[Retrospective analysis of healing problems after reamed and unreamed nailing of femoral shaft fractures]. / Retrospektive Analyse der Heilungsstörungen nach aufgebohrter und unaufgebohrter Nagelung von Femurschaftfrakturen.

168 fractures of the femoral shaft treated by intramedullary nailing were analyzed retrospectively. From 1986-1992 116 fractures had been treated with the reamed AO universal nail (RFN) and from 1993-1996 52 fractures with the AO unreamed femoral nail (UFN). In 24% of the RFN-group and in 2% of the UFN-group (p < 0.0001) open reduction of the fracture had been necessary. The time to radiological consolidation was similar in both groups (18.1 weeks +/- 6.1 vs. 18.3 weeks +/- 5.7, [mean +/- SD]). Delayed unions were less frequent in the RFN-group than in the UFN-group (3% vs. 13%, p = 0.01). Non-unions occurred in the RFN-group in 4%, in the UFN-group in 8%, the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.46). Fractures with impaired consolidation (delayed-unions and non-unions) in the RFN group were distributed randomly along the femoral diaphysis, whereas all 11 fractures with retarded healing in the UFN group were short transverse or oblique fractures localized immediately distal to the femoral isthmus. We believe that there is mainly a mechanical reason for this phenomen, in addition to fracture type and fracture localization the (insufficient) length of the unreamed nails might have impaired stability further. The different factors should be investigated in larger series. As a consequence we now treat transverse and short oblique fractures of diaphyseal femoral fractures distal to the femoral isthmus with a RFN whereas in other types and localizations of diaphyseal femoral fractures we continue to use the UFN with special attention to maximal nail diameter and length.

[Blood loss in total hip prosthesis implantation: lateral versus supine position]. / Blutverlust bei Hüfttotalprothesenimplantationen: Seitenlage versus Rückenlage.

We performed a prospective randomized study to determine blood loss differences between supine or lateral patient position, during surgery in elective total hip replacement. Between January and October 1996, 64 consecutive cases of total hip replacements were randomly scheduled for a procedure either in the supine or in the lateral position. Of the 56 cases evaluated, 29 were operated in the supine position (SP) and 27 in the lateral position (LP). The standardized implantations were performed without cement and the blood loss was measured. The calculated loss of Hb on the day of operation was 235 g Hb +/- 17 (mean +/- s.e.) in the SP group and 177 g Hb +/- 14 in the LP group, respectively, (unpaired t-test p = 0.01). The calculated loss of Hb after five postoperative days was 227 g Hb +/- 24 (mean +/- s.e.) in the SP group and 179 g Hb +/- 24 in the LP group, respectively, p < 0.2. The net loss of Hb after five postoperative days was calculated by subtracting all perioperative blood substitutions (Cellsaver, autologous and homologous blood) resulting in 340 g Hb +/- 21 (mean +/- s.e.) in the SP group and 272 g Hb +/- 21 in the LP group, respectively, p = 0.02. The blood loss in primary cementless total hip replacement surgery can be significantly reduced by performing the procedure in the lateral position compared to that in the supine position. The blood loss is limited to the day of operation, as indicated by the stable Hb-levels thereafter.

Bernese periacetabular osteotomy.

Seventy-five symptomatic dysplastic hip joints (63 patients) were treated with the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy during a period of 44 months. The mean patients' age was 29 years (range, 13-56 years) and the female:male ratio was 3.4:1. Group III dysplasia according to Severin was seen in 50% and Group IV dysplasia was seen in 44% of the patients. Osteoarthritis was present in 58% of the patients. Followup was obtained at a mean of 11.3 years (range, 10-13.8 years) in 71 hip joints (95%). Radiographic measurements of the lateral center edge angle, anterior center edge angle, acetabular index, lateralization of the femoral head, and intactness of Shenton's line showed a high correction potential of this type of osteotomy. In 58 patients (82%) the hip joint was preserved at last followup with a good to excellent result in 73%. Unfavorable outcome was significantly associated with higher age of the patient, moderate to severe osteoarthritis at surgery, a labral lesion, less anterior coverage correction, and a suboptimal acetabular index. Major complications were encountered in the first 18 patients including an intraarticular cut in two, excessive lateralization in one, secondary loss of correction in two and femoral head subluxation in three patients.

Laparoscopic assisted spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the technical aspects and clinical outcome of laparoscopic assisted interbody fusion (LAIF) using the BAK technique. METHOD: 17 patients with chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and L4-L5 were treated with LAIF using the BAK technique. Surgical time, blood loss and intraoperative problems were assessed. The short-term clinical and radiological outcome was measured. RESULTS: The technical part of the procedure depends on a learning curve. However, in collaboration with a laparoscopic surgeon no complications related to the technique occurred. The limits of the technique are due to the anatomical situation at the L4-L5 level. 14/17 patients had an improvement in their lower back pain. CONCLUSION: The technique of LAIF is demanding. The L5-S1 level can be addressed with ease; however, transabdominal fusion of L4-L5 is not recommended. Patient selection remains the keystone. LAIF is the least invasive measure in order to stabilize and fuse a motion segment.

[Ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy?]. / Ambulante laparoskopische Cholezystektomie?

Commonly, after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patients will be discharged from the hospital on the second or the third postoperative day and return to full activities about a week after surgery. Some reports from the USA demonstrate that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be done on an outpatient basis. But these as well as all operative procedures are not without risk, and we prefer a short hospitalization. Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed because cost containment has become a major issue in American medicine.