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BACKGROUND Exercise is crucial for individuals with paraplegia to reduce the risk of secondary diseases and improve independence and quality of life. However, numerous barriers such as inadequate accessibility restrict their participation in exercise programs. Digital exercise apps can help overcome these barriers. Personalization is considered a crucial feature of mobile exercise apps, as people with paraplegia have individual requirements regarding exercise programs depending on their level of impairment. Despite the increasing popularity of mobile exercise apps, there are none available that target the individual needs of this cohort. The ParaGym mobile exercise app prototype was designed to automatically tailor exercise sessions to the individual needs of users with paraplegia. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, usability, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of the ParaGym mobile exercise app prototype. METHODS This pilot block-randomized controlled feasibility trial will include 45 adult participants with paraplegia. Eligible participants will be block randomized to either the intervention or waitlist control group. The intervention group will perform a 6-week exercise program using the ParaGym mobile exercise app, comprising three 35-minute exercise sessions per week. The waitlist control group will continue their usual care and receive access to the app after study completion. Participants will record all exercise sessions conducted with the app as well as additional exercise sessions conducted during the study period using exercise diaries. The primary outcomes include feasibility, usability, and safety. Feasibility will be assessed through semistructured interviews, study adherence, and retention rates. Usability will be measured using the System Usability Scale. Safety will be determined by the occurrence of adverse events. Secondary outcomes include the effects of the intervention on peak exercise capacity (VO2 peak); handgrip strength; independence, which will be measured using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III); and health-related quality of life, which will be measured using the Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS Recruitment commenced in November 2022. Overall, 12 participants were enrolled at the time of submission. Data collection commenced in January 2023, with completion expected in April 2023. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the feasibility, usability, and safety of an intelligent mobile exercise app for individuals with paraplegia. Thereafter, the app should be adapted according to the findings of this trial. Future trials with an updated version of the app should aim for a larger sample size, longer intervention duration, and more diverse target group. In the long term, a fully marketable version of the ParaGym app should be implemented. This would increase the access to personalized, independent, and evidence-based exercise training for this cohort and, in the future, other people who use wheelchairs. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030370; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00030370 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/45652

Ziel der Studie In Deutschland unterscheiden sich die Behandlungspfade von frisch Querschnittgelähmten in Abhängigkeit von intrinsisch-krankheitsspezifischen und extrinsischen Faktoren erheblich. Welche dieser Faktoren mit einem verbesserten Outcome, weniger Folgekomplikationen und stationären Wiederaufnahmen assoziiert sind, ist bis heute nicht bekannt. Daher soll das deutschlandweite, patientenzentrierte, webbasierte ParaReg-Register implementiert werden, um langfristig eine bessere Qualität der Patientenversorgung, Planung der Behandlungspfade und Kosteneffizienz zu erreichen. Methodik In der Konzeptionierungsphase 2017/18 wurde das Datenmodell des Registers vom ParaReg-Leitungskomitee in einem iterativen Prozess zusammen mit dem erweiterten Vorstand der Deutschsprachigen Medizinischen Gesellschaft für Paraplegiologie e.V. (DMGP) und Patientenvertretern entwickelt. In ParaReg werden soziale und medizinische Routinedaten zusammen mit international etablierten neurologischen, funktionellen und partizipationsbezogenen Scores dokumentiert. Die Vergabe einer eindeutigen Patienten-ID erlaubt lebenslang eine zentrumsübergreifende Dokumentation von stationären Aufenthalten in einem der 27 in Deutschland in der DMGP organisierten Querschnittzentren. Das ParaReg-Datenschutzkonzept und die Patienteninformation/-einwilligung orientieren sich an den um DSGVO-relevante Aspekte erweiterten Vorlagen des Open Source Registers für seltene Erkrankungen (OSSE). Ergebnisse In der 2019 begonnenen Realisierungsphase wurde die informationstechnische Infrastruktur gemäß des klinischen ID-Management-Moduls der Technologie- und Methodenplattform für die vernetzte medizinische Forschung e.V. (TMF) umgesetzt. Parallel wurden die rechtlich-ethischen Voraussetzungen für den Registerbetrieb unter der Schirmherrschaft der DMGP geschaffen. In das Datenschutzkonzept sind die Empfehlungen der Arbeitsgruppe Datenschutz der TMF eingeflossen. Basierend auf den Rückmeldungen aus der Alpha-Testphase mit Eingabe der Aufenthaltsdaten von 40 Patienten wurde die Ergonomie der elektronischen Eingabeformulare speziell für mobile Eingabegeräte verbessert. Schlussfolgerung Mit Abschluss der monozentrischen Alpha-Testphase hat die multizentrische Datenerhebung an 5 DMGP-Querschnittzentren begonnen. Die Nachhaltigkeit von ParaReg ist durch die strukturelle und finanzielle Unterstützung durch die DMGP auch nach Auslaufen der Förderung durch das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) gesichert.

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure is one of the leading risk factors for human health. Nicotine-containing inhalable products, such as e-cigarettes, can effectively support tobacco harm reduction approaches. However, there are limited comparative data on the effects of the aerosols generated from electronic vapor products (e-vapor) and CS on bone. Here, we report the effects of e-vapor aerosols and CS on bone morphology, structure, and strength in a 6-month inhalation study. Eight-week-old ApoE-/- mice were exposed to aerosols from three different e-vapor formulations-CARRIER (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol), BASE (CARRIER and nicotine), TEST (BASE and flavor)-to CS from 3R4F reference cigarettes at matched nicotine concentrations (35 µg/L) or to fresh air (Sham) (N = 10 per group). Tibiae were analyzed for bone morphology by µCT imaging, biomechanics by three-point bending, and by histological analysis. CS inhalation caused a significant decrease in cortical and total bone volume fraction and bone density relative to e-vapor aerosols. Additionally, CS exposure caused a decrease in ultimate load and stiffness. In contrast, bone structural and biomechanical parameters were not significantly affected by e-vapor aerosol or Sham exposure. At the dissection time point, there was no significant difference in body weight or tibia bone weight or length among the groups. Histological findings revealed microcracks in cortical bone areas among all exposed groups compared to Sham control. In conclusion, because of the bone-preserving effect of e-vapor aerosols relative to CS exposure, e-vapor products could potentially constitute less harmful alternatives to cigarettes in situations in which bone health is of importance.

Wirbelsaulenverletzungen im Kindesalter sind insgesamt sehr selten. Aktuelle einschlagige Studien mit grosen Fallzahlen, aus welchen sich evidenzbasierte Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie von Wirbelsaulenverletzungen bei padiatrischen Patienten ableiten lassen, existieren nicht. Formulierung von Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie von Verletzungen der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsaule im Kindesalter. Zunachst erfolgte eine Recherche von Primar-, aber auch Sekundarliteratur zum Themenkomplex Diagnostik und Therapie von Verletzungen der Wirbelsaule bei Kindern. Eine entsprechende interne Literaturdatenbank wurde angelegt und gepflegt. Im Zeitraum von April 2017 bis Dezember 2019 fanden sich die Mitglieder der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wirbelsaulentrauma im Kindesalter der Sektion Wirbelsaule der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Orthopadie und Unfallchirurgie zu einem Konsensusprozess zusammen. In 9 Arbeitstreffen wurden systematisch Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie von Verletzungen der Wirbelsaule bei Kindern formuliert. Es konnten Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie von Verletzungen der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsaule fur 3 Altersstufen (Altersstufe I: 0 bis 6 Jahre; Altersstufe II: 7 bis 9 Jahre; Altersstufe III: 10 bi s16 Jahre) formuliert werden. Die Prinzipien der Diagnostik und Therapie aus der Erwachsenenmedizin konnen nicht problemlos ubertragen werden. Wirbelsaulenverletzungen im Kindesalter sind selten und sollten der Behandlung in geeigneten Zentren zugefuhrt werden. Die MRT-Diagnostik sollte beim kardiopulmonal stabilen Kind mit Verdacht auf ein Monotrauma der Wirbelsaule als initiale Bildgebung indiziert werden. Die grundlegenden Therapieziele bei Verletzungen der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsaule im Kindesalter sind die Wiederherstellung der Stabilitat, der Schutz der neurogenen Strukturen und das Wiederherstellen der anatomisch korrekten Verhaltnisse. Bei der Indikationsstellung zur konservativen vs. operativen Therapie mussen das Korrektur- und Regenerationspotenzial der einzelnen Wirbelsaulenabschnitte in Abhangigkeit vom Patientenalter berucksichtigt werden. Die operative Stabilisierung soll v. a. uber minimalinvasive Techniken, im Sinne einer Instrumentierung ohne Spondylodese und fruhzeitiger Metallentfernung, erfolgen.

Generell stellen Wirbelsaulenverletzungen bei Kindern im Alter unter 16 Jahren eine seltene Verletzungsentitat dar. Fur Deutschland liegen keine belastbaren Daten bezuglich der Epidemiologie von Verletzungen der Wirbelsaule im Kindesalter vor. Gerade bei padiatrischen Patienten, bei denen sowohl die Anamnese, die klinische Untersuchung, aber auch die Durchfuhrung der bildgebenden Diagnostik haufig erschwert sind, mussen samtliche Hinweise auf eine Verletzung der Wirbelsaule mitberucksichtigt werden. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Bereitstellung epidemiologischer Daten von padiatrischen Patienten mit Wirbelsaulenverletzungen in Deutschland, um diese zukunftig in die Entscheidungsfindung bei der Diagnostik und Therapie dieser Patienten einfliesen lassen zu konnen. Im Rahmen einer nationalen Multizenterstudie wurden retrospektiv Patientendaten innerhalb eines Zeitraums von 7 Jahren aus 6 Wirbelsaulenzentren erhoben. Neben den demografischen Daten wurden der Unfallmechanismus, die betroffene Wirbelsaulenregion und auch die Begleitverletzungen erhoben. Zudem erfolgte die Erfassung der bildgebenden Diagnostik sowie der jeweiligen Therapie. Es konnten 367 Kinder (weiblich: mannlich = 1:1,2) mit insgesamt 610 Verletzungen an der Wirbelsaule in die Studie eingeschlossen werden. Das mittlere Alter betrug 12 (±3,5) Jahre. Die haufigsten Unfallmechanismen in allen Altersgruppen waren ein Sturz aus unter 3 m Hohe sowie Verkehrsunfalle. Die bildgebende Diagnostik musste nur in Ausnahmefallen in Narkose durchgefuhrt werden. Wahrend jungere Kinder (0 bis 9 Jahre) eher Verletzungen im Bereich der Halswirbelsaule erlitten, zeigten sich Verletzungen der thorakolumbalen Wirbelsaule eher bei Kindern >10 Jahren. Die Kinder wiesen haufige Begleitverletzungen an Kopf und Extremitaten auf. Im Bereich der Wirbelsaule befanden sich weitere Verletzungen meist benachbart und nur selten in anderen Regionen. Rund 75 % der Kinder wurden konservativ behandelt. Die Ergebnisse unterscheiden sich von den Erkenntnissen aus der Erwachsenenmedizin und beschreiben spezielle Gegebenheiten fur padiatrische Patienten mit Wirbelsaulenverletzungen. Trotz gewisser Limitationen konnen sie so bei der Entscheidungsfindung uber die durchzufuhrende Diagnostik und Therapie dieser Patienten helfen.

In Germany, treatment paths for patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) differ considerably depending on intrinsic, disease-specific and extrinsic factors. Which of these factors are associated with improved outcome with fewer subsequent complications and inpatient re-admissions is not clear. The German-wide, patient-centered, web-based ParaReg registry will be implemented to improve the long-term quality of patient care and the planning of treatment paths with increased cost-effectiveness.In the 2017-18 conceptualization phase, the data model of the registry was developed in an iterative process of the ParaReg steering committee together with the extended DMGP board and patient representatives. In ParaReg, routine social and medical data as well as internationally established neurological, functional and participation scores will be documented. The assignment of a unique patient ID allows a lifelong, cross-center documentation of inpatient stays in one of the 27 SCI centers organized in the German-speaking Medical Society for SCI (DMGP). The ParaReg data protection concept and patient information/consent are based on the Open Source Registry for Rare Diseases (OSSE) which were extended by GDPR-relevant aspects.In the realization phase, which started in 2019, the information technology infrastructure was implemented according to the clinical ID management module of the Technology and Methods Platform for Networked Medical Research (TMF). In parallel, the legal and ethical prerequisites for registry operation under the patronage of the DMGP were created. Recommendations of the working group data protection of the TMF were integrated into ParaReg's data protection concept. Based on the feedback from the alpha test phase with documentation of the hospitalization data of 40 patients, the ergonomics of the electronic case report forms were improved in particular for data entry on mobile devices.After completion of the monocentric alpha test phase, the multicenter data acquisition was started in 5 DMGP-SCI centers. The sustainability of ParaReg is ensured by the structural and financial support of the DMGP after expiry of the funding by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).In Deutschland unterscheiden sich die Behandlungspfade von frisch Querschnittgelähmten in Abhängigkeit von intrinsisch-krankheitsspezifischen und extrinsischen Faktoren erheblich. Welche dieser Faktoren mit einem verbesserten Outcome, weniger Folgekomplikationen und stationären Wiederaufnahmen assoziiert sind, ist bis heute nicht bekannt. Daher soll das deutschlandweite, patientenzentrierte, webbasierte ParaReg-Register implementiert werden, um langfristig eine bessere Qualität der Patientenversorgung, Planung der Behandlungspfade und Kosteneffizienz zu erreichen.In der Konzeptionierungsphase 2017/18 wurde das Datenmodell des Registers vom ParaReg-Leitungskomitee in einem iterativen Prozess zusammen mit dem erweiterten Vorstand der Deutschsprachigen Medizinischen Gesellschaft für Paraplegiologie e.V. (DMGP) und Patientenvertretern entwickelt. In ParaReg werden soziale und medizinische Routinedaten zusammen mit international etablierten neurologischen, funktionellen und partizipationsbezogenen Scores dokumentiert. Die Vergabe einer eindeutigen Patienten-ID erlaubt lebenslang eine zentrumsübergreifende Dokumentation von stationären Aufenthalten in einem der 27 in Deutschland in der DMGP organisierten Querschnittzentren. Das ParaReg-Datenschutzkonzept und die Patienteninformation/-einwilligung orientieren sich an den um DSGVO-relevante Aspekte erweiterten Vorlagen des Open Source Registers für seltene Erkrankungen (OSSE).In der 2019 begonnenen Realisierungsphase wurde die informationstechnische Infrastruktur gemäß des klinischen ID-Management-Moduls der Technologie- und Methodenplattform für die vernetzte medizinische Forschung e.V. (TMF) umgesetzt. Parallel wurden die rechtlich-ethischen Voraussetzungen für den Registerbetrieb unter der Schirmherrschaft der DMGP geschaffen. In das Datenschutzkonzept sind die Empfehlungen der Arbeitsgruppe Datenschutz der TMF eingeflossen. Basierend auf den Rückmeldungen aus der Alpha-Testphase mit Eingabe der Aufenthaltsdaten von 40 Patienten wurde die Ergonomie der elektronischen Eingabeformulare speziell für mobile Eingabegeräte verbessert.Mit Abschluss der monozentrischen Alpha-Testphase hat die multizentrische Datenerhebung an 5 DMGP-Querschnittzentren begonnen. Die Nachhaltigkeit von ParaReg ist durch die strukturelle und finanzielle Unterstützung durch die DMGP auch nach Auslaufen der Förderung durch das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) gesichert.

Odontoid fractures in geriatric patients represent an entity of increasing incidence with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management is being controversially discussed in the literature.In a consensus process and based on the current literature, the members of the working groups "Osteoporotic Fractures" and "Upper Cervical Spine" of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) defined recommendations for the diagnostics and treatment of odontoid fractures in geriatric patients.For the diagnosis of odontoid fractures in symptomatic patients, computed tomography represents the gold standard, along with conventional radiographs. Magnetic resonance and dynamic imaging can be used as ancillary imaging modalities. With regard to fracture classification, the systems described by Anderson/D'Alonzo and by Eysel/Roosen have proved to be of value. A treatment algorithm was developed based on these classifications. Anderson/D'Alonzo type 1, type 3, and non-displaced type 2 fractures usually can be treated non-operatively. However, a close clinical and radiological follow-up is essential. In Anderson/D'Alonzo type 2 fractures, operative treatment is associated with better fracture healing. Displaced type 2 and type 3 fractures should be stabilized operatively. Type 2 fractures with suitable fracture patterns (Eysel/Roosen 2A/B) can be stabilized anteriorly. Posterior C I/II-stabilization procedures are well established and suitable for all fracture patterns.Frakturen des Dens axis beim geriatrischen Patienten stellen eine wachsende Entität mit hoher Morbidität und Mortalität dar. Die optimale Diagnostik und Behandlung der Verletzung in diesem Patientenkollektiv werden in der Literatur kontrovers diskutiert.In einem gemeinsamen Konsensusprozess erstellten die Mitglieder der Arbeitsgemeinschaft „Osteoporotische Frakturen“ und der Arbeitsgemeinschaft „Obere Halswirbelsäule“ der Sektion Wirbelsäule der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU) unter Berücksichtigung aktueller Literatur Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Behandlung von Frakturen des Dens axis bei geriatrischen Patienten.In der Diagnostik der Densfrakturen stellt beim symptomatischen Patienten neben der konventionellen Bildgebung die Computertomografie den Goldstandard dar. Kernspintomografie und Funktionsaufnahmen können ergänzende Informationen liefern. Zur Klassifikation haben sich die Systeme nach Anderson/DʼAlonzo und Eysel/Roosen bewährt. Anhand der genannten Klassifikationen wurde ein Behandlungsalgorithmus entwickelt: Anderson/DʼAlonzo Typ 1, Typ 3 und nicht dislozierte Frakturen vom Typ 2 können i. d. R. unter engmaschigen Verlaufskontrollen konservativ behandelt werden. Bei Frakturen vom Typ 2 nach Anderson/DʼAlonzo bietet die operative Behandlung den Vorteil höherer knöcherner Heilungsraten. Dislozierte Typ-2- und Typ-3-Frakturen sollten operativ stabilisiert werden. Bei geeignetem Frakturverlauf (Eysel/Roosen 2A/B) sind anteriore Verfahren möglich. Posteriore Verfahren zur C I/II-Stabilisation sind etabliert und bei allen Frakturtypen durchführbar.

Spinal injuries in pediatric patients are overall very rare. Current reference studies including large patient numbers that enable the formulation of evidence-based recommendations on diagnostics and treatment of these injuries do not exist.The aim of the current study was to formulate recommendations on the diagnostics and treatment for injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine in pediatric patients.Firstly, a search for primary and secondary literature on the topic of diagnostics and treatment of spinal injuries in children was carried out. From this, a literature database was established and maintained. Secondly, within the framework of 9 meetings in the time period from April 2017 to December 2019 the members of the Pediatric Spinal Trauma Group of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU) documented recommendations on diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine in pediatric patients by a consensus process.Recommendations on the diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine could be given for 3 age groups (age group I: 0-6 years; age group II: 7-9 years; age group III: 10-16 years). Diagnostic and therapeutic principles known from adult patients suffering from injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine cannot easily be transferred to pediatric patients.Spinal injuries in childhood are rare and should be treated in specialized spine centers. Pediatric patients with a stable cardiopulmonary status should undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if a spinal trauma is suspected. The basic principles of the treatment of spinal trauma in children is the restoration of spinal stability and correct anatomical parameters as well as the protection of all neural structures. The potential for correction and regeneration of the individual spinal sections depending on the age of the patient must be considered for deciding between operative vs. conservative treatment. Whenever operative treatment is needed, it should be performed by minimally invasive techniques as a sole instrumentation without spondylodesis. An early removal of the screw-rod-system should be performed.

In general, pediatric spinal injuries are rare. No reliable data on the epidemiology of spinal injuries in pediatric patients in Germany are available. Especially in pediatric patients, for whom the medical history, clinical examination and the performance of imaging diagnostics are difficult to obtain, all available information on a spinal injury must be taken into account.The aim of this study was to provide epidemiological data for pediatric patients with spinal trauma in Germany in order to enhance future decision-making for the diagnostics and treatment of these patients.Within the framework of a national multicenter study, data were retrospectively obtained from 6 German spine centers for 7 years between January 2010 and December 2016. In addition to the demographic data, the clinical databases were screened for specific trauma mechanisms, level of injury as well as accompanying injuries. Furthermore, diagnostic imaging and the treatment selected were also analyzed.A total of 367 children (female: male = 1:1.2) with a total of 610 spinal injuries were included in this study. The mean age was 12 years (±3.5 years). The most frequent trauma mechanisms were falls from3 m and traffic accidents. The imaging diagnostics were only rarely carried out with the child under anesthesia. Younger children (0-9 years old) suffered more injuries to the cervical spine, whereas injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine were more frequently found in older children (10 years old). The children frequently showed accompanying injuries to the head and the extremities. Accompanying spinal injuries mostly occurred in adjacent regions and only rarely in other regions. Around 75% of the children were treated conservatively.The results were different from the knowledge obtained from adult patients with spinal trauma and describe the special circumstances for pediatric patients with spinal trauma. Despite certain limitations these facts may help to enhance future decision-making for the diagnostics and treatment of these patients.

Severe cervical spine injuries in children under the age of 17 years are rare. Recommendations or even guidelines for the diagnostics and treatment of such injuries in children are currently not available.The aim of the study was to formulate recommendations for diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the cervical spine in pediatric patients.First, a search of primary and secondary literature on the topic complex of diagnostics and treatment of cervical spine injuries in children was carried out. An appropriate internal literature database was defined and maintained. Second, within the framework of 9 meetings from April 2017 to December 2019 the members of the Pediatric Spinal Trauma Group of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU) systematically formulated recommendations for the diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the cervical spine in pediatric patients by a consensus process.Recommendation for the diagnostics and treatment for injuries of the cervical spine could be formulated for three age groups (age group I: 0-6 years; age group II: 7-9 years; age group III: 10-16 years). The diagnostic and therapeutic principles known from adult patients suffering from injuries to the cervical spine cannot be easily transferred to pediatric patients.Injuries to the pediatric spine are rare and should be treated in specialized spine centers. Pediatric patients with a stable cardiopulmonary status should undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if a spinal trauma is suspected. Classification systems and therapeutic recommendations for injuries to the cervical spine known from adult patients could also be used for adolescent patients. This is not possible for children under the age of 10 years. Only few classification systems exist for this age group. Basic principles of the treatment of spinal trauma in children is the restoration of spinal stability and correct anatomical relationships as well as the protection of all neural structures.

Study Design: Expert consensus. Objectives: To establish treatment recommendations for subaxial cervical spine injuries based on current literature and the knowledge of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma. Methods: This recommendation summarizes the knowledge of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma. Results: Therapeutic goals are a stable, painless cervical spine and protection against secondary neurologic damage while retaining maximum possible motion and spinal profile. The AOSpine classification for subaxial cervical injuries is recommended. The Canadian C-Spine Rule is recommended to decide on the need for imaging. Computed tomography is the favoured modality. Conventional x-ray is preserved for cases lacking a “dangerous mechanism of injury.” Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended in case of unexplained neurologic deficit, prior to closed reduction and to exclude disco-ligamentous injuries. Computed tomography angiography is recommended in high-grade facet joint injuries or in the presence of vertebra-basilar symptoms. A0-, A1- and A2-injuries are treated conservatively, but have to be monitored for progressive kyphosis. A3 injuries are operated in the majority of cases. A4- and B- and C-type injuries are treated surgically. Most injuries can be treated with anterior plate stabilization and interbody support; A4 fractures need vertebral body replacement. In certain cases, additive or pure posterior instrumentation is needed. Usually, lateral mass screws suffice. A navigation system is advised for pedicle screws from C3 to C6. Conclusions: These recommendations provide a framework for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine Injuries. They give advice about diagnostic measures and the therapeutic strategy.

ZusammenfassungDer Erfolg einer konservativen Therapie bei Verletzungen der Halswirbelsäule hängt entscheidend davon ab, dass die Verletzung korrekt diagnostiziert und klassifiziert wird. Die Stabilität muss bildgebend dokumentiert werden. Im Verlauf der Behandlung sind in Abhängigkeit vom Verletzungstyp regelmäßige klinische und ggf. auch radiologische Kontrollen notwendig. Wenn eine begleitende Physiotherapie verordnet wird, sollten die Inhalte dieser Therapie eindeutig festgelegt werden.

In a consensus process with four sessions in 2017, the working group "upper cervical spine" of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) formulated "Therapeutic Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Cervical Fractures", taking their own experience and the current literature into consideration. The following article describes the recommendations for axis ring fractures (traumatic spondylolysis C2). About 19 to 49% of all cervical spine injuries include the axis vertebra. Traumatic spondylolysis of C2 may include potential discoligamentous instability C2/3. The primary aim of the diagnostic process is to detect the injury and to determine potential disco-ligamentous instability C2/3. For classification purposes, the Josten classification or the modified Effendi classification may be used. The Canadian C-spine rule is recommended for clinical screening for C-spine injuries. CT is the preferred imaging modality and an MRI is needed to determine the integrity of the discoligamentous complex C2/3. Conservative treatment is appropriate in case of stable fractures with intact C2/3 motion segment (Josten type 2 and 2). Patients should be closely monitored, in order to detect secondary dislocation as early as possible. Surgical treatment is recommended in cases of primary severe fracture dislocation or discoligamentous instability C2/3 (Josten 3 and 4) and/or secondary fracture dislocation. Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) C2/3 is the treatment of choice. However, in case of facet joint luxation C2/3 with looked facet (Josten 4), a primary posterior approach may be necessary.Im Jahr 2017 wurde die Arbeitsgruppe „obere HWS“ in der Sektion Wirbelsäulenchirurgie der DGOU etabliert. Die Mitglieder der AG erstellten in einem formalen Konsensverfahren im nominalem Gruppenprozess mit 4 Präsenzveranstaltungen, Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik und Therapie von Axisringfrakturen unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Literatur. Der folgende Artikel beschreibt die Empfehlung für Frakturen des Axisrings (traumatische Spondylolyse HWK II). Axisfrakturen werden mit einer Häufigkeit von 19 – 41% bei Nachweis einer HWS-Verletzung detektiert. Insbesondere besteht bei Frakturen des Axisrings eine potenzielle diskoligamentäre Instabilität. Daher zielt die Diagnostik auf die Detektion der Verletzung sowie die Beurteilung einer möglichen diskoligamentären Instabilität ab. Zur Klassifikation wird die Klassifikation nach Josten oder auch die von Levine modifizierte Effendi-Klassifikation empfohlen. Zum primären klinischen Screening hat sich die Canadian C-Spine Rule bewährt. Bildgebendes Verfahren der Wahl bei klinischem Verdacht auf eine Axisringverletzung ist die Computertomografie. Die MRT dient der Beurteilung der Integrität des diskoligamentären Komplexes HWK II/III. Stabile Axisringfrakturen können konservativ in einer Zervikalorthese behandelt werden, wobei eine engmaschige Dislokationskontrolle obligat ist. Im Falle einer sekundären Dislokation ist eine operative Stabilisierung indiziert. Eine OP-Indikation besteht bei ausgeprägter Dislokation und/oder diskoligamentärer Instabilität HWK II/III, die am häufigsten bei Josten-Typ-3- und -4-Frakturen vorliegt. Operative Standardtherapie ist die ventrale Fusion HWK II/III wobei insbesondere bei Typ-4-Frakturen ein primär dorsales Vorgehen zur Frakturreposition und ggf. Stabilisation notwendig werden kann.

Background. Neutralization of central nervous system neurite growth inhibitory factors, for example, Nogo-A, is a promising approach to improving recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). In animal SCI models, intrathecal delivery of anti-Nogo-A antibodies promoted regenerative neurite growth and functional recovery. Objective. This first-in-man study assessed the feasibility, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of the human anti-Nogo-A antibody ATI355 following intrathecal administration in patients with acute, complete traumatic paraplegia and tetraplegia. Methods. Patients (N = 52) started treatment 4 to 60 days postinjury. Four consecutive dose-escalation cohorts received 5 to 30 mg/2.5 mL/day continuous intrathecal ATI355 infusion over 24 hours to 28 days. Following pharmacokinetic evaluation, 2 further cohorts received a bolus regimen (6 intrathecal injections of 22.5 and 45 mg/3 mL, respectively, over 4 weeks). Results. ATI355 was well tolerated up to 1-year follow-up. All patients experienced ≥1 adverse events (AEs). The 581 reported AEs were mostly mild and to be expected following acute SCI. Fifteen patients reported 16 serious AEs, none related to ATI355; one bacterial meningitis case was considered related to intrathecal administration. ATI355 serum levels showed dose-dependency, and intersubject cerebrospinal fluid levels were highly variable after infusion and bolus injection. In 1 paraplegic patient, motor scores improved by 8 points. In tetraplegic patients, mean total motor scores increased, with 3/19 gaining >10 points, and 1/19 27 points at Week 48. Conversion from complete to incomplete SCI occurred in 7/19 patients with tetraplegia. Conclusions. ATI335 was well tolerated in humans; efficacy trials using intrathecal antibody administration may be considered in acute SCI.

ZusammenfassungIm Rahmen eines Konsensusprozesses der Arbeitsgruppe „subaxiale HWS-Verletzungen“ der Sektion Wirbelsäule der DGOU erfolgte in 4 Sitzungen im Jahre 2016 die Erstellung der vorliegenden Therapieempfehlungen unter Berücksichtigung der vorhandenen Literatur. Therapieziele sind eine dauerhaft stabile, schmerzfreie Halswirbelsäule und der Schutz vor sekundären neurologischen Schäden unter größtmöglicher Berücksichtigung der Beweglichkeit und des Wirbelsäulenprofils. Aufgrund der Praktikabilität und der guten Evaluation hinsichtlich Reliabilität sollte die AOSpine-Klassifikation für subaxiale HWS-Verletzungen für die Klassifikation zur Anwendung kommen. Es wird die Canadian C-Spine Rule als klinischer Algorithmus zur Entscheidung hinsichtlich der Notwendigkeit einer bildgebenden Diagnostik empfohlen. Bei gemäß dieser Regel anamnestisch oder klinisch hohem Verdacht auf eine strukturelle, instabile Verletzung ist die Spiral-CT der HWS Verfahren der Wahl. Die konventionelle Röntgendiagnostik in 2 Ebenen bleibt Fällen vorbehalten, in denen kein „gefährlicher Unfallmechanismus“ vorliegt. Die Indikation für die MRT der HWS wird vor allem bei nicht erklärbaren neurologischen Symptomen, bei geplanter geschlossener Reposition und dorsaler Stabilisierung und zum Ausschluss vermuteter diskoligamentärer Verletzungen empfohlen, wobei hier je nach Befundkonstellation eine abgestufte Dringlichkeit gilt. Die CT-Angiografie wird bei höhergradigen Facettengelenkverletzungen oder bei Vorliegen vertebrobasilärer Symptome empfohlen. Die konventionelle Funktionsdiagnostik wird ausschließlich in Form der ärztlich geführten dynamischen Bildwandlerdurchleuchtung bei persistierendem Verdacht auf eine instabile Verletzung empfohlen. Die therapeutische Strategie richtet sich primär nach der Verletzungsmorphologie, die in der AOSpine-Klassifikation beschrieben wird. A0-Frakturen sollten konservativ behandelt werden. A1- und A2-Frakturen sollten meistens konservativ behandelt werden, wobei die segmentale Kyphose in Einzelfällen eine OP-Indikation bedingen kann. A3-Frakturen stellen in den meisten Fällen eine OP-Indikation dar, in Einzelfällen ist eine konservative Behandlung möglich. A4-Frakturen sowie die B- und C-Verletzungen bedürfen einer operativen Therapie. Die ventrale Plattenspondylodese mit interkorporeller Abstützung (bei Berstungskomponente durch Korporektomie und Wirbelkörperersatz) wird für die meisten Verletzungen empfohlen, eine rein dorsale oder zusätzlich dorsale Stabilisierung kann bei besonderer Befundkonstellation möglich oder sogar notwendig sein. In diesen Fällen ist die Instrumentierung mit Massa-lateralis-Schrauben zumeist ausreichend; bei Anwendung von Pedikelschrauben in Höhe C III – C VI wird ein Navigationssystem empfohlen. Bei Vorliegen einer ankylosierenden Grunderkrankung (M3-Modifikator) wird hingegen die dorsale, langstreckige Stabilisierung favorisiert.

Almost all patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) show altered bone metabolism. Depending on the etiology, this manifests in a severe osteoporosis in up to 75% of the affected patients. Due to high prevalence, the generic term hepatic osteodystrophy (HOD) evolved, describing altered bone metabolism, decreased bone mineral density, and deterioration of bone structure in patients with CLD. Once developed, HOD is difficult to treat and increases the risk of fragility fractures. Existing fractures affect the quality of life and, more importantly, long-term prognosis of these patients, which presents with increased mortality. Thus, special care is required to support the healing process. However, for early diagnosis (reduce fracture risk) and development of adequate treatment strategies (support healing of existing fractures), it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms that link disturbed liver function with this bone phenotype. In the present review, we summarize proposed molecular mechanisms favoring the development of HOD and compromising the healing of associated fractures, including alterations in vitamin D metabolism and action, disbalances in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling with histone deacetylases (HDACs) as secondary regulators, as well as alterations in the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)–osteoprotegerin (OPG) system mediated by sclerostin. Based on these mechanisms, we give an overview on the limitations of early diagnosis of HOD with established serum markers.

In a consensus process with four sessions in 2017, the working group on "the upper cervical spine" of the German Society for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) formulated "Therapeutic Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Fractures to the Upper Cervical Spine", incorporating their own experience and current literature. The following article describes the recommendations for the atlas vertebra. About 10% of all cervical spine injuries include the axis vertebra. The diagnostic process primarily aims to detect the injury and to determine joint incongruency and integrity of the atlas ring. For classification purposes, the Gehweiler classification and the Dickman classification are suitable. The Canadian c-spine rule is recommended for clinical screening for c-spine injuries. CT is the preferred imaging modality; MRI is needed to determine the integrity of the Lig. transversum atlantis in complete atlas ring fractures. Conservative treatment is appropriate in very many atlas fractures. Surgical treatment is recommended in existing or potential joint incongruity or instability, which are frequently seen in Gehweiler IIIB or Gehweiler IV fractures. Posterior atlanto-axial stabilisation and fusion using transarticular screws or an internal fixator are regarded as a gold standard in the majority of surgical cases. Especially in young patients, the possibility of isolated atlas osteosynthesis should be checked. A possible option for Gehweiler IV fractures is halo-fixation with mild distraction for ligamentotaxis. Secondary dislocation should be checked for frequently. Involvement of the occipito-atlantal joint complex requires stabilisation of the occiput as well.Im Jahr 2017 erstellten die Mitglieder der AG „obere HWS“ der Sektion „Wirbelsäule“ der DGOU in einem Konsensusprozess mit 4 Sitzungen Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik und Therapie oberer Halswirbelsäulenverletzungen unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Literatur. Der folgende Artikel beschreibt die Empfehlung für Frakturen des Atlasrings. Etwa 10% aller HWS-Verletzungen betreffen den Atlas. Die Diagnostik zielt im Wesentlichen auf die Detektion der Verletzung sowie die Beurteilung der Gelenkflächen hinsichtlich einer Lateralisationstendenz der Atlasmassive. Zur Klassifikation haben sich die Gehweiler-Klassifikation und ergänzend die Dickman-Klassifikation bewährt. Zum primären klinischen Screening hat sich die Canadian C-Spine Rule bewährt. Bildgebendes Verfahren der Wahl bei klinischem Verdacht auf eine Atlasverletzung ist die CT. Die MRT dient der Beurteilung der Integrität des Lig. transversum atlantis bei vorderer und hinterer Bogenfraktur. Die Indikation zur Gefäßdarstellung sollte großzügig gestellt werden. Viele Atlasfrakturen können konservativ in einer Zervikalorthese behandelt werden. Eine OP-Indikation ist gegeben bei bestehender oder drohender massiver Gelenkinkongruenz oder -instabilität, die am häufigsten bei Gehweiler-IIIB-Frakturen oder bei Gehweiler-IV-Frakturen vorliegt. Operative Standardtherapie ist die dorsale atlantoaxiale Fixation, entweder in transartikulärer Technik oder mittels Fixateur interne. Insbesondere bei jüngeren Patienten sollte die Möglichkeit einer isolierten Atlasosteosynthese geprüft werden. Dislozierte Gehweiler-IV-Frakturen mit sagittaler Spaltbildung können auch probatorisch im Halofixateur unter Ausnutzung der Ligamentotaxis behandelt werden; eine engmaschige Dislokationskontrolle ist obligat. Im Falle einer sekundären Dislokation ist auch hier eine operative Stabilisierung indiziert. Bei Mitbeteiligung des okzipitozervikalen Gelenks ist eine Einbeziehung des Okziputs in die Instrumentierung notwendig.

Ziele der Akutversorgung traumatischer Schadigungen des Ruckenmarks sind die Vermeidung von Sekundarschaden und die Erhaltung der Chancen fur eine Regeneration der verletzten Strukturen. Hierfur kommt sowohl praklinisch als auch klinisch der Aufrechterhaltung des Kreislaufs (syst. RR > 90 mmHg) und der suffizienten Ventilation (groszugige Indikation zur Intubation) wesentliche Bedeutung zu. Die operative Therapie der Wirbelsaulenverletzung dient der Dekompression des Myelons und der suffizienten Stabilisierung zur Herstellung der Rehabilitationsfahigkeit. Nach der Akutversorgung sollte die multimodale Therapie im spezialisierten Zentrum erfolgen. Diese umfasst die Bereiche Mobilitat, neurourologische Therapie der Blasen- und Darmlahmung, psychologische Betreuung und Vorbereitung der sozialen Reintegration. Im Rahmen der lebenslangen Nachsorge steht die Pravention und Therapie lahmungsbedingter Komplikationen im Vordergrund.

Refrakturen an den Extremitatenknochen nach Materialentfernung sind eine seltene, aber ernst zu nehmende Komplikation, die in den meisten Fallen einen weiteren Eingriff notwendig machen. In einer retrospektiven Analyse der eigenen Falle sowie unter Berucksichtigung der vorhandenen Literatur zeigt sich, dass durch eine vollstandige praoperative Diagnostik, durch Einhalten eines ausreichenden Intervalls von initialer Osteosynthese bis zur Materialentfernung, durch zuruckhaltende Belastung des vorgeschadigten Knochens direkt nach der Materialentfernung und unter Berucksichtigung der Art der Frakturheilung die Komplikationsrate vermindert werden kann. Jedoch ist eine vollstandige Vermeidung kaum moglich, da oft der ausdruckliche Wunsch des Patienten zur Materialentfernung vorhanden ist und biomechanisch eine Minderbelastbarkeit durch die residuellen Schraubenlocher und die Demineralisationszonen im Bereich der ehemaligen Frakturzonen zumindest fur einige Wochen postoperativ besteht. Entsprechend sollte in einigen Fallen die Empfehlung zum Verbleib des Osteosynthesematerials ausgesprochen werden.

In a consensus process during four sessions in 2016, the working group "lower cervical spine" of the German Society for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery (DGOU), formulated "Therapeutic Recommendations for the Lower Cervical Spine", taking into consideration the current literature. Therapeutic goals are a permanently stable, painless cervical spine and the protection against secondary neurologic damage while retaining the greatest possible amount of motion and spinal profile. Due to its ease of use and its proven good reliability, the AOSpine classification for subaxial cervical injuries should be used. The Canadian C-Spine Rule is recommended as a clinical decision rule whether to perform imaging or not. If a structural or unstable injury is suspected by patient history or clinical findings, a spiral CT scan of the cervical spine is the favoured diagnostic modality. Conventional X-ray is reserved for patients in whom there is no "dangerous mechanism of injury". MR imaging is recommended in case of unexplained neurologic deficit, prior to closed reduction and open posterior surgery and to exclude disco-ligamentous injuries. Urgency of MR imaging depends on the specific findings. CT angiography is recommended in higher-grade facet joint injuries or in the presence of vertebra-basilar symptoms. Flexion-extension imaging is recommended only as a physician-guided dynamic fluoroscopy, when an unstable lesion is still suspected. The therapeutic strategy is mainly dependent on morphologic criteria, which are described using the AOSpine classification. A0-injuries are treated conservatively. A1- and A2-injuries are treated conservatively in the majority of cases, and in single cases a gross kyphotic deformity might indicate surgical stabilisation. A3-injuries do indicate a surgical therapy in the majority of cases, but certain cases might be treated conservatively. A4-fractures as well as B- and C-type injuries are to be treated surgically. Most injuries can be treated by anterior plate stabilisation with interbody support; when a complete burst fracture is present, corpectomy and vertebral body replacement is necessary. In certain cases, an additive posterior or pure posterior instrumentation might be possible or even mandatory. In most of these cases, lateral mass screws are sufficient; when pedicle screws are applied in C3 to C6, a 3D-navigation system is recommended. Injuries in an ankylosing spine (M3-modifier) should be treated preferably from posterior with long-segment instrumentation.Im Rahmen eines Konsensusprozesses der Arbeitsgruppe „subaxiale HWS-Verletzungen“ der Sektion Wirbelsäule der DGOU erfolgte in 4 Sitzungen im Jahre 2016 die Erstellung der vorliegenden Therapieempfehlungen unter Berücksichtigung der vorhandenen Literatur. Therapieziele sind eine dauerhaft stabile, schmerzfreie Halswirbelsäule und der Schutz vor sekundären neurologischen Schäden unter größtmöglicher Berücksichtigung der Beweglichkeit und des Wirbelsäulenprofils. Aufgrund der Praktikabilität und der guten Evaluation hinsichtlich Reliabilität sollte die AOSpine-Klassifikation für subaxiale HWS-Verletzungen für die Klassifikation zur Anwendung kommen. Es wird die Canadian C-Spine Rule als klinischer Algorithmus zur Entscheidung hinsichtlich der Notwendigkeit einer bildgebenden Diagnostik empfohlen. Bei gemäß dieser Regel anamnestisch oder klinisch hohem Verdacht auf eine strukturelle, instabile Verletzung ist die Spiral-CT der HWS Verfahren der Wahl. Die konventionelle Röntgendiagnostik in 2 Ebenen bleibt Fällen vorbehalten, in denen kein „gefährlicher Unfallmechanismus“ vorliegt. Die Indikation für die MRT der HWS wird vor allem bei nicht erklärbaren neurologischen Symptomen, bei geplanter geschlossener Reposition und dorsaler Stabilisierung und zum Ausschluss vermuteter diskoligamentärer Verletzungen empfohlen, wobei hier je nach Befundkonstellation eine abgestufte Dringlichkeit gilt. Die CT-Angiografie wird bei höhergradigen Facettengelenkverletzungen oder bei Vorliegen vertebrobasilärer Symptome empfohlen. Die konventionelle Funktionsdiagnostik wird ausschließlich in Form der ärztlich geführten dynamischen Bildwandlerdurchleuchtung bei persistierendem Verdacht auf eine instabile Verletzung empfohlen. Die therapeutische Strategie richtet sich primär nach der Verletzungsmorphologie, die in der AOSpine-Klassifikation beschrieben wird. A0-Frakturen sollten konservativ behandelt werden. A1- und A2-Frakturen sollten meistens konservativ behandelt werden, wobei die segmentale Kyphose in Einzelfällen eine OP-Indikation bedingen kann. A3-Frakturen stellen in den meisten Fällen eine OP-Indikation dar, in Einzelfällen ist eine konservative Behandlung möglich. A4-Frakturen sowie die B- und C-Verletzungen bedürfen einer operativen Therapie. Die ventrale Plattenspondylodese mit interkorporeller Abstützung (bei Berstungskomponente durch Korporektomie und Wirbelkörperersatz) wird für die meisten Verletzungen empfohlen, eine rein dorsale oder zusätzlich dorsale Stabilisierung kann bei besonderer Befundkonstellation möglich oder sogar notwendig sein. In diesen Fällen ist die Instrumentierung mit Massa-lateralis-Schrauben zumeist ausreichend; bei Anwendung von Pedikelschrauben in Höhe C III – C VI wird ein Navigationssystem empfohlen. Bei Vorliegen einer ankylosierenden Grunderkrankung (M3-Modifikator) wird hingegen die dorsale, langstreckige Stabilisierung favorisiert.

Proximal humeral fractures are common and frequently associated with osteoporosis. Little is known about the association between the patho-anatomical fracture pattern of proximal humeral fractures and patient characteristics. The purpose of this six year longitudinal registry analysis of proximal humeral fractures was to study overall numbers, certain predefined pathoanatomical patterns and distribution compared with specific patient characteristics.Data of patients treated between 2006 and 2011 in a country hospital that provides care95 % of the city's hospitalised patients with fractures was retrospectively reviewed. Data were analysed according to patient characteristics of age, gender, comorbidity, accompanying injuries and radiological analysis of pathoanatomical fracture patterns based on Neer and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification.Eight hundred and fifteen proximal humeral fractures (67% women/33% men; mean age 66 years, range 19-99) were analysed. During the study period, an overall increase of 42.5% was found: according to AO classification, 46% were type A, 22% type B and 32% type C. Based on the Neer classification, 86% were displaced, and 49% were complex with more than three parts. Of complex fractures, 57% were female patients60 years. The number of complex fractures was five times higher in women60 years than in men of the same age group.An overall increase of inpatients with displaced proximal tibial fractures was documented. Interestingly, complex displaced proximal humeral fractures, especially in older women with comorbidities, accounted for the majority of cases. These results suggest that health-care planning and hospital-based therapeutic strategies should focus on this patient group.

Intervertebral disc degeneration and disc herniation is one of the major causes of lower back pain. Depletion of extracellular matrix, culminating in nucleus pulposus (NP) extrusion leads to intervertebral disc destruction. Currently available surgical treatments reduce the pain but do not restore the mechanical functionality of the spine. In order to preserve mechanical features of the spine, total disc or nucleus replacement thus became a wide interest. However, this arthroplasty era is still in an immature state, since none of the existing products have been clinically evaluated. This study intends to test the biocompatibility of a novel nucleus implant made of knitted titanium wires. Despite all mechanical advantages, the material has its limits for conventional optical analysis as the resulting implant is non-transparent. Here we present a strategy that describes in vitro visualization, tracking and viability testing of osteochondro-progenitor cells on the scaffold. This protocol can be used to visualize the efficiency of the cleaning protocol as well as to investigate the biocompatibility of these and other non-transparent scaffolds. Furthermore, this protocol can be used to show adherence pattern of cells as well as cell viability and proliferation rates on/in the scaffold. This in vitro biocompatibility testing assay provides a propitious tool to analyze cell-material interaction in non-transparent and opaque scaffolds.

Chronic depression and posttraumatic stress have been frequently observed in populations of accident victims with spinal cord injuries. Studies suggest that various risk factors contribute to the development and maintenance of these symptoms. This study assessed psychopathology around 4 years post-discharge in a German sample of 102 participants with spinal cord injuries. A wide range of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables was investigated with regard to their association with psychopathology. Approximately half of the patients (46.1 %) retrospectively reported clinically relevant depressive symptoms immediately post-discharge and 12.7 % exhibited scores indicative of a present depressive disorder. In addition, 8.8 % retrospectively reported clinically relevant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after discharge from the hospital and 2 % were currently identified with chronic PTSD symptomatology. Time since injury and negative trauma-related appraisals of the self were strongly related to current psychopathology. Depressive reactions and posttraumatic distress may commonly occur after spinal injuries but will usually improve over time. It might be useful to routinely arrange follow-up contacts post-discharge in order to timely identify patients who are at risk of developing chronic psychopathology and require intervention.

Beckenringfrakturen gehoren zu den seltenen Verletzungen. In den letzten Jahren erfolgt die Stabilisierung des hinteren Beckenrings uberwiegend perkutan mittels transiliosakraler Schraubenfixation. Der vordere Beckenring wird in Abhangigkeit vom Verletzungsmuster mit Platten, Schrauben oder supraazetabular eingebrachten Fixateur-externe-Montagen stabilisiert. Anhand der Literatur sowie der retrospektiven Aufarbeitung der eigenen Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen bei 80 Patienten mit einer Beckenring-B- und -C-Verletzung wird aufgezeigt, dass die Indikation zur Entfernung des Osteosynthesematerials streng zu stellen ist. Die Indikation ist fraglos gegeben bei Fixateur-externe-Montagen, Infektionen, Schraubenfehllagen, allergischen Reaktionen auf Implantate, kritischer Weichteilbedeckung bzw. -kompromittierung durch auftragende Implantate und bei verheilten Frakturen am wachsenden Skelett. Eine individuelle Abwagung der Risiken und Nutzen ist jedoch beim asymptomatischen Patienten sowie beim aufgrund von posttraumatischen Veranderungen symptomatischen Patienten erforderlich. Hier sollte bei der Entscheidung das initiale Verletzungsmuster mitberucksichtigt werden. Wird die Indikation zur Materialentfernung nach einer Beckenringfraktur gestellt, so kann es sich um eine technisch anspruchsvolle Operation mit einer hohen Komplikationsrate handeln.

Bedingt durch die zunehmende Zahl an Instrumentierungen nach Verletzungen der Wirbelsaule stellt sich haufiger die Frage nach der Indikation zur Materialentfernung. In der Literatur liegen hierzu nur wenige Daten vor. Die Entfernung von Implantaten im Bereich der Halswirbelsaule und der ventralen Brust- und Lendenwirbelsaule wird in der Regel nur bei implantatassoziierten Komplikationen durchgefuhrt. Nach dorsaler Instrumentierung der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsaule kann es zu implantatassoziierten Beschwerden kommen. Zudem besteht bei nicht fusionierten Segmenten das Risiko eines Materialversagens. In diesen Fallen ist eine Entfernung der Implantate 6–12 Monate nach der Frakturversorgung sinnvoll. Bei Zweifeln hinsichtlich der Durchbauung der Fraktur empfiehlt sich praoperativ eine Computertomographie.

Objective Superficial articular chondrocytes display distinct spatial remodeling processes in response to the onset of distant osteoarthritis (OA). Such processes may be used to diagnose early events before manifest OA results in tissue destruction and clinical symptoms. Using a novel method of spatial quantification by calculating the angles between a chondrocyte and its surrounding neighbors, we compared maturational and degenerative changes of the cellular organizations in rat and human cartilage specimens. Methods The nuclei of superficial chondrocytes obtained from intact rat cartilage and from human knee cartilage, as well as from cartilage with focal and severe OA, were digitally recorded in top-down views. Their Cartesian coordinates were used to determine the nearest neighbor for each chondrocyte and the angle between these 2 cells and a reference. These angles, cellularity, nearest neighbor distances, and aggregation were analyzed as a function of location and OA severity. Results Neighboring rat chondrocytes exhibited intricate angular patterns with 4 dominant angles that were maintained during maturation and during the onset and progression of OA. Within intact cartilage, human chondrocytes demonstrated 1 dominant angle and, thus, a significantly different angular organization. With early OA onset, human chondrocytes that were located within intact cartilage displayed an increased occurrence of 4 angles; the resulting angular patterns were indistinguishable from those observed in rats. The angular remodeling was associated with location- and OA severity–dependent changes in cellularity and aggregation. Conclusion This study is the first to identify the presence of angular characteristics of spatial chondrocyte organization and species-specific remodeling processes correlating with OA onset. The appearance of distinct angular and spatial patterns between neighboring chondrocytes can identify the onset of distant OA prior to microscopically visible tissue damage and possibly before clinical onset. With further development, this novel concept may become suitable for the diagnosis and followup of patients susceptible to OA.

Ziel: Es wurde gepruft, ob Dosisreduktion bei 3-D-Bildgebung am Becken zu einer Reduktion der Bildqualitat mit Informationsverlust fuhrt und ob sich Abgrenzbarkeit, Signalrauschverhaltnis und Strahlendosis bei unterschiedlich dosisintensiven Aufnahmemodi verandern. Material und Methoden: Becken (jeweils n = 4) von 2 humanen Kadavern wurden mit CT und 3-D-BV (Siemens Arcadis Orbic 3D, Ziehm Vision Vario 3D) gescannt. Bei den 3-D-BV wurden 6 unterschiedlich dosisintensive Aufnahmemodi verwendet. Die axialen Aufnahmen wurden verblindet, dann erfolgte die Beurteilung bezuglich Abgrenzbarkeit ausgewahlter kortikaler Strukturen mit einem 5-stufigen Score durch 7 Auswerter. Die Interrater-Qualitat wurde nach Cohen mit dem Kappa-Koeffizienten ermittelt. Mit dem Wilcoxon-Test wurden die 21 paarweisen Ergebnisse der Bewerter auf ihre Signifikanz untersucht. An einem Prufkorper (Catphan 600 mit Einsatz Teflon/PMP) wurde das Signal-Rausch-Verhaltnis (SRV) gemessen. Ergebnisse: Die Bildqualitat des CTs wurde am hochsten bewertet (Median: 1,14), von den 3-D-BVs wurde der Siemens im Hochdosismodus am besten bewertet (Median: 2,40), die niedrigste Bewertung erhielt der Ziehm im Niedrigdosismodus ohne LPK (Median: 3,16). Die Unterschiede beim paarweisen Vergleich zweier Aufnahmemodi waren in 17 von 21 moglichen Kombinationen signifikant (p

BACKGROUND Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL) is a rare complication of shoulder arthroscopy. PAGCL describes a chondrolysis in the shoulder joint after arthroscopy mostly affecting younger patients. The process leading to chondrolysis is not known yet. MATERIAL AND METHODS The case report describes a patient with rapid progress of the PAGCL. A literature review with key words: PAGCL, postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis, shoulder arthroscopy AND chondrolysis, chondronecrosis AND arthroscopy was carried out. RESULTS 16 Publications involving case reports with 96 cases were found. The mean age at operation was 28 ± 10 years (range: 13 to 61 years). The majority of patients (62%) were male. 8 diagnoses at index operation were found. 63% received intraarticular local anaesthetics (62% bupivacain, 21% bupivacain and epinephrin, 2% lidocain) through a pain pump. CONCLUSION PAGCL is a rare and disturbing complication after shoulder arthroscopy. The majority of the patients are young and male. A relevant causal factor is an intraarticular pain pump with bupivacain. Other factors have not yet been verified. A multifactorial aetiology is likely. No specific and effective treatment regimen is described.

Hydrogels are gaining increasing interest as a structural basis for regenerative cell implants. Here we present in vitro data on growth and differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal precursor cells (MSCs), adult human knee chondrocytes, and adult human intervertebral disk cells in a gel based on PEG-crosslinked serum albumin, supplemented with 4% hyaluronan (HSA–HA). Each gel culture was compared to its parallel proliferating monolayer (PML) culture and non-proliferating high density monolayer culture (HDML). MSCs were chondrogenically induced in both standard micromass (MM) cultures and HSA–HA. Cell viability in HSA–HA was above 90%. Chondrogenic differentiation was defined by changes in the expression of the mRNA for collagen types I, II, and X, for aggrecan, for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and for hyaluronan synthases-2 and -3 (has-2, has-3). For disk cells and chondrocytes, the changes for collagen type II and aggrecan were in the range of up to 100-fold, depending on the human individual. After induction, MSCs differentiated equally well in MM and HSA–HA, showing increases spanning several orders of magnitude compared to uninduced monolayer (ML) cells. For has-2 and has-3, the changes were less obvious, but interestingly, the ratio of has-2/has-3 expression in HSA–HA cultures decreased approximately 40-fold for disk cells, remained unchanged for chondrocytes, but increased sevenfold for MSCs, when compared to the corresponding ML cultures. Taken together, HSA–HA revealed its potential as an anchoring hydrogel for chondrogenic cell types.

Evaluation of the kyphosis angle in thoracic and lumbar burst fractures is often used to indicate surgical procedures. The kyphosis angle could be measured as vertebral, segmental and local kyphosis according to the method of Cobb. The vertebral, segmental and local kyphosis according to the method of Cobb were measured at 120 lateral X-rays and sagittal computed tomographies of 60 thoracic and 60 lumbar burst fractures by 3 independent observers on 2 separate occasions. Osteoporotic fractures were excluded. The intra- and interobserver reliability of these angles in X-ray and computed tomogram, using the intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) were evaluated. Highest reproducibility showed the segmental kyphosis followed by the vertebral kyphosis. For thoracic fractures segmental kyphosis shows in X-ray "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC 0.826, 0.802) and for lumbar fractures "good" to "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC = 0.790, 0.803). In computed tomography, the segmental kyphosis showed "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC = 0.824, 0.801) for thoracic and "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities (ICC = 0.874, 0.835) for the lumbar fractures. Regarding both diagnostic work ups (X-ray and computed tomography), significant differences were evaluated in interobserver reliabilities for vertebral kyphosis measured in lumbar fracture X-rays (p = 0.035) and interobserver reliabilities for local kyphosis, measured in thoracic fracture X-rays (p = 0.010). Regarding both fracture localizations (thoracic and lumbar fractures), significant differences could only be evaluated in interobserver reliabilities for the local kyphosis measured in computed tomographies (p = 0.045) and in intraobserver reliabilities for the vertebral kyphosis measured in X-rays (p = 0.024). "Good" to "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities for vertebral, segmental and local kyphosis in X-ray make these angles to a helpful tool, indicating surgical procedures. For the practical use in lateral X-ray, we emphasize the determination of the segmental kyphosis, because of the highest reproducibility of this angle. "Good" to "excellent" inter- and intraobserver reliabilities for these three angles could also be evaluated in computed tomographies. Therefore, also in computed tomography, the use of these three angles seems to be generally possible. For a direct correlation of the results in lateral X-ray and in computed tomography, further studies should be needed.

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate displaced proximal humeral fractures treated with a non-plate head-preserving fixation and to detect factors predicting functional outcome. After a median follow-up period of 79.7 months, 105 patients with nine A-fractures, 36 B-fractures and 60 C-fractures (nine two-part-fractures, 41 three-part fractures and 55 four-part fractures) were assessed. Functional outcome was measured based on the Constant and UCLA scores. Of all patients, 70-75% had excellent or good Constant and UCLA scores. In 74% a good or satisfactory quality of initial reduction fracture was achieved. About one-fifth (21%) of the fractures showed a secondary displacement. Twenty-seven percent of the patients had signs of humeral head necrosis and 22% had implant related problems. There were significant correlations between a high final score and young age, low AO fracture severity, good quality of fracture reduction and residual osseous deformity, absence of secondary fracture displacement, implant-related complications, shoulder arthrosis and humeral head necrosis at the time of follow-up. In conclusion, the non-plate head-preserving fixation of proximal humeral fractures is an alternative treatment for displaced proximal humeral fractures. Especially in severely displaced C-fractures in older patients, non-anatomical reduction leads to a high rate of secondary displacement, residual osseous deformity and only a fair shoulder function. For these cases alternative methods such as prosthetic replacement should be chosen.

BACKGROUND The evaluation of the vertebral, local and segmental kyphosis according to Cobb is usual practice in the determination of traumatic, idiopathic and degenerative spinal deformities. The present study compares the inter- and intraobserver reliability of these 3 angles in the lateral X-rays of thoracic spine fractures with spinal kyphosis. METHODS From 1999 till 2007 all patients with adequate X-rays, age < 50 years, traumatic, thoracic spine fracture, kyphotic deformity and surgical intervention were included. The vertebral, local and segmental kyphosis were assessed by 3 observers at 2 time-points in the preoperative lateral X-rays. RESULTS 63 patients, 11 women and 52 men, with a mean age of 34 years could be evaluated. In all cases an adequate trauma had led to the fracture. The most common trauma was an injury with a motorcycle; the 12th thoracic vertebra was most commonly affected. The segmental kyphosis showed 'excellent' results for inter- and intraobserver reliability (O-ICC: 0.8189 and O-ICC:0.8003). 'Good' results for inter- and intraobserver reliability could be evaluated for the vertebral (O-ICC: 0.7797 and O-ICC: 0.7797) and local (O-ICC: 0.7532 and O-ICC: 0.7296) kyphosis. CONCLUSION Due to excellent and good results for inter- and intraobserver reliability of the segmental,vertebral and local kyphosis in the lateral X-rays of the thoracic spine, these angles could be a helpful tool, indicating a surgical procedure in traumatic thoracic fractures with kyphosis. Further possible interesting applications in the usage of these 3 angles could be the observation of the vertebral sintering in surgically or conservatively treated vertebral fractures. Appropriate studies should be performed before general recommendations can be given.

BACKGROUND Pharyngo-vertebral fistulas - especially with delayed diagnosis - are a rare but grave reported complication in cervical spine surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS We present a patient, sent postoperatively from Italy after cervical spine surgery to our department. The patient has developed a pharyngo-vertebral fistula with transspinous course to the dorsal neck skin due to infected spondylodesis. CASE REPORT In the presented patient, the successful closure of the pharyngo-vertebral fistula with transspinous course was made after diverse revisions at the anterior side with a platysma flap, at the posterior one with a drain. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Aetiology, diagnostic work-up and treatment opinions are discussed in a detailed literature review. CONCLUSION To the best of the authors' knowledge the presented pharyngo-vertebral fistula with transspinous course to the dorsal neck skin as a complication after anterior cervical spine surgery has not been reported in the literature before.

The main goals of therapy for acute traumatic spinal cord injury are the avoidance of secondary damage and neurological deterioration as well as the maintenance of optimal conditions for the regeneration of the myelon. The avoidance of systemic and/or local hypoxia is essential. An operative therapy has to result in a sufficient decompression of the myelon as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the spine should be stabilised in order to facilitate the possibility of early rehabilitation. Administration of high-dose methylprednisolone can no longer be recommended as a general rule but can be considered for some selected patients.

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Einige Studienbefunde deuten darauf hin, dass eine Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung mit spezifischen Alterationen in der endokrinen Stressachsenaktivität assoziiert ist. Es wird angenommen, dass eine stark erhöhte Cortisolausschüttung in der traumatischen Akutphase zu einer Dysregulation des Systems und schließlich zu dauerhaft erniedrigter basaler Cortisolsekretion (Hypocortisolismus) führt. Fragestellung: Lassen sich Hinweise auf spezifische Verläufe in der diurnalen endokrinen Sekretion bei akut traumatisierten Personen in Abhängigkeit von der Symptomschwere finden? Methode: Eine Stichprobe von 50 akut verunfallten Patienten wurde nach der Schwere der Belastungssymptome in zwei Gruppen unterteilt. Die während der stationären Versorgung sowie 6 Wochen später dokumentierten Tagescortisolprofile wurden auf differenzielle Verläufe zwischen den Gruppen hin analysiert. Ergebnisse: Nach 6 Wochen zeigten die belasteten Patienten zwar leicht erhöhte Tagescortisolwerte, es konnten jedoch keine Anhaltspunkte für regelhaft spezifische Veränderungen in der Stressachsenaktivität zwischen den Gruppen gefunden werden. Diskussion: Auffälligkeiten in der Cortisolsekretion, als ereignisnahe Indikatoren/Prädiktoren einer posttraumatischen Belastungsreaktion, lassen sich in dieser Stichprobe nicht belegen.

Xiao and colleagues in China reported successful restoration of bladder control in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) by establishing a somatic-autonomic reflex pathway through lumbar-to-sacral ventral root nerve rerouting. We evaluated long-term results in eight patients who underwent this procedure at a German university clinic between 2005 and 2007. The primary outcome was the occurrence of voiding upon stimulation of the skin, with normalization of bladder pressure when filling, as assessed with videourodynamics at each visit. Videourodynamic variables, urinary tract infections, and bladder/stool events recorded in a patient diary were stored in a prospective database and reviewed retrospectively. Intraoperative testing indicated successful nerve rerouting in all eight patients. Duration of follow-up was 71 mo (range: 56–86). No patient reached the primary goal of voluntary voiding with normalization of detrusor pressure at any point during follow-up. No improvements in videourodynamic or diary variables regarding bladder function were observed. In view of the lack of short (12–18 mo) and long-term (71 mo) success in our patients and others, the risks of any surgical procedure using general anesthesia, and potential for unmet expectations to wreak havoc on patient emotional well-being, we cannot recommend this procedure for patients with SCI. Patient summary Although the hope was to improve long-term outcomes of spinal cord injury patients, intraspinal nerve rerouting did not improve or normalize bladder function. In view of the lack of success, we cannot recommend this procedure until proven in clinical studies.

Die vergleichende Evaluation der Operationsergebnisse bei ventralen Spondylodesen nach Wirbelfrakturen, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Einfuhrung alternativer Verfahren zum autogenen Knochentransplantat, macht es erforderlich, einheitliche Kriterien fur die morphologische Beschreibung der Wirbelkorperfusion festzulegen. Bei 44 Patienten wurden standardisiert durchgefuhrte CT-Untersuchungen anonymisiert von 4 verschiedenen Untersuchern (Unfallchirurg, Orthopade, 2 Radiologen) nach einem festgelegten Score ausgewertet. Der Score basiert auf der Beschreibung der Kontaktzonen zwischen Wirbelkorper und Knochenspan und ermoglicht eine Einteilung der Fusion in ausreichend, partiell und nicht ausreichend. Fur monosegmentale Spondylodesen lagen die κ-Werte der Interobserver-Ubereinstimmung in allen Fallen >0,8, bei den bisegmentalen Fusionen zwischen 0,6 und 0,9. Der vorgestellte Score stellt eine einfach zu handhabende Methode dar, die mit guter Interobserver-Ubereinstimmung eine Klassifikation des morphologischen Ergebnisses nach ventralen Spondylodesen ermoglicht.

To present the results of operative treatment of distal femoral fractures with the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) and discuss the indications in a clinical study. Clinical examination, X-ray control. The primary aim of the treatment of femoral fractures in paraplegics is remobilization as early as possible, so that secondary complications are avoided. Operative treatment is difficult because of osteoporosis and the poor condition of the soft tissues. In this study the results of six patients with distal femoral fractures treated operatively with the LISS were investigated. Bony consolidation of the fracture was achieved in all cases. All patients regained the preoperative range of knee joint motion within the first 6 weeks after surgery. Complications relating to the implant were not observed. The LISS is a valuable method of treating distal femoral fractures in paraplegics. It combines high primary stability with the biological advantages of a slide-insertion plate osteosynthesis. Nonoperative treatment should only be performed in exceptional cases in which the implant cannot be anchored in the bone.

Erratum to: International Orthopaedics (SICOT) DOI 10.1007/s00264-014-2362-6 Due to an oversight in typesetting, the authors‘ given names and surnames were transposed. Their names are presented correctly here. The publisher apologizes for the inconvenience caused.

Bevor ein Problem formuliert werden kann, ist ein Behandlungsstandard, der den normalen Behandlungsablauf skizziert, notwendig. Durch die Abweichung vom vorgegebenen Standard ist das Problem definierbar. Bezuglich der physiotherapeutischen Begleit- und Nachbehandlung bei operativ versorgten Wirbelfrakturen liegen jedoch keine detaillierten Nachbehandlungsstandards bzw. Schemen vor. An der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Unfallklinik Tubingen wurden ein detailliertes Nachbehandlungskonzept fur operativ versorgte Wirbelfrakturen ohne neurologische Schadigung sowie mit Querschnittlasion und ein Nachbehandlungskonzept fur die konservative Behandlung bei stabilen und instabilen Wirbelfrakturen entworfen. Mogliche Abweichungen von diesem Behandlungsstandard werden anhand von Problemfallen beispielhaft skizziert.

Objective Trauma-associated cartilage fractures occur in children and adolescents with clinically significant incidence. Several studies investigated biomechanical injury by compressive forces but the injury-related stress has not been investigated extensively. In this study, we hypothesized that the biomechanical stress occurring during compressive injury predetermines the biomechanical, biochemical, and structural consequences. We specifically investigated whether the stress-vs-time signal correlated with the injurious damage and may allow prediction of cartilage matrix fracturing. Methods Superficial and deeper zones disks (SZDs, DZDs; immature bovine cartilage) were biomechanically characterized, injured (50% compression, 100%/s strain-rate), and re-characterized. Correlations of the quantified functional, biochemical and histological damage with biomechanical parameters were zonally investigated. Results Injured SZDs exhibited decreased dynamic stiffness (by 93.04 ± 1.72%), unresolvable equilibrium moduli, structural damage (2.0 ± 0.5 on a 5-point-damage-scale), and 1.78-fold increased sGAG loss. DZDs remained intact. Measured stress-vs-time-curves during injury displayed 4 distinct shapes, which correlated with histological damage (p < 0.001), loss of dynamic stiffness and sGAG (p < 0.05). Damage prediction in a blinded experiment using stress-vs-time grades was 100%-correct and sensitive to differentiate single/complex matrix disruptions. Correlations of the dissipated energy and maximum stress rise with the extent of biomechanical and biochemical damage reached significance when SZDs and DZDs were analyzed as zonal composites but not separately. Conclusions The biomechanical stress that occurs during compressive injury predetermines the biomechanical, biochemical, and structural consequences and, thus, the structural and functional damage during cartilage fracturing. A novel biomechanical method based on the interpretation of compressive yielding allows the accurate prediction of the extent of structural damage., National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01-AR45779), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Grant RO2511/1-1), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Grant RO2511/2-1), Germany. Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Grant 01KQ0902B TP2)

Background Cell-based approaches towards restoration of prolapsed or degenerated intervertebral discs are hampered by a lack of measures for safe administration and placement of cell suspensions within a treated disc. In order to overcome these risks, a serum albumin-based hydrogel has been developed that polymerizes after injection and anchors the administered cell suspension within the tissue. Methods A hydrogel composed of chemically activated albumin crosslinked by polyethylene glycol spacers was produced. The visco-elastic gel properties were determined by rheological measurement. Human intervertebral disc cells were cultured in vitro and in vivo in the hydrogel and their phenotype was tested by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Matrix production and deposition was monitored by immuno-histology and by biochemical analysis of collagen and glycosaminoglycan deposition. Species specific in situ hybridization was performed to discriminate between cells of human and murine origin in xenotransplants. Results The reproducibility of the gel formation process could be demonstrated. The visco-elastic properties were not influenced by storage of gel components. In vitro and in vivo (subcutaneous implants in mice) evidence is presented for cellular differentiation and matrix deposition within the hydrogel for human intervertebral disc cells even for donor cells that have been expanded in primary monolayer culture, stored in liquid nitrogen and re-activated in secondary monolayer culture. Upon injection into the animals, gels formed spheres that lasted for the duration of the experiments (14 days). The expression of cartilage- and disc-specific mRNAs was maintained in hydrogels in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the maintenance of a stable specific cellular phenotype, compared to monolayer cells. Significantly higher levels of hyaluronan synthase isozymes-2 and -3 mRNA suggest cell functionalities towards those needed for the support of the regeneration of the intervertebral disc. Moreover, mouse implanted hydrogels accumulated 5 times more glycosaminoglycans and 50 times more collagen than the in vitro cultured gels, the latter instead releasing equivalent quantities of glycosaminoglycans and collagen into the culture medium. Matrix deposition could be specified by immunohistology for collagen types I and II, and aggrecan and was found only in areas where predominantly cells of human origin were detected by species specific in situ hybridization. Conclusions The data demonstrate that the hydrogels form stable implants capable to contain a specifically functional cell population within a physiological environment.

Early functional rehabilitation after surgical tendon repair facilitates the healing process and leads to improved joint function. There is a paucity of studies commenting on rehabilitation after surgical repair of ruptured quadriceps tendons, and most surgeons prefer a prolonged period of immobilization and protected weight bearing. The purpose of the present study is to compare the clinical outcome after a more functional and after a rather restrictive postoperative rehabilitation protocol. All consecutive patients were included who had a surgical repair of a primary unilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in one of the two participating hospitals and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients of site A were only allowed limited flexion and weight bearing while patients from site B were allowed early functional rehabilitation with full weight bearing. Clinical outcome was measured with the subjective IKDC form. Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Sixty-six patients were included in the study. Twenty-eight patients (Group A) were treated with restrictive and 38 patients (Group B) with early functional postoperative rehabilitation. The two groups did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics. Clinical follow-up was available for 95% of patients after an average of 4.5 years. No clinical difference was identified with the use of IKDC form. Patients of group A returned to work an average of 10 days later than patients from group B, but this difference was not significant. Two re-ruptures were observed in each group. There was no significant difference in terms of complication quality or quantity. Early functional postoperative mobilization with full weight bearing after primary repair of a quadriceps tendon rupture is safe and will not lead to inferior clinical outcome or an increased complication rate. Therapeutic, III.

Articular cartilage together with the synovial fluid acts as a mechanical shock absorber, provides lubrication for gliding joint surfaces, and serves as an elastic connection between the articulating joint surfaces. It contains relatively few cells, the chondrocytes, but no blood or lymph vessels or nerves. Cartilaginous tissue has a very limited capacity for self-regeneration; therefore, techniques for cell-based cartilage repair were developed in the mid-nineties of the last century. For such therapies mature chondrocytes are harvested from healthy cartilage of the affected joint and implanted into the defect after in vitro expansion. This therapy works well if chondrocytes from donor tissue are available. In this chapter we discuss recent progress in cell-based tissue engineering utilizing chondrogenic progenitor cells (so-called mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs)) as surrogate cell source. The MSC characteristics, their potential but also their limitations in MSC-based cartilage repair will be discussed. In addition, the reader will be introduced to some of the current tasks in developing MSC-based therapies for the health market.