High-resolution flat panel CT versus 3-T MR arthrography of the wrist: initial results in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of direct C-arm flat panel computed tomography arthrography (FPCT-A) with direct magnetic resonance arthrography (MR-A) of the wrist in patients with clinically suspected pathologies. METHODS: Forty-nine patients underwent tri-compartmental wrist arthrography. FPCT-A was acquired using a high-resolution acquisition mode, followed by a 3-T MR exam using a dedicated wrist coil. Image quality and artifacts of FPCT-A and MR-A were evaluated with regard to the depictability of anatomical structures. The time stamps for the different image acquisitions were recorded for workflow assessment. RESULTS: Image quality was rated significantly superior for all structures for FPCT-A (p < 0.001) as compared to MR-A including intrinsic ligaments, TFCC, cartilage, subchondral bone, and trabeculae. The differences in image quality were highest for cartilage (2.0) and lowest for TFCC (0.9). The artifacts were rated lower in MR-A than in FPCT-A (p < 0.001). The procedure was more time-efficient in FPCT-A than in MR-A. CONCLUSIONS: FPCT-A of the wrist provides superior image quality and optimized workflow as compared to MR-A. Therefore, FPCT-A should be considered in patients scheduled for dedicated imaging of the intrinsic structures of the wrist. KEY POINTS: • FPCT arthrography allows high-resolution imaging of the intrinsic wrist structures. • The image quality is superior as compared to MR arthrography. • The procedure is more time-efficient than MR arthrography.

[Work-life balance : Thoughts of the Young Surgeon representatives of the German Surgical Society]. / Work-Life-Balance : Gedanken des Perspektivforums Junge Chirurgie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie.

Work-life balance is a commonly used term that appears in different contexts and has a different meaning for many colleagues. Unfortunately, however, it is often used as a negative, simplified term to describe the assumed attitude of young surgeons towards work and a medical career, even though this is not universally applicable. As the representatives for Young Surgeons of the German Society of Surgery the aim of this article is to present our thoughts on the issue and associated problems and provide a differentiated outline for discussion.

[Component separation for closing large abdominal wall defects: evolution of a method from 1990 to present day]. / Die Komponentenseparation zum Verschluss komplexer Bauchwandhernien: Entwicklung einer Technik von 1990 bis heute.

BACKGROUND: The separation of autologous and functional active components of the lateral abdominal wall for closing large midline defects was introduced in 1990. The original components separation technique (CS) has undergone numerous modifications. The aim of this work is to summarise the essential steps of the development. METHODS: Based on a literature review, the original technique, the modifications and advancements are presented and evaluated regarding indication, techniques and results. RESULTS: The original technique still has a high status, because of the large extent of rectus complex medialisation. Numerous modifications of the anterior conventional component separation with different clinical results were described. The development of a minimally invasive technique with balloon dilatation trocars was an essential step and decreased wound morbidity. The modified posterior component separation by transverse abdominis release currently seems to be an encouraging alternative to be regarded as a widening of the sublay technique. All methods can be combined with implantation of prosthetic or biological implants in intraperitoneal, sublay or onlay technique, whereby the recurrence rate can be decreased. CONCLUSION: From where we stand today no single technique can generally be recommended. The latest methods aim for decreasing complications and recurrences by means of minimally invasive procedures. The surgical strategy still depends on the complexity and extent of abdominal wall defect and has to be determined according to individual aspects and sometimes requires an interdisciplinary approach.