[Surgical treatment of bites]. / Chirurgische Behandlung von Bissverletzungen.

OBJECTIVE: Thorough and profound debridement for acute bite injuries while sparing nerves, vessels and tendons. INDICATIONS: Acute traumatic and late presented bite injuries. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General contraindication for anesthesia or surgery. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Extensive flabellate local anesthesia/general anesthesia, wound irrigation using 0.9% NaCl or antiseptic solutions, removal of avital tissues, wound debridement, wound edge excision, anew extensive irrigation, drainage if necessary, wound closure where applicable (except older or punctual deep injuries), bandage, elastic wrapping and immobilization. If necessary, plastic surgery with coverage of remaining defects. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization with initially daily wound evaluation, removal of drainage/loop on postoperative day 2; if necessary, antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in high-risk wounds (e.g., puncture wounds, joint or bone involvement, extensive soft tissue squeezing), suture removal on day 10-12 after surgery. RESULTS: Of 142 bite injuries that were treated and retrospectively evaluated, 46% were caused by dogs and 32% by cats. Patients were on average 44 years old; 55% of all dog bites affected women, but 67% of all cat bites. In 48% of the cases, general anesthesia was necessary. The postoperative infection rate was 6.3%.

[Treatment of traumatic lesions of the bursa olecrani and chronic bursitis olecrani]. / Behandlung der traumatisch eröffneten Bursa olecrani und der chronischen Bursitis olecrani.

OBJECTIVE: Complete olecranon bursectomy with debridement, protection of veins and nerves. Risk-adapted antibiotic therapy and early functional aftercare. INDICATIONS: Acute, traumatic laceration of the bursa olecrani, chronic therapy-resistant bursitis olecrani. CONTRAINDICATIONS: For traumatic bursa injuries: general contraindications for anesthesia and surgery; chronic bursitis: initially not closable skin defect (plastic surgery required), hemodynamically instable patient (e.g. systemic inflammatory response syndrome [SIRS] or sepsis), pre-existing skin infection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Local anesthesia beyond the lesion, careful debridement, identification and removal of the entire bursa, excision of contaminated skin, lavage, drain insertion (Redon, Easy-flow, Penrose). Wound closure, elastic bandage, and splint. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Elastic bandage for 2 days, followed by drain removal. Wound assessment, early functional aftercare without splint, antibiotic therapy in septic bursitis for 2 weeks, PRICE scheme. Removal of stitches after 10-12 days. RESULTS: Over 5 years, 138 cases of traumatic bursa lesion or chronic bursitis olecrani were treated in our clinic, 82 patients underwent surgery. Ten patients were treated with vacuum-assisted closure therapy and consecutive wound healing; fistulae occurred in two patients and in another two dehiscence developed. All of the defects could be closed without flaps.

[Promoting Young Talents in Trauma Surgery through Students-On-Call]. / Nachwuchsförderung in der Unfallchirurgie durch studentischen Rufdienst.

BACKGROUND: Due to restrictions on admission to medical school, changing claims to an optimized work-life balance and occupational perspectives, surgical professions in particular are struggling with strategies to motivate young academics. Surgical disziplines aim towards a profound transfer of knowledge and pique student's interest by ensuring a sustainable education at university. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate a Students-On-Call System (SOCS) and to identify a financial benefit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study the SOCS was compared pre-/postevaluation using questionnaires and the supporting X­rays within a curricular teaching module of orthopedic trauma surgery, with students in the fourth semester of specialism and those in the practical semester at medical school. RESULTS: The students of SOCS showed significantly better results prior to the course and afterwards than the two other groups. By establishing SOCS medical students get involved into the treatment of emergency patients in the trauma resuscitation unit (TRU) and operating room (OR). Students get the chance to enhance their comprehension of diagnostics, therapy and decision making in surgical context. This highly valuable traineeship combines a minimized teaching effort with an effective motivation of young academcis for the surgical profession. A SOCS has reduced the workload of medical colleagues. Establishing SOCS spare the residents being on call and results in reduced costs of 23,659.86 Euro per year. CONCLUSION: The results presented show that the SOCS leads to an excellent cost-benefit balance, which has been established in multiple surgical departments at the medical school of the University of Göttingen. Apart from practice-oriented surgical teaching, the SOCS is a way of promoting successful young talent saving resources in the medical on-call services.

[Osteosynthesis of Weber B ankle fractures using the one-third tubular plate and refixation of the syndesmosis]. / Osteosynthese von Weber-B-Sprunggelenkfrakturen mit der Drittelrohrplatte und Syndesmosenrekonstruktion.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomical reconstruction and recovery to complete range of function of the upper ankle joint. Therefore, the most stable but least invasive osteosynthesis is required to enable the patient early functional mobilization. INDICATION: Supination and pronation fracture with luxation mechanism of the upper ankle joint with or without rupture of the syndesmosis. Open fracture of the distal fibula including displaced and instable fractures. CONTRAINDICATION: Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease; contaminated open fractures (≥ 2nd degree); pediatric fractures with open epiphyseal plate. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine position with ipsilateral slightly elevated hip and knee. Incision of about 8 cm length along the dorsal edge of the distal fibula. When reaching the lateral malleolus, a slight ventral angulation is necessary. Open reduction through this posterolateral approach. Secure the reposition using an interfragmentary lag screw and anatomically adjusted third tubular plate. Followed by a revision of the syndesmosis and transfixation using a tricortical position screw. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization on day 1 after surgery with reduced weight-bearing when position screw is not applied; when position screw is implanted with ground contact for 6 weeks. Removal of position screw under local anesthesia after 6 weeks and pain-controlled full weight-bearing. Removal of metal after 1.5 years. RESULTS: Open reduction using the third tubular plate and an interfragmentary lag screw through a dorsolateral approach used in 90 % of all Weber B fractures in our clinic. Additional revision of a ruptured syndesmosis performed in 70 % and transfixation through a position screw in 40 %. Persisting instability in the upper ankle joint significantly reduced after surgical treatment compared to a conservative approach. Revisions necessary in 3.7 % of patients and pseudarthrosis diagnosed in 0.9 %. It has been shown that the preoperative x-ray and clinical examination is limited in detecting a ruptured syndesmosis.

[Stabilization of unstable intertrochanteric fractures with the proximal femoral nail]. / Osteosynthese von per- und subtrochantären Femurfrakturen mit dem proximalen Femurnagel.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of function and anatomy of the proximal femur. Possibility of full weightbearing after surgery. Less invasive intramedullary osteosynthesis. INDICATIONS: Unstable trochanteric fracture (AO classification 31-A2, 31-A3), subtrochanteric fracture (AO classification 32-A1), fracture of the femoral shaft in the proximal region. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Ipsilateral coxarthrosis, open growth plate, hip fracture. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Closed or open reduction on the extension table. Intramedullary reaming of the proximal femur, insertion of PFNA and blade as proximal locking screw, static or dynamic distal locking screw. Implantion of bone cement via blade, if necessary. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Weightbearing as limited by pain. Osteoporosis diagnostics and initiation of treatment, if necessary. RESULTS: The stabilization of trochanteric fractures is usually done with PFNA. Compared to other methods, e.g., DHS, fewer complications were observed with the PFNA. Subtrochanteric fractures were associated with higher complication rates compared to intertrochanteric fractures.

[Minimally invasive osteosynthesis of pilon fractures]. / Minimal-invasive osteosynthesen von pilonfrakturen.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of minimally invasive osteosynthesis (MIO) is the anatomical reconstruction of the distal tibial articular surface, with preservation of the soft tissue to allow early functional postoperative management. This should lead to a normal bone healing and recovery without arthrosis. INDICATIONS: Fractures type Rüedi I + II or AO 43-B1, -B2, AO 43-C1, -C2, rare and relative indications are fractures of type AO 43-B3 and -C3 fractures without IIb and III° soft tissue injuries. It may also be used as an additional technique for osteosynthesis with external fixators. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Severe comminuted fractures of the pilon with closed or open II and III° soft tissue damage. Severe soft tissue damage (III°). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: An intensive preoperative analysis of conventional X-rays and CT images is necessary to support the indication for MIO of pilon fractures. The first step is reduction of the fracture with axial traction, in some cases with a distractor or external fixator. The definitive reduction is performed with K-wire joysticks or reduction clamps. The key step is the intraoperative X-ray control of the reduction in various planes, if possible with 3D reconstruction. An alternative is also arthroscopic control of the articular reduction. All manipulations are performed via small incisions. After incision of the skin, all layers of soft tissue are smoothly divided with scissors allowing the soft tissue including vessels and nerves to be moved out of the working channel. All instruments and implants (e.g., K-wires, drill sleeve, screws) are introduced between the opened scissor branches. After lag screw osteosynthesis with 3.5 or 4.5 mm conventional screws, the articular block is reduced to the diaphysis and fixed with a minimally invasively inserted plate. Under X-ray control in two planes, the plate is adjusted into position and preliminarily fixed with K-wires. The screws are inserted using the minimally invasive technique. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immediate mobilization starting on day 1 with partial weight bearing (sole contact or 12-15 kg) for 4-6 weeks, postoperative protection with orthesis or split cast for 2-5 days depending on degree of swelling, early functional physiotherapy, thrombosis prophylaxis with heparin until complete mobilization. Full weight-bearing depending on fracture type after 6-8 weeks. RESULTS: Advantages of minimally invasive osteosynthesis of pilon fractures compared to conventional open reduction and osteosynthesis, include protection of the soft tissue and no further disturbances of circulation-ideal prerequisites for undisturbed bone healing. In 129 patients after osteosynthesis of pilon fracture, no reoperations were necessary when using MIO, but reoperation was necessary with other techniques in 17.6% of all patients. In addition, no infections were observed with MIO vs. 13.4% of patients with other techniques. The average Olerud/Molander Score was 95 points for the MIO group vs. 58.91 points for all patients treated, while MIO plus an external fixator received a score of 50 points. The average Ankle Hindfoot Score was 64.9 points, for MIO 87.5 points, and for operations consisting of MIO plus an external fixator 58 points.

[X-ray in trauma and orthopedic surgery. Physical and biological impact, reasonable use, and radiation protection in the operating room]. / Röntgen in Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie. Ein Update über physikalische und biologische Auswirkungen, sinnvolle Anwendung und Strahlenschutz im Operationssaal.

Orthopedic and especially trauma surgeons' use of x-rays during operations vary extensively, especially in minimally invasive osteosynthesis procedures. Radiation hazards often are neglected. In this paper, a short overview of physical and biological effects of radiation are given. In addition, practical information about how to lower radiation exposure in the daily work in the operating room (OR) is given. The operating team is exposed mainly to scattered radiation. The radiation exposure is 10 times higher on the tube side than on the amplifier side. The distance between tube and surgeon must be as great as possible. The tube should be positioned under the OR table, and the distance between tube and patient should be as short as possible. The positioning of the C-arm device without radiation is important. The use of patient landmarks is used to position the C-arm over the region of interest, but the preoperative training of surgeons and team with virtual learning tools, e.g., virtX, is very effective in reducing radiation hazards.

The nitric acid burn trauma of the skin.

Nitric acid burn traumata often occur in the chemical industry. A few publications addressing this topic can be found in the medical database, and there are no reports about these traumata in children. A total of 24 patients, average 16.6 years of age, suffering from nitric acid traumata were treated. Wound with I degrees burns received open therapy with panthenol-containing creams. Wound of II degrees and higher were initially treated by irrigation with sterile isotonic saline solution and then by covering with silver-sulphadiazine dressing. Treatment was changed on the second day to fluid-absorbent foam bandages for superficial wounds (up to IIa degrees depth) and occlusive, antiseptic moist bandages in combination with enzymatic substances for IIb degrees -III degrees burns. After the delayed demarcation, necrectomy and mesh-graft transplantation were performed. All wounds healed adequately. Chemical burn traumata with nitric acid lead to specific yellow- to brown-stained wounds with slower accumulation of eschar and slower demarcation compared with thermal burns. Remaining wound eschar induced no systemic inflammation reaction. After demarcation, skin transplantation can be performed on the wounds, as is commonly done. The distinguishing feature of nitric-acid-induced chemical burns is the difficulty in differentiation and classification of burn depth. An immediate lavage should be followed by silver sulphadiazine treatment. Thereafter, fluid-absorbent foam bandages or occlusive, antiseptic moist bandages should be used according to the burn depth. Slow demarcation caused a delay in performing surgical treatments.

virtX - evaluation of a computer-based training system for mobile C-arm systems in trauma and orthopedic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Operating room personnel (ORP) operating mobile image intensifier systems (C-arms) need training to produce high quality radiographs with a minimum of time and X-ray exposure. Our study aims at evaluating acceptance, usability and learning effect of the CBT system virtX that simulates C-arm based X-ray imaging in the context of surgical case scenarios. METHODS: Prospective, interventional study conducted during an ORP course with three groups: intervention group 1 (training on a PC using virtX), and 2 (virtX with a C-arm as input device), and a control group (training without virtX) - IV1, IV2 and CG. All participants finished training with the same exercise. Time needed to produce an image of sufficient quality was recorded and analyzed using One-Way-ANOVA and Dunnett post hoc test (alpha = .05). Acceptance and usability of virtX have been evaluated using a questionnaire. RESULTS: CG members (n = 21) needed more time for the exercise than those of IV2 (n = 20): 133 +/- 55 vs. 101 +/- 37 sec. (p = .03). IV1 (n = 12) also performed better than CG (128 +/- 48 sec.), but this was not statistically significant. Seventy-nine participants returned a questionnaire (81% female, age 34 +/- 9 years, professional experience 8.3 +/- 7.6 years; 77% regularly used a C-arm). 83% considered virtX a useful addition to conventional C-arm training. 91% assessed virtual radiography as helpful for understanding C-arm operation. CONCLUSIONS: Trainees experienced virtX as substantial enhancement of C-arm training. Training with virtX can reduce the time needed to perform an imaging task.

[The supra-acetabular pelvic clamp. Emergency treatment for unstable pelvic ring fractures]. / Die supraacetabuläre Beckenzwinge. Notfallmassnahme bei instabilen Beckenringverletzungen.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic region on the lateral cortex of the ileum, where a palpable groove is formed by angulations of the lateral cortex of the iliac wing, is recommended as the insertion point for the pelvic emergency clamp by many authors. In our opinion this technique often leads to an incomplete closure of the anterior pelvic ring as well as to bacterial contamination of the access for the sacroiliac joint screw fixation and is accompanied by a risk for nerve and vessel injuries. To reduce these risks the pelvic clamp was placed at a supra-acetabular location. The goal of our study was to report on our experiences with the supra-acetabular position of the pelvic emergency clamp and to compare our results with the current literature. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From September 1998 to February 2006 the pelvic emergency clamp was applied in 15 polytraumatized patients (9 male, 6 female), with a mean age of 46 years (19-93) and a mean injury severity score (ISS) of 40 points (25-66) with mechanically and hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring fractures. According to the AO classification the injury pattern was type B2 in four cases, type B3 in one case, type C1 in seven cases, type C2 in two cases and type C3 in one case. The pelvic clamp was percutaneously applied 2-3 cm cranial to the acetabular roof. The duration from hospital admission until the pelvic emergency clamp was applied amounted to an average of 54 min (15-150); the procedure itself was performed in all cases in less than 15 min. The mean Hb at arrival in the emergency department was 7.4 (2.4-13.8) mg/dl and the mean systolic blood pressure 69 (0-130) mmHg. RESULTS: In 14 patients a complete closure of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring could be achieved; in 1 patient an overcompression of the anterior pelvic ring was observed. Four patients died due to massive bleeding. Three patients with isolated pelvic ring fractures became hemodynamically stable within 20 min after treatment with the supra-acetabular pelvic clamp. Nine patients needed additional emergency surgery because of intracerebral, intrathoracic or intra-abdominal injuries. On average in the first 6 h, 36.7 (9-175) units of erythrocyte concentrates and 34.5 (4-200) units of fresh frozen plasma were transfused. CONCLUSIONS: The supra-acetabular pelvic clamp leads to a homogeneous force distribution to the pelvic ring and enables complete closure of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring in unstable pelvic fractures. Reduction of the intrapelvic volume and compression of the posterior pelvic ring can thus be achieved. Risks for intrapelvic perforation or injuries of vessels and nerves are low. No bacterial contamination of the access for the sacroiliac screw fixation occurs. To avoid overcompression of the unstable pelvic ring, manual or radiological control of the closure of the ventral pelvic ring is necessary.

Pre-operative dynamic interactive exploration of complex articular fractures using a novel 3D navigation tool.

OBJECTIVES: Trauma surgeons possess specific anticipative pathoanatomical and procedural domain knowledge that can be used for information extraction from original CT image data. This knowledge so far remains unused in clinical workflow and surgeons do not take an active part in the process of image generation and processing. The objectives of our work are to propose and employ a strategy to directly involve surgeons in a dynamic image exploration process and to exemplarily assess the clinical use of this approach for pre-operative diagnosis of complex articular fractures. METHODS: We used an interactive 3D navigation tool with a novel human-computer interface for the exploration of articular fractures of two selected anatomical structures. The system offers dynamic interaction with a virtual 3D reconstruction model and the possibility to create on-the-fly oblique multiplanar reformations by tracking hand movements. Three expert surgeons performed exemplary explorations and rated the use of the method for preoperative diagnosis in informal interviews. RESULTS: The approach and the system were well received by the three surgeons. The dynamic interaction was rated to be helpful in understanding fracture morphology. Two examples--a radius and a calcaneal fracture--are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons with their specific domain knowledge should be involved in the process of image processing. The benefit of using oblique multiplanar reformations for pre-operative planning in articular fractures appears to be substantial and they should therefore be included in radiological and surgical textbooks. Further evaluation is necessary to assess the use of interactive exploration systems in routine diagnosis.

[HCV, HBV and HIV infections: risk for surgeon and staff. Results and consequences of routine screening in emergency patients]. / HCV-, HBV- und HIV-Infektionen -- Gefahren für Arzt und Pflegepersonal. Konsequenzen aus dem Routinescreening von unfallchirurgischen Notfallpatienten.

BACKGROUND: Trauma and emergency surgeons (S) are in contact with high-risk patients (P) infected with HBV, HCV, and HIV without knowing which P is and which is not infected. The aim of this paper was to analyze routine screening (SCR) in trauma care. METHOD: Microparticle enzyme immunoassays (MEIA) (Abbott Axym system) were analyzed from routine blood samples: HBsAg (V2), HCV version 3.0, HIV 1/2gO. All positive or uncertain samples were confirmed with ELISA/PCR. RESULTS: From January 2002 to October 2002 a total of 1074 emergency P were examined. The results were available within 50 min after admittance to the emergency room. In 53 of 1074 (4.9%) the MEIA was positive or in threshold margins (LV): HBV 15 P plus 3 LV (9 secured by ELISA/PCR), prevalence (PV) 0.84%. HCV 34 P plus 1 LV (31 secured with ELISA/PCR), PV 2.9%. HIV 2 P, PV 1.86 per thousand, 1 in co-infection with HCV, 1 with HBV. Of 42 infections, 21 were unknown before screening, and in 5 P the S suspected an infection. After screening, nine surgical procedures were changed to safer procedures. CONCLUSION: MEIA is a good tool for quick SCR of HCV, HBV, and HIV in emergency surgery (ES). When the infection is known the S is more aware to perform only safe procedures during surgery (no touch technique) or to use more protective devices (e.g., fluid shield, double gloves). Our results indicate that surgeons and nurses in ES are exposed four to six times more often to infection with HCV, HBV, and HIV than represented by officially published data. We recommend routine SCR of HBV, HCV, and HIV for all P in ES. Prevention procedures are discussed.

[Press-fit bone dowel arthrodesis of the ankle or the subtalar joint using a diamond bone cutting system. Surgical technique and initial results in 10 patients]. / Die Knochen-Dübel-Arthrodese (KDA) des OSG/USG mit gekühlter Diamantfräse in Press-fit-Technik. Operationstechnik und erste Ergebnisse bei 10 Patienten.

Arthrodesis of the ankle (AA) or the subtalar joint (AST) is still a necessary treatment in case of painful posttraumatic arthrosis or paresis of the muscles after compartment syndrome. Today the alloplastic ankle joint replacement does not satisfy. Many treatments of arthrodesis with minimal or extended resection of the joint surface with or without bone transplantation are described in literature. We present in detail a new developed technique of press-fit dowel arthrodesis (KDA) for the ankle and subtalar joint. After adjustment of the joint position and retention with Kirschner wires the surface of both sides of the joint surface and underlying bone is removed by a cannulated diamond bone cutting device. Dowels from the anterior iliac crest are impacted in the cutted joint defect. The dowels are 1/10 mm bigger in dimension than the primary defect in the joint surface. The surgery will be completed with a compression screw osteosynthesis, at the ankle joint transarticular through the lateral and medial malleolus, at the subtalar joint from plantar. Ten patients have treated by press-fit-KDA (female 2, male 8; AA 7, 33.6 +/- 9 y; AST 3.38 +/- 10.9 y). The indication for KDA was in nine cases a severe posttraumatic arthrosis, in one case the paretic malfunction after compartment syndrome. The arthrodesis were clinically and radiologically consolidated after 8.2 +/- 1.9 weeks. At this time the patients showed no symptoms and were fully mobilised with complete weight-bearing. The advantages of KDA: preservation of the outline of joint and hindfoot, preservation of length of the leg and outline of iliac crest, no risk for the soft tissue, quick consolidation of the arthrodesis, no need of external fixation. The technique is also suitable for other indications as presented.

[Diagnosis and therapy of pediatric and juvenile hematogenous osteomyelitis]. / Diagnostik und Therapie bei der kindlichen und juvenilen hämatogenen Osteomyelitis.

Haematogen osteomyelitis is mostly found in children and adolescents. In western Europe acute haematogen osteomyelitis (AHOM) is a rare disease. This is the cause why AHOM is often diagnosed with delay. The treatment usually is an antibiotic medication and/or surgical interventions. Uncharacteristic pain of extremities in children should always consider the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Investigation should include conventional X-rays, ultrasounds or MRI to prevent the spreading of infection. In cases of multifocal infection radionuclide imaging should be undergone. Differential diagnosis should always include malignant tumor. If under treatment of antibiotics the clinical signs of illness do not decrease within 24 h surgery with fenestration of the involved bone, debridement and local application of antibiotics is indicated. In unusual cases or in cases with clinical signs of AHOM but no bacteria specification a malignant tumor has to be excluded.

Intraindividual comparison of 99mTc-labelled anti-SSEA-1 antigranulocyte antibody and 99mTc-HMPAO labelled white blood cells for the imaging of infection.

Technetium-99m labelled antigranulocyte antibodies are ready to use and are sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. 99mTc-SSEA antigranulocyte antibodies have a very high affinity constant (Kd 10(-12) M) for human neutrophils (PMNs), and excellent imaging qualities with high target/background ratios. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the 99mTc-anti-SSEA-1 monoclonal antibody (Mab) with that of 99mTc-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO)-labelled white blood cells (WBCs). To this end, 17 patients with 23 proven infectious foci were examined with 555 MBq 99mTc-anti-SSEA-1 MAb and with 370 MBq 99mTc-HMPAO labelled autologous leucocytes within a period of 7 days. All the infections were confirmed by culture, biopsy, surgery and follow-up. Whole-body images and planar spot views with the antibody were performed at 1-h, 4-h and 24-h post injection; the biodistribution of the antibody was quantified, absorbed radiation doses were calculated and the diagnostic results were compared with the 99mTc-HMPAO WBC images. Human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) evaluation was performed in all patients before and 3 months after antibody injection. Blood was drawn at different times after 99mTc-anti-SSEA-1 MAb injection to determine the amount of granulocyte-associated radioactivity and to calculate recovery. 99mTc-anti-SSEA-1 MAb scintigraphy detected all 23 lesions, while 21 were detected with 99mTc-HMPAO WBC scan. In this small group of patients, the sensitivity and specificity of 99mTc-anti-SSEA-1 MAb scintigraphy were 95% and 96% respectively, as compared with 91% and 82% respectively for 99mTc-HMPAO WBC scan. An increasing uptake of the injected activity in the lesion at different time points was indicative of high affinity and of specific PMN binding. There was no HAMA formation. In four of five patients investigated, a transient mild leukopenia was found at 15 min p.i.. There was increased uptake of the antibody in liver and spleen and normal uptake in kidneys and bone marrow. The estimated radiation doses for the whole body and the red bone marrow were 1.1x10(-2) cGy/37 MBq and 5.3x10(-2) cGy/37 MBq, respectively. The activity associated to the PMNs in vivo was 33.5%, 30.6%, 21.3% and 9% at 5, 15, 30 and 45 min. post-injection, respectively. It is councluded that use of 99mTc-anti-SSEA-1 antigranulocyte antibodies demonstrates promising results comparable to those obtained with 99mTc-labelled autologous WBCs. The 99mTc-labelled MAb is ready to use, has excellent image qualities and a high target/background ratio.