Biomedical subjects

M Ehlinger

Publications and source records attributed to M Ehlinger.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

[Transverse radioulnar branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve: anatomic description and arthroscopic implications from 45 cadaveric dissections].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We conducted an anatomic study of the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve to describe its morphology and position in relation to arthroscopic exploration portals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five non-side-matched anatomic specimens of unknown age and gender were preserved in formol. The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve was identified and dissected proximally to distally in order to reveal the different terminal branches. The morphometric analysis included measurement of the length and diameter of the transverse branch and measurement of wrist width. We also measured the smallest distance between the transverse branch and the ulnar styloid process, and between the branch and usual arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) in the axis of the forearm. RESULTS: The transverse branch was inconstant. It was found in 12 of the 45 dissection specimens (27%). In two-thirds of the specimens, the branch ran over less than 50% of the wrist width, tangentially to the radiocarpal joint. Mean nerve diameter was 1 mm. It was found 5-6 mm from the ulnar styloid process and was distal to it in 83% of the specimens. The dissections demonstrated two anatomic variants. Type A corresponded to a branch running distally to the ulnar styloid process, parallel to the joint line (10/12 specimens). Type B exhibited a trajectory proximal to the ulnar styloid process, crossing the ulnar head (2/12 specimens). The relations with the arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) showed that the mean distance from the branch to the portal was 3.75 mm for the 4-5 portal (distally in 11/12 specimens), 3.68 mm for the 6R portal (distally in 10/12 specimens), and 4.83 mm for the 6U portal (distally in 7 specimens and proximally in 5). DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, there has been only one report specifically devoted to this transverse branch. Two other reports simply mention its existence. According to the literature, the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve occurs in 60-80% of the cases. We found two anatomic variations different than those described in the literature. Based on our findings and data reported previously, we propose a new classification, describing two main types. In Type 1, the transverse branch arises proximally to the ulnar styloid process;type 1A and type IB are described in relation to the direction of the branch. In Type II, the branch arises distally to the ulnar styloid process;type IIA and type IIB again being described in relation to the direction of the branch. On the tangential trajectory over the radiocarpal joint, the morphometric data show a zone of risk described by a rectangle measuring 10 mm wide (6 mm distal and 4 mm proximal to the ulnar styloid process) and covering 50% of the wrist width. The relations with arthroscopic portals describe a zone of risk corresponding to a 5-7 mm radius circle centered on the portals (4-5, 6R, 6U), which includes 83% of the transverse branches.

Arm↗

PubMed2005

[Arthroscopic resection of pigmented villonodular synovitis pseudotumor of the shoulder: a case report with three year follow-up].

Pigmented villonodular synovitis can be localized or diffuse. Lesions predominate in the knee but all of the joints can be involved. Thirty cases in the glenohumeral joint have been reported in the literature. The different reports to date have not identified any specific clinical signs. Our female patient presented non-specific shoulder pain which persisted for three years. The plain x-rays were normal. MRI and arthroscan revealed an intra-articular pseudotumor. Arthroscopy was performed for tumor biopsy which was followed by total resection. The diagnosis of villonodular synovitis pseudotumor suspected at arthroscopy was confirmed at the pathology examination. The functional outcome was excellent and no recurrence has been observed at three years follow-up. Arthroscopy is less aggressive than open surgery for arthrotomy. Arthroscopy must be performed for diagnostic purposes since imaging findings are not specific. Arthroscopic synovectomy is the treatment of choice for pigmented villonodular synovitis in both the diffuse and pseudotumor forms.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

[Clear-cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses: three case reports].

Clear-cell sarcoma (CCS) of tendons and aponeuroses is a rare malignant tumor representing about 1% of soft tissue tumors. Preferentially observed in young adults in the second or third decade, the tumor generally develops in the limbs. Only 2% of SCC of tendons and aponeuroses have been reported in children less than 10 years of age. This slowly progressive tumor usually forms a painless mass. The tumor increases in size followed by metastatic dissemination to lymph nodes and the lungs. The prognosis is related to tumor size. At the present time, the recognized limit is greater than 5 cm. Early diagnosis must be achieved to enable effective treatment by carcinological surgical resection. We report the three cases of CCS of tendons and aponeuroses observed at the Strasbourg University hospital over a 35-year period. Each case had a special clinical presentation. The first patient, treated in 1967, presented tumor bone lysis on the plain x-ray, an observation rarely reported in the literature. In the second patient, treated in 2002, the tumor was discovered after trauma. This patient developed skin ulceration associated with paraplegia secondary to metastatic thoracic cord compression. The third case occurred in a 12-year-old girl, treated in 2002.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Not Available].

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Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

[A new implant for proximal humeral fracture: experimental study of the basket plate].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We conducted a comparative study of three ostheosynthesis systems for proximal humeral fractures. The conclusions led to the elaboration of a rigid extramedullary osteosynthesis implant. This novel implant allows specific fixation of the tuberosities via six adjustable and removable hooks organized like a basket. There are two versions, with and without a central cephalic locking screw. We report two static biomechanical studies conducted to analyze this material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The two studies were performed on fresh frozen cadaver specimens with known bone density and with an experimental model of a four-fragment fracture of the proximal humerus. The first tests were designed to measure axial pressure reproducing the physiological movement applying the most stress on the head of the humerus. This allowed a global analysis of the mechanical behavior of the implant and an assessment of the contribution of the central cephalic locking screw. The second series of tests were traction tests used to analyze the behavior of the tuberosities fixed with the hooks. We assess the assemblies by measuring the mechanical resistance: rigidity of the fixation was recorded in mm/100N. Pre- and post-procedure x-rays and photographs were obtained to allow a subjective assessment of fragment displacement. RESULTS: The first series of tests demonstrated that the implant, with the central cephalic locking screw, presented good overall mechanical properties. The notion of better stability of the tuberosities obtained with the hooks, as seen during the first tests, was reinforced by the data from the second tests, although no statistically significant difference was demonstrated. We also noted that there was no statistically significant correlation between bone density and the slopes of the force-resistance curves. DISCUSSION: This prototype implant has an overall mechanical resistance equivalent to the reference implant, with at least equivalent performance. Proof of the usefulness of the central locking screw was not established, even though improved tolerance to loading by better force distribution seemed apparent. The contribution of the hook basket was not demonstrated. Data from the observations do however suggest the expectations of the implant will be fulfilled. Tests conducted on a larger scale would probably demonstrate a difference. It is clear that the small number of implants used here limited the study. Comparison with data in the literature show that this new prototype is adapted to the mechanics of the proximal humerus. Resistant to physiological stress, the implant allows pendular movement and passive physical therapy during the early post-operative period.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed2004

[Exercise-induced acute bilateral isolated anterolateral compartment syndrome of the leg: a case report of a rare condition].

Acute compartment syndrome of the leg is generally a consequence of trauma. Exercise-induced acute compartment syndrome of the leg is an exceptional clinical entity observed in the context of a chronic compartment syndrome or as an isolated acute syndrome subsequent to an intense effort. Our patient was a young athlete with no history of exercise-induced leg pain. Following a soccer game, he developed an acute leg syndrome involving the anterolateral compartment of both legs. The diagnosis was not suggested by the patient's history (no notion of chronic compartment syndrome) nor the natural history of the condition but was retained on the basis of the clinical presentation and course then confirmed by intramuscular pressure measurements. Emergency treatment by fasciotomy under general anesthesia in the operating room led to cure with no sequela. The fasciotomy was closed on day 9 with simple skin sutures. Surgeons should be aware that acute exercise-induced compartment syndrome (with the risk of severe functional consequences) may be the cause of unexplained intense leg pain. The diagnosis is established on the basis of clinical findings and measurement of intramuscular pressures. Pain is the cardinal sign, sometimes associated with sensorial deficit. The compartment is hard and painful at palpation. Passive stretching exacerbates the pain. Compartment pressure is required for certain diagnosis, most Authors accepting > 30mmHg as a positive test. Emergency fasciotomy is required.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2003

[Epiphyseal tibial osteoblastoma: report of a rare localization and review of the literature].

Osteoblastoma is an uncommon benign bone tumor diagnosed in about 1% of primary bone tumors. Predominantly observed in the axial skeleton, it can be observed in long bones (20%), generally in the diaphysis (80% of the long bone localizations). In typical cases, standard imaging is highly suggestive of the diagnosis. The typical image is a "lytic" zone surrounded by bony condensation, and a minimal osteosclerotic reaction peripherally, rarely invading the soft tissues. Diagnosis is confirmed at pathology: osteoblast-like cells disseminated in an abundant conjunctive background surrounded by immature richly vascularized bone. The tumor we report presented an unusual localization and an atypical aspect on the imaging studies. Located in the tibial epiphysis, this osteoblastoma invaded the soft tissues, as seen on the CT and MRI studies which visualized an encapsulated tumor with a calcified shell and a liquid-like tumefaction suggestive of a tumor arising from the synovial.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Arthroscopy-guided treatment of fractures of the distal radius: 16 wrists].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We report our experience with arthroscopy-guided treatment of fractures of the distal radius. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 2001 and June 2002, 16 patients (10 men, 6 women, mean age 51 years, age range 24-75 years) underwent arthroscopy-guided treatment of articular fractures of the distal radius. Patients were installed with the arm held in a horizontal position with a brace, the wrist under traction. The same procedure was used in all cases: introduction of the arthroscope, joint cleaning and shaving, search for lesions, arthroscopy-guided treatment. Kirschner 2-mm pins were used for fixation in all cases, combined with 1.2-mm pins in the event of ligament injury. RESULTS: Arthroscopic exploration revealed cartilage impaction in 25% of the wrists and ligament injuries in 30%. One fixation disassembled and was not remounted. There were two cases of reflex dystrophy. There were no arthroscopy-related complications. Bone healing was achieved in eight weeks in all cases. The mean DASH score was 22.5 at six months follow-up (range 3-10). DISCUSSION CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy-guided treatment of fractures of the distal radius was attempted for the first time in the early 90s. Per-operative arthroscopy enables a good view of the fracture and associated lesions (cartilage impaction, scapholunate, lunotriquetral ligament injury) and facilitates control of the reduction. Arthroscopy is technically simple and is the technique of choice due to the lack of morbidity. Several authors have reported their experience in more or less extensive series. Two notions should be emphasized. First, defective intra-articular reduction greater than 1 mm may lead to osteoarthritis of the wrist in 90% of the cases. Secondly, intra-operative imaging (fluoroscopy) does not provide sufficient precision to visualize a 1-mm stairstep in the articular surface, raising the risk of radiocarpal degeneration at mid term despite often satisfactory postoperative x-rays. We thus propose intra-operative arthroscopy to control the treatment of all articular wrist fractures, with or without displacement, in order to ensure satisfactory reduction with less than 1-mm defect in the articular surface and to search for and treat any associated bone or ligament injuries not diagnosed before surgery.

Adult↗