Balloon Guided Cement Augmentation of Iliosacral Screws in the Treatment of Insufficiency Fractures of the Sacrum - Description of a New Method and Preliminary Results.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Fragility fractures of the pelvic ring in the elderly population are a serious problem in orthopaedics. The treatment options range from conservative treatment to diverse operative options. We present a balloon guided new technique of implanting cement augmented screws aiming at improved implant anchorage and reduced cement leakage. MATERIAL AND METHODS We describe a new technique of balloon- guided cement augmented iliosacral screws. After the balloon has been insufflated and contrast medium has been instillated for leakage detection, iliosacral screws can safely be placed with a relevant cement depot. RESULTS All patients (n = 8) treated in this way were allowed to weight bear on both legs and mobilisation was tolerated the next day after surgery. In the post-operative controls including X-ray and CT scan we noticed no cement leakage. Pain level as measured by the visual analog scale was significantly reduced to pre- surgery (mean 7.6 pre-operatively, mean 2.5 postoperatively). In addition pain medication could be reduced gradually soon after surgery. CONCLUSIONS The described procedure to address fragility fractures of the pelvic ring is a safe and easy to handle method. There are three advantages: First the osteoporotic S1 vertebral body can by stabilised by the amount of cement; second the cement leakage can be prevented by the balloon-compaction of the cancellous bone and the possibility to control the created cavity with contrast medium; third the bone - screw interface is much stronger compared to other procedures and is biomechanically superior against vertical shear stress. In contrast to sacroplasty, the cement application is guided by the previous use of a balloon. Key words:pelvic ring, fragility fracture, osteoporosis, elderly.

Delayed Fracture Healing in Diabetics with Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Diabetics may have an increased fracture risk, depending on disease duration, quality of metabolic adjustment and extent of comorbidities, and on an increased tendency to fall. The aim of this retrospective one-centre study consisted in detecting differences in fracture healing between patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Data of patients with the most common fracture among older patients were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS Classification of distal radius fractures was established according to the AO classification. Inital assessment and followup were made by conventional x-rays with radiological default settings. To evaluate fracture healing, formation of callus and sclerotic border, assessment of the fracture gap, and evidence of consolidation signs were used. RESULTS The authors demonstrated that fracture morphology does not influence fracture healing regarding time span, neither concerning consolidation signs nor in fracture gap behavior. However, tendency for bone remodeling is around 70% lower in investigated diabetics than in non-diabetics, while probability for a successful fracture consolidation is 60% lower. CONCLUSIONS To corroborate the authors hypothesis of delayed fracture healing in patients with diabetes mellitus, prospective studies incorporating influencing factors like duration of metabolic disease, quality of diabetes control, medical diabetes treatment, comorbidities and secondary diseaseas, like chronic nephropathy and osteoporosis, have to be carried out. Key words: diabetes, delayed fracture healing, distal radius fractures, callus formation, blood glucose level, osteoblasts.

[Surgical treatment of posterosuperior impingement (PSI)]. / Operative Therapie des posterosuperioren Impingements (PSI).

OBJECTIVE: To restore the physiologic anterior and posterior capsular volume to achieve an anatomic central contact point of the glenohumeral articulation and treatment of concomitant glenohumeral injuries due to posterosuperior impingement (PSI). INDICATIONS: Plateauing of clinical improvement despite adequate nonsurgical treatment (for at least 6-12 months). CONTRAINDICATIONS: General contraindications for elective arthroscopic surgery. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Diagnostic arthroscopy of the glenohumeral joint through the posterior portal to assess stability of the biceps-labral complex even in the Abduction and External Rotation (ABER) position to confirm the diagnosis of PSI and to detect concomitant glenohumeral injuries. In most cases posterosuperior SLAP (superior labrum anterior posterior) repair or tenodesis of the long head of the biceps. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Arm sling for 6 weeks with limited range of motion. Free active range of motion of elbow and wrist. Limited shoulder external rotation for 6 weeks. Free shoulder range of motion from week 7, full daily life activities after 12 weeks. Modification of the postoperative management according to intraoperative findings. RESULTS: At our hospital 18 overhead athletes (6 women, 12 men, mean age 31 years) with PSI without SLAP lesion or rotator cuff tear underwent isolated plication of the anteroinferior capsule after primary nonsurgical treatment. At a mean period of 9 months, 16 patients returned to their pre-injury sports activity level, 2 patients had to give up their sports due to persisting shoulder problems. At a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 12-55 months) the Walch Duplay score was on average 82.9 ± 8.3 for men and 73.8 ± 5.9 for women.

Mid-term Functional Outcome and Return to Sports after Proximal Hamstring Tendon Repair.

Proximal hamstring tendon ruptures are commonly associated with a significant loss of function, and operative treatment is recommended in active patients. The objective was to evaluate objective/subjective functional results and return to sports following proximal hamstring tendon repair in the mid-term follow-up. 16 repairs of proximal hamstring ruptures were performed in 15 patients (9 males, 6 females). The average age at the time of injury was 47 years (range, 21-66). All patients were clinically examined at a mean follow-up of 56 months (range, 24-112 months). Validated patient-oriented assessment scores focussing on sports activity including the Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Score, UCLA Activity Score, adapted WOMAC Score, and the VAS were evaluated as well as the return to sports. Isokinetic strength of both legs was tested using a rotational dynamometer. The Lysholm, Tegner, UCLA Activity Score and the adapted WOMAC demonstrated predominantly a return to a preinjury activity level at follow-up. Functional measurements of the operated leg showed similar results to the uninjured leg in knee extension and flexion strength (p>0.094). In return to sports, no signficant (p>0.05) differences concerning types or frequency were noted. The surgical repair of proximal hamstring tendon ruptures leads to constantly good functional results in the mid-term follow-up, where patients demonstrate similar isokinetic results in the healthy leg.

New Method for Monitoring Partial Weight Bearing (PWB) of Outpatients with an Independent Insole Sensor System.

UNLABELLED: PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Partial weight bearing (PWB) is commonly prescribed post operatively following lower limb fractures and compliance with the weight bearing protocol is an essential element of the rehabilitation. So far it is unknown to what extent patients do comply with PWB during the healing process as instructed by the surgeon. Our aim is to assess a new device for real-time feedback and long-term measurement of PWB of outpatients. The device offers the possibility to monitor the outpatient's activity. The applicability, reliability and validity of the new device should be evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS 20 young, healthy subjects complete a course of 500 m that contained several stairs, with a PWB of 15 kg. During the entire test, the axial load, the acceleration and the temperature were measured with a novel insole sensor system. The results were compared with reference measurements performed with a force plate. RESULTS Altogether, the 20 subjects performed 11,106 steps during the completion of the walking circuit. In 23.6% of the steps, the subjects applied a PWB of 10 to 20 kg. In 5.5% of all steps, PWB was superior to 60 kg. The mean bias of the insole was 11,58 N. Limits of agreement were +/- 125 N and the interclass correlation coefficient was r = 0.945. CONCLUSIONS The presented sensor sole might be a useful tool to obtain more precise insight of outpatients' activity and load to the injured limb during the healing process. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that even young and healthy subjects are not able to keep the prescribed PWB. This raises the question, if patients who have been recently operated are able to follow the instructions concerning the PWB. KEY WORDS: partial weight bearing (PWB), insole sensor system, sensor sole, monitoring, outpatients.

Reduction and stabilization of radial neck fractures by intramedullary pinning: a technique not only for children.

BACKGROUND: Isolated radial neck fractures occur only in rare cases. The majority of cases are non-displaced or minimally displaced and can be treated conservatively. Conservative treatment, however, might result in secondary displacement and/or malunion. On the other hand, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as standard surgical approach in adults is associated with non-union, implant-related complications and reduced range of motion. For isolated radial neck fractures with an intact radial head, the procedure of centromedullary pinning--as widely used in the treatment of paediatric radial neck fractures--might be an alternative operative technique in adults as well. The purpose of this retrospective case series therefore was to evaluate the functional outcome of radial neck fractures treated by intramedullary pinning. METHODS: Between 02/2009 and 12/2014, a total of eight patients with isolated radial neck fractures (Mason type-III; Judet Type II and III) were treated with centromedullary pinning using titanium elastic nails (TEN). The mean age of the patients was 39 years (range 23-90 years) with a mean interval from injury to surgery of 2.9 days (range 1-7 days). Subjective and objective criteria included patient's satisfaction, pain rating on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and active range of motion (ROM) compared to the contralateral armside. Functional scoring included the Morrey Elbow Score (MEPS), the QuickDASH and the Elbow Self Assessment Score (ESAS). Furthermore, follow-up radiographs were evaluated. RESULTS: Seven of the eight patients were available for follow-up after a mean of 36 months (range 6-64 months). Patients' satisfaction was rated very good in four cases, good in two cases and sufficient in one case. An unrestricted active ROM compared to the contralateral side for extension-flexion arc and for pronation-supination-arc with full strength was rated in all cases. The Elbow Self Assessment Score was 98.52 ± 1.95 (range 96-100), the calculated Mayo elbow performance score was 95.71 ± 7.32 (range 85-100) and the QuickDASH score was 6.81 ± 10.42 (range 0-27). There were no complications as infection, non-union, heterotopic ossifications or secondary loss of reduction of the radial head. Only one patient complained about pain resulting from an affection of the superficial radial nerve. CONCLUSION: In the present cohort, good to excellent results without relevant complications were seen. The technique of intramedullary pinning as described in the treatment of isolated radial neck fractures in children represents a suitable and reliable method in adults as well. In selected cases, this technique can be recommended as an alternative, minimal-invasive approach to the radial head plate osteosynthesis.

Delayed Fracture Healing in Diabetics with Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Diabetics may have an increased fracture risk, depending on disease duration, quality of metabolic adjustment and extent of comorbidities, and on an increased tendency to fall. The aim of this retrospective one-centre study consisted in detecting differences in fracture healing between patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Data of patients with the most common fracture among older patients were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Classification of distal radius fractures was established according to the AO classification. Inital assessment and follow-up were made by conventional X-rays with radiological default settings. To evaluate fracture healing, formation of callus and sclerotic border, assessment of the fracture gap, and evidence of consolidation signs were used. RESULTS: The authors demonstrated that fracture morphology does not influence fracture healing regarding time span, neither concerning consolidation signs nor in fracture gap behaviour. However, tendency for bone remodeling is around 70% lower in investigated diabetics than in non-diabetics, while probability for a successful fracture consolidation is 60% lower. CONCLUSIONS: To corroborate the authors hypothesis of delayed fracture healing in patients with diabetes mellitus, prospective studies incorporating influencing factors like duration of metabolic disease, quality of diabetes control, medical diabetes treatment, comorbidities and secondary diseases, like chronic nephropathy and osteoporosis, have to be carried out.

[Balloon osteoplasty as reduction technique in the treatment of tibial head fractures]. / Ballonaugmentation als Repositionstechnik bei der Versorgung von Tibiakopffrakturen.

BACKGROUND: Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries of the lower extremities. Depending on the fracture pattern, the age of the patient, the range of activity and the bone quality there is a broad variation in adequate treatment.  AIM: This article reports on an innovative treatment concept to address split depression fractures (Schatzker type II) and depression fractures (Schatzker type III) of the tibial head using the balloon osteoplasty technique for fracture reduction. METHODS: Using the balloon technique achieves a precise and safe fracture reduction. This internal osteoplasty combines a minimal invasive percutaneous approach with a gently rise of the depressed area and the associated protection of the stratum regenerativum below the articular cartilage surface. This article lights up the surgical procedure using the balloon technique in tibia depression fractures. CONCLUSION: Using the balloon technique a precise and safe fracture reduction can be achieved. This internal osteoplasty combines a minimally invasive percutaneous approach with a gentle raising of the depressed area and the associated protection of the regenerative layer below the articular cartilage surface. Fracture reduction by use of a tamper results in high peak forces over small areas, whereas by using the balloon the forces are distributed over a larger area causing less secondary stress to the cartilage tissue. This less invasive approach might help to achieve a better long-term outcome with decreased secondary osteoarthritis due to the precise and chondroprotective reduction technique.

[Pertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly]. / Pertrochantäre Femurfrakturen beim geriatrischen Patienten.

Pertrochanteric fractures are one of the most common injuries in the elderly and due to the demographic changes the incidence and importance of this fracture entity will even increase in the future. The dynamic hip screw (DHS) has been used as the gold standard implant in the treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures for many years but recent studies have shown that cephalomedullary nails have some advantages. Due to the high incidence, operative treatment of these fractures is part of the standard repertoire of trauma surgeons and this article therefore provides an overview of existing knowledge and new trends in the treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures.

Functional results following titanium elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of mid-shaft clavicle fractures.

INTRODUCTION While plate fixation remains the gold standard for surgical treatment for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures (DMCF), intramedullary fixation has emerged as a promising alternative. However, due to its more demanding technique and depending on the fracture's nature, an open reduction can be necessary. Aim of this study was to compare the outcome of open reduction versus closed reduction of DMCF using ESIN. PATIENTS AND METHODS Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN) were used to treat 40 patients undergoing minimally invasive ESIN between December 2006 and July 2009. A total of 19 patients were treated with a closed reduction and 21 patients required open reduction. RESULTS Open reduction increases operative time and fluoroscopy time significantly versus closed reduction (open 80.8 ± 35.9 min; closed 30.5 ± 8.5 min). No significant differences were found regarding strength measurement (75.7 ± 22.0 N in the closed group and 74.2 ± 26.0 N in the open group), DASH score (5.1 ± 6.5 closed group vs. 5.8 ± 7.3 open group) and Constant score (87.4 ± 9 points closed group vs. 85.3 ± 7.2 points open group). No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference comparing patients who were treated with an open versus a closed technique. If appropriately indicated we believe that using ESIN is an adequate and successful operative technique for DMCF. There were no significant differences in shoulder function after either procedure.

[Tibial plateau fractures in alpine skiing--return to the slopes or career end?]. / Tibiakopffrakturen im alpinen Skisport--Rückkehr auf die Skipiste oder Karriereende?

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the tibial plateau are among the most severe injuries of the knee joint and are often the result of sports accidents, especially skiing accidents. PATIENTS/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and March 2009, a total of 37 skiers with tibial plateau fractures were treated operatively at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich (level I trauma center); 28 patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included in this study. Sporting activity was determined at the time of injury and at the time of survey at an average follow-up of 49.0 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At the time of the survey, 92.9% of all patients were engaged in sports; only 12 of the 28 patients returned to skiing. Of the competitive athletes (n = 5 at time of injury) no patient returned to competition. The number of different sporting activities declined significantly from 6.4 before the injury to 4.6 after the injury. The activity duration per week, being 5.0 hours at the time of injury, declined to 4.4 hours, although the difference is statistically not significant. The Lysholm score, 97.5 points before accident, illustrated a significant decline to 84.4 points. Activity levels according to the Tegner scale declined significantly from 6.1 to 4.7 after the tibial plateau fracture. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients could not return to their previous level of activity. For patients playing competitive sports, the tibial plateau fracture can be a career ender. Overall, 92.9% of the patients returned to sports, but we noticed a post-injury shift toward activities with less impact. Only 12 of the 28 (42.9%) skiers with tibial plateau fractures returned to skiing.

[Traumatic elbow dislocations in bouldering]. / Ellenbogenluxationsverletzungen beim Trendsport Bouldern.

Bouldering is a new trend sport which has become popular in recent years. From April 2011 to June 2012 a total of 5 patients with elbow dislocations from bouldering were admitted to our level 1 trauma center. The injuries varied from simple elbow dislocations to complex fracture dislocations. Elbow dislocations occurred during falling backwards when patients tried to protect themselves by retroversion of both arms. In all cases the falling height was less than 4 meters. The bouldering injury pattern, the diagnostic and therapeutic management as well as the rehabilitation program are described in detail in this article. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the special danger of bouldering for complex elbow injuries.

Generation and characterization of a human acellular meniscus scaffold for tissue engineering.

Meniscus tears are frequent indications for arthroscopic evaluation which can result in partial or total meniscectomy. Allografts or synthetic meniscus scaffolds have been used with varying success to prevent early degenerative joint disease in these cases. Problems related to reduced initial and long-term stability, as well as immunological reactions prevent widespread clinical use so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a new construct for tissue engineering of the human meniscus based on an acellular meniscus allograft. Human menisci (n = 16) were collected and acellularized using the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate as the main ingredient or left untreated as control group. These acellularized menisci were characterized biomechanically using a repetitive ball indentation test (Stiffness N/mm, residual force N, relative compression force N) and by histological (hematoxylin-eosin, phase-contrast) as well as immunohistochemical (collagen I, II, VI) investigation. The processed menisci histologically appeared cell-free and had biomechanical properties similar to the intact meniscus samples (p > 0.05). The collagen fiber arrangement was not altered, according to phase-contrast microscopy and immunohistochemical labeling. The removal of the immunogenic cell components combined with the preservation of the mechanically relevant parts of the extracellular matrix could make these scaffolds ideal implants for future tissue engineering of the meniscus.