[Fascia iliaca Block with General Anaesthesia vs. Subarachnoid Morphine Block in Total Hip Arthroplasty]. / Blokáda fascia iliaca s celkovou anestezií vs. subarachnoidální blokáda s morfinem u totální náhrady kycelního kloubu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Many physicians believe that loco-regional anaesthesia and analgesia improve the postoperative course of patients indicated for total hip arthroplasty compared to general anaesthesia. However, there are many patients who refuse subarachnoid or epidural anaesthesia, or have contraindications or conditions making the use of such techniques impossible. An alternative option is the combination of general anaesthesia and a peripheral nerve blockade. The aim of this prospective randomized open-label clinical trial was to compare the efficacy and quality of postoperative analgesia between fascia iliaca block combined with general anaesthesia (GA) and subarachnoid anaesthesia with morphine and bupivacaine (SAB). MATERIAL AND METHODS After having obtained the ethics committee approval and the patients consent, a prospective, open-label, randomized trial was conducted in patients referred for total hip arthroplasty (THR). The GA group was administered ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block with 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine solution after the induction of general anaesthesia. In the SAB group, subarachnoid blockade was performed with a mixture of 3 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with 0.150 mg morphine prepared in the hospital pharmacy. Right after surgery the patients were taken to the ICU for 24 hours, after which they were transferred to a general ward. In addition to vital signs monitoring, pain intensity using a 0-10 numeric rating scale (NRS), first morphine administration at NRS >4, total morphine consumption and potential adverse effects were observed over the period of 72 hours. RESULTS There was no statistical difference between the GA (14 persons) and the SAB (14 persons) group in demographic parameters, time to first morphine administration (10 hrs vs. 19 hrs, p=0.10), number of persons with no need for morphine after surgery (5 vs. 7), tingling sensation (1 vs. 0) or numbness of the limb (0 vs. 1). There was no difference in cardiorespiratory parameters or side effects of therapy. In neither case was there respiratory depression or delayed rehabilitation. No patient developed delirium after surgery, and no patient reported dissatisfaction with pain management. DISCUSSION The fascia iliaca block and subarachnoid anaesthesia using local anaesthetic with opioid addition have been repeatedly published for patients after total hip arthroplasty, but this study is unique by comparing the two methods. The study added a new piece of knowledge to the findings of several recent meta-analyses on the comparable outcomes of general and subarachnoid anaesthesia for hip replacement in the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS If subarachnoid anaesthesia cannot be used in hip arthroplasty, general anaesthesia with fascia iliaca block provides comparable analgesia and quality of postoperative course. Key words: total hip arthroplasty, general anaesthesia, fascia iliaca block, subarachnoid anaesthesia, postoperative analgesia, postoperative course.

[Calcaneal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a locking compression plate (LCP). A prospective study. part I: basic analysis of the group]. / Zlomeniny patní kosti lécené otevrenou repozicí a dlahovou osteosyntézou - prospektivní studie. Cást I: Základní analýza souboru pacientu

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In a prospective study of patients with calcaneal fractures treated by open reduction from an extensile lateral approach and LCP osteosynthesis, the authors evaluated the basic epidemiological data, mechanism of injury, type of fracture, essential data on surgery, days of hospital stay and the number of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from September 1, 2006 to July 31, 2010, a total of 230 patients with 243 calcaneal fractures were treated. The fractures were classified as either open or closed and according to the Essex-Lopresti system. Of the total number of patients, 135 (55.6 % of all fractures) were indicated for conservative treatment and 108 (44.4% of all fractures) for surgical intervention. Indications for surgery based on the generally accepted criteria enabled us to select 77 patients with 82 fractures (33.7 % of all fractures) for treatment by the method of open reduction and LCP osteosynthesis. These patients constituted the group evaluated here. The other patients were treated using other techniques (21 fractures, i.e., 8.6 % of all fractures, by the Stehlík-Stulík transfixation method and further five [2.1 %] by screw osteosynthesis). Six surgeons were involved in the treatment of this group. For the diagnosis of fractures, plain radiographs in lateral and axial projection and axial and coronal CT images were used. All fractures were treated after subsidence of oedema by the method of open reduction and LCP fixation from an extensile lateral approach, with the use of a tourniquet. The follow-up period for the evaluation of functional outcome and bone union was 3 to 48 months. Fifty patients were followed up for over one year. RESULTS: The group evaluated comprised 58 men (75.3 %) with 63 fractures (76.8 %) and 19 women (24.7 %) with 19 fractures (23.2 %). The average age of the group was 42 years, with 41 years (range, 22-61 years) in men and 47 years (range, 30-70 years) in women. The most frequent cause of injury was a fall from a height below 1 metre and this was recorded in 38 patients (49.4 %); 18 patients (24.3 %) had a fall from a height below 3 metres. Eight fractures were caused by a fall from the window, seven calcaneal fractures, as part of .polytrauma, were sustained in road accidents (9.1 %) and six calcaneal bones were injured due to ankle sprain in walking on a flat surface (7.8 %). Bilateral fractures occurred in five (6.5 %) patients, the right and left heel bones were injured in 31 (40.3 %) and 41 (53.2 %) fracture cases, respectively. An open fracture was recorded on three occasions (3.7 %). Of the 82 evaluated fractures, 23 were type IIa fractures (28 %) and 59 were type IIb fractures (72 %) according to the Essex-Lopresti classification system. The average injury-surgery interval was 10 days (range, 1 - 23 days). The average operative time was 77 minutes (range, 45-175 min) and the average duration of tourniquet application was 61 minutes (range, 20-130 min). The average length of hospital stay was 18 days (range, 7-61 days). In 15 patients (18.3 % of osteosynthesis cases) wound healing was delayed. Deep wound infection developed in three cases (3.7 %); these required revision surgery which involved implant removal before bone union in two cases and healing of the wound after revision without implant removal in one case. A necrotic lesion in one case (1.2 %) was treated by muscle flap transfer. Complications which varied in type and severity were recorded in 22 % of the patients. The Rowe score was used to evaluate functional outcomes, which were excellent in 44 %, good in 46 %, satisfactory in 4 % and poor in 6 % of the surgically treated patients.. DISCUSSION: Only about one-third of the patients with calcaneal fractures were indicated for open LCP osteosynthesis. This is in agreement with the strict indication criteria established by the foreign authors with Professors Zwipp and Sanders at the head. It appears that this fracture chiefly occurs in the population of young active men (Kocis reported only men and no woman with this fracture in his study). The authors focus on exact radiographic diagnosis including CT examination, as recommended by Stehlík and Stulík in their book. They recommend to use the Essex-Lopresti system for primary classification and, because of the frequency of LCP osteosynthesis procedures performed, also recommend to carry out this treatment in specialised institutions. The rate of serious complications in this study was relatively low and in accordance with the findings of Zwipp, Zeman and others. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of basic data on the group of patients with calcaneal fractures treated by open reduction and LCP fixation showed the following: chiefly young active men sustained this fracture; calcaneal fracture was usually due to a fall or jump from a level not too high; X-ray examination (lateral and axial projection) was sufficient to make a diagnosis; for a decision to operate it was useful to complete the diagnosis by CT examination; the prerequisite for minimising post-operative complications was strict adherence to the established indication criteria, surgery only after oedema had subsided and use of the correct surgical technique. The number of complications and their nature did not differ from the data reported by other authors.

[Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius]. / Korekcní osteotomie distálního radia.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of corrective osteotomy for malunited fractures of the distal radius, to assess the degree of correction or its loss, if it happened, after bone union, and to compare the clinical and radiographic results with the relevant literature reports. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from September 2002 and October 2004, a total of 16 patients (six men and 10 women) underwent surgery for malunited fractures of the distal radius. The average patient age was 49.3 years, with a range of 23 to 73 years. For the sake of evaluation, records were made of patients' subjective feelings, objective measurements of motion range and muscle strength and exact measurements of relevant parameters on radiographs. Plain radiographs of the distal radius of both upper extremities in anteroposterior and lateral projections were made before and after surgery, and at final follow-up after osteotomy healing. The following parameters were measured: length of the radius, ulnar inclination angle and tilt of the distal articular surface of the radius. Because we evaluated our patients in retrospect, it was not always possible to find the exact values of motion range and muscle strength as they existed before surgery. Therefore, for comparison, we used the values obtained on the unhurt extremity. Corrective surgery included radius opening-wedge osteotomy with bone graft insertion and subsequent fixation with a 3.5-mm T plate. The final evaluation was based on the New York Orthopaedic Hospital Wrist Rating Scale. RESULTS The highest lengthening achieved by corrective osteotomy was 9 mm. The largest change in the ulnar inclination angle was 34 degrees. The best correction of a dorsal deformity was 24 degrees. The result evaluation was : 30 % excellent, 50 % good, and 20 % fair. DISCUSSION Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius with graft insertion is one of the options for the restoration of anatomical conditions following malunited fractures. The timing and technique of the surgical procedure were in agreement with the data reported in the literature, as well as the results achieved in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective osteotomy and bone graft insertion are surgical procedures used for the treatment of malunited fractures of the distal radius. They are indicated in active younger patients with proven symptoms and correlating radiographic evidence. The surgery should be preceded by a thorough radiographic examination and pre-operative planning. Key words: distal radius fracture, bone malunion, corrective osteotomy.

[Contemporary clinical medicine--assurances and uncertainties]. / Soucasná klinická medicína-- jistoty a nejistoty.

Selected topics in the contemporary clinical medicine are reflected. The main fields of interest and characteristic features unifying theory and praxis are outlined; specificities of clinical thinking and decision making, and conception of clinical medicine as a scientific discipline are presented. Author deals with assurances, various forms of irresolution in clinical medicine and with problems resulting from the scientific progress.

[Medical doctors and nurses--a dialogue about their professional roles and competences]. / Lékari a sestry--dialog o profesních rolích a kompetencích.

Medical doctors and nurses represent the essential pillars of the clinical medicine. Nevertheless, they have different professional roles and competences. Dialogue between both professions is necessary and mutual understanding enables collective work. Nurses are better informed about the medical problems than doctors about nurses. That is why the presented informatorium can be beneficial when it is published in a medical specialized journal.

[Epidemiology and economic implications of fractures of proximal femur, proximal humerus, distal radius and fracture-dislocation of ankle]. / Epidemiologie a ekonomie zlomenin proximálního femuru, proximálního humeru, distálního radia a luxacních zlomenin hlezna.

The authors analyze the results of their long-term follow-up of basic epidemiological characteristics in fractures of proximal humerus (1,464 patients), distal radius (2,514 patients), proximal femur (3,340 patients) and fracture-dislocation of the ankle (1 195 patients). In fractures of the proximal femur, the average age was 78 years; 71.6 years in men and 80.3 years in women; male-female ratio was 27:73. In fractures of the proximal humerus, the average age was 67 years; 58.8 years in men and 71.2 years in women; male-female ratio was 30:70. In fractures of the distal radius, the average age was 59 years; 45.8 years in men and 64.7 years in women; male-female ratio was 29:71. In fracture-dislocation of the ankle the average age was 49 years; 43.4 years in men and 54.7 years in women; male-female ratio was 50:50. Until 5th decade men had higher representation in all groups of fractures, starting from 6th decade the ratio changed. Introduction of new implants (locking plate, new generation of nails) for fractures of the distal radius and proximal humerus increased significantly the percentage of patients operated on.

[History of the Czech gerontology and geriatrics]. / Z dejin ceské gerontologie a geriatrie.

Development of Czech gerontology and geriatrics can be associated with the Prague gerontology, namely with the First Faculty of Medicine (formally the Faculty of General Medicine). Prague school of gerontology was established. The decisive events related to the subject are described. Paper is based on the already published information on the history of the specialization and on the personal memorials of personal observers in the last fifty years. Reflections on the origin and establishment of a new medical specialization conclude the paper.

[Infection complications of total hip arthroplasty]. / Infekcní komplikace TEP kycelního kloubu.

The authors present an overview of the current views on etiology and diagnostics of infectious complications of total hip arthroplasty and analyze the possibilities of individual therapeutic procedures (debridement with the preservation of total hip arthroplasty, revision of the endoprosthesis, long-term antibiotic therapy, final resection arthroplasty, arthrodesis). They discuss the pending issues relating to the therapy of infectious complications of total hip arthroplasty (the duration of antibiotic therapy, the interval between the extraction and revision surgery of the endoprosthesis, the use of antibiotic-containing cement). Based on their own experience they recommend the revision surgery with the preservation of the implant, debridement and irrigation as the first step only in case of an early post-operative infection and in case of a late hematogenous acute infection. In case of chronic infection they recommend a two-step revision surgery using the cement spacer and the antibiotic therapy for 3 to 6 months. During this period the laboratory and clinical signs of the infection must be back to their normal. Long-term antibiotic therapy in dependence on microbial sensitivity is recommended.

[Evaluation of results after reimplantation of total hip arthroplasty cemented cup]. / Hodnocení výsledku po reimplantaci cementované jamky TEP kycelního kloubu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to evaluate the results achieved after the replacement of a loosened or broken cemented cup by another cemented cup and to specify conditions under which such procedure may be successful. MATERIAL: In the period of 1992-1997, 158 revision surgeries of total hip arthroplasty were performed at the authors' Department. In 69 patients (57 women, 12 men) the cemented cup was replaced by another cemented cup and the original femoral monocomponent with the 32 mm head diameter the surface of which was not damaged was left in place. METHODS: The indication for operation was loosening of Degree 2 or 3 of the classification after Krbec et al. The surgery was performed from the Watson-Jones or Bauer approach. The cup was always revised with the use of the Palacos cement in combination with antibiotics by the cementing technique of 2nd generation. Augmentation was used in 11 cups. The original femoral component was always returned to the original cemented bed and a cement mantle was added in the proximal part in 15 patients. Poldi cups were replaced in all patients of the followed up cohort (63 times loosening--91%, 6 times breakage--9%) using 3 types of cups for revision surgery (Poldi--44 times, Ultima--20 times, SPC--5 times). During the period of March through December 2001, 48 patients were followed up in the out-patient department. The clinical condition was evaluated on the basis of the Harris Hip Score and a radiograph was made to monitor changes in the position of the cup, linear wear, the presence and size of the radiolucent zone. RESULTS: The results were evaluated in 48 patients (40 women and 8 men) with the average interval of 63 months after revision of the cup (range, 46 to 112 months). However, the clinical and radiograph evaluation of the condition was made only in 45 patients. Three patients re-operated on in 2001 were not included in the evaluation. The Harris Hip Score was on average 78 points (range, 51 to 97 points). Radiographs did not show any change in the position of the cup. The linear wear up to 1 mm was revealed in 4 cups and above 1 mm in 1 cup (11% of the evaluated patients). The radiolucent line in zone III after DeLee and Charnley was present in 4 cups, in zones II and III in another 4 patients, i.e. in total in 8 of 45 cups (18%). DISCUSSION: The group of 45 followed-up patients may be considered a sufficiently representative sample of the original 69-member cohort (minimally 7 patients died in the follow-up period, 3 patients were not included in the evaluation). With regard to the average follow-up of 63 months the results may be considered as medium-term. The average interval between primary total hip arthroplasty and revision of 130 months is comparable with the results of similar studies by other authors. The results of the clinical evaluation on the basis of Harris Hip Score are not convincing (range, 51 to 97 points, average 78 points). Radiographs showed a radiolucent zone in 8 cups (18%). Another 3 patients were at the time of evaluation after a repeated revision of the cup for loosening (at the interval of 22 to 34 months). CONCLUSION: A good integration of the cemented cup used in revision of the loosened cemented cup of total hip arthroplasty was evident only in infrequent cases of a perfectly preserved acetabulum both from the viewpoint of shape and structure. The evaluation of other patients of the followed-up cohort, however, produced rather unconvincing results. On this basis and also on the basis of their experience in the use of cementless cups in revision of total hip prostheses the authors recommend to prefer a cementless implant in the revision of the cup.

[Fractures of the distal radius. Part 1: statistical evaluation of the patient group]. / Zlomeniny distálního radia. 1. Cást: Statistické zhodnocení souboru.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Distal radial fracture is one of the most frequent skeletal injuries in the human population. Probably because of this common occurrence, it has long been underestimated and treated as a trivial injury, with the resulting 40% poor outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze relevant characteristics, fracture types and subsequent treatment in patients with distal radial fractures in a one-year follow-up, and to suggest procedures for achieving the best functional results. MATERIAL: A total of 383 patients older than 15 years were treated in our department in 1998. The evaluation of treatment outcomes was based on a special questionnaire and the results of a standard system of check-ups. METHODS: In each patient, the basic characteristics (age, gender, mechanism of injury, period between injury and treatment, etc.), type of fracture and kind of treatment were recorded. The fractures were distributed to groups according to the Fernandez and AO classifications and compared according to selected criteria. RESULTS: Our group consisted of 103 men and 280 women; the mean age was 61.2 years and range 15 to 97 years. The highest incidence of fractures was recorded in women after menopause; 90% of all patients were women older than 60 years. It was possible to determine the type of fracture in 326 patients who had complete radiographic data. DISCUSSION: The results of this study confirmed the foreign literature data. Distal radial fractures are the most common skeletal injuries and affect women, particularly those between 50 and 80 years, three-times more frequently than men. Osteoporosis after menopause is the main factor involved. In men, on the other hand, the highest number of fractures was found in younger age categories. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of our patient group gave results comparable with those reported in the literature. It showed that distal radial fractures, in conjunction with fractures of the proximal humerus and the proximal femur, are the most frequent fractures particularly in elder women. Their treatment, therefore, involves both medical and social aspects. The analysis of treatment of distal radial fractures is under progress and the results will be published as Part II of our study.

[Care of the diseased life]. / Péce o nemocný zivot.

Care of the diseased patients is an integral part of the clinical intervention centred on the benefit of the patient. Author defines the conception of "care" as a component of medical activities. The characteristic features of the care and nursing are given. The specific problems of the providers of the care and those who accept it are discussed. Major differences between the cure (therapy) and care (nursing) and their mutual relations are considered. The compensatory character of nursing in situations when the therapy is ineffective is stressed.

[Percutaneous suture of a ruptured achilles tendon: preliminary communication and initial experience.]. / Perkutánní sutura Achillovy slachy: predbezné sdelení a první zkusenosti.

The authors describe their initial experience with percutaneous suture of a recent rupture of the Achilles tendon in their own modification which is based on the method described by Mao and Griffith. They evaluate in a small group of patients the results which are extremely favourable. They ascribe the low rate of complications to their own modification of percutaneous suture. The principle of percutaneous suture is described and demonstrated on a drawing. Postoperative care is the same as in open sutures, however, the good results create conditions for a more rapid restoration of full burdening of the operated extremity. Key words: ruptured Achilles tendon, percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon.

[Clinical aspects of minor problems]. / Klinika malickostí.

In clinical medicine we often encounter situations which seem of minor importance but which may be "pseudominor" problems. Vaguely defined conditions between health and disease can be described as "minor ailments". Clinical little things and minor ailments have a varied etiopathogenesis, manifestations and sequelae. In the evaluation of the importance or unimportance of minor problems the view of the doctor and patient (client) often differs. The patient's view is a rule decisive.

[Activity and inactivity in old age]. / Aktivity a neaktivity ve stárí.

The most important characteristic of old age is quality of life. With the latter various forms of activities (psychosocial and physical) are associated. Activities in elderly and old people are influenced by many factors, the most important ones being the social atmosphere (social perception of old age), the personality of the ageing and old person, his health status and economic security. To a considerable extent everybody is responsible for his own programme of active old age. Support of his individual efforts is, however, essential.