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Biomedical subjects

A Schuh

Publications and source records attributed to A Schuh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Allergy towards bone cement].

Bone cements based on polymethylmethacrylate are typically used for fixation of artificial joints. Intolerance reactions to endoprostheses not explained by infection or mechanical failure may lead to allergological diagnostics, which mostly focuses on metal allergy. However, also bone cement components may provoke hypersensitivity reactions leading to eczema, implant loosening, or fistula formation. Elicitors of such reactions encompass acrylates and additives such as benzoyl peroxide, N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, hydroquinone, or antibiotics (particularly gentamicin). Upon repeated contact with bone cement components, e.g., acrylate monomers, also in medical personnel occasionally hand eczema or even asthma may develop. Therefore, in the case of suspected hypersensitivity reactions to arthroplasty, the allergological diagnostics should include bone cement components.

Bone Cements↗

[Allergic reaction to components of bone cement after total knee arthroplasty].

There are many reports about allergic reactions in association with total hip or knee arthroplasty. While most studies focus on allergic reactions to metallic components, only few reports exist about reactions to bone cement or its ingredients. We report about a patient who developed eczema at the knee and the lower leg one year after cemented TKR. Patch testing showed as potential causes contact allergic reactions to nickel and benzoylperoxide, an ingredient of the here used bone cement. The local and temporal association between onset of eczema and knee arthroplasty suggests a causal link. Benzoylperoxide as potential contact allergen in bone cement is so far almost neglected. The development of extended testing procedures and data collection should provide further information and better care of these patients. The development of special bone cements for patients with allergic diathesis is requested.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗

[Melorheostosis of the foot: a case report of a rare entity].

INTRODUCTION: Melorheostosis is a rare bony dysplasia and often recognised just sporadically by chance. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 15 year old girl who presented a melorheostosis of the left foot. After birth there was recognized a shortening and deformity of the 2nd toe on the left foot. Furthermore she had an interphalangeal hallux valgus that displaced the 2nd toe increasingly. Thus in the last years there were more and more difficulties to wear normal shoes. Conservative therapy was not successful. We performed a lengthening extending osteotomy of the 2nd toe (a modified Weil osteotomy) and an Akin osteotomy of the interphalangeal hallux valgus. Since the surgical procedure the patient is out of any complaints. DISCUSSION: We demonstrate the radiologic and histologic findings and discuss the relevant literature and possible etiology.

Adolescent↗

Identification of relevant ICF categories for indication, intervention planning and evaluation of health resort programs: a Delphi exercise.

Health resort programs have a long tradition, mainly in European countries and Japan. They rely on local resources and the physical environment, physical medicine interventions and traditional medicine to optimise functioning and health. Arguably because of the long tradition, there is only a limited number of high-quality studies that examine the effectiveness of health resort programs. Specific challenges to the evaluation of health resort programs are to randomise the holistic approach with a varying number of specific interventions but also the reliance on the effect of the physical environment. Reference standards for the planning and reporting of health resort studies would be highly beneficial. With the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF), we now have such a standard that allows us to describe body functions and structures, activities and participation and interaction with environmental factors. A major challenge when applying the ICF in practice is its length. Therefore, the objective of this project was to identify the ICF categories most relevant for health resort programs. We conducted a consensus-building, three-round, e-mail survey using the Delphi technique. Based on the consensus of the experts, it was possible to come up with an ICF Core Set that can serve as reference standards for the indication, intervention planning and evaluation of health resort programs. This preliminary ICF Core Set should be tested in different regions and in subsets of health resort visitors with varying conditions.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Results and experiences of conversion of hip arthrodesis ].

INTRODUCTION: With the predictably good outcome of total hip arthroplasty today (THA), hip arthrodesis currently has limited indications. Over the long term, however, most patients develop secondary degenerative arthritis in the spine, contralateral hip, and ipsilateral knee due to overloading. The deteriorating condition of these joints eventually causes the onset of pain, which often requires conversion of a fused hip to a THA. The results and experiences of conversions of a hip arthrodesis into a THA are reported. INTRODUCTION: Between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 2001 conversion of a previously performed arthrodesis of the hip to THA was carried out in a total of 45 patients; 34 patients could be followed up after the conversion to THA after a mean of 77.5 months (min.: 24, max.: 208). The primary indications for the conversion were low back pain (n=21) and ipsilateral knee pain (n=13). RESULTS: The mean age at the time of THA was 75.3 years (min.: 32, max.: 74). The mean time interval between the arthrodesis and the conversion to THA was 30.4 years (min.: 5, max.: 66). Of 34 hips, 29 (85%) were either pain free or had minimal pain. Complications included one persisting sciatic nerve palsy, two superficial infections, two periprosthetic fractures, and two heterotopic ossifications IV degrees with one recurrence of ankylosis and one marked reduction of motion. Revision arthroplasty was performed in four hips. Postoperatively 7 patients showed no limping, 11 showed a slight limp, and 17 a pronounced limp. Recurrent dislocations occurred in one patient. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this operation can lead to satisfactory results even after a long duration of the arthrodesis. There is a high rate of complications after conversion of a hip arthrodesis to a total hip arthroplasty. These issues must be carefully considered and discussed with the patient before any conversion procedure.

Adult↗

[Pathological findings in tissue surrounding revised metal/metal articulations].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the current study was to elucidate the incidence of allergic reactions to metal/metal articulations in revised total hip arthroplasties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1 January 1997 and 31 January 2002 a consecutive series of tissue samples from 13 revised total hip arthroplasties with metal/metal articulations were histopathologically examined for signs of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). Mean age at the time of revision of the eight women and five men was 58.7 years. The prostheses were revised after a mean follow-up of 45 months. Indications for revision were progressive osteolysis of the proximal femur in 12 cases and instability in one case. All patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated after a mean follow-up of 52 months (min. 22, max. 74) after revision. RESULTS: No signs of infection were found in either histopathological or microbiological examinations. In ten cases, perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates could be found as a sign of DTH. After revision and changing of the articulation all osteolyses healed. CONCLUSION: In 10/13 cases (76.9%) signs of DTH could be detected. The fact that all osteolyses healed after changing the articulation may give a strong hint that there is an immunological contribution to this radiological changes. Metal/metal articulations cannot be recommended as the optimum implant for young patients, as the number of patients with allergic reactions to nickel, chrome or cobalt is increasing continuously.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗

[Allergic potential of titanium implants].

AIM: The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the allergic potential of titanium and titanium alloys for surgical implant applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Discs cut from rods supplied by five different titanium suppliers in several diameters were investigated. The samples were cp-Titanium as well as Ti6Al4 V and Ti6Al7Nb, 6 mm thick with a diameter of between 6 and 60 mm. The material was checked by optical spectral analysis. RESULTS: In all samples except iodidtitanium, a Nickel content of 0.012-0,034 wt% could be detected. CONCLUSION: The low nickel content in the implant material results from the production process. The nickel atoms are in solid solution in the titanium lattice. Nickel allergic patients may develop hypersensitivity reactions even due to this low nickel content. Hence, this reaction may be falsely attributed to the titanium material itself. Measurements of ion concentration in the body are helpful for quantifying the maximum content of nickel in titanium materials for surgical implant applications. In addition, technical questions related to the production of nickel free titanium materials for allergic patients have to be solved.

Biocompatible Materials↗

[Metallurgical differentiation of cobalt-chromium alloys for implants].

BACKGROUND: Cobalt Chromium alloys are used in cemented total hip or knee arthroplasty as well as in metal-on-metal bearings in total hip arthroplasty. An increasing number of publications report about (allergic) reactions to wear particles of Cobalt Chromium alloys. Reactions to nickel are more frequent in comparison to Cobalt or Chromium particles. It is well known that different kinds of Cobalt Chromium alloys contain different amounts of alloying elements; nevertheless. The aim of the current work was to compare the different Cobalt Chromium alloys according to ASTM F or ISO standards in respect to the different alloying elements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Co28Cr6Mo casting alloys according to ASTM F 75 or ISO 5832-4 as well as forging alloy types according to ASTM F 799 and ISO 5832 such as Co20Cr15W10Ni, Co35Ni20Cr, Fe40Co20Cr10Ni, Co20Cr20Ni, and Co28Cr6Mo were analyzed in respect to their element content of Co, Cr, Ni, Mo, Fe, W, and Mn. RESULTS: In 1935 the Cobalt based alloy "Vitallium" Co30Cr5Mo basically used in the aircraft industry was introduced into medicine. The chemical composition of this alloy based on Cobalt showed 30 wt.% Chromium and 5 wt.% Molybdenum. The differentiation using alloy names showed no Nickel information in single alloy names. CONCLUSION: The information given about different alloys can lead to an unprecise evaluation of histopathological findings in respect to alloys or alloying constituents. Therefore, implant manufacturers should give the exact information about the alloys used and adhere to European law, Euronorm 93/42/EWG.

Chromium Alloys↗

[Experiences with the Butler procedure for overlapping fifth toe].

UNLABELLED: Overlapping fifth toe is a finding in pediatric orthopaedics which rarely requires operative therapy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between Jan. 1, 1992 and Dec. 31, 2002 five operations of an overlapping fifth toe using the Butler procedure were performed at a mean patients age of 5.5 years (min: 3, max: 9). All patients were clinically evaluated after a mean follow-up of 6 years (min: 2, max: 10) according to the score of Black. We present the technique of the Butler procedure and discuss the relevant literature. RESULTS: An excellent result was achieved in all patients. Despite the extensive soft tissue release no complications could be found. CONCLUSION: The Butler procedure is a simple and safe procedure without any need of immobilisation.

Arthroplasty↗

[The modified Brooker classification for evaluation of heterotopic ossifications in total hip replacement].

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate heterotopic ossifications (HTO) in total hip replacement several classifications have been developed. Most often the classifications according to Brooker or Arcq are used. These systems enable the description of HTO on x-rays in ap view, functional aspects like range of motion are not evaluated. In several studies we could observe that patients with HTO IV degrees according to Brooker ("ankylosis") had a free or excellent range of motion. We introduce a modified Brooker classification system which enables the evaluation of HTO in two X-ray planes and allows in addition a description of hip function. PATIENTS AND METHOD: On the a.-p. X-ray view the original Brooker classification is used, on the lateral view the Brooker classification ventrally and dorsally of the longitudinal axis of the stem of the total hip replacement is used. In addition functional deficits as a sequalae of HTO are documented (1: yes; 2: no). The new classification system is used in 10 cases with HTO IV degrees according to Brooker in the a.-p .view. RESULTS: 8 cases with "ankylosis" according to Brooker showed a good range of motion. In these cases HTO I-III degrees according to Brooker were found in the lateral view. In the ap view these HTO were evaluated as HTO IV degrees because of an overlapping effect. DISCUSSION: The new classification using X-rays in two planes allows to describe HTO sufficiently especially in respect to hip function. The most important advantage of this new classification is the fact that it modifies only a widly used and accepted system. This may lead to a high acceptance of the new classification.

Ankylosis↗

[The use of a thermomechanical cleaning procedure for removal of residual particles of corund blasted or glass bead peened implants in total hip arthoplasty].

INTRODUCTION: Shot peening and grit blasting techniques are used to modify surfaces of hip endoprostheses. Alumina blasting techniques using highly pure corund (Al (2)O (3)) particles create a rough surface of Titanium implants to achieve a better osteointegration in cementless total hip arthroplasty. An increasing number of publications in maxillo-facial-surgery and orthopedic surgery show that there is a significant contamination with remnants on corund blasted surfaces. To our knowledge no previous study analysed the effects of cleaning procedures of hip endoprostheses in respect to glass beads and Al (2)O (3) remnants. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The surface of the flexible anisotropic Vector cup and the stiff modular MRP-Titan stem (one implant each) were analysed with respect to Al (2)O (3) or glass particles before and after the cleaning procedure. The implants were cleaned using an ultrasound bath for 10 or 20 minutes under nitrogen cooling or simple ultrasound bath with water. A field emission scanning electron microscopy (LEO 1525) was used for the detection of the particles on the implant surface with a backscattered electron detector. The proportion of the surface covered with particles was determined with an imaging analyze software (analySIS, Soft Imaging System GmbH). RESULTS: A reduction of corund particles on the surface of the flexible anisotropic Vector cup of up to 5.2 % (from 40.0 % to 34.8 %) after 10 minutes nitrogen cooling was achieved. A reduction of corund particles on the surface of the stiff MRP-Titan stem of up to 2.2 % (from 38.8 % to 36.6 %) was observed after 20 minutes of non cooled ultrasound bath whereas a reduction up to 3.2 % (from 25.8 % to 22.6 %) of glass particles after 10 minutes of nitrogen cooled ultrasound bath was detected. CONCLUSION: With the cleaning procedure tested only incomplete removal of just the small glass and Al (2)O (3) particles is possible. Further research is needed to reduce or even avoid residual particles in total hip arthoplasty.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗

[Residual particle free surfaces after shot peening in modular hip arthroplasty are feasible].

INTRODUCTION: Shot peening with steel balls is used for introduction of compressive stress in the production of morse taper junctions of modular hip endoprostheses. After this procedure, significant contamination with residual particles can be detected, which may lead to increased corrosion and third body wear. Additionally, the European norm EN 12010 requires surfaces free of residual particles. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of several cleaning procedures with regard to complying with EN 12010. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The surfaces of 12 Ti6Al7Nb rods with a diameter of 15 mm was shot peened with steel balls (GS VERA, Fa. Würth, Bad Friedrichshall, Germany). A field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM, LEO 1525) was used for the detection of residual particles on the surface of the rods with a backscattered electron detector. After SEM examination, one sample each was cleaned using shot peening with sugar or dry ice and 10 rods using a pH dependent cleaning procedure. After these cleaning procedures, the samples were again analysed with the SEM for residual particle contamination. RESULTS: The surface of all rods showed a considerable contamination with steel particles after shot-peening with steel balls. After the cleaning procedure with dry ice or sugar steel contamination was lower, however, only the pH dependent cleaning procedure was able to achieve surfaces free of residual particles. DISCUSSION: For smooth shot-peened surfaces in modular hip arthroplasty Euro Norm EN 12010 can be fulfilled using shot peening with steel balls followed by a pH dependent cleaning procedure.

Hip Prosthesis↗

[Results of operative therapy of idiopathic clubfoot using a dorsomedial approach with soft tissue preparation "à la carte"].

INTRODUCTION: Several concepts have been published for therapy of idiopathic clubfoot. Actually the Cincinnati approach is the "gold-standard" in operative treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. Using this approach delayed wound healing and overcorrection are wellknown complications. During the last 30 years a dorsomedial approach is used in operative treatment of idiopathic clubfoot in our clinic. Using this approach a dorsal, medial and/or lateral release can be performed. Postoperatively a plaster cast is used. The following years a rigid therapy with orthosis and support is requested. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between June 1986 and December 2000 130 clubfoot operations with soft tissue release were performed. 119/130 (91 %) patients could be clinically and radiologically followed-up after a mean of 4.5 years (min: 2, max: 17) including 65.5 % male and 34.5 % female patients. Average age at time of operation was 7.6 months. The findings were classified according to Dimeglio. To evaluate the clinical results the score according to Laaveg and Ponseti was used. X-rays with load (a. p. and lateral view) were evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up for a. p. and lateral talocalcaneal angle, talometatarsal-I-angle, calcaneometatarsal-V-angle and the angle of the first ray. Additionally complications and recurrences were documented. RESULTS: 21.8 % of the feet were classified IV degrees , 39.5 % III degrees and 38.7 % II degrees according to Dimeglio. Recurrent clubfoot was found in 7.6 % of all cases. All angles showed a significant improve. At latest follow-up 95.6 +/- 9.2 points according to the score of Laaveg and Ponseti were achieved. Flat top talus was found in 37 cases. CONCLUSION: The dorsomedial approach allows an excellent correction of clubfeet with a low rate of complications and recurrences in comparison to other studies.

Achilles Tendon↗

[Residual particle free rough surfaces after rough blasting with steel grit in total hip arthroplasty].

INTRODUCTION: Several shot peening and grit blasting techniques are used to modify the surface in the production of hip endoprostheses. A number of publications in maxillo- facial- surgery and orthopedic surgery demonstrated significant contamination on alumina blasted surfaces. Latest research studies suspected an association between surface contamination and early failure of endoprostheses associated with third body wear. Additionally, the European standard EN 12010 requires surfaces free of residual particles. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of rough blasting using steel grit followed by a pH dependent cleaning procedures with regard to complying with EN 12010. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ti6Al7Nb rods were rough blasted 1 time using steel grit ("Stahldrahtkorn", hardness: 56 HRC; R+K Draht GmbH, Leisnig). All blasting procedures were carried out with a special grit blasting device with direct pressure. One Ti6Al7Nb rod each was grit blasted with 3 and 4 bar pressure and 10 rods with 5 bar pressure. Surface roughness was measured by means of Mitutoyo- Surftest 301 three times before and after grit blasting. The mean value was calculated. A field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM, LEO 1525) was used for the detection of residual particles on the surface of the rods with a backscattered electron detector. RESULTS: By rough blasting using steel grit a mean roughness of 54,9 microm and a maximum roughness of 61,4 microm could be achieved. The surface of all rods showed a considerable contamination with steel particles after grit blasting. After the a pH- dependent cleaning procedure a residual particle free surface was detected in all samples. DISCUSSION: The European standard EN 12010 can be fulfilled using rough blasting with steel grit followed by a pH dependent cleaning procedure.

Alloys↗

[Titanium modular revision prosthesis stem in revision hip prosthesis].

In revision arthroplasty of the hip, femoral defects and fractures must be bridged by a long stem. The implant has to be adapted exactly to the diameter of the cortical tube and has to be placed distally beyond the pathologic area. The titanium modular revision prosthesis (MRP) stem consists of the titanium alloy Ti6Al7Nb and is offered in various diameters, lengths, and special devices, which allows individual and load-stable reconstruction. The aim of the current study is to scrutinize first clinical and radiological results of the titanium MRP revision stem in revision arthroplasty of the hip. We report the midterm results of 130 non-cemented revision arthroplasties of the hip using the titanium MRP revision stem with a mean follow-up of 2.9 years (minimum: 1 year, maximum: 8 years), including 56 men and 74 women. The indication for revision arthroplasty was aseptic loosening of the cup and stem in 94 cases, loosening of the stem in 17 cases, reimplantation in a Girdlestone situation in 11, and periprosthetic fractures in 8 cases. The Harris hip score improved from 50.9+/-24.6 preoperatively to 88.5+/-11.5 postoperatively. The score according to Merle d'Aubigné improved from 9.8+/-4.0 preoperatively to 15.2+/-2.8 postoperatively. We found three recurrent dislocations, two lesions of the sciatic nerve, three cases of persisting deep infection, two periprosthetic fractures, and one case of subsidence of the stem of 2 cm required revision of the MRP stem. Atrophy of the proximal femur was visible in all cases with a stem diameter >17 mm (39/130). Stable primary fixation was achieved in 129 of 130 cases. The titanium MRP revision has proved to be a very reliable implant in cementless revision arthroplasty of the hip.

Aged↗