Management of acute knee dislocations: anatomic repair and ligament bracing as a new treatment option-results of a multicentre study.

PURPOSE: The literature shows no consensus regarding the best method and timing for the treatment of acute knee dislocations. Studies indicate that a one-stage procedure performed in the early stages of injury can lead to superior results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results after performing early surgical repair with additional suture augmentation (ligament bracing) of all torn ligaments in acute knee dislocations. METHODS: In this prospective multicentre study, 73 patients with an acute type III or IV knee dislocation were treated with one-stage ligament bracing within 10 days. Twenty-six patients sustained a type III medial dislocation, thirty-nine patients sustained a type III lateral dislocation, and eight patients presented a type IV dislocation. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Within the follow-up evaluation, various scores were collected (International Knee Documentation Committee IKDC Score, Tegner Score and Lysholm Score). Additional stress radiography was performed (Telos™) postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-nine knee dislocations (Schenck III and IV) with a follow-up at a mean of 14 ± 1.6 months were evaluated. The average IKDC score was 75.5 ± 14.5, the average Lysholm score was 81.0 ± 15.5, and the median loss of activity in the Tegner score was 1 (range 0-3) point. Stress radiographs showed side-to-side differences at a mean of 3.2 ± 1.3 mm for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and of 2.9 ± 2.1 mm for the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The operative revision rate (early and late) was 17.4%. In the early stage, one wound infection and one case of transient common peroneal nerve (CPN) paresis were successfully revised. In the later stage, four patients with knee stiffness and six cases with symptomatic knee instability needed reoperation. Patients without ultra-low velocity (ULV) dislocations or CPN showed good or excellent results in 87.5% according to the Lysholm score. CONCLUSION: In cases of acute knee dislocation, primary ACL and PCL transosseous sutures with additional suture augmentation predominantly lead to good and excellent clinical results. Obese patients sustaining ultra-low velocity (ULV) dislocations and patients following injury to the CPN show inferior outcomes. In patients without ULV and CPN intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 10.1%. The obtained results and revision rates show that early primary suture repair is a promising option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective multicentre study, II.

Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Are we making mountains out of molehills?

BACKGROUND: Most original studies and all meta-analyses conducted to date converge on the conclusion that patients with schizophrenia display rather generalized neurocognitive deficits. For the present study, we reopen this seemingly closed chapter and examine whether important influences, such as lack of motivation and negative attitudes towards cognitive assessment, result in poorer secondary neuropsychological performance. METHOD: A sample of 50 patients with an established diagnosis of schizophrenia were tested for routine neurocognitive assessment and compared to 60 nonclinical volunteers. Before and after the assessment, subjective momentary influences were examined (e.g. motivation, concerns about assessment, fear about poor outcome) for their impact on performance using a new questionnaire called the Momentary Influences, Attitudes and Motivation Impact (MIAMI) on Cognitive Performance Scale. RESULTS: As expected, patients performed significantly worse than controls on all neurocognitive domains tested (large effect size, on average). However, patients also displayed more subjective momentary impairment, as well as more fears about the outcome and less motivation than controls. Mediation analyses indicated that these influences contributed to (secondary) poorer neurocognitive performance. Differences in neurocognitive scores shrank to a medium effect size, on average, when MIAMI scores were accounted for. CONCLUSIONS: The data argue that performance on measures of neurocognition in schizophrenia are to a considerable extent due to secondary factors. Poor motivation, fears and momentary impairments distinguished patients from controls and these variables heavily impacted performance. Before concluding that neurocognitive deficits in psychiatric patients are present, clinicians should take these confounding influences into account. Although patients with schizophrenia achieved, on average, worse test scores than controls, a large subgroup displayed spared performance.

[Plate osteosynthesis after patellar fracture - the technique and initial results of a prospective study]. / Die Plattenosteosynthese der Patellafraktur ­ Technik und erste Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Studie.

BACKGROUND: Tension band wiring after patellar fractures is related to a high number of implant-related complications (22-53 %). Revision surgery is necessary in 10-55 % of patients mostly with unsatisfactory results. The patella plate is an alternative treatment with the advantages of locked plating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the first clinical prospective results and complications of this new implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2013 and May 2015 all patients that were treated with locked plating for patella fractures were included in this prospective study. Patients were followed-up clinically after six weeks and six months. RESULTS: Included in this study were 17 patients, 6 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 58 years (19-87). The knee range of motion was 120° after 6 weeks and improved to 138° after 6 months, corresponding to 84 % and 97 % of the range of motion of the healthy opposite knee. The Tegner activity scale increased from 2,5 to 3,5 (initial value: 4), the Lysholm score increased from 78 to 92 points (initial value: 97) and the Kujala score increased from 72 to 88 points (initial value: 96). Two complications occurred: one patient had a reactive bursitis prepatellaris and one patient sustained a loss of reduction. CONCLUSION: Locked plating of patella fractures is a reliable alternative treatment with good functional outcomes and low complication rates.

[Injuries of the acromioclavicular joint: Hook plate versus arthroscopy]. / Verletzungen des Akromioklavikulargelenks : Hakenplatte vs. Arthroskopie.

Acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are common in clinical practice. The hook plate is a well-established conventional operative treatment option for high grade instability; however, arthroscopically-assisted flexible double button techniques are increasingly being used. Both procedures lead to good or excellent results. The advantages of the hook plate are the simple surgical technique and the possibility of an early functional aftercare. The minimally invasive one-step procedure with the possibility of identification and treatment of frequently concomitant glenohumeral pathologies is advantageous for the arthroscopic technique but mobilization is more restrictive. Available comparative studies have shown no significant clinical differences but a tendency towards better results with a higher degree of acceptance among patients for the arthroscopic and minimally invasive non-rigid double button procedures.

[Corrective osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures. Technique and prospective results]. / Korrekturosteosynthesen proximaler Humerusfrakturen. Technik und prospektive Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Fracture sequelae of proximal humeral fractures arise following nonoperative and operative forms of treatment. Due to a painful restricted range of motion, in most cases shoulder prostheses are implanted. There is a need for joint-preserving alternatives especially for younger patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical techniques and prospective results of fracture sequelae of proximal humeral fractures following corrective osteosynthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 11 patients (4 female) with an average age of 53 years (range 29-71 years) and a mean follow-up of 19.5 months were included prospectively. The preoperative and postoperative ranges of motion of the affected shoulder were compared by statistical means. At the time of follow-up the constant score (CS), the simple shoulder test (SST) and the simple shoulder value (SSV) were assessed. RESULTS: Fracture sequelae were classified as type II in four patients, as type III in two and as type IV in five patients using the Boileau classification. Shoulder flexion (p = 0.006), abduction (p = 0.003) and external rotation (p = 0.02) improved significantly in the postoperative course. The mean age and gender-adapted CS was 74.8 ± 19.9 % at the time of follow-up, 10.1 out of 12 points were reached in the SST and the mean SSV was 77 %. CONCLUSION: Corrective osteosynthesis of fracture sequelae (Boileau types II-IV) of proximal humeral fractures appears to be a good alternative to implantation of shoulder prostheses, especially in younger patients (< 60 years of age).

Influence of rupture patterns of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) on the outcome after operative treatment of traumatic patellar dislocation.

PURPOSE: Patellar dislocation usually occurs to the lateral side, leading to ruptures of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in about 90 % of all cases. Reliable prognostic factors for the stability of the patellofemoral joint after MPFL surgery and satisfaction of the patient have not been established as yet. METHODS: This multicentric study retrospectively included 40 patients with a mean age of 22.4 ± 8.1 years (range 9-48) from 5 German Trauma Departments with first-time traumatic patellar dislocation and operative treatment. Surgery was limited to soft tissue repairs, and a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all cases. Evaluation of the MRI included sulcus angle, dysplasia of the trochlea, depth and facet asymmetry of the trochlea, Insall-Salvati index, Tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove (TTTG) distance, and rupture patterns of the MPFL. Patients were interrogated after 2 years about recurrent dislocation, satisfaction, and the Kujala score. RESULTS: Trochlea facet asymmetry was significantly lower in patients with redislocation (23.5 ± 18.8) than in patients without redislocation (43.1 ± 16.5, p = 0.03). Patients with a patellar-based rupture were significantly younger (19.5 ± 7.2 years) than patients without patellar-based rupture (25.4 ± 8.1 years, p < 0.02). Patients with femoral-based ruptures were significantly older (25.7 ± 9.2 years) than patients without femoral-based rupture (19.7 ± 6.1 years, p < 0.02), and had a significantly higher TTTG distance (10.2 ± 6.9 vs. 4.5 ± 5.5, p < 0.02). Patients with incomplete ruptures of the MPFL had a significantly lower Insall-Salvati index (1.2 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2, p = 0.05). The Kujala score in patients with redislocations was significantly lower (81.0 ± 10.5 points) than in patients without redislocation (91.9 ± 9.2 points, p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Younger patients more often sustain patellar-based ruptures following first-time traumatic patella dislocation, while older patients more often sustain femoral-based ruptures of the MPFL. Incomplete MPFL ruptures are correlated with lower Insall-Salvati indices. Low trochlear facet asymmetry is correlated with higher rates of redislocation. These results may be of relevance for the operative and postoperative treatment in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level IV.

Operative vs conservative treatment of traumatic patellar dislocation: results of a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patellar dislocation is a common knee injury with mainly lateral dislocations, leading to ruptures of the medial patellofemoral ligament in most of the cases. Even though several prognostic factors for patellofemoral instability have been identified so far, the appropriate therapy for patients with patellar dislocation remains a controversial issue. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome after conservative or operative treatment in patients after first-time patellar dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was designed multicentric including patients from six German orthopaedic and trauma departments. Twenty patients with a mean age of 24.6 years with first-time traumatic patella dislocation were included and randomized into either a conservative arm or an operative arm. Plain X-ray images of the knee joint (a.p. and lateral view and tangential view of both patellae) were performed in all cases prior to therapy to exclude osteochondral fragments requiring refixation. An MRI was recommended, but not compulsory. Patients were consulted after 6, 12, and 24 months with a questionnaire including the criteria of the Kujala score, recurrent dislocation, and satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean Kujala score of the conservative vs operative treatment group was 78.6 vs 80.3 after 6 months (p = 0.842), 79.9 vs 88.9 after 12 months (p = 0.165), and 81.3 vs 87.5 after 24 months (p = 0.339). Redislocation rate after 24 months was 37.5 % in the conservative group and 16.7 % in the operative group (p = 0.347). Due to the small number of patients that could be included, no significant difference between the groups could be detected. We see a tendency towards better results after operative treatment. CONCLUSION: Our multicentric prospective randomized controlled trial revealed no significant difference between conservative and operative treatment for patients after first-time traumatic patellar dislocation. However, a tendency towards a better Kujala score and lower redislocation rates for patients with operative treatment was observed. The small number of patients is a limiting factor of the study, leading to results without statistical significance. A meta-analysis including other study's level I data is desirable for the future.

[Arthroscopic fracture management in proximal humeral fractures]. / Arthroskopisch unterstütztes Frakturmanagement am proximalen Humerus.

Arthroscopy has become increasingly more established in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. In addition to the known advantages of minimally invasive surgery fracture and implant positioning can be optimized and controlled arthroscopically and relevant intra-articular concomitant pathologies (e.g. biceps tendon complex and rotator cuff) can be diagnosed and treated. Arthroscopic techniques have proven to be advantageous in the treatment of various entities of greater tuberosity fractures, lesser tuberosity fractures (suture bridging technique) and subcapital humeral fractures (arthroscopic nailing). This article presents an overview on innovative arthroscopic modalities for treating proximal humeral fractures, describes the surgical techniques and the advantages compared to open procedures as well as initial clinical results.

[Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears: rupture configurations and results after arthroscopic therapy - a prospective study]. / Anterosuperiore Rotatorenmanschettenrupturen : Rupturkonfigurationen und Ergebnisse nach arthroskopischer Therapie - eine prospektive Studie.

BACKGROUND: Subscapularis (SSC) tendon tears seem to regularly occur combined with lesions of the supraspinatus (SSP) and long biceps (LBS) tendons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rupture configurations and results after arthroscopic treatment of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 65 consecutively treated patients [20 female, 45 male, median age 59 (23-80) years] with anterior and anterosuperior rotator cuff tears were examined prospectively. Rupture configurations were evaluated intraoperatively and subjective parameters, clinical function and Constant-Murley score (CMS) were assessed 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The SSC tears were isolated in 34 % and combined lesions of SSC and SSP were found in 66 % of patients. Additionally, LBS participation was observed in 65 % of patients and 12 (18%) patients had further concomitant lesions. Clinical function improved significantly and the age and gender-related CMS averaged 89.3 % 12 months postoperatively. Reconstructive treatment of concomitant lesions had a negative influence on outcome. Tenotomy of LBS led to better results than tenodesis. All patients would choose arthroscopic treatment again having knowledge of the postoperative result. CONCLUSION: Due to convincing short-term clinical results and advantages of minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopic treatment of anterior and anterosuperior rotator cuff tears has become prevalent. Treatment of concomitant LBS tendon pathology seems to play an important role in most patients. Further development of refixation techniques and better means of visualization will increase the trend towards arthroscopic treatment of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears in the future.

[Shoulder stiffness]. / Schultersteife.

Primary shoulder stiffness is idiopathic. Due to coincidence with other diseases, a systemic genesis with hormonal influence is discussed. The result of chronic inflammation with fibroblastic proliferation is a fibrotic capsule, atrophy of ligaments, and muscular dysbalance. The main symptom is painful restricted passive and active shoulder motion. There is a high rate of unsatisfactory courses. Therapy depends on the phase and duration of shoulder stiffness. Primary treatment of choice is oral steroid therapy, followed by physical and physiotherapy. Steroids can be applied intraarticular, as an alternative. If conservative treatment fails after a period of 6 months, arthroscopic arthrolysis is indicated. Secondary shoulder stiffness often results from traumatization or operation of the shoulder. Primary treatment is also conservative, but operative intervention should be performed early after unsuccessful therapy. Intensive, passive mobilization is necessary after arthrolysis.

[Arthroscopic implant removal after fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis of the proximal humerus. Technique and initial results in comparison to open implant removal]. / Arthroskopische Materialentfernung nach winkelstabiler Plattenosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus. Technik und erste Ergebnisse im Vergleich zur offenen Materialentfernung.

BACKGROUND: Implant removal is necessary in up to 25% of patients with plate osteosynthesis after proximal humeral fracture. Our new technique of arthroscopic implant removal offers all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. This study outlines the first results after arthroscopic implant removal in comparison with those of open implant removal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients [median age 64 (30-82) years] had arthroscopic and nine patients [median age 53 (34-76) years] had open implant removal. Median 9.5 months after implant removal subjective patient satisfaction, Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) were determined. RESULTS: Arthroscopic implant removal showed first results comparable to open implant removal. The SST outlined advantages for the arthroscopic technique. In 85% of arthroscopically treated patients concomitant intra-articular lesions were observed. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic implant removal offers all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and first results comparable to open implant removal. The subjective and objective satisfaction of the patients is high. The technique can be applied and established by all skilled arthroscopic shoulder surgeons.

[Subscapularis tendon lesions. Anatomy, diagnosis and importance of arthroscopic treatment]. / Verletzungen der Subskapularissehne. Anatomie, Diagnostik und Stellenwert der arthroskopischen Therapie.

The subscapularis tendon is involved in up to 43% of arthroscopically treated rotator cuff lesions. Due to the close anatomic relationship, participation of the long head of the biceps and supraspinatus tendon is common. Subscapularis tendon lesions are often not primary diagnosed correctly. Using specific clinical tests and modern sectional imaging, the percentage of correct diagnoses can be increased. Convincing clinical results, advantages of minimally invasive surgery, and superior visualization compared to the open approach argue for arthroscopic treatment of subscapularis lesions. Awareness of the footprint allows anatomic reconstruction. In case of planned open treatment, arthroscopy should precede as particularly articular-sided lesions might be missed otherwise.

[Current trends in reverse fracture arthroplasty]. / Inverse Frakturprothese ­ eine Trendwende.

The reliable results of reverse arthroplasty have made this the preferred treatment method for non-reconstructable proximal humeral fractures. The individual consideration of the patient and the morphological features of the fractures are essential. Computed tomography (CT) images provide crucial information on the perfusion of the humeral head relevant for the prognosis and treatment. In this context a differentiation must be made between hard and soft criteria against a reconstruction. Tuberosities should be reduced whenever possible, because reverse arthroplasty with healed tuberosities provides a better range of motion and more strength for external rotation and anteversion, less complications and longer survival rates. In recent years the trend has been towards anatomical designs of prostheses with a humeral inclination of 135°. Revision rates for primary fracture prostheses are overall low with instability as the main reason for revision surgery, followed by periprosthetic fractures and infections. Reverse fracture arthroplasty has comparable or better clinical results compared to conservative treatment, osteosynthesis for geriatric patients, hemiarthroplasty and prosthesis implantation by elective surgery. Reverse arthroplasties, which were implanted in conditions of fracture sequelae, did not achieve significantly poorer clinical outcome at mid-term follow-up and can significantly improve shoulder function.

[Technique and value of arthroscopic implant removal in the shoulder]. / Technik und Stellenwert der arthroskopischen Implantatentfernung an der Schulter.

Arthroscopic implant removal involves innovative minimally invasive surgical techniques which offer the advantages of minimally invasive surgery in addition to the possibility of glenohumeral inspection, arthrolysis and treatment of concomitant intraarticular pathologies compared to open surgical procedures. In the following article the surgical techniques and significance of arthroscopic implant removal from the shoulder joint will be described. The first results of a complete arthroscopic plate removal from the humeral head will be described. Compared to the open technique, greater satisfaction of the patients, more rapid pain relief and improvement of the shoulder function in the early postoperative time could be observed. During the follow-up interval the results of the two techniques converge.

[Innovations and prognoses]. / Innovationen und Prognosen.

Proximal humeral fractures are always a relevant topic in routine clinical practice. Modern surgical techniques and implants do not resolve all problems. So, this fracture remains the focus of current research. As a consequence, some innovative approaches have arisen. The following recent trends can be observed and analyzed in detail: (1) Arthroscopically assisted fracture treatment and therapy of concomitant injuries/fracture sequelae, (2) locking plates: results and complication rates of recent implants, relevance of polyaxiality, impact of osteoporotic bone structure, (3) debate: what is "minimally invasive?", (4) "medial support", (5) Arthroplasty in fracture situations - the reversed shoulder arthroplasty as primary fracture prosthesis in the elderly patient.

[Value of MRI in preoperative diagnostics of proximal humeral fractures compared to CT and conventional radiography]. / Wertigkeit der MRT in der präoperativen Diagnostik proximaler Humerusfrakturen vs. CT und konventionelles Röntgen.

PURPOSE: The diagnostic value of X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for proximal humeral fractures (PHF) was compared in order to test the hypothesis that MRI gives relevant additional information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 30 displaced PHFs were investigated with X-ray, CT and MRI procedures. Fracture analysis was performed and the diagnostic values of the three methods were compared to each other. In the MRI relevant musculotendinous concomitant injuries and prognostic factors of the head perfusion were also evaluated. RESULTS: In 7 out of 30 PHFs the X-rays did not show the correct number of fragments. The posteromedial metaphyseal extension and the caput-diaphysis angle were measured to be significantly greater in the X-rays than in CT and MRI. Relevant additional information obtained by MRI were 7 out of 30 rotator cuff tears and 11 out of 30 differentiated medial periostal hinges. CONCLUSIONS: X-ray imaging is the basis method for the diagnosis of PHF but needs further multiplanar imaging to demonstrate complete fracture patterns. Imaging of fractures is equally good for MRI and CT and MRI also provides additional therapy-relevant information about the rotator cuff and head perfusion.

[Early functional treatment and full weight-bearing of surgically treated isolated ankle fractures in the elderly]. / Frühfunktionelle Behandlung und Vollbelastung operativ versorgter isolierter Aussenknöchelfrakturen beim älteren Patienten.

QUESTION: Fractures of the ankle joint belong to the most often occurring injuries. The aftercare in plaster lasts several weeks and is problematic especially in elderly patients. METHODS: In a retrospective study patients over the age of 50 years who underwent surgical treatment of ankle fractures and early functional mobilization were examined in a follow-up. The range of motion, the circumferential measurements and the radiological course were examined by comparing preoperative and postoperative X-ray images after 13-24 months. The subjective results were collected using the Olerud-Molander score (OMS). RESULTS: A total of 30 out of 42 patients who qualified for the follow-up were included in the study. The distribution of the gender was equal as was the right/left distribution and the mean age was 68 years. The magnitude of movement and comparison between the two sides showed no significant differences. The average score for subjective satisfaction was 90 in the OMS. The radiological results showed few changes and no deviations from the axis. No redislocations or implant fractures could be observed. Early functional full weight-bearing showed satisfactory preliminary results. CONCLUSION: This treatment concept can be recommended because patient comfort is increased and the risk of immobilization is excluded.

[How to become a trauma surgeon: analysis of the current situation and concepts for career development in the new common field of orthopaedics and trauma surgery--part I]. / Der Weg zum Unfallchirurgen : Situationsanalyse und Konzepte zur Nachwuchsförderung in der Unfallchirurgie im Umfeld des neuen gemeinsamen Fachs Orthopädie/Unfallchirurgie - Teil I.

The lack of clinical residents especially in the surgical domains, including orthopaedics and trauma surgery, is not only omnipresent but also a topic of lively discussions. This lack originates from sociopolitical and healthcare policy issues as well as from a loss of attractiveness of all surgical disciplines. The loss is caused by the high workload and disadvantageous working hours especially in those disciplines with a high rate of emergencies, e.g. trauma surgery. Moreover, it is caused by the poorly structured and unpredictable period of residency. In order to anticipate the bottleneck in supply due to the lack of trainees, a number of structural and contextual measures have to be taken to improve both undergraduate und postgraduate surgical training. Due to the numerous facets of the topic the first part of this analysis refers to the period until the trainee decides on the field of training.A basic insight into the field of orthopaedics and trauma surgery can already be offered far before the period of medical studies itself. During undergraduate medical education the existing structures should be modified, the characteristics of the discipline should be emphasized and the charm of combining theory and practical skills should be highlighted in order to enhance student's perception of the discipline. This might begin during preclinical training and should be continued throughout clinical training and elective courses (basic wound care, TEAM approach, AO course for students and seminars for M.D. candidates). Contextual and structural improvements of the practical year are indispensable to arouse students' interest in our discipline. These options conjoined with the actual offers for students provided by our scientific society, such as guided tours during the annual congress, travelling grants and the recently inaugurated summer school, might provide the basis for clearly structured information and offer a distinct stimulus to apply for residency in our field.