Der Orthopäde
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Transfemoral amputations with more proximal amputation levels have the problem of secondary development into flexion and abduction contractures. This is induced by muscle imbalance, especially the loss of adductor muscle insertions when abductor muscle insertions are preserved. This causes considerable problems when fitting prosthetics. Myodesis with insertion of the distally detached adductor magnus muscle to the lateral femoral cortex, introduced here, results in a stronger stump with good muscle balance, and prosthetics fitting is significantly improved.
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The hands of medical stuff are the most important vectors for the transmission of pathogens in the hospital. Furthermore a "bare below the elbows dress code" has been introduced in Great Britain. ⋯ Contaminated work wear presents a relevant risk for the transmission of pathogens. A "bare below the elbow dress-code" or the daily change of the doctor's coat appear both to represent reasonable measures to reduce the transmission risk of pathogens in hospitals.
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Properly gliding flexor tendons is mandatory for the normal functioning of the finger and thumb. Any damage to tendons, tendon sheath or adjacent tissue can lead to the formation of adhesions that inhibit the normal gliding function. If adhesions limit the digital function and adequate hand therapy does not provide further progress, then surgical intervention should be considered. ⋯ With regard to complications such as secondary tendon ruptures, loss of pulleys, and scar formation, flexor tenolysis is part of a reconstructive ladder that includes further procedures. In the case of failure or complications, salvage procedures such as arthrodesis, amputation, and ray resection or staged flexor tendon reconstruction including tendon grafting are recommended. After successful flexor tenolysis long-term hand therapy for at least 3-6 months is mandatory to maintain the intraoperative gain of function.
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A sufficient pain management forms the foundation for a successful operative treatment of orthopedic patients. Clinical guideline standards must be provided to ensure safe and immediate pain therapy. Training in these guidelines should be held for clinical personnel on a regular basis. ⋯ A sufficient pain management includes basic analgesics, analgesics on demand as well as special features, such as regional nerve blocks and patient-controlled anesthesia (PCA). The basic analgesics are primarily the groups of classical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors as well as stand by analgesics, such as metamizole. If there is further need for pain therapy, medium strong and strong opioids can be used but adverse events must be taken into consideration.