Zeitschrift für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie
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Successful four-corner fusion after scaphoid excision provides pain relief und preserves an acceptable movability of the wrist. However, this treatment option for advanced carpal collapse is not without complications, such as malunion, hardware impingement or incomplete correction of lunate extension. K-wires, staples, Herbert screws or, recently, locking plates are all possible fixation techniques after scaphoid excision. Only a few studies including mid-term results using K-wires are available. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical and radiological mid-term results after scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis using K-wires for stage II and III scapholunate and scaphoid non-union advanced collapse. ⋯ Scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis for advanced collapse of the wrist enjoy great satisfaction by the patients, with a high degree of pain reduction. This method shows persistent strength and movability in mid-term-results. Compared to alternative fixation techniques, the use of K-wires is a low-risk and low-cost treatment option, although removal of the K-wires is commonly necessary.
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Precise placement of the sustentaculum tali screw is essential for fixation of calcaneus fractures to achieve the best fixation strength. In the clinical practice, this procedure is demanding due to the complex anatomic configuration of the calcaneus and the limited visualisation in the intraoperative fluoroscopic images. The aim of this study was an evaluation of the accuracy for the sustentaculum tali screw placement by using different navigation procedures compared to the standard procedure. The different navigation specific workflows were evaluated and the feasibility of each procedure proven in clinical applications. ⋯ Navigation procedures seem to be helpful for the precise placement of sustentaculum tali screws in cases of operative calcaneus fracture fixation. The kind of application to be used depends on the infrastructure of the department and the navigation-experience of the operating room team. Whereas the fluoro-free procedure is intuitive in use, the 2D-navigation does not justify the extra efforts. The 3D-procedure is the recommended application for surgeons familiar with navigation, providing the best orientation due to the slice image visualisation in all three dimensions.
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Volar locked plate fixation of distal radius fractures has become an established procedure in the past decade, although reports of flexor tendon injuries due to volar plating have been increasing. The aim of the present study is to identify the risk factors which produce irritations of flexor tendons using the locking palmar 3.5 mm T-plate, with special emphasis placed on the watershed line and the pronator quadratus muscle. ⋯ Stabilisation of distal radius fractures with dorsal and volar displacement by the locked palmar 3.5 mm T-plate produces positive results. A careful reconstruction of the pronator quadratus is more important than respecting the watershed line in that it achieves muscular coverage, and thus provides a greater distance of the plate to the tendon compartment. We recommend sonography after bony healing to identify functional plate prominence or tendon irritations under functional conditions (dorsal wrist flexion) and, if necessary, plate removal. Further systematic sonographic examinations should be undertaken including other locked plate systems.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results and determine/record the complications after treating distal humerus fractures with an anatomically precontoured and angular-stable double plate system (LCP Distal Humerus Plates, Synthes GmbH, Umkirch). ⋯ By using the anatomically precontoured and angular-stable LCP distal humerus plates system a stable osteosynthesis allowing early physiotherapy is achieved in the majority of patients. Due to early initiation of physical therapy the functional results might be improved. Despite using the LCP system complications at the distal humerus fracture side were seen frequently, emphasising the challenging surgical procedure and demonstrating the need for further implant and surgical procedure improvement.
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Nowadays, complex arthroscopic procedures of the knee joint, such as ACL reconstruction, are routinely carried out on an outpatient basis. The reduced time spent with the patient places high demands on the surgeon with regard to the management of such cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current standards of perioperative management following outpatient arthroscopic surgery of the knee in Germany. ⋯ DVT prophylaxis with LMWH, general anaesthesia, postoperative cryotherapy and personal availability by phone can be considered part of the standard perioperative management following outpatient knee arthroscopy in Germany. However, a wide variety of treatment options can be found regarding topics such as analgesia, antibiotic prophylaxis, tourniquet, knee drainage and physiotherapy.