension and in flexion. The second step consists of balancing the knee joint in flexion and, thereby, definition of the flexion gap and the rotation of the femoral component. In the third step, the reconstruction and balancing of the knee joint in extension is performed. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization with weight bearing and range of motion as tolerated depending on osseous and soft tissue condition at surgery. The surgical technique does not influence the further treatment. RESULTS: In a prospective study, 168 consecutive knee revisions operated by the first author were examined clinically and radiologically preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 38 months (range 22-61 months). There were 96 knees from women and 72 were from men with an average age of 74.6 years (range 51-92 years). Clinical results were based on the American Knee Society score. The score showed 47.6 (range 32-63) preoperatively and 81.5 (range 62-95) at follow-up. Radiologically, 92.7% of the knees showed a malposition <3°. The joint line was correctly reconstructed in 86.3% based on the preoperative plan; 89% of the patella showed correct tracking in the patella tangential view.

[Influence of tourniquet ischemia on perioperative blood loss after total knee arthroplasty]. / Einfluss der Blutleere auf den perioperativen Blutverlust nach Knietotalendoprothesenimplantation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tourniquet use with constant pressure until wound closure on perioperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Sufficient patients were included in the study to produce statistically relevant conclusions. In this retrospective case control study 547 patients who were treated with TKA because of osteoarthritis of the knee joint were included and of these 262 patients were operated with the use of a tourniquet (300 mmHg) and 285 without. The perioperative blood loss was calculated using patient height, body weight and preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values. The patient collectives were comparable in mean age, gender distribution and ASA classification. In the group with an operation using a tourniquet, 24 patients (9.2%) received erythrocyte transfusions compared to 36 patients (12.6%) in the group without tourniquet use (not significant). The average perioperative blood loss without tourniquet use was 1.5±0.6 l (range -0.2 to 4.3 l). In contrast patients treated with the use of a tourniquet lost on average only 1.2±0.5 l (range -0.2 to 3.4 l) (p<0.001). The use of a tourniquet reduces the perioperative blood loss in TKA if it is kept tight during the operation.

Oral thromboprophylaxis following total hip or knee replacement: review and multicentre experience with dabigatran etexilate.

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement surgery is high. As a result, thromboprophylaxis is highly recommended. While current thromboprophylactic agents, such as low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and vitamin K antagonists, are safe and effective their use can be problematic. Therefore, there is a need for alternative anticoagulants that are as safe and effective as conventional agents, but are more convenient and easier to use. Dabigatran etexilate, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is one such anticoagulant. For VTE prevention following major orthopaedic surgery, dabigatran etexilate shows similar efficacy and safety to the LMWH enoxaparin, and is approved for use in more than 75 countries, including Europe and Canada. Here, we summarize and discuss the experiences of four German clinics that have recently introduced dabigatran etexilate into clinical practice. Overall, dabigatran etexilate was well received by patients, surgeons and nurses, and compared favourably with enoxaparin. Staff appreciated the oral, single-dose administration of dabigatran etexilate. Patient satisfaction was high, especially in those individuals who had previously used LMWHs. In this review, we also address a number of questions that were asked by patients or staff; this will be of relevance to orthopaedic surgeons and nurses. We conclude that, in these four German clinics, dabigatran etexilate offered an effective oral alternative to existing thromboprophylactic agents in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.

Avaliação clínica do desempenho de TRA (tratamento restaurador atraumático) associado a um agente químico de remoção de cárie

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o desempenho de tratamento restauradoratraumático (TRA) associado a um agente químico para remoção de cárie dentária.Metodologia: Foram selecionados 60 molares decíduos de crianças de 6 a 9 anos de ambosos sexos. Os dentes foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos. Nas cavidades dogrupo 1 foi aplicado o gel de papaína (Papacárie, Belo Horizonte, Brasil) previamente aos escavadores de dentina, enquanto no grupo 2 removeu-se a cárie somente com escavadoresde dentina. Os grupos 1 e 2 foram subdivididos em 4 grupos (n=15 cada): grupos G1Mxe G2Mx restaurados com cimento de ionômero de vidro Maxion R (FGM, Joinville, Brasil)e grupos G1Me e G2Me restaurados com cimento de ionômero de vidro Meron (VOCO, Berlin, Alemanha). Após seis meses os dentes foram avaliados quanto a recidiva de cárie, sensibilidade, fístula e integridade da restauração. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos para todos os critérios avaliados, independentemente do cimento usado (teste de Kruskal Wallis, P=0,055). Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que o gel de papaína não afetou negativamente os resultados da TRA. (AU)

Pre-emptive intra-articular administration of local anaesthetics/opiates versus postoperative local anaesthetics/opiates or local anaesthetics in arthroscopic surgery of the knee joint: a prospective randomized trial.

AIM: Arthroscopic surgery on the knee joint is increasingly being performed as day-case surgery. This necessitates adequate postoperative pain therapy. We performed a study to compare three different intra-articular regimens of pain treatment. The hypothesis was that preoperative intra-articular pain management is superior to postoperative procedures. METHOD: In this study we compared the preoperative administration of 0.1 mg fentanyl + 5 ml bupivacaine 0.5% with the postoperative administration of either 0.1 mg fentanyl + 5 ml bupivacaine 0.5% or 5 ml bupivacaine 0.5% alone in a total of 564 patients. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group was subdivided into patients with and without synovitis. RESULTS: The preoperative administration of fentanyl and bupivacaine significantly decreased the perceived pain. The efficiency increased with major arthroscopic procedures. Postoperative administration of bupivacaine alone had the least effect. There was variation within each group depending on whether synovitis was present or not. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the superiority of the preoperative intra-articular administration of a combination of fentanyl and local anaesthetic over postoperative fentanyl and local anaesthetic or postoperative local anaesthetic alone.

[Minimally invasive implantation in unicondylar arthroplasty]. / Minimal-invasive Implantation unikondylärer Prothesen.

Knee arthroplasty has become one of the most successful standard procedures in orthopaedic surgery. With a more frequent use in young and active patients bone-saving procedures have become more important. The goal is to save good bone stock for the revision procedure. Therefore, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is a good example. Instrumentation and minimally invasive surgical techniques have been improved so very good long-term results and early functional results are achieved. The paper describes the surgical technique with true capsule incision and extramedullary alignment technique. In a prospective study, the early functional results with the ZUK implant were excellent. The implant may not be indicated for every knee situation and an exact differential indication and sound surgical technique are necessary. Its use, however, in cases with unicompartmental knee arthritis, contributes to excellent early rehabilitation and to maintaining autologous bone. Therefore, the minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is a sensible alternative to other options.

[Osteoporosis--a neglected issue in orthopaedics? Results of a survey amongst German orthopaedic surgeons]. / Osteoporose -- Ein Stiefkind der Orthopädie? Ergebnisse einer Befragung deutscher Orthopäden.

AIM: Patients with fragility fractures have a significantly increased risk of sustaining additional fractures. Therefore one should consider avoidance of further fractures as the primary treatment principle. Since orthopaedic surgeons manage most of fragility fractures, but might not be well attuned to osteoporosis itself, it was the aim of the Bone and Joint Decade (BJD) and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) to survey orthopaedic surgeons in order to assess their knowledge of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The multinational survey questionnaire was developed by a working group of national project co-ordinators in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand and based to some extent on an American survey. Following translation into the national language it was distributed in 2002 to the members of the orthopaedic societies to assess the management of prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, comparing both different health-care systems and different working environments. 5 700 questionnaires were distributed in Germany with a 20 percent response rate. RESULTS: As the main result of the German survey -- independent of the working environment -- a substantial deficit concerning training and knowledge about the management of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures was seen. In addition, the majority of participants requested educational opportunities to become qualified for a better disease control. CONCLUSION: In order to satisfy the increasing need for adequate management of prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, structured educational opportunities have to be offered to the German orthopaedic community. In the mean time first steps have been initiated: training courses to qualify as "Osteologe DVO" and the "White Book Osteoporosis", which was initiated by BJD and IOF and developed by several German medical societies and patient organisations it is based on the German DVO guidelines providing an evidence-based and structured overview concerning all relevant aspects of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.