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The treatment strategies for focal cartilage damage in the knee are multifarious. For established procedures, such as microfracturing (MFX), autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), osteochondral transplantation (OCT) and autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT), well-founded, partly comparative long-term studies and overlapping size-dependent differential indications are available. Innovative cell sources, the utilization of biological scaffolds as well as biologic agents and various combinations, have recently become the focus of scientific attention; however, high regulatory demands are restricting their use in Germany. The success of every procedure is dependent on the appropriate indications, the treatment of comorbidities, such as axis deviations or ligamentous instability, the surgeon's experience and an adequate follow-up treatment.Die Behandlungsstrategien bei fokalen Knorpelschäden am Kniegelenk sind vielfältig. Für etablierte Verfahren wie Mikrofrakturierung (MFX), autologe matrixinduzierte Chondrogenese (AMIC), osteochondrale Transplantation (OCT) und autologe Chondrozytentransplantation (ACT) liegen fundierte, z. T. komparative Langzeitergebnisse mit überlappenden, größenassoziierten Differenzialindikationen vor. Neuartige Zellquellen, die Verwendung von biologischen Trägermaterialien sowie von biologischen Agenzien und ihre Kombinationen stehen in jüngster Zeit im Focus des wissenschaftlichen Interesses. Hohe regulatorische Anforderungen limitieren jedoch ihren Einsatz in Deutschland. Der Erfolg jedes Verfahrens ist von der geeigneten Indikation, der Therapie von Begleitpathologien wie Achsabweichungen oder ligamentärer Instabilitäten, der Erfahrung des Operateurs und einer adäquaten Nachbehandlung abhängig.

Liver transplantation (LT) using allografts from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic/nucleic acid testing-positive donors' (DNAT+) organs into HCV-aviremic recipients (rHCV-) has been limited owing to nearly universal HCV transmission and concerns regarding availability, safety, and efficacy post-LT with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We report our experience of LT using DNAT+ organs into rHCV- as a routine standard of care. Following verification of DAA access, absence of critical drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with DAAs, and informed consent, allocated DNAT+ organs were offered to patients on the waiting list for LT irrespective of recipient HCV status. Between June 2018 and December 2019, 292/339 rHCV- received an LT. Forty-seven patients were excluded from analysis because of recipient HCV viremia, refusal to receive DNAT+ organs, or inability to receive DAA therapy post-LT. Of these 292 patients, 61 rHCV- received DNAT+ livers (study group), and 231 rHCV- received DNAT- (aviremic donors [nuclear acid test-negative donors]) livers (control group). Recipient and donor characteristics as well as 1-year post-LT patient and graft survival were similar between groups. In the study group, 4 patients died, and 1 patient required retransplantation within the first year post-LT (all unrelated to HCV); 56 patients received DAA therapy, with a median time from LT to the start of DAA treatment of 66.9 days (interquartile range [IQR], 36-68.5), and 51 patients completed DAA treatment, all achieving sustained virologic response for 12 or more weeks (SVR-12) (1 patient required retreatment owing to relapse following initial DAA therapy). No patients had evidence of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis or extrahepatic manifestations of HCV. This report indicates that transplantation of DNAT+ livers into rHCV- and subsequent DAA therapy is associated with clinical outcomes comparable to those achieved with DNAT- allografts.

Therapeutic strategies for cartilage repair of the talus are varied. With the use of biologic scaffolds and biologic agents new cell-based therapies have become the focus of attention.Ankle cartilage repair techniques are presented and assessed by current data. In addition, technical notes for each technique are given.Currently, the following established ankle cartilage repair procedures exist: microfracturing, AMIC (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis), OCT (osteochondral transplantation, mosaicplasty), allograft transplantation.The success of each repair technique is dependent on the proper indication, addressing of co-morbidities like axis deviation or ligament instabilities, the experience of the surgeon and the appropriate rehabilitation. Mid- and long-term results are often good or excellent. Best results are seen in isolated cartilage defects without co-morbidities in patients younger than 40 years of age and non-smokers with normal BMI and early intervention. New cell-based therapies utilize scaffolds and biologic agents. They offer promising perspectives, although current data is inconsistent.

Background Clinical teachers in medical schools are faced with the challenging task of delivering high-quality patient care, producing high-impact research and contributing to undergraduate medical education all at the same time. Little is known on the gap between an ‘ideal’ environment supporting clinical teachers to provide high quality teaching for their students and the reality of clinical teaching during worktime in the clinical environment. Most quantitative research published so far was done in a wide range of medical educators and did not consider individual academic qualifications. In this study, we wanted to survey clinical teachers in particular and assess the potential impact of individual academic qualification on their perceptions. Methods Based on qualitative data of focus group discussions, we developed a questionnaire which was piloted among 189 clinical teachers. The final web-based questionnaire was completed by clinical teachers at nine German medical schools. Results A total of 833 clinical teachers (569 junior physicians, 264 assistant professors) participated in the online survey. According to participants, the most important indicator of high quality teaching was “sustained student learning outcome” followed by “stimulation of interest in the subject matter”. Lack of time was the main factor impeding effective teaching (78%). Among the factors facilitating high-quality teaching, protected preparation time during working hours (48%) and more recognition of high-quality teaching within medical schools (21%) were perceived as most helpful. Three out of four teachers (76%) were interested in faculty development programmes directed at teaching skills, but 60% stated they had no time to engage in such activities. With regard to evaluation, teachers preferred individual feedback (75%) over global ratings (21%). Differences between assistant professors and junior physicians were found in that the latter group perceived their teaching conditions as more difficult. Conclusions Lack of time is a major barrier against planning and delivering good clinical teaching in medical schools. According to our findings, the situation at German medical schools is particularly challenging for junior physicians. Creating an institutional culture in which teaching is regarded as highly as patient care and research is a prerequisite for overcoming the barriers identified in this study. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12909-017-1000-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BACKGROUND Current guidelines recommend oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD), while metronidazole is recommended as an alternative when oral vancomycin and fidaxomicin are unavailable. However, data are lacking among the solid organ transplant (SOT) population. METHODS This single center, retrospective cohort study evaluated adult SOT recipients with mild-to-moderate CDAD. Analysis 1 evaluated patients receiving initial therapy with metronidazole vs oral vancomycin for at least 72 hours. Analysis 2 evaluated patients receiving metronidazole vs oral vancomycin for at least 70% of the treatment duration. The primary outcome was treatment failure. Secondary outcomes included CDAD recurrence and all-cause mortality. RESULTS Analysis 1 included 71 patients (metronidazole n = 50, oral vancomycin n = 21) and analysis 2 included 75 patients (metronidazole n = 42, oral vancomycin n = 33). No significant differences in C. difficile risk factors were observed between groups in either analysis. However, in both analyses, more patients in the oral vancomycin arm received antibiotics during the CDAD episode (analysis 1, 52% vs 26%, P = .03; analysis 2, 55% vs 32%, P

One hundred and one patients below 45 years and showing objective signs of cerebral ischemia were studied retrospectively for pathogenetic factors. Twelve were below 15 years; the male to female ratio was 1:1. Factors known as predisposing (heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes mellitus or infectious diseases) and other possible factors (e.g. trauma, abuse) were found in 41 patients. Among women using contraceptive pills there might be an increased risk of development of cerebral thrombosis, but the material was not large enough to warrant statistical analysis. In 64 patients one or more abnormal coagulation values were found, the most frequent being a deficient vessel wall fibrinolysis, which was noted in 38 %. We therefore consider it worthwhile to investigate the fibrinolytic defence mechanism of the vessel wall in patients with cerebral thrombosis, since it is possible to treat this condition with specific fibrinolytic stimulating agents.

Background There is an ongoing debate on how ECG interpretation should be taught during undergraduate medical training. This study addressed the impact of teaching format, examination consequences and student motivation on skills retention. Methods A total of 493 fourth-year medical students participated in a six-group, partially randomised trial. Students received three levels of teaching intensity: self-directed learning (2 groups), lectures (2 groups) or small-group peer-teaching (2 groups). On each level of teaching intensity, end-of-course written examinations (ECG exit exam) were summative in one group and formative in the other. Learning outcome was assessed in a retention test two months later. Results Retention test scores were predicted by summative assessments (adjusted beta 4.08; 95% CI 1.39–6.78) but not by the type of teaching. Overall performance levels and motivation did not predict performance decrease or skills retention. Conclusions Summative assessments increase medium-term retention of ECG interpretation skills, irrespective of instructional format.

The guiding principle of operative joint-preserving therapy of gonarthrosis is the search for a safe, minimally invasive, efficient and ultimately reasonably priced therapeutic procedure to preserve or restore joint integrity. A comprehensive analysis and treatment of pathologies adjacent to and distant (axis deviations) from the joint are prerequisites for success of treatment. A comparison of results from the current literature with respect to the operative treatment of arthritis is limited due to the divergence of indications, terminologies used, techniques of the therapeutic procedure, inhomogeneity of patient collectives and the different follow-up and control schemes (scores). Conclusive, prospective, randomized double blind studies with large case numbers are associated with a high degree of organizational effort in planning, patient recruitment and execution and remain a rarity. Long-term prognosis depends on the stage of arthritis at the time of the arthroscopic intervention. Operative measures, such as correction osteotomy can be effective in the early stages. A short duration of symptoms, mechanical blocking and low-grade cartilage damage are factors which have a favorable prognosis. Cell-based cartilage repair techniques can reduce secondary degenerative alterations only in cases of local cartilage damage representing a prearthritic condition. Advantages of autologous chondrocyte transplantation compared to microfracturing have been found depending on the size of the defect and the follow-up time period. Furthermore, preservation and replacement of primary knee stabilizers, such as the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, have an important function for secondary prevention. A one-for-all therapy for joint-preserving operative treatment of gonarthrosis is lacking.

Smoking and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in Germany. However, it has recently been shown that German medical students in years 1 to 5 do not feel competent to treat patients who are addicted to tobacco or alcohol. This study examined whether these deficits are also prevalent in students in the final (sixth) year of training.Students enrolled in the final year at University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf were invited to complete a questionnaire assessing smoking status and self-reported knowledge of health consequences of and treatment options for AUD and smoking as well as arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Students were also asked to provide effectiveness estimates for different methods to treat AUD and smoking.A total of 228 out of 345 students participated in the survey (response rate 66 %). Smoking prevalence was 24 %. Approximately 90 % of students believed they knew how to treat arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, but less than a third thought they knew how to treat smokers and patients with AUD. Effectiveness ratings of treatments for the two addictive disorders revealed severe misconceptions.The deficits in undergraduate medical education regarding the treatment of addictive disorders reported for students from years 1 to 5 extend to students in the sixth year. Just before graduation, students still have severe knowledge gaps. In order to prevent tobacco- and alcohol-related deaths, medical school curricula need to be urgently improved.

This article gives an overview of the indications for operative treatment and the respective post-treatment of rheumatic elbows. The goal should be to preserve the function of the elbow joint and freedom from symptoms to prevent joint destruction which unfortunately can still be seen nowadays.

Cartilage defects are multifactorial and site-specific and therefore need a clear analysis of the underlying pathology as well as an individualized therapy so that cartilage repair lacks a one-for-all therapy. The results of comparative clinical studies using cultured chondrocytes in autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) have shown some superiority over conventional microfracturing under defined conditions, especially for medium or large defects and in long-term durability. Adult mesenchymal stem cells can be isolated from bone marrow, have the potency to proliferate in culture and are capable of differentiating into the chondrogenic pathway. They represent a promising versatile cell source for cartilage repair but the ideal conditions for cultivation and application in cartilage repair are not yet known or have not yet been characterized. Adding a scaffold offers mechanical stability and advances chondrogenic differentiation for both possible cell sources.

Survivin, the smallest member of the inhibitor of the apoptosis protein gene family (IAP) is a key molecule for mammalian cell cycle regulation and cellular survival. Of note these functions have been thought to be limited to embryonic and malignant tissues. However, a growing body of evidence indicates a limited expression of survivin in some highly specific adult tissues and cells. In the present study it has been demonstrated that the antiapoptotic protein survivin is re-expressed in osteoarthritic human cartilage and primary human chondrocytes. Furthermore, the data indicated that survivin significantly affects cell cycle regulation and cellular survival. The modulation of survivin expression and function in cartilaginous tissues might be important for understanding osteoarthritis and the development of regenerative strategies.

The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular effects of liraglutide in patients well controlled on metformin monotherapy.Forty-four patients with Type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Main inclusion criteria were: pretreatment with metformin on a stable dosage, HbA(1c)53 mmol/mol (7.0%), age 30-65 years. Patients were randomized to receive additional liraglutide or to remain on metformin monotherapy. After 6 weeks (1.2 mg) and after 12 weeks (1.8 mg), venous blood was taken for the measurement of several laboratory markers characterizing vascular and endothelial function. In addition, retinal microvascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness were measured.HbA(1c) levels declined from 45 ± 4 mmol/mol (6.3 ± 0.4%; mean ± SD) to 40 ± 3 mmol/mol (5.8 ± 0.3%) during liraglutide treatment. Asymmetric dimethylarginin was reduced by liraglutide treatment from 0.39 ± 0.08 to 0.35 ± 0.06 μmol/l, E-selectin from 43.6 ± 15.4 to 40.8 ± 15.1 ng/ml, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 from 861.6 ± 584.3 to 666.1 ± 499.4 ng/ml and intact proinsulin from 9.0 ± 7.2 to 7.0 ± 4.8 pmol/l at 12 weeks of treatment. The microvascular response to flicker light increased from 7.0 ± 15.1 to 15.4 ± 11.5% after 6 weeks and to 11.1 ± 9.9% after 12 weeks. No change could be observed for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule or arterial stiffness parameters.In patients with Type 2 diabetes, well controlled with metformin monotherapy, addition of liraglutide improves several cardiovascular risk markers beyond glycaemic control.

Cartilage defects of the patellofemoral joint represent different entities. Results of patellofemoral cartilage repair are often variable. Concomitant pathologies, such as malalignment and instability are frequent. Currently no common treatment concept exists. Improvement of patellofemoral biomechanics, e.g. tubercle transfer, results in better outcome independent of the cartilage repair technique used. In patellofemoral instability reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has recently become a focus of interest. Microfracturing and osteochondral cylinder transfer/mosaicplasty are recommended for smaller defects, while comparative studies have shown advantages for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in defects larger than 4 cm². In our study patients with patellofemoral scaffold ACI (MACI®), better Lysholm scores were seen with isolated trochlea defects rather than patella defects or bipolar lesions. While trochlea defects can be effectively addressed, treatment of bipolar patellofemoral defects by scaffold ACI cannot generally be recommended. Follow-up treatment of the patellofemoral joint is more time and cost-consuming than other defect localizations. For the development of therapeutic algorithms further well-defined large randomized studies are necessary.

Despite good long-term results of primary total knee arthroplasty, it is a commonly accepted aim to stave off joint replacement as long as possible, particularly in younger patients. In this situation the surgeon has to make a careful decision whether an arthroscopic procedure will be promising, a corrective osteotomy may be sensible or a joint replacement due to the patient's age is acceptable. High tibial osteotomy had become increasingly popular by use of the opened wedge technique combined with locking compression plates fixation in the past decades while it has been replaced step by step by total knee arthroplasty. In spite of this fact the German national agency of quality management (BQS) showed that the number of total knee replacements in Germany increased from 90 000 in 2003 to 146 000 in 2008. The share of unicompartmental knee replacements in this period doubled from 5.3 % to almost 10 %. The aim of the present study was to inquire current data regarding particular surgical treatment concepts of unicompartmental knee arthritis in Germany.In a nationwide anonymous survey in May 2009 220 departments of orthopaedics and 230 departments of trauma surgery were asked about their treatment strategies in unicompartmental knee arthritis in middle-aged patients (30 to 60 years) with unilateral Outerbridge grade III-IV lesions. Overall 46 questions in 6 subject areas (structure of the department, number of treated patients, surgical methods, anaesthesiological procedures, perioperative management, postoperative treatment) were posed. With regard to the item "operative treatment" we asked for the importance of arthroscopic procedures, corrective osteotomies and different procedures of joint replacement. The interpretation was done with invariant data analysis by indication of numerical frequency and percentage distribution of selected options.Questionnaires were returned by 51.1 % of the surveyed departments. This represents a total number of 76,028 procedures in unicompartmental knee arthritis in middle-aged patients. First of all, arthroscopic procedures were applied (50.4 %), followed by knee replacements (43.4 %, of which 87.3 % were total knee replacements, 12.3 % unicompartmental knee replacements and 0.4 % tibial hemiarthroplasties) and corrective osteotomies (6.1 %). In 59.8 % of the 38,376 arthroscopic procedures a microfracturing and in 28.2 % an abrasion arthroplasty was done. Most of the corrective osteotomies were performed at the proximal tibia (90.9 %) using an open wedge technique (73 %) and internal fixation with locking compression plates (72 %). 75.2 % of the responders performed cemented unicompartmental arthroplasties (97.8 %) with an average number of 23.2 per year. 43.4 % believe that bicompartmental arthroplasty in case of additional affection of the femoropatellar joint is an option and 22.6 % believe in the expected advantages of patient-specific unicompartmental implants. Total knee arthroplasties are performed with an average of 197.4 per year, most frequently using the free-hand technique (85.5 %) and medial-parapatellar approach (82 %). Interpositional knee devices were only used in 9.1 % of responding departments with an average number of 6.6 per year. Only procedures with low difficulty level such as arthroscopies were done by residents in a higher number (16.9 %). Procedures with higher difficulty level were mainly done by consultants, senior or chief surgeons.In total, arthroscopic procedures still play an essential role in the treatment of unicompartmental knee arthritis prior to joint replacement. Total knee arthroplasty was preferred even though the number of unicompartmental knee replacements was only slightly increasing. Periarticular corrective osteotomies have gained in importance since the introduction of locking compression plates. Interpositional knee devices play a minor role in the treatment of unilateral knee arthritis in Germany.

Local antiseptics are commonly used for perioperative skin and wound disinfection and as solutions for joint lavage. Therefore, we examined if an intra-articular use of these antiseptics is possible by using an IN VITRO chondrocyte model.Articular chondrocytes harvested from 7 patients were cultured. After reaching 80% confluency different concentrations (0%, 1%, 10%, 50%, 100%) of polyhexanide, hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine were added for 5 minutes. Afterwards, the solution was removed and the chondrocytes were cultured for 24 hours. Subsequently the vitality and proliferation rate (DNA synthesis) were analysed with the WST-1 and BrdU tests.1% povidone-iodine and 1% hydrogen peroxide solutions significantly (p=0.001) decreased the chondrocyte vitality as compared to our control group. There was no significant difference (p=0.71) after the application of 1% polyhexanide in the vitality ratios. A significant decrease in vitality was also observed after the application of 10% polyhexanide solution (p=0.001). Application of 1% povidone-iodine solution, 1% hydrogen peroxide solution and 10% polyhexanide revealed a decrease in the metabolic cell activity of 80% compared to our control group, whereas the activity was 65% (p=0.026) compared to the control group after application of 1% polyhexanide solution.Our results demonstrate the chondrotoxic effect of the tested antiseptic solutions in clinical used concentrations within short time points. Polyhexanide in a low concentrated solution (1%) was the antiseptic with the lowest influence on the vitality and the DNA synthesis of chondrocytes. Thus, this antiseptic solution seemed to be the best choice for intra-articular application. But overall, our study showed general limitations for the intra-articular use of local antiseptics.

We report about a 44-year-old woman who presented at our Orthopaedic Department suffering from persisting pain and a tumor of the right knee after open articulosynovectomy. MRI did not clarify the entity at all. The X-ray examination could identify an inlying compress after a synovectomy in 1999. The intra-articular foreign body could be removed by open revision surgery.

Clinical reasoning skills are essential for medical practice. Problem-based collaborative learning via the internet might prove useful in imparting these skills.This randomized study assessed whether web-based learning (WBL) is superior to face-to-face problem-based learning (PBL) in the setting of a 6-week cardio-respiratory course.During winter term 2007/08, all 148 fourth-year medical students enrolled in the 6-week course consented to be randomized in small groups to diagnose a patient complaining of dyspnoea either using a virtual collaborative online module or a traditional PBL session. Clinical reasoning skills were assessed by means of a key feature examination at the end of the course.No significant difference between the mean scores of both study groups was detected (p = 0.843). In virtual learning groups, costs for diagnostic tests were significantly correlated to the number of contributions to online group discussions (r = 0.881; p = 0.002). Evaluation data favored traditional PBL sessions over virtual collaborative learning.While virtual collaborative learning was as effective as traditional PBL regarding the acquisition of clinical reasoning skills, it was less well accepted than traditional PBL. Future research needs to determine the ideal format and time-point for computer-assisted learning in medical education.

Microtraumata often lead to articular cartilage lesions. Due to the bradytrophic character of hyaline cartilage, these lesions are hardly repaired by the organism. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) was established for restoring isolated structural cartilage defects in knee joints. However, results are not always convincing. Human chondrocytes from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were cultured in monolayer followed by condensing single chondrocytes to spheroids (chondrospheres). The integrative capacity of chondrospheres was examined by implanting them into lesions in human articular cartilage specimens and co-implanting them into SCID mice. Mice were sacrificed after 4, 12 and 24 weeks. HE and safranin O staining as well as immunohistochemistry using anti-S100, anti-collagen I and II antibodies were performed and analyzed using semiquantitative scores. Integration of the chondrospheres with the (native) cartilage matrix was analyzed by determining the percentage of adhering surface. With respect to long-term stability, the chondrocytes within chondrospheres showed a typical chondrocytic morphology. Immunohistochemically, a high collagen II production was detected. Over a time period of 24 weeks, an increasing content of collagen type II, glycosaminoglycans and collagenous fibers were found. Importantly, the newly synthesized cartilaginous matrix integrated continuously with the native cartilage lesion border. In conclusion, the presented data demonstrate that chondrospheres are able to restore and conserve their phenotype for at least 24 weeks under in vivo conditions. Moreover, chondrospheres adhere to full-thickness cartilage defects and appear to produce a cartilaginous extracellular matrix which fuses with native cartilage thus generating an autologous cartilage-like repair tissue.

Inflammatory rheumatic ankle joint destruction endangers the mobility of the rheumatic patient by pain and loss of function. In the presented patient population, 29 patients with a mean preoperative history of 14.3 years of rheumatoid arthritis and 7.6 years manifestation of ankle arthritis underwent open synovectomy of the ankle joint optionally combined with accompanying tenosynovectomy. Disease duration and the prevalence of radiological alterations (81% LDE 2-3) characterize the procedures as late synovectomies. The rate of 93% of additional tenosynovectomies and the prevalence of radiological alteration in the adjacent rear foot joints indicate a panarticular pathology of the rheumatic disease. A progression of the Larsen, Dale and Eek (LDE) grade was found in 62% of the ankle joints. The significant gain in the Kofoed ankle score (42.4 versus 55.9 points, p=0.042) was mainly caused by pain reduction and gain of mobility, whereas a decline of function was detected. Both genders showed comparable outcomes. The mean pain level on a visual analogue scale decreased from 7.6 to 3.3 (p0.001) and 81.5% of the patients assessed the results of the synovectomy as good or very good.

The axillobilateral breast approach (ABBA) is a procedure allowing thyroid resection without scarring at the neck. We operated on a series of 26 patients with this technique.Via incisions at the edge of the mamilla and axilla, trocars are placed subcutaneously under the platyma. Dissection is performed bluntly and with an ultrasonographic scalpel under videoscopic control. The procedure itself corresponds to conventional surgery. The specimen is removed through the axillary trocar.Twenty-six female patients underwent thyroid resection using the ABBA technique. Subtotal resection was performed in 24. Mean operation times were 111 min (unilateral) and 187 min (bilateral). In none of these cases was conversion necessary. One transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and one paresis of the arm plexus were found postoperatively.In selected patients the ABBA technique is feasible and safe with the mandatory radicalness. The primary aim of this method is the cosmetic result.

In the early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, core decompression by exact drilling into the ischemic areas can reduce pain and achieve reperfusion. Using computer aided surgery, the precision of the drilling can be improved while simultaneously lowering radiation exposure time for both staff and patients. We describe the experimental and clinical results of drilling under the guidance of the fluoroscopically-based VectorVision navigation system (BrainLAB, Munich, Germany).A total of 70 sawbones were prepared mimicking an osteonecrosis of the femoral head. In two experimental models, bone only and obesity, as well as in a clinical setting involving ten patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, the precision and the duration of radiation exposure were compared between the VectorVision system and conventional drilling.No target was missed. For both models, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of the precision, the number of drilling corrections as well as the radiation exposure time. The average distance to the desired midpoint of the lesion of both models was 0.48 mm for navigated drilling and 1.06 mm for conventional drilling, the average drilling corrections were 0.175 and 2.1, and the radiation exposure time less than 1 s and 3.6 s, respectively. In the clinical setting, the reduction of radiation exposure (below 1 s for navigation compared to 56 s for the conventional technique) as well as of drilling corrections (0.2 compared to 3.4) was also significant.Computer guided drilling using the fluoroscopically based VectorVision navigation system shows a clearly improved precision with a enormous simultaneous reduction in radiation exposure. It is therefore recommended for clinical routine.

We report the occurrence of spontaneous splenic hemorrhage in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis. Pulmonary infiltrates, hemoptysis, and crescentic glomerulonephritis were accompanied by a progressive splenic enlargement with minimal abdominal symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging was particularly helpful. The spleen was removed by minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Subcapsular hemorrhage had occurred because of splenic vasculitis. Postoperatively, a remission was achieved by a combination of high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.

The specific minimal-invasive injection therapy is a key-procedure for cervical spine syndromes when performing a multimodal pain-therapy. Due to the exactly placed injections pain can be overcome. Indication is given in cases of continuing spine pain and is an alternative to operative procedure, as for as no absolute indication for operation is given. The complex injection technique affords knowledge and expertise. The exact application and the specific complications are presented in detail.

Orthopaedic treatment options for rheumatological patients have been further developed over recent years. For orthopaedic treatment, a range of different interventions are offered: orthoses and special technical aids as well as injections for joints and tendons, or surgery. Surgical interventions cover joint preservation, restitution and arthrodeses. Improvements in equipment and surgical procedures also make minimally invasive interactions possible for rheumatoid diseases. Thus, postoperative morbidity has been reduced significantly. Improvement in function, reduction of pain and prevention of recurrent local inflammation are primary. Considering these aims, arthrodeses are restricted to special indications. Joint preservation and restitution are the predominant measures used. The various procedures are discussed.

To compare ultrasound imaging to the anatomy of the acromioclavicular joint.13 cadaveric acromioclavicular joints were examined by ultrasound (11 MHz linear array transducer) to determine the limits of the joint capsule and the width of the joint space. The results were compared to macroscopic sections.Anatomical variations were observed. The joint space of one specimen was completely filled by fibrous tissue, leaving 12 specimens for a complete study. A hypoechoic meniscoid disc was attached to the superior joint capsule, resulting in a convex curvature of the cranial part. The mean sonographic width of the joint space was 3.9 mm +/- 1.7 mm standard deviation (SD). The mean distance of the joint capsule from the articular bone rim of the clavicle, the acromion, and from the middle of the joint space was 1.1 +/- 1.0 mm, 1.3 +/- 0.7 mm, and 2.1 +/- 0.9 mm, respectively. The distance from the joint space to the capsular insertion on the clavicle and on the acromion was 4.4 +/- 1.4 mm and 5.3 +/- 2 mm, respectively. The mean difference between ultrasound and anatomical measurements in the vertical (cranio-caudal) plane was 0.5 +/- 0.5 mm (SD), whereas the mean difference between measurements in the horinzontal (medio-lateral) plane was 1.3 +/- 1.1 mm (SD).Due to low cost, safety and wide availability, sonography is suited for the evaluation of the acromioclavicular joint. However, when interpreting the results, errors in measuring, limitations in resolution of the system used, and the anatomy of the acromioclavicular joint and its anatomical variants have to be taken into consideration.

Although the outcome of surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears is well documented in the literature, less is known about the efficacy of home exercises for symptomatic rotator cuff tears in correlation to the size of the defect.A series of 30 patients (38 shoulders) with rotator cuff tears seen by ultrasonography were included in this prospective study. Rotator cuff tears were divided into partial defects (group A), full thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon (group B), and massive rotator cuff defects (group C). Treatment consisted of a home program of stretching and strengthening exercises that were performed by the patients daily for a period of 12 weeks and controlled by a physician every 2 weeks. Range of motion, a modified constant score, and impingement signs at initial examination and after 12 weeks were compared.All groups experienced improvement in range of motion. The Constant scores improved significantly (p0.05) in all groups (A: 13.0 [+/- 7.9 SD], B: 13.2 [+/- 11.4 SD], and C: 17.5 [+/- 6.6 SD]). Impingement signs showed a downward trend in all groups.The results of this study show that patients with rotator cuff defects do benefit from simple home exercises independent from the size of the defect.

Knee arthroplasties, both total (TKA) and unicondylar, as well as high tibial osteotomy (HTO) represent the main treatment options in severe osteoarthritis of the knee. The aim of this study was to collect detailed information regarding the current treatment strategies in Germany.220 departments of orthopaedic surgery and 250 departments of trauma surgery were asked about their treatment strategies in an anonymous nation-wide survey regarding the different operative procedures in HTO, TKA, revision TKA and related issues. Univariate analyses were performed and means, medians and rates were calculated.Questionnaire forms were answered by 54 % of the departments. The survey represents 31 138 TKA for the year 2002. In the mean 137 TKA were performed in each department. Posterior cruciate ligament retaining components were used in 67 %, resurfacing of the patella was performed in 19 % of cases. The incidence of revision TKA is about 10 % compared to the primary TKA cases. In comparison to a different survey from the year 1995, the absolute number of primary and revision TKA has increased by a factor of nearly three. Compared to the number of TKA, the proportion of HTO has declined to 12 % and the number of unicondylar knee arthroplasties represents 7 % of all cases.In the surgical treatment of severe osteoarthritis, TKA shows a highly increasing number, whereas HTO is decreasing. An increasing number of revision TKA can be observed. There is trend towards the cemented implantation technique. Patella resurfacing is not performed routinely in most German hospitals.

The purpose of this study was to determine the important predisposing factors associated with heterotopic ossifications (HO) after total hip arthroplasty.589 patients were examined 6 months after primary total hip arthroplasty with regard to periarticular ossifications. Several predetermining factors were evaluated using the hospitalization records and preoperative X-ray examination.A significantly increased frequency of heterotopic ossifications was found for male gender, patients with very high body mass index (BMI), low preoperative range of motion (ROM), long duration of operation and large preexistent osteophytes (p0.05). Only one out of the one hundred patients with an BMI22.6 developed severe HO (Brooker III). Out of the one hundred patients with the best preoperative ROM (or = 140 degrees ) only one case developed severe ossifications (Brooker III). There was no correlation with the use of acrylic bone cement or the patient's age. The frequency of HO was significantly reduced both as well by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs as from postoperative radiation prophylaxis.In patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with low preoperative ROM in the hip joint, large osteophytes and a very high BMI an efficient prophylaxis against HO is of great importance.

A local cartilage defect at the knee is mostly followed by arthritis after a period of time. Up to now there are no options to adequately regenerate hyaline cartilage in vivo. Hence, the present strategies try to create a repair tissue with hyaline-like characteristics or to repair defects by transplanting autologous osteochondral cylinders. The objective of this study was to collect data about the current treatment of local cartilage defects of the knee in Germany.In a countrywide anonymous survey, 250 German trauma surgery and 220 orthopaedic surgery departments were asked about their diagnostic procedures and their treatment strategies when addressing a local cartilage defect of the knee.230 (48.9 %) of the questionnaires were returned and evaluated. We found differences between the two specialities: the orthopaedic departments are more progressive in applying autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) (28.3 % versus 13.6 %) and osteochondral transplantation (OCT) (69.1 % versus 56.3 %). Only 5.2 % of the German surgeons perform periostal grafting for local cartilage defects.There are still discrepancies about the therapy for local cartilage defects of the knee. Our survey illustrates the present status of cartilage repair strategies in Germany.

There are few reports on laparoscopic rectum resection demonstrating its feasibility and efficacy in patients with rectal cancer. Most patient series are small, and results must be considered preliminary and medium-term. Our large prospective conducted study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a totally laparoscopic resection for rectum carcinoma with emphasis on perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes. Between November 1992 and July 2003, 194 unselected patients were resected laparoscopically for rectal carcinoma. Patients with locally advanced rectum carcinoma (uT3/uT4) and no evidence of distant metastases were candidates for neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Adjuvant treatment was administered to patients with UICC stage II/III disease. All patients were followed up prospectively to evaluate complications and late outcomes. Survival probability analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Study selection was made by Medline search using the following key words: rectal cancer, rectal neoplasms, laparoscopy, and resection. Single case reports and abstracts were excluded. When surgical series were reported more than once, only the most recent reports were considered and listed. The most common procedures were low anterior resection with total mesorectum excision in 65.5% of patients and high anterior resection in 25.3%. Average operative time was 174 min. Average number of lymph nodes removed was 25.4 and length of specimen resected was 27.6 cm. Resection was curative in 145 patients and palliative in 49 cases. UICC tumor stages were as follows: stage I: 25.2%, stage II: 27.3%, stage III: 30.4%, and stage IV: 17%. Intraoperative complications were

Two cases of planned complex suicide are presented. In both cases, the suicidal persons shot themselves after making sure that in the sequel their bodies would be burnt. In the first case, a 65-year-old man had shot himself in the mouth and consequently fell into a fire he had lighted before. In the second case, a 43-year-old man set fire to his flat and shot himself directly afterwards. On the basis of the reported cases, a short literature review on planned complex suicides is given.

The follow-up of 42 patients with 50 symptomatic elbow joints [average age at operation: 66.1 years (46-79 years)] with rheumatoid arthritis at an average of 6.8 years (SD: 3.5 years) after joint-preserving open operation is presented in this study. Synovectomy was mandatory. Open synovectomy with facultative additional soft tissue techniques (AS) was performed on 17 elbows, while in 33 elbows joint surface remodeling (SR)-radial head excision included-was performed. There was only a slight progression in the overall Larsen staging from 3.70 to 4.02 in the operated joints, while the non-operated joints were nearly unchanged (3.43 vs 3.56). Especially in the SR group a nearly significant ( p=0.06) increase of 31.0 degrees for the total elbow ROM as a sum of extension/ flexion and pronation/supination could be detected, while the AS group slightly decreased with -1.1 degrees. Both groups gained a comparable average Morrey score result (AS 77.6 points vs SR 75.6 points). Poor results were not noticed at all. A mild collateral instability was seen in 40% of the AS and in 20% of the SR cases, respectively. Moderate instability was found in 10% in the AS vs 5% in the SR group. Both groups showed an excellent benefit in terms of pain relief, function, and satisfaction according to the patients' self-assessment on a visual analog scale.Joint-preserving operations on the rheumatoid elbow proved to be safe and efficient methods on a medium term even at late stages. Especially joint surface remodeling guarantees a noticeable increase for the elbow ROM without provoking marked collateral instability. The patients' expectations for pain relief and functionality can be fulfilled completely with these methods.

Laparoscopic pancreatic resections are rare procedures. A particular position is held by the left resection. In animal trials and 37 operations performed to date, this laparoscopic procedure has been positively assessed. The diseases operated upon were nearly exclusively benign. From November 1998 to July 2001, we performed 5 laparoscopic distal pancreatic resections at our hospital. The indications were: 2 adenocarcinomas; 1 neuroendocrine carcinoma; 1 high malignant T-cell lymphoma, and 1 cystadenoma. Additional procedures in 3 patients were: gastrectomy and resection of the left liver in the case with T-cell lymphoma; resection of a distant metastasis in the liver in the case with advanced pancreatic carcinoma, and a partial adrenalectomy in the case with cystadenoma. We did not note any intra- or postoperative complications in our patients. First of all, benefit is to be found in the early postoperative course. All oncosurgical criteria could be fulfilled.

The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde choledocho-pancreatography (ERCP) at the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin in the setting of pre-operative suspicion of choledocholithiasis. The predictive value of various pathologic findings with regard to choledocholithiasis was to be determined in this patient population.All patients treated operatively for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis between August 2000 and August 2001 were evaluated retrospectively for the following variables: age, gender, operative strategy, intra-operative cholangiography, sonographic findings, occurrence of choledocholithiasis. In 21.4 % of 196 patients who underwent cholecystectomy (n = 42) a pre-operative ERCP was performed. In 19 of these 42 patients, no pathology was found on ERCP. The percentage of therapeutic pre-operative investigations was 47.6 % (n = 20). In 3 patients, a juxtapapillary diverticulum was seen.69.9 % of the operations (n = 137) were performed laparoscopically. 167 patients (85.2 %) underwent intra-operative cholangiography. In 4 patients, the ERCP was performed post-operatively. The indication for 3 of those 4 examinations was an abnormal intra-operative cholangiogram. Complications occurred in 4 of the 46 patients who underwent ERCP (8.7 %). Choledocholithiasis was found in 12.2 % (n = 24) of all 196 patients. The pathologic finding with the highest positive predictive value for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was the finding of a dilated common bile duct to more than 8 mm diameter (PPV 75 %). Among laboratory variables investigated in this study, the elevation of serum bilirubin level exhibited the highest positive predictive value (PPV 39.2 %).

Rectal cancer poses an immense challenge within the field of laparoscopic surgery. Sufficient enlargement on a monitor and improved instruments enable an optimal preparation and the total mesorectal excision. The standardized technique is the key to success. By December 2000, 138 rectal carcinomas were operated upon in laparoscopic technique at our hospital. The operating steps are adapted to the criteria of the "open" surgery. A rectal extirpation was performed in 13%, a continuity resection in 87%. The rate of local recurrence was 3.8% after a follow-up of 40 months, the survival rate in curatively operated patients was 90%.

Suicidal electrocution using a time switch is relatively rare. Based on two cases from the authors' own forensic material and seven cases from literature peculiarities regarding the concomitant intake of medicines (benzodiazepines) and alcohol are discussed and comments are made how to proceed in the criminal and forensic investigation of such cases.

Laparoscopic pancreatic resections are rare procedures with left resections considered as a special subject. In animal trials and in 26 operations performed so far, this laparoscopic procedure was assessed positively. The operations were carried out mainly for benign diseases. From November 1998 to July 2000, five laparoscopic left pancreatic resections were performed in our hospital for the following diseases: adenocarcinoma (2), neuroendocrine carcinoma, highly malignant T-cell lymphoma, and cyst adenoma. In 3 patients the pancreatic resection was completed by other procedures: the case of T-cell lymphoma by gastrectomy and left side hemihepatectomy, the case of advanced pancreatic carcinoma by resection of a liver metastasis, and the case of cyst adenoma by a partial adrenalectomy. There was no patient suffering from intra- or postoperative complications. The benefit is mainly noticed in the early postoperative period. All required oncosurgical criterias were fulfilled.

The rectal cancer is one of the big challenges for laparoscopic surgery. From August 1993 to October 1999, at our hospital 108 rectal cancers including all UICC stages were laparoscopically operated on, 83 cases of them with curative intention. 77% of the carcinomas were situated in the middle or lower rectal third. A rectal amputation was performed in 13% of the cases, a continuity resection in 87%. All valid histopathological quality criteria were fulfilled: en bloc resection, total mesorectal excision, distal tumor free resection edge, and truncal dissection of the lower mesenteric artery. 25 lymph nodes per specimen were histopathologically described on average. All preparations of curative operations were assessed as R0 resections. In a median follow up of 30 months we saw locoregional recurrences in 1.2% and a recurrence-free survival in 90%. In a subpopulation with 4 years follow up, the rate of local recurrences was 2%, and the recurrence-free survival 85.7%. The value of multimodal therapy concepts in total mesorectal excision cannot be assessed at present yet. Laparoscopic rectal surgery is a very effective treatment option for rectal cancer, but it should be practiced only in specialized centres.

A 38-year-old white female with primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is presented. The patient was admitted to our service with a history of upper digestive tract pain and postprandial vomiting since her 17th year of life. Diagnosis of benign pyloric stenosis was made preoperatively and the patient was successfully treated by Finney pyloroplasty. Primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in adults is a rare condition of unknown etiology. Only about 200 cases of primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in adults have been reported in the literature.

Injection therapy as part of orthopaedic pain treatment is of major importance in sciatica. It helps to differentiate unclear complaints and allows a break through of the vicious circle of pain and muscle spasm. Pharmacological principles and possible complications have to be observed. The different techniques need experience and manual training. The paper describes the various injection techniques in detail.

Since the beginning of the decade we can remark an increasing of publications about laparoscopic approach in splenic surgery. We report about 17 unselected own cases (8 males, 9 females). Main indications were 12 hematologic diseases: 9 idiopathic thrombopenic purpuras, 1 hemolytic anemia, 1 Hodgkin's disease and 1 recurrent splenic infarction with hypersplenism and extramedulary hemapoiesis, further 1 unclear sepsis with focal lesions and splenomegaly, 1 dysontogenetic splenic cyst, 1 splenic co-affection of Wegener's disease, and 2 traumatic lesions. We performed in 13 cases asplenectomy, under these 1 time combined with a laparoscopic hernioplasty and 1 time with a complete staging, further in 1 case a partial splenic resection, in 1 case a diagnostic excision and in 2 cases a hemostyptic management without splenectomy. We had to convert in no case, the lethality rate was also 0. As a complication we noted one postoperative bleeding, we could managing also laparoscopically. Our mean operating time of 137 min was evident shorter than the published ones by other authors. Because of our good results and the excellent tolerance by patients we can recommend this proceeding. Nevertheless, it should be limited for surgeons with a large experience at laparoscopic centers.

In 99 patients with asthma or chronic obstructive bronchitis immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin-G subclasses were measured to characterize the frequency of humoral immune deficiencies. 26 patients had decreased serum levels in one or two IgG subclasses. So IgG-subclass deficiency is a common finding in patients with asthma and obstructive bronchitis. Treatment with corticosteroids seems to promote low IgG-subclass levels, but cannot fully explain alterations of IgG subclasses. Today IgG-subclass deficiencies are regarded as an important factor in the susceptibility to recurrent infections. We think, variation in IgG subclasses may have further effects on the noninfectious inflammatory processes of asthma and obstructive bronchitis.

The four IgG subclasses differ with respect to structure and biological function. Within the last 26 years, numerous immunological methods have been developed to study the role of the individual subclasses in humoral immune response. Different methods for quantitative IgG-subclass determinations are discussed with special reference to reliability and standardization. The clinical indications for measuring IgG-subclass levels are listed.

SUMMARY The incidental finding of monoclonal immunoglobulin components (MC) in some infections prompted us to study this phenomenon more systematically. Using isoelectric focusing with immunoblotting (detection limit for MC 0.1 mg/ml), the following infections were studied for the presence of MC: visceral leishmaniasis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, echinococcosis and infectious mononucleosis. MC were found in 16 of 20 leishmania patients and in eight of 18 CMV patients, but in only one of 20 echinococcosis patients and in none of 30 infectious mononucleosis patients. The MC were mostly transient, where tested. A minority of the MC found in the leishmaniasis patients was shown to bind to leishmania antigens. The specificity of the majority of the MC remains unknown. Further study is required to explain the high incidence of MC in CMV infection and visceral leishmaniasis.

Summary Life expectancy of Swedish haemophiliacs has been estimated for the period 1831–1980. The data were derived from 948 haemophiliacs of whom 580 survived throughout 1980. Applying standard demographic techniques, median life expectancy of patients with severe haemophilia was found to have increased fivefold, from a mere 11 years during the period 1831–1920 to 56.8 years during 1961–80. The corresponding estimates for patients with moderate haemophilia were 27.5 and 71.5 years, respectively. The limited data on patients with mild haemophilia did not indicate any significant improvements in mortality. From the beginning of this century to 1980 median life expectancy for Swedish males increased from 61.7 years to 75.6 years, an increase of 23%. Analysing the last 12 years of the study (1969–80), death rates for patients with severe haemophilia below the age of 45 were not much different from those of Swedish males in the population as a whole. The investigation implies that the mortality of haemophiliacs in Sweden is approaching that of the total male population.

Hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease are the most common congenital coagulation and bleeding disorders. The situation for patients suffering from these conditions has changed drastically during the last 2 to 3 decades. It is the purpose of this article, first, to give data on demography and mortality in hemophilia and, then, to review basic problems of therapy, especially in connection with surgery in hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease with emphasis on the use of blood components.

Seventy-seven hemophilic patients of type A or type B were subjected to a total of 108 major surgical procedures mainly in the field of general surgery, orthopedic surgery, or neurosurgery. The principles for the substitution therapy in the different types of procedures and different types of hemophilic diseases are described, as well as the indications for surgery and the surgical technique. The importance of prolonged substitution therapy postoperatively to avoid late hematoma, particularly in patients with severe hemophilia undergoing major surgery, is stressed. With this type of management there has been no increased intraoperative hemorrhage, and very few cases of late hematoma formation. By combining the substitution therapy with immunosuppression, it has been possible to operate also on patients with inhibitors against factor VIII or IX. The rate of complications, particularly the incidence of hepatitis, has been low with the type of substitution given in this series of patients. It is concluded that major surgery can be carried out even in severe hemophilia without significantly increased risk. The handling of the substitution therapy, and the surgical judgment and technique, offers however, special problems, necessitating centralization of elective cases.