The Kleinert dynamic splint: where it fails and how it can be modified.

After primary tenoraphy of flexor tendons one often finds a hampered function of the DIP-joint. Analysis of the pattern of early mobilization exercised by our patients in the Kleinert splint and analysis of the excursions of the flexor tendons of fresh unembalmed specimens brought us to the conclusion that the Kleinert dynamic splint fails in maintaining a sliding movement of the deep and the superficial flexor tendons along each other because the splint excludes motion at the distal interphalangeal joint. Based on our observations we modified the Kleinert dynamic splint. Our experience with 37 patients shows that this modified splint gives a better function in the DIP-joint.

The 10-year congenital rubella syndrome incidence in Curacao: 1977-1986 - abstract

In order to assess the magnitude of the congenital rubella syndrome in Curacao, and to provide data for evaluation of the rubella vaccination programme, a retrospective study of its incidence during the period 1977 - 1986 was conducted. This was done by tracing all hospital medical records of newborns with signs and symptoms indicative of congenital rebella syndrome or with a specialist's diagnosis. All cases were confirmed by laboratory tests. A yearly incidence of 0 to 0.4/1,000 live births was observed in non-epidemic years. In 1977 and 1985, very high incidences of 1.77/1,000 and 2.44/1.000 were observed. No seasonally could be observed. No surveillance data on rubella in the study period are available. It is concluded that from 1977 to 1986, rubella infection of pregnant women, and congenital rubella syndrome have occurred regularly, with two epidemic increases in 1977 and 1985 (AU)