H. Baecker

Direct and indirect loading of the Ilizarov external fixator: the effect on the interfragmentary movements and compressive loads

The amount of weight bearing and the force transmission to the frame have an important influence on the results of treatment with an Ilizarov external fixator. The frame provides beneficial interfragmentary movements and compressive loads at the fracture site through elastic wires. Mobilisation can be achieved by applying a weight-bearing platform at the distal end of the fixator. The effect on the interfragmentary movements and the compressive loads in indirect and direct loading were analysed in this study using a composite tibia bone model. Displacement transducers were attached to measure the interfragmentary movements and to detect relative movements of the bone fragments and movements between the rings. The compressive loads in the osteotomy were measured with loading cells in the defect zone. The weight-bearing platform had a substantial effect on the biomechanical behaviour of the frame. It led to an indirect force transmission through the fixator with respect to the osteotomy, resulting in lower compressive loads, lower interfragmentary movements and higher mechanical stress on the frame.

Operative treatment of pediatric open fractures of the lower limb using the Taylor spatial frame fixator

The operative management of open fractures of the lower limb requires a consistent treatment to avoid soft tissue complications. Acute angular shortening of the fracture enabling primary soft tissue closure is still an uncommon operative technique because of difficulties in correcting the secondary deformity. The case of a pediatric open fracture of the lower limb (Gustilo type IIIa) is described, which was treated with acute angular shortening followed by gradual correction using the Taylor spatial frame (TSF).

Operative management and fracture care of the lower leg with the Ilizarov fixator in morbidly obese patients: literature review and results.

Given the rising prevalence of obesity, surgeons and hospitals must become more familiar with the treatment and operative management of obese patients. Several additional pre- and postoperative considerations must be involved such as appropriate assessment of comorbidities and requirements for special equipment. There are still very few data regarding morbidly obese patients with BMIs >50 kg/m(2). After a general literature review of operative management of obese patients, we report on fracture care of the lower limb in such patients with custom-made Ilizarov ring fixators. We found them suited to bear enormous weight-loading but that associated comborbidities can limit successful fracture care.

Versorgung der kindlichen offenen Unterschenkelfraktur mit dem Taylor-spatial-frame-Fixateur

The operative management of open fractures of the lower limb requires a consistent treatment to avoid soft tissue complications. Acute angular shortening of the fracture enabling primary soft tissue closure is still an uncommon operative technique because of difficulties in correcting the secondary deformity. The case of a pediatric open fracture of the lower limb (Gustilo type IIIa) is described, which was treated with acute angular shortening followed by gradual correction using the Taylor spatial frame (TSF).

Der Taylor-spatial-frame-Fixateur

Despite adequate primary treatment many ankle fractures result in post-traumatic deformities and arthrosis. Revision mostly requires a multidirectional correction whereas internal fixation procedures are often not applicable due to soft tissue damage and the extent of deformity. The Taylor spatial frame enables simultaneous correction of multidirectional deformities through a virtual hinge using the same ideas of distraction osteogenesis as the Ilizarov fixator. The presented case demonstrates minimally invasive correction of a complex deformity of the ankle with the Taylor spatial frame fixator. Orthogonal alignment was achieved and a stabilizing tibiotalar arthrodesis was performed achieving a good functional and pain-free result.

Evaluating the microbial pattern of periprosthetic joint infections of the hip and knee

Purpose. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication that leads to enormous economic and health care complaints from affected patients. The aim of this study is to identify the causative pathogens responsible for PJI, evaluate temporal trends concerning the pathogen pattern and identify potential risk factors for PJI. Methodology. This was a retrospective study analysing a total of 937 patients suffering PJI of the hip or knee joint between 2003 and 2011. Results. In total, 394 patients (42.0 %) with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 477 patients (50.9 %) with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 64 patients (6.8 %) receiving a dual‐head prosthesis had to be hospitalised due to PJI. In two cases (0.2 %), a simultaneous infection of TKA and THA occurred. The mean age of the study cohort was 70.85±11.68 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.53±5.7. According to the Charlson comorbidity index, 2.99 % of the patients were classified as severity Grade 1, 13.98 % Grade 2, 40.02 % Grade 3 and 43.0 % Grade 4. Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Streptococcus, and Enterococcus were the pathogens mainly responsible. An increase in high‐resistance pathogens, such as MRSE, extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase bacteria (ESBL), ampicillin‐resistant Enterococcus, Acinetobacter spp. and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE), was found during the study period. Only MRSA showed a declining tendency in a regression model. Conclusion. Patients suffering PJI present a certain risk profile with many comorbidities, e.g. high age and obesity. The observed microbiological pattern demonstrates the rise of high‐resistance pathogens.

Versorgung der kindlichen offenen Unterschenkelfraktur mit dem Taylor-spatial-frame-Fixateur@@@Operative treatment of pediatric open fractures of the lower limb using the Taylor spatial frame fixator

The operative management of open fractures of the lower limb requires a consistent treatment to avoid soft tissue complications. Acute angular shortening of the fracture enabling primary soft tissue closure is still an uncommon operative technique because of difficulties in correcting the secondary deformity. The case of a pediatric open fracture of the lower limb (Gustilo type IIIa) is described, which was treated with acute angular shortening followed by gradual correction using the Taylor spatial frame (TSF).

[The Taylor spatial frame fixator. Soft-tissue distraction for post-traumatic varus deformities of the hindfoot].

Despite adequate primary treatment many ankle fractures result in post-traumatic deformities and arthrosis. Revision mostly requires a multidirectional correction whereas internal fixation procedures are often not applicable due to soft tissue damage and the extent of deformity. The Taylor spatial frame enables simultaneous correction of multidirectional deformities through a virtual hinge using the same ideas of distraction osteogenesis as the Ilizarov fixator. The presented case demonstrates minimally invasive correction of a complex deformity of the ankle with the Taylor spatial frame fixator. Orthogonal alignment was achieved and a stabilizing tibiotalar arthrodesis was performed achieving a good functional and pain-free result.

Der Taylor-spatial-frame-Fixateur@@@The Taylor spatial frame fixator: Weichteildistraktion bei posttraumatischer Varusdeformität des Rückfußes@@@Soft-tissue distraction for post-traumatic varus deformities of the hindfoot

Despite adequate primary treatment many ankle fractures result in post-traumatic deformities and arthrosis. Revision mostly requires a multidirectional correction whereas internal fixation procedures are often not applicable due to soft tissue damage and the extent of deformity. The Taylor spatial frame enables simultaneous correction of multidirectional deformities through a virtual hinge using the same ideas of distraction osteogenesis as the Ilizarov fixator. The presented case demonstrates minimally invasive correction of a complex deformity of the ankle with the Taylor spatial frame fixator. Orthogonal alignment was achieved and a stabilizing tibiotalar arthrodesis was performed achieving a good functional and pain-free result.

Operatives Management und Frakturversorgung der unteren Extremität bei morbider Adipositas@@@Operative management and fracture care of the lower leg with the Ilizarov fixator in morbidly obese patients: Literaturübersicht und Erfahrungen mit dem Ilizarov-Ringfixateur@@@Literature review and results

Given the rising prevalence of obesity, surgeons and hospitals must become more familiar with the treatment and operative management of obese patients. Several additional pre- and postoperative considerations must be involved such as appropriate assessment of comorbidities and requirements for special equipment. There are still very few data regarding morbidly obese patients with BMIs >50 kg/m(2). After a general literature review of operative management of obese patients, we report on fracture care of the lower limb in such patients with custom-made Ilizarov ring fixators. We found them suited to bear enormous weight-loading but that associated comborbidities can limit successful fracture care.