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Biomedical subjects

H Zwipp

Publications and source records attributed to H Zwipp.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Internal fixation of supracondylar femoral fractures: comparative biomechanical performance of the 95-degree blade plate and two retrograde nails.

OBJECTIVE: The biomechanical stability of supracondylar femoral fractures fixed with a condylar blade plate (plate), a Green Seligson Henry nail (GSHN), or a new retrograde unreamed supracondylar femoral nail (new nail) based on the AO unreamed femoral nail were compared. DESIGN: A standardized simulated comminuted supracondylar femoral fracture (segmental defect) in fresh frozen paired cadaveric femora was stabilized with one of the implants. The interfragmentary fracture site stiffness in three directions and axial strength of the fixator-bone construct were compared (pairwise). RESULTS: The plate versus the new nail was (a) axially 10 percent as stiff and 50 percent as strong (ultimate strength), (b) as stiff in A/P bending, and (c) five times more stiff in torsion. Varus angle at failure under axial load was significantly greater for the plate than for the new nail. There were no statistical differences in axial stiffness and ultimate strength between the new nail and the GSHN, but the new nail was 50 percent and 30 percent as stiff in A/P bending and torsion, respectively. The magnitude of deformation at failure under axial loading was similar. CONCLUSIONS: In fixation of extraarticular comminuted supracondylar distal femur fractures, results indicate that (a) the new nail provides equal or greater stability than does the plate, except when large torsional loads are anticipated, and (b) the new nail provides stability equal to the GSHN for axial loading and lesser stability against off-axis loads. As is evident in this and other studies, intramedullary implants are less torsionally stiff than are plates. The torsional stiffness of the new nail is expected to be sufficient because it is comparable to many available nails, and low torsional moments are expected for healing femoral supracondylar fractures.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

[Minimally invasive method for treatment of supra-diacondylar femoral fractures].

The "gold standard" treatment modality for extra-articular and combined intra-, extra-articular fracture of the distal femur is the condylar blade plate (CP). Large exposure of the distal femur with unavoidable iatrogenic trauma to the soft tissue surrounding the fracture site and perhaps the lack of stiffness of the eccentric lateral cortical location of the CP has been suggested to play a role in the high rate of infections and pseudarthrosis reported in the literature. In an effort to overcome some of the difficulties with the condylar blade plate and to reduce complications, an unreamed, titanium, solid nail, locked proximally with two locking screws and distally with a screw and twisted blade was developed (DFN). The nail was designed for minimal invasive reduction through a small median parapatellar arthrotomy of the articular fracture (percutaneous screw) and of the supracondylar fracture. The DFN is a modular system sharing many components and almost all instrumentation with the AO-UFN and it is expected that the nail is much better in axial stiffness and strength than the condylar blade plate. The treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures should be improved by providing early weight bearing and accelerated fracture healing with a reduced incidence of delayed unions and infections.

Adult↗

[Dislocation fractures in the area of the middle foot--injuries of the Chopart and Lisfranc joint].

Dislocation fractures of the Chopart and Lisfranc joint line result from rough force and lead to articular incongruities, complex derangement of the plantar arc geometry and shortening of the medial or lateral column of the foot. These injuries are often complicated by severe soft tissue damage causing a high incidence of compartment syndrome. Beside careful clinical examination radiographs in 3 standard projections are essential for the exact diagnosis, if necessary completed by conventional tomographies or CT. To avoid residual joint incongruities and derangements of the anatomic architecture resulting in disabling arthrosis the indications for open reduction and functionally stable osteosynthesis should be broad. Concerning injuries of the Chopart joint any shortening of the medial or lateral column--especially if there is a substantial impression of the articular surface--should be reduced. Osseous defects have to be filled with autogenous cancellous bone and are stabilized with transarticular K-wires, 2.7 mm or 3.5 mm screws or small plates. Dislocation-fractures of the Lisfranc joint can be fixed by percutaneous K-wires if a closed reduction is possible. Open reduction and internal fixation are indicated in cases of instable and irresponsible fractures, and in open fractures as well as in lesions presenting with a compartment syndrome. A precise anatomic reduction of the tarsometatarsal joints is critical after this kind of injuries to avoid long-term disability.

Adolescent↗

[Pre- and postoperative ultrasound in reconstruction of finger flexor tendons in zone 2].

Twenty-five patients with 31 zone 2 flexor tendon injuries were evaluated prospectively by means of high-resolution ultrasonography and clinically. Results were assessed according to Buck-Gramcko's Strickland's, LMS and TAM score. Ultrasonic findings led to individual modifications (abbreviation or prolongation) of postoperative hand therapy and were helpful in decision making for secondary surgery like tenolysis or secondary repair.

Finger Injuries↗

[Complex trauma of the foot].

Following complex foot injuries (incidence up to 52%) in the multiply-injured patient the ultimate goal remains the same as for all significant foot injuries: the restoration of a painless, stable and plantigrade foot to avoid corrective procedures with moderate results. In the case of a complex trauma of the foot (5 point-score)--e.g. a crush injury--primary amputation in the multiply-injured patient (PTS 3-4) is indicated. Limb salvage (PTS 1-2) depends on the intraoperative aspect during the second look (within 24-48 hours after injury): the debridement has to be radical, the selection of amputation level should be at the most distal point compatible with tissue viability and wound healing. A free tissue transfer should be done early if necessary. Single lesions presenting with a compartment syndrome need an immediate dorsal fasciotomy, in the case of a multiply-injured patient as soon as possible. Open fractures are reduced following radical debridement and temporarily stabilized with K-wires and/or tibiotarsal transfixation with an external fixateur until the definitive ORIF. Dislocation-fractures of the talus type 3 and 4 according to Hawkins' classification need open reduction and internal fixation by screws (titan). Open fractures of the calcaneus are stabilized temporarily by a medial external fixateur after debridement until the definitive treatment. If there is a compartment syndrome an immediate dermatofasciotomy is essential. Like closed, calcanear fractures in multiply-injured patients dislocation-fractures of the Chopart's joint need immediate open reduction only if it is an open fracture or associated with a compartment syndrome. The incidence of a compartment syndrome in the case of dislocation fractures of the Lisfranc's joint is high and therefore a dorsal dermatofasciotomy without delay is critical. Open reduction and internal fixation are achieved either by 1.8 mm K-wires or 3.5 mm cortical screws. To avoid further soft tissue damage a delayed primary closure can be necessary and a temporary tibio-tarsal transfixation is useful. Despite the life-threatening injuries of the multiply-injured patient one must insist on an exact diagnosis of the foot trauma (radiographs in 3 standard projections: exact lateral, dorso-plantar, 45 degrees oblique) if long-term disability due to articular incongruities and complex derangement of the arc geometry of the foot is to be avoided.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Treatment algorithm of chronic ankle and subtalar instability.

From 1981 to 1984, 131 reconstructive procedures and 113 Evans tenodesis procedures (1972-1984) were performed for patients with chronic instability of the ankle joint. From 1981 to 1985, 42 Christman/Snook procedures were performed for patients with isolated or combined subtalar instability. Reevaluation was conducted for 223 patients (102 reconstructive procedures, 87 Evans tenodesis procedures, and 34 Christman/Snook tenodesis procedures). The follow-up protocol comprised standard and stress radiograms, subjective patient evaluation, and objective functional data. No patient in either treatment group had clinically important ankle instability. Patients who had undergone the Evans tenodesis had a 3.3 degrees mean less talar tilt than did patients treated with reconstructive procedure. Of 87 patients who underwent Evans tenodesis, 33 had a mean supination deficit of 7.5 degrees. According to the +/- 100 points classification, 90% of the patients in both groups achieved good or excellent results. For subtalar instability, the Christman/Snook techniques resulted in a mean supination deficit of 7.2 degrees in 20 patients. Of 34 patients, 31 were rated good or excellent.

Algorithms↗

[Pseudarthrosis of the proximal ankle joint].

Nonunion of the ankle malleoli is extremely rare these days. This is probably due to the fact that primary osteosynthesis is performed in ankle fractures instead of the conservative treatment given up to 20 years ago. Today nonunions of the malleoli are seen, if at all, is infected cases after surgical procedures. Noninfected, stable and painless nonunions usually do not need any surgical correction. In painful cases, small fragments, especially of the medial malleolus, should be resected; larger fragments should be stabilized with two 3.5-mm cancellous screws. Alternatively, the tension banding technique, especially after Weber A fracture, produces high compression in the area of nonunion. In cases of additional bony defects, a local upside down cortical-cancellous bone graft should be performed in addition. In summary, the therapeutic approach requires exact remodeling, bone-grafting and stabilization. Infected nonunions with loss of bone mass should be treated according to the guidelines for osteitis therapy.

Adult↗

[Chronic treatment refractory osteomyelitis of long tubular bones--possibilities and risks of intramedullary boring].

Osteomyelitis of long bones is a severe complication of fracture healing. If on-going infection occurs despite reoperation and if antibiotic treatment is of no benefit, reaming of the medullary canal has been considered beneficial. We investigated long-term follow-up (minimum 2 years) in patients submitted to reaming of the medullary canal to evaluate the efficacy of this method. Criteria for success were: no recurrence and no further antibiotic treatment necessary. Of 37 patients, 32 were followed up (mean duration after reaming, 3.7 years). The mean number of surgical operations for osteomyelitis prior to reaming was 3.2. In 88% of patients a full range of motion was observed upon reexamination, while in the others stiffness attributable to articular injuries that had been sustained preoperatively was still present. We found that 84.3% of patients were working in the same profession as prior to the fracture, 72% were involved in sport again, and 97% of patients were pain free. One otherwise healthy patient suffering from sclerosing osteitis (Garré) died of bone marrow embolism into the lung during reaming of the femur. Reaming of the medullary canal has a high cure rate in osteomyelitis even after several previous treatment attempts with surgical revision and/or antibiotic medication. The mechanism is most probably based on improvement of local perfusion. During surgery care must be taken not to provoke pulmonary embolization. Intraoperative monitoring by pulmonary artery catheter should be performed; reaming should be discontinued immediately, if a rise in of pulmonary artery pressure occurs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

[Functional treatment concept of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon. 2 years results of a prospective randomized study].

Ultrasonography and MRI are highly reliable and reproducible methods of determining the separation of a ruptured Achilles tendon and the degree of tendon repair in the course of healing. While MRI is expensive, it can be restricted to research and special indications. In a randomized trial a operative treatment and a conservative/functional treatment with a newly developed boot were compared in 50 patients (22 of whom underwent operative treatment and 28, conservative treatment). In this trial there were no significant differences either in the functional results or in the course of healing. Functional treatment in both groups allowed shorter periods of rehabilitation, and acceptance of the boot was particularly high in all patients.

Achilles Tendon↗

[Standardized ultrasound diagnosis of instability after dislocation of the upper ankle joint].

The anterior drawer was evaluated sonographically under standard conditions (150 N load, 7.5 MHz linear scanner) in 95 patients with severe ankle sprain. A simple geometric construct of subsidiary lines set up with the help of a goniometer on the videoprints (enlargement 1.5 X) enabled a standardized interpretation of the anterior drawer (pathologic > or = 3 mm). Thus, the definition of poorly reproducible reference points for sonographic measurements became avoidable. In 60 patients a rupture of the lateral ankle ligaments was diagnosed, in 35 patients the findings were recorded as severe ankle sprains without ligament rupture. Compared with the radiological anterior drawer and talar tilt, the dynamic sonographic measurement of the anterior drawer showed the better values from the aspects of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (> or = 0.93). In our own practice sonographic measurement of anterior drawer has replaced stress radiograms in diagnosis of ankle joint instabilities after severe ankle sprains.

Adolescent↗

Osteosynthesis of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus. Results in 123 cases.

The operative treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures has three principal aims: restoration of height, length, and width of the calcaneus, reconstruction of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joint surfaces, and stable osteosynthesis using an H-plate or screws. In 68% of the cases, the sustentacular fragment was the key to open reduction, making the medial approach mandatory. In complex fractures, a lateral approach is added. In "blow-out" fractures or cases with comminution of the sustentacular fragment, an extended lateral approach only is used. For precise preoperative planning of roentgenograms in three planes, four Brodén's views and axial plus coroneal or three-dimensional computed tomography scans are required. From July 1983 to July 1990, 157 intraarticular calcaneal fractures were treated by open reduction. The results in 123 cases are 61% good or excellent, 32.5% satisfactory, and 6.5% poor. The following early complications occurred: superficial wound edge necrosis (8.3%), hematoma (2.5%), nonunion (1.3%), and infection (1.9%). Four patients (3.3%) in the follow-up group have developed degenerative changes severe enough to require subtalar fusion. To facilitate the comparison of results, new fracture classification and follow-up scoring systems have been devised.

Adolescent↗

The use of ultrasonography in the foot and ankle.

Ultrasonography of the soft tissue has achieved an increasing importance in the last years. Since sonography of the shoulder, knee, muscles, and tendons has become a routine method, there is less application of ultrasound in foot and ankle pathology. Since 1985, ultrasonography has been the routine examination technique in the Trauma Department of Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. We now have a series of more than 4000 sonographic examinations. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the possibilities in application and technique of ultrasonography in foot and ankle disorders. The sonographic patterns of the pathological changes of the main structures are described.

Ankle Joint↗

Primary orthotic treatment of ruptured ankle ligaments: a recommended procedure.

The results of a study after 1 and 2 years of a prospective randomised trial of operative versus conservative treatment of ankle ligament rupture, demonstrate that purely functional orthotic therapy is the method of choice. This relates both to patient need and economical considerations. The trial demonstrated that without an operation it was possible to achieve a high degree of mechanical stability, a reduction of work disability time down to 3 weeks and full sports capability within 3 months. Consequently, and as a result of the trial, the only remaining surgical indications would seem to be dislocations of the foot and ankle, ankle ligament rupture with additional intra-articular pathology, and second-stage injuries or re-ruptures. The joint-stabilising function of the prototype splint developed in this study was improved on the basis of experimental investigations, using a Y-shaped leather band (designated CALIGAMED), which is available in 6 sizes for right and left ankle.

Ankle Injuries↗

[Primary sonographic diagnosis and follow-up of muscular and tendon injuries of the lower extremity].

Ultrasound examination has become an important diagnostic method in muscle and tendon injuries. In addition dynamic ultrasound examination allows evaluation of the course of healing from various aspects. Starting with the sonoanatomy, the pathologic ultrasound patterns typical for injuries to muscle and to Achilles, patellar and quadriceps tendons are demonstrated. As complement to clinical examination, ultrasonography enables appropriate adaptation of the therapy concept to the course of healing. In the hands of experienced operators, ultrasound examination has reached a high level of sensitivity and specificity in these injuries and can justifiably be routinely performed.

Achilles Tendon↗

Rupture of the ankle ligaments.

A prospective randomised trial of treatment of ruptured ankle ligaments was carried out at our institute. Two hundred patients were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups. The results at 1 and 2 years after injury showed that functional treatment with a newly designed brace appeared to be the method of choice. This gives good mechanical stability, a shorter time off work and the ability to resume full sporting activity within 3 months of injury. Operation is only indicated for dislocations of the ankle and foot, ankle ligament rupture with additional intraarticular damage and second stage injuries or re-ruptures.

Adolescent↗