[Biomechanical evaluation of biointegrable suture anchors composed of bovine compact bone in a pull-to-failure test in porcine tibial head specimens]. / Biomechanische Untersuchungen zur Fixationsfestigkeit von Fadenankern aus boviner Kompakta (CB-Anker) in porciner Tibiakopfspongiosa im Ausreissversuch.

AIM: Suture anchors of various designs have gained wide acceptance for securing soft tissues to bone. The biointegrable Tutofix CB anchors derived from bovine compact bone are available with diameters of 3 mm (CB3 anchor), 4 mm (CB4 anchor) and 5 mm (CB5 anchor). The CB anchors are push-in anchors and, from the biomechanical standpoint, they are a combination of press-fit and angulation anchors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the CB anchors for singular pull load-to-failure strength using porcine tibial head specimens as a test model. METHODS: In all specimens, the joint surface was removed by performing a subchondral osteotomy. Axial PQ-CT scans of 12 specimens were obtained to determine the trabecular BMD. The anchors were implanted posteromedially and centrolaterally in the porcine tibial head specimens. After threading the anchors with a steel suture and predrilling of the anchor holes perpendicular to the osteotomy surface they were inserted 4 mm below the osteotomy surface. A universal testing machine applied tensile loads parallel to the axis of insertion at rates of 10 mm/min and 500 mm/min until pull-out failure or anchor breakage and mean anchor fixation strengths were calculated. RESULTS: The fixation strength of the CB anchors was found to be much higher at the dorsomedial implantation site than at the centrolateral implantation site. The CB4 anchors and CB5 anchors provided nearly the same fixation strength at a level much higher than that of the CB3 anchors. Bone mineral density had a strong influence on axial pull-out force of the anchors, especially the CB4 anchors and CB5 anchors. The overall correlation coefficient for bone mineral density with ultimate load-to-failure was 0.869 for the CB4 anchors and 0.716 for the CB5 anchors. Differences in failure strengths were also seen between the low and high extraction rates. With the high extraction rate much higher failure strengths were obtained than with the low extraction rate. The sudden pull eccentrically on the anchors caused a better fixation due to angulation of the anchor within the drill holes. CONCLUSION: In spite of the double worst-case scenario in the testing conditions, the CB anchors provided a high fixation strength in the trabecular bone of porcine tibial head specimens with the CB4 anchors and CB5 anchors being nearly equal and both being superior to the CB3 anchors. Bone mineral density had a strong influence on the axial pull-out force. Our results show that the CB anchors seem to be a reasonable alternative to metal and bioabsorbable suture anchors.

[Biocompatibility testing of different sterilised or disinfected allogenous bone grafts in comparison to the gold standard of autologous bone grafts--an "in vitro" analysis of immunomodulation]. / Biokompatibilitätstestung unterschiedlich sterilisierter bzw. desinfizierter allogener Knochentransplantate im Vergleich zum Goldstandard der autologen Knochenspende--Eine "In-vitro"-Analyse der Immunmodulation.

INTRODUCTION: Repair of large skeletal defects using bone allografts has become a routine procedure in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Different procedures of sterilisation (82.5 degrees C disinfection; 121 degrees C autoclaving; PES; Tutoplast; 25 kGy gamma irradiation) are available to inactivate bacteria and fungi, including their spores, as well as viruses in human bone allografts. The efficiency of these procedures has been proven. However, the effects on the cellular response are rarely investigated. This present in vitro study investigates the immunological answer of human bone marrow cells to human allogenous and autologous bone platelets which were sterilised by different methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human bone marrow cells and the bone platelets were harvested from patients undergoing a total hip replacement. All patients provided informed consent. Human bone platelets, 10 mm in diameter, 3 mm in height, were produced from femoral heads which were removed within the scope of total hip replacements. They were sterilised by different procedures or were disinfected (gamma radiotherapy, PES/ethanol treatment, Tutoplast procedure, 121 degrees C autoclaving, > 82.5 degrees C thermodisinfection). In addition, an autologous in vitro bone donation was simulated and compared with the allogenous bone grafts. Endobon was evaluated as a bovine hydroxyapatite ceramic. As control a human bone marrow cell culture without bone platelets was used. Over a period of four weeks the changes of the immunogenic cell populations were analysed in vitro (FACS analysis). Light and scanning microscopy were done to reveal morphological differences. As a vitality test the trypan-blue staining was performed. RESULTS: Light and scanning microscopy demonstrated large differences between the various sterilisation and disinfection methods. After 4 weeks the autologous bone platelets were completely covered with homogenously distributed human osteoblast like cells. The heat-sterilised/disinfected transplants demonstrated similar effects compared to the autologous bone grafts while the irradiated bone platelets demonstrated less cell coverage. 2/3 of the cells were vital on average after four weeks, with the exception of the irradiated bone platelets. The FACS analysis revealed in comparison to the control group provable differences in the immunological answer for the autologous bone donation as well as for the differently sterilised or disinfected allogenous bone grafts. The heat sterilisation or, respectively, disinfection methods compared to the autologous bone donation demonstrated almost similar in vitro effects. By far the worst results, characterised by an excessively increased portion of cytotoxic T-cells and a decreased amount of viable cells, were seen in the 25 kGy gamma irradiation samples. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the influence of the different sterilisation and disinfection procedures on the differentiation of human marrow cells (host). Similar in vitro effects were seen for the autologous and heat-treated bone platelets. The treatment of allogenous bone grafts with PES/ethanol and the Tutoplast procedures showed, just as Endobon, only low differences in comparison with the control cultures. The worse results in the case of the irradiated bone platelets may be explained by the production of free radicals which led to an excessive cell death.

Traction radiography for the diagnosis of scapholunate ligament tears.

The diagnosis of scapholunate ligament injury by traction radiography was investigated within a consecutive study. The right wrists of 25 healthy volunteers and 22 wrists with arthroscopically proven complete scapholunate ligament tears were examined. Traction radiography was performed under fluoroscopy with a force of 5 kg applied to the thumb. In the normal wrists, this led to selective widening of the scapholunate joint space whereas the lunotriquetral distance remained unchanged. In 25 healthy right wrists, the median scapholunate distance measured 2.1 (range 1.3-2.6) mm on resting radiographs and 2.2 (range 1.7-3.5) mm on the stress radiographs. For the 22 wrists with complete scapholunate ligament tears, the median scapholunate distance was increased from 2.0 (range 1.0-3.0) mm to 3.8 (range 3.0-5.5) mm by traction (median difference of 1.8 (range 1.0-3.0) mm). In conclusion, a scapholunate distance of 3.0 mm or more in unloaded wrists or widening of the scapholunate interval by 1.0 mm or more under thumb traction should both be considered as pathological findings. We recommend traction radiography as a simple and valuable diagnostic procedure for suspected scapholunate ligament injury.

[Marburg shoulder radiography splint (MSR splint) for standardized and high quality plain film radiography in fractures of the proximal humerus]. / Eine neue Lagerungsschiene zur Standardisierung und Qualitätsverbesserung der Röntgendiagnostik bei proximalen Humerusfrakturen.

To ensure safe, quick, pain-relieving, standardized, and reproducible high quality plain film radiography in fractures of the proximal humerus, the MSR splint was introduced into clinical practice. With the rectangular and completely radiolucent splint the shoulder radiographs are obtained in supine position by a sole radiographer. Two radiographs are taken in projection at 90 degrees to one another: the true anteroposterior and axillary views, the most important views for fracture visualization and assessment. The smooth flat bottom part of the splint glides easily across the X-ray table below the injured shoulder. The arm lying on the chest is carefully rotated externally up to the neutral position and placed in the splint, then fixed with Velcro fastening with the forearm supinated. The splint is adjusted to the patient for the anteroposterior view which is taken with the central ray directed at the coracoid process and perpendicularly on the film cassette. For the axillary view the MSR splint holding the upper extremity is carefully swiveled into a 80-90 degrees abduction position. Even in cases of comminuted fractures this maneuver is not painful for the patients. The X-ray tube is put into a horizontal position with the central ray pointing to the humeral head in an angle about 25 degrees to the long body axis. The cassette is placed upright in touch with the shoulder girdle. In our institution the MSR splint is not only routinely used for diagnosing fractures of the proximal humerus but also for radiological follow-up controls.

[Quality management and strategic consequences of assessing documentation and coding under the German Diagnostic Related Groups system]. / Die Vidierkonferenz. Qualitätsmanagementmassnahme zur Sicherstellung der Dokumentations- und Kodierqualität.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of the German Diagnostic Related Groups (D-DRG) system requires redesigning administrative patient management strategies. Wrong coding leads to inaccurate grouping and endangers the reimbursement of treatment costs. This situation emphasizes the roles of documentation and coding as factors of economical success. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the quantity and quality of initial documentation and coding (ICD-10 and OPS-301) and find operative strategies to improve efficiency and strategic means to ensure optimal documentation and coding quality. METHODS: In a prospective study, documentation and coding quality were evaluated in a standardized way by weekly assessment. RESULTS: Clinical data from 1385 inpatients were processed for initial correctness and quality of documentation and coding. Principal diagnoses were found to be accurate in 82.7% of cases, inexact in 7.1%, and wrong in 10.1%. Effects on financial returns occurred in 16%. Based on these findings, an optimized, interdisciplinary, and multiprofessional workflow on medical documentation, coding, and data control was developed. CONCLUSIONS: Workflow incorporating regular assessment of documentation and coding quality is required by the DRG system to ensure efficient accounting of hospital services. Interdisciplinary and multiprofessional cooperation is recognized to be an important factor in establishing an efficient workflow in medical documentation and coding.

[Diagnosis and therapy of acute complaints after "whiplash injury" in Germany. Results of a representative survey at surgical and trauma departments in Germany]. / Diagnostik und Therapie akuter Beschwerden nach "HWS-Distorsion" in Deutschland. Ergebnisse einer Umfrage an chirurgischen und unfallchirurgischen Kliniken in Deutschland.

Whiplash injury of the cervical spine is a relevant medical and socioeconomic problem, which is still the subject of controversy. We performed a survey to evaluate the current status of diagnostics, classification, treatment, and doctors' subjective opinions at surgical and trauma departments in Germany. A total of 1568 hospitals were addressed to answer a standardized questionnaire on their proceedings and opinions concerning whiplash injury. We received 540 (34.44%) completed questionnaires. There was overall agreement concerning the need for physical examination. The radiological assessment included an a.p. and a lateral plain X-ray of the cervical spine in 82.6%. The indication for functional X-rays in flexion/extension was inconsistent. On average they were performed in 39.1% of all patients. In most cases (68.9%) whiplash injury was not classified; 13.2% of doctors used the classification according to the Quebec Task Force and 13.9% according to Erdmann. A cervical collar was prescribed in 85%. While 30% of patients received only a cervical collar, 55.6% underwent additional physiotherapy. Only 8.3% were treated by physiotherapy without immobilization. The doctors' subjective opinions indicated psychological factors to be important for long-lasting problems, but not for the acute period of complaints. There is no homogeneous concept for diagnostics, classification, and treatment of patients who suffered a whiplash injury in Germany. This situation reflects the current problems in management of this condition. Scientific evidence for functional treatment to avoid adverse influence of immobilization by cervical collars has not yet been transferred to our daily routine in Germany.

[Influence of processing and sterilization on the mechanical properties of pins made from bovine cortical bone]. / Einfluss von Prozessierung und Sterilisation auf die Festigkeit von Pins aus boviner Tibiakompakta.

In a biomechanical study pins made of xenogenous cortical bone were tested in vitro. Forty pins of 3 mm diameter and 60 mm length were made of eight different cattle tibiae and allocated to five different treatment groups. Freeze-dried pins served as control group. Pins of the second group were preserved in concentrated sodium chloride solution and defatted with acetone (Tuto-plast processing). Pins of groups three to five were treated with sodium chloride and acetone and afterwards sterilized by different means (ethylene oxide, autoclavation, or gamma radiation). All pins were subjected to a three-point-bending test and a shear test. We found that bending strength and shearing strength were most increased after sodium chloride and acetone treatment, whereas after sterilization with ethylene oxide or autoclaving, the stability of the pins was similar to the control group. The stability was considerably diminished after gamma radiation. Taking into account possible toxic side effects of ethylene oxide, we conclude that Tutoplast processing followed by autoclavation presents a reliable preparation method for the clinical use of implants made of bovine cortical bone.

Bioengineered human bone tissue using autogenous osteoblasts cultured on different biomatrices.

Surgical treatment of critical-size posttraumatic bone defects is still a challenging problem, even in modern bone and joint surgery. Progress in cellular and molecular biology during the last decade now permits novel approaches in bone engineering. Recent conceptual and technical advances have enabled the use of mitotically expanded, bone-derived cells as a therapeutic approach for tissue repair. Using three different tissue carrier systems, we successfully cultivated human osteoblasts in a newly developed perfusion chamber. We studied cell proliferation and the expression of osteocalcin, osteopontin, bone morphogenetic protein-2A, alkaline phosphatase, and vascular endothelial growth factor as parameters for osteoblast function and viability. Adherence of highly enriched human osteoblasts had already started after 1 h and resulted in completely overgrown human bone pieces after 10 days. Expression analysis of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase indicated differentiating osteoblasts, whereas the high mRNA expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin revealed terminally differentiated osteoblasts and the process of mineralization. Additionally, gene expression was significantly higher when demineralized bone was used as biomatrix, compared to autoclaved bone and hydroxyapatite ceramics. We conclude that with our newly developed perfusion culture system, vital autogenous bone implants of clinically applicable size can be generated within 17 days in order to manage critical-size bone defects.

[Results of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in forearm fractures in childhood]. / Ergebnisse der elastisch stabilen intramedullären Nagelung (ESIN) bei Unterarmschaftfrakturen im Kindesalter.

Conservative treatment of unstable forearm fractures in childhood leads to disappointing results in up to 50%. Therefore the indication for a primary operative treatment is given. In the early 1990s the ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) Procedure was the commonly practiced treatment. Nowadays elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is increasingly recommended. Aim of our prospective investigation was to evaluate difficulties, early results and complications of the elastic stable intramedullary nailing of forearm fractures in children. From January 1998 to December 2000 fifty-four children (23 female, 31 male) with an average age of 8 years (8-16) were treated operatively with ESIN. 48 patients had a single forearm-fracture,6 were multiple injured (ISS<16). Open reduction was necessary in 7,4% cases. Clinically and radiologically a good consolidation was found in all fractures. In one case a large callus formation induced a reduced range of motion. As complications seven superficial infections,which required neither pharmacological nor surgical intervention,were treated. In two cases a temporary paraesthesia of the N. radialis superficialis occurred. In one patient a progressive lesion of the N. ulnaris was observed, due to a constriction of scar-tissue. All fractures healed, in all cases with full range of motion. No relevant difference of length or deviation of the axis was observed. Good clinical results, the low risk of complications and the positive biological impact make the ESIN to the standard procedure in the treatment of unstable forearm fractures in childhood.

[Midterm results after treatment of injuries of the distal extensor mechanism with the MPT-fixateur. A critical analysis]. / Mittelfristige Resultate nach Anwendung des MPT-Fixateurs bei Verletzungen des distalen Kniestreckapparates. Eine kritische Analyse.

Between 1994 and 2000 at our institution 37 patients (8 women, 29 men) with fractures of the lower patellar pole and a proximal avulsion fracture of the patellar ligament underwent a primary surgical repair and patello-tibial fixateur for external protection. All patients underwent immediately after the reconstruction a functional rehabilitation program without any movement limitation and under early full weight bearing. Postoperative follow-up after an average of 58.5 months (range 14 to 102 months) was possible in 26 patients. Physical examination, roentgenographic evaluation and isokinetic testing were performed. The clinical evaluation was carried out according to the strict criteria of the IKDC-score. The radiological measurement of the patella height was carried out using the index of Blackburne & Peel; the femoropatellar changings were registered according to the score of Sperner. The clinical evaluation showed in 8 patients a normal, in 10 patients a nearly normal, in 7 patients an abnormal and only in 1 patient a severe abnormal result. The average muscle strength deficit in comparison to the contralateral knee joint was between 10 % and 20 %. All patients showed clinically and radiologically a sufficient distal knee extensor mechanism. The patella height ratio was in the average 0.82 on the injured and 0.79 on the non-injured side. In 17 cases we didn't saw any femoropatellar arthrosis. Eight patients showed a moderate femoropatellar arthrosis. There was no case with severe femoropatellar arthrosis. By good follow-up results in general we could demonstrate the value of the MPT-fixateur as a dynamic protection method after reconstructive operations of the distal knee extensor mechanism.

[Computed tomography for the assessment of posterior pelvic injuries in patients with isolated fractures of the pubic rami in conventional radiography]. / Häufigkeit hinterer Läsionen bei vorderen Beckenringfrakturen Ergebnisse der Computertomographie bei der Erstdiagnose "isolierte vordere Beckenringfraktur" im konventionellen Röntgenbild.

To investigate the incidence of occult posterior injuries of the pelvic ring in patients with isolated fractures of the pubic rami, additional computed tomography (CT) was performed. Data from 70 patients were collected within a prolective study. Solitary fractures of the anterior pelvic ring based on conventional radiographic diagnosis were included. Spiral CT, slice thickness 5 mm, was carried out in all patients. In only 47% of cases was the diagnosis of isolated fractures of the pubic rami confirmed. A further 35 fractures of the sacrum and two partial disruptions of the sacroiliac joint were diagnosed using CT. All sacral fractures were incomplete, most were found at the anterior part of the bone. Furthermore, CT revealed three acetabular fractures. Dorsal injuries were significantly more frequent after high energy accidents. Clinical examination did not assist in the prediction of posterior injuries of the pelvic ring. There was no correlation between the extent of the anterior injuries in conventional x-ray and incidence of the posterior injuries in CT. None of the patients with dorsal injuries underwent operative treatment. In conclusion, CT is not required for the routine diagnosis of supposed isolated fractures of the pubic rami.

[Pathomorphology, diagnosis and treatment of "hangman's fractures"]. / Zur Pathomorphologie, Diagnostik und Therapie der "hangman's fractures"

In a retrospective study diagnostic procedures and outcome of treatment were evaluated in 33 patients with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis (Hangman's fracture) who were treated in our department between 1986 and 1999. There were 18 men and 15 women with an average age of 41 (17-88) years. The cause of the injury was in 23 cases an accident as a driver of a car, in 2 cases an accident with a bike, 2 patients had an accident as a pedestrian. 5 patients fell on their head and 1 patient was hit by a beam. In 15 cases there were relevant accompanying injuries. To assess the stability of the injury, a subtle radiological examination was performed including functional X-rays. After introduction of the MRI and increasing experience with the method as a standard procedure in clinical practice it was used instead of functional X-rays to get a direct image of the involvement of the discoligamental structures.17 patients with stable lesions were treated conservatively, 15 with a Minerva-cast, 2 with a halo-jacket. One polytraumatized patient had temporary immobilization with a stiff-neck. 16 patients with discoligamental instability C2/3 were treated operatively by Robinson-spondylodesis with additional anterior plating. In one case an additional posterior fusion was necessary. After 6-8 weeks all of the conservative treated patients achieved solid bony consolidation. The patients operated on did so as well within 6 to 8 weeks. Two polytraumatized patients died. 18 of the 31 surviving patients were free of pain. 12 patients complained of pain or tension of the cervical muscles during physical stress. 1 patient suffered of paresthesia of the ulnar left hand. Average duration of hospital stay was 12,9 days (1-47). All working people returned to their job. Differences in the outcome of the conservative and the operative treatment group could not be seen. We derive from these results that Hangman's fractures, mostly caused by a hyperextension trauma, achieve solid bony fusion by conservative treatment in most of the cases. The Minerva-cast has proved its capability. In cases of instable luxation fractures including tearment of the anterior longitudinal ligament and affection of the intervertebral disc C2/3 we suggest operative stabilization. We prefer the modified Robinson-spondylodesis with additional anterior plating which proved its value as a method achieving solid bony fusion combined with low rate of complications.

[Evaluation and results of the gliding nail in the elderly patient]. / Ergebnisse der Gleitnagelosteosynthese beim alten Menschen.

Evaluation of the gliding nail in the elderly patient with unstable fracture of the proximal femur. Primary aims of the study were the description of surgical procedure, the specific complications, postoperative pain, recovered mobility and social status after nailing procedure. The observation period of this prospective non-randomized observational cohort study was from 10/97 to 07/00. 121 patients (90 female, 31 male) with unstable femoral fracture were included. Data evaluation included type of fracture, surgical data, procedure specific complications and pre and post surgical development (pain, mobility and social status). The evaluation of the outcome was performed at least 3 months (median 10.4 months) after surgical intervention by telephone-interview. A subgroup of 20 patients was re-examined. 24 A1-, 65 A2-, 16 A3-, 11 subtrochanteric and 5 other fractures were stabilized with a gliding nail. The mean time of surgery was 77 minutes. In 15 out of 121 patients complications lead to a second surgical intervention. In the follow-up examination we were able to obtain following findings: 33.9 % vs. 56.2 % (preoperative) of patients were self-contained. The need for professional care was unchanged. 23.5 % vs. 58.7 % (preoperative) showed unlimited mobility. 20.3 % vs. 12.8 % complained light or moderate pain. According to our experience the gliding nail is a safe and minimal invasive system with a low complication rate. In consideration of patient based outcome the gliding nail shows good results compared to other treatment options. For the given reasons the authors prefer the gliding nail as treatment of choice for proximal femoral fractures.

Dedifferentiation-associated changes in morphology and gene expression in primary human articular chondrocytes in cell culture.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was the investigation of differential gene expression in primary human articular chondrocytes (HACs) and in cultivated cells derived from HACs. DESIGN: Primary human articular chondrocytes (HACs) isolated from non-arthritic human articular cartilage and monolayer cultures of HACs were investigated by immunohistochemistry, Northern analysis, RT-PCR and cDNA arrays. RESULTS: By immunohistochemistry we detected expression of collagen II, protein S-100, chondroitin-4-sulphate and vimentin in freshly isolated HACs. Cultivated HACs, however, showed only collagen I and vimentin expression. These data were corroborated by the results of Northern analysis using specifc cDNA probes for collagens I, II and III and chondromodulin, respectively, demonstrating collagen II and chondromodulin expression in primary HACs but not in cultivated cells. Hybridization of mRNA from primary HACs and cultivated cells to cDNA arrays revealed additional transcriptional changes associated with dedifferentiation during propagation of chondrocytes in vitro. We found a more complex hybridization pattern for primary HACs than for cultivated cells. Of the genes expressed in primary HACs the early growth response (EGR1) transcription factor showed the strongest expression whereas D-type cyclin was expressed in proliferating cells. Other factors associated with differentiated HACs were the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, VEGF, TGFbeta2, and the monocyte chemotactic protein receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that HACs dedifferentiate when grown in monolayer cultures. Moreover, the expression patterns also show that proliferation and differentiation are exclusive features of human chondrocytes.

[Results of early mobilisation of acute whiplash injuries]. / Ergebnisse der frühfunktionellen krankengymnastischen Ubungsbehandlung nach HWS-Distorsion.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management of acute neck pain after whiplash is a frequent but unsolved clinical problem. Long-lasting symptoms and disability are common. Former studies proposed beneficial effects of physiotherapy in the early management of whiplash injury. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of early active mobilization versus standard treatment with a soft cervical collar. METHODS: Between August 1997 and February 2000 a prospective randomized clinical trial with a total of 168 patients was performed. Of these patients 81 (31 male, 50 female; average age 28,78 years) were randomly assigned to the standard therapy group, which received a soft cervical collar, and 87 (31 male, 56 female; average age 29,62 years) to the early mobilization group, treated by physiotherapy. Study participants documented pain and disability twice (baseline and six week follow-up) during a one week period by diary, using numeric rating scales ranging from 0 to 10. RESULTS: The initial mean pain intensity (4,75) reported by the standard therapy group was similar to disability (4,76). There were no significant differences to initial pain (4,50) and disability (4,39) reported by the early mobilization group. The mean pain intensity reported by the standard therapy group after 6 weeks was 2,66 and disability was 2,40. The mean pain intensity indicated by physiotherapy group was 1,44 and mean disability was 1,29. The differences between the groups were both significant. CONCLUSIONS: Early mobilization is superior to the standard therapy regarding pain intensity and disability. We conclude that mobilization should be recommended as the new adequate standard-therapy in the acute management of whiplash injury.

Procalcitonin versus interleukin-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of trauma victims with severe lung contusion.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether measurement of procalcitonin (PCT) in comparison with interleukin-6 is a reliable marker to score the extent of lung contusion in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids in polytrauma patients. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, observational study. SETTING: Twelve-bed intensive care unit in a 1,100-bed primary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Fourteen trauma victims presenting with severe lung contusion and acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Bronchoscopy with collection of lavage fluid and serum blood samples. Samples were obtained on days 1 and 2 after severe chest trauma, and lung contusion was assessed by computed tomography scan. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: PCT was detectable in BAL fluids of all 14 patients. A significant correlation for PCT serum and BAL levels was found on day 2 (p =.0063). For PCT, no significant correlations (Spearman rank) were found to the lung injury score (p =.93), the abbreviated injury scale-lung (p =.33), or the sepsis-related organ failure assessment score-lung (p =.38). Also, for interleukin-6 there was no significant correlation to the lung injury score (p =.62), abbreviated injury scale-lung (p =.45), or the sepsis-related organ failure assessment score-lung (p =.54). CONCLUSIONS: PCT and interleukin-6 BAL levels cannot be considered as reliable parameters to assess the extent of lung contusion.

[Selection of subjects: a problem of clinical trials in traumatology. Selection effects and the problem of representation as exemplified by a prospective randomized trial on whiplash injuries]. / Selektionseffekte--Ein Problem unfallchirurgischer Studien? Stichprobenselektionseffekte und das Problem der Repräsentativität am Beispiel einer prospektiven randomisierten Studie zur HWS-Beschleunigungsverletzung.

INTRODUCTION: The internal and external validity of studies is endangered by many factors, such as selection of subjects for inclusion. Selection bias itself is a major problem, but remains unmentioned and probably unexamined in the majority of published clinical trials in traumatology. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this investigation was to detect effects of subject selection which occurred during our own prospective intervention study. The clinical trial compared subjects with whiplash injury who were either treated by early mobilization or immobilization (soft collar). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Source population, eligible subjects, study participants and final study participants were compared for differences on various items like age, gender and further sociodemographic as well as crash related factors and clinical findings. RESULTS: Between 21.08.1997 and 30.04.1999 a total of 732 patients was examined and treated after whiplash in our trauma department. The options for inclusion were met by 453 patients. While 346 escaped from the study, 107 agreed to participate. Of these another 39 patients dropped out of the study. Selection effects were detected on two different levels, leading to distinct statistical procedures from those proposed in the study protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled selection effects could undermine the interpretability of the results of clinical trials. Awareness of selection effects is mandatory regarding the applicability of these results to subjects, other than those in the group of the final study participants.

[Arthroscopic diagnosis of concomitant scapholunate ligament injuries in fractures of the distal radius]. / Arthroskopisch gesicherte Begleitverletzungen des skapholunären Bandapparates bei distalen Radiusfrakturen.

To investigate the occurrence of carpal ligamentous injuries in patients with fractures of the distal radius, the results of 122 wrist arthroscopies were analysed within a retrospective study. Indications for arthroscopy included suspected carpal instability according to radiographic findings and/or the necessity for internal fixation of the radius fracture. Arthroscopy revealed acute scapholunate ligament tears in 84 patients. Scapholunate separation was found to be of prognostic value for ligament tears. There was no association between ligamentous lesions and carpal angles or fracture dislocation. Scapholunate ligament tears were most frequent in sagittal articular fractures. In these cases, wrist arthroscopy should be performed during operative treatment of the radius fracture to allow direct visualization and subsequent repair of ligamentous tears.

[MRI or arthroscopy in the diagnosis of scapholunate ligament tears in fractures of the distal radius?]. / Magnetresonanztomographie oder Arthroskopie in der Diagnostik skapholunärer Bandschäden bei distalen Radiusfrakturen?

In a prospective study, 45 patients with fractures of the distal radius and radiologically suspected tears of the scapholunate interosseous ligament were examined. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed prior to wrist arthroscopy. The latter examination gave the definite diagnosis. MRI was performed in conventional technique (without contrast medium) in 25 cases and after additional intravenous injection of contrast medium in the remaining 20 patients. The images were obtained with a 1.0-T clinical imager using a T(2)-weighted turbo spin echo sequence (slice 3 mm, transversal) and a FLASH 2D sequence (slice 2 mm, oblique/coronal). Three independent observers assessed the MRI scans before arthroscopy was performed. The correct diagnosis was made by MRI in 76 %. Overall sensitivity and specificity came to 71 % and 86 %, respectively. The use of intravenously applied contrast medium did not improve MRI accuracy. In conclusion, MRI is not recommended for the diagnosis of scapholunate ligament tears. Presumably, the results of MRI could be improved by a more sophisticated technique.