[Functional reconstruction in traumatic paralysis]. / Funktionelle Rekonstruktionen bei traumatischen Lähmungen.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic nerve injuries are associated with a high morbidity and long rehabilitation times. The extent of a nerve lesion and the related regeneration potential can often only be estimated during the course, whereby the time window for successful surgical interventions is limited. OBJECTIVE: The incidence and distribution of traumatic nerve lesions are reported. Algorithms for treatment decisions are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Statistics from the German TraumaRegister DGU® as well as international registers were evaluated. The results of basic research and expert recommendations for diagnostics and treatment are discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A strategic approach to conservative and surgical treatment of traumatic nerve injuries depending on the extent of injury and resulting regeneration potential is recommended. In conjunction with the clinical course, electrophysiology and imaging diagnostics, e.g. nerve sonography, can help to differentiate between neurapraxia, axonotmesis and neurotmesis.

Colorimetric examination of typical free flap donor sites and comparison to recipient sites in the extremities.

Results after free flap reconstruction in the extremities are often impaired by missing color match of the transferred flap and the recipient site. But pre-existing color match is the precondition for satisfying aesthetic results. To obtain suitable free flap donor sites in terms of color for extremity reconstruction and to understand frequent color mismatch, we performed a colorimetric study including 60 healthy volunteers. Ten free flap donor sites were compared with ten recipient sites in the extremities. The results of our study showed that lower extremity sites are markedly lighter than upper extremity sites with the exception of the palmar forearm. We encountered an excellent color match of the radial forearm flap to the back of the hand (4.10 ± 1.91) and the palm of the hand (5.62 ± 2.21), and significantly relevant color match to the palmar aspect of the forearm (2.52 ± 1.23). Additionally, the lateral arm flap showed a remarkable color match to the dorsal aspect of the forearm (3.13 ± 2.06). Furthermore we encountered significantly relevant color match of the fibula flap to the anterior aspect of the lower leg (2.01 ± 1.08) and excellent color match of the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) to the palmar aspect of the forearm (3.66 ± 2.10). No further significantly relevant color differences between the other donor sites and recipient regions were found. Colorimetric measurements are a helpful tool in reconstructive surgery to compare skin color of different anatomic sites.

Otfrid Foerster (1873-1941)--self-taught neurosurgeon and innovator of reconstructive peripheral nerve surgery.

Otfrid Foerster (1873-1941) became a self-taught neurosurgeon during and after WW I, playing a critical role in the development of peripheral nerve reconstruction. Although best known for describing dermatomes, he published over 300 articles on the nervous system. Confronted by thousands of nerve injuries during WW I, as well as poor results and disinterest from his surgical colleagues, Foerster began performing neurolysis and tension-free nerve repairs himself under emergency conditions. He pioneered grafting motor nerve defects by expendable cutaneous nerves (e.g., sural) and performed intraplexal neurotizations and various nerve transfers, such as the pectoral, subscapular, long thoracic, and thoracodorsal nerves in brachial plexus injuries. Foerster championed rehabilitation, recognizing the potential of electrostimulation and physiotherapy to influence cortical reorganization (brain plasticity) and improve recovery after nerve injury. Foerster died from tuberculosis in 1941, leaving a rich reconstructive peripheral nerve legacy; his innovative and visionary spirit serves as a role model.

The efficacy of color duplex sonography in preoperative assessment of anterolateral thigh flap.

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has become a workhorse in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck region and the extremities. However, its inconsistent vascular anatomy and frequent intramuscular course of perforators often cause difficulties during the dissection of this versatile flap. Hence, reliable preoperative perforator mapping and identification of vascular anomalies may render the raising of the flap easier and safer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Color Duplex sonography and whether it allows the distinction between septocutaneous and musculocutaneous perforators. For this purpose, the thighs of 13 patients undergoing reconstruction with ALT flaps were examined preoperatively, and results were compared to intraoperative findings. A total of 30 perforators could be detected preoperatively, of which 29 were confirmed during flap dissection. Preoperative Color Duplex sonography correctly predicted the course of all perforators as either running through the vastus lateralis muscle or the intermuscular septum. In our investigations, Color Doppler sonography had a 96.7% positive predictive value and a 96.7% true positive rate in detecting perforators. Color Duplex sonography is a highly reliable tool in the preoperative assessment of ALT flaps. Localization and course of perforators can be determined accurately and vascular anomalies can be identified.

Intermittent KoldBlue cryotherapy of 3x10 min changes mid-portion Achilles tendon microcirculation.

BACKGROUND: Neovascularisation and microcirculatory changes have been reported in Achilles tendinopathy. Cryotherapy and compression, as part of a rest, ice, compression and elevation regimen, are shown to decrease pain and improve function. However, the microcirculatory changes following a given dosage of cryotherapy on mid-portion Achilles tendon remain unclear. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical cohort study, level of evidence 2. METHODS: 30 people (12 males, 33 (SD 12) years, body mass index 25.6 (5.3) kg/m2) were included in the cohort. 3x10 min KoldBlue ankle-cooling bandages were applied and microcirculation of Achilles tendon mid-portion was real-time and continuously assessed using a laser-Doppler-spectrophotometry system (O2C, Germany). RESULTS: Superficial capillary blood flow was reduced from 42 to 6, 5 and 3 relative units (rU) in the first, second and third cryotherapy periods, respectively (-65%, p = 0.001), with no significant capillary hyperaemia. Deep capillary tendon blood flow was reduced from 180 to 82, 53 and 52 rU (-71%, p = 0.001) within 6-9 min of application without hyperaemia. Superficial tendon oxygen saturation dropped significantly from 43% to 26%, 18% and 11% (p = 0.001) after repetitive cryotherapy, with persisting increase of tendon oxygenation during rewarming (51%, 49% and 54%, p = 0.077) up to 27% of the baseline level. At 8 mm tendon depth, cryotherapy preserved local oxygenation. Relative postcapillary venous tendon filling pressures were favourably reduced from 41 (11) to 31, 28 and 26 rU (-36%, p = 0.001) superficially and from 56 (11) to 45, 46 and 48 rU (-18%, p = 0.001) in deep capillary blood flow during cryotherapy, facilitating capillary venous clearance. CONCLUSION: Intermittent cryotherapy of 3x10 min significantly decreases local Achilles tendon mid-portion capillary blood flow by 71%. Within 2 min of rewarming, tendon oxygen saturation is re-established following cryotherapy. Postcapillary venous filling pressures are reduced during cryotherapy, favouring capillary venous outflow of the healthy Achilles tendon.

Sclerosing therapy and eccentric training in flexor carpi radialis tendinopathy in a tennis player.

BACKGROUND: Tendinopathy of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon is a rare entity. Recent research revealed the role of a neurovascular ingrowth at the point of pain in various tendinopathic locations, such as at the Achilles and patellar tendon, in plantar fasciitis as well as in supraspinatus and tennis elbow tendinopathy. However, beyond the elbow no such neovascularisation has been reported to date. METHODS: We present a 35-year old tennis player suffering tremendous pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) rating of 9/10) at the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon with adjacent calcification in close proximity to the pisiform bone. The patient was assessed with power Doppler and laser Doppler quantification of neovascularisation at the point of pain. RESULTS: Power Doppler and laser Doppler quantification of neovascularisation at the point of pain identified higher capillary blood flow at three points over the painful vs the non-painful tendon (146/240/232rU vs 93/74/70rU at the non-affected side). Sclerosing therapy using polidocanol under power and laser Doppler guidance was initiated, with immediate decrease of capillary blood flow by 25% with resolution of the neovascularisation in power Doppler. Immediately following sclerosing, the patient's reported pain level on the VAS was reduced from 9/10 to 4/10. Following a short period of rest, eccentric training of the forearm muscle was initiated over 12 weeks with functional complete recovery and complete resolution of wrist pain. CONCLUSION: Sclerosing therapy using polidocanol under power- and laser-Doppler guidance can decrease capillary blood flow by 25% with resolution of the neovascularisation. Subsequent eccentric training of the forearm muscle over 12 weeks can result in complete resolution of wrist pain.

Posttraumatic lipoma: fact or fiction?

BACKGROUND: Both trauma and lipomas are a common occurrence in surgical practice. Lipomas are usually benign adipose tumors with as-yet unexplained pathogenesis and etiology. A link between soft tissue trauma and the formation of lipomas has been described, with the latter being named posttraumatic lipomas. METHODS: Twenty-three cases of posttraumatic lipomas in 19 patients treated at our institution between August 2001 and January 2005 were reviewed with regard to medical history, magnetic resonance imaging findings, intraoperative findings, clinical chemistry, and histology. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.0 years (+/-15.5). The average time between soft tissue trauma and lipoma formation was 2.6 years (range, 0.5-6.0 years). Sixteen of the 19 patients reported extensive and slowly resolving hematoma formation after the traumatic event. Nine of 23 lipomas were found on the upper extremities, 3 on the lower extremities, 9 on the trunk, and 2 on the face. All tumors were located epifascially. Twenty-two lipomas were removed by simple excision and, in one case, aspiration lipectomy was performed. Pathology demonstrated capsulated and noncapsulated benign adipose tumors in 23 cases. The average body mass index, amounted to 30 kg/m(2) (+/-7.6 kg/m(2)). Seven patients without known bleeding disorders presented with an elevated partial thromboplastin time. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenetic link between soft tissue trauma and the formation of posttraumatic lipomas is still controversially discussed. There are 2 potential explanations to correlate soft tissue trauma and adipose tissue tumor growth. The first is the formation of so-called posttraumatic pseudolipomas by prolapsing adipose tissue through fascia resulting from direct impact. A second possibility points toward lipoma formation as a result of preadipocyte differentiation and proliferation mediated by cytokine release following soft tissue trauma and hematoma formation.

Gene expression profiles of livers from thermally injured rats.

The liver plays an important role in a severe thermal injury by modulating immune function, inflammatory processes and the acute phase response, which are an orchestrated attempt to restore homeostasis. Using high-density oligonucleotide arrays, we examined the gene expression profile in the livers of rats between 2 and 240 h after a 40% total body surface area (TBSA) burn. Alterations in gene expression unique to a thermal injury were identified. Approximately 39 genes out of 8700 genes on each array across all the time points showed a significant change in expression patterns. Real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analyses verified significant changes in early growth response-1 (Egr-1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels corresponding to the array data. Significant increases in serum levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin that correspond to changes in its mRNA levels were observed at 6 and 24 h after burn, p<0.05. The genomic pattern for liver in the hypermetabolic phase after the burn injury involves transcription factors, stress and inflammatory responses, cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix modifications, and regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. During the initial phase of thermal injury gene expression profiles in the liver may provide some insight into how cellular protection mechanisms and systemic hypermetabolism are initiated and controlled. The genome wide changes observed may provide a rational therapeutic strategy to improve burn care.

Effect of bombesin on gut mucosal impairment after severe burn.

Severe cutaneous bum alters gut epithelial homeostasis. In previous studies, treatment with bombesin decreased mucosal atrophy and improved maintenance of gut mucosal integrity after severe burn. Our current hypothesis is that bombesin reduces burn-induced gut impairment by decreasing gut epithelial cell death. Fifty-four adult male Fisher-344 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, sham burn (I), burn (II), and burn + bombesin (III). Animals in groups II and III received a 60% total body surface area full thickness scald burn, and the treatment group (III) received bombesin subcutaneously (10 microg/kg, every 8 h) beginning immediately before the experiment. The proximal small bowel was harvested at 12 and 72 h after burn with measurement of wet and dry weight, mucosal weight, and protein content, and a 1-cm length of proximal end was excised and fixed in fomalin for histological and immunohistochemical observation. Data are expressed as means +/- SEM. Statistical analysis was by done by analysis of variance (significance at P < 0.05). Bombesin treatment attenuated mucosal atrophy demonstrated by restoration of the mucosal weight, mucosal protein content, and maintenance of mucosal height and total mucosal epithelial cell count. Gut epithelial cell apoptosis was, at least in part, inhibited by bombesin compared with a significant increase of gut cell apoptosis at 12 h after burn. Gut epithelial proliferation was not affected. Bombesin diminished burn-induced gut mucosal atrophy and gut epithelial cell apoptosis, suggesting that bombesin treatment may play an important role in the recovery of gut impairment after severe burn.

Decreased lymphocyte apoptosis by anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody in Peyer's patches after severe burn.

Severe burn results in immunosuppression, with increased lymphocyte apoptosis in both the central and peripheral immune system. As atrophy of the small intestine has been described in mouse models and intestinal lymphocytes have been implicated in the burn inflammatory response, we examined the effects of burn and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on lymphocytes in intestinal Peyer's patches. Anesthetized C57BL6 mice received a 30% full-thickness scald burn on the upper back. Sham-burned animals served as controls. Anti-TNF or control immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody (200 microg) was given immediately after the burn. The animals were initially resuscitated with 2 mL of normal saline, and were then sacrificed 12 h postburn. Terminal deoxyuridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining was performed. Apoptosis was quantified as apoptotic lymphocytes/high-powered field (hpf). Results, expressed as mean +/- SEM, were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Student-Newman-Keuls test. All mice survived the burn. An initial time-course experiment demonstrated maximal Peyer's patch apoptosis 12 h after the burn. Sham mice had 25 +/- 7 TUNEL-stained cells/hpf in Peyer's patches, whereas burned mice had 93 +/- 18 cells/hpf (P < 0.05). In contrast, burned mice receiving anti-TNF antibody had 28 +/- 8 TUNEL-stained cells/hpf (P < 0.05 vs. burn), whereas sham mice receiving anti-TNF antibody had 20 +/- 4 cells/hpf. There were no significant differences in PCNA staining between the groups. Scald burn results in lymphocyte apoptosis in Peyer's patches. This apoptosis can be abrogated by the addition of anti-TNF antibody. Apoptotic changes may lead to the failure of the intestinal immunological barrier and increased risk of sepsis.

Effects of delayed wound excision and grafting in severely burned children.

HYPOTHESIS: Advances in burn treatment including early excision of the wound have increased survival in patients treated at specialized burn centers. We hypothesized that the patients with delayed wound excision and grafting would experience deleterious outcomes. METHODS: From 1995 to 1999, 157 children with acute burns covering 40% or more of total body surface area and having more than 10% of full-thickness burns were admitted to our institution within 2 weeks of injury. Among them, 86, 42, and 29 patients underwent first operation on days 0 to 2, days 3 to 6, and days 7 to 14 after burn, respectively. Outcomes observed were mortality, number of operative procedures, length of hospitalization, blood transfused, incidence of wound bacterial and fungal contamination, invasive wound infection, and sepsis. RESULTS: Demographic data for the groups showed no differences in sex or total body surface area burned. Mortality and number of operative procedures and blood transfusions were not different between groups. Hospitalizations were longer in the delayed groups, which was associated with a higher incidence of significant wound contamination (P =.008). Invasive wound infection also increased significantly with delay of excision (P<.001). An increased incidence of sepsis was seen in patients with delayed wound excision and grafting (P =.04). CONCLUSIONS: Delays in excision were associated with longer hospitalization and delayed wound closure, as well as increased rates of invasive wound infection and sepsis. Our data indicate that early excision within 48 hours is optimal for pediatric patients with massive burns.

Influence of demographics and inhalation injury on burn mortality in children.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary failure has emerged as one of the leading causes of mortality in burned children due, in part, to the success in reducing the incidence of sepsis, early surgery and fluid resuscitation, and new advances in nutritional support. To evaluate the effect of pulmonary injury, age, gender, race, and burn size on mortality, the records of 3179 burned children admitted to our burn center from 1985 to 2001 were reviewed. In this population, 1246 were admitted within 14 days of injury with burns greater than 20% of their total body surface area (TBSA). METHODS: Lethal burn areas (LAs) for a thermal injury only or burn plus inhalation injury were estimated from best fit probit curve within 95% confidence limits. Data analysis was by chi(2)-test, t-test, or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. RESULTS: The lethal burn area for a 10% mortality rate with and without concomitant inhalation injury was a 50 and 73% TBSA burn, respectively. Children up to the age of 3 with >/=20% TBSA burns had a higher rate of mortality (9.9%) compared to those 3-12 years of age (4.9%) and 13-18 years of age (4.2%). Children with 21-80% TBSA burns showed a significant difference in mortality (P<0.05) between those with burn plus inhalation injury (13.9%) and burn only (2.9%), while those with 81-100% TBSA burns showed no significant difference between burn only and burn plus inhalation injury. CONCLUSION: Inhalation injury remains one of the primary contributors to burn mortality. Children under the age of 3 years, however, are at a higher risk both with and without inhalation injury.

Matrix metalloproteinase expression in cytokine stimulated human dermal fibroblasts.

In this study, we investigated the effect of inflammatory cytokines on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) and TIMP-1 production in human dermal fibroblasts, which play a pivotal role in wound healing, ranging from the synthesis and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) to the synthesis of growth factors. The balance of MMPs and TIMPs is crucial in directing successful wound repair. Human adult dermal fibroblasts were seeded in six well plates (7.5 x 10(4) cells/ml) in complete media. Eighty to ninety percent confluent cells were treated with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (10 ng/ml) for 6h in serum free media with suitable controls run in triplicate. Supernatants were assayed for pro-MMP-1 & TIMP-1. Extracted total RNA was used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with sequence specific primers for MMP-1, TIMP-1 and beta-actin. Signal intensity was normalized to the internal control (beta-actin). Statistical analysis used ANOVA. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression were markedly increased with IL-6 and TNF-alpha treatment and remains unchanged with IL-1beta. Pro-MMP-1 protein levels are unchanged with TNF-alpha and significantly increased with IL-1beta and IL-6 treatment. However, TNF-alpha significantly increases TIMP-1 protein levels. Data suggests differential regulation of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 protein levels by the cytokines found in stimulated dermal fibroblasts. Further characterization of this response will provide an understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the potential role of metalloproteinases in tissue remodeling after injury.

A wakeboarding injury presented as acute carpal syndrome and median nerve contusion after wrist strangulation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We present a case of combined median nerve contusion with immediate loss of sensation after the strangulation with a wakeboarding rope and prolonged referral to our department 72 hours after the injury accompanied by an acute carpal tunnel syndrome with immediate relief of numbness of a significant proportion of the median nerve following surgical decompression. CASE PRESENTATION: The palmar branch of the median nerve was surrounded by a significant haematoma in addition to the strangulation damage caused by its more superficial location in contrast to the median nerve. CONCLUSION: In case of acute median neuropathy, urgent surgical intervention with exploration, decompression of both, the median nerve and the superficial branch of the median nerve, accompanied by compartment measurements of the forearm should be performed to regain or re-establish neurological integrity.