[Clinical efficacy of local injection of platelet-rich plasma combined with double-layer artificial dermis in treating wounds with exposed tendon on extremity].

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with double-layer artificial dermis in treating wounds with exposed tendon on extremity. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From December 2017 to October 2022, 16 patients were admitted to Department of Orthopaedic Trauma of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and 32 patients were admitted to Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Guiyang Steel Factory Staff Hospital. All the patients had wounds with exposed tendon on extremity caused by various reasons and met the inclusion criteria. There were 39 males and 9 females, aged 26 to 58 years. The patients were divided into PRP alone group, artificial dermis alone group, and PRP+artificial dermis group, with 16 patients in each group. The wounds were treated with autologous PRP, double-layer artificial dermis, or thei combination of autologous PRP and double-layer artificial dermis, followed by autologous split-thickness scalp grafting after good growth of granulation tissue. On the 7th day after the secondary surgery, the autograft survival was observed, and the survival rate was calculated. The wound healing time and length of hospital stay of patients were recorded. At 3 and 6 months after wound healing, the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to score the pigmentation, height, vascularity, and pliability of scars, and the total score was calculated. Adverse reactions during the entire treatment process were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Nemenyi test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: On the 7th day after the secondary surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in the autograft survival rate of patients among PRP alone group, artificial dermis alone group, and PRP+artificial dermis group (P>0.05). The wound healing time and length of hospital stay of patients in PRP+artificial dermis group were (20.1±3.0) and (24±4) d, respectively, which were significantly shorter than (24.4±5.5) and (30±8) d in PRP alone group (P<0.05) and (24.8±4.9) and (32±8) d in artificial dermis alone group (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 months after wound healing, the pliability scores of patients in PRP+artificial dermis group were significantly lower than those in PRP alone group (with Z values of 12.91 and 15.69, respectively, P<0.05) and artificial dermis alone group (with Z values of 12.50 and 12.91, respectively, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in pigmentation, vascularity, height scores, and total score of scar of patients among the three groups (P>0.05). In artificial dermis alone group, one patient experienced partial liquefaction and detachment of the double-layer artificial dermis due to local infection of Staphylococcus epidermidis, which received wound dressing change, second artificial dermis transplantation, and subsequent treatment as before. No adverse reactions occurred in the remaining patients during the whole treatment process. Conclusions: Local injection of PRP combined with double-layer artificial dermis is effective in treating wounds with exposed tendon on extremity, which can not only significantly shorten wound healing time and length of hospital stay, but also improve scar pliability after wound healing to some extent in the long term. It is a clinically valuable treatment technique that is worth promoting and applying.

Oncological outcome after hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion for primarily unresectable versus locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma of extremities.

INTRODUCTION: The management of locally advanced extremity soft tissue sarcomas, particularly in terms of a limb salvage strategy, represents a challenge, especially in recurrent tumors. In the context of a patient-tailored multimodal therapy, hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is a promising limb-saving treatment option. We report the outcome of patients with primarily irresectable and locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treated by ILP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data about patient demographics, clinical und histopathological characteristics, tumor response, morbidity and oncological outcome of all patients with STS, who underwent an ILP at our institution in a 10-year period, were retrospectively detected and analyzed. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 30 patients. Two patients were treated with ILP for palliative tumor control, 13 patients because of a local recurrent soft tissue sarcoma (rSTS) and 15 patients because of primarily unresectable soft tissue sarcoma (puSTS). 25 of the 28 patients with curative intention received surgery after ILP (11 pts with rSTS and 14 pts with puSTS). Histopathologically we observed complete response in 6 patients (24%) and partial responses in 19 patients (76%) with a significant better remission in patients with puSTS (p = 0,043). Limb salvage rate was 75%. Mean follow-up was 69 months [range 13-142 months]. Seven (7/11; 64%) patients with rSTS and one (1/14; 7%) patient with puSTS developed local recurrence after ILP and surgery, whereas eight (8/13; 62%) rSTS patients and seven (7/15; 47%) puSTS patients developed distant metastasis. During follow-up, eight patients (28.5%) died of disease (5/13; 38%) rSTS and 3/15 (20%) puSTS. ILP in the group of previously irradiated sarcoma patients (n = 13) resulted in a limb salvage rate of 69% and was not associated in an increased risk for adverse events. DISCUSSION: ILP for advanced extremity STS is a treatment option for both puSTS and rSTS resulting in good local control and should be considered in multimodal management. ILP is also a good option for patients after radiation history.

Combination Preemptive Peripheral Nerve Block in Limb Surgery. A Prospective Study.

Background and objectives: Patients often suffer from moderate to severe pain during the early recovery period in orthopedic surgery. We investigated the impact of a single-shot preoperative peripheral nerve block (PNB) on post-anesthesia recovery parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 level during limb surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted, and patients scheduled for limb surgery were recruited. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either the PNB group or control group, who received morphine as a primary analgesic. The peak verbal numeric rating scale (NRS) score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) was evaluated as a primary outcome. We also recorded rescue analgesics requirement and wake-up time from anesthesia in the PACU. In addition, the change of plasma IL-6 level after incision was measured. Results: Fifty-two patients completed the study, 27 and 25 cases in the PNB and control group, respectively. Preemptive PNB significantly reduced peak NRS score in the PACU compared to control group. Lower rescue analgesics requirement and rapid wake-up from anesthesia were also noted in PNB group. The IL-6 concentration increased less in the PNB group at 2 h after incision. Conclusions: Preemptive PNB attenuates IL-6 expression 2 h after incision and improves pain management in the PACU. PNB was considered as an essential part of pain management in limb surgery.

[Cost and Revenue Relationship in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Patients in Relation to Body Mass Index]. / Kosten-Erlös-Verhältnis orthopädisch-unfallchirurgischer Patienten in Abhängigkeit vom Body-Mass-Index.

BACKGROUND: Growing numbers of patients in orthopaedic and trauma surgery are obese. The risks involved are e.g. surgical complications, higher costs for longer hospital stays or special operating tables. It is a moot point whether revenues in the German DRG system cover the individual costs in relation to patients' body mass index (BMI) and in which area of hospital care potentially higher costs occur. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data related to BMI, individual costs and revenues were extracted from the hospital information system for 13,833 patients of a large hospital who were operated in 2007 to 2010 on their upper or lower extremities. We analysed differences in cost revenue relations dependent on patients' BMI and surgical site, and differences in the distribution of hospital cost areas in relation to patients' BMI by t and U tests. RESULTS: Individual costs of morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40) and underweight patients (BMI < 18.5) significantly (p < 0.05) exceeded individual DRG revenues. Significantly higher cost revenue relations were detected for all operations on the lower and upper extremities except for ankle joint surgeries in which arthroscopical procedures predominate. Most of the incremental costs resulted from higher spending for nursing care, medication and special appliances. Costs for doctors and medical ancillary staff did not increase in relation to patients' BMI. CONCLUSION: To avoid BMI related patient discrimination, supplementary fees to cover extra costs for morbidly obese or underweight patients with upper or lower extremities operations should raise DRG revenues. Moreover, hospitals should be organisationally prepared for these patients.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain in Extremities: An Update.

Pain in extremities may occur in a variety of central and peripheral neuropathic and nociceptive syndromes, some of which may respond to central neuromodulation procedures. Peripheral neuromodulation techniques, either as a stand-alone therapy or as an adjuvant to spinal cord stimulation, may be particularly effective when the pain is localized to a part of a single extremity or when the source of the pain is related to the malfunction of a known peripheral nerve. Further, peripheral neuromodulation is used to treat disorders in which central simulation fails to provide discrete therapeutic paresthesia. Despite the fact that there are only a few neuromodulatory devices designed specifically for the periphery, clinical experiences are growing, and here we provide a clinical update on use of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in management of chronic pain in extremities. Historical PNS strategies and innovative methods are reviewed and highlighted in this chapter. With the upcoming technological advances and new stimulation paradigms, along with clear updated guidelines statements, the utilization of PNS will likely continue to increase and improve the management of chronic pain syndromes in the extremities. The potential success of the novel devices specifically designed to target the peripheral nervous system is expected to positively impact and promote the use of PNS in treatment of chronic pain.

Coping and posttraumatic growth in women with limb amputations.

While ample research has examined the psychological experiences of men with limb amputations, minimal research has examined the psychological experiences of women with limb amputations. The present study utilizes a qualitative design to examine coping and posttraumatic growth in women with limb amputations. Thirty women completed the posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI) and provided open-ended responses about coping, social support, discrimination, support groups, and acceptance. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to discern emergent and superordinate themes in qualitative responses. Superordinate themes included social support (friendships/family and community), self-beliefs, resources, physical complications, spirituality, specific strategies, and acceptance. Concerns related specifically to participants' gender identity included appearance and motherhood. Overall, women reported moderate-to-high PTGI scores. The current findings address a void in the literature by illuminating the unique perspective of women with amputations. Future research should use quantitative methodology to expand on our research findings, as well as assess interventions to assist women adjusting to limb loss.

[Radiotherapy of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and superficial trunk]. / A végtag és a törzsfelszín lágyrészszarkómáinak sugárkezelése.

Soft tissue sarcomas represent a histopathologically and clinically heterogeneous group of tumors that make up around 1% of malignancies, in which soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and superficial trunk (STSET) are treated with more or less the same strategy. Over the past 30 years, there has been a migration away from amputation and radical ablative surgical procedures for localized STSET toward more conservative, function-preserving surgery combined with radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy. The latter complex treatment ensures equal local control to radical surgery. This multidisciplinary management includes organ sparing surgery as the main procedure but also radiotherapy of different types applied before, during or after the surgery, chemotherapy depending of the stadium of the tumor and plastic, reconstructive surgery, and last but not least rehabilitation of the patient after treatment. In this publication we overview the practical guidelines for the treatment of STSET based on the available literature from the last decades. Indication and timing of radiotherapy of STSET as well as available external beam and brachytherapy techniques are summarized. The prescribed radiation dose, the role of alternative fractionations, the combination of radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, hyperthermia or limb perfusion regards to STSET are also discussed. Practical considerations of radiotherapy, the target volumes and the role of newer radiotherapy technology in STSET treatment are overviewed.

Analysis of prognostic factors in 333 Chinese patients with high-grade osteosarcoma treated by multidisciplinary combined therapy.

AIM: To investigate prognostic factors for long-term outcomes in Chinese patients with high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk treated by multidisciplinary combined therapy. METHODS: In total, 333 consecutive patients with non-metastatic or primary metastatic high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the correlation between survival and sex, age, site, histological type, clinical stage, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, preoperative chemotherapy or not, response to preoperative chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy cycles and manner of surgery. The combined therapy included preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy as well as limb salvage surgery or amputation. RESULTS: The median survival time was 52 months for all 333 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that sex, ALP level, preoperative chemotherapy and cycle numbers of postoperative chemotherapy may influence the prognosis of high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk. Multivariate analysis revealed that the female, a normal ALP level, preoperative chemotherapy with good response and ≥4 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy correlated with a better outcome. CONCLUSION: Preoperative chemotherapy is important in high-grade osteosarcoma treatment and a good response to it is an important marker of prognosis. It should be given with ≥ cycles of postoperative chemotherapy after surgery.

[Update on special surgical approaches in the therapy for lymphedemas]. / Die Vielfalt in der chirurgischen Therapie beim Lymphödem - was ist aktuell?

Despite recent medical progress primary and secondary lymphedemas still represent a therapeutic challenge and they often lead to a significant reduction in quality of life. Lymphedemas usually develop in the extremities, the male external genitals as well as the female breast as a consequence to the axial alignment of the lymphatic collectors. Early stages are characterized by an excess of lymph fluid increasing the volume of the affected part of the body whereas later stages represent an increasing amount of solid tissue. Thus therapeutic efforts can focus on the reduction of the surplus of liquid and/or solid components. Generally there are conservative and operative strategies. Conservative measures mainly focus on the improvement of fluid mobilization and drainage and comprise compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, and apparative intermittent compression. Operative approaches comprise procedures for surgical tissue reduction (symptomatic/ablative approaches) and/or procedures with the intention of enhancing lymphatic transport (causal approaches). Surgical tissue reduction can be performed by open resection and/or liposuction. Traditional surgical causal techniques such as transposition of local flaps aim at leading lymph away from the congested region of the body. Modern microsurgical causal approaches contain methods of reconstruction of interrupted lymphatic pathways as well as techniques for the conduction of lymph into local veins. In this review we depict and discuss the features of the multiform spectrum of the surgical therapy of lymphedemas on the basis of literature as well as our own clinical and experimental experience.

Characteristics of a new system for monitoring the leakage factor during regional hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion.

RATIONALE: A new system is presented and evaluated for real-time monitoring of blood leakage during hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) surgery, the Veenstra HILP system. This system incorporates two software models to determine blood leakage: a single-nuclide algorithm and a newly developed dual-nuclide algorithm. The latter algorithm has the advantage that, in principle, it is independent of system sensitivity and thus independent of changes in geometrical efficiency. A physical description of the system is given, together with the required hardware and software specifications. METHODS: In-vitro measurements, corresponding to the intended clinical use, are presented to investigate the relevant performance characteristics of the system: count rate linearity, measurement uncertainty, response time, and accuracy. As the Veenstra HILP system provides the opportunity to use different filter settings and averaging time, the influence of these settings on the time response and measurement uncertainty is described. RESULTS: Count rate linearity was better than 1% for the count rate domain typically observed during HILP procedures. The response time of the system degrades with increasing total averaging time. In contrast, measurement uncertainty in the blood leakage factor improves with increasing radiotracer count rates and increasing total averaging time. For both blood leakage algorithms, measurement accuracy is better than 1.0 and 1.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Measurements have shown that the system is well suited for the real-time monitoring of blood leakage during HILP surgery. Furthermore, a good agreement was observed between the theoretical and measured response time and measurement uncertainty.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation, meningococcal infection, and ischemic changes affecting the lower extremities: a case study.

A middle-aged woman presented from an outside hospital with a diagnosis of Neisseria meningitidis and meningococcemia. A nonpalpable purpuric skin rash evolved into multiple wounds, with gradual necrosis of bilateral lower and upper extremities. Throughout the course of hospitalization, the patient developed ventricular tachycardia, normocytic anemia, thrombocytosis, Clostridium difficile infection, depression, and transient right eye blindness. The finding of decreased CH50 in the complement cascade was considered as the potential cause of the meningococcemia. The subsequent ischemia and necrosis of extremities were attributed to the systemic effect and trauma ensuing from N. meningitidis.

Local anaesthetic use for the iliac crest-donor site: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations.

During orthopaedic surgery of the limb, we performed a prospective, double blind controlled study on three parallel groups in 30 patients to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effect of infiltration of the iliac crest bone graft harvest site with 20 ml of bupivacaine (100 mg), ropivacaine (150 mg) or saline as control group (n = 10 in each group). Then, in a sheep model of iliac crest infiltration, we compared the pharmacokinetics of single administration of plain bupivacaine (100 mg) and bupivacaine (500 mg)-loaded microspheres. In the clinical control group, pain from the iliac crest was worse than pain from the primary surgical site. Pain from the iliac crest was significantly reduced during the first 12 postoperative hours in local anaesthetic groups compared to the control group. However, during this period, pain from the primary surgical site was increased compared to the control group. Finally, there was no difference between the three groups in the average intake of PCA morphine. There was no significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic difference between plain bupivacaine and ropivacaine. The maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of ropivacaine and bupivacaine were 964 (282) ng ml(-1) and 638 (366) ng ml(-1), respectively. In the sheep model, it was clearly shown that the release of bupivacaine from microspheres was controlled and prolonged despite the largest dose of bupivacaine used (500 mg; n = 4). Wound infiltration of iliac crest harvest site with local anaesthetic is an easy technique for postoperative analgesia. However, this effect lasts only 12 hours without reducing the morphine consumption due to an increase of pain from the primary surgical site. The local anaesthetic infiltration produced a significant peak of plasma level, which could be dangerous if another infiltration or regional anaesthetic technique was associated with it. Experimentally, as a drug delivery system, the use of local anaesthetic-loaded microspheres could be an interesting alternative.

Imagery-induced relaxation in children's postoperative pain relief: a randomized pilot study.

This study aimed to test the efficacy of imagery and relaxation in hospitalized children's postoperative pain relief. Sixty children aged 8-12 years who had undergone appendectomy or upper/lower limb surgery and had been randomly assigned to the experimental group (n(1) = 30) listened to an imagery trip CD, whereas those in the control group (n(2) = 30) received standard care. An investigator-developed questionnaire was used, and the intensity of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale: before (Phase 1), immediately after (Phase 2), and 1 hour after (Phase 3) intervention or standard care. The children in the experimental group reported having significantly less pain (p < .001) than the control children based on a comparison of VAS pain scores in Phases 1 and 2. There were no significant differences in nurse-assessed pain scores. The type and time of operation were related to pain intensity in children. The nurses underestimated the pain of pediatric patients. The imagery trip CD can be used to reduce children's postoperative pain in a hospital setting, although its effect is short-lasting.

[Effects of streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on venous occlusion after limb reimplantation in rats]. / Estreptoquinase e oxigênio hiperbárico em congestão após reimplante de membro.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on venous occlusion after limb reimplantation was tested in rats. METHODS: Amputation with preservation of vessels and nerves of the right hind limb was carried out in 140 rats. Groups MG0, MG1, MG2, MG3 and MG4 were submitted to 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours of venous occlusion. MG3 was elected as control for the experimental groups. Groups EG1 and EG2 were submitted to 3 hours of venous occlusion and were treated with streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Limbs were observed for 7 days and their mortality and survival rates were studied. RESULTS: Trans-operatory mortality rates in groups MG0, MG1, MG2, MG3 and MG4 were 0, 10, 15, 30 and 60% respectively and the postoperative mortality rates were 5; 11.1; 11.7; 14.2 and 100% respectively. The limb survival rates were 100%, 87.5%, 80% and 66.67% respectively and 76.9% and 100% in EG1 and EG2. Model groups were statistically different, except for MG1 and MG2 in trans-operatory mortality rates. There were no statistical differences in postoperative mortality rates between model groups except for MG3 and MG4. Model groups were statistically different, with the exception of MG1 and MG2, in limb survival rates. EG1 and MG3 showed no statistical difference in limb survival and EG2 had a better limb survival than MG3. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the administration of streptokinase does not change effects of venous occlusion and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may decrease the effects of venous occlusion in limbs.

Estreptoquinase e oxigênio hiperbárico em congestão após reimplante de membro / Effects of streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on venous occlusion after limb reimplantation in rats

OBJETIVO: Foram testados os efeitos do fármaco estreptoquinase e da terapia com oxigênio hiperbárico em modelo experimental de oclusão venosa após reimplante de membro. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas amputações com preservação de vasos e nervos dos membros posteriores direitos de 140 ratos. Os grupos GM0, GM1, GM2, GM3 e GM4 foram submetidos a tempos de oclusão venosa de zero, uma, duas, três e quatro horas. Os grupos GE1 e GE2 foram tratados com estreptoquinase e terapia com oxigênio hiperbárico, respectivamente, após oclusão venosa de três horas. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste do Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: As taxas de mortalidade transoperatórias dos grupos GM0, GM1, GM2, GM3 e GM4 foram 0 por cento, 10 por cento, 15 por cento, 30 por cento e 60 por cento e as pós-operatórias foram 5 por cento; 11,1 por cento; 11,7 por cento; 14,2 por cento e 100 por cento, respectivamente. As taxas de viabilidade dos membros isquêmicos após sete dias de avaliação foram 100 por cento, 87,5 por cento, 80 por cento e 66,67 por cento. As taxas de viabilidade dos grupos GE1 e GE2 foram 76,9 por cento e 100 por cento, respectivamente. As taxas de mortalidade transoperatórias foram diferentes estatisticamente com exceção de GM1 e GM2. As taxas de mortalidade pós-operatórias não foram diferentes com exceção de GM3 e GM4. As taxas de viabilidade dos grupos modelo foram diferentes entre si, exceto os grupos GM1 e GM2. GE1 resultou em uma viabilidade de membros sem diferença estatística e GE2 em uma viabilidade de membros maior que GM3. CONCLUSÃO: A estreptoquinase não alterou os efeitos da oclusão venosa e a terapia com oxigênio hiperbárico aumentou a viabilidade dos membros.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on venous occlusion after limb reimplantation was tested in rats. METHODS: Amputation with preservation of vessels and nerves of the right hind limb was carried out in 140 rats. Groups MG0, MG1, MG2, MG3 and MG4 were submitted to 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours of venous occlusion. MG3 was elected as control for the experimental groups. Groups EG1 and EG2 were submitted to 3 hours of venous occlusion and were treated with streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Limbs were observed for 7 days and their mortality and survival rates were studied. RESULTS: Trans-operatory mortality rates in groups MG0, MG1, MG2, MG3 and MG4 were 0, 10, 15, 30 and 60 percent respectively and the postoperatory mortality rates were 5; 11.1; 11.7; 14.2 and 100 percent respectively. The limb survival rates were 100 percent, 87.5 percent, 80 percent and 66.67 percent respectively and 76.9 percent and 100 percent in EG1 and EG2. Model groups were statistically different, except for MG1 and MG2 in trans-operatory mortality rates. There were no statistical differences in postoperatory mortality rates between model groups except for MG3 and MG4. Model groups were statistically different, with the exception of MG1 and MG2, in limb survival rates. EG1 and MG3 showed no statistical difference in limb survival and EG2 had a better limb survival than MG3. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the administration of streptokinase does not change effects of venous occlusion and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may decrease the effects of venous occlusion in limbs.

[Clinical experience of usage of neurostimulator in regionar anesthesia].

The elaboration of more reliable and simple methods of transmitted and plexus anestesias has provided a wide clinical usage of regionar anestesia (RA) during the operations on extremities. The creation of devices to identificate (locate) nerval bearer and plexes was also an important factor for increasing quantity of RA. For such identification we use the portable "Innervator 232" neurostimulator manufactured by "Fisher & Paykel Ltd.", New Zealand. Successful conduction of transmitted and plexus anesthesia depends a lot on anesthesiologist's knowledge of anatomy-topography location of nerval bearer and plexes, precise fulfillment of anesthesia, manual capabilities of physician and obtaining a paresthesia or muscular contraction during the identification of nerval bearer with the help of neurostimulator. RA is secure, effective, and provides less risk for a patient. With neurostimulation the amount of successful anesthesias increases up to 98%. The neurostimulator is easy to use, clinically effective in emergency and planned surgeries for identification of nerval bearer and plexes.

A novel elastic exsanguination tourniquet as an alternative to the pneumatic cuff in pediatric orthopedic limb surgery.

We describe our experience with a novel surgical exsanguination tourniquet (S-MART; OHK Medical Devices, Haifa, Israel) in clinical pediatric orthopedics. We evaluated the surgical exsanguination tourniquet's properties and clinical use in 51 patients and compared our observations with our long-standing experience with the Esmarch bandage, pneumatic tourniquet and sterile stockinet. Using the surgical exsanguination tourniquet, we found superior exsanguination quality, quick application and the ability to place the occlusion ring closer to the surgical field. No side effects or ischemic complications were observed. After removal, the skin under the ring was intact in all cases. We conclude that the surgical exsanguination tourniquet is safe and valuable in our practice.