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Biomedical subjects

K E Rehm

Publications and source records attributed to K E Rehm.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Tossy III injuries of the acromioclavicular joint. In what circumstances is surgery still justified? Personal results and literature review].

In Germany AC-joint-dislocations type Tossy III are treated in most of the cases operatively. Over two times of period we treated AC-joint-dislocations type Tossy III with biodegradable PDS-cords. 54 patients were operated between 1989 and 1997 and followed up after 39 months. 87.5% of patients are satisfied with results and have 10.2 points at Taftscore. In this period we couldn't differentiated the results by Rockwood classification. 12 patients with Rockwood V were operated between 1998 and 2002 and followed up after 14 months. Excellent and good results were seen in 92% of cases. At Taftscore we seen 10.7 points. 3 patients with Rockwood III were treated conservative with 10.3 points and 3 patients were operated with 10.7 points at Taftscore. AC-joint dislocations should be classified to Rockwood. No differences were seen between operation and conservative treatment in Rockwood III in literature. We recommend operation with PDS cords with good results in Rockwood V.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of midclavicular fractures in athletes.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary fixation of midclavicular fractures may be a better option than non-operative treatment for high performance/professional athletes because of the potential reduction in recovery time. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation in high performance athletes and the time required to return to sporting activity. METHODS: Data were taken from a prospective study on intramedullary fixation techniques using the elastic stable Ti nail (TEN, Synthes) for the treatment of displaced midclavicular fractures, initiated in 1996. The patients in 12 cases were classified as high performance/professional athletes. These cases were used to evaluate the technique specifically in this population. Fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) system. Patients were evaluated before and after surgery for shoulder function and subjective pain. After the operation, radiological assessments documented fracture healing, and clinical outcomes scores were obtained. Time required to return to training and competition was documented. RESULTS: All fractures were transverse or oblique. Mean (SD) shoulder abduction increased from 36.3 (8) degrees before surgery to 154.2 (17) degrees afterwards (p<0.001). Mean subjective pain score using a visual analogue scale (0-100) decreased from 71.7 (18) points before surgery to 19.2 (6) points (p<0.001) three days after. There were no complications. Hospital stay averaged 2.9 (1) days. Mean delay to resumption of training was 5.9 (1) days, and to resumption of competition it was 16.8 (5) days. The mean Constant clinical outcomes score one year after hardware removal was 98.3 (2) points. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary fixation of displaced midclavicular fracture was successful in terms of clinical outcome and rapid resumption of sporting activities. This treatment should be offered to athletes as an alternative to non-operative treatment.

Adolescent↗

Large angle elastic alpha scattering on a N=Z nucleus above A=40.

Scattering of alpha particles from 44Ti, the lightest unstable alpha-particle nucleus above A=40, has been measured at backward angles. The "anomalous" order-of-magnitude enhancement that is characteristic of 40Ca and other light alpha-particle nuclei is not observed. Instead, the backward yield is similar to that observed for other nuclei heavier than 40Ca, and is well described with average optical model parameters.

Journal Article↗

Unexpected behavior of heavy-ion fusion cross sections at extreme sub-barrier energies.

The excitation function for fusion evaporation in the (60)Ni+ (89)Y system was measured over a range in cross section covering 6 orders of magnitude. The cross section exhibits an abrupt decrease at extreme sub-barrier energies. This behavior, which is also present in a few other systems found in the literature, cannot be reproduced with present models, including those based on a coupled-channels approach. Possible causes are discussed, including a dependence on the intrinsic structure of the participants.

Journal Article↗

Pneumonia in multiple injured patients: a prospective controlled trial on early prediction using clinical and immunological parameters.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: In a prospective trial 266 multiple injured patients were included to evaluate clinical risk factors and immune parameters related to pneumonia. METHODS: Clinical and humoral parameters were assessed and multivariate analysis performed. RESULTS: The multivariate analysis (odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI)) revealed male gender (3.65), traumatic brain injury (TBI) (2.52), thorax trauma (AIS(thorax) > or = 3) (2.05), antibiotic prophylaxis (1.30), injury severity score (ISS) (1.03 per ISS point) and the age (1.02 per year) as risk factors for pneumonia. The main pathogens were Acinetobacter Baumannii (40%) and Staphylococcus aureus (25%). A tendency towards higher Procalcitonin (PCT) and Interleukin (IL)-6 levels two days after trauma was observed for pneumonia patients. CONCLUSION: The immune parameters (PCT, IL-6, IL-10, soluble tumor necrosis factor p-55 and p-75) could not confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia earlier than the clinical parameters.

Adolescent↗

[Reconstruction of shoulder-girdle symmetry after midclavicular fractures. Stable, elastic intramedullary pinning versus rucksack bandage].

The aim of this study was to compare the results achieved in two groups of 20 patients treated for midclavicular fracture. The first group (mean age 36 years) was treated non-operatively with a rucksack bandage, whereas the second group (mean age 37 years) underwent intramedullary fixation with a titanium pin using a minimally invasive, unreamed technique. At follow-up, which averaged 3.1+/-0.9 years in group 1 and 2.9+/-0.7 years in group 2, the result of treatment, as indicated by the Constant score, functional outcome and cosmetic outcome, was significantly better in the group undergoing operative treatment. Clavicle shortening was significantly ( P=0.027) higher in patients treated with a rucksack bandage. The absolute Constant score averaged 78+/-23 in group 1 and 97+/-4 in group 2 ( P=0.001). The Constant rating scale showed a significant difference between patients with clavicle shortening of less than 1 cm and 1 cm shortening or more. There were two non-unions in group 1 but none in group 2. Refractures were not observed in either group. According to these results, intramedullary fixation with a titanium pin seems to be more advantageous in midclavicular fractures than non-operative treatment. As the operation is well received by the patients, it should be offered to them as an alternative treatment to the rucksack bandage.

Adolescent↗

[New biodegradable polylactide implants (Polypin-C) in therapy for radial head fractures].

Dislocated radial head fractures of the type Mason II are usually treated with screws and buttress plates. The implants are generally removed at a later date. Biodegradable implants can be applied successfully for the reduction of small radial head fractures subject to shearing forces and slight loads. The implants are completely absorbed once the fracture has healed, making a second operation for the removal of the implant unnecessary. The Polypin C-Pin is made of poly(L, DL-lactide) mixed with 10% beta-tricalcium phosphate to ensure controlled, slow degradation with no significant side effects. This new Polypin C fixation pin was clinically tested on 35 patients with radial head fractures (CCF 21B2.1 and 21B2.2) from 31.10.1996 until 1.4.2002. A total of 34 of the patients (97.1%) underwent a clinical and conventional radiological follow-up examination after an average of 38.2 months. In 29 cases a CT was also carried out. Between 18 and 24 months, two cases of grade 1 osteolysis were observed around the pin head. No trace of osteolysis was observed at the final examination in either case. According to the Broberg score, an average of 96 out of a possible 100 points were attained at the final examination (31 excellent, 2 good, 1 unsatisfactory). After a period of 24 months, the pins were no longer visible on a conventional x-ray. A CT evaluation showed a density similar to that of spongioid bone in the original pin cavities after 3 years. These excellent clinical results prove that the Polypin C is a good method to treat dislocated radial head fractures.

Absorbable Implants↗

[Categories for evaluating surgical procedures by expert medical witnesses].

An analytical procedure is presented that helps to determine the causes of surgical malpractice. A first evaluation scale of six levels is applied to the assessment of the indications for surgery and the method used as well as a second scale for the technical realisation of the treatment. For the indication and method categories A-F are used.A: method of choice; B: a time-tested method but second choice; C: exceptional method, rarely practised; D: historical method no longer in use; E: incorrect method/simple mistake; F: blatant mistake in the assessment of indication or choice of method, not understandable. To evaluate the technical realisation of treatment a scale from 1 to 6 is applied. 1: excellent realisation; 2: successful, but minor drawbacks; 3: atypical but acceptable result; 4: technically failed but no harm to the patient; 5: insufficient realisation; 6: faulty, grossly failed. Three cases are given as examples. In these cases the use of the proposed categories and scaling leads to differentiated assessments.

Adult↗

[Technique of intramedullary osteosynthesis of the clavicle with elastic titanium nails].

This prospective controlled clinical trial was performed to assess fracture healing and clinical outcome after intramedullary nailing of midclavicular fractures. Within 3.5 years elastic-stable intramedullary nailing was performed in 62 patients with 65 midclavicular fractures. Surgery was performed in supine position. The ventral cortex of the proximal clavicle was opened using a 2.5 mm drill. The nail was advanced laterally under fluoroscopic control. If closed reduction failed, an additional incision was made to enable direct manipulation of the fragments. There were no infections, no implant displacements or refractures. Postoperatively, the mean subjective pain was significantly lower, and the range of motion improved. We observed one nonunion. The mean Constant-score 6 months after hardware removal was 96.9 +/- 3.3 points. Intramedullary fixation of midclavicular fractures with an elastic titanium nail is a safe minimally invasive surgical technique, producing excellent functional and cosmetic results.

Adolescent↗

[Linezolid--a new antibiotic for treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in trauma surgery? Report of 2 cases].

PROBLEM: Infections with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are reported increasingly in intensive care unit and ward, that means not only a dangerous disease but also a considerable expenditure factor. METHODS: In trauma surgery we could observe the Linezolid treatment of 2 patients with a MRSA infection. After treatment with Vancomycin and further evidence of MRSA the application of Linezolid was continued during 3 weeks accompanied by further microbiologic investigations. RESULTS: In a 73 year old man with humerus shaft fracture the MRSA osteomyelitis was eradicated with Linezolid (600 mg/day per os over 3 weeks) after radical débridement and reosteosynthesis. The MRSA pneumonia in a 14 year old girl was treated successfully by Linezolid (600 mg/day i.v. over 3 weeks) and pneumotherapy. Follow up excluded further MRSA infection. CONCLUSIONS: Linezolid represents an efficient new reserve antibiotic. In case of pneumonia, severe skin and soft tissue infections good results can be expected. The treatment of osteomyelitis has been reported only in single cases.

Acetamides↗

[Unusual removal of a Küntscher nail after 35 years].

A 68 year old patient with persistent feeling of sickness and increasing pain in the left forearm was seen. A complex both bone fracture of the distal forearm shaft had been stabilized with Küntscher nails in radius and ulna 35 years ago. The loose ulna nail had been removed after ten weeks. Reosteosynthesis twelve months later with a Küntscher nail and cerclages had led to osteomyelitis and persistent bone defect, possibly caused by galvanic reaction between the different alloyies. A lymphocyte transformation test with nickel sulphate confirmed an allergic reaction and supported the indication to late implant removal. After exposure of the nail's end by a short approach a sufficient take over of power to the implant was reached by a coupling pole. Extraction was stopped after two centimetres by a blockage of the nail. Widening the entry of nail and drilling its whole notch by means of a Kirschner wire using the radiolucent ruler and by the repeated extraction and reinsertion led finally to the complete removal of the nail. Whereas local pain is disappeared three month after removal presenting bland local findings the general condition is improved slowly. Already Küntscher described the blockage of his nail after a short distance extraction. In addition to a number of not always successful means of extraction this method is described for the first time.

Adult↗

[Treatment of metacarpal fractures].

Conservative treatment of metacarpal fractures is recommended if there is no joint displacement, malrotation, displacement of over 30 degrees ad axim and shortening of over 5 mm. Surgery should be performed in open fractures and serial fractures of metacarpal bone. Early functional treatment should be carried out in stable, not displaced fractures. A cast can be used for a short period in full extended position of fingers and flexion in metacarpo-phalangeal joint in 60 - 90 degrees. Twin-tape fixation allows functional treatment after soft-tissue swelling has disappeared. Closed reduction of displaced fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone (boxer's fracture) is not successful. Cases with displacement of over 30 degrees may be treated surgically by intramedullary stabilisation.

Adult↗

[Minimal invasive biological osteosynthesis of the clavicle with a titanium nail].

Until December 2001 84 midclavicular fractures in 80 patients were treated with intramedullary nailing. Postoperatively there was a significant decrease of pain and a significant increase of mobility compared to the situation preoperatively. 6 months after hardware removal the mean Constant-Score was 97.4 points. There was one none union. In one patient there was a loss of reduction with shortening of 1.5 cm. In 5 patients a shortening of the proximal end of the nail had to be performed, due to painful skin irritation. Intramedullary nailing of midclavicular fractures is a safe and minimally invasive operation technique. It should be offered to the patient as an alternative to conservative treatment.

Adult↗

[LISS versus condylar plate].

Up to the seventies the surgical treatment of supra- and bicondylar femoral fractures was difficult and showed a lot of complications. In most studies a conservative treatment was recommended. In the least 30 years the clinical outcome after surgical treatment improved. This was a result of the development of new implants and improved surgical techniques. However, today the primary surgical treatment is the therapy of choice. We reviewed from 1986 to 2001 n = 121 distal femoral fractures which were in 32 cases treated with a Condylar Blade Plate and in 10 cases with a less invasive stabilisation system (LISS). The final results after condylar blade plating were rated using the system that was described by Neer. The averaged follow up time was 9 years. Low postoperative infection rates and in 75% excellent and satisfactory results combined with low cost are the reference for the evaluation of the LISS results. While in our owen series according to the literature there were no significant better functional results for the LISS group than for the Condylar Blade Plate group there were only few autologous bone grafts necessary. Due to the angle-stable self-drilling and self-cutting screws and the Internal-Fixater Principle the LISS has some mechanical and biological edge on the condylar blade plate.

Bone Plates↗

[Intramedullary fixation of pediatric bone shaft fractures].

Intramedullary stabilisation (Prévot-nailing) of shaft fractures in childhood allows full weight bearing without cast. Early fracture healing is seen by respecting soft tissue around fracture and by using distal or proximal approaches. Good indications of femoral shaft osteosynthesis are recommended in oblique- and transverse-fractures. Intramedullary stabilization seems to be a good alternative methode instead of casting calf-shaft-fractures. An instable fracture of forearm may be treated intramedullary to avoid often observed displacement ad axim and rotation. Humoral fractures primary have to be treated conservatively. Only in displaced fractures or in cases with additional injuries an intramedullary procedure with free range of motion is recommended.

Adolescent↗

[Conservative treatment of metacarpal fracture].

Conservative treatment of meatacarpale fracture is recommended if there are no joint displacement, rotation failures, displacement over 30 degrees ad axim and shortening over 5 mm. Operative procedures should be done in open fractures and serial of fractures of metacarpale bones. Early functionally treatment should be done in stable, not displaced fractures. Cast can be used only for a short time in full extended position of fingers and flexion in metacarpo-phalangeal joint in 60-90 degrees. Twin-tapes after reduction of edema allowed free range of motion by fixed rotation. Closed reduction of displaced fractures of fifth metacarpal bone (boxer's fracture) isn't successful. Cases with displacement over 30 degrees may be operatively treated by intramedullary stabilization.

Adult↗

[Stabilizing intramedullary pediatric shaft fractures].

Intramedullary stabilisation (Prévot-nailing) of shaft fractures in childhood allows full weight bearing without cast. Early fracture healing is seen by respecting soft tissue around fracture and by using distal or proximal approaches. Good indications of femoral shaft osteosynthesis are recommended in oblique and transverse fractures. Intramedullary stabilization seems to be a good alternative method instead of casting calf-shaft fractures. An unstable fracture of forearm may be treated intramedullary to avoid often observed displacement ad axim and rotation. Humoral fractures primary have to be treated conservatively. Only in displaced fractures or in cases with additional injuries an intramedullary procedure with free range of motion is recommended.

Adolescent↗