Marcus Hofbauer

Rotational and translational laxity after computer-navigated single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Based on biomechanical cadaver studies, anatomic double-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was introduced to achieve better stability in the knee, particularly in respect of rotatory loads. Previously, the success of ACL reconstruction was believed to be mainly dependent on correct positioning of the graft, irrespective of the number of reconstructed bundles for which computer-assisted surgery was developed to avoid malpositioning of the tunnel. The aim of the present study is to compare rotational and translational stability after computer-navigated standard single-bundle, and anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction. The authors investigated 55 consecutive patients who had undergone the single-bundle or double-bundle ACL reconstruction procedure with the use of autogenous hamstring tendon grafts and EndoButton® fixation, and the patients had been followed for a minimum period of 24xa0months. Intraoperative, anteroposterior and rotational laxity was measured with the computer navigation system, and compared between groups. Both surgical procedures significantly reduced anteroposterior displacement (AP) and internal rotation (IR) of the tibia compared to the pre-operative ACL-deficient knee (Pxa0<xa00.05). No significant differences were registered between groups with regard to anteroposterior displacement of the tibia. A significantly greater reduction in internal rotation was noted in the double-bundle group (15.6°) compared to the single-bundle group (7.1°). The IKDC and Lysholm score were significantly higher in the double-bundle group. However, the results were excellent in both groups. The use of a computer-assisted ACL reconstruction, which is a highly accurate method of graft placement, could be useful for inexperienced surgeons to avoid malposition. Whether double-bundle ACL reconstruction, which was associated with improved rotational laxity and significantly better IKDC and Lysholm scores compared to the standard single-bundle ACL reconstruction procedure, provide an influence in terms of avoiding osteoarthritis or meniscus degeneration, long-term results of at least 5xa0years are needed.

Predictive Factors Influencing the Outcome After Gunshot Injuries to the Head: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUNDnCivilian gunshot injuries to the head are relatively rare in the irenical European Union, and studies of treatment and outcomes are seldom for this region in the current literature.nnnMETHODSnA cohort of 85 patients with civilian head gunshot injuries, who were admitted to our University hospital over a period of 16 years, was reviewed retrospectively. Clinical manifestation, computed tomography scan findings, and surgical treatment were described, with special regard to prognostic factors and outcome.nnnRESULTSnThe mean age was 48 years (range, 17.8-98.4 years), and 87% were men. Sixty patients sustained penetrating craniocerebral injuries (P-group) and 25, nonpenetrating gunshot wounds (NP-group). The overall mortality was 87% in the P-group and 4% in the NP-group. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission was recorded to be 3 to 5 in 58 patients (96%) and 7 patients (28%) in the P-group and NP-group, respectively. Only 8 patients (13%) survived in the P-group compared with 24 patients (96%) in the NP-group. Excluding wound debridement, there were 16 surgical procedures in the P-group and 8 in the NP-group, with a mortality rate of 63% and 13%, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONSnGlasgow Coma Score at admission and the status of pupils and hemodynamic situation seem to be the most significant predictors of outcome in penetrating craniocerebral gunshot wounds. Computed tomography scans, bi- or multilobar injury, and intraventricular hemorrhage were correlated with poor outcome. Patients with a GCS score >8, normal pupil reaction, and single lobe of brain injury may benefit from early aggressive management.

Clinical and functional outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the LARS™ system at a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

BACKGROUNDnSince the 1980s several artificial ligaments were used for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) serving different complications. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and functional outcomes of primary ACL reconstruction using the Ligament Augmentation Reconstruction System (LARS™) with a minimum follow-up of 10-years. The LARS™ presents a synthetic material consisting of non-absorbing polyethylene terephthalate fibres used for ligament reconstruction.nnnMETHODSnOutcomes of 18 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using the LARS™ system between 2000 and 2004 with a minimum follow-up of 10 years were observed. The International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lysholm score, and Tegner Activity Scale were assessed. Clinical assessment was performed by Lachman testing, assessment of side-to-side difference on KT-2000 testing and plain radiography evaluation of osteoarthritis.nnnRESULTSnThere were seven males and 11 females, mean age 29 years (range, 18 to 44 years) and a mean follow-up of 151.5 months. Five patients (27.8%) sustained a re-rupture of the LARS™ system and underwent revision surgery after a mean time of 23 months and four patients (22.2%) presented with a re-rupture. The average IKDC score was 76.60 ± 18.18, the average Lysholm score was 88.00 ± 10.07 and the average Tegner activity score was five at final follow-up.nnnCONCLUSIONnOur results indicate that the LARS™ system should currently not be suggested as a potential graft for primary reconstruction of the ACL. In special cases, however, the LARS™ system can serve as an alternative graft.

Spine injuries in polytraumatized pediatric patients: characteristics and experience from a Level I trauma center over two decades.

BACKGROUND Spine injuries, a common component in polytrauma, are relatively rare in pediatric patients. Previous studies mainly described injuries to the cervical region, whereas information of injury patterns to the thoracic and lumbosacral region lack in the current literature. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of polytraumatized children and associated spine injuries in different pediatric development ages. METHODS A cohort review of all pediatric patients with the diagnosis of polytrauma and associated spine injury, admitted to a urban Level I trauma center, was conducted over an 18-year period from January 1992 to December 2010. Patients were stratified into four developmental age groups: infants/toddlers (age 0–4 years), preschool/young children (age 5–9 years), preadolescents (age 10–14 years), and adolescents (age 15–17 years). Demographics, clinical injury data, patterns of spine injuries, associated injuries, treatment, and outcome were abstracted and analyzed. RESULTS From a database of 897 severely (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16) injured pediatric patients, 28 children met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 12.7 years (range, 1.3–16.7 years), and there were 18 males and 10 females. Younger children (age 0–9 years) sustained more injuries to the upper spine region, whereas injuries to the lumbar region were only seen in adolescents. Nine (32%) patients received surgical treatment for spine fracture or subluxation, and 15 (54%) were treated by nonoperative means. Four patients (14%) received only palliative treatment due to medical futility. Overall, the most commonly associated injury was thoracic injury (89%) followed by traumatic brain injury (64%). CONCLUSION The age-related anatomy and physiology predispose younger children to upper spine injuries in contrast to lower spine injuries seen in adolescents. Predictors of mortality include pathologic pupillary light reflex, high Injury Severity Score and Abbreviated Injury Scale score, and a low Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission. Thoracic injuries were the most common associated injuries followed by traumatic brain injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III.

Results of dynamic treatment of fractures of the proximal phalanx of the hand.

BACKGROUNDnThe treatment of fractures of the proximal phalanx in three-phalanx fingers has for a long time been the domain of conservative static treatment in a plaster cast. After removal of the plaster, there was usually limitation of mobility of the interphalangeal joints. Fractures of the proximal phalanx are managed with conservative functional treatment in our clinic. The aim of this method is to achieve bony healing and free mobility at the same time and not in succession. We evaluated our treatment outcomes in a follow-up study.nnnMETHODSnThe dressing consists of a dorsopalmar plaster splint and a so-called finger splint. The wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints are immobilized with the plaster cast. The wrist is dorsiflexed 30 degrees, and the metacarpophalangeal joints are flexed 70 degrees to 90 degrees. In this intrinsic plus position, the extensor aponeurosis is taut and covers two-thirds of the proximal phalanx, thus leading to firm splinting of the fracture.nnnRESULTSnSixty-five patients (46 men and 19 women) with 78 proximal phalanx fractures were followed up after an average of 23 months (12-69 months). The average age of the patients was 41 years (18-93 years). Among our patients, the ring finger was affected most often, with transverse fractures predominating. As regards the location, fractures in the proximal third were most frequent (51%). All fractures consolidated. Delayed fracture healing or pseudarthrosis was not observed. Sixty-seven fingers (86%) showed full range of motion at follow-up. In 11 cases (14%), there was limitation of finger joint movements, with inhibition of extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint in nine patients up to a maximum of 20 degrees. Two patients had limitation of flexion with a fingertip-palm distance of 1.1 cm.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe aim of functional treatment of proximal phalanx fractures is to achieve bony healing and free mobility at the same time and not in succession. Active exercises in the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints prevent limitations of mobility and the subsequent occurrence of rotational and axial deformities.

Clinical results of computer-navigated anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

Growing participation in sports activities over recent years has increased the number of anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) injuries. Thus, more surgeons became active in this field, leading to a high incidence of transplant failure. In the past 2 1/2 years, 235 patients were treated through navigated ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus-gracilis tendon (STG) autograft. One hundred patients who returned for the follow-up examinations were evaluated. In all cases without concurring injuries, the clinical outcome was excellent or very good. Postoperative radiological examination showed correct positioning of the EndoButton (Smith and Nephew, Mansfield, Mass.) and the Suture Plate (B. Braun-Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) in all patients. The subjective and objective stability assessment did not show any significant difference to the uninjured opposite side.

Gender differences following computer-navigated single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

AbstractPurposeFemale patients not only demonstrate an increased risk for injury, but also a poorer response following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. However, no study has investigated gender-related differences between computer-navigated single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gender on the outcome of computer-navigated SB and DB ACL reconstruction and to present reference values.MethodsA retrospective review of 55 consecutive patients who underwent SB (15 males, 12 females) and DB (18 males, 10 females) ACL reconstruction with autogenous hamstring tendon grafts and showed a minimum follow-up of 24xa0months was conducted. Intraoperatively, the anteroposterior and rotational laxity were measured and the follow-up examination included pivot-shift testing, KT-1000 arthrometer testing, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, the Lysholm score and Tegner score.ResultsPre-operatively, female patients showed a significant higher internal rotation in (pxa0<xa00.001) both the SB and DB group. Regarding the post-operative reduction in internal rotation, females in the SB group revealed a greater reduction compared to males (pxa0<xa00.001), whereas females in the DB group revealed a significantly greater post-operative reduction in anterior–posterior translation (pxa0=xa00.04). Female patients following DB ACL reconstruction presented a significant worse IKDC score, Lysholm score and Tegner score compared to male patients. All score values of the female DB group were worse than in the female SB group. In contrast, male patients showed better results of all examined clinical scores following DB procedure compared to SB technique.ConclusionFemale patients who underwent computer-navigated DB ACL reconstruction exhibited significantly worse outcome scores than males who underwent DB ACL reconstruction. The gender-based relationship between joint function and outcome after ACL reconstruction remains unclear and requires further investigation.nLevel of evidenceRetrospective case–control series, Level III.

The “Labral Bridge”: A Novel Technique for Arthroscopic Anatomic Knotless Bankart Repair

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors is widely considered a mainstay for surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability after recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations. Traditionally, the displaced capsulolabral complex is restored and firmly attached to the glenoid by placing multiple suture anchors individually from a 5- to 3-oclock position. A variety of different techniques using different anchor designs and materials have been described. Knotless anchors are widely used nowadays for shoulder instability repair, providing a fast and secure way of labral fixation with favorable long-term outcomes. However, these techniques result in a concentrated point load of the reduced labrum to the glenoid at each suture anchor. We describe a technique, developed by the first author, using a 1.5-mm LabralTape (Arthrex, Naples, FL) in combination with knotless suture anchors (3.5-mm PEEK [polyether ether ketone] PushLock anchors; Arthrex), for hybrid fixation of the labrum. The LabralTape is used to secure the torn labrum to the glenoid between each suture anchor, thus potentially providing a more even pressure distribution.

Locking compression plate versus revision-prosthesis for Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTIONnRevision arthroplasty is currently the recommended treatment for periprosthetic femoral fractures after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and stem loosening (Vancouver B2). However, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) utilizing locking compression plate (LCP) might be an effective treatment with a reduced surgical time and less complex procedure in a typically elderly patient collective with multiple comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional and radiographic outcomes in two cohorts with Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures after primary THA, treated either by ORIF with LCP fixation, or by revision arthroplasty utilizing a non-cemented long femoral stem.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSn36 patients with Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures following THA, who had been treated between 2000 and 2014, were reviewed. Eight fractures were treated with LCP fixation, fourteen fractures with the first-generation revision prosthesis (Helios), and fourteen fractures with the second-generation revision prosthesis (Hyperion). The patients were assessed clinically with the Parker mobility score and radiographically.nnnRESULTSnA total of ten males and 26 females formed the basis of this report with an average age of 81 years (range, 64 to 96 years). All fractures treated with LCP fixation alone healed uneventfully and there were no signs of secondary stem migration, malalignement or plate breakage. The average surgical time was shorter in the ORIF cohort; however, the results were not statistically significant. The postoperative Parker mobility score at latest follow-up showed no difference between the groups.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAccording to the results of the current study, we conclude that the use of LCP fixation can be a sufficient option for the treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures correspondingly with femoral stem loosening.

Does flexible tunnel drilling affect the femoral tunnel angle measurement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

AbstractPurposeTo quantify the mean difference in femoral tunnel angle (FTA) as measured on knee radiographs between rigid and flexible tunnel drilling after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.nMethodsFifty consecutive patients that underwent primary anatomic ACL reconstruction with a single femoral tunnel drilled with a flexible reamer were included in this study. The control group was comprised of 50 patients all of who underwent primary anatomic ACL reconstruction with a single femoral tunnel drilled with a rigid reamer. All femoral tunnels were drilled through a medial portal to ensure anatomic tunnel placement. The FTA was determined from post-operative anterior-to-posterior (AP) radiographs by two independent observers. A 5° difference between the two mean FTA was considered clinically significant.ResultsThe average FTA, when drilled with a rigid reamer, was 42.0°xa0±xa07.2°. Drilling with a flexible reamer resulted in a mean FTA of 44.7°xa0±xa07.0°. The mean difference of 2.7° was not statistically significant. The intraclass correlation coefficient for inter-tester reliability was 0.895.ConclusionsThe FTA can be reliably determined from post-operative AP radiographs and provides a useful and reproducible metric for characterizing femoral tunnel position after both rigid and flexible femoral tunnel drilling. This has implications for post-operative evaluation and preoperative treatment planning for ACL revision surgery.Level of evidenceIV.n