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Biomedical subjects

Thomas Nau

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas Nau.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The functional outcome of total tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the skeletally immature patient.

Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the skeletally immature patient are becoming more prevalent. The aim of this study was to describe the functional outcome and to evaluate the best management of total tears of the ACL in skeletally immature patient. Twenty consecutive, skeletally immature patients with a clinically evident rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament were followed up for a mean of 5.4 years. The mean age at the time of injury was 13.9 years old. The study group consisted of 13 girls and 7 boys, who were treated either conservatively, by ACL reconstruction, by primary repair or by delayed ACL reconstruction after skeletal maturity had been reached. Clinical outcomes were measured using the International Knee Documentation Committee Scoring System (IKDC) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scoring System (KOOS). The radiological evaluation was performed using Jaeger and Wirth's criteria, and instrumented laxity testing was carried out with a Rolimeter. Five of the eight patients treated conservatively showed poor function of the knee, and this resulted in instability. Concerning the patients treated by primary repair, delayed ACL reconstruction or arthroscopic debridement, we also found none of the results to be satisfactory (seven of eight patients). The patients that were treated by a reconstruction had the best results. This was confirmed by clinical examination (Lachmann grade 1), by the IKDC (grade B) and by the KOOS with the best quality of life and no giving-way attacks. The level of evidence was therapeutic level III.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of 2 surgical techniques of posterolateral corner reconstruction of the knee.

BACKGROUND: Various surgical techniques to treat posterolateral knee instability have been described. To date, the recommended treatment is an anatomical form of reconstruction, in which the 3 key structures of the posterolateral corner are addressed: the lateral collateral ligament, the popliteofibular ligament, and the popliteus tendon. HYPOTHESIS: Two methods of surgical reconstruction will restore posterolateral knee instability, in terms of static laxity as well as dynamic 6 degrees of freedom kinematics, to statistically significant levels compared with the intact state. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Two surgical techniques (A and B) were used to reconstruct the posterolateral structures in 10 cadaveric knees. Static tests were performed on the intact, sectioned, and reconstructed knees at 30 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion for anterior-posterior laxity and external rotational laxity, as well as at 0 degrees and 30 degrees of flexion for varus laxity; dynamic 6 degrees of freedom kinematic testing, through a path of motion from 90 degrees of flexion to full extension, was also performed. RESULTS: For the static varus tests, external rotation and varus laxity were significantly increased after the posterolateral structures were cut. Both reconstruction techniques restored external rotation and varus laxity to levels not significantly different from the intact state. For technique B, dynamic testing did not show any significant difference for all degrees of freedom kinematics compared with the intact state. However, for technique A, a significant internal tibial rotation was observed throughout the entire path of motion from 0 degrees to 90 degrees of knee flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Both surgical techniques for anatomical posterolateral corner reconstruction showed good results in the static laxity tests. The anatomical reconstruction of all structures, including the popliteus tendon, resulted in an abnormal internal tibial rotation during dynamic testing.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

3D kinematic in-vitro comparison of posterolateral corner reconstruction techniques in a combined injury model.

With the variable injury pattern to the posterolateral structures (PLS) of the knee, a number of reconstructive procedures have been introduced. It was the aim of the present study to evaluate the resulting 3D kinematics following three different surgical techniques of reconstruction in a combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)/PLS injury model. In nine human cadaveric knees, 3D kinematics were recorded during the path of flexion-extension using a computer based custom made 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) testing apparatus. Additional laxity tests were conducted at 30 and 90 degrees of flexion. Testing was performed before and after cutting the PLS and PCL, followed by PCL reconstruction alone. Reconstructing the posterolateral corner, three surgical techniques were compared: (a) the posterolateral corner sling procedure (PLCS), (b) the biceps tenodesis (BT), and (c) a bone patellar-tendon bone (BTB) allograft reconstruction. Posterior as well as rotational laxity were significantly increased after PCL/PLS transection at 30 and 90 degrees of flexion. Isolated PCL reconstruction resulted in a remaining external rotational deficiency for both tested flexion angles. Additional PLS reconstruction closely restored external rotation as well as posterior translation to intact values by all tested procedures. Compared to the intact knee, dynamic testing revealed a significant internal tibial rotation for (b) BT (mean=3.9 degrees, p=0.043) and for (c) BTB allograft (mean=4.3 degrees, p=0.012). (a) The PLCS demonstrated a tendency to internal tibial rotation between 0 and 60 degrees of flexion (mean=2.2 degrees, p=0.079). Varus/valgus rotation as well as anterior/posterior translation did not show significant differences for any of the tested techniques. The present study shows that despite satisfying results in static laxity testing, pathological 3D knee kinematics were not restored to normal, demonstrated by a nonphysiological internal tibial rotation during the path of flexion-extension.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Geriatric polytrauma.

BACKGROUND: compared to a younger population, the treatment of geriatric trauma victims is known to be associated with a higher mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study are to assess the clinical course and outcome of multitrauma patients aged 65 years and over. In addition, a direct comparison between the geriatric trauma patients and the younger collective is performed. METHOD: our study includes all multitrauma patients treated between 1992 and 2001 at a major urban trauma center. The major issues of this analysis are: injury severity, injury pattern, preclinical hemodynamics and intubation rate, operative treatment, ventilation time, outcome as well as incidence of multiorgan failure (MOF) and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Out of these results, adults over 65 years of age (group B, n = 45) are compared to the younger group, ranging from 16 to 64 years of age (group A, n = 369). RESULTS: The preclinical intubation rate was comparable in both groups (A: 73.2%, B: 68.9%). Significantly more cases of group B were primarily shocked (A: 29.0%, B: 48.9%). The mean ISS was comparable in both groups (A: 34.0; B: 32.1). The younger group showed a significantly higher incidence of spine injuries (A: 21.1%; B: 6.7%). The number of emergency procedures (A: 24.2%; B: 24.4%) and operations during the first 24 hours (A: 70.2%; B: 60.0%) was comparable in both groups. The older group showed a lower number of reconstructive operations (A: 57.6%; B: 35.6%). Geriatric trauma patients had a longer ventilation time compared to their younger counterparts (A: 13.0 days, B: 20.0 days). During ICU-therapy, the ARDS rate was comparable (A: 16.0%, B: 15.6%). In contrast, the incidence of MOF was significantly higher in group B (A: 7.1%; B: 17.8%). The older group showed a significantly higher mortality rate (A: 26.8%; B: 53.3%) as well as early mortality during the first 24 hours after admission (A: 16.3%, B: 31.11%). CONCLUSION: Despite similarity in injury severity and a comparable injury pattern, elderly multitrauma patients initially presented a higher rate of hemodynamic instability, had to be ventilated longer and had a higher mortality.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Modern ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: Ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty were already employed three decades ago, but due to high failure rates, their application decreased. However, improved material and design have led to their regaining popularity. The present study evaluates the short-term results of a modern ceramic-on-ceramic bearing in total hip prosthesis. METHODS: 229 total hip arthroplasties, alpha Cera Fit, were implanted in 227 patients over a 12-month period. A follow-up, at a minimum of 36 months, was performed. In addition to demographics, the Harris Hip-Score was used to calculate the clinical results and radiological control was also carried out. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of surgery was 64.6 (+/- 11.7) years. There was no case of deep infection, four patients had superficial wound healing disorders. 197/227 patients with 199 total hip arthroplasties were available for follow-up, with a mean follow-up time of 42 (+/- 2.9) months. The mean Harris Hip-Score was 94.3 (+/- 6.8). Radiological evaluation did not reveal any signs of lysis or loosening. Massive periarticular calcification was seen in three patients, with one that needed surgical debridement. CONCLUSION: The presented modern ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty show excellent clinical and radiological short-term results. The material-related complications reported in former publications were no longer seen.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Hand injury in polytrauma].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate forearm and hand injuries in multitrauma patients and to compare this group of patients to the overall multitrauma population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of a prospectively gathered polytrauma data base a retrospective analysis, including demographics, injury severity, injury pattern and treatment of forearm and hand injuries was performed. RESULTS: Out of 386 patients (G) that had been entered in our polytrauma data base, 26 had forearm and hand injuries (H). The mean age of group (H) was 36.4 years (G: 40.3 years, p = 0.220), the mean ISS of this population was 28,3 (G: 34.5, p = 0.003). Mostly fractures of the radius (50.0%), the metacarpus (53.8%) and the carpus (50.0%) were diagnosed. Surgical interventions of hand- and forearm injuries were done in 15 cases within 24 hours, 4 patients were treated after 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Multiple trauma patients with hand- and forearm injuries showed a statistically significant decreased injury severity and were younger compared to the overall multitrauma population.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗
PubMed2005

The removal of a dislocated femoral interference screw through a posteromedial portal.

The intra-articular migration of a femoral interference screw is a rare complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the knee. Only a few reports of cases have been published within the last few years and different approaches toward this complication have been described. We report the case of a 23-year-old female patient who was admitted with knee pain after undergoing an ACL reconstruction 4 years previously. After the clinical examination, a knee radiograph in 2 planes revealed a dislocated femoral interference screw lying in the popliteal fossa. During arthroscopy, the interference screw was retrieved through an additional posteromedial portal to avoid an arthrotomy. The causes for intra-articular screw migration are multiple and most cases were reported in the early postoperative period. The arthroscopic removal of a screw is recommended because of the lower morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Effects of a femoral shaft fracture on multiply injured patients with a head injury.

To study the effects of a femoral shaft fracture and its early stabilization on the morbidity, mortality, and outcome of patients with multiple injuries and a concomitant head injury, we analyzed the clinical course of patients using a prospectively gathered database. A series of 42 patients with multiple injuries, including head injuries and femoral fractures, formed the study group. A series of 133 patients with multiple injuries and head injuries but without femoral fractures formed the control group. The parameters examined included injury severity, injury pattern, hemodynamics at admission, mortality, duration of ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and outcome. There were no significant differences regarding the demographics, injury severity score (ISS), injury pattern except the extremity Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) between the study and control groups. No significant differences were found in terms of mortality, duration of ventilation/ICU stay, and outcome. Injury severity (ISS), severity of the head injury (AIS), and hemodynamics at admission were shown to have a significant effect on the examined parameters. The present study suggests that a femoral fracture and its early stabilization in a multitrauma patient with a concomitant head injury do not adversely affect mortality and outcome and supports aggressive surgical management for these patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Psychopathologic deficits after polytrauma in childhood and adolescence].

PURPOSE: The aim of this report was to evaluate psychological deficits following polytrauma in childhood and adolescence as well as to detect psychological vulnerable phases during the treatment period. METHODS: From 9/92 to 12/98, 41 polytrauma patients (18a or younger) were treated at the University of Vienna Medical School, Trauma Center. Out of the 28 survivors, patients with head injuries and congenital neurological deficits were excluded, leaving 10 young patients that were eligible for psychological testing after a mean follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 1 to 7 years). Besides catamnesis and diagnostic interviews, an evaluation of cognitive functions as well as personality tests were performed. RESULTS: The diagnostic interviews revealed mild psychiatric symptoms in 2/10 patients, but the cognitive functions did not show any deficits compared to normal values. The personality tests presented stress-avoiding strategies and an increased anxiety sensitivity in 2/10 patients. The catamnesis constantly revealed 2 vulnerable phases in all patients: 1. the transfer from the intensive care unit to the normal ward, 2. the retransfer to the domestic field after a long hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The present report suggests that the long-term psychological outcome following polytrauma in childhood and adolescence may be good, without any major disorders. The described critical phases during treatment demonstrate that psychological support in the young, severely injured patient should start very early on at the intensive care unit.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

Primary total knee arthroplasty for periarticular fractures.

We present a series of 6 patients with periarticular fractures of the knee that were treated by primary total joint arthroplasty. These fractures around in 6 elderly women, three in the proximal tibia and three in the distal femoral. All the patients had osteoarthritis and osteopenia. In five patients, a hinged total knee arthroplasty was performed, and in one case an unconstrained prosthesis was performed. Cementing techniques were used in all. Postoperatively, immediate mobilization with full weight bearing was initiated. No radiographic or clinical evidence of loosening was seen, and the functional outcome was satisfying. The results suggest that another treatment option for intra-articular distal femoral or intra-articular proximal tibial fractures in elderly patients with severe osteopenia and osteoarthritis is primary total knee arthroplasty. Furthermore, this primary total knee arthroplasty may require some degree of constraint.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2003

Fixation of femoral fractures in multiple-injury patients with combined chest and head injuries.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present paper was to study the effects of a femoral shaft fracture and its early stabilization on the morbidity, mortality, and outcome of multiple-injury patients with combined blunt head and chest trauma. The clinical course of patients was analysed using a prospectively gathered data base. METHODS: Out of 352 multitrauma patients, from September 1992 to June 2000, we identified 28 patients with combined blunt chest and head trauma (abbreviated injury scale >/= 2) and a femoral fracture as the study group. A total of 120 patients with combined chest and head trauma but without femoral fracture formed the control group. Parameters examined included injury severity, injury pattern, haemodynamics at admission, mortality, duration of ventilation, length of stay in intensive care unit, and outcome. RESULTS: There were no significant differences regarding the demographics and injury severity (injury severity score) between the two groups. No significant differences were found in terms of mortality, duration of ventilation\intensive care unit stay and outcome. Injury severity (P < 0.0001), age (P = 0.0153), and haemodynamics at admission (P = 0.0036) were shown to have a significant effect on mortality and outcome. Injury severity (P < 0.0001) and age (P = 0.017) had a significant effect on the duration of ventilation\intensive care unit stay. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that a femoral shaft fracture and its early stabilization in a multitrauma patient with combined chest and head injury do not adversely affect mortality and outcome and supports aggressive surgical management for these patients.

Adolescent↗