Paravertebral compartment syndrome after training causing severe back pain in an amateur rugby player: report of a rare case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Acute compartment syndrome (CS) of the paravertebral muscles without external trauma is rarely reported in literature. Not all of clinical symptoms for CS are applicable to the paravertebral region. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old amateur rugby player was suffering from increasing back pain following exertional training specially targeting back muscles. He presented with hardly treatable pain of the lumbar spine, dysaesthesia of the left paravertebral lumbar region as well as elevated muscle enzymes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an edema of the paravertebral muscles. Compartment pressure measurement revealed increased values of 47 mmHg on the left side. Seventy-two hours after onset of back pain a fasciotomy of the superficial thoracolumbar fascia was performed. Immediately postoperatively the clinical condition improved and enzyme levels significantly decreased. The patient started with light training exercises 3 weeks after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: We present a rare case of an exercise-induced compartment syndrome of the paravertebral muscles and set it in the context of existing literature comparing various treatment options and outcomes. Where there is evidence of paravertebral compartment syndrome we recommend immediate fasciotomy to prevent rhabdomyolysis and further consequential diseases.

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.

A rare manifestation of sarcoidosis with sensomotoric neuropathy of the ulnar nerve as the only symptom.

A 79-year-old woman was admitted complaining of progressive weakness and numbness of the right hand. The patient was otherwise healthy. The patient's history was unremarkable. Clinical and electrophysiological examination revealed a compression of the ulnar nerve in the ulnar sulcus and in Guyon's canal. Ultrasound evaluation showed a suspicious tumour proximal to the elbow close to the ulnar nerve. The ulnar sulcus was then released and an epineural and perineural lesion 3-4 cm proximal to the sulcus was excised under microscope. The histopathology confirmed the lesion as non-caseating sarcoid granulomas. The patient showed no other signs of systemic sarcoidosis, as neuropathy was the only symptom and the condition improved postoperatively. Sensory deficits and paraesthesia resolved fully. The extension of the minor finger remained slightly inferior compared with the not affected side. Sarcoid neuropathy is a rare neurological complication of sarcoidosis and has to be included in differential diagnosis of nerve conduction impairments.

Instep split skin grafts on muscle flaps to reconstruct pressure exposed soft tissue parts at the lower extremity.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructed mechanically stressed zones of the lower extremity frequently suffer from problems such as hyperkeratotic edges or chronic ulcerations in the transition zone between conventional thigh skin grafts and normal skin. Defect coverage with skin grafts harvested from the instep region and placed on muscle flaps is not yet an established alternative. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a series of 12 clinical applications of soft tissue reconstruction at mechanically exposed zones of the lower extremity. Locally transposed or transplanted muscle flaps were covered with meshed instep skin instead of meshed thigh skin for the purpose to gain a superior stable skin surface and transition zones adjacent to normal skin. RESULTS: There is no ulceration found at follow-up from 6 to 72 months. Only one case presented with delayed graft take. Different thicknesses of the corneal layers of the healed instep versus thigh skin grafts were verified histologically. Instep skin grafts showed substantial durability as well as advantageous aesthetic appearance with respect to texture and coloring. All donor sites healed without notable scars or sensitivity disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The instep split skin graft is particularly well suited for defect coverage of muscle flaps transposed or transplanted to mechanically stressed zones of the foot or lower leg. The paramount advantage of transplanted instep skin as compared to thigh skin is given by the feasibility to create a durable graft with a thick horny layer and a stable transition zone at its periphery that is bordering normal skin.

Surgical vein occlusion--comparison of four different methods in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Among many aspects, wound healing depends on early restoration of venous blood flow across wound margins. The type of surgical occlusion of vein stumps during operations was assumed to have an influence on the early postoperative reunion of vein stumps and thereby on wound healing. Currently, there are different methods of vein stump occlusion available: ligation (e.g., Vicryl), closure using metal clips (e.g., LigaClip), coagulation using manually controlled bipolar forceps, and the use of a computer-controlled bipolar system (e.g., BiClamp). The aim of this study was to surgically and histologically compare the healing process, including new vessel formation after vein occlusion using one of the methods listed. METHODS: In a rat model (n = 50), both jugular and femoral veins were prepared, occluded twice with one of the methods mentioned above (i.e., 400 occlusions), and finally cut in-between. Groups of 10 animals were reoperated and evaluated surgically and histologically after 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days. RESULTS: Occlusion methods using Vicryl, LigaClip, or bipolar forceps allow highly reliable vessel occlusion. Surgical evaluation showed higher occurrence of vessels in between the vein stumps after usage of Vicryl and LigaClip when compared with electrothermic occlusion methods (p = 0.017). Histologic examination showed different courses of the inflammatory reaction and varying capillary counts. Bipolar occlusion methods do cause less vessel occurrence, less inflammatory reaction, and less histologic capillary formation. CONCLUSION: If a reconnection of the venous flow is desirable, the use of Vicryl and LigaClip might be superior to using electrothermic occlusion methods. In contrast, electrothermic methods cause less new vessel formation as well as less inflammatory reaction.

Capsular flap for coverage of an exposed implant after skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.

Native skin-flap necrosis following skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) is treated by raising a capsular flap, formed as a consecutive physiological reaction around breast implant. Using this highly vascularised thin tissue layer as an implant coverage withdraws pressure from the defect and allocates a good background for wound healing.

[Versatility of the free gracilis muscle flap for coverage of soft-tissue defects]. / Der freie Musculus-gracilis-Lappen zur Weichteildefektdeckung.

OBJECTIVE: Coverage of soft-tissue defects of various sizes by an easy-to-do and reliable free muscle/myocutaneous flap. INDICATIONS: Soft-tissue defects of a size up to 10 x 22 cm. Functional muscle transfer, e.g., biceps muscle replacement. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Poor soft-tissue conditions or lesions on both thighs. No recipient vessels. Inadequate personnel and/or technical resources. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Approach via a longitudinal medial incision or via the thigh flexion fold. The flap can be designed with or without a skin island. After mobilization from its tendinous part up to its origin, the vascular pedicle is prepared until its origin from the deep femoral artery. After harvesting, transfer is performed by anastomosing and shaping, eventually followed by split-thickness skin grafting. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Clinical controls and measurement of partial oxygen concentration until day 10. Immobilization for 10 days, if the recipient site is close to a joint. Thrombosis prophylaxis. RESULTS: During the past 10 years, 254 free gracilis flaps were transplanted. Total flap loss rate was 4.3%, whereas reoperation due to hematoma or partial flap loss was necessary in 13.0%.

Pattern of injury after rock-climbing falls is not determined by harness type.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental data indicate that when using a sit harness alone, any major fall during rock climbing may cause life-threatening thoraco-lumbar hyperextension trauma or "head down position" during suspension. To clarify the actual influence of the type of harness on the pattern and severity of injury, accidents involving a major fall in a climbing harness were analyzed retrospectively. METHODS: Individuals with a height of fall equal to or exceeding 5 m were identified through a search of accident and emergency records for the period from 2000 to 2004. Data concerning the circumstances of the fall and the patterns of injury were obtained from personal interviews, flight and accident reports, as well as hospital medical records. RESULTS: Of a total of 113 climbers identified, 73 (64.6%) used a sit harness alone, whereas 40 (35.4%) used a body harness. Fractures and dislocations of the extremities, the shoulder, and the pelvic region were the most common injuries, while the most severe injuries occurred in the head and neck region. Although most falls were associated with mild or moderate injuries, 13 (11.5%) climbers sustained severe or critical multisystem trauma. Falls on more difficult routes were associated with less severe injury. The type of harness used did not influence the pattern or severity of injury. In particular, no evidence was found for the existence of a thoraco-lumbar hyperextension trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The type of harness does not influence the pattern or severity of injury, and the forces transferred via the harness do not cause a specific harness-induced pathology. We did not find any evidence that hyperextension trauma of the thoraco-lumbar region is an important mechanism of injury in climbers using a sit harness alone. Rock contact during the fall, and not the force transferred through the harness, is the major cause of significant injury in climbing accidents.

Pattern and severity of injury in avalanche victims.

In avalanche accidents, the significance of major trauma as a cause of morbidity and mortality is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the severity and pattern of injury in avalanche victims admitted to the University Hospital of Innsbruck between 1996 and 2005. A total of 49 significant injuries were found in 105 avalanche victims; the most frequent were of the extremities (n = 20), the chest (n = 18), and the spine (n = 7). In contrast, cerebral (n = 2), abdominal visceral (n = 1), and pelvic trauma (n = 1) were rare. The severity of injury was minor or moderate in most patients, with only 9 (8.6%) being severely or critically injured. Of 105 (34.3%) avalanche victims, 36 died. Autopsy was performed in 30 of 36 nonsurvivors. The cause of death in the remaining 6 victims was concluded from clinical, radiological, and electrophysiological findings. Trauma was responsible for deaths of only 2 avalanche victims (5.6%); both had cervical spine fractures with dislocation leading to death. One death was due to hypothermia, whereas the remaining 33 fatalities (91.7%) were due to asphyxia. The incidence of life-threatening or lethal trauma was well below 10%. Asphyxia is by far the most important reason for death. Deaths from trauma were solely due to isolated cervical injuries, demonstrating that the cervical spine may be a region at particular risk in avalanche victims.

A pelvic fracture model for the assessment of treatment options in a laboratory environment.

BACKGROUND: Optimal prehospital and clinical management of patients with severe pelvic trauma is controversial. Prospective evaluations of different treatment strategies have not been performed and treatment is currently not evidence-based. The purpose of the present study was to develop a porcine model of reproducible severe pelvic trauma for subsequent laboratory trials. METHODS: The study was performed on 13 juvenile porcine cadavers. Pelvic fractures were created by applying a pure anterior-posterior compression load to the pelvic ring using a servohydraulic material testing machine. Fracture patterns were classified according to the Young-Burgess classification and the Tile classification using postfracture CT scans including 3D-reconstructions. RESULTS: Disruptions of the posterior pelvic ring segment were unilateral in 12 cases and bilateral in one case transforaminal vertical sacrum fractures. Injuries of the anterior ring segment were obturator ring fractures bilateral, ipsilateral or contralateral to the injury of the posterior ring segment. According to the Tile classification this resulted in 12 type C1 and 1 type C3 fractures. In the Young classification all injuries were classified as type APC III. In six cases transverse process fractures were found ipsilateral to the posterior ring disruption. Initial force drops indicating bony or ligamentous injuries occurred at mean forces of 4030 +/- 269N (range, 3617-4374N). CONCLUSION: The present model was able to create reproducible unstable pelvic fractures and can be used for controlled laboratory trials to study the management of patients with pelvic fractures.

Tyrolean tensiometer: a new instrument for easy intraoperative tension measurement before vascular anastomosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In reconstructive surgery microsurgical repair of dissected arteries sometimes has to be done under longitudinal tension. Guidelines to support an objective decision on whether tension associated with direct suture is acceptable or whether grafting is needed, do not exist. All experimental data found concerned the clinical outcome of a certain length defect treated in various animal models. The aim of this study was to show the feasibility of a new instrument for measuring the tension required to adapt arterial stumps, thereby allowing surgical outcome to be assessed before beginning anastomosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A modified tension spring balance was used to measure the force applied to the arterial stumps before knotting. Twenty-four rat femoral arteries were dissected, segments of up to 9mm were resected, and the tension needed for approximation was measured. These ex-vivo data were combined with clinical outcome data of previous animal trials. RESULTS: The tension measured increased proportionally to the size of the arterial gap created. The correlation between tension and arterial gap was found to be almost linear. The average additional time required for tension measurement using the Tyrolean Tensiometer was 13 (+/-6) s. DISCUSSION: High anastomotic tension may cause critical or even poor clinical outcome. None of the tension measurement methods described so far allow intraoperative measurement at a time when changes in strategy are still possible. The Tyrolean Tensiometer for the first time allows fast and reliable measurement of the tension acting on the first suture of an anastomosis.

Medicolegal aspects of tetrazepam metabolism.

The benzodiazepine tetrazepam is primarily muscle relaxant with comparably lower central sedating effects and is therefore commonly prescribed for muscle spasms of different origins. To evaluate tetrazepam metabolism, a study was conducted with ten healthy volunteers. Blood and urine samples were regularly collected after the intake of 50 mg tetrazepam. Toxicological analyses revealed that tetrazepam is also metabolized to diazepam and further to nordazepam, which has not yet been reported. Tetrazepam and diazepam could be detected in urine samples at least 72 h after intake, the diazepam concentration being 33% (+/-14% SD), on average, of the tetrazepam concentration. On the basis of three case histories, the importance of the detection of these newly described metabolites is shown as necessary to prevent false accusations and potential negative legal consequences for examined persons.

Tyrolean tensiometer: A new instrument for easy intraoperative tension measurement before nerve coaptation.

BACKGROUND: In reconstructive surgery microsurgical repair of dissected nerves can be done end-to-end or by using a nerve graft. Guidelines to support an objective decision, whether tension associated with direct suture is acceptable or grafting is needed, do not exist. All experimental data found concerned the clinical outcome when a certain length defect was treated in various animal models. The aim of this study was to show the feasibility of a new instrument for measuring the tension needed to coapt nerve stumps before beginning nerve suture. METHODS: A tension spring balance was modified in a way that the thread of the first suture is used to measure the force applied to the two nerve stumps by the suture before knotting. Immediately after measuring, the suture can be completed by knotting. Twenty-four rat sciatic nerves were dissected, segments of various length were resected, and tension needed for approximation was measured. These ex vivo data were combined with clinical outcome data of previous animal trials. RESULTS: Data obtained showed that tension measured increased almost proportionally to the size of the gap created. The average additional time needed to measure the tension using the Tyrolean Tensiometer was 11 (+/-4) seconds. CONCLUSIONS: None of the methods described before allow intraoperative tension measurement at a time when changes in strategy are still possible. The Tyrolean Tensiometer allows fast and reliable measurement of the tension acting on the first suture and might hereby be useful in predicting final operative outcome.