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Biomedical subjects

C Zinman

Publications and source records attributed to C Zinman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[External humeral fixation in war injuries].

Type III open fractures of the humerus caused by high energy missiles or shrapnel in 26 male soldiers were treated by external fixation. 12 suffered from associated injuries involving the head and chest, 12 had 14 nerve injuries, and 4 required simultaneous repair of the brachial artery. Results in 19 examined after an average of 6.5 years were excellent in 22%, good in 52%, fair in 16%, and poor in 10%. The aim of external fixation is functional limb salvage. We think high-energy gunshot fractures should be classified as III-d because of the severe damage to the soft tissue, which differs from that of low-velocity, gunshot fractures or farm injuries. We conclude that external fixation is the preferred form of primary stabilization of severe open fractures of the humerus. It has reduced the incidence of chronic infection and has improved the prognosis of vascular repairs. The treatment of the soft tissues, skin coverage, and ultimately reconstructive surgery are facilitated. Early limb function allows for a better final result. For delayed union and pin-tract infection a different definitive method, such as internal fixation or a plaster case, is required.

External Fixators↗

[Treatment of Pipkin's fracture of the femoral head].

We present 3 cases with Pipkin's fracture of the femoral head, a rare and complicated fracture. 2 were operated on and did well. The third, not operated on, has severe symptoms and most probably will require extensive reconstructive surgery.

Adult↗

Muscle microcirculatory impairment following acute compartment syndrome in the dog.

Visualization of the intramuscular microcirculation during and after compartmental syndrome was studied by microangiograms and histologic cross sections. A marked reduction in the circulation of the endomysial capillary network was found during compartment tamponade, whereas the perimysium arteriolar system was patent. Revascularization took place by formation of distorted blood vessels accompanied by intramuscular hematomas in muscles 7 and 14 days after the compartment insult. The cross sections show massive fibroblastic activity around blood vessels that caused concealed intramuscular pressure-ischemic contracture resulting in the foci of myofibrillar necrosis seen within normal muscle tissue. The muscle located in the tamponaded compartment profusely bleeds when it is touched, even though its viability is in doubt. The explanation for this clinical observation might be the abnormal intramuscular revascularization that was found in this work.

Acute Disease↗

Hypertonic mannitol ameliorates intracompartmental tamponade in model compartment syndrome in the dog.

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a devastating complication of rhabdomyolysis caused by muscle tamponade secondary to increased intracompartmental pressure (Pi). ACS requires emergency surgical decompression when Pi greater than 30 mmHg (normal less than 4.0 mmHg) and clinical signs exist. The present study was undertaken to examine whether mannitol which has been used extensively for prevention of acute renal failure in rhabdomyiolysis may also improve muscular hemodynamics in ACS. ACS was produced in dogs by injecting dog plasma into the anterolateral compartment of the hind limb. The Pi was directly monitored. Control dogs received saline, whereas experimental dogs received intravenously 20% mannitol (0.15 ml/min/kg) over a period of 1 h. The initial Pi was set arbitrarily at 100 mm Hg. Following the establishment of ACS, the spontaneous mean decrease in Pi in the control group was 40% of initial value over 60 min (n = 5) versus a decrease of 65%/60 min in the experimental (mannitol) group (n = 7, p less than 0.01). The net mean decompressive effect of mannitol treatments was approximately 28 mm Hg (mean control Pi minus mean experimental Pi at time 60 min). Extrapolated to man with ACS, such a decrease in Pi induced by mannitol theoretically could relieve compartmental tamponade noninvasively.

Angiography↗

A philosophy of limb salvage in war: use of the fixateur externe.

Over the period 1973-1983, we treated by external fixation 110 severe grade three open or complicated fractures caused in war (minimum follow-up, 7 years). We present our data analyzed according to method, location, and type of fracture. The methods we have evolved over the years are described in detail: primary wound stabilization by fixateur externe; primary radical wound excision, repeated every 48 hours as required, including excision of dead bone; delayed primary vascular soft tissue cover; delayed primary or secondary skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction as dictated by local wound conditions; prophylactic antibiotics and intensive physiotherapy to the joints and muscles of the injured limb and as rapid an ambulation of the patient as possible. The advantages and limitations of external fixation are enumerated. It is possible to avoid the complications of pin tract infection and ring necroses, but care is required to avoid refracture after removal of the apparatus, since the quality of bone healing is not always good with the use of external fixation. External fixation has greatly facilitated the various methods for achieving delayed primary vascular soft tissue cover over severe open fractures, bringing about an improved prognosis; micro-vascular techniques hold great promise for wound cover and skeletal reconstruction. Similarly, the Ilizarov method of bone osteotaxis has opened up new vistas in the treatment of bone mass loss. The latter requires a sophisticated set-up which will not be available in most war zones. In spite of the advances in treatment and in the improved results achieved by modern techniques of wound stabilization, wound soft tissue cover, and bone and soft tissue reconstructions, the temptation to try to salvage useless limbs must be resisted. Amputation, judiciously adjudged and correctly timed, remains one of the most successful forms of treatment in these severe injuries, saving the casualty from a physical and spiritual via dolorosa. Enthusiasm for surgical endeavor must be well tempered with mature judgment and realistic clinical acumen.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Osteochondritis dissecans of the dome of the talus. Computed tomography scanning in diagnosis and follow-up.

From 1977 through 1985, thirty-two patients were treated for osteochondritis dissecans of the dome of the talus. The diagnosis was established in two-thirds of the patients using ordinary roentgenograms, but it was established in all of them using computed tomography scans. After a mean length of follow-up of about five years, the results of surgical treatment were significantly better than those of conservative treatment. For twenty patients, computed tomography scans were superior to roentgenograms in showing healing of the lesion. We concluded that computed tomography is useful not only for diagnosis--that is, in determining the extent and precise location of the lesion--but also for follow-up.

Adolescent↗

Transient osteoporosis of hip joint with liver cirrhosis.

We describe the association between transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) and liver cirrhosis in a female patient. The clinical course, radiographic and scintigraphic features were similar to cases of TOH described previously. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is unknown and we suggest there may be a relationship between the hemodynamic changes common in cirrhotic patients and in pregnant women and the development of TOH.

Adult↗

External fixation in wartime limb surgery.

During the Lebanon War, 1982, limb stability was achieved by the use of external fixation in 45 severe limb injuries. The indications, advantages, techniques and results are reviewed. At follow-up after 1 year there were no cases of chronic bone infection. Two limbs had to be amputated for vascular insufficiency. The skillful, judicious use of external fixation in the treatment of war injuries is an important technical advance in the treatment of severe limb injuries.

Arm Injuries↗

Acute rupture of the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint, diagnosis and surgical treatment.

A useful method for the diagnosis of acute rupture of the lateral ligament of the ankle joint is presented. Twenty-three patients with ruptures of the lateral ligament of the ankle joint were treated surgically with suture of the lateral ligaments of the ankle. Accurate preoperative diagnosis with stress films and arthrography under local anesthesia of the ankle joint is imperative. No instances of infection or other complications were observed. All patients achieved a normal range of ankle function within three to six months. Radiograhs of the injured ankle in the forced inversion position following operation showed full stability of the ankle joint. In our opinion, all ankle injuries should be examined roentgenographically with forced inversion of the foot. Tilting of the talus of at least 10 degrees must be followed by arthrography of the ankle joint under local anesthesia. If there is leakage of contrast material along the peroneal tendon sheaths and around the joint cavity, the lateral ligament of the ankle must be sutured immediately in order to regain stability of the ankle joint.

Ankle Injuries↗

Postosteonecrotic osteoarthritis-like disorder of the femoral head of rats.

The femoral heads of 15 rats were studied histologically 3 months after the induction of ischaemic necrosis by incising the cervical periosteum and cutting the ligamentum teres. The epiphyses consisted of immature disorganized subchondral and trabecular bone. The inter-trabecular spaces contained fibrous or haematopoietic tissue. Residual necrotic bone was rare. There was marked osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity. The articular aspect of the heads showed a spectrum of changes, ranging from cartilaginous degeneration with fibrillation and loss of glycosaminoglycans to an eburnated and polished bony surface. In seven rats, transphyseal bridges connected the epiphyseal and metaphyseal bony trabeculae to each other. It is suggested that the postnecrotic reparative processes, including the resorption of the necrotic debris and its replacement by newly formed, weak bone, led to an osteoarthritis-like disorder. This healing pattern of the necrotic femoral head was reminiscent of the progressive remodelling that occurs in rings in femoral capital osteonecrosis of adult human patients and in Perthes's disease of children.

Animals↗