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The long-term evaluation of lateral meniscus tears left in situ at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to determine the long-term subjective and objective results for patients with lateral meniscus tears found at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that were left in situ or abraded and trephined but not repaired or removed. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. METHODS: From a database of ACL reconstruction patients, 332 patients were noted to have lateral meniscus tears that were left in situ or underwent abrasion and trephination. Exclusion criteria included lateral or medial partial meniscectomy, previous knee surgery, or greater than grade II chondromalacia in any knee compartment. The tears were classified as posterior horn tears (n = 70), stable radial flap tears (n = 50), or peripheral or posterior tears (n = 212). Patients were evaluated subjectively using a modified Noyes knee questionnaire and objectively using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) criteria. RESULTS: At a mean of 6.6 years (range, 2 to 16.5 years) after surgery, the mean total modified Noyes score for 239 patients was 93.8 +/- 7.6 points. At a mean of 5.1 +/- 3.8 years after surgery, the objective IKDC evaluation showed that 163 of 170 (96%) patients had an overall rating of normal or nearly normal. Radiographic evaluation showed that 162 patients (95%) had a normal rating, 6 patients had a nearly normal rating and 2 patients had an abnormal rating. Of 332 patients, only 8 (2.4%) required subsequent surgery for the lateral meniscus. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral meniscus tears that are posterior horn tears, stable radial flap tears, or peripheral or posterior third tears that do not extend further than 1 cm in front of the popliteus tendon can be treated successfully with abrasion and trephination or by being left in situ. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Adolescent↗

Arthroscopic treatment of lateral tibial plateau fractures: a simple technique.

We present a new technique for arthroscopic-assisted fluoroscopic treatment of external tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker type I, II, III), using custom-made instrumentation. The instrument includes 4 basic elements: 2 cutting guides, a hollow trephine cutter with a saw-toothed tip, and a bone plunger. The lateral plateau is restored from the opposite side. An anteromedial rectangular cortical window in the proximal diaphysis of the tibia is created using the cutting guides. To achieve the reduction, the hollow trephine cutter is introduced into the opening created. The bone plunger is inserted into the hollow trephine cutter until resistance is felt. At this point the cancellous bone is compacted by applying force onto the plunger with the hammer so as to obtain a strong compact bone carrot. The plunger then pushes it under the depressed area, filling it out and pushing it upward, creating an indirect reduction. The arthroscopy comes into play estimating the precise anatomic reduction of the articular surface of the tibia. No graft is necessary and cannulated lag screws fix and strengthen the reduction. This new technique is reproducible, easy, less invasive than others, and ensures a stable cartilage and subchondral support without the need for grafts.

Arthroscopy↗

Bone marrow infiltration pattern in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia is related to immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region mutation status and expression of 70-kd zeta-associated protein (ZAP-70).

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) consists of at least 2 subtypes with either somatically mutated or unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IgVH) genes. A prognostic significance of the infiltration pattern in bone marrow trephine biopsy has been described before. The combined pattern analysis and detection of 70-kd zeta-associated protein (ZAP-70) expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded bone marrow trephines has not been investigated so far. To evaluate the relationship between ZAP-70 expression, mutation status, and the infiltration pattern in B-CLL, we analyzed bone marrow trephine biopsies from B-CLL patients (n = 35). The expression of ZAP-70 was related to the infiltration type: in all samples with diffuse infiltration pattern, the leukemic cells showed ZAP-70 staining, whereas leukemic cells in a nodular infiltration pattern were negative. By contrast, the mixed-pattern type showed a variable ZAP-70 expression. Besides definitely negative or positive ZAP-70 expression, a few samples showed a faint ZAP-70 staining, and the classification into the positive or negative group was difficult. In addition, the infiltration type was related to the mutation status in a subset of samples: mutation of the IgVH gene was restricted to the nondiffuse infiltration pattern and was not found in cases with diffuse infiltration of bone marrow. The expression of ZAP-70, detected by an immunohistochemical assay and also by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assigned 83% of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases to the suspected immunoglobulin mutation subtype. In 2 patients with ZAP-70 expression, a mutated IgVH status was found. These cases exhibited a mixed pattern of infiltration. We conclude that the pure nodular type of marrow infiltration in B-CLL is associated with IgH hypermutation and ZAP-70 negativity, whereas the predominantly diffuse type of infiltration reveals unmutated IgH genes with ZAP-70 overexpression. The mixed type of infiltration is displayed by mutated as well as unmutated cases with a varying pattern of ZAP-70 expression.

Adult↗

A review of randomized controlled trials of penetrating keratoplasty techniques.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of variations in operative technique on the outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHOD: Systematic literature review of published randomized controlled trials of operative techniques in PK. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, refractive error, endothelial cell density, graft rejection, intraocular pressure (IOP), and other surgical complications. RESULTS: Twenty-seven trials were identified. Many involved small numbers, some of which were probably compromised by inadequate statistical power. There was some limited evidence from a small number of studies (usually 1 or 2) for preoperative cauterization of the cone in keratoconus, excimer laser trephination, taking into account the effect of trephine sizing on postoperative IOP, taking into account the effect of trephine sizing on postoperative spherical equivalent, using sodium hyaluronate, avoiding vitrectomy if possible, using an iris-fixated posterior chamber lens implant in the absence of capsular support, and adjusting a single continuous suture intraoperatively if used. However, there was little convincing evidence for choosing interrupted suturing versus continuous suturing or for an effect of suturing on final sutures-out astigmatism. Likewise, there was no convincing evidence for the superiority of any lamellar alternative to PK for deep stromal disease. Overall, most of the effects of changing technique were small, and there was no evidence for the superiority of any specific technique in terms of improved quality of life or cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for further studies with which to refine decision-making as regards the choice of operative techniques in PK.

Cell Count↗

[Tibial bone harvesting technique for filling maxillary bone gaps in implantology].

We present an easy and quick technique of tibial bone grafting that can be used in maxillary bone losses, specially in implantology. The surgical technique is performed under general anaesthesia. A 1.5 cm skin incision is made on the anteromedial side of the tibia. Then the bone marrow can be approached through a cortical window drilled with a motorized trephine. At this stage, a disposable bone aspirator is used to collect the cancellous bone. At the end of the procedure, the periosteum, the subcutaneous tissues and the skin are sutured in three layers. The quantity of harvested cancellous bone varies from 18 to 30 cc. The procedure duration is about twenty minutes. The complication rate is low and the patients are able to walk a few hours after the procedure. They leave the hospital on the day after. Tibial bone harvesting is an alternative technique that can be chosen in cases with large bone defects. This tibial graft can be recommended because of its low morbidity, the quality of the bone and the short time duration of the procedure. Some details must be pointed out. A medial tibial surgical approach is for us better than a lateral approach because of its lower morbidity and because the bone is more superficial. The use of a motorized trephine is important to lift precisely the cortical bone window and because it is less traumatic than the hand trephine. The disposable bone aspirator is an excellent option to pick-up bone marrow with a minimum loss of bone material and in a shorter time.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

Continuous external CSF drainage--a perpetual problem in neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Continuous external CSF drainage represents a well established procedure which has been improved by many technical contributions. We present our experience in a prospective study of 212 needle trephinations in 165 consecutive patients with a new screw fixation device. METHODS: The entire procedure is performed at the bedside under local anesthesia with a twist drill. The trephination needle is inserted into the self-tapping cannulated screw fixed to the skull. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 6 min, and the duration of ventricular drainage ranged from 2 h to 44 days. Ninety-one percent (N = 193) of ventricular needles in our series were placed at the first targeting attempt. ICP-monitoring and -therapy (88%) were the main indications for needle trephination in our study. During the study period we observed needle associated complications, such as intracerebral hemorrhages (N = 2, 1%) and infections (N = 17, 8%). CONCLUSIONS: Concerning infection, primary insufficient fixation, and general surgical handling, we found a clear learning curve during the course of our study. In spite of the initial problems at the time of introduction we have to emphasize the outstanding advantages of the new ventriculostomy device: It is a time-saving bedside procedure equipped with an optimum fixation device and it enables uncomplicated exchange of the needle in case of obstruction.

Adolescent↗

Effects of systemic octreotide, local mytomycine-C and local corticosteroids on wound-healing reaction after glaucoma surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the effectiveness of octreotide, mitomycine-C and corticosteroids on wound-healing reaction after glaucoma surgery. METHODS: A full thickness scleral trephination was carried out by the same surgeon on tour groups of six rabbits. A sponge soaked in mytomicine-C was applied subconjunctivally in group 1 before trephination. Group 2 received corticosteroid drops tid topically for 14 days. Group 3 received subcutaneous octreotide injections tid for 14 days. The control group (group 4) was not given any drug that may interfere with wound healing. All groups received gentamycine drops tid for seven days. The rabbits were Sacrificed on the fourteenth day and the trephination area with overlying conjunctiva was excised. The samples were prefixed with glutaraldehyde, dehydrated and embedded in Araldite Cy 212. Ten semithin sections stained with toluidin blue were analysed for each group. Fibroblast and macrophage counts were performed on the surgical site and subconjunctival area. RESULTS: Intensive fibroblastic activity, increased number of vessels and active macrophages were observed only in group 4. The fibroblast and macrophage densities in this group were significantly higher than the other three groups in which wound healing was modulated (p < 0.001). Mean number of fibroblasts in group 1 was also significantly less than the ones of groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.01). Macrophage densities were similar in groups 1, 2 and 3. No statistical significance was found between groups 2 and 3 by means of fibroblast and macrophage densities. CONCLUSION: Octreotide reduced wound-healing reaction in a similar fashion to corticosteroids or mitomycine-C. These initial results seem promising.

Administration, Topical↗

Parastomal hernia following minimally invasive stoma formation.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive intestinal stoma formation using a laparoscopic approach or through a trephine, is widely described in published literature. The incidence of parastomal hernia (PH) following a stoma formed without formal laparotomy is not well reported. The present review aims to assess the current data available on minimally invasive stoma formation, with particular reference to the incidence of PH. METHODS: A literature search using the Pubmed Medline database was performed, locating English language articles on minimally invasive stoma formation from 1970 to 2002. The manuscripts were searched manually for further references. RESULTS: The number of published studies describing laparoscopic stoma formation is small (263 stomas) and the follow-up studied were short (none longer than 1 year). The incidence of PH was 0-6.7%. The incidence following a trephine stoma was 6.7-12%, and the number of patients was small (118) and the follow up short (up to 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PH following minimally invasive stoma formation using a trephine or a laparoscopic technique remains unclear. Studies published to date are generally small and the follow up is short. A prospective randomized trial comparing minimally invasive stoma formation with stoma formation with laparotomy, is required.

Colostomy↗

Extra-fine insulin syringe needle: an excellent instrument for the evacuation of subungual hematoma.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly used treatment method for subungual hematoma is nail trephining, which has some disadvantages. OBJECTIVE: To introduce a very simple and well-tolerated treatment technique for this common problem. METHODS: We used an extra-fine, 29-gauge insulin syringe for evacuation. We inserted the needle very close to the nail plate to minimize pain. We drained the blood from the hyponychium under the nail plate using this extra-fine needle. RESULTS: The technique described herein is very fast and simple, and the patients tolerate it well. It is particularly successful for the treatment of smaller subungual hematomas of the second, third, and fourth toenails, in which the trephining is harder. CONCLUSION: For these reasons, we suggest this technique as a practical alternative to the traditional nail trephining methods.

Hematoma↗

The sequelae of salvaged nondegenerative peripheral vertical medial meniscus tears with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical sequelae of nondegenerative peripheral vertical medial meniscus tears treated with abrasion and trephination alone (stable tears) or suture repair (unstable tears). Type of Study: Cohort follow-up. METHODS: At the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 548 patients had nondegenerative peripheral vertical medial meniscus tears that were either left unsutured or repaired. Of 548 menisci, 233 were stable and were abraded and trephined (AT group), 139 were stable and left in situ (Situ group), and 176 were unstable and were repaired with sutures (Suture group). An unstable tear was defined as a torn meniscus that could be displaced into the intercondylar notch with a probe. Patients who had no medial or lateral meniscal tears at the time of ACL reconstruction served as a control population (No Tear group, n = 526). Subjective follow-up was obtained with a modified Noyes questionnaire. RESULTS: Objective follow-up was obtained at a mean of 4.8 +/- 1.7 years postoperatively. Subjective follow-up was obtained at a mean of 7.3 +/- 3.4 years postoperatively. At a mean of 3.7 years (range, 4 months to 10.7 years) after the reconstruction, a subsequent arthroscopy was required for 14 patients (6.0%) in the AT group, 15 patients (10.8%) in the Situ group, 24 patients (13.6%) in the Suture group, and 15 patients (2.9%) in the No Tear group; these numbers were not statistically significant. The mean total subjective score was not statistically significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Repaired unstable peripheral vertical medial meniscus tears have a failure rate of 13.6%, most retears occurring more than 2 years after repair. Of stable peripheral vertical medial meniscus tears treated with abrasion and trephination, most (94%) remain asymptomatic without stabilization.

Journal Article↗

[Frequency and risk factors of intraocular pressure increase after penetrating keratoplasty].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and management of glaucoma following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and to check for possible correlations with the indication for PK. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 534 eyes of 483 patients (age 54.7 +/- 19.8 years), that had undergone PK from 1989 to 1999 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up was 2.7 +/- 1.8 years. According to the type of surgical procedure patients were classified in 5 groups: group 1) PK only (n = 291); group 2) PK combined with extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (n = 124); group 3) PK combined with secundary IOL-implantation or IOL-change (n = 32); group 4) PK only after previous cataract surgery (n = 55) and group 5) Cataract surgery after PK (n = 32). The trephination was performed from the epithelial side in donor and recipient either by nonmechanical trephination with the 193 nm excimer laser (n = 444) or mechanical trephination (n = 90). An iridotomy was performed routinely during PK. The postoperative treatment with topical steroids was standardized. RESULTS: Preoperatively, glaucoma was diagnosed in 3.2% for all patients with groups 3 und 4 showing a significantly larger number of glaucomatous eyes (15.6% and 18.9%). Most of the mild early intraocular pressure elevations in group 1 (3.4%) and group 2 (3.0%) were controlled after 6 months (0.5% and 1.1%). Groups 3 and 4 showed most frequently increased intraocular pressure and/or antiglaucomatous treatment (21.4% and 18.7%) six weeks postoperatively. Patients in all groups showed no higher prevalence of persistent glaucoma from six months postoperatively than preoperatively throughout the follow-up period. Again groups 3 and 4 presented the largest number of persistent glaucoma. In most eyes the IOP was controlled by topical antiglaucomatous treatment. Serious forms seen in 2 patients with anterior synechiae caused by anterior chamber lens required several filtering surgeries or pars plicata diathermy, respectively. One patient with pseudoexfoliation syndrome required laser trabeculoplasty. The so-called "Urrets-Zavalia syndrome" was seen in none of the patients. CONCLUSION: The development of increased intraocular pressure after PK varied with the indication for keratoplasty. Postkeratoplasty glaucoma seems to be strongly associated with preexisting anterior synechiae and/or simultaneous anterior chamber lens implant removal. Intraoperative iridotomy can prevent the development of acute angle closure glaucoma after keratoplasty.

Adult↗

[Regression analysis of corneal endothelium after nonmechanical penetrating keratoplasty].

PURPOSE: The corneal endothelial cell density is a crucial parameter for the pump function and the transparency of grafts after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The purpose of this study was to assess corneal endothelial cell density with different regression models after nonmechanical penetrating keratoplasty and to check for differences between diagnoses and two different storage methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two-hundred ninety-six eyes (195 keratoconus, 101 Fuchs' dystrophies, 148 each with short-term preserved and organ-cultured donor corneas) of 268 patients were included in this prospective study. Donor and recipient trephination was performed using nonmechanical trephination technique with the excimer laser 193 nm along metal aperture masks from the epithelial side. The time course of the endothelial cell density (specular microscope EM 1100, TOMEY, Erlangen) after PK was assessed. Endothelial cell density was first analyzed in a cross sectional manner at the 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months follow-up and, secondly in a longitudinal manner with linear, polynomial and exponential regression models in the sense of minimizing the residuum (distance between observed and predicted endothelial cell count). The mean donor postmortem time was 10.3 +/- 6.8 hours for short-term-preserved and 19.6 +/- 9.5 hours for organ-cultured corneas (p < 0.0001). The storage time was 63 +/- 49 and 19 +/- 7 days (p < 0.0001), respectively. RESULTS: In a cross section, overall mean endothelial cell density decreased from 2145 +/- 599 cells/mm2 at the 3 months to 1751 +/- 605 cells/mm2 at 2 years follow-up (p > 0.05). Cell density did not differ significantly between different diagnoses or storage methods at any postoperative stage. In a longitudinal section, the linear regression model estimated an annual decrease of 214 cells/mm2. In a polynomial model the decrease expressed by a tangent to the regression line at 24 months was 175 cells/mm2. The exponential regression model yielded a relative decrease of 9.5% annually. The so-called residuum as a measure for the validity of the regression model was maximal in the linear and minimal in the exponential estimate. With keratoconus and short-term preserved donor material the endothelial cell loss was less in the regression analysis. CONCLUSION: During the first two years after nonmechanical trephination in PK, a non-significant decrease in endothelial cell density was observed. The exponential regression model seems to be predestinated for analysis of the time course of corneal endothelium in a longitudinal manner. The annual cell loss ranged around 9.5% without significant differences between diagnoses and storage methods.

Adolescent↗

Chronic subdural haematoma treatment with a rigid endoscope.

Surgical treatment is the method of choice in cases of chronic subdural haematoma--as a rule: trephination, drainage with lavage, or repeated drainage (drain reinsertion where the haematoma has been evacuated insufficiently). A poorly manageable but non-negligible group is made up of patients (about 5-12 % of all cases) where the less invasive methods of choice keep failing. The equally mini-invasive endoscopic technique appears to be one of the suitable therapeutical approaches before resorting to open-surgery revision. The adapted technique of rigid endoscope insertion permitting sufficient revision and treatment of the subdural space concerned is presented. The method is demonstrated on three case reports where routine trephination with lavage, drainage and repeated drain insertion failed. A very good improvement in clinical condition and graphic findings was achieved in two patients. In the remaining one, the neurological lesion improved ad integrum despite a tiny residual haematoma as visualized by CT. Two weeks later, a clinical relapse had developed and the patient was treated with new trephination and drain reinsertion. The technical aspects of the modification of the endoscopic technique are discussed: stressing the advantages or low-degree invasiveness, scope for keeping intact the inner membrane of the haematoma and avoiding direct invasion of the cerebral tissue. The limits of the method are discussed as well. The authors regard this method as a useful addition to the surgical armamentarium, especially in cases of chronic subdural haematomas resisting conventional approaches.

Aged↗

[Clearing of the host cornea after penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy].

BACKGROUND: In this study, we have focussed on the clearing of the host cornea after successful penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and the clinical factors that may influence this phenomenon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited the study group out of all keratoplasties performed in our department between 1984 and 1996 using the following criteria: (1) pseudophakic bullous keratopathy that involved the whole host cornea preoperatively, (2) no additional ocular diseases, (3) all operations performed before January 1st 1996, (4) sufficient photodocumentation, (5) complete clinical records, (6) clear graft at the end of the follow-up period. Using these criteria, 48 patients (28 females and 20 males; mean age at the time of surgery 72.7 +/- 8.8 years) were included in the study group. Donor age ranged from 34 to 86 years (mean age 65.8 +/- 12.0 years). The opacity of the host cornea was graded from 0 to 3 (0 = clear cornea; 3 = total opacity) within a circular zone of 1 mm diameter adjacent to the graft in four quadrants (I-IV). Finally, an index for the mean opacity index was calculated [TG = (I + II + III + IV)/4] and correlated with clinical parameters. RESULTS: The index for the mean opacity was 2.8 preoperatively. After a mean follow-up of 9.6 +/- 12.3 months, the index decreased significantly to 1.8 (p = 0.01). Mean visual acuity before PK was 20/400, at the end of the follow-up it was 20/50. The index of opacification was significantly correlated with patients age (p = 0.03; r = 0.2) and inversely with the follow-up period (p = 0.001; r = -0.6) and with the visual acuity at the end of the follow-up period (p = 0.05; r = -0.2). Using the 193-nm excimer laser for donor and host trephination led to a higher clearing of the host circular zone (mean opacification index 1.7) than mechanical trephination (mean 2.1) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that expansion of donor endothelial cells onto host's Descemet's membrane is possible and successful with respect to clearing of the host cornea in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Nonmechanical excimer laser trephination of donor and host from the epithelial side seems to promote this phenomenon due to a better apposition of the cut surfaces.

Aged↗

[Transplant vertical tilt after perforating keratoplasty--comparison between non-mechanical trepanation with excimer laser and motor trepanation].

BACKGROUND: Besides decentration of the graft/host trephination and "horizontal torsion" "vertical tilt" is an important factor for reduced visual outcome after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time course of vertical tilt in absolute value and direction and to correlate it with functional results after PK. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients each (20 primary dystrophies, 30 keratoconus) underwent nonmechanical trephination (NMT) (excimer laser MEL60, Aesculap-Meditec, Heroldsberg, Germany) or mechanical motor trephination (MT) (Geuder, Heidelberg, Germany) in penetrating keratoplasty. All procedures (7.5 mm in dystrophies, 8.0 mm in keratoconus, 8 orientation teeth in NMT, double-running 10-0 nylon suture) were performed by one surgeon (GOHN). At a postoperative gate of 6 weeks, 6 months, before partial suture removal and after complete suture removal, corneal topography analysis (TMS-1, Tomey, Tennenlohe, Germany) was performed. After a Gram-Schmidt-orthogonalization corneal topography height data of 25 noncentric rings in 256 hemimeridians were decomposed into Zernike components of radial order n = 16 in the sense of minimizing the root mean square error. The tilt of the surface relative to the videokeratoscope axis was calculated from the Zernike components Z1(1) and Z1(-1). The meridional power at the cardinal meridians was derived from all parabolic Zernike terms. Tilt and the difference between both meridians of the Zernike representation (ZA) were correlated with the results of Zeiss keratometry (KA). Simulated Keratometry (SimK) of the TMS-1, subjective refraction (RZ) and best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: After NMT, vertical tilt of the graft was 3 degrees without significant change over time. Following MT, an equivalent time course could be observed before partial suture removal. However, after complete suture removal, a significant increase of the tilt was measured to 5 degrees (p = 0.02). No significant difference could be detected comparing keratoconus and Fuchs' dystrophy both in NMT and MT. The direction of the vertical tilt component piled up to the hemimeridian defined by the knot of the first running suture. At all postoperative follow-up examinations, the ZA of the Zernike decomposition showed a good correlation to the RZ, whereas the KA and the SimK did not. At the end of the follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity after NMT was 2 decimal lines better than after MT. CONCLUSIONS: The Zernike decomposition of topographic height data is a suitable tool for extraction and quantifying vertical tilt of the graft following penetrating keratoplasty. In contrast to conventional keratometry with its 4-point measurement, a decomposition of topographic height data into orthogonal polynomials enables a detection of both cardinal meridians even in corneas with a high degree of local irregularities.

Adolescent↗

[Live epikeratophakia and deep lamellar keratoplasty for I-III stage-specific surgical treatment of keratoconus].

BACKGROUND: Perforating keratoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of keratoconus is a temporary procedure that sacrifices the healthy recipient endothelium. As an alternative to PKP we perform live-epikeratophakia (L-EPI) in keratoconus I-II and deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP) in keratoconus II-III. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 20 patients with keratoconus were operated on either with L-EPI for keratoconus I-II (n = 10) or DLKP for keratoconus II-III (n = 10) respectively. In all cases, corneal tissue eligible for corneal transplantation was used. L-EPI: The corneal lenticule was prepared by means of the Barraquer-Krumeich-Swinger (BKS) set. The recipient cornea was trephined to a depth of 0.3 mm with the Guided-Trephine-System (GTS). The incision was extended manually (inner diameter 7.0 mm, outer diameter 9.0 mm). No keratectomy was performed. The lenticule was fixed with a 10 x 0 nylon double-running anti-torque suture (DRA). DLKP: The recipient cornea was trephined with the 8.0 mm GTS to a depth of 0.68 mm. A lamellar removal of the upper layers was performed by hand. After mechanical removal of the graft endothelium, the remaining full thickness donor cornea was sutured into the bed with a 10 x 0 nylon DRA suture. RESULTS: L-EPI: Within this series, there was no disturbance of the healing process. Spherical equivalent and corneal astigmatism remained stable from the first month on. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was obtained in 40% of the cases at 1 month, 53% at 6 months, and 100% at 1 year and 2 years. We did not observe any late decline of VA. Two patients with kerato-conus borderline stage II did not reach useful VA due to insufficiently reduced pre-existing irregular corneal astigmatism. These patients successfully underwent DLKP at 8 and 10 months respectively. DLKP: Except for 1 case (neurodermatitis), all lenticules remained stable with respect to refraction and radii up to the longest follow-up of 2 years. Starting from the first month on, refraction was stable. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was reached in 33% of the cases at 1 month, in 56% at 6 months, and in 89% at 1 and 2 years. We did not administer systemic cyclosporine-A in either group. In the lamellar techniques presented, we did not observe any graft rejection. According to corneal topography, corneal astigmatism, spherical equivalent, and keratometry we did not observe any late re-onset of a progression of the cone. CONCLUSION: In patients with keratoconus stage I to III, L-EPI or DLKP appeared to be very useful therapies. Both procedures seem to end progression of the disease and allow to preserve the healthy recipient endothelium. If unsuccessful, either procedure may be repeated. Neither procedure precludes possibly later needed PKP.

Astigmatism↗

[Corneal markers for continuous keratoplasty sutures].

BACKGROUND: In penetrating keratoplasty adaptation of wound edges, mode of trephination of both donor and patient cornea and last but not least techniques of suture style are the factors determining postoperative astigmatism. A new corneal marking device for keratoplasties and epikeratophakias is introduced. This marker helps the surgeon both to center the trephine and to perform a perfect double running torque antitorque suture. METHODS: The marker has the shape of an 8-bite star. It can be stained and printed on the cornea. The cross hair of the marker has to be right in the optical center. After trephination we fix the graft with temporal single sutures. Then we mark the dried cornea, so that an 8-bite star can be printed on the cornea. Now a first 10-0 running suture is done. The second continuous suture can be set just in between. In our experience it turns out more precisely, if this second running suture is previously marked, too. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After 35 perforating keratoplasties performed with this new marking device the mean astigmatism was 2.0 +/- 0.75 dpt (x +/- sx). Only a prospective, randomized study comparing different suture styles with and without star marker can elucidate the definite value of this new surgical instrument.

Astigmatism↗

Midbrain syndrome with eye movement disorder: dramatic improvement after cranioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Patients with skull defects sometimes develop neurological deficits, which have been grouped under "the syndrome of the trephined". The deficits are usually nonspecific or nonlocalizing, such as apathy or diffuse headaches. We report, to our knowledge, a first case of severe midbrain syndrome associated with a skull defect. Cranioplasty dramatically resolved the patient's symptoms. A midbrain syndrome represents the main manifestation of the syndrome of the trephined and can be corrected by cranioplasty. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old man with head trauma and epidural hematoma initially had normal eye motility. He developed a skull defect after infection following cranioplasty. He presented with onset of neurological symptoms one year after head trauma with a skull defect, a small divergent and vertical strabismus, elevation deficit of both eyes, headaches and fatigue. Over several months he developed severe bilateral deficit of adduction, elevation, depression and convergence. He had neuropsychological deficits, fatigue, headaches and impaired coordination. Neuroimaging and lumbar puncture did not show evidence of increased intracranial pressure or hydrocephalus. INTERVENTION: Cranioplasty using Palacos was performed one-and-a-half years after trauma. Immediately after surgery, the patient noted remarkable improvement in his symptoms. Headaches and fatigue disappeared within two days. Two weeks after cranioplasty the patient had orthotropia and virtually normal ocular motility. Neurological symptoms completely disappeared. Recovery remained sustained for over 5 years after cranioplasty. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this represents the first case of the syndrome of the trephined in which the neurological deficits map primarily to the brainstem and show rapid improvement following cranioplasty. We show that cranioplasty in patients with large skull defects is indicated for more then cosmetic reasons and should be considered even after longer periods following a trauma.

Adult↗