[The change in accident surgery in the last 10 years--a contribution to infection prevention].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Betz.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Isolated or combined soft tissue defects of the lower leg are still a challenge as regard diagnostic and differential treatment. We distinguish acute and chronic isolated or combined soft tissue defect. Acute trauma within a multiple injury pattern is a special form of the acute soft tissue defect. For diagnostic purposes we use a preoperative and intraoperative standardized diagnostic programme. A new classification oriented towards the therapeutic procedure is presented, as is therapy algorithm which has been created.
The treatment of intra-articular fractures of os calcis has so far been controversial. For reconstruction of static and dynamic conditions of the foot, complex deformities must be corrected. Besides intra-articular malformation of the talocalcaneal joint that is supposed to lead to posttraumatic arthritis, there are malalignments like lateral displacement, widening and shortening of the heel, depression of talocalcaneal angles and deviation of talocalcaneal or talocuboidal axes. Even if perfect reconstruction of the talocalcaneal joint is not attained, reconstruction of form will provide a better chance for later function. ORIF is therefore superior to conservative techniques. For indication and planning of the procedure fracture analysis including CT is necessary. A lateral approach allows reconstruction and plate fixation of all intra-articular fracture types. For repositioning, temporary lateral external distraction by external fixation is recommended. The operative technique and results are discussed.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The applicability of a new internal fixator was tested in the femur and tibia of sheep. The device was primarily developed for the spinal column by the association for studies of internal fixation (ASIF). For this investigation 12 sheep were subjected to transverse osteotomy and the bones were then stabilized with a internal fixator: The clinical and radiological follow up shows a stable healing process of the osteotomy within 8 weeks despite full load-bearing on all extremities. During the entire study period the sheep had full freedom of movement. Clinical and radiological observations were confirmed by the results of histological examinations. The results allow the following conclusions: in view of the course of recovery the indications for application of a internal fixator can be extended to fractures of the lower extremities. Further studies pertaining to the suitability of the implant for various fracture types are in progress. The great advantage of this fixation technique is that the fixator is mounted without any damage to either the endosteal or the periosteal circulation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The standard treatment for stable fractures of the spine is functional. Owing to the improvement of surgical methods and special implants, the percentage of operatively treated spine fractures has increased from 10% to 20%. In contrast to the necessity for multisegmental fixation with the rod instruments used formerly, the recently developed implants (plates, fixators) allow stable, brief, and therefore functionally more favourable immobilization.
Consideration of technical developments, a review of the literature and of our own experience with 535 patients compared with nearly 20,000 patients of an ASIF population treated during the same period show that the indications for treatment of extra- and intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur have become much simpler. (1) Extracapsular fractures of the proximal femur fall into two groups: pertrochanteric fractures are fixed by means of the dynamic hip screw and intratrochanteric unstable fractures by means of either the dynamic hip screw (valgus type) or a 95 degrees condylar plate. (2) Intracapsular fractures are treated according to the patient's age group. In patients younger than 70 years femoral head preservation is achieved by compressing screw osteosyntheses, while in patients over 70 years head resection is performed an a total endoprothesis inserted. In patients with life expectation shorter than 3-5 years a femoral head prothesis is inserted.
Euglena gracilis (1224-5/9) contains phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase when grown autotrophic with CO(2) in the light. Its yield is higher when an additional carbon source like glucose has been added. The enzyme is lacking in cells provided with CO(2) alone and kept in the dark, whereas highest yields result if both glucose and CO(2) are provided together in the dark. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300 and affinity chromatography on GMP-Sepharose. The latter step was most effective to protect the enzyme from inactivation. Its homogeneity was tested electrophoretically and immunologically. Enzymes from autotrophic and heterotrophically grown cells have identical pH optima and similar isoelectric points. The molecular weight was different: 761,000 for the enzyme from autotrophic and 550,000 for that from heterotrophic cells as determined by gel filtration. The subunit molecular weight of both enzymes is nearly the same. The kinetic data of the enzymes are slightly different. Glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates are of limited influence on enzyme activity and inhibitory in unphysiological high concentrations. From Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, it is evident that the enzyme is localized in the cytosol. With the latter quantification test the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase protein content was found 10 times higher in heterotrophically grown cells than when cultivated under autotrophic conditions.
The different types of radial head fractures require specific and varying methods of treatment. Between 1982 and 1985, follow-up evaluation of 92 out of 110 patients treated for such fractures at our facility could be performed. The most frequently seen fractures: nondisplaced marginal and marginal sector fractures, as well as fractures of the radial neck, for example, can be treated conservatively. Follow-up results of such treatment were mostly good to very good. The minimal depression injury is also well suited for conservative therapy. Opened reduction and internal fixation is indicated only in cases of extreme depression of the radial head. Displaced marginal, marginal sector or neck fractures exhibiting a tilting of more than 20 degrees require osteosynthesis. The limitations of internal fixation are encountered in reconstruction attempts of comminuted radial head fractures. Due to the poor results obtained after such attempts, internal fixation of such injuries cannot be recommended. Comminuted fractures and neck fractures with an extensive comminuted region as well as displacement of the radial neck more than 20 degrees, require resection, if active elbow movement is not to be expected within 3 weeks. If resection of the radial head cannot be avoided, it should be performed within the first 5 weeks post-injury. Results following early resection are markedly better than those achieved with late resection.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
This paper analyzes the technical feasibility of interstellar communication at infrared frequencies, both in its own right and in comparison with communication at radio frequencies. The analysis considers both the practical and fundamental limits affecting communication over interstellar distances and concludes that for specified transmitter and receiver locations communications at infrared and radio frequencies can be equally effective. On this basis a search for extraterrestrial signals at infrared wavelengths is equally as valid as any planned microwave effort. Work is now in progress to adapt a 10 micrometers heterodyne spectrometer to search for CO2 laser signals from 200 nearby stars.
Free tissue transfer by means of microvascular anastomoses has opened up new dimensions in reconstructive surgery. However, a free microvascular myocutaneous flap should only be used, if a local pedicled flap is impossible. In treatment of complicated soft-tissue and bone defects, there are clear-cut and gradual therapeutic steps: wound debridement; soft tissue repair; bone reconstruction.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The free tissue transfer by microvascular anastomoses has opened new dimensions in reconstructive surgery. However a free microvascular myocutaneous flap should only be used in case of a local pedicled flap being impossible. In treating complicated defects of soft tissue and bones a clear cut gradation of therapeutic steps has to be observed: 1. control of wound infection, 2. wound debridement, 3. soft tissue repair, 4. bone reconstruction.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
28 albino rats underwent resection of the anterior abdominal wall which was replaced by burried autogenous cutis. Within 8 weeks a firm fibrous plate developed which prevented cicatricial herniation.