[Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications of Knee Dislocation: a Retrospective Study]. / Diagnostika, terapie a komplikace luxace kolenního kloubu: retrospektivní studie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Acute knee dislocation is a less common injury of the knee joint. It is, however, a serious injury with a high rate of nerve and vascular damage and it is considered a limb threatening injury with long-term functional disability, which can ultimately lead to amputation. Knee dislocations constitute less than 0.5% of all joint dislocations. Most of these injuries occur in highenergy traumas and careful diagnosis can identify the patient at risk of this injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS The total number of patients with knee dislocation was 37. The incidence of knee dislocation was 2.5 patients per year. The mean age of patients was 49 years. After the evaluation of blood supply to the limb and before the examination of the ligament injury, routine X-ray views of the affected joint were performed. It was necessary to confirm good blood supply of the limb, in which knee dislocation had been suspected. In patients with reduced knee joint and asymmetric pulses in the lower limb, CT angiography was indicated. The absence of peripheral pulses and the presence of serious clinical signs of peripheral blood supply disruption in case of the reduced knee or irreducible knee dislocation necessitated immediate revision by a vascular surgeon performed in the operating room. RESULTS Dislocation of the knee without TKA (a total of 34 cases) was caused by a high-energy trauma in 19 cases (56%) and in 7 cases (21%) it was a part of polytrauma. The most common was a motorcycle accident, namely in 7 cases (21%). In 12 cases (35%), it was a low-energy trauma, a fall or a slip while walking. In three cases (9%), the patients suffered an open knee dislocation. In 18 patients (47%), no knee surgery was performed. The knee ligament injury was treated non-operatively through knee brace fixation. An open revision with sutures of injured ligament structures and knee capsule was performed in 16 patients (42%). In two cases, above-the-knee amputation was done. External fixation was performed in two polytrauma patients. Three cases of infectious complications were reported. Nerve lesions were observed in 9 cases (25%). Vascular lesions were recorded in 9 cases (25%). Deep vein thrombosis was observed in three cases in our study group. The Lysholm knee questionnaire was used to assess subjective difficulties. DISCUSSION In agreement with the literature, these injuries occur most frequently when riding on motorcycle. The patients, in whom a vascular lesion was identified and revascularisation performed within 8 hours, showed a significantly lower incidence of amputations (11%) compared to those who underwent surgery after 8 hours (86%). Majority of vascular surgeons consider 6 hours to be the time limit for the performance of vascular reconstruction since a surgery performed after 6 hours is accompanied by a higher complication rate. Currently, the aim of the final treatment is to perform anatomic suture or reconstruction of knee ligaments and meniscus to achieve a stable, pain-free, functional knee and to prevent any complications. CONCLUSIONS Knee joint dislocation ranks among less common injuries that can be accompanied by a vascular injury in 20% on average and a nerve lesion in 10-40% (around 25% on average). A negative X-ray in spontaneous reduction of knee dislocation can be misleading for proper diagnosis. It is crucial to rule out a vascular injury that might be a limb threatening. In case of a vascular lesion, an early reconstruction of vascular supply is necessary within 6 hours after the injury. The revascularisation performed later is accompanied by a high risk of complications and can ultimately lead to above-the-knee amputation. It is most appropriate to refer such serious injuries to specialised trauma centres that avail of necessary equipment and experience with treating the patients who sustained such complicated orthopaedic injuries. As to the ligament reconstruction, most surgeons prefer to postpone the procedure in majority of cases by 10-14 days. Key words: knee dislocation, vascular injury, neurologic injury, ligament reconstruction, irreducible dislocation.

Creatine Kinase and Myoglobin Levels as Indicators of Perioperative Muscle Damage during Open- and Mini-Invasive Stabilization of Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fracture - a Prospective Randomized Study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In this randomized prospective study, we monitored and compared perioperative changes in skeletal muscle enzymes blood levels in open and mini-invasive stabilization of thoracolumbar spine fractures. The established hypothesis was to confirm higher blood levels of muscle enzymes in open stabilization. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 38 patients with the mean age of 46.4 years. 19 injuries were managed in an open procedure and 19 procedures were mini-invasive. Venous blood was taken intermittently at short intervals to determine the levels of skeletal muscle enzymes. The catalytic concentration of creatine kinase was determined via an enzymatic UV-test, and the concentration of myoglobin via electro-chemiluminescent immunoassay. Enzyme levels were processed statistically. The Wilcoxon test was used. RESULTS The median increase in the values of both enzymes is higher in the mini-invasive method than in the open method in both the surgery phase for the injury and in the extraction phase. The median increase in the values of both enzymes is higher in both methods for the primary procedure phase compared to the extraction phase. All results are statistically significant at p of <0.05. All tests were calculated using the MATLAB Statistics Toolbox. DISCUSSION A very surprising finding, when testing the hypothesis of the levels increasing mainly in open stabilization, was confirming the opposite. Both enzymes were higher in the mini-invasive approach to stabilising the spine after the injury, but also after the extraction. This contradicts the available literature. However, this can be explained by the methodology of enzyme levels determination in the previously published studies. We believe that this phenomenon can be partially caused by an iatrogenic mini-compartment of muscles in the postoperative period, absence of wound drainage, but also by higher muscle contusion when inserting bolts through the tubes via small incisions, when the tubes penetrate to the entry points relatively violently and the muscles in this area are affected more than in the classical skeletization. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of biochemical changes in open and mini-invasive surgery did not confirm the hypothesis that levels of creatine kinase and myoglobin enzymes increase especially in open stabilization. On the contrary, they were statistically significantly higher in mini-invasive procedures. Key words: creatine kinase, myoglobin, muscle enzymes, spine fracture, spine surgery, miniinvasive surgery.

[Outcomes of Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures Using Locking Compression Plate with or without Augmentation]. / Výsledky lécení zlomeniny patní kosti LCP dlahou s augmentací a bez augmentace.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The retrospective study aims to compare the outcomes of augmentation of neutral triangle formed after the calcaneal fracture reduction with osteosynthesis using the locking compression plate with the outcomes of osteosynthesis without augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period from 2005 to January 2011, 98 patients with 114 calcaneal fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) method with the use of calcaneal plate. The group included 15 women (15.3%) and 83 men (84.7%), with the mean age of 39.2 years (12-62 years). There were 16 cases of bilateral calcaneal fractures, of which 2 in women (12.5%) and 14 in men (87.5%). The fractures were classified based on the Sanders classification as Type I -IV. The patients with Type II and III fracture according to the Sanders classification were indicated for surgical treatment with ORIF using the calcaneal LCP. The defect in the region of neutral triangle of the calcaneus was filled with the injectable hydroxyapatite cement. The cohort of operated patients was evaluated based on the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) Clinical Rating System. The bilateral fractures were not evaluated. This group shows a substantially higher occurrence of associated injuries, which causes strong distortion of results. RESULTS The cohort of 82 operated patients with Sanders Type II and III fractures were evaluated. In 20 fractures (24.4%) the defect in the calcaneus body was filled with hydroxyapatite cement. In osteosynthesis without defect augmentation an excellent result was achieved in 21 patients (33.9%). A good result was reported in 24 patients (38.7%), a satisfactory result in 12 patients (19.4%) and a poor result in 5 patients (8.0%). In patients with osteosynthesis of the calcaneus with augmentation, an excellent result was achieved in 6 cases (30%), a good result in 5 cases (25%), a satisfactory result in 7 cases (35%) and a poor result in 2 cases (10%). Early postoperative complications were observed in a total of 13 patients (15.8%). In osteosynthesis without defect augmentation, there were 2 cases of wound dehiscence (3.2%), 3 cases of marginal skin necrosis (4.8%), 4 cases of superficial wound infection (6.4%) and 1 case of deep wound infection (1.6%). In patients with performed augmentation, wound dehiscence was seen in 1 case (5%), superficial wound infection in 1 case (5%) and superficial marginal skin necrosis in 1 case (5%). Deep wound infection was not reported in this group. DISCUSSION A question frequently discussed is the filling of defect in the diaphysis of calcaneus. Brodt et al. state a statistically higher stability of the calcaneus in osteosynthesis with augmentation, but he does not use the locking plate. Longino in his study compares the results of calcaneal osteosynthesis with spongioplasty with a graft from pelvis and without it and does not observe any major differences in the final outcome in his cohort. Elsner evaluates the results in 18 patients, in whom calcium phosphate cement augmentation was used for osteosynthesis. Over the period of three years he did not observe a higher rate of complications. Schildhauer assesses the early load of the calcaneus with tricalcium phosphate cement augmentation. After three weeks of full loading no loss of reduction was found. Thordarson evaluates 11 operated patients with Sanders type II and III calcaneal fracture. The defect of the calcaneus was filled by calcium phosphate cement. In this small group 1 case of serious infection complication and 1 loss of reduction with full load at six weeks after the surgery were observed. In our group no differences were observed between the outcomes of patients with performed or not performed defect augmentation in the neutral triangle site. A higher percentage of complications in patients with filled defect of the calcaneus was not observed either. CONCLUSIONS The operative treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures consisting of open reduction from extended lateral approach and internal calcaneal LCP fixation brings good results. We concluded that there is no statistically significant difference in the results of osteosynthesis with a locking plate alone and combined with augmentation of diaphyseal defect of the calcaneus. Filling of the diaphyseal defect in the calcaneus is not necessary, it neither accelerates the healing, nor brings better treatment outcomes Key words: calcaneal fracture, cement augmentation of defect, locking plate, extended lateral approach.

[Treatment of Periprosthetic Distal Femoral Fractures]. / Lécení periprotetických zlomenin distálního femuru.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFF) constitute an unpleasant complication in patients with a total knee replacement (TKR). The incidence reported in literature is 0.3-2.5 %. The number of periprosthetic knee fractures has been increasing due to the ageing of population, a growing number of implants, a longer life expectancy of patients, a more intensive physical activity of patients, and osteoporosis. Most of these fractures are treated surgically, non-surgical treatment is reserved solely for patients unable to undergo a surgery for general health conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our retrospective study evaluated the group of patients with PDFF who were treated at out department in the period 2007- 2016 and 2,975 primary TKR were performed. The total number of patients with PDFF was 56. The mean age of patients with PDFF was 77 years (56-94 years) and at the time of fracture the mean age was 71 years in men and 78 years in women. The average time from the TKR to periprosthetic fracture was 8.2 years (0-20 years). The fractures were assessed using the Su classification modified by Krbec. RESULTS A primary TKR was performed in 46 cases for gonarthrosis, in 6 cases for rheumatoid arthritis and in 4 cases for secondary, post-traumatic gonarthrosis. The average incidence of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures was 5-6 cases per year. Women represented 86 %, men 14 %. Su Type I fracture was diagnosed in 25 % of cases, Su Type II fractures in 71 %, and Su Type III fractures 4 %. 52 patients with PDFF were treated surgically, in 4 cases conservative treatment was opted for. The average treatment time of PDFF to healing by callus formation was 6.6 months (3-12 months). Mortality during the first 3 months after osteosynthesis of PDFF was 9 %. A failure of osteosynthesis of PDFF was reported in 4 cases. DISCUSSION Multiple classification systems were developed to assess these fractures. The most appropriate we consider the classification of Su et al. classifying the PDFF into 3 groups, namely based on the height of the fracture line relative to the femoral component. Osteosynthesis by retrograde femoral nail is indicated for periprosthetic fractures, with sufficient bone mass in distal femur, which allows stable distal fixation. The new generation of anatomically shaped angular stable implants gives us yet another option for osteosynthesis of PDFF. Many studies point at the advantages of these implants in osteoporotic bone as against the conventional plates. CONCLUSIONS The number of PDFF has been increasing. The main methods of internal osteosynthesis continue to be the angular stable plates and the retrograde femoral nail. Preoperative planning is important to determine the type and dimensions of the existing femoral component and to distinguish whether or not it has come loose. The choice of the implant may depend on the bone mass available for distal fixation. The retrograde femoral nail is usually the most suitable method of treatment for proximal PDFF (Su Type I). The angular stable plates can be used for PDFF originating at the femoral component (Su Type II and Type III). Very distal fractures classified as Su Type III with a loose femoral component require a revision surgery with a TKR with stems. The surgeon should be prepared for a revision surgery if the intraoperative finding is more complicated than anticipated based on the preoperative radiograph. Key words:total knee arthroplasty, periprosthetic fracture, osteosynthesis.

[Traumatic Thrombosis of the Renal Artery following Seat-Belt Injury]. / Traumatická trombóza renální tepny pri seat-belt injury.

Renal artery thrombosis is a rare complication of blunt abdominal injury. It occurs most frequently in car accidents in which sudden deceleration results in multiple internal injuries. Renal artery occlusion occurs rarely as an isolated blunt trauma. This report presents a case of traumatic occlusion of the left renal artery with complete ischaemia of the left kidney in a haemodynamically stable girl who suffered multiple seat-belt injuries in a car crash. Ambiguous findings on a CT scan of the abdominal cavity indicated surgical inspection of the abdomen and, since the injury-to-surgery interval was short, an attempt at revascularisation of the left kidney was made. This was performed using laparotomy through a lateral left-side incision, as an uncommon approach to the injured organs. A seat-belt fracture of the L2/3 spine was stabilised at secondstage surgery. Key words: renal artery thrombosis, seat-belt fracture of the lumbar spine.

[Augmentation of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Patients with Symptomatic Isolated Tear of Anteromedial or Posterolateral Bundle: Evaluation of Two-Year Clinical Results]. / Augmentace predního zkrízeného vazu u pacientu se symptomatickou izolovanou rupturou anteromediální nebo posterolaterální porce: zhodnocení dvouletých klinických výsledku.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We present the results of a prospective study of patients with symptomatic partial ACL tears comparing the pre-operative findings with the clinical results at two years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients (7 women, 22 men; average age, 27.8 years) who were diagnosed with an isolated tear of the posterolateral (PL) bundle (18 patients) or the anteromedial (AM) bundle (11 patients) at 9 to 24 weeks after injury, and underwent ACL augmentation by isolated PL or AM bundle replacement, were evaluated. The characteristics assessed before surgery and at two years after it included the Lysholm and subjective IKDC scores and knee laxity measurement with a GNRB arthrometer (at 134 N and 250 N) and its assessment by the Lachman, anterior drawer and pivot shift tests. In addition, the presence of cyclop syndrome, graft failure and post-operative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The patients with isolated reconstruction of the PL bundle showed post-operatively statistically significant improvement in the degree of rotational knee laxity (p < 0.05) and the ventral knee laxity assessed by the Lachman test (p < 0.05). Postoperative improvement in the anterior drawer test results was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). The median value of side-to-side difference in knee laxity measured with the GNRB arthrometer decreased at 134 N from 1.7 mm pre-operatively to 0.8 mm at two years post-operatively (p < 0.05) and, at 250 N, from 2.8 mm to 1.5 mm (p < 0.05). The median Lysholm score increased from 74 to 91 points at two post-operative years and the median IKDC score improved from 76 to 92 points (p < 0.05). Graft failure was reported in one patient (5.6%) and 14 subjects (77.8%) reported return to pre-injury sports activities. The patients undergoing isolated reconstruction of the AM bundle achieved, at two years after surgery, a statistically significant decrease in positivity of the Lachman and anterior drawer tests (p < 0.05), while the results of the pivot shift test did not improve significantly (p = 0.09). The decrease in median values of side-to-side difference in knee laxity measured with the GNRB arthrometer was from pre-operative 3.1 mm to 1.2 mm at 134 N (p < 0.05) and from 6.2 mm to 1.9 mm at 250N (p < 0.05). The median Lysholm and IKDC scores increased from 68 to 92 points and from 70 to 94 points, respectively (p < 0.05). Nine patients (81.9%) reported return to pre-injury participation in sports. Apart from early wound bleeding in one patient, no complications were recorded. DISCUSSION: By permitting maintenance of a healthy bundle and replacement of only a torn one, ACL augmentation provides several benefits. It allows for accelerated revascularization and re-innervation of the graft through mechanoreceptors of the healthy portion; it enables the surgeon to get a good anatomical orientation and achieve precise tunnel reaming; in addition the healthy bundle provides protection for the graft in the early post-operative period. Thus rehabilitation can be faster and also return to sports activities. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that ACL augmentation using isolated replacement of either the AM or the PL bundle brings about statistically significant improvement of all subjective and most of the objective criteria by two years after surgery.

[Open reduction and plate fixation (ORIF LCP) for treatment of bilateral calcaneal fractures]. / Výsledky lécení oboustranné zlomeniny patní kosti otevrenou repozicí a vnitrní fixací (ORIF LCP).

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Calcaneal fractures are frequent injuries which may interfere with the patient's daily activities for a long time. They usually occur as the result of an axial load causing impaction of the talus into the calcaneus. They can also be bilateral. Falls and jumps from height are the most frequent causes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August 2005 and December 2011, the method of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a calcaneal locking compression plate (LCP) was used to treat 98 patients with 114 calcaneal fractures. Of these, 16 were bilateral fractures found in two women and 14 men. In each patient, plain lateral and axial X-ray films of the calcaneus were taken on the day of injury. Computer tomography (CT) scans in the sagittal, transverse and coronary planes were obtained. Based on these, the fractures were classified as type I to type IV according to the Sanders system. The patients with type II and type III calcaneal fractures were indicated for ORIF treatment. The results were evaluated using the Rowe score. RESULTS: The most frequent cause of fracture was a fall or a jump from height, which was recorded in 81 patients. Bilateral fractures were found in 16 patients. Of the 98 patients, excellent results were in 31, good in 39, satisfactory in 20 and poor in eight patients, as assessed with the Rowe score. Unilateral fractures achieved excellent results in 28, good in 35, satisfactory in 15 and poor in four patients. The results in bilateral fractures were excellent in three, good in four, satisfactory in five and poor in four patients. Early post-operative complications were recorded in a total of 24 patients, of whom 13 had unilateral and 11 had bilateral fractures. DISCUSSION: The Sanders classification based on CT examination is used as an indication scheme in our department. Type II and type III fractures are indicated for ORIF treatment. A calcaneal LCP and an extended lateral approach are preferred. This allows for an almost perfect view of the fracture, an accurate reduction of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints and a stable internal fixation. In the patients with bilateral fractures, the occurrence of complications, multiple trauma and associated injuries was significantly higher. Also, they had less satisfactory results than the patients with unilateral fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of intra-articular fractures using open reduction from the extended lateral approach and internal fixation with a calcaneal LCP has achieved good results. CT scans are necessary for the diagnosis, fracture classification and indication for a surgical procedure. The timing of surgery plays a decisive role. Open fractures and fractures associated with severe soft tissue injury are treated urgently, other fractures at an appropriate time. Our results showed a significantly higher rate of complications in the patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures, as compared with the patients with unilateral fractures, as well as less satisfactory outcomes. High-energy trauma resulting in bilateral fractures predisposes to comminuted fractures with dislocation, which leads to more serious damage to subtalar joint function.

[Type AO/ASIF B3 fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine]. / Poranení hrudní a bederní pátere typu B3 dle AO-ASIF.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Type B3 thoracic and lumbar fractures are often found in spines with previous hyperossification processes such as ankylosing spondylarthritis (AS) or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). They occur most frequently due to high-energy trauma in a healthy spine and as fall-related domestic injury in a spine affected by hyperossification. Generally, they are less frequent than type B3 cervical spine fractures. In this retrospective study involving two centres, the incidence of these fractures, their characterisation, therapy and complications associated with them were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and March 2012, 21 patients with type B3 injuries (Magerl classification) were treated in our centres. The thoracic spine was involved in 14 and the lumbar spine in seven patients. The patients' average age was 61.8 years, with a range of 33 to 87 years. There were three women and 18 men. Six fractures occurred in previously healthy spines, five and 10 were in AS- and DISH-affected spines, respectively. The evaluation included the mechanism of injury, patient's weight and height, neurological findings, type of treatment and its result, outcome after treatment termination, complications and associated diseases and injuries. RESULTS: The mechanism of injury differed between the healthy and disease-affected spines. All five AS patients suffered low-energy fractures while patients with previously healthy spines had high-energy injuries. The DISH patients had both low- and high-energy fractures. Type B3.1.1 fractures were diagnosed in two AS patients and six DISH patients, and in no previously healthy patient. Type B3.1.2 fractures were found in one AS patient, two DISH patients and one previously healthy patient. Type B3.2 fracture occurred in one patient with a previously healthy spine, in two AS and two DISH patients. Type B3.3 fractures were in four patients with previously healthy spines. Neurological deficit was found in five injured patients, four of whom had complete paraplegia (Frankel grade A) which did not improve. One AS patient in whom the spinal fracture was associated with Frankel grade C injury improved to Frankel D after surgery. All patients had an elevated BMI, ranging from 25.1 to 41.9; the average value was 32.2, which is within grade 1 obesity. Associated injuries were found in 11 patients, mostly in those with high-energy trauma. Seventeen patients were treated surgically, four conservatively. Posterior stabilisation was carried out in 10 patients who had either AS or DISH conditions; seven patients had a short spinal stabilisation. Complications included early infection in two patients, cerebrospinal fluid fistula in one, urinary tract infection in one and confused state of mind in two patients. All patients healed well but for one patient who died at 4 months after injury due to multiple complications. DISCUSSION: In the majority of relevant publications these injuries are reported in patients suffering from hyperossification disorders such as AS or DISH. In patients with healthy spines they occur less frequently and the traumatic hyperextension mechanism must have great intensity. Fractures of a hyperossified spine are related to obesity and this was also confirmed by our study in which all patients were overweight or obese. This factor plays an important role in the hyperextension mechanism that produces a sudden overcoming of the resistance of a spinal segment to force, resulting in a type B3 fracture. CONCLUSION: A different approach to these fractures is required in comparison with other spinal fractures. Type B3 fractures have some features common with type C fractures and are frequent in spines affected by spinal disease. In hyperossification disorders, paradoxically associated with advanced osteoporosis, fracture treatment requires long instrumentation. In healthy spines, fractures are treated with short instrumentation. In AS and DISH patients, the diagnosis may be delayed because these patients suffer from chronic spine pain and the pain due to fracture may be attributed to an accelerated chronic condition.

[Lumbar total disc replacement. Short-term results]. / Mobilní náhrada bederních plotének - krátkodobé výsledky.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Motion-preservation technologies for spinal disorders have evolved and come into use in the last decade. Three principal systems are currently available: total disc replacement, posterior neutralisation transpedicular system and interspinous implants. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate our group of lumbar total disc replacements at a follow-up of 2 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 42 disc prostheses were implanted in 37 patients. Of these, 31 with 35 artificial discs were followed up for 2 years. There were 11 men and 20 women with an average age of 42.9 years (range, 21 to 61 years). The indication for surgery was lumbar disc pain without radicular syndrome and contraindications included advanced degenerative facet joint disease and obesity with a body mass index over 30. Surgery was carried out through the pararectal retroperitoneal approach. Early and late complications were recorded. The group evaluation was based on radiological outcomes, and VAS and ODI scores reported by the patients at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: The average operative time was 68 minutes (range, 36 to 120 min) for single-level lumbar total disc replacement and 92 minutes (range, 72 to 130 min) for two-level procedures. The average hospital stay was 5.2 days (range, 3 to 12). Both keels of the prosthesis were in the exact center in 25 cases, they were shifted laterally in nine cases up to 2 mm and in one case more than 2 mm. Horizontal rotation of the prosthesis was seen in two patients, but not more than 5 degrees to the left. There was no disc loosening or subsidence, and no acceleration of adjacent segment degeneration. Two patients showed heterotopic ossification. Subjective evaluation was recorded as marked improvement in 15, partial improvement in 11 and no change in five patients. None of the patients reported deterioration. Low back pain assessed by the VAS score had an average value of 66.3 before surgery and 14.1 at 2 years after surgery. The average pre-operative ODI value was 48.9 and that at 2 years post-operatively was 24.5. DISCUSSION: Pain relief evaluated by the VAS score in our study is comparable with or slightly better than is reported by the other authors. Some recorded average values for lumbago were 74 before surgery and 35 at 2 years of follow-up, or 62.3 before and 25.4 at 2 years after surgery, while our patients had the average VAS score of 66.3 before surgery and that of 18.4 at 2 years after surgery. The ODI values in our group were similar to those of other authors. When we compare this group with the group of our patients who were treated by spinal fusion surgery, the outcomes at 1 year are better in the total disc replacement group, as shown by the VAS for lumbago of 17.8 and ODI of 24.5 in the former versus the respective values of 18.1 and 29.0 in the latter group. CONCLUSION: Based on the results it can be concluded that total disc replacement is an efficient method of treating degenerative intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine in young, active and motivated patients with no posterior spinal structure degeneration.

[Vertebral body augmentation using a vertebral body stent]. / Augmentace obratlového tela vertebrálním stentem.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures can be treated by minimally invasive percutaneous vertebral augmentation with bone cement using vertebroplasty or balloon kyphoplasty. Transcutaneous reduction and vertebral body stenting has been the most recent principle. In contrast to balloon placement in kyphoplasty, the stent remains in the vertebral body and supports both the vertebral body and cement filling. In this retrospective study we present the essential information on the method and our first results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The method of vertebral body stent placement was used in 22 patients treated at 29 levels. Of these, 19 patients with 26 segments followed up for 3 months were evaluated. The group included 12 women and seven men with an average age of 68.3 years (12 to 83). The patients assessed their subjective complaints on the visual analogue scale (VAS) before surgery, and then at 1, 6 and 12 weeks post-operatively. The value of vertebral body reduction was obtained by measurement of anterior, middle and posterior vertebral body heights (AVBH, MVBH and PVBH, respectively) and a change in the vertebral body kyphotic angle (VBKA). RESULTS: Twenty-four vertebrae were treated for osteoporotic fracture and two as preventive stenting in metastatic breast cancer. In 24 fractures, the stents extended fully in 20 vertebrae, i.e., 40 stents. These fractures evidently were not older than 3 months. In four segments, a total of eight stents did not extend at all or did only slightly. The 20 stabilised vertebral bodies had an average AVBH value of 19.41 mm pre-operatively and that of 22.775 mm post-operatively, which is an average increase by 3.365 mm in absolute numbers and by 17.34 %. The average pre- and post-operative MVBH values were 16.625 mm and 23.065 mm, which was improvement by 6.41 mm or by 38.56 %. The average PVBH values pre- and post-operatively were 26.835 mm and 28.31 mm, which meant improvement by 1.475 mm or by 5.5 %. The average correction of the kyphotic angle was 4.58°, i.e., 35.2 %, from a VBKA of 11.71° pre-operatively to 7.13° post-operatively. There were five cases (22.7 %) of cement leakage, i.e., two of ventral leakage, one of lateral leakage, one of dorsal leakage through a canal left in the pedicle by cannula insertion, and a dorsal leakage in metastatic disease. No neurological findings were recorded. The average VAS scores were as follows: 81.4 before surgery, 30.6 at 1 week, 16.3 at 6 weeks and 15.4 at 12 weeks after surgery. DISCUSSION: Two experimental and one clinical study on vertebral body stenting only have been available in the recent relevant literature. In comparison with their results as well as with those of previous reports on vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, our results showed high quality fracture reduction in all vertebrae. The rapid decrease in pain intensity in our group is comparable with all available groups treated by any method of vertebral body augmentation by cement injection; and cement leakage was recorded in even fewer cases. CONCLUSIONS: The novel method of vertebral body stenting with cement augmentation provides a rapid pain relief, gives stability to fracture reduction and has a low rate of cement leakage. However, care must be taken not to indicate cases with a damaged posterior corticalis of the vertebral body.

Resynchronization pacing is a useful adjunct to the management of acute heart failure after surgery for congenital heart defects.

The acute hemodynamic effect of atrioventricular (AV) and inter/intraventricular (IV) resynchronization accomplished by temporary pacing using multiple epicardial pacing wires was evaluated in 20 children (aged 3.4 months to 14.0 years) after surgery for congenital heart defects fulfilling the following criteria: (1) presence of AV and/or IV conduction delay, and (2) need for inotropic support. AV resynchronization (n = 13) was achieved by AV delay optimization during atrial synchronous right ventricular outflow tract pacing. IV resynchronization (n = 14) was accomplished by atrial synchronous pacing from the right ventricular lateral wall in 7 patients with right bundle branch block and normal AV conduction and by atrial synchronous multisite ventricular pacing in another 7 patients with previously performed AV resynchronization. Compared with baseline values, AV resynchronization resulted in an increase in arterial systolic, mean, and pulse pressures by 7.2 +/- 8.3% (p <0.01), 8.6 +/- 8.1% (p <0.005), and 6.9 +/- 13.5% (p = NS), respectively. IV resynchronization used either alone or added to previously performed AV resynchronization led to a pressure increase of 7.0 +/- 4.7%, 5.9 +/- 4.7%, and 9.4 +/- 7.8%, respectively (p <0.001 for all). The combined effect of AV and IV resynchronization resulted in a systolic, mean, and pulse pressure increase of 10.2 +/- 5.0% (range 4.0 to 19.1), 8.6 +/- 5.4% (range 0.8 to 14.8), and 15.2 +/- 8.5% (range 6.1 to 33.3), respectively (p <0.001 for all). The increase in systolic arterial pressure after IV resynchronization was positively correlated with the initial QRS duration (r = 0.62, p <0.05) and extent of QRS shortening (r = 0.66, p <0.05). In conclusion, resynchronization pacing led to a significant increase in arterial blood pressure and was a useful adjunct to the treatment of acute postoperative heart failure in patients with AV and/or IV conduction delay.

[Congenital thrombosis of the aortic arch simulating aortic coarctation in a neonate]. / Vrozená trombóza aortálního oblouku u novorozence imitující koarktaci aorty.

The authors present the case-history of a two-day-old neonate with clinical signs of critical coarctation of the aorta where echocardiography revealed thrombosis of the aortic arch and isthmus. By surgery it was impossible to remove the organized thrombus from the aorta, therefore the portion of the aorta with the thrombus was resected and the aorta was reconstructed by an end-to-end anastomosis. After surgery long-term anticoagulation treatment with Warfarin was started. Examination of haemocoagulation factors, incl. proteins C and S and antithrombin III revealed normal findings. The test for lupus erythematosus was also negative. From the case-history of the mother's pregnancy the cause of the serious congenital aortic thrombosis could not be traced. The child is all right after surgery and thrives.

[Aortic reconstruction in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome] . / Rekonstrukce aorty u novorozencu se syndromem hypoplastického levého srdce.

The surgical technique and tactics of the Norwood operation in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome represent a surgical challenge. The Norwood operation was performed from the midline sternotomy approach, in extracorporeal circulation and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for reconstruction of the hypoplastic aorta. Operation consisted of reconstruction of the "neoaorta" and the aortic arch from the original hypoplastic ascendent aorta, pulmonary trunk and a patch cut from a pulmonary homograft or pericardium, excision of the atrial septum and an arterial shunt from a Goretex vascular graft 3.5 or 4 mm in diameter. In patients with well developed aortic arch it was possible to reconstruct the aorta using Damus-Kaye-Stansel operation without circulatory arrest. Out of 12 operated patients with this defect, two (16.7%) died during the early postoperative period, one patient died late. The postoperative course was often complicated. In 6 (50.0%) patients the second step of Norwood operation, the bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis, was performed without mortality. According to our experience, it was necessary to prepare patients adequately before the first surgery. Perfect reconstruction of the aorta and a well functioning shunt had the crucial significance.

[Plication of the diaphragm--a method of surgical treatment of diaphragmatic paralysis in neonates and infants after heart surgery]. / Plikace bránice--metoda chirurgické lécby parézy bránice u novorozencu a kojencu po kardiochirurgických operacích.

The cause of paresis of the diaphragm after cardiosurgery is damage of the phrenic nerve. The diagnosis of paresis is based on X-ray examination, sonography and electromyography of the diaphragm. Plication of the diaphragm is indicated only in those children with paresis of the diaphragm who develop during spontaneous ventilation severe respiratory insufficiency. In the Cardiocentre of the Faculty Hospital Prague-Motol between 1983 and 1996 of 5333 children operated on account of heart disease 29 children were subjected to plication of the diaphragm, incl. five where the operation was made during the neonatal stage (17%), 20 in infant age (69%) and four were older than one year (14%). By the third day after plication 9 children (38%) could be disconnected from the respirator, by the 5th day 20 children (70%) by the 7th day 22 children (75%). In neonates and infants with postoperative paresis of the diaphragm, where spontaneous ventilation cannot be induced, plication of the diaphragm is according to the authors the method of choice. It is a rapid and safe surgical operation which reduces the period of artificial ventilation and its complications.

[Initial experience with surgical treatment of tracheal stenosis in small children using extracorporeal circulation]. / Prvé zkusenosti s chirurgickým resením stenózy trachey u malých detí s pouzitím mimotelního obehu.

Severe tracheal stenosis represents a life threatening malformation which necessitates early surgery. Two patients aged one and two years, respectively, were followed-up for signs of congenital stridor. Following respiratory infection both children became critically ill with severe dyspnoea necessitating intubation and artificial ventilation. In the first patient, echocardiography, tracheobronchoscopy and other investigations revealed a pulmonary artery sling with tracheal compression and hypoplasia of the whole trachea. In the second child, presence of a short local tracheal stenosis was found, the cause of which could not be clarified. In the patient with the pulmonary sling, resection and reimplantation of the anomalous left pulmonary artery was performed first. In both children, however, surgical reconstruction of the lower airways was necessary. Surgery was performed from a midline sternotomy approach in extracorporeal circulation. The hypoplastic trachea with circular rings in the first child was enlarged with a pericardial patch. In the second child, the local tracheal stenosis was resected and a direct anastomosis of the trachea was performed. In both patients, transient formation of granulations was observed. Both children, however, survived and their clinical condition remains good 18 and 9 months, respectively, after surgery. Tracheobronchoscopic controls show very good result. Our experience confirms the possibility of successful surgical reconstruction of lower airways in young children using extracorporeal circulation. Good interdisciplinary cooperation between the surgeon and other specialists is an important prerequisite of good surgical results.