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Biomedical subjects

V Bühren

Publications and source records attributed to V Bühren.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Treatment of bilateral distal tibial nonunions. Use of an intramedullary compression nail and a modified locking compression plate osteosynthesis].

Operative treatment of distal tibial fractures remains a challenge for the surgeon even today. The soft tissues demand atraumatic operative techniques, although an anatomical reduction of the articular fracture component is mandatory. The nonunion rate increases with disturbed local blood supply, widened fracture gap, unstable fixation. If a nonunion occurs, an individual treatment concept is required, so that even difficult situations can be successfully managed, as described in our case with bilateral tibial nonunions.

Adult↗

[Therapy of arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty].

Arthrofibrosis is one of the most common complications after total knee arthroplasty with an overall incidence of approximately 10%. Nevertheless, published data are rare and clinical trials mostly include small and heterogeneous patient series resulting in controversial conclusions. Clinically, arthrofibrosis after knee arthroplasty is defined as (painful) stiffness with scarring and soft tissue proliferation. Differentiation between local (peripatellar) and generalized fibrosis is therapeutically relevant. Histopathology typically shows subsynovial fibrosis with synovial hyperplasia, chronic inflammatory infiltration, and excessive and unregulated proliferation of collagen and fibroblasts. Diagnostic strategies are based on the exclusion of differential causes for painful knee stiffness, and especially the exclusion of low-grade infections represents a diagnostic challenge. Early and intensive physiotherapy combined with sufficient analgesia should be initiated as a basic therapy. The next therapeutic steps for persisting arthrofibrosis include closed manipulation and open arthrolysis. Arthroscopic interventions should be limited to local fibrosis. Revision arthroplasty represents a rescue surgery, often associated with recurrence of fibrosis. Prevention of arthrofibrosis by sufficient analgesia and early physiotherapy remains the best treatment option for painful stiffness after knee arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗

[Arthrodesis after total knee arthroplasty considering septic loosening as an example].

Up to 100,000 total knee arthroplasties are performed annually in Germany resulting in an increasing number of revision operations. Different underlying causes might preclude the reimplantation of an endoprosthesis, and knee arthrodesis represents the alternative of first choice to above-knee amputation. The most common indications for arthrodesis are the infected knee arthroplasty with defects of the extensor mechanism, soft tissue and bone defects, and persisting infection. Several procedures of arthrodesis have been introduced and should be well adapted to the individual situation of the patient. The results--especially related to quality of life--are encouraging and should facilitate the demanding decision if a total joint reimplantation is not reasonable.

Arthrodesis↗

[Treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty. When does implant salvage make sense?].

Infection of a total knee arthroplasty can be classified as acute, chronic and haematogenic with and without implant loosening. A differentiated treatment concept for all types of infection is necessary. Furthermore, specific treatment has to be initiated early, as any delay is associated with a worsening of the prognosis. Treatment of infection with implant salvage may be one therapeutic option if the implant is not loose. According to the current literature, therapy with retention of the prosthesis may be promising: (1) in the case of early infection (<3 weeks of ongoing symptoms), (2) with unconstrained implants, (3) in the case of infection with a single organism that is susceptible to antibiotic therapy, (4) if soft tissue coverage is not affected, and (5) if the immune system is not compromised. Chronic infections, (semi-)constrained implants and soft tissue defects have to be considered as contraindications and implants should be removed. Early and consequent therapy with operative débridement and specific long-term antibiotic therapy are necessary to achieve implant salvage. The additional application of antibiotics addressing bacterial biofilms have helped to improve the prognosis. Due to the fact that revision arthroplasty is often associated with limited function after infection of the total knee joint, retention of the implant has to be considered a therapeutic alternative in early infection.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

[The MacIntosh extra-articular knee stabilisation procedure -- an alternative after failed ACL reconstruction?].

Chronic knee instability after loss of the ACL and failed ACL reconstruction is a great problem for the patient and a complex treatment challenge. Minimizing the feeling of instability is the most important issue for the patient. In case of lack of autologous material for reconstruction and lesions of the knee joint because of performed intra-articular procedures, extra-articular techniques are an alternative. In the modified MacIntosh procedure, we tie a strip of iliotibial tractus around the LCL and attach it to the ventrolateral tibial head by screw. Postoperatively, we begin physiotherapy under full weight bearing. Range of motion is limited to 0/0/90 degrees for six weeks. Between 1996 and 2000, nine patients who underwent surgery using the modified Macintosh technique, were evaluated prospectively. The mean follow-up was 11.4 months (6-36 months). We evaluated changes concerning pivot-shift and Lachman-test and documented Lysholm- and Tegner-activity-score pre- and postoperatively. We also registered sporting ability. The pivot shift remained positive, while the anterior drawer, documented by Lachman-test, could be reduced surgically. Lysholm- and Tegner-scores improved significantly. Preoperatively, the mean Tegner-score was 1.44 (0-3), mean Lysholm-score 55.55 points (14-88), respectively. At follow-up examination, scores had improved to 3.55 (3-4) and 82.44 points (69-95), respectively, resulting in a p-value of .007 for the Tegner-, and p = 0.008 for the Lysholm-score. Our surgical treatment could reduce the subjective feeling of instability in all cases. All patients could participate in sports activities at time of follow-up. Our results show, that extra-articular surgical procedures are adequate alternative methods of treatment in cases of persistent knee instability after recurrent failure of ACL reconstruction. The modified MacIntosh procedure described in this study shows encouraging results at medium-term follow-up. The technique is easy to perform and less traumatising for the knee joint.

Adolescent↗

Anatomic basis for a minimally invasive approach to the subtalar joint.

INTRODUCTION: An isolated arthrodesis of the talocalcaneonavicular joint is a common indication in cases of pain and post-traumatic arthroses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Because of the high infection rate after surgery with the lateral incision, the authors decided to evaluate an alternative, minimally invasive procedure. Joint destruction was carried out via a posterolateral access after the insertion of two guidewires. For an evaluation of the risk for vessel and nerve structures, 102 ankle joint specimens preserved in formalin/alcohol were examined. Additionally, the minimally invasive access was evaluated in ten ankle joint specimens. RESULTS: Neither in the specimen nor during evaluation of the minimally invasive access could injuries of vessels or nerve structures larger than 1 mm in diameter be found. The authors did not encounter any problems when drilling open the articular surface with a destruction of 65% of the overall surface and when performing the following arthrodesis using a plug technique. Using a posterolateral, minimally invasive access between the Achilles tendon and lateral malleolus, it is possible to resect about 65% of the subtalar articular surface for arthrodesis without impact on major vessels and nerves. Postoperative complications such as sensitive and sensory failure as well as wound healing impairment at the lateral side of the foot are not to be expected when choosing the minimally invasive access. CONCLUSION: It has to be said, however, that this technique does not offer the opportunity of performing a corrective arthrodesis as the hindfoot cannot be displayed during surgery. As the result of this study was positive, clinical evaluation was started.

Arthrodesis↗

[Treatment of MRSA infection in orthopedic surgery].

INTRODUCTION: Infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major challenge both therapeutically and hygienically. METHODS: Between January 2000 and January 2002, 27 patients with MRSA infections were treated and evaluated in a prospective clinical study. For effective wound management, operative revisions were performed every 3rd day. Following debridement, the wounds were vacuum sealed and specific i.v. antibiotics were administered. Wound closure was performed if three consecutive wound samples submitted for bacterial culture remained negative. RESULTS: All patients with MRSA infections were treated successfully until signs of infection disappeared and bacterial cultures were negative. An average of 7.3 operations per patient was required to eradicate MRSA infection. Follow-up of patients revealed recurrence of infection in four patients. CONCLUSION: Prevention of further spreading and successful treatment of MRSA infections in reconstructive orthopedic surgery is possible with appropriate surgical and hygienic concepts. In almost every second patient complex revision procedures were required.

Adolescent↗

[Shock trauma room management of spinal injuries in the framework of multiple trauma. A systematic review of the literature].

Injuries to the spine are often part of life-threatening multiple trauma. In this review diagnostics and emergency room management were investigated in order to formulate effective recommendations for the emergency strategy. Clinical trials were systematically collected (MEDLINE, Cochrane, and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (1 to 5 according to the Oxford system). The patient's history and clinical symptoms have low rates for specificity and positive predictive value, whereas their negative predictive value and sensitivity are high between 90 and 100%, respectively. CT imaging reaches higher rates for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in comparison to conventional radiographic series. The patient's history should be asked and clinical investigation should be done in any case. Imaging diagnostics preferably as multislice spiral CT should be performed after stabilization of the patient's general condition and before admission to the intensive care unit.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

[The unstable patient with pelvic fracture].

For the hemodynamically unstable patient with pelvic fracture a target focussed and rapid diagnostic and therapy is mandatory. After hemorrhage control at crash site the direct transport in a trauma center follows. Primary therapy in the emergency room sometimes includes stabilization by a pelvic clamp or an external fixator. If the patient is still hemodynamically unstable the life threatening bleeding is packed. After that simple internal osteosynthesis is allowed. The presented article shows the possible options of the therapy. The main message is: hemorrhage control is not possible without stabilization of the pelvic ring.

Adolescent↗

[Fractures of the lower leg in professional skiers].

Fractures of the lower leg due to skiing accidents remain an important concern. Few studies have focussed on the special demands of professional athletes who sustain these injuries. We present our experience with three cases of lower leg fractures in competitive professional downhill skiers and discuss management and treatment concepts. We performed limited reamed compression nailing in all the patients presented because it offers the advantages of high mechanical stability and optimized fragment apposition. Plate osteosynthesis of the fibula is not required in most typical fractures. All patients resumed ski training. Two of them returned to World Cup. Only one achieved her pre-injury World Cup level of performance and success. In conclusion, a successful return for professional skiers with lower leg fractures is feasible using an optimized treatment strategy.

Accidents, Occupational↗

[Psoas abscess after anterior spinal fusion].

We present 3 cases of secondary psoas abscess after anterior spinal fusion. Psoas abscess is still a rare clinical entity. It is often associated with unspecific symptomatology and may present as late infection. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment. Computed tomography is the imaging technology of choice. Treatment includes open abscess drainage and antibiotic therapy. In secondary psoas abscess causative treatment of the primary infection focus is essential. For psoas abscess after anterior spondylodesis this includes treatment of a deep wound infection. Predisposing factors for postoperative infection are large implants, bone grafting, long operating times, previous spinal surgery, immunodeficiency and metabolic disorders. Usually several operations are necessary to eradicate infection. As long as stability is guaranteed, implant materials should be removed. Continuing antibiotic therapy for 2-3 weeks after normalization of infectious parameters is suggested. Delayed therapy results in an increase of the morbidity and mortality of psoas abscess.

Adult↗

[Intramedullary nailing in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis].

Tibiotalcalcaneal arthrodesis is still the treatment of choice for disabling arthrosis of the upper and lower ankle joint, although replacement of the upper ankle joint is widely accepted. Numerous techniques have been described, with increasing use of internal fixation and compression. In 20 patients tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was performed using a retrograde femur nail inserted through the heel, whereas in 20 patients combined arthrodesis of the upper and lower ankle joint was performed using a distal tibia nail through an anterograde approach. Patients were evaluated in a standardized examination using criteria of SF 36 focussing on approach, osseous consolidation, and quality of life.Both techniques demonstrated good results: bony consolidation was achieved after follow-up time of 19 months in 85% of the anterograde group and 95% of the retrograde group. In 78% pain was reduced effectively using the intramedullary nail arthrodesis and quality of life improved drastically. In four cases pseudarthrosis occurred, two implant failures were reported, and there were two infections. Using the anterograde as well as the plantar approach, tibiotalocalcaneal intramedullary nail arthrodesis is an appropriate technique. In this study both groups demonstrated good results regarding bony consolidation, reduction of pain, and improved quality of life. Advantage of the retrograde technique is the noninvasiveness of the proximal tibia. Heel pain or plantar infections were not observed. We see limits of the presented technique in severe malalignment and septic history of the patient.

Adult↗

[Ankle arthrodesis with intramedullary compression nailing].

Tibiotalar arthrodesis still remains the primary choice of treatment for disabling ankle arthropathy since the results of ankle arthroplasty are not yet convincing. Numerous operative techniques have been described, with an increasing trend towards the use of internal fixation and compression. Using an intramedullary compression nailing technique, 137 tibiotalar fusions were performed at our hospital. The special design of the nail allows distal interlocking in the talus and dynamic axial compression with high primary stability. With correct joint axis, only the cartilage joint surfaces were removed. For axis correction the corresponding bony joint surfaces were also resected. We also performed a dowel technique with bone grafting from the lateral malleolus. We examined 110 of the 137 patients during follow-up. A primary union could be achieved in 99 cases (90.0%). A further six cases (5.5%) healed after recompression and bone grafting. Nonunion remained in five cases (4.5%). Operative complications included one tibial shaft fracture and one hematoma. Septic complications were three superficial and eight deep infections. Sufficient pain relief after arthrodesis was reported by 70 (63.6%) patients; in 37 (33.6%) patients the symptoms remained unchanged and 3 (2.7%) patients found their pain to be worse than before the procedure. Intramedullary compression nailing is shown to be an effective technique for tibiotalar arthrodesis in severe ankle arthropathy. The main advantages of the technique are limited soft tissue damage in the ankle area and high primary stability allowing early weight bearing.

Adult↗

[Retrograde intramedullary nailing of knee para-articular fractures in paraplegic patients].

INTRODUCTION: Patients with spinal cord lesions suffer injury even by marginal trauma, especially in the area of the knee joint. Because of lost sensitivity and proprioception, the treatment of the fracture has to be minimally invasive but stable enough for physiotherapy. METHODS: There were 18 patients with 20 fractures near the knee: 15 fractures of the supracondylar femur were treated with a retrograde intramedullary GSH nail and 5 fractures of the proximal tibia with a new retrograde nailing technique. RESULTS: At review all patients had a good motion range of the knee joint (> 100 degrees), and ankle joint motion was free. CONCLUSION: We saw in this study that the GSH nail is an excellent method for stabilizing supracondylar fractures of the femur in paraplegic patients because the treatment is minimally invasive and the fracture is stable enough for physiotherapy. The retrograde nailing of proximal fractures of the tibia is a good alternative method for treatment of patients with spinal cord lesions.

Adult↗

[Development and clinical application of a thoracoscopy implantable plate frame for treatment of thoracolumbar fractures and instabilities].

The evolution of endoscopic spinal approaches and the associated possibilities for stabilization of the anterior column demands a new generation of spinal implants. Of particular interest is the possibility to implant using an endoscopic approach and the ability to achieve real angular stability so that for a suitable injury pattern an exclusively anterior procedure can be carried out. Since November 1999, a new type of anterior plate, MACS TL, developed to meet minimally invasive clinical requirements, has been used in the Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik in Murnau, Germany for treating the mid and lower thoracic and lumbar region. The following reports on the results of the first 100 procedures carried out over a period of 15 months, of which 93% were performed endoscopically. The results convey a trend toward anterior endoscopic treatment of injuries of the anterior column using an implant with angular stability. The results now available on healing after fusion indicate the favorable influence of the stability provided by the implants on the bone-healing rate.

Adolescent↗