[Postoperative multiprofessional comprehensive treatment]. / Postoperative multiprofessionelle Komplexbehandlung.

BACKGROUND: In orthogeriatric centers, postoperative, multiprofessional comprehensive treatment has proven to be an effective component in the convalescence of geriatric patients. The aim of the treatment is to minimize the perioperative risk and safely achieve individual rehabilitation goals in the acute inpatient stay. To meet the needs of geriatric patients, in addition to changes in the spatial division and design, primarily adjustments to the team composition and the procedural processes are required. THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES: An interdisciplinary and multiprofessional team (orthopedics/traumatology, geriatrics, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social services, psychology, speech therapy, …) uses geriatric assessments in regular team meetings to collect and analyze the current rehabilitation status of patients; ICF-based goals are formulated and the therapy is adapted to individual needs. Here, too, the focus is on recording the individual risk (comorbidities, mental status, polypharmacy, malnutrition, fragility) and avoiding preventable complications. Multiprofessional strategies for avoiding or treating postoperative delirium are particularly important. In addition, maintaining patients' autonomy is the top priority, so that they can be released from the acute inpatient stay strengthened for follow-up treatment or their home environment. The establishment of orthogeriatric comanagement in acute inpatient facilities is an important component in the process chain, from which many geriatric patients benefit in the context of postoperative recovery.

[Necrotizing myositis of the thigh : Cause or result of a systemic capillary leak syndrome?] / Nekrotisierende Myositis des Oberschenkels : Ursache oder Folge eines systemischen "Capillary-leak"-Syndroms?

Infectious diseases of the musculoskeletal system are in trauma surgery sometimes the symptoms that most severely impair patients and are a challenge to surgeons, hospitals and the economy of the public healthcare system. The systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare idiopathic syndrome that can provoke a fulminant life-threatening progress even if the primary infection is trivial. In addition to a clearly arranged description of the SCLS we report on an affected patient who developed a necrotizing myositis of the right thigh due to an unstable scar.

Iliac Bone Corridors to Host the Transiliac Internal Fixator-An Experimental CT Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The transiliac internal fixator (TIFI) is a novel minimally invasive surgical procedure to stabilize posterior pelvic ring fractures. Two bone corridors with different lengths, widths, and angulations are suitable to host screws in the posterior iliac wing. While the length and the width have been described previously, the angulation has not been determined yet. METHODS: We created a computer tomography-based 3D-model of 40 patients (20 women, 20 men). The possible bone corridors to host the ilium screws for the TIFIcc (cranio-caudal) and the TIFIdv (dorso-ventral) procedure were identified. After reaching the optimal position, the angles in relation to the sagittal and axial plane were measured. The anterior pelvic plane was chosen as the reference plane. RESULTS: The mean angle of the TIFIcc screws related to the axial plane was 63.4° (±1.8°) and to the sagittal plane was 12.3° (±1.5°). The mean angle of the TIFIdv screws related to the axial plane was 16.1° (±1.2°) and to the sagittal plane was 20.1° (±2.0°). In each group, a high constancy was apparent irrespective of the age or physical dimension of the patient, although a significant gender-dependent difference was observed". CONCLUSIONS: Due to a high inter-individual constancy in length, width, and angulation, bone corridors in the posterior iliac wing are reliable to host screws for posterior pelvic ring fixation irrespective of each individual patient's anatomy.

Sex-Dependent Differences in Symptom-Related Disability Due to Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify possible sex-dependent differences in symptom-related disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: 103 consecutive outpatients (42 men and 61 women) with lumbar spinal stenosis were assessed on the basis of their medical history, the physical examination, and a series of questionnaires including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire module 9 (PHQ-9), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Narrowing of the spinal canal was graded according to the method established by Schizas. Parameters were statistically analyzed according to the biological sex of the patients. The influence of the variables on the disability scores was analyzed by means of a multivariate regression model. RESULTS: Symptom severity was equally distributed between men and women. Female patients showed higher RMDQ and ODI scores as well as significantly higher intermediate depression scores. The confounding variables age, pain chronicity, and psychological affection as well as the symptoms level of pain and paresis were dependent on patient sex. CONCLUSION: The study shows sex-depended differences in the perception of symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis and disability of life. The findings suggest that the main mediators are pain perception and psychological influences on the quality of life.

Risk factor analysis for delayed union after subtrochanteric femur fracture: quality of reduction and valgization are the key to success.

BACKGROUND: Subtrochanteric femur fractures (SFF) are uncommon, but have a high complication rate concerning non-union and mechanical complications. There is ongoing discussion about risk factors for delayed fracture healing after SFF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential risk factors for delayed fracture healing after SFF. METHODS: This retrospective radio-morphometric case control study compares 61 patients after SFF in two groups (uncomplicated healing within 6 months postoperatively vs. delayed union) concerning radiographical properties. The patients were analyzed concerning the following parameter: Quality of the reduction according to Baumgaertner, CCD-angle, Tip-Apex Distance, leg-length shortening and fracture healing according to the RUSH Score. RESULTS: The mean RUSH-Score at 6 months postoperatively was 21.32(±4.57). At that point of time, only 29/61 fractures were radiographically fully consolidated (timely fracture healing) and 32 patients were rated as delayed union. The total revision rate was 9/61 (14.7%), whereof four patients required revision for symptomatic non-union of the SFF. The results of the radio-morphometric measurement showed a significant difference between both groups concerning the degree of reduction measured according to Baumgaertner (p = 0.022). The postoperative ipsilateral CCD-angle was different between the two groups (p = 0.019). After 12 months postoperatively, 48/61 (78.6%) of fractures were rated healed without any further intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed union after SFF occurs frequently. In our patient population, the quality of reduction and the postoperative CCD-angle were the key factors to avoid delayed union. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry University of Regensburg Z-2018-1074-1. Registered 04. Aug 2018. https://studienanmeldung.zks-regensburg.de.

Clinical application of a minimally invasive cement-augmentable Schanz screw rod system to treat pelvic ring fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results using the USS fracture MIS system (DePuy Synthes) to treat instable pelvic ring fractures. As its outstanding feature, it is the only Schanz screw and rod system at present that combines angular stability, perforation/fenestration of the screws for cement-augmentation, a variable screw length, and a large screw diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective investigation of 134 pelvic ring fractures treated in 2012-2013. Twenty-five patients obtained the abovementioned implant. Besides baseline characteristics of the included patients and the surgical procedure, a clinical/radiological follow-up of six months was analyzed. RESULTS: Dividing the collective into two groups, I high-energy trauma and II fragility fracture of the pelvis, the following results were recorded: group I: ten patients, six male, age 48.4 ± 19.7 years. Mean ISS 41 ± 22.5, fracture classification: AO/OTA type 61 B1/C1/C3 = 1/5/4. Operative treatment: three transiliac internal fixator, seven iliolumbar fixation, one implant was cement-augmented. Group II: 15 patients, 14 female, age 77.5 ± 10.1 years. Fracture classification according to Rommens: FFPII/III/IV = 6/1/8. Operative treatment: eight transiliac internal fixator, seven iliolumbar fixation, 14 implants were cement-augmented. Overall surgical side complications: 16%. Radiological examination: correct positioning of all ilium screws. Follow-up after six month (16 patients): all showed fracture consolidation. One ilium screw was broken close to the connecting clamp. CONCLUSION: The investigated Schanz screw rod system is a suitable implant to broaden the established procedures to stabilize dorsal pelvic ring fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered at the Clinical Trial Registry University of Regensburg (Number Z-2017-0878-3).

Patient-related quality of life after pelvic ring fractures in elderly.

PURPOSE: Pelvic ring fractures, occurring in elderly patients are a challenging problem. Little known is about the patient-related outcome after these injuries. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life after pelvic ring injuries in patients aged over 60 years. METHODS: Patients (≥ 60 years) with pelvic ring fractures treated in our trauma department between 2004 and 2014 were included. Next to patient data, injury-related details as well as treatment details were assessed. After a follow-up of at least two years, the survival rate and the patient-related outcome were evaluated using the SF-36 and the EQ-5D score. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six patients (138 women; 58 men; mean age 75.3 ± 7.8 years) were identified. Ninety-six patients were treated operatively, 100 patients conservatively. The overall complication rate was significantly lower for conservatively compared to operatively treated patients (conservatively 18% vs. operatively 33%; p = 0.014). The total mortality rate over 2 years is 29% with no significant difference of the two-year survival rate (2-year survival rate: operatively 77% vs. non-operatively 65%; p = 0.126). Fifty-five patients completed the SF-36 and EQ-5D score after a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 2.9 years. The mean physical component score of the SF-36 is 33.6 ± 8.3, and the mean mental component score is 45.3 ± 8.4. The mean EQ-5D VAS reached 62.5 ± 27.9. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with pelvic ring fractures show a high mortality rate and a limited patient-related outcome. While the complication rate of conservatively treated patients is lower compared to operated patients, the two year survival rate is steady.

Biomechanical analysis of iliac crest loading following cortico-cancellous bone harvesting.

BACKGROUND: Iliac crest bone harvesting is a frequently performed surgical procedure widely used to treat bone defects. The objective of this study is to assess the biomechanical quantities related to risk for pelvic fracture after harvesting an autologous bone graft at the anterior iliac crest. METHODS: Finite element models with a simulated harvest site (sized 15 × 20 mm, 15 × 35 mm, 30 × 20 mm and 30 × 35 mm) in the iliac wing are created. The relevant loading case is when the ipsilateral leg is lifted off the ground. Musculoskeletal analysis is utilized to compute the muscle and joint forces involved in this motion. These forces are used as boundary conditions for the finite element analyses. Bone tissue stress is analyzed. RESULTS: Critical stress peaks are located between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the anterior edge of the harvest site. Irrespective of the graft size, the iliac wing does not show any significant stress peaks with the harvest site being 20 to 25 mm posterior to the ASIS. The harvest area itself inhibits the distribution of the forces applied on the ASIS to extend to the posterior iliac wing. This leads to a lack of stress posterior to the harvest site. A balanced stress distribution with no stress peaks appears when the bone graft is taken below the iliac crest. CONCLUSION: A harvest site located at least 20 to 25 mm posterior to the ASIS should be preferred to minimize the risk of iliac fatigue fracture.

11.361 sports injuries in a 15-year survey of a Level I emergency trauma department reveal different severe injury types in the 6 most common team sports.

INTRODUCTION: Severe sports-related injuries are a common affliction treated in Level I trauma departments. Detailed knowledge on injury characteristics from different medical settings is essential to improve the development of injury prevention strategies in different team sports. METHODS: Team sport injuries were retrospectively analysed in a Level I trauma department registry over 15 years. Injury and treatment data were compared with regard to competition and training exposure. Injury data such as "time of visitation", "type of injury", "multiple injured body regions" and "immediate hospitalisation" helped to define the severity level of each team sports injury. RESULTS: At the Level I trauma department, 11.361 sports-related injuries were seen over 15 years, of which 34.0 % were sustained during team sports. Soccer injuries were the most common injuries of all team sports (71.4 %). The lower extremity was the most affected body region overall, followed by the upper extremity. Head injuries were mainly seen in Ice hockey and American football and concussion additionally frequently in team handball. Slight injuries like sprains or contusions occurred most frequently in all team sports. In soccer and team handball, injuries sustained in competition were significantly more severe (p < 0.001) than those sustained in practice.Volleyball and basketball had a trend to higher rate of severe injuries sustained during practice sessions. CONCLUSION: Depending on the specific injury profile of each team sports, injury prevention strategies should address competitive as well as training situations, whichmay need different strategies.

A guideline for placement of an infra-acetabular screw based on anatomic landmarks via an intra-pelvic approach.

BACKGROUND: Due to demographic changes, more and more fracture patterns involving anterior acetabular structures occur. The infra-acetabular screw is seen a useful tool to increase stability in fixation of the acetabular cup. However, the exact position of this screw in relation to anatomic landmarks which are intra-operatively palpable via an intra-pelvic approach has not yet been determined. METHODS: This biomorphometric experimental study references the ideal screw position of an infra-acetabular screw to anatomic landmarks palpable via an intra-pelvic approach. Therefore, we created a computer tomography-based 3D-model of 40 patients (20 women, 20 men) who received a computer tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis for any other reason than an acetabular fracture. RESULTS: The entry point of an ideal infra-acetabular was of high constancy. At mean, this point was 10.2 mm caudal and 10.4 mm medial of the ilio-pubic/ilio-pectineal eminence. This reference is independent of age, gender, or physical dimensions. However, we found gender-dependent differences for the angulation and the length of the screw. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive guideline to determine the ideal entry point for an infra-acetabular screw via an intra-pelvic approach. The entry point is located 10.2 mm caudal and 10.4 mm medial of the ilio-pubic/ilio-pectineal eminence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry University of Regensburg Z-2017-0930-1 . Registered 04. Dec 2017.

Reduced joint-awareness in bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty compared to cruciate-sacrificing total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: There is rising impact of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measurement in joint arthroplasty over the past years. Bicruciate-retaining implants have shown more physiologic knee kinematics and provide superior proprioceptive capacities. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the functional properties of this new implant design lead to improved PRO results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: This prospective, controlled trial compares PRO of bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (BCR-TKA) to unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) and standard posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA). We evaluated 102 patients (34 patients in each group) 18 months postoperatively after knee arthroplasty. Primary outcome measure was the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS). RESULTS: The BCR-group showed the same level of joint awareness as the UKA-group (p = 0.999). The second control group of PS-TKA patients had a lower mean score value in the FJS compared to the BCR-group (p = 0.035) and UKA-group (p = 0.031). There was no correlation of age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and the FJS. No relevant floor- or ceiling effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This study found reduced joint awareness for BCR-TKA compared to a standard total knee arthroplasty. The score values of the BCR-group were equal to the UKA-group. Further prospective, randomized studies to investigate long-term survivorship of bicruciate-retaining implants are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Biomechanical investigation of four different fixation techniques in sacrum Denis type II fracture with low bone mineral density.

With increasing life expectancy, fragility fractures of the pelvic ring are seen more frequently. Although their osteosynthesis can be very challenging, specific biomechanical studies for investigation of the fixation stability are still lacking. The aim of this study was to biomechanically evaluate four different fixation methods for sacrum Denis type II fractures in osteoporotic bone. Unstable Denis type II vertical sacrum fractures were created in 16 human pelves. Their osteosynthesis was performed with one sacro-iliac screw, posterior sacral plating, triangular fixation, or spino-pelvic fixation. For that purpose, each pelvis was randomly assigned to two paired groups for treatment with either SI-screw/posterior sacral plating or triangular fixation/spino-pelvic fixation. Each hemi-pelvis was cyclically tested under progressively increasing axial compression. Relative interfragmentary movements were investigated via optical motion tracking analysis. Axial stiffness of triangular fixation was significantly higher versus posterior sacral plating and spino-pelvic fixation (p ≤ 0.022), but not significantly different in comparison to SI-screw fixation (p = 0.337). Cycles to 2, 3, 5, and 8 mm fracture displacement, as well as to 3°, 5°, and 8° gap angle at the fracture site were significantly higher for triangular fixation compared to all other groups (p ≤ 0.041). Main failure mode for all osteosynthesis techniques was screw cutting through the bone, leading loss of fixation stability. From a biomechanical point of view, triangular fixation in sacrum Denis type II fractures demonstrated less interfragmentary movements and should be considered in unstable fragility fractures of the sacrum. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1624-1629, 2018.

Patient-related outcome of unstable pelvic ring fractures stabilized with a minimal invasive screw-rod system.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and radiological outcomes of operatively treated unstable pelvic ring fractures are well documented, whereas little is known about the patient's related outcome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the patient-reported outcome after minimal invasive treatment of pelvic ring fractures using the SF-36 and EQ-5D medical outcome scores. METHODS: Patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures treated in our trauma department with a minimal invasive screw-rod system between 01/2004 and 12/2014 were included. Next to patient data (sex, age), injury related details (fracture type, additional injuries, Injury Severity Score (ISS)) as well as operation details (method, time to operation, general complications, adverse events associated with the surgical procedure, revision surgery, fracture reduction) were assessed. The patient related outcome was evaluated using the SF-36 and the EQ-5D score. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients (57 men; 48 women; mean age 56 ± 21 years) were identified as candidates for the study. 60 patients completed the SF-36 and EQ-5D score after a mean follow-up of five years (60.5 months (14-142 months)). Of these patients 77% were multiply injured with a mean ISS of 26 ± 19. Within the respondent group 22% showed type B and 78% type C pelvic ring fractures. In 82% the dorsal pelvic ring fracture was stabilized using a minimally invasive transiliac internal fixator, in 18% an iliolumbar fixation was performed respectively. The mean physical component score of the SF-36 was 37.9 ± 12.0, the mean mental component score was 49.8 ± 12.5. The mean EQ-5D VAS reached 70.5 ± 24.4. CONCLUSION: Patients being multiply injured and treated with minimal invasive treated dorsal pelvic ring fractures were suffering more especially concerning physical domains compared to the healthy reference population. Nevertheless, the overall patient-related outcome is comparable to pelvic ring fractures in general. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trial Registry University of Regensburg Z-2017-0878-3 . Registered 22. July 2017. Retrospectively registered.

Primary stability in total hip replacement: A biomechanical investigation.

BACKGROUND: In total hip replacement (THR), it is essential to achieve a primary stability to guarantee good long-term results. A novel locking screw hip (LSH)-stem, anchored to the medial cortex of the proximal femur by 5 monocortical locking screws, was developed to overcome the shortcomings of uncemented press-fit and cemented straight stems while simultaneously achieving primary stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical competence of the LSH-stem in comparison to an uncemented press-fit stem. METHODS: Six pairs of embalmed human cadaveric femora from donors aged 68 to 84 years were assigned to 2 study groups (n = 6) with equal number of right and left bones. The specimens in each group and pair were implanted with either an uncemented press-fit stem or an LSH-stem and tested biomechanically under progressively increasing cyclic axial loading until catastrophic failure. Axial construct stiffness, failure load, and cycles to failure were detected and statistically evaluated at a level of significance P = .05. RESULTS: Although the axial stiffness was comparable for both prosthesis types, the uncemented press-fit stem showed a significant lower stability in terms of failure load and cycles to failure in comparison to the LSH-stem, P = .04. CONCLUSION: Converting our results to percentage of bodyweight (BW) in an assumed adult patient of 80 kg shows that the LSH-stem achieves a primary stability allowing to carry average loads of up to 507% BW, whereas the uncemented press-fit stem carried average loads of up to 404% BW. We conclude that both stems achieve a primary stability strong enough to carry hip joint loads experienced in the immediate rehabilitation period after THR.

Leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma increases proliferation of tenocytes treated with prednisolone: a cell cycle analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of allogenic leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma on human tenocytes after treatment with prednisolone and to develop a standardization of its application for clinical practice. METHODS: A leukocyte-reduced PRP was produced using the Arthrex Double Syringe (Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL, USA), in a modified single-spin separation method. Human tenocytes were isolated from discarded rotator cuff segments. Tenocytes were cultured in the presence of PRP and prednisolone, both alone and in combination. Control samples were treated in media containing 2% FCS for 72 h. After 72 h of incubation, cell cycle kinetics of tenocytes were analyzed to assess proliferation. RESULTS: Incubation of the tenocytes with PRP alone for 48 h led to high proliferation rate (10% PRP, 28.0 ± 10.5%; 20% PRP, 40.9 ± 3.3%). Incubation in the presence of prednisolone led to a significant decrease of the proliferation rate (5.2 ± 3.1%; p < 0.05). Treatment with PRP for 48 h significantly increased the proliferation of tenocytes in a dose-dependent manner (10% PRP, 28.0 ± 10.5%; 20% PRP, 40.9 ± 3.3%; p < 0.05). The presence of prednisolone resulted in a decreased tenocyte proliferation (5.2 ± 3.1%; p < 0.05), whereas addition of PRP for 24 and 48 h after prednisolone exposure did not show any compensating effect independent of PRPs concentration (10% PRP, 3.7 ± 3.0%; 20% PRP, 2.5 ± 2.5%). However, a significantly increased cell proliferation of tenocytes was evident when PRP was applied 24 h after prednisolone incubation for 48 h (31.0 ± 3.4 and 34.3 ± 4.7%). CONCLUSION: The use of leukocyte-reduced PRP stimulates the proliferation of tenocytes and antagonizes the negative effect of prednisolone 24 h after treatment. Addition of PRP 48 h after treatment with prednisolone has no positive effect on the proliferation rate of tenocytes.

Expression of BMP and Actin Membrane Bound Inhibitor Is Increased during Terminal Differentiation of MSCs.

Chondrogenic differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mimicking embryonal endochondral ossification and become hypertrophic. BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) and Activin Membrane Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) is a pseudoreceptor that regulates the activity of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and BMP signalling during chondrogenesis. Both TGF-ß and BMP signalling are regulators of chondrogenic cell differentiation. Human bone marrow derived MSCs were chondrogenically predifferentiated in aggregate culture for 14 days. Thereafter, one group was subjected to hypertrophy enhancing media conditions while controls were kept in chondrogenic medium until day 28. Histological evaluation, gene expression by PCR, and Western blot analysis were carried out at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 17, 21, and 28. A subset of cultures was treated with the BMP inhibitor Noggin to test for BMP dependent expression of BAMBI. Hypertrophic differentiated pellets showed larger cells with increased collagen 10 and alkaline phosphatase staining. There was significantly increased expression of BAMBI on gene expression and protein level in hypertrophic cultures compared to the chondrogenic control and increased BMP4 gene expression. Immunohistochemistry showed intense staining of BAMBI in hypertrophic cells. BAMBI expression was dose-dependently downregulated by Noggin. The pseudoreceptor BAMBI is upregulated upon enhancement of hypertrophy in MSC chondrogenic differentiation by a BMP dependent mechanism.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone analog use for podocytopathies.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocorticotropic hormone is being increasingly studied for treatment of various glomerulopathies, most notably membranous nephropathy. Less data are available regarding its use in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) secondary to minimal change disease (MCD) or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). We report here our experience with H.P. Acthar(®) Gel (repository corticotropin injection) as first-line or subsequent therapy in patients with INS. METHODS: Data were taken from three patients with MCD and ten patients with FSGS from around the US, who were treated with Acthar Gel as initial or subsequent therapy. Treatment was solely at the discretion of the primary nephrologist without a specific protocol. A complete response (CR) was defined as final urine protein-to-creatinine ratio <500 mg/g and a partial response (PR) as 50% decrease without rise of serum creatinine. Side effects and tolerability were noted. RESULTS: All three patients with MCD received Acthar Gel as second-line or later immunosuppressive (IS) therapy and all responded (one CR and two PRs). Two of the ten patients with FSGS received Acthar Gel as first-line IS therapy, while the other eight had failed multiple agents. Four of the ten patients with FSGS had responses, including two CRs and two PRs. The three patients with MCD tolerated therapy well without side effects. Five patients with FSGS tolerated therapy well, while five had various steroid-like side effects, resulting in therapy discontinuation in two patients. CONCLUSION: Acthar Gel is a viable alternative IS agent for treatment of INS in patients intolerant or resistant to conventional therapy. More data are needed to better define its appropriate place.

Biomechanical comparison of plate and screw fixation in anterior pelvic ring fractures with low bone mineral density.

INTRODUCTION: Osteosynthesis of anterior pubic ramus fractures can be challenging, especially in poor bone quality. The aim of the present study was to compare plate and retrograde endomedullary screw fixation of the superior pubic ramus with low bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve human cadaveric hemi-pelvises were analyzed in a matched pair study design. BMD of the specimens was 35±30mgHA/cm(3), as measured in the fifth lumbar vertebra. A simulated two-fragment superior pubic ramus fracture model was fixed with either a 7.3-mm cannulated retrograde screw (Group 1) or a 10-hole 3.5-mm reconstruction plate (Group 2). Cyclic progressively increasing axial loading was applied through the acetabulum. Relative interfragmentary movements were captured using an optical motion tracking system. RESULTS: Initial axial construct stiffness was 424±116.1N/mm in Group 1 and 464±69.7N/mm in Group 2, with no significant difference (p=0.345). Displacement and gap angle at the fracture site during cyclic loading were significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Cycles to failure, based on clinically relevant criteria, were significantly lower in Group 1 (3469±1837) compared to Group 2 (10,226±3295) (p=0.028). Failure mode in Group 1 was characterized by screw cutting through the cancellous bone. In Group 2 the specimens exclusively failed by plate bending. CONCLUSIONS: From biomechanical point of view, pubic ramus stabilization with plate osteosynthesis is superior compared to a single retrograde screw fixation in osteoporotic bone. However, the extensive surgical approach needed for plating must be considered.