Midterm results of modular hinge total knee arthroplasty using cementless osseointegrating stems: low fixation associated complications and good functional outcome in primary and revision knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate functional outcome and complications after primary and revision modular H-TKA using hybrid fixation with cementless stems. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2018, 48 patients with 50 implants were included after hybrid implantation of a single design H-TKA system using cementless osseointegrating stems and modular components. Complications and clinical outcome were analysed using Knee Society Score (KSS), the Western Ontario McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short-Form Health Survey 12 (SF-12) score. RESULTS: Indications for implantation were aseptic revision (n = 29, 58%), primary TKA (n = 19, 38%) and two-stage septic revisions (n = 2, 4%). Complications were reported in 26% (n = 12), whereas complications associated with hybrid fixation occurred in 5 (10%) cases, with 2 (4%) requiring revision surgery for aseptic loosening and 3 (6%) treated with an adapted postoperative protocol for perioperative fractures. Implant survivorship was 84% after a mean follow-up of 54 months. Postoperative KSS significantly improved from 51.50 (12-100) to 78.36 (41-99; p < 0.001). The mean WOMAC score was 19.26 (0-55), SF-12 PCS was 41.56 points (22.67-57.66) and SF-12 MCS was 49.21 points (23.87-63.21). CONCLUSION: Hybrid modular implantation in H-TKA provides satisfactory clinical and functional results in primary and revision TKA. Clinical outcomes significantly improve with reduced pain, increased mobility, and good-to-excellent functional scores after implantation. Whilst implant survival is comparable to previous studies and complications associated with hybrid fixation are low, general complication rates are comparably high.

Improved visualization of hepatic tumors in magnetic resonance-guided thermoablation using T1-inversion-recovery imaging with variable inversion time.

OBJECTIVES: In magnetic resonance (MR)-guided interventions, visualization of hepatic lesions may be difficult using standard unenhanced T1-weighted gradient-echo volume-interpolated breath-hold (VIBE) sequence due to low contrast. Inversion recovery (IR) imaging may have the potential to improve visualization without the necessity to apply contrast agent. METHODS: Forty-four patients (mean age 64 years, female 33%) scheduled for MR-guided thermoablation due to liver malignancies (hepatocellular carcinoma or metastases) were prospectively included in this study between March 2020 and April 2022. Fifty-one liver lesions were intra-procedurally characterized before treatment. Unenhanced T1-VIBE was acquired as part of the standard imaging protocol. Additionally, T1-modified look-locker images were acquired with eight different inversion times (TI) between 148 and 1743 ms. Lesion-to-liver contrast (LLC) was compared between T1-VIBE and IR images for each TI. T1 relaxation times for liver lesions and liver parenchyma were calculated. RESULTS: Mean LLC in T1-VIBE sequence was 0.3 ± 0.1. In IR images, LLC was highest at TI 228 ms (1.04 ± 1.1) and significantly higher compared to T1-VIBE (p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, lesions of colorectal carcinoma showed the highest LLC at 228 ms (1.14 ± 1.4), and hepatocellular carcinoma showed the highest LLC at 548 ms (1.06 ± 1.16). T1-relaxation times in liver lesions were higher compared to the adjacent liver parenchyma (1184 ± 456 vs. 654 ± 96 ms, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IR imaging is promising to provide improved visualization during unenhanced MR-guided liver interventions compared to standard T1-VIBE sequence when using specific TI. Low TI between 150 and 230 ms yields the highest contrast between liver parenchyma and malignant liver lesions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Improved visualization of hepatic lesions during MR-guided percutaneous interventions using inversion recovery imaging without the necessity to apply contrast agent. KEY POINTS: • Inversion recovery imaging is promising to provide improved visualization of liver lesions in unenhanced MRI. • Planning and guidance during MR-guided interventions in the liver can be performed with greater confidence without necessity to apply contrast agent. • Low TI between 150 and 230 ms yields the highest contrast between liver parenchyma and malignant liver lesions.

The optimal diagnostic cut-off of WBC and PMN counts for joint aspiration in periprosthetic joint infection is 2479/µL and 67%, respectively: ICM criteria thresholds are too high.

BACKGROUND: Various organizations have published definitions for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with significant differences in the cut-offs of white blood cell (WBC) count and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte cells. Herein, we aim to analyze optimal cut-offs in patients which are planned to undergo a prosthesis revision and compare them with the actual published thresholds of the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) and European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS). METHODS: A test kit was compiled in a monocentric prospective study, according to the ICM criteria (2018) and 2021 EBJIS criteria. The kit was implemented using: blood samples (including leukocyte count and C-reactive protein); samples for examining the synovial fluid (WBC count, PMN cell differentiation, microbiological culture for incubation over 14 days, alpha-defensin ELISA laboratory test, and leukocyte-esterase test). The cut-offs for WBC and PMN counts were investigated using ROC analyses and Youden index. The ICM 2018 criteria were applied, using alpha-defensin in all cases. Patients which have to undergo a prosthesis revision were included, a pre-operative joint aspiration had been performed, and the patients had been followed up prospectively. RESULTS: 405 patients were examined with the compiled test kit; 100% had a complete dataset with respect to alpha-defensin; 383 patients, according to WBC count; and 256, according to PMN cell differentiation The cut-off of 2478.89 cells/µl in the WBC count (sensitivity: 87.70%; specificity: 88.10%) and the cut-off of 66.99% in PMN differentiation showed the best accuracy (sensitivity: 86.00%; specificity: 88.80%). Other published cut-offs for WBC were tested in this cohort and showed the following accuracy: 3000/µl (EBJIS/ICM; sensitivity: 82.10%; specificity: 91.00%), 2000/µl (sensitivity: 89.60%; specificity: 83.40%), and 1500/µl (sensitivity: 91.50%; specificity: 75.00%). The published cut-offs for PMN had the following accuracy in this cohort: 80% (ICM; sensitivity: 66.3%; specificity: 96.50%), 70% (sensitivity: 82.6%; specificity: 90%), and 65% (EBJIS, sensitivity: 86%; specificity: 88.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study aims to improve current cut-offs for PMN- and WB-Count, even though PJI diagnosis is based on the combination of all defined tests. The optimal diagnostic cut-off of WBC and PMN counts was found to be 2479/µL and 67%, respectively, whereas ICM cut-offs in this cohort seem too high, as they provide high specificity but very low sensitivity. On the other hand, a cut-off for WBC count of 1500/µl alone would be very low, leading to low specificity and very high suspicion of PJI. The current consensus guidelines could be actualized considering these results to significantly improve the diagnostic quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

[Implementation of a standardized clinical test kit for diagnostics of periprosthetic infections in the clinical routine. German version]. / Implementierung eines standardisierten Test-Kits zur Diagnostik von periprothetischen Infektionen in der klinischen Routine.

BACKGROUND: The number of primary arthroplasties is increasing and the proportion of revision arthroplasties is becoming increasingly more important. The need for standardized and guideline-based diagnostics for the safe detection of a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is becoming apparent. In the past 10 years various organizations have published definitions and diagnostic guidelines. The implementation of an inhouse standard test kit could help to simplify the process and could improve the diagnostic quality. METHOD: In 2016 a test kit was compiled in a monocentric prospective study, taking the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) criteria 2014 and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) criteria into account, which also fulfils the definitions of the ICM criteria 2018 and criteria of the European Bone and Joint Infection Society 2021. The test kit was implemented in the clinical setting of a special department for aseptic and septic revision arthroplasty. The usability and accuracy of the test kit were examined. RESULTS: The test kit was implemented using blood samples (leukocyte count; C­reactive protein, CRP), samples for examining the synovial fluid (white blood cell count, PMN cell differentiation, microbiological culture for incubation over 14 days, alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA, leukocyte esterase test strips) together with information and request forms. Between April 2016 and February 2020 a total of 405 patients were investigated. Within 3 calendar years, the use of the test kit increased from 59% initially to 86%, and finally to 96% of cases in the third calendar year. The leukocyte esterase test strip was reliable in only 72%, due to undifferentiated readability or blood contamination. The costs increased by the only commercially available alpha-defensin ELISA test by approx. 52€ per puncture. The best individual test showed a sensitivity/specificity of 92.8%/95.2% with alpha-defensin. It was calculated which combinations showed a similar test quality and different combinations, such as CRP+ cell count+ microbiology showed a sensitivity/specificity both of around 90%. Metallosis is a challenge for preoperative PJI diagnostics. DISCUSSION: In a prospective study it was shown, that the implementation of the standardized test kit lead to a guideline based PJI diagnostic in all cases and thus to a significantly increase of the diagnostic quality. There is currently no single test that reliably excludes or proves an infection. The alpha-defensin laboratory ELISA test showed the best test accuracy, whereby the consideration of test combinations is obligatory and at the same time safe.

MRI-guided percutaneous thermoablation as first-line treatment of recurrent hepatic malignancies following hepatic resection: single center long-term experience.

PURPOSE: Hepatic recurrence of liver malignancies is a leading problem in patients after liver resection with curative intention. Thermoablation is a promising treatment approach for patients after hepatic resection, especially in liver-limited conditions. This study aimed to investigate safety, survival, and local tumor control rates of MRI-guided percutaneous thermoablation of recurrent hepatic malignancies following hepatic resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from patients with primary or secondary hepatic malignancies treated between 2004 and 2018 with MRI-guided percutaneous thermoablation of hepatic recurrence after prior hepatic resection were retrospectively analyzed. Disease-free survival and overall survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients with hepatic recurrence (mean tumor size = 18.9 ± 9.1 mm) of colorectal cancer liver metastases (n = 27), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 17), intrahepatic recurrence of cholangiocellular carcinoma (n = 9), or other primary malignant tumor entities (n = 4) were treated once or several times with MR-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (n = 52) or microwave ablation (n = 5) (range: 1-4 times). Disease progression occurred due to local recurrence at the ablation site in nine patients (15.8%), non-local hepatic recurrence in 33 patients (57.9%), and distant malignancy in 18 patients (31.6%). The median overall survival for the total cohort was 40 months and 49 months for the colorectal cancer group, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 40.7 and 42.5%, respectively. The median disease-free survival was 10 months for both the total cohort and the colorectal cancer group with a 5-year disease-free survival rate of 15.1 and 14.8%, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 39.6 ± 35.7 months. CONCLUSION: MR-guided thermoablation is an effective and safe approach in the treatment of hepatic recurrences in liver-limited conditions and can achieve long-term survival.

Efficacy of transarterial embolisation in patients with life-threatening spontaneous retroperitoneal haematoma.

AIM: To evaluate the technical and clinical success of embolisation in patients with life-threatening spontaneous retroperitoneal haematoma (SRH) and to assess predictors of clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (mean age: 71.9±9.8 years) with SRH underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA). All patients received anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication or a combination of both at the time the SRH occurred. RESULTS: Pre-interventional computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed active retroperitoneal bleeding in 28 of 30 (93.3%) patients. DSA identified active haemorrhage in 22 of 30 patients (73.3%). Twenty-nine of 30 (96.7%) patients underwent embolisation. n-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) was used in 15 patients (51.7%), coils were used in 10 patients (34.5%), and both embolic agents were used in four patients (13.8%). The technical success rate was 100%. Pre-interventional haemoglobin levels increased significantly after embolotherapy from 70.9±16.1 g/l to 87±11.3 g/l (p<0.001), whereas partial thromboplastin time decreased from 58±38 to 30±9 seconds (p<0.001) after embolotherapy. The need for transfusion of concentrated red cells decreased from 3±2.2 to 1±1.1 units (p<0.001) after the intervention. Clinical success was achieved in 19 of 29 (65.5%) patients. No major procedure-related complications occurred. Seven patients (24.1%) died within 30 days after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Embolotherapy in patients with life-threatening SRH leads to a high technical success rate and is a safe therapeutic option. The clinical success rate was acceptable and influenced by pre-interventional coagulation status and by the amount of transfused concentrated red cells.

Modular knee arthrodesis secures limb, mobility, improves quality of life, and leads to high infection control in periprosthetic knee infection, when revision knee arthroplasty is not an option.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the outcome of knee arthrodesis versus hinged total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients suffering from periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: 104 patients with PJI were treated using a two-stage exchange of failed TKA. In case of non reconstructable bone loss or loss of extension mechanism, a modular intramedullary arthrodesis nail was used for reimplantation [Knee Arthrodesis Module (KAM); n = 52]. The control group was retrospectively matched treated using a hinged revision TKA [Rotating Hinge Knee (RHK); n = 52]. PJI remission rates, functional outcome (WOMAC; KSS) and quality of life (SF-12), as well as comorbidities and pain were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 72.5 years. Charlson Comorbidity Index was higher in the KAM group (3.3 vs. 2.8). PJI remission rate was 89.4% (88.5% vs. 90.4%, respectively). In case of reinfection, implant retention was mostly possible in the RHK group (7.7%), whereas amputations were mostly performed in the KAM group (9.6%). Significant pain reduction (VAS 7.9-2.8) was achieved in both groups. Walking distance was significantly reduced in the KAM groups versus the RHK group (504 vs. 1064 m). WOMAC and KSS function scores were significantly reduced in the KAM group (25 vs. 40 and 35 vs. 64). Only moderate reduction in quality of life in the KAM group was observed (SF-12 physical: 34 vs. 40; SF-12 mental: 51 vs. 56) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrodesis using a modular intramedullary nail is an alternative for limb salvage, pain reduction, and preservation of quality of life and everyday mobility, when revision TKA is not an option. This study presents the largest number of case, comparing the outcome after performing an arthrodesis versus hinged TKA after septic failed TKA.

[Rehabilitation following the amputation of an extremity]. / Rehabilitation bei Patienten nach Amputationen an den Extremitäten.

The rehabilitation of patients with an amputation is challenging and an example of an interdisciplinary team approach. Knowledge of the principal surgical techniques and the needs for a good prosthetic fitting is mandatory for the team members. According to the ideas of International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities and Handicaps the goal of the rehabilitation is to achieve the highest possible participation in private, work and social life of the patient. Within the team a clear definition of responsibilities is necessary, as well as an intensive communication structure. The patient himself plays a major role. This rehabilitation is complex, in terms of both personal and resource use. Depending on the level of amputation, the usual rehabilitation times range between 4 to 12 weeks for the lower extremity; for the arms, the time varies greatly from person to person. Longer rehabilitation times seem to ensure better treatment outcomes in the long term.

[Indications for stump corrections]. / Indikationen für Stumpfkorrekturen.

Problems in prosthetic fitting or mobility of amputated patients are often caused primarily by insufficient stump quality. To achieve better rehabilitation results and a higher quality of life it is mandatory that the physician treating the patient is able to diagnose stump problems and to indicate stump correction surgery. A skilled knowledge of amputation techniques, different levels of amputation, as well as of prosthetic fitting methods is needed. The physician has to have knowledge of the differences between phantom sensation, phantom pain and stump pain, as well as their possible causes. Especially with stump pain caused by stump problems revision surgery has to be considered with the patient. A well-done surgical stump correction should result in a better end-bearing capacity, less pain, improved rehabilitation potential and better life quality. Stump revision surgery should be indicated more often, and this type of surgery should be a standard procedure in every orthopaedic and trauma department.

Implementation of a standardized clinical test kit for diagnostics of periprosthetic infections in the clinical routine.

BACKGROUND: The number of primary arthroplasties is increasing and the proportion of revision arthroplasties is becoming increasingly more important. The need for standardized and guideline-based diagnostics for the safe detection of a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is becoming apparent. In the past 10 years various organizations have published definitions and diagnostic guidelines. The implementation of an inhouse standard test kit could help to simplify the process and could improve the diagnostic quality. METHOD: In 2016 a test kit was compiled in a monocentric prospective study, taking the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) criteria 2014 and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) criteria into account, which also fulfils the definitions of the ICM criteria 2018 and criteria of the European Bone and Joint Infection Society 2021. The test kit was implemented in the clinical setting of a special department for aseptic and septic revision arthroplasty. The usability and accuracy of the test kit were examined. RESULTS: The test kit was implemented using blood samples (leukocyte count; C­reactive protein, CRP), samples for examining the synovial fluid (white blood cell count, PMN cell differentiation, microbiological culture for incubation over 14 days, alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA, leukocyte esterase test strips) together with information and request forms. Between April 2016 and February 2020 a total of 405 patients were investigated. Within 3 calendar years, the use of the test kit increased from 59% initially to 86%, and finally to 96% of cases in the third calendar year. The leukocyte esterase test strip was reliable in only 72%, due to undifferentiated readability or blood contamination. The costs increased by the only commercially available alpha-defensin ELISA test by approx. 52€ per puncture. The best individual test showed a sensitivity/specificity of 92.8%/95.2% with alpha-defensin. It was calculated which combinations showed a similar test quality and different combinations, such as CRP+ cell count+ microbiology showed a sensitivity/specificity both of around 90%. Metallosis is a challenge for preoperative PJI diagnostics. DISCUSSION: In a prospective study it was shown, that the implementation of the standardized test kit lead to a guideline based PJI diagnostic in all cases and thus to a significantly increase of the diagnostic quality. There is currently no single test that reliably excludes or proves an infection. The alpha-defensin laboratory ELISA test showed the best test accuracy, whereby the consideration of test combinations is obligatory and at the same time safe.

Salvage procedure for chronic periprosthetic knee infection: the application of DAIR results in better remission rates and infection-free survivorship when used with topical degradable calcium-based antibiotics.

PURPOSE: Debridement, systemic antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is very successful for early periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but can fail in late-onset cases. We selected patients with PJI who were unsuitable for two-stage exchange total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compared the outcomes of DAIR with or without degradable calcium-based antibiotics. METHODS: All patients fulfilled the criteria for late-onset PJI of TKA, as defined by an International Consensus Meeting in 2013, but were unsuitable for multistage procedures and TKA exchange due to operative risk. Fifty-six patients (mean age: 70.6 years, SD ± 10.8), in two historical collectives, were treated using a single-stage algorithm consisting of DAIR without antibiotics (control group, n = 33, 2012-2014), or by DAIR following the implantation of degradable antibiotics as indicated by an antibiogram (intervention group, n = 23, 2014-2017). OSTEOSET® (admixed vancomycin/tobramycin), and HERAFILL-gentamicin® were used as carrier systems. The primary endpoint was re-infection or surgical intervention after DAIR. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of mean age, Charlson comorbidity index or the rate of mixed infections. Overall, 65.2% of patients achieved remission in the intervention group compared with only 18.2% in the control group (p < 0.001); 50% of re-infections in the intervention group even occurred after 36 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that, compared with controls, the intervention group experienced significantly longer 3-year infection-free survival. CONCLUSION: DAIR shows poor efficacy in difficult-to-treat cases, as demonstrated in our control group, which had a re-infection rate of 81.8%. In contrast, a DAIR group receiving topical calcium-based antibiotics showed significantly higher 3-year infection-free survival. Therefore, the combination of DAIR and degradable antibiogram-based local antibiotics is a reasonable salvage procedure for this body of patients. This is important as the number of severely sick patients who are too old for appropriate PJI treatment is estimated to increase significantly due to demographic change.

[Emergency room activation due to trauma mechanism]. / Schockraumindikation nach Unfallhergang.

BACKGROUND: The quality of trauma care in Germany has been significantly increased due to the establishment of standards in the white paper on severe injury care and the S3 guidelines. A key issue of multiple trauma treatment is the trauma resuscitation unit (TRU)/emergency room management, which is associated with extensive material and human resources. From the very beginning of the introduction of structured care for the severely injured, the choice of the target hospital and the indications for TRU have been the focus of scientific research. Furthermore, a reduction of the TRU team for presumably less seriously injured patients is discussed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The emergency room assignments of a level I trauma center (n = 686) were analyzed in more detail. Of the patients 235 were assigned with the TRU indications according to the cause of the accident (GoR B criteria) and compared with the collective of TRU patients admitted according to the severity of injuries or life-threatening signs, the so-called GoR A criteria (n = 104) during the corresponding period. In addition to basic data (age, sex), the injured region and severity (injury severity score, ISS), the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital as well as the necessity for surgery and transfusion were compared. RESULT: Of the emergency room allocations at the trauma center 34% were due to the cause of the accident and the severity of the injuries in this patient group was almost half as high as that of the control group with an ISS of 11. Of the patients 74% were admitted to the IMC/ICU and stayed there for an average of almost 3 days. There were between 4% and 18% severe injuries (abbreviated injury scale, AIS 3) and 17.9% were characterized as polytrauma with an ISS ≥ 16 points. CONCLUSION: A significant number of patients admitted to a TCU due to the cause of accident (the so-called B criteria of the white book), have severe and potentially life-threatening injuries, which necessitate a prioritized and immediate treatment by a TCU team. Whether a reduced TCU team is sufficient in this situation needs to be critically examined.

Degradation of macroalgal detritus in shallow coastal Antarctic sediments.

Glaciers along the western Antarctic Peninsula are retreating at unprecedented rates, opening up sublittoral rocky substrate for colonization by marine organisms such as macroalgae. When macroalgae are physically detached due to storms or erosion, their fragments can accumulate in seabed hollows, where they can be grazed upon by herbivores or be degraded microbially or be sequestered. To understand the fate of the increasing amount of macroalgal detritus in Antarctic shallow subtidal sediments, a mesocosm experiment was conducted to track 13C- and 15N-labeled macroalgal detritus into the benthic bacterial, meiofaunal, and macrofaunal biomass and respiration of sediments from Potter Cove (King George Island). We compared the degradation pathways of two macroalgae species: one considered palatable for herbivores (the red algae Palmaria decipiens) and other considered nonpalatable for herbivores (the brown algae Desmarestia anceps). The carbon from Palmaria was recycled at a higher rate than that of Desmarestia, with herbivores such as amphipods playing a stronger role in the early degradation process of the Palmaria fragments and the microbial community taking over at a later stage. In contrast, Desmarestia was more buried in the subsurface sediments, stimulating subsurface bacterial degradation. Macrofauna probably relied indirectly on Desmarestia carbon, recycled by bacteria and microphytobenthos. The efficient cycling of the nutrients and carbon from the macroalgae supports a positive feedback loop among bacteria, microphytobenthos, and meiofaunal and macrofaunal grazers, resulting in longer term retention of macroalgal nutrients in the sediment, hence creating a food bank for the benthos.

Accuracy of ultrasonography in the assessment of liver fat compared with MRI.

AIM: To investigate the accuracy of ultrasonography in the assessment of hepatic steatosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as standard of reference and to explore the influence of additional hepatic iron overload. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2,783 volunteers (1,442 women, 1,341 men; mean age, 52.3±13.8 years) underwent confounder-corrected chemical-shift-encoded MRI of the liver at 1.5 T. Proton-density fat fraction (PDFF) and transverse relaxation rate (R2*) were calculated to estimate hepatic steatosis and liver iron overload, respectively. In addition, the presence of hepatic steatosis was assessed by B-mode ultrasonography. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of hepatic ultrasonography were determined for different degrees of hepatic steatosis and different amounts of liver iron. RESULTS: MRI revealed hepatic steatosis in 40% of participants (n=1,112), which was mild in 68.9% (n=766), moderate in 26.7% (n=297), and severe in 4.4% (n=49) of patients. Ultrasonography detected hepatic steatosis in 37.8% (n=1,052), corresponding to 74.5% sensitivity and 86.6% specificity. The sensitivity of ultrasound increased with the amount of hepatic fat present and was 65.1%, 95%, and 96% for low, moderate, and high fat content; whereas the specificity was constantly high at 86.6%. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detection of hepatic steatosis did not vary significantly with the amount of liver iron present. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is an excellent tool to assess hepatic steatosis in the clinical setting with some limitations in patients with a low liver fat content. The detection of hepatic steatosis by ultrasonography is not influenced by liver iron.

The medial open-wegde osteotomy generates progressive intrameniscal integrity changes in the lateral knee compartment: a prospective MR-assessment after valgic osteotomy in the varus gonarthritic knee.

PURPOSE: Meniscal changes in the lateral knee compartment after medial-opening high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with valgic overcorrection have not been investigated clinically with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The hypothesis of this study was that HTO with valgic overcorrection affects the lateral compartment due to the change in the bearing axis and the shift in the pressure load from the medial to the lateral compartment. This should lead to an accelerated degeneration of the lateral compartment. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (mean age, 45.7 ± 7.6 years) were prospectively and longitudinally monitored with MRI after medial-opening high tibial osteotomy. The degeneration of the meniscus was assessed at the anterior horn, pars intermedia, and posterior horn using the Stoller classification. The morphological changes were also assessed at the anterior horn, pars intermedia, and posterior horn using the relative vertical and transverse diameters of the examined part of the meniscus, according to the ratio maximal meniscal diameter/maximal tibial width. These parameters were analyzed preoperatively and at follow-up (mean 5.3 ± 1.5 years after surgery). RESULTS: During the follow-up period, there were no significant morphological changes in either the anterior horn, pars intermedia, or posterior horn. Nor were there any correlations between the morphological parameters, bodyweight, and the follow-up period. Despite these findings, an MRI evaluation showed progressive degeneration in every part of the meniscus according to the Stoller classification, and this was significant at the anterior horn (p < 0.01), pars intermedia (p = 0.021), and posterior horn (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: High tibial osteotomy did not lead to morphological changes in the external meniscus over a follow-up period of 5.3 ± 1.5 years. However, progressive degeneration of the meniscus was observed in the imaging data. Further research is required to confirm the observed degeneration and to evaluate the consequences of the observed degeneration.

Anatomic ligament consolidation of the superior acromioclavicular ligament and the coracoclavicular ligament complex after acute arthroscopically assisted double coracoclavicular bundle stabilization.

PURPOSE: The consolidation of the acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament complex after arthroscopically assisted stabilization of acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separation is still under consideration. METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive patients after arthroscopically assisted double-CC-bundle stabilization within 14 days after acute high-grade ACJ separation were studied prospectively. All patients were clinically analysed preoperatively (FU0) and post-operatively (FU1 = 6 months; FU2 = 12 months). The structural MRI assessments were performed at FU0 (injured ACJ) and at FU2 bilateral (radiologic control group) and assessed separately the ligament thickness and length at defined regions for the conoid, trapezoid and the superior AC ligament. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were assessed after 6.5 months and after 16.0 months. The 16-month MRI analysis revealed for all patients continuous ligament healing for the CC-complex and the superior AC ligament with in the average hypertrophic consolidation compared to the control side. Separate conoid and trapezoid strands (double-strand configuration) were detected in 27 of 37 (73%) patients, and a single-strand configuration was detected in 10 of 37 (27%) patients; both configurations showed similar CCD data. The ligament healing was not influenced by the point of surgery, age at surgery and heterotopic ossification. The clinical outcome was increased (FU0-FU2): Rowe, 47.7-97.0 pts.; TAFT, 3.9-10.6 pts.; NAS pain, 8.9-1.4 pts. (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopically assisted double-CC-bundle stabilization within 14 days after acute high-grade ACJ separation showed 16 months after surgery sufficient consolidations of the AC and double-CC ligament complex in 73%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Case series.

[Percutaneous biliary and gallbladder interventions]. / Perkutane Intervention der Gallenwege und der Gallenblase.

CLINICAL ISSUE: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary and gall bladder interventions play an important role in the diagnosis and therapy of biliary tract diseases. PERFORMANCE: With technical success rates up to 99% as well as complications rates up to a maximum of 26% they showed good results. Indications were opacification of the biliary tree as well as treatment of biliary system pathologies, such as drainage and stents. ACHIEVEMENTS: Interventions were used if endoscopic approaches are not possible or exploited. We describe the current state of knowledge and the range for percutaneous biliary/gall bladder interventions and give an overview of technical approaches for fundamental interventional procedures, including percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary and gall bladder interventions are safe and effective treatments for benign and malignant stenosis, postoperative complications and risk patients with cholecystitis.

Assessments of activities of daily living after arthroscopic SLAP repair with knot-tying versus knotless suture anchors.

PURPOSE: The clinical influence of knot-tying or knotless anchor systems for the arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions (superior labrum lesion from anterior to posterior) remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort analysis, 61 of 78 (78.2%) patients with isolated symptomatic SLAP II lesions were examined with a minimum of 24 months after arthroscopic SLAP repair compared to a control group: 28 patients with knot-tying anchors (group I, G1; 28.95 ± 9.48 years, 23 male/5 female), 33 with knotless anchors (group II, G2; 31 ± 10.09 years, 26 male/7 female) and 140 healthy volunteers (group III, G3; 30.9 ± 8.9 years, 109 male/31 female). The clinical assessment included an examination and estimated parameters of ADL (activities of daily living), the CS (Constant score), ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow score), DASH (disability of arm-shoulder hand) and the RS (Rowe score). RESULTS: The ROM analysis recorded no significant differences for the external rotation in 0° abduction (G1 63.75° ± 15.55° versus = vs G2 65.30° ± 18.15°; pERG1 vs G2 = 0.72). The clinical outcomes revealed significantly decreased pain status in G1 for the O'brien test and in G2 for the Palm-up test, whereas Yergason test showed similar pain levels (pO'brien = 0.03; ppalm up = 0.02; pyergason > 0.5). The pulley associated rotator cuff tests revealed a significantly inferior force status in G2 compared to G1 (plift-off = 0.005, pJobe = 0.02) whereas the further rotator cuff assessments were equal. In general, the intervention group showed increased pain level and functional deficits compared to the G3. The score analysis detected no significant differences with PCSG1 vs G2, PASESG1 vs G2, PDASHG1 vs G2 and PRSG1 vs G2 all > 0.05 and significant impairments compared to G3 in all scores pG1/G2 vs G3 < 0.05 (CSG1 = 88.28 ± 14.42, CSG2=92.73 ± 9.24, CSG3 = 96.2 ± 4.96; ASESG1 = 81.10 ± 21.69, ASESG2 = 85.35 ± 17.12, ASESG3 = 94.95 ± 10.39,; DASHG1= 35.75 ± 13.44, DASHG2 = 36.03 ± 17.55, DASHG3 = 27.13 ± 6.52; RSG1 = 90.71 ± 9.88, RSG2 = 88.33 ± 11.22, RSG3= 92.96 ± 11.27). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical assessment revealed for both anchor systems similar outcomes but showed general underestimated impairments after the SLAP repair surgery compared to the healthy control. The clinical status only marginally differed between both techniques, wherefore the present assessment of ADL allowed no recommendation of one of these two specific surgery technique for SLAP repair.

[Cost estimation for hospital mass casualty exercises]. / Kostenabschätzung für MANV-Übungen im Krankenhaus.

A mass casualty event (MCE) poses an enormous challenge for rescue services and hospitals. In addition to a hospital emergency plan, employee training and practice exercises are essential to be prepared for such an event. The organizational and financial burden of MCE exercises in a hospital is extraordinarily high. In a retrospective analysis of several large hospital exercises, the magnitude of the necessary financial means for the preparation and execution of such drills is outlined. Depending on the size (number of patients) and scope (extent of departments involved) of the MCE exercise in a hospital, a full-size MCE drill may entail costs between 10,000 and 100,000€. Since the execution of such exercises is essential in the sense of preparedness and considering quality management aspects, possibilities of refinancing and more cost-efficient training must be developed.

A direct aspiration first pass technique for acute stroke therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT), involving the first-line use of a large-bore distal aspiration catheter, is a new strategy in the mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusion. However, its impact on reperfusion rates, clinical outcomes and complication rates has not been fully examined. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature searching multiple databases for reports on thrombectomy of acute stroke with ADAPT and performed meta-analyses of clinical and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: We selected 16 articles that included a total of 1378 patients treated with ADAPT. The mean admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 and pre-treatment intravenous thrombolysis was used in 51% of cases. The successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b-3) rate was 66% [95% confidence interval (CI), 59-72%] with ADAPT and a rescue stent retriever was used in 31% of cases (95% CI, 24-37%) yielding an overall thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b-3 rate of 89% (95% CI, 85-92%). We found a pooled estimate of 50% (95% CI, 45-54%) for functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) at 90 days, 15% (95% CI, 10-21%) for mortality within 90 days and 5% (95% CI, 3-7%) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: ADAPT therapy is associated with similar reperfusion rates, clinical outcomes and complication rates compared with thrombectomy with stent retrievers. However, the major limitations of current evidence (i.e. retrospective studies and selection bias) indicate a need for adequately powered, multicenter randomized controlled trials to determine the best strategy.