Non-invasive assessment of muscle compartment elasticity by pressure-related ultrasound in pediatric trauma: a prospective clinical study in 25 cases of forearm shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue swelling after limb fractures in pediatric patients is well known to be a risk factor for developing acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Clinical assessment alone is uncertain in specific cases. Recently, we proposed a non-invasive ultrasound-based method to objectify muscle compartment elasticity for monitoring. We hypothesize a strong correlation between the soft-tissue swelling after stabilization of upper limb fractures and the compartment elasticity objectified with a novel ultrasound-based approach in pediatric trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective clinical study, children suffering forearm fractures but not developing an ACS were included. The muscle compartment elasticity of the m. flexor carpi ulnaris was assessed after surgical intervention by a non-invasive, ultrasound-based method resulting in a relative elasticity (RE in %) in both the control (healthy limb) and study group (fractured limb). Soft-tissue swelling was categorized in four different levels (0-3) and correlated with the resulting RE (%). RESULTS: The RE in the study group (15.67%, SD ± 3.06) showed a significantly decreased level (p < 0.001) compared with the control (22.77%, SD ± 5.4). The categorized grade of soft-tissue swelling resulted in a moderate correlation with the RE (rs = 0.474). CONCLUSIONS: The presented study appears to represent a novel approach to assess the posttraumatic pressure changes in a muscle compartment after fracture stabilization non-invasively. In this first clinical study in pediatric cases, our measurement method represents a low-cost, easy, and secure approach that has the potential to substitute invasive measurement of suspected ACS in muscle compartment conditions. Further investigations in lager cohorts are required to prove its daily clinical practicability and to confirm the expected reliability.

[Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities]. / Akutes Kompartmentsyndrom der Extremitäten.

Acute compartment syndrome of the extremities is a surgical emergency and a rapid diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment are essential for the outcome. The cause is an increase in the tissue pressure inside a muscle compartment enclosed by fasciae and the resulting disruption of microperfusion. This can have potentially disastrous consequences, such as loss of the extremity due to extensive tissue necrosis or a threat to life due to infectious complications. Although mostly triggered by trauma, a multitude of other causes can lead to the formation of a compartment syndrome, so that a basic knowledge of this condition is of great importance not only for trauma surgeons. This is particularly true because a timely treatment necessitates rapid diagnosis and evaluation of the indications. This article provides an overview of the underlying pathophysiology, the causes, the symptoms and the treatment of acute compartment syndrome.

Non-invasive and reliable assessment of compartment elasticity by pressure related ultrasound: An in-vitro study.

PURPOSE: The development of acute compartment syndrome is a serious threat to trauma patients. The clinical assessment alone is not reliable enough to determine the need for fasciotomy in many cases. The Physician´s assessment of the elasticity of the muscle compartment might be particularly important to objectively evaluate the pressure in this enclosed space. The purpose of this study was to determine the observer´s reproducibility, of compartment elasticity measurements by a novel ultrasonic approach. METHODS: Increasing intra-compartmental pressures (ICP) were simulated in a water filled in-vitro model. Pressure related ultrasound was used to determine the relative elasticity (RE) of soft tissue compartments. A pressure transducing probe head was combined with the ultrasonic probe to obtain cross section views of the simulated compartment and to detect the amount of applied pressure by the observer. In this model, the compartment depth without compression (P0) was set to be 100%. Changes of the compartment depth due to a probe pressure of 80 mmHg (P80) were correlated to P0 and an elasticity quotient as a value for RE (%) was calculated. Twelve blinded observers performed measurements for RE determination (%) under three pressure conditions. Reproducibility was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Measurements (n = 432) revealed that the RE (%) in the control group was 17,06% (SD+/-2,13), whereas the RE of the group ICP30 significantly decreased to 12,66% (SD+/- 1,19) (p<0,001). The ICP50 group revealed a further significant decrease to 8,43% (SD+/- 0,67) (p<0,001). Repeated measurement of RE and ICP showed a high level of correlation (spearman correlation coefficient: roh=0,922). A RE <14% resulted in a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 90,3% for diagnosis of an ICP >30 mmHg. ICCinter was 0,986; 95%, CI: 0,977-0,992 (p<0,001). DISCUSSION: The presented ultrasound-based approach reliably assesses the elasticity in a simulated compartment model. In this pioneer study investigating the inter- and intra-observer reproducibility, this method of measurement appears to be of low cost in addition to being an easy and secure approach that may have the potential to substitute invasive measurement. Further investigations are required to improve its feasibility and to confirm the reliability under clinical conditions.

Non-invasive measurement of muscle compartment elasticity in lower limbs to determine acute compartment syndrome: Clinical results with pressure related ultrasound.

PURPOSE: Close monitoring of patients at risk to develop an acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is well known to be essential. There is a relevant risk that clinical assessment alone is not reliable enough. Reliable assessment of the elasticity of the muscle compartment might represent a helpful tool to assess the pressure in this enclosed space. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of muscle elasticity measurements by a non-invasive device. METHODS: In a prospective study, patients with elevated intra-compartmental pressure (ICP) were included. An ultrasound-based measurement approach was used to determine the relative elasticity (RE) of both, the affected and unaffected limb. A pressure transducing ultrasonic probe head was combined with the probe to obtain cross section views of the anterior tibial compartment and to detect the observer´s amount of pressure applied on the limb surface. The compartment depth without compression (P0) corresponds to 100%. The difference to the compartment depth with a probe pressure of 80mmHg (P80) on the limb (delta) related to P0 resulted in a value of relative elasticity (%). These values were compared with the invasive needle measurement (mmHg) regarding their intra-individual difference and correlation of the compartmental pressure. RESULTS: In six trauma patients the relative elasticity in their paired limbs showed a significant difference. The RE in the healthy compartments revealed a level of 17.95% (SD+/-5,4), whereas the RE of the affected limbs significantly decreased to a mean of 5,14% (SD+/-2,1) (p < 0,0001). The average values of the repetitively measured RE and the ICP showed a high level of correlation (spearman correlation coefficient: roh = 0,929). The RE less than 10,5% of the anterior tibial compartment had a sensitivity of 95,8% and a specificity of 87,5% to an appropriate diagnosis of ACS. DISCUSSION: The presented study appears to represent a promising approach to reliably assess the pressure in a muscle compartment. In this first clinical study, our measurement method represents a low cost, easy and secure approach that has the potential to substitute invasive measurement. Further investigations and development in lager cohorts are required to improve its practicality and to confirm the reliability.

[The importance of interspinous spacers in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis]. / Stellenwert der interspinösen Implantate in der Therapie der lumbalen Spinalkanalstenose.

INTRODUCTION: In the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, interspinous spacers can be used in a tissue and time sparing technique. Relief of low back pain might be achieved by stress reduction of facet joints and limitation of segmental mobility. AIM: Presentation of dynamic stabilization by means of an interspinous spacer with and without decompression and to compare it with the outcome of decompression and fusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of a PubMed search, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs from high-quality controlled clinical trials were selected and contrasted with our own experience. RESULTS: The current literature was evaluated, which assesses interspinous spacers with and without decompression in comparison with the "gold standard", the microsurgical interlaminar decompression. CONCLUSION: Published data indicate that the use of interspinous spacers with or without decompression for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis is not less effective than stand-alone decompression. The reoperation rate can only be proven for implants without decompression on the basis of Level I studies. However, as a link between decompression alone and fusion, it cannot yet provide a scientifically clear solution.

[Classification and diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis]. / Klassifikation und Diagnostik der lumbalen Spinalkanalstenose.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal stenosis is caused by various pathological conditions. With the diagnostic tools available, a precise classification of the condition should be made, which enables a consistent and appropriate therapeutic approach. OBJECTIVES: In the present article, the currently used classifications of lumbar spinal stenosis are discussed and the diagnostic tools are presented, focussing on the imaging descriptions of morphological changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This article is based on a PubMed literature search of the past 60 years and our own experiences. RESULTS: Lumbar spinal stenosis is caused mainly by degenerative changes to the spine. MR tomographic imaging can result in precise anatomical illustration and classification of the stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although modern imaging procedures deliver a very precise illustration of lumbar spinal stenosis, clinical symptoms make a considerable contribution to therapeutic decision-making. With the anatomical classification, differentiated surgical decompression of the spinal canal can be planned.

[Diagnostics and treatment decisions in acute compartment syndrome. Results of a survey in German hospitals]. / Diagnostik und Therapieentscheidung beim akuten Kompartmentsyndrom. Ergebnisse einer Umfrage in deutschen Kliniken.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The presented survey was intended to evaluate whether a standardization of diagnostics and therapy for acute compartment syndrome has been achieved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: University hospitals, academic teaching hospitals, and county hospitals in Germany were included. RESULTS: A total of 38% (n=120) of all contacted hospitals participated in this study with questions mainly answered by consulting physicians (68%). In general the importance of the clinical examination was considered as being more important than other diagnostic measures. In cases where further diagnostics were necessary, the intramuscular pressure measurement was used most frequently. Of the participants 50% performed surgical fasciotomy based on the clinical examination in combination with the intramuscular pressure measurement; however, there were considerable differences between the participating hospitals with respect to the anatomical position of intramuscular measurements, the limiting value of the intramuscular pressure and the surgical technique for performing fasciotomy. CONCLUSION: According to the presented analysis the diagnosis and indications for surgical treatment in patients developing an acute compartment syndrome do not seem to be sufficiently clarified. The establishment of unified treatment guidelines could help to reduce the number of delayed diagnoses of compartment syndrome.

Measurement of compartment elasticity using pressure related ultrasound: a method to identify patients with potential compartment syndrome.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Decision-making in treatment of an acute compartment syndrome is based on clinical assessment, supported by invasive monitoring. Thus, evolving compartment syndrome may require repeated pressure measurements. In suspected cases of potential compartment syndromes clinical assessment alone seems to be unreliable. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a non-invasive application estimating whole compartmental elasticity by ultrasound, which may improve accuracy of diagnostics. MATERIAL AND METHODS In an in-vitro model, using an artificial container simulating dimensions of the human anterior tibial compartment, intracompartmental pressures (p) were raised subsequently up to 80 mm Hg by infusion of saline solution. The compartmental depth (mm) in the cross-section view was measured before and after manual probe compression (100 mm Hg) upon the surface resulting in a linear compartmental displacement (Δd). This was repeated at rising compartmental pressures. The resulting displacements were related to the corresponding intra-compartmental pressures simulated in our model. A hypothesized relationship between pressures related compartmental displacement and the elasticity at elevated compartment pressures was investigated. RESULTS With rising compartmental pressures, a non-linear, reciprocal proportional relation between the displacement (mm) and the intra-compartmental pressure (mm Hg) occurred. The Pearson's coefficient showed a high correlation (r2 = -0.960). The intraobserver reliability value kappa resulted in a statistically high reliability (κ = 0.840). The inter-observer value indicated a fair reliability (κ = 0.640). CONCLUSIONS Our model reveals that a strong correlation between compartmental strain displacements assessed by ultrasound and the intra-compartmental pressure changes occurs. Further studies are required to prove whether this assessment is transferable to human muscle tissue. Determining the complete compartmental elasticity by ultrasound enhancement, this application may improve detection of early signs of potential compartment syndrome. Key words: compartment syndrome, intra-compartmental pressure, non-invasive diagnostic, elasticity measurement, elastography.

[The Anterior "Triple-/Quadruple" Technique for C1/C2 Trauma in the Elderly: First Experience with 16 Patients]. / Die ventrale "Triple-/Quadruple"-Schraubenosteosynthese für die traumatische C1-C2-Kombinationsverletzung des geriatrischen Patienten: erste operative Erfahrungen mit 16 Patienten.

INTRODUCTION: In geriatric patients the management of odontoid type II fractures is complicated by osteoporosis and atlantoaxial arthritis (spondylarthritis C1/C2) with an increased lever arm. Furthermore, a few of the odontoid fractures are accompanied by an atlas fracture resulting in the "atlantoaxial unhappy triad". Posterior C1/C2 spondylodesis with bilateral Magerl screws and C1 hooks is a strong biomechanical construct, however, the posterior approach is associated with several drawbacks such as increased risk of infection and increased blood loss. In contrast, the anterior bilateral C1/C2 transarticular screw fixation with additional odontoid screw fixation is also a known technique. Advantages of the anterior approach are shorter surgery time, lower intraoperative blood loss and lower risk of infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all geriatric patients with an atlantoaxial arthritis and odontoid or combined atlantoaxial fracture treated at our institution between 01/2012 and 12/2014 with an anterior screw fixation were included. Following closed reduction, the surgical management was performed over a standard right anterior approach. At the end of surgery, operation time and blood loss were documented. During the hospital stay radiological follow-up of the upper cervical spine were performed to analyse the screw position. We also report the length of stay on intensive care unit, the hospital course and demographic data of the patients. Follow-up was planned after 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 18 months. During follow-up COMI evaluation and X-rays of the cervical spine were made. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This study included 16 patients who underwent surgery for C1-C2 lesions. There were 9 females and 7 males. Median age at the time of operation was 76 years. At the time of surgery, fractures were classified as follows: 8 patients showed an "atlantoaxial unhappy triad", 8 patients had a type II odontoid fracture complicated by osteoporosis and atlantoaxial arthritis (spondylarthritis C1/C2). Average time for operative treatment was 100 ± 36.35 minutes with a median intraoperative fluoroscopy time of 161 seconds. The intraoperative blood loss was minimal (45 ± 22.80 ml). Length of stay was documented with 10 (± 4.60) days whereby the patients spent on average 0.8 days in the intensive care unit postoperatively. No serious morbidities, such as esophageal perforation, carotid artery laceration, neurological deterioration, and airway obstruction were reported. All cases of transient dysphagia resolved gradually and spontaneously without therapy. In 4 cases (25 %) we detected a penetration of the atlantooccipital joint without functional impairment. In one case we have seen an implant failure. The technique of anterior screw fixation of odontoid and bilateral transarticular C1-C2 anterior screw fixation provides a fast surgery without higher morbidity. Based on our findings, this technique and its feasibility is an alternative to known posterior C1/C2 spondylodesis in the elderly.

Biomechanical properties of different external fixator frame configurations.

PURPOSE: External fixators are easy to apply and maximize soft tissue preservation. However, frames need providing an adequate stiffness in order to avoid excessive interfragmentary movement during the healing period. We characterized the stiffness of four different configurations of the newly developed Hoffmann 3 external fixation system. METHODS: A synthetic fracture gap model was stabilized using four different frame configurations: a double-∅ 11 mm rod configuration (group DR), a hybrid double-∅ 8 mm rod configuration (group H), a single ∅ 11 mm rod direct link configuration (group DL) and a single ∅ 11 mm rod side arm configuration (group SA). The stiffness of each configuration was measured under anterior-posterior bending, medial-lateral bending and axial torsion loading directions and the results statistically compared. RESULTS: The basic frame construct (group DR) showed the highest bending and torsional stiffness properties while the single rod side arm configuration (group SA) the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: The diameter and the amount of used connecting rods as well as the adequate placement of these rods towards the main loading directions determine the construct stiffness. These results could help the surgeons estimating how different frames can potentially affect the interfragmentary motion. This information might help in choosing specific configuration when treating different fracture types on given patients.

Assessment of elevated compartment pressures by pressure-related ultrasound: a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: There is a risk of misinterpreting the clinical signs of acute compartment syndrome of the lower limb resulting in delayed fasciotomy. Up to date, the diagnosis of compartment syndrome is based on clinical assessment and of invasive needle pressure measurement in uncertain cases. Close monitoring is necessary for early recognition of raising compartment pressures. Clinical assessment of muscle firmness by the physician's palpation alone is unreliable. Thus, a device objectifying this assessment would be beneficial. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of muscle compartment elasticity measurements by a novel and non-invasive device using pressure-related ultrasound. METHODS: In a cadaveric model, the anterior tibial compartment was prepared to simulate raising intra-compartmental pressures (0-80 mmHg) by saline infusion. Standard invasive pressure monitoring was compared with a novel method to determine tissue elasticity. Changing cross-sectional view in B-mode ultrasound was exerted to measure the compartment depth before and after physician's probe compression of 100 mmHg. Compartment displacement (∆d) was measured and related to the corresponding compartmental pressure (Spearman correlation coefficient). Delta (mm) of the control group at 10 mmHg compartment pressure was compared with measured data at rising compartmental pressures of 30, 50, and 70 mmHg using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The intra-observer reliability (κ) was additionally calculated. RESULTS: Fresh and never frozen lower human limbs (n = 6) were used. The average displacement measured in the anterior tibial compartment was 2.7 mm (0.3-6.7 mm). A concordant consistent correlation between the compartmental displacement and the intra-compartmental pressure occurred. The Spearman coefficient (r s = 0.979) showed a significant correlation between the rising pressure and the decreasing tissue displacement visualized by ultrasound. The intra-observer value kappa showed reliable values (κ 10 = 0.73, κ 30 = 0.80, and κ 70 = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: We introduce a new method of ultrasound imaging enhanced with probe pressure measurement to determine changes of the visco-elastic behavior of isolated muscle compartments. Pressure-related ultrasound could be a reliable tool to determine the correlation between the measured compartmental displacement and the increasing intra-compartmental pressure. Its accuracy revealed promising results. This technique may help the physician to objectify the clinical assessment of compartment elasticity, mainly indicated in cases of unconscious patients and imminent pathology. Further clinical studies and improvements of this technique are required to prove its accuracy and reliability in cases of compartment syndrome.

Reconstruction of a quadriceps tendon tear using Polyvinylidene fluoride sutures and patellar screw fixation: A biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Acute quadriceps tendon tears are infrequent injuries requiring surgical treatment. Improved stability after surgical repair may allow for earlier weight-bearing and range of motion. Therefore, a new implant was tested and compared with the "gold standard", using transosseous sutures. METHODS: Quadriceps tendon tears were constructed using a cadaveric model of 12 fresh matched-pair specimens (aged 61-97; mean age: 82 years). The biomechanical testing compared non-absorbable suture anchors (Polyvinylidene fluoride) versus transosseous absorbable sutures (Polydioxanon). Following anatomic reconstruction, the repaired specimens were loaded until they failed (testing machine: Hounsfield H10KM, Redhill, United Kingdom; maximum force: 1000 N; load speed: 25 mm/min; maximum test length: 150 mm; pre-load: 5 N). Values for load until tear displacement, maximum load until complete failure of the construct (pullout or breakage of the sutures or anchors) and stiffness of the reconstruction were recorded. RESULTS: The stiffness found in the Polyvinylidene fluoride reconstruction (mean 9.83 N/mm) (standard deviation (SD) 7.75) showed a significant increase compared to the Polydioxanon reconstruction (mean 6.66 N/mm (SD 3.32); P=0.045). Transosseous fixation showed comparable results to the suture anchor system. There was no significant difference found in the maximum load to tear displacement (PVDF: 290.88 N (SD 106.01) vs. PDS: 266.75 N (SD 82.61); P=0.358). CONCLUSIONS: Using the Polyvinylidene fluoride thread showed comparable results to the established method in reconstruction of ruptured quadriceps tendon. Stiffness of the Polyvinylidene fluoride thread reconstruction was even greater than Polydioxanon thread. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Improved stiffness may facilitate healing and is suggested as clinical relevance in reconstruction.

[Percutaneous stabilization of the thoracic and lumbar spine with active intraoperative reduction]. / Perkutane dorsale Stabilisierung der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsäule mit aktiver intraoperativer Repositionsmöglichkeit.

OBJECTIVE: Operative treatment of vertebral fractures is focused on stabilization of the spine and decompression of the spinal cord and nerves. In German-speaking countries, it is common to restore the sagittal profile by fracture reduction. The use of percutaneous systems has been limited due to inferior reduction possibilities compared to open systems. The improved reduction options offered by newer percutaneous systems extend their application to highly deformed fractures. INDICATIONS: Unstable thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral spine fractures; unacceptable spinal deformities. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Need for open decompression or cross-bracing; relative contraindication: obesity or cachexia. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: 3 cm skin incision 1.5 cm lateral to the radiological border of the pedicle. Incision of the fascia and blunt preparation to the facet joints. Guidewire placement via fluoroscopy. Tapping and cannulated screw setting. Insertion of the longitudinal rods and reduction using special reduction tools. Rod fixation with locking caps, wound closure, dressing. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Pain-related mobilization, physiotherapy, indication for anterior fusion to be considered. RESULTS: In 2012, 80 patients (42 female, 38 male) with a mean age of 59.7 years received posterior stabilization (27 open, 53 percutaneous). Intraoperative radiation was significantly higher in the percutaneous group compared with the open group (percutaneous: 212 s; open: 146 s; p < 0.05), while the length of surgical treatment was significantly shorter (percutaneous: 107 min; open: 143 min; p < 0.05). Accuracy of screw positioning and the amount of reduction was similar in both groups. Major complications did not occur.

[Acute extremity compartment syndrome: current concepts in diagnostics and therapy]. / Das akute Kompartmentsyndrom der Extremitäten: Diagnostik und Behandlungsmanagement.

Acute compartment syndrome of the upper and lower limbs is observed following trauma, reperfusion or as an intraoperative complication caused by positioning. The pathophysiology of the disorder has been extensively described and is well known as a loss of perfusion due to rising compartmental pressures. It is a serious and potentially limb- and life-threatening complication. Early diagnosis is made primarily based on clinical findings. Early and focused therapy is crucial to prevent the devastating complications of this acute condition. However, diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in unconscious patients. Thus, in uncertain cases, pressure measurements are essential. Dermato-fasciotomy is the routine method to decompress the compartmental space. This review article examines the clinical findings, diagnostic techniques, and management options for the patient with musculoskeletal injuries.

Treatment of parturition-induced rupture of pubic symphysis after spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Parturition-induced rupture of pubic symphysis is an uncommon but severe complication of delivery. Characteristic symptoms are an immediate onset of suprapubic and/or sacroiliac pain within the first 24 hours postpartum, often accompanied by an audible crack. Diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging including X-ray, Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. However, there is no consensus on the optimal therapy. Conservative treatment is predominantly used. It has been reported that, in cases of extreme symphyseal rupture with pelvic instability or persisting pain after conservative therapy, operative treatment achieves a successful outcome. In this report, we present a case of a twenty-year-old primigravida who developed suprapubic pain after a nonoperative vaginal birth with shoulder dystocia. A rupture of pubic symphysis with a gap of 60 mm was confirmed by means of X-ray and MRI. Simultaneously, other pelvic joint injuries could be excluded. Operative treatment by an open reduction and internal plate fixation yielded excellent results.

Partial rupture of the hamstring muscle complex: a literature review on treatment options.

Injuries of the hamstring muscle complex (HMC) often affect athletes participating in specific sporting activities. Mild injuries that constitute a mere strain of the muscle can be managed symptomatically, while severe injuries often require surgical intervention to precipitate a return to function. Neglected injuries usually result in a long-term functional impairment. Therefore, surgical reconstruction of the HMC is advised for both partial and complete lesions. Without acute repair, a chronic lesion referred to as hamstring syndrome can result due to dysfunction of the HMC. Surgical intervention is usually recommended. A case of a chronic severe partial injury to the HMC managed conservatively in a 49-year old female is presented to illustrate the level of function that can be achieved after non-operative management. The clinical and radiological findings are presented 18 months post-injury along with a review of the current literature. There are no previous reports in the literature describing this scenario. This case indicates the need for re-evaluation in treatment options in partial hamstring muscle ruptures. A surgical treatment of partial rupture should be considered more often as an adequate treatment option and cofactors that influence the prognosis must be revealed. The indication of surgical intervention should be re-evaluated within the first months in case of conservative treatment.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) reliably detects critical perfusion changes in compartmental muscle: a model in healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differentiation between physiological and simulated pathophysiological lower limb muscle perfusion pressures in healthy volunteers. METHODS: The lower limb muscle perfusion pressures in eight healthy volunteers were assessed in the supine position (as a control) and then subsequently in an elevated position with a thigh tourniquet applied to induce venous stasis. An intravenous bolus injection of 2.5 ml contrast agent was given to create a perfusion signal, which was measured with a multiple-frequency probe. Semiquantitative analysis was performed using specific software to create a perfusion curve which allowed measurement of six parameters: the time to arrival (TTA) starting from bolus application (s); peak of signal intensity (%); time to peak (TTP) maximum (seconds); regional blood volume (RBV), regional blood flow (RBF), and mean transit time (MTT) in seconds. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test as a non-parametric test (IBM SPSS statistics, version 21, USA). RESULTS: The group of simulated hypoperfusion showed significant higher values for TTA (39.8 ± 5.1 s) (p = 0.028), TTP (43.8 ± 13.6 s) (p = 0.003), RBV (8,424 ± 5,405) (p = 0.028), and MTT (262 ± 90.6 s) (p = 0.005). In contrast, the parameter of regional blood flow (32.1 ± 10.9) was significantly lower (p = 0.038). The peak signal intensity (25.8 ± 8.2 %) was lower, but this was not significant (p = 0.083). CONCLUSIONS: CEUS provides a reliable non-invasive imaging modality for the assessment of lower limb muscle perfusion pressures. This may be of clinical use in the assessment of a developing compartment syndrome. Further clinical studies are required to further define its accuracy and reproducibility.

A meta-analysis of operative versus nonoperative treatment in 463 scapular neck fractures.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Treatment of scapular neck fractures remains controversial. Advantages of surgical treatments, such as anatomical restoration of fracture displacement, are counterbalanced by approach morbidity. We conducted a meta-analysis of 463 scapular neck fractures and compared clinical, functional, and radiographical outcomes in operatively and nonoperatively treated scapular neck fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted, including the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Manuscripts were included if they reported a precise description of treatment, complications, functional outcomes, and/or radiographic evaluation. Data about day-to-day activities, level of pain-freeness, range of motion, functional grading, and radiographical assessment were pooled and compared using fixed effects models. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A total of 22 manuscripts were relevant, including 1 prospective cohort study and 21 retrospective studies. The studies showed a high heterogeneity in the result assessment. Most patients had concomitant injuries. In total, 234 out of the 463 fractures were treated operatively. Pain-freeness and radiographic outcome measurements were significantly better in the operatively treated group, whereas range of motion was significantly improved in the nonoperative treated patients. Complication rate for surgical treatment was about 10%. From the achievable data, there was no bias detected when comparing the two treatment groups. However, those data could not be analyzed for all included studies. For the same reason, the role of additional surgical treatment for concomitant injuries to the shoulder girdle could not be cleared completely. Caution should be exercised, and individual injury patterns have to be taken into consideration when considering the best treatment options.

The long-term clinical outcome after pelvic ring injuries.

We report the functional and socioeconomic long-term outcome of patients with pelvic ring injuries. We identified 109 patients treated at a Level I trauma centre between 1973 and 1990 with multiple blunt orthopaedic injuries including an injury to the pelvic ring, with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥ 16. These patients were invited for clinical review at a minimum of ten years after the initial injury, at which point functional results, general health scores and socioeconomic factors were assessed. In all 33 isolated anterior (group A), 33 isolated posterior (group P) and 43 combined anterior/posterior pelvic ring injuries (group A/P) were included. The mean age of the patients at injury was 28.8 years (5 to 55) and the mean ISS was 22.7 (16 to 44). At review the mean Short-Form 12 physical component score for the A/P group was 38.71 (22.12 to 56.56) and the mean Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome subjective score was 67.27 (12.48 to 147.42), being significantly worse compared with the other two groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.024, respectively). A total of 42 patients (39%) had a limp and 12 (11%) required crutches. Car or public transport usage was restricted in 16 patients (15%). Overall patients in groups P and A/P had a worse outcome. The long-term outcome of patients with posterior or combined anterior/posterior pelvic ring injuries is poorer than of those with an isolated anterior injury.

[Therapy of chronic osteomyelitis: soft tissues as "key to success"]. / Therapie der chronischen Osteomyelitis: Die Weichteile als "Schlüssel zum Erfolg"

Chronic osteomyelitis is a severe complication characterized by soft tissue and bone pathogenic infection resulting in osseous destruction. Surgical management is demanding and poses a challenge in achieving the goals of treatment, which are control of infection, bone healing as well as satisfactory functional outcome. Therapeutic strategies are based on a combined application of radical surgery and systemic antibiotic therapy. The bony defects which remain after extensive debridement have to be reconstructed with bone grafting after soft tissue coverage and the healing process is decisive for a successful outcome.