[INTEGRATED APPROACH TO PREVENT FUNCTIONAL DECLINE IN HOSPITALIZED ELDERLY]. / Integrale interventie ter voorkoming van functieverlies bij ouderen tijdens ziekenhuisopname: het Zorgprogramma voor Preventie en Herstel.

BACKGROUND: Hospital related functional decline in older patients is an underestimated problem. Thirty-five procent of 70-year old patients experience functional decline during hospital admission in comparison with pre-illness baseline. This percentage increases considerably with age. METHODS/DESIGN: To address this issue, the Vlietland Ziekenhuis in The Netherlands has implemented the Prevention and Reactivation Care Programme (PReCaP), an innovative program aimed at reducing hospital related functional decline among elderly patients by offering interventions that are multidisciplinary, integrated and goal-oriented at the physical, social, and psychological domains of functional decline. DISCUSSION: This paper presents a detailed description of the intervention, which incorporates five distinctive elements: (1) Early identification of elderly patients with a high risk of functional decline, and if necessary followed by the start of the reactivation treatment within 48 h after hospital admission; (2) Intensive follow-up treatment for a selected patient group at the prevention and Reactivation Centre; (3) Availability of multidisciplinary geriatric expertise; (4) Provision of support and consultation of relevant professionals to informal caregivers; (5) Intensive follow-up throughout the entire chain of care by a casemanager with geriatric expertise. Outcome and process evaluations are ongoing and results will be published in a series of forthcoming papers. This article is an edited translation of the previously published article 'Integrated approach to prevent functional decline in hospitalized elderly: the Prevention and Reactivation Care Program (PReCaP), BMC Geriatrics 2012;12:7, AJBM de Vos, KJE Asmus-Szepesi, TJEM Bakker, PL de Vreede, JDH van Wijngaarden, EW Steyerberg, JP Mackenbach, AP Nieboer.

The most severe forms of Perthes' disease associated with the homozygous Factor V Leiden mutation.

It has recently been postulated that thrombophilia may have a role in the aetiology of Perthes' disease. The published reports, however, remain conflicting. In this study a retrospective analysis of the coagulation parameters was made in 47 patients with Perthes' disease and the results compared with the clinical data. Five patients with Factor V Leiden mutation were found (10.6%) and surprisingly four of them had a homozygous pattern. These four patients showed the most severe form of the disease, Catterall group IV, with flattening of the entire epiphysis, involvement of the metaphysis, shortening and broadening of the femoral neck, trochanteric overgrowth and developed mushroom-shaped aspherical laterally displaced femoral heads in dysplastic acetabula. We would like to suggest that the homozygous form of Factor V Leiden mutation has some role in the clinical course of Perthes' disease and particularly its most severe form.

Multilevel callus distraction: a novel idea to shorten the lengthening time.

Lower extremity inequality is a common problem in everyday orthopaedic practice. The leg discrepancy can lead to variety of other problems, i.e., spinal problems. Surgical intervention is very demanding and requires patient compliance. Wagner's and Ilizarov's elongation technique are most commonly used worldwide, but it gives satisfactory results only in a long period of time and as we know there could be several inconvenient outcomes. Our idea aims at shortening this time period, and avoiding some of the inconvenient outcomes. Unfortunately we do not have the opportunity to go further in our investigations, but we hope that someone interested in this field will have an idea which would make continuation possible.

Contradictions of derotation in scoliosis surgery using the CD principle.

Current literature has increasingly emphasized the problem of derotation in scoliotic deformities. The Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) principle as a means of correcting rotation has been questioned by various authors. This paper aims to draw attention, using algebraic methods, to the importance of the remaining rotational deformities, and to suggest the introduction of the notion 'rotational balance'.

The 'rotational preconstraint'.

This model provides a novel view of the etiology of some scolioses and can answer some of the biomechanical questions regarding pathogenesis of dorsal curves. According to our findings, paravertebral muscular imbalance is likely to favour such a pathological condition which, with the interference of the postural reflexes and the body weight-related vertical loading, might lead to the formation of a true scoliotic curve. Review of earlier research studies in the light of our findings reveals controversy in some authors' reported results and their own interpretations and seems to generally support our theory.

The importance of arthroscopy in diagnosing synovial haemangioma of the knee joint.

In connection with one of their cases, authors call attention to the importance of differential diagnosis in synovial haemangioma of the knee joint, a rare condition. They also give a survey of its clinical, radiological and pathological features, review the literature on the topic, with special emphasis on the importance of arthroscopy in making the clinical diagnosis, and describe the treatment applied in their case.

Functional improvement after knee arthroplasty without resurfacing of patella.

There has been no universal agreement so far regarding the necessity of patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty. As resurfacing has been reported to be associated with high incidence of complications, this practice has been avoided in our Department. A report is given on the analysis of the functional outcome of 60 knee arthroplasties without patellar resurfacing in 53 patients (7 bilateral) followed up for twelve to thirty months, with special regard to the functions closely related to patelloformal articulation. The underlying diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 78.3%, rheumatoid arthritis in 13.3%, and posttraumatic arthritis in 8.3% of the patients. Graded according to the modified knee-rating system of the Hospital for Special Surgery, excellent or good results were obtained in the case of 55 knees (91.6%) and the mean score improved from 53.6 points preoperatively to 82.6 points following arthroplasty. Subjective and objective functional assessment of stair climbing and transfer activities have shown no functional deficit attributed to the patellofemoral joint of the replaced knee.

Increased platelet activation and decreased fibrinolysis in the pathogenesis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.

Thrombotic events, increased tendency toward intravascular thrombosis and decreased fibrinolysis seem to be possible pathologic causes for aseptic necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in adults. This project was to study whether either increased platelet activation or decreased fibrinolytic activity and/or any other thrombogenic factor may be implicated in the evolvement of ANFH. The speed of the in vitro lysis was significantly lower in patients (both in primary and in secondary cases) compared with healthy controls. The platelet activation (measuring with beta TG) proved to be significantly higher in the primary group as well as in the secondary group compared with healthy controls. Lp(a) levels were elevated in primary and secondary cases. This alteration was more characteristic in the primary cases. Fibrinogen levels were also elevated in the primary group, but the difference was not significant. The data shown here may further support that hypofibrinolysis and increased thrombogenesis are major causes of ANFH. Early diagnosis of ANFH increases the chances of modifying the course of this disabling disease.

Experimental studies for the surgical correction and fixation of dorsal spine deformities.

One of the specific features of the scoliosis operations with a posterior approach is that both the correction of the deformity and then the maintaining of the corrected situation are carried out with the help of the implants. With the currently applied systems based on the CD principle it is still difficult to control the rotational component of the scoliotic curve. To complement the systems based on the CD principle, we have developed an implant family whose application makes the correction of the dorsal deformity generally simplier and derotation more effective. Our method is based on the application of such hooks which, linked to the longitudinal rods and hooked on both transverse processes of the instrumented vertebrae, transmit the concerted forces exerting their influence in the direction of the correction. Depending on their symmetrical relations, the hooks are capable of tilting in the frontal plane and derotating in the horizontal plane simultaneously, in the direction of our choice. The stability and applicability of the hooks were tested in implants into cadavers, and then the intimate relations of the implants were examined by means of radiological tests and dissection on instrumented specimens. On the basis of our results, the implants can already be used in clinical practice.

Therapeutic value of continuous passive motion after anterior cruciate replacement.

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the therapeutic value of continuous passive motion after ACL replacement. After 41 ACL reconstruction in 13 cases only active motion, in 28 cases active motion and CPM were used postoperatively. Stability, the range of motion and complications were evaluated at the time of discharge, 3 and 6 months after the operation. The flexion-extension in the CPM group was significantly greater at the time of discharge, but this difference was practically eliminated in 6 months after the operation. There were not any other significant difference between the two groups. The CPM gives only a little advantage in the rehabilitation after the ACL replacement.

Idiopathic scoliosis--new surgical methods or search for the reasons.

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a deformity of the spine whose aetiology is unknown despite of extensive clinical and basic research work. The significance of this disease lies in the consequences of a spine deformity (deformation of the chest, compromise of the cardio-pulmonar function, compression of the neurological elements, severe somatic and psychological sufferings). According to statistical data, one third of the idiopathic scoliotic cases progress and need surgical intervention. Cotrel and Dubousset introduced the three dimensional correction surgical method for the treatment of spine deformities in 1983 (CD method). The authors report on the application of the CD method for the treatment of IS from 1991 to date. After the operation of 36 patients they give an account of good results and report on the modifications of the surgical technique on the basis of their experiences. Aware of the late consequences of the surgical treatment of IS the authors started with the investigation of the aetiology of the disease in order to introduce a causal treatment. As for the aetiological background of IS, data on the role of heritable factors were relevant only. They gave a hint to start with studies aimed at the investigation of genetic determinants of the syndrome. I aberration of chromosome #10 [karyotype: inv(10)(p11q26)]. In one of the cases there was a multiple familial occurrence of the syndrome coupled with the same anomaly of the karyotype. The probands' father and grandfather all had the same pattern of scoliotic deformity and the same aberrant karyotype of chromosome #10 was found both in the proband and his father. Preparation of genomial DNA from peripheral blood of the patients was started. Fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) examination with PCR technique using oligonucleotide primers specific for chromosome #10 and for regulatory genes of left-right body assymetry is underway.

Efficacy of prevention of thromboembolic complications with LMW-heparin in experiment.

The authors used an antithrombotic agent (Nadroparin Calcium) with anti-Xa effect in their experiments to prevent thromboembolic complications in the model of endoprosthetic replacement of the hip joint in mongrel dogs. 10 experimental animals (Group I.) were given doses of 100 A Xa ICU/kg/bwt of Nadroparin Calcium subcutaneously 4 hours prior to the operation and also once a day until the 3rd postoperative day; between the 4th and 10th postoperative days doses of 150 A Xa ICU/kg/bwt Nadroparin Calcium were given. The 10 control animals (Group II.) did not receive anticoagulant treatment. In both groups platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT), prothrombin and fibrinogen levels as well as activated factor X inhibition (F Xa) were measured prior to surgery and also until the 14th postoperative day. No changes in APTT and prothrombin levels were detected during the experiment, however platelet count and fibrinogen levels as well as the extent of F Xa inhibition showed significant and different changes in groups I. and II. The Group I. which had received thromboembolic prophylaxis did not develop deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, but the control group did. Based on their investigations, the authors concluded that they had been able to achieve F Xa inhibition by giving the above mentioned doses of Nadroparin Calcium which was enough to prevent thromboembolic complications in their model experiment of implanting hip endoprosthesis.

Pemberton's pericapsular osteotomy for the treatment of acetabular dysplasia.

We present the results of 80 Pemberton procedures carried out between 1977 and 1990. The patient age at the time of operation ranged between 2 and 12 years, and follow-up was between 1 and 15 years. Before Pemberton's operation, conservative treatment, closed and open reduction, and derotation femoral osteotomy were used. Pemberton's operation was combined with intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy in 30 cases. The mean values of the acetabular and center edge angle of Wiberg showed postoperative improvement of 19 and 17 degrees, respectively; whereas at follow-up, improvement was 20 and 23 degrees, respectively. Radiologically, 79% of the cases met Severin's classification grade I-II criteria. Clinically, 81% were classified as excellent and good. The results were closely correlated with ischemic necrosis due to preoperative treatment. Only patients belonging to groups II-IV of Kalamchi and MacEwen, plus one patient operated on at relatively old age (12 years), were found radiologically to be in Severin's groups III and IV. The results among patients operated on before age 7 were more favorable than those of patients operated on at an older age.

Preliminary results of early open reduction by an anterior approach for congenital dislocation of the hip.

We report the results of 113 early open reductions of congenitally dislocated hips using a technique we have developed. Surgery is followed by functional postoperative treatment with a Pavlik harness or abduction splint. The age of the patients and the follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months and 2 to 12 years, respectively. Radiologic results corresponded to Severin grades I and II in 98%. Severe ischemic necrosis was not observed. Secondary surgery (femoral derotation osteotomy and/or Pemberton's operation) was performed in 21% of the cases. Reduction at a young age resulted in fewer secondary procedures. Good results were attributed to postoperative treatment: Abandoning rigid fixation prevented soft tissue stretching, which may endanger blood supply to the joint. This treatment ensures concentric reduction and allows early and spontaneous joint mobilization in a functional position. These factors stimulate further joint development.

[Indication for Chiari's pelvic osteotomy]. / Die Indikation der Beckenosteotomie nach Chiari.

The results of 61 Chiari's pelvic osteotomies carried out during a 10 years period are reported. Present role of the operation in the correction of acetabular dysplasia in comparison to Pemberton's acetabuloplasty, to triple pelvic osteotomies and to the prosthetic replacement of the hip joint is discussed. In conclusion the operation is still indicated in special cases. Depending on the age of the patients pain can be observed already after 3-5 years however a great part of the patients is completely free of complaints even 10 years postoperatively.

[Results of combined surgical operations in the management of congenital hip dislocation]. / Kombinált mütétek eredményei a veleszületett csípöficam kezelésében.

The results of 51 different combined operations for the treatment of CDH after the age of two years performed between 1980 and 1989 are presented. The age of the patients at the time of the operation ranged from 2 to 12 (mean 4.5 years. Follow-up was 2-12 (meean 6) years. Preoperatively 19 hips were untreated. Primary surgery included reduction alone in 6 cases, together with femoral osteotomy in 28 cases, reduction combined with Pemberton's operation in 1, and reduction supplemented by both correction techniques in 16 cases. Secondary acetabular correction was later necessary only in 14 cases (27%), thus in 63% of all cases. Radiologycally, the results were of Severin's grade I and II in 64% of the whole series, but in 88% in the 2-3-years-old group. The results in the different surgical groups correlated primarily with the incidence of avascular necrosis and not with the extent of surgery.

[Results of early surgical reduction of congenital hip dislocation]. / A veleszületett csípöficam korai mütéti repositiójának eredményei.

Authors report on the results of 118 early operative reductions, performed with their own method in the treatment of the congenital dislocation of the hip. Postoperative functional treatment with Pavlik's harness or abduction splint belongs to their method. Secondary operations were performed in 21 per cent: derotation femoral osteotomy and Pemberton's operation. The younger the patient was at the reduction the rarer was secondary operation necessary. The age of the patients was 6-24 months at the operation (in average 13 months) The follow-up time was 2-12 years (in average 6.1 years). The results corresponded radiologically to Severin's I + II grades (excellent and good) in 98 per cent. Clinically 98 per cent were excellent, 2 per cent fair. The good results are first of all attributed to their postoperative treatment: 1. They avoided the stiff plaster bandage and so no tension of the soft parts could develop, that would endanger the blood supply. In consequence ischaemic damage, belonging to Kalamchi's and Mac Ewen's group I was found only in a few cases. No damage belonging to the severe forms II-IV was observed 2. Their treatment: secures the central reduction and allows spontaneous joint movements in functional position: factors meaning the maximal stimulus of joint development. The condition of this postoperative treatment is the stability of reduction, secured by their special plasty of the capsule.

A new surgical approach in 8 cases of polygonal triple pelvic osteotomy.

We have undertaken 12 polygonal osteotomies, using an improved approach in 8. The operation was successful in correction of acetabular dysplasia after ossification of the triradiate cartilage. It was also useful in early arthrosis with slight deformity of the femoral head.

[Surgical treatment of hip dislocations in children and damages caused by conservative treatment methods]. / Csípömütéteink operált és konzervatív kezeléstöl károsodott csípöficamos gyermekeken.

For the major requirements of the operative technique and other special problems of operation it is reasonable to discuss among the questions of the reduction of CHD the reoperations and the reconstructive surgery of hips, badly damaged by the conservative treatment, separately. We have analysed the results of 19 own cases with an average follow up of 6.3 years (3-12 years). The average age of the patients was 4.8 years. In 7 patients only conservative treatment was carried out previously, the others were also operated. The Roentgenogram revealed severe ischaemic necrosis in 10 hips. The dislocation could be reduced in every case, to the reduction however it was obligatory to add femoral osteotomy and correction of the acetabulum. The later operation was performed frequently in the second sitting. As a direct result of the operation a state, corresponding to the II. degree of Severin's radiological classification was always reached, in cases of severe ischaemic necrosis however the result later grew worse and at the follow up it corresponded only to the degrees III. and IV. (mediocre, poor). Thus the circulatory damage, suffered during the early treatment determined the late results. This was the reason that the result of the follow up examinations were better in patients in whom early surgery was performed than in patients with forced conservative treatment. The results summarized fall far behind the results of the group with primary surgery of the CHD. Without the operations described these patients would live as limping cripples, with these operations however we have improved their state significantly for the time until TEP can be performed.

[Surgical-technical problems of triple pelvic osteotomy. Early results of the polygonal method]. / A hármas medenceosteotomiák mütéttechnikai problémái. Korai eredményeink a "polygonalis" módszerrel.

Since the first description of the triple pelvic osteotomies papers reporting on the improvement of the operative technique were continuously published. This is explained by the more problematic details of the operation. Authors worked out to the technique of the polygonal triple pelvic osteotomy, published by Kotz, Dávid and Uyka, a new exposure that makes more simple, quick and safe the performance of the operation. The essential feature is that the os ischii is reached after the osteotomy of the trochanter major from a lateral exposure and so the field of operation can be widely surveyed. At the same time transposition can also be performed. The experiences gained in 12 operations are reported, 8 of which were made according to their own method (follow-up: 8-22 months, in average 15 months). The patients were 14-33 years old and their complaints disappeared in every case. Authors suggest the operation for the correction of the dysplastic acetabulum in young adults and also in puberty after the fusion of the Y cartilage if no subluxation exists. Minor articular deformity and mild arthrosis are not considered as a contraindication.