[Reconstruction of osteochondral defects with a collagen I hydrogel. Results of a prospective multicenter study]. / Rekonstruktion von Gelenkknorpeldefekten mit einem Kollagen-I-Hydrogel. Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Multicenterstudie.

STUDY GOALS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of CaReS®, a type I collagen hydrogel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation technique, for the treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee (Outerbridge grades III and IV) within a prospective multicenter study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 116 patients in 9 clinical centers were treated with CaReS between 2003 and 2008. The Cartilage Injury Evaluation Package 2000 of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) was employed for data acquisition and included the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC score), the pain level (visual analog scale, VAS), the physical and mental SF-36 score, the overall treatment satisfaction and the functional IKDC status of the indexed knee. Follow-up evaluation was performed 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and annually thereafter. RESULTS: The mean defect size treated was 5.4 ± 2.7 cm(2) with 30% of the cartilage defects being ≤4 cm(2) and 70% ≥4 cm(2). The mean follow-up period was 30.2 ± 17.4 months (minimum 12 months and maximum 60 months). The mean IKDC score significantly improved from 42.4 ± 13.8 preoperatively to 70.5 ± 18.7 (p < 0.01) in the mean follow-up period. Global pain level significantly decreased (p < 0.001) from 6.7 ± 2.2 preoperatively to 3.2 ± 3.1 at the latest follow-up. Both the physical and mental components of the SF-36 score significantly increased. At the latest follow-up 80% of the patients rated the overall treatment satisfaction as either good or very good. The functional IKDC knee status clearly improved from preoperative to the latest follow-up when 23.4% of the patients reported having no restriction of knee function (I), 56.3% had mild restriction (II), 17,2% had moderate restriction (III) and 3.1% revealed severe restriction (IV). CONCLUSIONS: The CaReS technique is a clinically effective and safe method for the reconstruction of isolated osteochondral defects of the knee joint and reveals promising clinical outcome up to 5 years after surgery. A longer follow-up period and larger patient cohorts are needed to evaluate the sustainability of CaReS treatment.

[Short- and Medium-Term Results of Total Elbow Arthroplasty after Trauma]. / Kurz- und mittelfristige Ergebnisse der Ellenbogenarthroplastik nach Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of distal humerus fractures by open reduction and internal fixation, especially in elderly patients, does not always result in satisfactory outcomes. Previous studies show good outcomes in total joint replacement of these fractures. The objective of this study is to present our experience with primary and secondary implantation of a semiconstrained elbow prosthesis after trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In two study centers, between 2003 and 2009, a total of 44 patients (34 women and 10 men) with an average age of 65 years were treated primarily (n = 19) or secondarily (n = 25) by semiconstrained total elbow replacement after distal humerus fractures. Primary treatment referred exclusively to 13C2 and 13C3 fractures according to the AO/ASIF-classification, except for two cases. Indications for secondary elbow arthroplasty were post-traumatic arthrosis (n = 10), non-union of the bone (n = 6), failed osteosynthesis (n = 5), post-traumatic chronic luxation (n = 2) and severe bony defect situation after chronic osteitis (n = 2). In two cases a prostheses exchange for a periprosthetic fracture after fall was performed. Clinical outcome was radiologically controlled and measured by the use of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and DASH score after a mean follow-up of 38 (13 to 96) months. RESULTS: 33 Patients (75 %) had a follow-up examination clinically and radiologically. Mayo Elbow Performance Score was excellent or good in 27 (82 %) cases with a mean of 87 points (primary group 87 vs. secondary group 86). The average DASH score was 28 points (primary group 24 vs. secondary group 32). The flexion was on average 131° (110 to 145°), the extension deficit 30° (0 to 80°) to neutral position and the range of motion was 100° (40 to 145°) (primary group 102° vs. secondary group 97°). The mean operation time was 141 (100 to 250) minutes (primary group 138 vs. secondary group 144 min.). The length of stay in hospital was on average 15 days. Complications occurred due to ulnar paresthesia (n = 4), deep infection (n = 6), periprosthetic ulna fracture (n = 1), heterotopic ossifications requiring intervention (n = 1), elbow stiffness (n = 1), triceps insufficiency (n = 5) and triceps avulsion (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Primary elbow joint replacement seems to be a promising alternative for distal humerus fractures without a sufficient reconstruction opportunity, showing encouraging short- and medium-term results in the elderly. Secondary replacement can achieve satisfying results in failed osteosynthesis, non-union of the bone or post-traumatic arthrosis as well. The rate of complications and revisions is high.

[Operative treatment of femoral head fractures through an anterior minimally invasive incision]. / Osteosynthese der Pipkin-II-Fraktur über den minimalinvasiven anterioren Zugang.

Fractures of the femoral head rarely occur and are often combined with dislocation of the hip joint. A separate classification of the femoral head fracture was described in 1957 by Pipkin. The operative treatment depends on the type of injury and requires extensive knowledge of the various operative approaches. We report on a 40-year-old female patient with Pipkin II fracture and operative treatment of the injury through an anterior minimally invasive incision. We present a review of the literature, evaluate the type of fractures, the kind of approaches and treatment and the long-term results. The dislocation of the hip should be treated by prompt closed reduction followed by traction and immobilization. Open reduction and internal fixation of Pipkin fractures depends on the presence of an obstructive fragment, an inability to obtain and maintain reduction of either the dislocation of the fracture or both and comminution of the fracture bone. When closed methods have failed operation is indicated. The operative treatment may include the excision of small fragments, the internal fixation with bioabsorbable screws, Herbert screws and the internal fixation of femoral neck fractures and acetabular fractures. In some cases salvage procedures like endoprotheses are necessary.