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Biomedical subjects

Tamir Pritsch

Publications and source records attributed to Tamir Pritsch.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Knee stability after resection of the proximal fibula.

Managing tumors of the proximal fibula may require en bloc resection of the fibular head with the attachment site for the lateral collateral ligament. These resections of the proximal fibula cause unavoidable knee instability. We describe a reconstructive technique intended to minimize that instability. We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who had proximal fibular resections from 1987 to 2004 and analyzes their knee stability and functional outcome. Resections were less (Type I) or more (Type II) radical depending upon the tumor type. Reconstruction included stapling the lateral collateral ligament to the lateral tibial metaphysis, cast immobilization, and protected weightbearing for 3 weeks. MSTS function scores were available for 19 of the 24 patients. At their most recent followup, 20 patients had a stable knee, three had 1 to 5 mm lateral joint space opening, and one had 6 to 10 mm lateral joint space opening. Patients with Type I resection had a better stability and function than those with a Type II resection. Stapling the lateral collateral ligament was a reliable technique for reconstructing the lateral collateral ligament after resecting the proximal fibula.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Popliteal sarcomas: presentation, prognosis, and limb salvage.

Soft tissue sarcomas of the popliteal fossa are rare diseases. Resection is challenging because of their extracompartmental location and proximity to neurovascular structures. Their prognosis is inferior to intracompartmental extremity soft tissue sarcomas. We ascertained the mode of initial presentation, the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis, and the morbidity and complications of limb salvage procedures. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 29 consecutive patients operated on between 1989 and 2003. The median followup was 79 months. Sixteen, five, and eight patients were diagnosed with high-, intermediate-, and low-grade tumors, respectively. High-grade tumors were smaller than low- and intermediate-grade tumors. Thirty-one percent of patients presented with localized pain. Of the 26 patients who had primary limb salvage resections, 14 had negative surgical margins, six had close margins, and six had positive margins. Seventeen patients were treated with radiotherapy and 10 patients received chemotherapy. The local recurrence rate was 10.3%, four patients with high-grade tumors had distant metastasis, and the limb-salvage rate was 86.2%. Postoperatively, six patients experienced wound dehiscence and four had mild flexion contractures. Soft tissue sarcomas of the popliteal fossa have an atypical presentation. Limb salvage can be accomplished in most patients with low morbidity and good systemic and local control.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Is scapular endoprosthesis functionally superior to humeral suspension?

Humeral suspension was the most popular reconstructive procedure after total scapulectomy until the early 1990s. Since 1992 the senior author has been performing scapular endoprosthetic reconstruction after total scapulectomy whenever the rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, deltoid, and trapezius were preserved. We hypothesized that scapular endoprosthetic reconstruction resulted in better functional and cosmetic results than humeral suspension. From 1979 to 2003, 32 consecutive patients had total scapulectomies. Reconstructions included humeral suspensions in 16 patients and scapular endoprostheses in 16 patients. Functional and cosmetic results were compared retrospectively between the two groups. Patients with scapular endoprostheses had better functional results and superior cosmesis as compared with patients with humeral suspension. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores for patients with scapular endoprostheses and humeral suspensions were 78.5% and 58.5% respectively. Seven patients with scapular endoprostheses had greater than 40 degrees abduction and 11 patients with humeral suspensions could not abduct the shoulder greater than 20 degrees. Twelve patients with humeral suspensions and none with scapular endoprostheses wore shoulder pads or customized orthoses for cosmetic purposes. After total scapulectomy, scapular endoprosthetic reconstruction led to better functional and cosmetic results than humeral suspension and therefore we recommend performing this reconstructive procedure whenever the rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, deltoid, and trapezius are preserved.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Two incision synovectomy and radiation treatment for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee with extra-articular component.

Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee is a rare, locally aggressive disease. Since 1995 the senior author has been treating patients with diffuse intra- and extra-articular PVNS of the knee with a bimodality treatment protocol, consisting of anterior and posterior open synovectomies in conjunction with external-beam radiation. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical technique, evaluate our protocol's efficacy in limiting local recurrences, and assess its functional implications and associated morbidities. The medical records of nine consecutive patients were analyzed. Functional results were measured using the Knee Society score. The mean follow-up was 67 months (range 37-103 months). Eight patients were disease free and one patient had local recurrence, which was extra-articular, localized and non-progressive. The mean knee rating and functional rating had significantly improved from 65.2 and 70 preoperatively to 93.7 and 96.6 postoperatively respectively. Maximal knee flexion ranged from 90 degrees to 130 degrees, and only 3 patients developed flexion contractures of 5 degrees. In conclusion our bimodality protocol of anterior and posterior open synovectomies, in conjunction with external-beam radiation, limited the recurrence of diffuse intra- and extra-articular PVNS of the knee. All patients showed good-to-excellent functional outcomes and were able to return to their previous level of activity.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The importance of the valgus stress test in the diagnosis of posterolateral instability of the knee.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of posterolateral instability of the knee is often based on a typical indirect mechanism of injury, a history of "giving way" and a positive dial test. Our search of the English literature revealed no mention of including the valgus stress test in the diagnostic protocol for posterolateral instability. HYPOTHESIS: Based on our experience, we hypothesised that a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear will also produce a positive dial test and that a valgus stress test would provide differential diagnostic information. METHODS: The MCL's of 14 fresh cadaveric knees (7 cadavers) were cut to simulate a grade 3 tear, taking care not to damage the medial retinaculum or the posteromedial stabilisers of the knee. The amount of tibial external rotation (the dial test) was measured for each knee before and after transection of the MCL. RESULTS: The results of the dial test after transection of the MCL were similar to those stemming from a solitary injury to the posterolateral corner. There was a significant increase in external rotation of the knee in 30 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion. More over, external rotation in 30 degrees was significantly greater than external rotation in 90 degrees of knee flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Whenever suspecting a posterolateral complex injury, one has to carefully perform a valgus stress test in 0 degrees and 30 degrees. Although the support of a clinical study is needed in order to make a definite conclusion, the dial test is probably not reliable in the presence of medial instability, and alternative diagnostic measures should be used.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2006

Meralgia paresthetica: A retrospective analysis of 79 patients evaluated and treated according to a standard algorithm.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of various treatment modalities in meralgia paresthetica (MP) is not established. We retrospectively evaluated the management of spontaneous MP (i.e. MP not secondary to trauma or surgery) according to a standard algorithm. METHODS: Initial management included oral medications, rest, and reduction of aggravating factors. Non-responders underwent a diagnostic local anesthetic nerve block test. Patients who responded with transient symptomatic relief were treated by local infiltration of corticosteroids. Surgical intervention was reserved for patients with positive nerve block test, who did not respond to nonoperative measures. RESULTS: A negative nerve block test ruled out the diagnosis of MP in 6/86 patients. Of 79 patients with MP, 21 responded to the initial nonoperative treatment and 48 patients responded to local corticosteroids. 3 of the remaining 10 patients underwent surgery (nerve transection 2, neurolysis 1). During an average of 3 (1-13) years of follow-up, symptoms consistent with MP did not recur in any of the 72 patients in whom symptoms had resolved after treatment. INTERPRETATION: The algorithm used proved to be useful in the management of spontaneous meralgia paresthetica.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Anterior cruciate ligament injuries].

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common, especially in young individuals who participate in sports activities associated with pivoting, decelerating and jumping. About 70% of ACL injuries do not result from direct contact. Establishing risk factors is important for prevention strategies. Risk factors for ACL injuries include environmental factors (e.g. high level of friction between shoes and the playing surface) and anatomical factors (e.g. narrow femoral intercondylar notch and increased joint laxity). History taking and physical examination provide the basis for diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly sensitive and specific and provides information about associated injuries such as meniscal tears. ACL-injury leads to knee instability which is associated with both acute dysfunction and long-term degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis and meniscal damage. Surgical treatment of ACL-tears is effective in regard to short term rehabilitation but does not necessarily alter the natural course of this injury and its long-term complications. Therefore, surgical treatment should be reserved primarily for young individuals and for those who are high risk for ACL injury. ACL reconstruction is the standard surgery; however, a wide variety of reconstruction procedures is available and a gold standard procedure has not been defined. Nevertheless, arthroscopic reconstruction with either bone-patellar tendon-bone or a hamstring tendon graft is the most widely used method. Surgical timing is important. Early surgical intervention (i.e. within 4 weeks of injury) might increase complications.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗
PubMed2004

[Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction].

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is the most common cause of acquired flatfoot in adults. The posterior tibial tendon is the primary dynamic stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Various histological alterations in the tendon substance disrupt the normal linear structure of the collagen fibers. As a result the tendon weakens, elongates, tears and its function is compromised. This in turn places the static stabilizers of the arch under excessive stress, which eventually leads to their collapse and formation of pes planovalgus deformity. Many etiologies have been proposed as an underlying cause of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The average age at the time of presentation is forty years and many of the patients are women, white, obese and suffer from hypertension. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical findings and supported by radiographic findings. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction was classified by Johnson and Strom according to the appearance of pes planovalgus deformity, its flexibility and the development of arthritic changes in the subtalar and ankle joints. In Stage I there is no deformity, in Stage II there is a flexible deformity, in stage III there is a rigid deformity and in stage IV there is an involvement of the ankle joint secondary to long standing rigid deformity of the hindfoot. The initial treatment for any stage should be non-operative and includes immobilization and anti-inflammatory drugs for the acute phase and different kinds of orthotics for the chronic phase. Failure of the non-operative treatment is an indication for surgery. The surgical procedures for the first stage include soft tissue debridement with or without tendon transfer. The surgical procedures for second stage include tendon transfer combined with various osteotomies or joint fusions. The surgical procedures for the third and fourth stages are triple arthrodesis and pantalar arthrodesis respectively.

Flatfoot↗
PubMed2004

[Carpal tunnel syndrome].

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome. Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, disrupts the blood-nerve barrier causing edema, inflammation and fibrosis of its surrounding connective tissues. In the next stage of the syndrome there is a disruption of the myelin coverage of the nerve followed by damage to the axons. Most carpal tunnel syndromes are idiopathic. Other causes include intrinsic factors (which cause pressure within the tunnel), extrinsic factors (which cause pressure from outside the tunnel) and overuse/exertional factors. Patients usually report numbness and pain of the palmar aspect of their 1st, 2nd, 3rd and radial half of their 4th finger, night pain and gradual worsening of their symptoms. At a later stage, weakness and atrophy of the thenar muscles appears. The physical examination may show a decrease in sensibility, positive provocative tests and a decrease in thenar strength. The typical finding in the nerve conduction tests is a prolonged latency period. The conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome includes ergonomic modifications, anti inflammatory medications and splintage and less frequently, special exercise and therapeutic ultrasound. The indications for operative treatment are failure of conservative treatment or severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of the operation is to relieve the pressure in the carpal tunnel by dissecting the transverse ligament. The operation can be done in an open approach, endoscopic approach or limited invasive approach.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗