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Biomedical subjects

U Lanz

Publications and source records attributed to U Lanz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Long-term results after resection arthroplasty in patients with arthrosis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint: comparison of abductor pollicis longus and flexor carpi radialis tendon suspension].

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: This retrospective analysis focused on a comparison of long-term results in patients who underwent resection of the trapezium with subsequent arthroplasty and tendon suspension using either the abductor pollicis longus (APL) or the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. METHOD AND MATERIAL: Based upon a positive history along with a clinical and radiological examination, 20 patients underwent suspension arthroplasty using the APL tendon (APL group) and 21 patients suspension arthroplasty using the FCR tendon (FCR group) after trapeziectomy. In both groups mean age (APL group: 60.4 +/- 5.3; FCR group: 61.7 +/- 6.8 years), pain severity according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; APL group: 6.7 +/- 1.9; FCR group: 6.9 +/- 1.7), severity of arthrosis in the thumb carpometacarpal joint according to the Eaton-Littler classification (APL group: 3 +/- 0.7; FCR group: 3.2 +/- 0.6) and time interval from onset of symptoms to surgery (APL group: 27 +/- 8.1; FCR group: 41.5 +/- 14.1 months) did not significantly differ. Each patient of both groups was treated surgically and reviewed by one experienced hand surgeon. Both groups received the same standardized postoperative treatment. RESULTS: In the APL group the mean operative time was significantly shorter (31.7 +/- 9.5 min) than in the FCR group (48.7 +/- 7.9 min). The follow-up period from surgery to the final examination was similar in both groups (APL group: 23.1 +/- 12.2; FCR group: 31 +/- 17.6 months). At the time of the final examinations, no statistically significant differences were found when analyzing the results of the DASH score (APL group: 20.1 +/- 15.1; FCR group: 29.3 +/- 15.7), the self-administered hand ability score (APL group: 1.7 +/- 0.6; FCR group: 2.1 +/- 0.6) and the VAS (APL group: 1.1 +/- 1.6; FCR group: 0.8 +/- 1.5). The time period from surgery to the offset of postoperative pain was also comparable in both groups (APL group: 5 +/- 1.8; FCR group: 5.3 +/- 2.5 months). The range of abduction in the first carpometacarpal joint after arthroplasty, parallel and perpendicular to the dorsum of the hand, was also similar in both groups (APL group: 63.4 +/- 14.3 degrees /62.1 +/- 11 degrees ; FCR group: 67.8 +/- 12.7 degrees /66 +/- 12.1 degrees ). However, patients enrolled in the APL group revealed significantly better results compared to patients in the FCR group regarding grip-strength, key and pinch grip (APL group: 23.9 +/- 9.7/6.6 +/- 2.4/6.2 +/- 2.8 kg; FCR group: 17 +/- 7.2/4.5 +/- 1.5/3.6 +/- 1.5 kg). CONCLUSION: Both techniques led to highly satisfactory results as seen in DASH and VAS data together with a near normal range of abduction in the first carpometacarpal joint in all enrolled patients. However, in direct comparison the APL procedure is technically easier to perform with significantly shorter surgery time recorded and significantly higher values in all force parameters compared to the FCR procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Outcome analysis, including patient and parental satisfaction, regarding nonvascularized free toe phalanx transfer in congenital hand deformities.

The therapy for congenital hand malformations, especially in symbrachydactyly and constriction ring syndromes, is challenging. Between 1975 and 1995, 20 children with congenital hand deformities underwent reconstruction by 56 nonvascularized free toe phalanx transfers. The average age at initial surgery was 4.8 (range, 0.5 to 22) years. Retrospectively, the children were examined after an average of 3.5 (range, 1.5 to 17.6) years for function of the hand, transplanted phalanx growth, assessment for the epiphyseal plate, and assessment for psychologic performance with their parents. Donor-site morbidity was determined according to measured growth deficit, observing the child's gait, and toe function. In the younger patients (up to 1.5 years), the grafts were well tolerated and showed good growth and only few resorptions. In the age group from 1.5 to 4 years, the grafts showed no growth. In the age group older than 4 years, the grafts were mostly resorbed. The clinical reexamination revealed in most cases only passive motion in the joints, but the function of the hand was improved, with only few problems of the donor site. Most patients and their parents reported a positive effect of the phalanx transfer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Revision surgery after carpal tunnel release--analysis of the pathology in 200 cases during a 2 year period.

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is regarded as a common and successful operative procedure in hand surgery. However, an increasing number of patients with complications have been referred to our hospital. This retrospective investigation was undertaken to clarify the reasons for persisting or recurrent symptoms in 200 patients who underwent secondary exploration during a 26 month period at a single institution. In 108 cases, the flexor retinaculum was found to have been released incompletely. In 12 patients, a nerve laceration had occurred during the primary intervention. In 46 patients, symptoms were due to the nerve being tethered in scar tissue. The re-exploration revealed circumferential fibrosis around and within the median nerve in 17 patients and a tumour in the carpal tunnel in four patients. In 13 patients, no specific reason was found for recurrence of symptoms. We conclude that CTR seems to be a widely underestimated procedure and revision surgery could be largely avoided by reducing technical errors during the primary operation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Non-vascularized free toe phalanx transplantation in the treatment of symbrachydactyly and constriction ring syndrome.

Forty-eight patients underwent a total number of 113 non-vascularized free toe phalanx transplantations for congenital short digits between 1975 and 2003, a mean number of 2.3 transplanted phalanges per patient. The mean age at the time of initial surgery was 3.6 years (range 6 months to 21 years). The follow-up time ranged from 4 months to 14 years with a mean of 6 years. Sixty-four phalanges showed radiographically measured growth, 22 phalanges showed signs of resorption, while 27 phalanges showed neither growth nor resorption. Resorption increased with patient age. Three patients developed donor site problems. The optimum timing for initial surgery is as early as possible because of the safer and greater growth potential and less resorption of the transplanted phalanges. Non-vascularized free toe phalanx transplantations offer a simple and safe method of lengthening with a significant improvement of hand function.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

[Differential diagnosis of the signal-compromised lunate in MRI].

PURPOSE: To define both the underlying pathology and diagnostic criteria in lunates presenting with conspicuous signal pattern in MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective evaluation of 2940 MRI examinations revealed 203 patients with signal alterations of the lunate. All MRI examinations were performed on 1.5-Tesla platforms using dedicated surface coils and an intravenous contrast agent. To establish a definitive diagnosis, a total of 252 MRI examinations (49 follow-ups), 22 CT examinations and 4 arthroscopic studies were obtained in addition to the obligatory conventional radiographs. RESULTS: Incorporating all clinical data, radiographs and MRI examinations succeeded in assigning a diagnosis in 136 signal-compromised lunates (67.0 %), whereas additional diagnostic procedures or follow-up examinations were required for the definitive diagnosis in 57 cases (33.0 %). The most frequent entities were 51 cases of Kienbock's disease (25.1 %), 47 cases of ulnolunate-(triquetral) impaction syndromes (23.2 %) and 44 cases of intra-osseous ganglion cysts (21.7 %). Other pathologies included 23 degenerative, 19 traumatic and 10 inflammatory changes as well as 9 congenital conditions. For MRI assessment of the altered lunate, the most important parameters were location and morphology as well as involvement of the articular and osseous structures of the carpus. CONCLUSION: The lunate may be affected by different pathological states of the wrist. In total, only one quarter of the signal-compromised lunate represented Kienboeck's disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with familial accumulation].

We report on a six-year-old girl with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with familial accumulation. Parents and one grandmother had positive history for CTS, treated by surgical decompression. Following neurologic and radiologic evaluation and after failed conservative treatment in a plaster cast, open carpal tunnel release was performed in a two-stage procedure. Postoperatively symptoms diminished and now six months after surgery, all complaints disappeared completely.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗
PubMed2004

[Ulnar instability of the carpus].

Ulnar instabilities of the carpus are rare findings depending on a dissociation of the lunotriquetral (LT-) junction. They are frequently not recognized or confused with ulnocarpal complaints of other origin due to missing typical clinical or radiological indications. The central structures are the os triquetrum and its connections to the os lunatum, the distal carpal row, radius and ulna. The most important causes are injuries, but degeneration, ulnar impaction syndrome or the ulna plus variant can also be involved. The symptoms are ulnar-sided pain, sensations of instability and weakness as well as "clunking" sensations in the ulnar wrist. Clinical examination may reveal tenderness in the LT-interval, between the ECU- and FCU-tendons, and displacement of the triquetrum on palpation. The LT-interval is rarely extended in conventional X-rays. A VISI position of the os lunatum is found in instabilities of higher degree. A distinct diagnosis is only achieved by arthroscopy. Conservative treatment consists of 4-8 weeks of arm immobilization. Diagnostic arthroscopy can be combined with débridement and/or closed reduction of the LT-interval with consecutive percutaneous k-wire fixation. If a repair of the LT-ligament is not possible, reconstructive methods are indicated. They include extrinsic tenodesis with part of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, ligamentoplasty or osteoligamentous autografts. The role of lunotriquetral arthrodesis is considered to be controversial, due to a high rate of non-fusions. Simple correction of the LT-dissociation does not resolve the static instability of the proximal row (VISI-position of the lunatum). In these cases, salvage procedures such as limited arthrodesis of the wrist, proximal row carpectomy or complete arthrodesis are indicated.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed2004

[Salvage operations and their differential indication for the distal radioulnar joint].

The most common cause of an arthritically damaged distal radioulnar joint is a malunion of a distal radius fracture. Therapeutically, ulnar head resection, hemiresection-interposition-technique, Kapandji-Sauvé procedure and implantation of an ulnar head prosthesis have been described. None of these procedures is able to restore the complete function of the joint. Therefore, anatomical reconstruction of the joint in acute or secondary correction osteotomy for malunited fractures of the distal radius should be performed to avoid the development of the arthrosis. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated a similar reduction of the clinical symptoms for all procedures. Therefore, classification of the different procedures has to consider the number of complications. Biomechanically, partial resection of the distal ulna will destabilize the distal radioulnar context and clinically may lead to painful radioulnar and/or dorsopalmar instability of the distal ulnar stump. Biomechanically and clinically, this complication, next to secondary extensor tendon ruptures, has to be expected far more often following complete resection of the ulnar head than in the alternative procedures. We do not see any remaining indication for complete resection of the ulnar head. Clinical results and the occurrence of painful instability of the distal ulnar stump have been reported almost identically for the hemiresection-interposition technique and the Kapandji Sauvé procedure. Therefore, both procedures appear to be equally suitable for the treatment of painful arthrosis of the distal radioulnar joint. In patients with a preexisting instability of the distal radioulnar joint, or a major deformity of the radius or the ulna, we prefer to perform the hemiresection-interposition-technique. In these conditions we consider the remaining contact of the triangular fibrocartilage complex with the distal end of the ulna a biomechanical advantage to reduce the risk of secondary instability. Biomechanically as well as clinically, replacement of the ulnar head using a prosthesis has been shown to either avoid or solve the problem of instability. We therefore consider ulnar head replacement the treatment of choice in secondary painful instability following resection procedures at the distal end of the ulna. Primary ulnar head replacement should be considered in special indications until long-term follow-up results are available.

Arthroplasty↗
PubMed2004

[Recurrent highly-differentiated eccrine carcinoma of the thumb -- a case report].

The eccrine carcinoma is a rare tumour originating from the sweat glands. They are mainly located in the palm of the hand and the sole of the foot, the digits, the head and the trunk. We report on a now 68-year-old male, who underwent partial amputation of the thumb at the level of the proximal phalanx due to an eccrine carcinoma in 1990. In the following years, three local recurrences were excised. After the exclusion of metastases an amputation at the MP I level was performed at our institution. To restore grip function, we performed a distraction of the first metacarpal bone followed by deepening of the first web space. So far, there are no defined treatment recommendations due to the rarity of the tumor. In some cases, metastatic disease has been reported, and in most cases, a high rate of local recurrence. After diagnostic biopsy, we recommend staging to exclude metastatic spread of the tumor followed by aggressive local surgical treatment.

Acrospiroma↗
PubMed2004

[Chondrosarcomas of the hand].

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of a chondrosarcoma of the hand can be difficult for the surgeon as well as for the pathologist. The histological criteria for differentiation between chondrosarcoma and chondroma are not well-defined. Nevertheless, distinguishing the two entities is clinically relevant, as chondrosarcomas of the hand, despite their low tendency for metastatic spread, require a prompt and more radical treatment than chondromas. METHOD AND MATERIAL: From 1996 to 2003, we treated four patients with a histologically diagnosed chondrosarcoma of the metacarpal bones and phalanges. Two patients were female and two male with a mean age of 42 years. The duration between the first clinical symptoms and first surgery ranged from two months to 30 years. Three out of four patients underwent primary treatment in other institutions, always under the histologic diagnosis of a chondroma. The mean follow-up ranged from nine months to seven years. RESULTS: The histological diagnosis of chondrosarcoma was followed by ray resection in three cases. Two tumors were grade 1 and two tumors grade 2. During follow-up, the patients showed no local recurrence and no metastatic spread. CONCLUSION: Since the differentiation between chondroma and chondrosarcoma is difficult, a good cooperation between surgeon, radiologist and pathologist is required. Despite the low metastatic potential of chondrosarcomas of the hand in comparison with other sites, ray resection or digital amputation is recommended to avoid local recurrence. In cases with only local excision, close follow-up is recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist].

PURPOSE: Osteoid osteoma is a painful benign bone tumour and very rare in the hand and wrist. Diagnosis may be very difficult and often is made after multiple previous diagnostic errors. METHODS AND PATIENTS: From 1992 until 2003, 22 patients (11 men, 11 women) were operated on because of an osteoid osteoma of the hand or wrist in our hospital. The mean age was 30 years, ranging from 14 to 62 years. We retrospectively analysed patient records. A clinical examination with X-ray control was performed in 14 patients. Five patients were questioned by phone; three patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: The mean time interval between onset of symptoms and surgical removal of the tumour was approximately two years. Symptoms were often non-specific; clinical findings varied according to localisation of the tumour. Conventional X-rays did not always show typical pathological findings. Bone scanning and gadolinium-enhanced MRI proved to be very sensitive in detecting the pathological process. High-resolution CT-scan demonstrated the nidus exactly. Usually, operative removal of the nidus resulted in immediate pain relief. At follow-up, 18 patients were free of pain. However seven patients had had a revision operation; in four of those, osteoid osteoma recurred once again. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, it is important to consider osteoid osteoma as a possible cause of otherwise unexplained pain of the hand or wrist. If there is clinical suspicion, we recommend the early use of gadolinium-enhanced MRI as a sensitive screening method. Thus, it should be possible to shorten the time interval until correct diagnosis is established.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Nonoperative treatment of ischemic contractures of forearm and hand].

The acute compartment syndrome of the forearm and hand leads to severe muscle necrosis and nerve damage if the diagnosis is not recognized. The resulting ischemic contractures and paralyses require a distinctive regime of therapy. Therefore,physiotherapy and occupational therapy are of main importance. In mild cases exclusively nonoperative treatment is possible. The goal is to exercise the function of the remaining muscles, mobilize the joints, and stretch muscle scars. Severe forms need surgery. To reach the best starting point for the operation, extensive preoperative active and passive exercises as well as splint therapy are required. Postoperatively, this regime has to be continued to retain a favorable outcome. The treatment approach is demonstrated with a case report.

Compartment Syndromes↗
PubMed2003

[Treatment of hand surgery patients in chronic pain].

The treatment of hand surgery patients suffering from chronic pain requires an interdisciplinary procedure. An imbalance between nociception and antinociception can be seen as a reason for the chronification of pain. The complexity of the problem of chronic pain patients is marked by a wide variety of symptoms. Full diagnostic assessment to detect or to exclude other organic diseases is required. Rehabilitation to improve function and reduce pain intensity has priority. Our therapeutic strategy consists of intensive physiotherapy and analgesic drugs as well as a series of blockades with buprenorphine (Temgesic) of the ganglion stellatum (GLOA). This specific therapy achieved an improvement of the function of the upper extremity and a reduction of pain intensity. The majority of patients were satisfied with the outcome.

Analgesia↗
PubMed2003

[Direct MR arthrography of the wrist in comparison with arthroscopy: a prospective study on 125 patients].

OBJECTIVE: In literature the diagnostic value of MRI for detecting lesions of the carpal ligaments and the TFCC is judged controversially. The aim of the following study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of direct MR arthrography for depicting and staging of intraarticular lesions of the wrist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One day before undergoing arthroscopy, 125 patients suffering from wrist pain were examined with direct MR arthrography in a prospective and blinded study. A mixture of contrast medium (iodine-containing contrast medium and gadopentetate in relation 200 : 1) was injected into both radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. The following sequences were acquired on a 1.5T scanner: coronal T1-weighted SE, coronal fat-saturated T1-weighted SE, coronal T1-/T2*-DESS-3D, and sagittal T2*-weighted MEDIC. MRI results were compared with arthroscopic findings using statistical analysis (SEN = sensitivity, SPE = specificity, PPV = positive predictive value, NPV = negative predictive value, ACC = accuracy). RESULTS: In comparison to arthroscopy as the accepted diagnostic gold standard, the following results were found for MR arthrography. Detection of TFCC lesions: SEN 97.1 %, SPE 96.4 %, PPV 97.1 %, NPV 96.4 %, ACC 96.8 %. Detection of complete tears of the scapholunate ligament: SEN 91.7 %, SPE 100 %, PPV 100 %, NPV 99.1%, ACC 99.2%. Detection of partial tears: SEN 62.5 %, SPE 100 %, PPV 100 %, NPV 94.8 %, ACC 95.2 %. Detection of cartilage defects: SEN 84.2 %, SPE 96.2 %, PPV 80 %, NPV 97.1 %, ACC 94.4 %. In total, only three lesions of the lunotriquetral ligament were present. CONCLUSION: Direct MR arthrographic imaging is well suited for detecting intraarticular lesions of the wrist. The presented diagnostic results of MR arthrography are superior to the results of unenhanced MRI reported in the literature. Direct MR arthrography as a reliable diagnostic tool is strongly recommended if lesions of the scapholunate ligament and the triangular fibrocartilage complex are suspected. In contrast, an attitude of caution must be adopted in diagnosing lesions of the articular cartilage of the wrist.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[The hemiresection-interposition arthroplasty as a salvage procedure for the arthrotically destroyed distal radioulnar joint].

The arthrotically destroyed distal radioulnar joint will lead to painful limitation of forearm rotation. Alternative treatment options are the hemiresection-interposition arthroplasty or the Kapandji-Sauvé procedure. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results following the hemiresection-interposition arthroplasty in non-rheumatoid patients. The most common posttraumatic cause of the arthrosis was the malunited distal radius fracture. In a retrospective study we examined 36 of 51 patients with a mean age of 53 years after an average follow up of 34 months clinically, radiologically and using the DASH questionnaire. The average preoperative pain measured 7.8 on the visual analog scale and was reduced statistically highly significant (p < 0.01) to 3.9. Whilst pronation increased statistically not significantly from a mean of 74 degrees to 76 degrees (p = 0.428), supination improved significantly from 54 degrees to 69 degrees (p - 0.012). The average grip strength increased statistically highly significant (p<0.001) from 40% to 64% compared to the unaffected side. Patients' satisfaction with the result averaged 6.9 on a visual analog scale. Using a modified Mayo-wrist score, six patients were rated to have an excellent, eleven patients a good, ten patients a satisfactory and four patients a poor result. The average DASH score measured 35. In 21 patients radioulnar impingement was found. This appeared to be painful in 14 patients and required revision surgery using the ulnar head prosthesis in five patients. In three patients, secondary ulnar shortening had to be performed due to a remaining painful impaction of the distal ulna against the lunate and triquetrum. Comparing our clinical results with the reported results following the Kapandji-Sauvé procedure from the literature, there was no evident superiority of either of the procedures. There is a need for a functional evaluation following the Kapandji-Sauvé procedure to compare the remaining functional impairment following both procedures. In conclusion both procedures have to be classified salvage procedures and therefore the indication should be limited to the arthrotically destroyed distal radioulnar joint.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[The posttraumatic carpal collapse--long-term results after midcarpal fusion].

PURPOSE: Midcarpal fusion is a reliable treatment for posttraumatic carpal collapse in the short or midlong term. The long-term results remain, however, unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term clinical outcome but also the incidence of an arthrosis of the radiolunate joint or an ulnar translocation after excision of the scaphoid. METHOD AND MATERIAL: 37 patients after midcarpal fusion were reexamined after an average follow-up of 97 months clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: The average range of motion from extension to flexion was 62 degrees, the average grip strength changed from 69 % of the opposite side before surgery to 80 % after surgery. Pain in the verbal analogue scale improved from 2.7 preoperatively to 1.7 postoperatively. The Krimmer wrist score was 72, whereas 28 patients (76 %) reached a good or excellent result. The mean DASH score was 24 points. At the X-rays, ten patients (27 %) showed an arthrosis of the radiolunate joint and/or an ulnar translocation. Differences in clinical results between the groups with or without X-ray pathology were not statistically significant. From 107 patients with a midcarpal fusion in the time of interest, seven (6.5 %) had to be converted into wrist arthrodesis because of ongoing pain. CONCLUSION: Also in the long-term the motion-sparing midcarpal fusion offers a functional advantage over wrist arthrodesis.

Adult↗