M. Schädel-Höpfner

Deoxyribonuclease Is a Potential Counter Regulator of Aberrant Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Formation after Major Trauma

Introduction. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) consist of a DNA scaffold that can be destroyed by Deoxyribonuclease (DNase). Thus DNases are potential prerequisites for natural counter regulation of NETs formation. In the present study, we determined the relationship of NETs and DNase after major trauma. Methods. Thirty-nine major trauma patients, 14 with and 25 without sepsis development were enrolled in this prospective study. Levels of cell-free (cf)-DNA/NETs and DNase were quantified daily from admission until day 9 after admission. Results. Levels of cf-DNA/NETs in patients who developed sepsis were significantly increased after trauma. In the early septic phase, DNase values in septic patients were significantly increased compared to patients without sepsis (P < 0.05). cf-DNA/NETs values correlated to values of DNase in all trauma patients and patients with uneventful recovery (P < 0.01) but not in septic patients. Recombinant DNase efficiently degraded NETs released by stimulated neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. Conclusions. DNase degrades NETs in a concentration-dependent manner and therefore could have a potential regulatory effect on NET formation in neutrophils. This may inhibit the antibacterial effects of NETs or protect the tissue from autodestruction in inadequate NETs release in septic patients.

Verletzungen der Mittelgelenke

BACKGROUND Injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) are common. They are frequently underestimated by patients and initial treating physicians, leading to unfavorable outcomes. Basic treatment includes meticulous clinical and radiological diagnosis as well as anatomical and biomechanical knowledge of the PIP joint. TREATMENT In avulsions of the collateral ligaments and the palmar plate with or without involvement of bone, nonoperative treatment is preferred. Operative stabilization is reserved for large displaced bony fragments or complex instabilities. In central slip avulsion or rupture, osseous refixation, suture, or reconstruction is common and nonoperative treatment is limited to special situations like minimally displaced avulsions. In basal fractures of the middle phalanx, elimination of joint subluxation and restoration of joint stability are priority. If the fragments are too small for fixation with standard implants, therapeutic alternatives include refixation of the palmar plate, dynamic distraction fixation, percutaneous stuffing, or replacement by a hemihamate autograft. Early motion is initiated regardless of the treatment regime. Undertreatment leads to persistent swelling, instability, and limited range of motion, which are difficult to treat. Contributing factors are unnecessary immobilization, immobilization in more than 20° flexion or transfixation by K-wires. For residual limitations, nonoperative treatment with physiotherapists and splinting is first choice. Operative treatment is reserved for persistent flexion/extension contractures persisting for more than 6 months, as well as reconstructions in boutonniere and swan neck deformity and salvage procedures for destroyed joints.

Fracture-dislocations of the carpometacarpal joints of the ring and little finger

We report the functional and radiographic results of 16 patients with fracture-dislocations of the ring and little finger carpometacarpal joints and 23 cases with fracture-dislocations of only the little finger carpometacarpal joint treated between 2006 and 2012. The above two cohort populations of patients were treated with either open reduction and pin fixation or closed reduction and pin fixation. These patients were followed for a mean of 13 months (range 9 to 48). The DASH scores for patients with fracture-dislocations of the ring and little finger carpometacarpal joints were 6.0 and of the little finger carpometacarpal joint 7.2. We found no functional differences in term of DASH scores after treatment between patients with fracture-dislocations of only the little finger carpometacarpal joint and both the ring and little finger carpometacarpal joints. Level of evidence: IV

Behandlungsstrategie bei karpometakarpalen Luxationsfrakturen

ZusammenfassungKarpometakarpale Luxationsfrakturen des 2. bis 5. Strahls sind seltene Verletzungen. Die Röntgenuntersuchung der Hand in den Standardebenen bildet in vielen Fällen das Ausmaß solcher Schädigungen nur unvollständig ab, so dass diese Verletzungen häufig übersehen werden. Deshalb wird bei klinischem und radiologischem Verdacht, aber auch bei bereits gesicherter Diagnose, eine Computertomographie zur Erkennung des gesamten Verletzungsausmaßes und von Begleitschäden empfohlen. Vorrangiges Ziel der Behandlung ist die Wiederherstellung der Gelenkanatomie und eine sichere Stabilisierung, um spätere Einschränkungen der Handfunktion zu verhindern. Eine frühzeitige Versorgung mit röntgenologisch kontrollierter Reposition und sicherer Retention führt in der Regel zu guten Behandlungsergebnissen. Zu den Behandlungsstrategien zählen geschlossene und offene Repositionsverfahren sowie die Stabilisierungen durch Drähte, Schrauben und Platten.AbstractCarpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocations of the 2nd through 5th ray are rare injuries whose extent is regularly underestimated in the initial radiographic evaluation of the hand. Obtaining a computed tomography scan is imperative due to the radiographic underrepresentation of the full bone and joint injury. Restoration of bone and joint anatomy of the affected region is of paramount import to prevent joint deterioration and loss of hand durability and dexterity. Early surgical intervention can lead to good functional results. Different operative treatment strategies exist with a common approach being Kirschner wire, screw or plate fixation after closed or open fracture reduction and joint relocation.Carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocations of the 2nd through 5th ray are rare injuries whose extent is regularly underestimated in the initial radiographic evaluation of the hand. Obtaining a computed tomography scan is imperative due to the radiographic underrepresentation of the full bone and joint injury. Restoration of bone and joint anatomy of the affected region is of paramount import to prevent joint deterioration and loss of hand durability and dexterity. Early surgical intervention can lead to good functional results. Different operative treatment strategies exist with a common approach being Kirschner wire, screw or plate fixation after closed or open fracture reduction and joint relocation.

Treatment strategy for carpometacarpal fracture dislocation

ZusammenfassungKarpometakarpale Luxationsfrakturen des 2. bis 5. Strahls sind seltene Verletzungen. Die Röntgenuntersuchung der Hand in den Standardebenen bildet in vielen Fällen das Ausmaß solcher Schädigungen nur unvollständig ab, so dass diese Verletzungen häufig übersehen werden. Deshalb wird bei klinischem und radiologischem Verdacht, aber auch bei bereits gesicherter Diagnose, eine Computertomographie zur Erkennung des gesamten Verletzungsausmaßes und von Begleitschäden empfohlen. Vorrangiges Ziel der Behandlung ist die Wiederherstellung der Gelenkanatomie und eine sichere Stabilisierung, um spätere Einschränkungen der Handfunktion zu verhindern. Eine frühzeitige Versorgung mit röntgenologisch kontrollierter Reposition und sicherer Retention führt in der Regel zu guten Behandlungsergebnissen. Zu den Behandlungsstrategien zählen geschlossene und offene Repositionsverfahren sowie die Stabilisierungen durch Drähte, Schrauben und Platten.AbstractCarpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocations of the 2nd through 5th ray are rare injuries whose extent is regularly underestimated in the initial radiographic evaluation of the hand. Obtaining a computed tomography scan is imperative due to the radiographic underrepresentation of the full bone and joint injury. Restoration of bone and joint anatomy of the affected region is of paramount import to prevent joint deterioration and loss of hand durability and dexterity. Early surgical intervention can lead to good functional results. Different operative treatment strategies exist with a common approach being Kirschner wire, screw or plate fixation after closed or open fracture reduction and joint relocation.Carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture dislocations of the 2nd through 5th ray are rare injuries whose extent is regularly underestimated in the initial radiographic evaluation of the hand. Obtaining a computed tomography scan is imperative due to the radiographic underrepresentation of the full bone and joint injury. Restoration of bone and joint anatomy of the affected region is of paramount import to prevent joint deterioration and loss of hand durability and dexterity. Early surgical intervention can lead to good functional results. Different operative treatment strategies exist with a common approach being Kirschner wire, screw or plate fixation after closed or open fracture reduction and joint relocation.

Injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint

BACKGROUND Injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) are common. They are frequently underestimated by patients and initial treating physicians, leading to unfavorable outcomes. Basic treatment includes meticulous clinical and radiological diagnosis as well as anatomical and biomechanical knowledge of the PIP joint. TREATMENT In avulsions of the collateral ligaments and the palmar plate with or without involvement of bone, nonoperative treatment is preferred. Operative stabilization is reserved for large displaced bony fragments or complex instabilities. In central slip avulsion or rupture, osseous refixation, suture, or reconstruction is common and nonoperative treatment is limited to special situations like minimally displaced avulsions. In basal fractures of the middle phalanx, elimination of joint subluxation and restoration of joint stability are priority. If the fragments are too small for fixation with standard implants, therapeutic alternatives include refixation of the palmar plate, dynamic distraction fixation, percutaneous stuffing, or replacement by a hemihamate autograft. Early motion is initiated regardless of the treatment regime. Undertreatment leads to persistent swelling, instability, and limited range of motion, which are difficult to treat. Contributing factors are unnecessary immobilization, immobilization in more than 20° flexion or transfixation by K-wires. For residual limitations, nonoperative treatment with physiotherapists and splinting is first choice. Operative treatment is reserved for persistent flexion/extension contractures persisting for more than 6 months, as well as reconstructions in boutonniere and swan neck deformity and salvage procedures for destroyed joints.

Therapie von Läsionen des „triangular fibrocartilage complex“

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) represents an important anatomical structure interposed between the ulnar carpus and the distal ulnar. Injuries and degenerative changes of the TFCC are of high clinical relevance and there are numerous treatment options available based on different concepts and which are being used to varying extents. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of different therapies for lesions of the TFCC. Studies on TFCC lesions were systematically reviewed, classified into evidence levels and selected according to predefined criteria. A total of 259 publications were identified as being potentially relevant and finally 35 studies could be included in the review. In addition, a survey was performed among German hand surgeons in order to identify commonly used procedures for TFCC lesions in Germany. The classification of Palmer is mostly used both in the literature and in Germany and therapeutic decisions are predominantly based on this classification. The systematic review revealed some common treatment strategies for traumatic and degenerative lesions. Generally, the level of evidence was poor for all identified publications. For this reason, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of TFCC lesions could not be derived from the literature. There was broad consent between the results of the literature review and the survey.

Collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joints

Collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpal joints of the fingers are rare conditions. The injury should be diagnosed by clinical investigation and standard radiographs. Leading symptoms are local tenderness and joint instability. Instability is verified by clinical stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 90° of flexion. In Grade I injuries stability is preserved due to ligament attenuation or small partial tears. Grade II injuries show laxity with firm endpoint according to incomplete tear. In Grade III injuries instability without endpoint can be found as a result of complete tears. Radiographs may show avulsed bone fragments.In Grade I and II tears or non- displaced avulsion fragments treatment is conservative with buddy taping for 6 weeks. In case of persistent instability or grade III tears suturing or refixation of the ligament are performed. Small avulsion fragments are removed and the ligament is fixed to the bone. Greater avulsion fragments are fixed by suitable small implants. Adequate treatment will lead to reliable good results. Even in chronic tears reconstruction with local material or tendon transplants is usually successful.

Zehn Jahre palmare winkelstabile Plattenosteosynthese zur Behandlung der distalen Radiusfraktur: wer profitiert?

ZusammenfassungDie Einführung der palmaren winkelstabilen Plattenosteosynthese hat zu einem Paradigmenwechsel in der Versorgung von distalen Radiusfrakturen geführt. Sie stellt heute ein etabliertes Verfahren zu deren Behandlung dar und führt bei sachgerechter Indikation zu guten klinischen und radiologischen Ergebnissen. Anhand randomisierter Studien und deren Metaanalysen konnte aber noch keine signifikante Überlegenheit der palmaren Platte gegenüber den Alternativverfahren nachgewiesen werden. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit wird auf der Basis der aktuellen Literatur dargestellt, welche Patientengruppen und Frakturformen von der Implantation der palmaren Plattenosteosynthese einen besonderen Nutzen haben.Während für junge Patienten die mit der palmaren Platte erzielten guten Repositionsergebnisse im Vordergrund stehen, profitieren ältere Patienten insbesondere von der frühfunktionellen Behandlung des verletzten Handgelenks. Unter Kenntnis der Anatomie und der Frakturmorphologie am distalen Radius sowie Berücksichtigung der Implantatlage kann das Risiko von Beuge- und Strecksehnenrupturen deutlich gesenkt werden. Anhand klinischer und radiologischer Indikatoren können zudem Patienten identifiziert werden, die nach knöcherner Konsolidierung der Fraktur von einer Implantatentfernung profitieren.Die Anwendung der palmaren Platte führt im Vergleich zu den Alternativimplantaten zu deutlich höheren Personal- und Materialkosten. Innerhalb des DRG-Vergütungssystems ist mit den palmaren Platten weiterhin eine kostendeckende Versorgung möglich. Der Nachweis, dass die mit der palmaren Plattenosteosynthese erzielte Frühfunktionalität auch aus volkswirtschaftlicher Sicht einen Vorteil darstellt, steht jedoch noch aus.AbstractThe introduction of volar locking plate fixation has led to a paradigm shift and it now represents an established procedure for the treatment of distal radius fracturesresulting in good clinical and radiological outcomes. However, no randomized trials and meta-analyses could show any significant superiority for volar locking plates compared to the alternative methods. This review article based on the current literature presents which patient groups and types of fractures have a special advantage from locking plates. While for younger patients the good reduction results by locking plates are of high relevance, elderly patients in particular benefit from early functional treatment of injured wrists after surgery. Knowing the anatomy and morphology of fractures of the distal radius as well astaking plate position into consideration significantly decreases the risk of flexor and extensor tendon injuries. There are clinical and radiological indicators that can identify patients who will benefit from implant removal after fracture consolidation. The application of volar locking plates results in significantly higher labor and material costs compared to alternative implants. In the German diagnosis-related groups (DRG) payment system, cost-effective treatment with palmar plates remains possible. Evidence that the early functionality after surgery attained with volar plate fixation is an advantage from an economic perspective is still pending.

Diagnostic Approach for Suspected Scaphoid Fractures in Children.

Scaphoid fractures in children are rare injuries. A complete scaphoid waist fracture in a 13-year-old boy after fall on the extended wrist is reported. Following early diagnosis by MRI, the fracture healed uneventful with conservative treatment. The appropriate diagnostic approach and the advantages of MRI for suspected scaphoid fractures in children are discussed.