Der Unfallchirurg
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Comparative Study
[Differential therapy of radial head fracture: a critical analysis based on outcome of 53 patients].
We investigated 53 patients with 57 radial head fractures (4 patients with bilateral fractures) treated between 1993 and 1998. We focused on patients with radial head fractures asking about (1) the relation between fracture type and therapy and (2) the correlation between chosen treatment and result. We saw the following fractures: Mason I: 3 cases, Mason II: 26 cases, Mason III: 11 cases, and Mason IV: 15 cases. ⋯ Of 11 patients with a Mason III fracture, 10 were treated by resection of the radial head, and in 1 patient we implanted a prosthesis due to an intraoperatively detected elbow instability after resection and achieved good postoperative results. Only one patient (9%) had poor long-term results subjectively. Of 15 patients with a Mason IV fracture, 11 were treated by resection of the radial head: 5 patients (33%) had poor long-term results, only 3 of whom (20%) subjectively considered the results poor.
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Until now no case of a traumatic tear of the subascapularis muscle in children was described in the German speaking literature. Using the example of 2 cases of a 12 and 14 year boys youth history, clinic, diagnostics and therapy will be presented. ⋯ Isolated traumatic SCP-tears can be occur also in young patients. As major consequence, it is necessary to perform a thorough clinical examination with additional apparative diagnostics (Sonography, MRI). This way, this rare but important lesion can be detected early and lead to adequate surgery without any delay.
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Tumoral calcinosis is a very rare benign soft tissue calcification. It occurs in all age-groups and prefers the shoulder, hip and elbow region as localisation. ⋯ The adequate therapy is the complete surgical removal. Our presented case describes an extended occurrence at an unusual localisation and discusses characteristic signs in contrast of the differential diagnoses.
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Cervical spine trauma most commonly involves the lower parts in adults. In children lesions of the cervical spine can predominantly be found in the region of C1/C2 including ligament injuries at this level. However such injuries are difficult to detect and only few data are available concerning therapy and prognosis of atlantoxial ligament lesions. ⋯ Both injuries were proven by magnetic resonance imaging which is recommended as the resource of choice for the evaluation of the cervical spine soft tissues in children. Although the biomechanic properties of the alar ligaments remain unclear non-operative treatment for the rupture of these ligaments seems to be adequate. In order to avoid neurologic symptoms or long term complications an immediate diagnosis is indispensable.
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The occurrence of heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-recognized problem after total hip replacement. In a retrospective study, we investigated 32 patients who had undergone surgical excision of symptomatic HO followed by radiation with 7 Gy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy between 1994 and 1999. The mean follow-up was 20 months (range: 12-60). ⋯ At the time of follow-up examination, 18 patients (56%) assessed their pain symptoms as low but 6 patients (19%) reported strong pain symptoms. Nevertheless, the score at the time of examination (35 +/- 10) was statistically improved (p < 0.02) when compared to the preoperative score (30 +/- 8). Surgical excision of Brooker class III or IV heterotopic ossification with limited ROM followed by irradiation and anti-inflammatory prophylaxis results in significant improvement in flexion, abduction, and rotation arc and significant reduction of HO in radiographic examination at follow-up, but pain relief was only satisfactory.