Florian Fankhauser

A new locking plate for unstable fractures of the proximal humerus.

In a prospective study, 28 patients with 29 proximal humeral fractures were treated with the Locking Proximal Humerus Plate from 2001-2002. Most of these fractures were complex, Type B (n = 15) and Type C (n = 9) fractures, according to the AO classification. Followups included radiographs, clinical examinations, and recording Constant scores. After 1 year, the average Constant score for all fractures was 74.6 (range, 37-96). For Type A fractures, it was 82.6 (range, 60-96), for Type B it was 78.3 (range, 37-95), and for Type C it was 64.6 (range, 40-91). Complications related to the implant included breakage of the plate in one patient and redislocation of the fracture in four patients (one fracture was associated with deep infection), which required reoperation in two patients. Partial osteonecrosis was seen in two patients, once after deep infection. There were no nonunions. Our data show that using the Locking Proximal Humerus Plate for treatment of proximal humeral fractures of all types is a reliable procedure, with good results being obtained with careful planning and familiarity with the special features of the operative technique. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level II-1 (prospective cohort study)

The proximal femoral nail (PFN) - a minimal invasive treatment of unstable proximal femoral fractures: A prospective study of 55 patients with a follow-up of 15 months

In 1996, the AO/ASIF developed the proximal femoral nail (PFN) as an intramedullary device for the treatment of unstable per-, intra- and subtrochanteric femoral fractures. In a prospective study, we treated 55 patients having proximal femoral fractures with the PFN from 1997 to 2000. In 34 patients, we achieved what was close to anatomic reduction of the main fracture fragments. Immediate full weight bearing was permitted in 49 patients. During the followup period of 15 months, complications occurred in 12 patients. 2 patients had a cut-out of the implant because we used too short proximal gliding screws. In 5 patients, closed fracture reduction could not be done and open fracture reduction with use of cerclage became necessary. Careful surgical technique and modification of the PFN can reduce the high complication rate. In conclusion, the PFN is a good minimal invasive implant of unstable proximal femoral fractures, if closed reduction is possible. If open reduction of the fracture becomes necessary and several fragments are found (especially of the greater trochanter), we prefer to use a dynamic hip screw (DHS) with the trochanter stablizing plate.

Minimal-invasive treatment of distal femoral fractures with the LISS (Less Invasive Stabilization System) A prospective study of 30 fractures with a follow up of 20 months

BACKGROUND There is no consensus on the best treatment of distal femoral fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a prospective study, we treated 29 patients with 30 distal femoral fractures with the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) from 1997 to 2000. Almost 1/2 of them had open fractures, 1/3 extraarticular type A and 2/3 articular fractures type C (AO classification) and these had been caused by high-energy trauma with concomitant severe injuries or osteoporosis. RESULTS The follow-up examinations after mean 20 (13-42) months consisted of radiographs, and determination of the Lysholm Knee Score and Knee Society Score (KSS). The outcome correlated with the severity of the fracture, anatomic reduction, exact positioning and fixation of the LISS and concomitant injuries. INTERPRETATION We found the LISS for treatment of distal femoral fractures of all types to be a safe procedure with good results after careful planning and experience with this surgical technique. There is usually no need for primary cancellous bone grafting.

Predicting neurologic recovery in cervical spinal cord injury with postoperative MR imaging.

Study Design. Prospective, nonrandomized, observational cohort study. Objectives. To determine whether the presence of spinal cord hemorrhage and length of hematoma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is predictive of recovery in cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Summary of Background Data. A clear picture of the location, extent, and severity of traumatic cervical cord injury can be obtained with MRI. Several prognostic studies looked for an association between the degree of SCI, as depicted by MRI, and neurologic outcome. Up to now, an association between the length of hemorrhage and the extent of SCI and motor recovery could not be demonstrated. Methods. Twenty-nine patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury underwent surgery within 2 to 9 hours. MRI was performed within 2 weeks of injury. Neurologic impairment was classified using the ASIA classification. The effects of hemorrhage and length of hematoma on changes in the neurologic impairment were assessed at time of MRI and at median follow-up in 35 months (range, 24–65 months). Results. Patients with hemorrhage were much more likely to have a complete injury at time of follow-up (odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval, 1.42–3.82). Patients admitted with complete SCI, ASIA A, showed a median length of hematoma of 10.5 mm and a median length of edema of 66.5 mm and no change at follow-up. Patients with incomplete SCI showed a median length of hematoma of 4 mm and small edema. Presence of hemorrhage less than 4 mm was associated with good prognosis. Conclusion. This study indicates that presence of hemorrhage of less than 4 mm was not associated with complete SCI and showed good prognosis.

Probiotic supplementation affects markers of intestinal barrier, oxidation, and inflammation in trained men; a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BackgroundProbiotics are an upcoming group of nutraceuticals claiming positive effects on athlete’s gut health, redox biology and immunity but there is lack of evidence to support these statements.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial to observe effects of probiotic supplementation on markers of intestinal barrier, oxidation and inflammation, at rest and after intense exercise. 23 trained men received multi-species probiotics (1010 CFU/day, Ecologic®Performance or OMNi-BiOTiC®POWER, n = 11) or placebo (n = 12) for 14 weeks and performed an intense cycle ergometry over 90 minutes at baseline and after 14 weeks. Zonulin and α1-antitrypsin were measured from feces to estimate gut leakage at baseline and at the end of treatment. Venous blood was collected at baseline and after 14 weeks, before and immediately post exercise, to determine carbonyl proteins (CP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidation status of lipids (TOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Statistical analysis used multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). Level of significance was set at p < 0.05, a trend at p < 0.1.ResultsZonulin decreased with supplementation from values slightly above normal into normal ranges (<30 ng/ml) and was significantly lower after 14 weeks with probiotics compared to placebo (p = 0.019). We observed no influence on α1-antitrypsin (p > 0.1). CP increased significantly from pre to post exercise in both groups at baseline and in the placebo group after 14 weeks of treatment (p = 0.006). After 14 weeks, CP concentrations were tendentially lower with probiotics (p = 0.061). TOS was slightly increased above normal in both groups, at baseline and after 14 weeks of treatment. There was no effect of supplementation or exercise on TOS. At baseline, both groups showed considerably higher TNF-α concentrations than normal. After 14 weeks TNF-α was tendentially lower in the supplemented group (p = 0.054). IL-6 increased significantly from pre to post exercise in both groups (p = 0.001), but supplementation had no effect. MDA was not influenced, neither by supplementation nor by exercise.ConclusionsThe probiotic treatment decreased Zonulin in feces, a marker indicating enhanced gut permeability. Moreover, probiotic supplementation beneficially affected TNF-α and exercise induced protein oxidation. These results demonstrate promising benefits for probiotic use in trained men.Clinical trial registryhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT01474629

Three-year results of proximal tibia fractures treated with the LISS.

Proximal tibia fractures present a difficult treatment challenge with historically high complication rates. In a prospective study, we asked whether the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) plate can adequately treat extraarticular and complex intraarticular proximal tibia fractures and provide low complication rates and acceptable long-term functional outcomes. We prospectively observed 25 patients with 26 proximal tibia fractures (AO type A2, A3, C1, C2, or C3) treated with the LISS. Consecutive 3-year followup included radiographs and clinical examinations using Knee Society scores and Hospital for Special Surgery scores for extraarticular and intraarticular fractures. No loss of reduction occurred in patients with extraarticular fractures, whereas varus malalignment occurred in one patient with an intraarticular fracture. Two patients with AO 41 C 3.3 fractures had severe knee arthrosis develop and had total knee replacements. The mean Knee Society scores and final average Hospital for Special Surgery scores were similar for extraarticular and intraarticular fractures. Complications related to the surgery included one delayed union and implant removal in two patients. The LISS provided stable fixation of extraarticular and intraarticular proximal tibia fractures and good functional outcomes with a low complication rate. In complex articular fractures additional screws should be used. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level II (lesser quality randomized controlled trial [eg, < 80% followup, no blinding, or improper randomization]). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cadaveric-biomechanical evaluation of bone-implant construct of proximal humerus fractures (Neer type 3).

BACKGROUND A biomechanical cadaver study was performed to test the stability and strength of screw osteosynthesis of surgical neck fractures of the humerus. METHODS After bone density measurement, 64 cadaver proximal humerus bones were bent to create a subcapital fracture. The fracture was then stabilized by means of screw osteosynthesis randomly assigned to subgroups of screw positioning, size of screw, and stress test (torsion/bending). RESULTS Two screws applied laterally and parallel were 34.2% more stable than the normal arrangement. Bone density had a dominant role with regard to maximal bending and torsion force, but no significance was found with respect to additional screws through the major tuberculum or diameter of screws. CONCLUSION Two of the smaller 4.5-mm cannulated screws should be applied parallel from the lateral direction. Only range-of-motion exercises that produce a bending stress should be considered early after surgery, avoiding axial stress.

The Graz learning and training model for arthroscopic surgery

Up to 30% of all operative procedures in orthopaedic surgery are performed arthroscopically. Because of the steadily increasing number of residents, it seems to be difficult both to maintain high standards and to guarantee an adequate training in arthroscopic surgery. However, in contrast to many other surgical techniques it is possible to learn and practice arthroscopy using artificial models and cadaver joints, provided that experienced surgeons and anatomists act as supervisors and instructors. The aim of this paper is to assess practice models and training programs which should guarantee sufficient practical experience during the training period.

Foreign-body reaction after reconstruction of complete acromioclavicular dislocation using PDS augmentation

More than 60 different operative techniques for reconstruction of complete acromioclavicular dislocation have been published. The disadvantage of using plates, Kwires, or screws is the necessity of removing the implant. In contrast, absorbable polydioxanone (PDS; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) augmentation avoids implant removal. Furthermore, PDS has no risk of movement or breakage of implants. Since 1998, 21 patients with complete acromioclavicular dislocation have been treated with PDS as an additional coracoclavicular ligamentous augmentation. We report a case of foreign-body reaction after reconstruction of complete acromioclavicular dislocation with PDS augmentation.

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Preparations Influence of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Platelet Function

Background Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used for the treatment of sports injuries. It has been associated with improved healing and regeneration of soft tissues in elite athletes. Athletes are commonly receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As yet, the effect of these drugs on platelet function in PRP formulations has not been taken into consideration. Hypothesis The function of platelets in PRP produced under the influence of NSAIDs is inhibited and may lessen a possible healing effect on the site of injury. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods PRP was collected from patients receiving NSAIDs after elective orthopaedic surgery, and platelet function was evaluated using light transmission aggregometry (LTA). Results were compared with those obtained from healthy volunteers without a history of NSAID intake during the previous 2 weeks. Two different systems for blood collection and PRP production (Arthrex ACP double-syringe system and standard 4.5-mL sodium citrate blood collection tubes) were used and compared regarding the quality of PRP that was produced. Results For both groups, the baseline platelet counts of whole blood and the platelet counts of PRP formulations were found to be in the normal range. Both collection systems for PRP produced comparable results without significant differences between the groups. Platelet function testing with LTA revealed significantly impaired platelet aggregation in both PRP preparations, obtained from patients taking NSAIDs, irrespective of the type of NSAID (P < .001). All subjects from the control group showed normal platelet aggregation patterns when tested with LTA. Conclusion Autologous PRP produced from subjects after NSAID medication shows significantly impaired platelet function and may result in lower quality regarding the content of bioactive compounds. Clinical Relevance If required, the administration of NSAIDs should be performed after blood collection for preparation of autologous PRP; otherwise, the therapeutic effect may be limited.