Patrick Haubruck

Rotator cuff injuries in professional and recreational athletes.

Professional and recreational athletes involved in contact sports and sports with repetitive overhead motion are at increased risk for rotator cuff tears. Shoulder anatomy, pathology, and biomechanics place unique stress on the rotator cuff tendons during sports activity. Athletes demand effective treatment to quickly return to elite competition. A PubMed search assessed treatment options providing expedited recovery time and return to competition. Twelve of 231 articles fit the objective criteria; 90.5% of professional contact athletes, 40% of professional overhead athletes, and 83.3% of recreational athletes fully recovered following rotator cuff tear surgical repair. Prompt surgical treatment for full-thickness rotator cuff tears may be appropriate for contact athletes and recreational overhead athletes. Although professional overhead athletes have low recovery rates, surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears may still be indicated. The authors propose a treatment algorithm based on the limited literature (mainly level 4 and 5 evidence).

Normal aging alters in vivo passive biomechanical response of the rat gastrocnemius-Achilles muscle-tendon unit

Predisposition to Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures in middle-aged individuals may be associated with age-related changes to inherent passive biomechanical properties of the gastrocnemius-Achilles (GC-AT) muscle-tendon unit, due to known muscle-tendon structural changes in normal aging. The goal of this study was to determine whether the passive biomechanical response of the GC-AT muscle-tendon unit was altered with age in 6 young (8 months) and 6 middle-aged (24 months) F344xBN hybrid rats from the National Institute on Aging colony. Fungs quasilinear viscoelastic (QLV) model was used to determine in vivo history and time-dependent load-relaxation response of the GC-AT. Effective stiffness and modulus were also estimated using linear regression analysis. Fungs QLV revealed a significantly decreased magnitude of the relaxation response (parameter C, p=0.026) in middle-aged animals compared to young animals (0.108±0.007 vs. 0.144±0.015), with similar time-dependent viscous GC-AT properties (τ(1), τ(2)). The product of elastic parameters (A*B), which represents the initial slope of the elastic response, was significantly increased by 50% in middle-aged rats (p=0.014). Estimated GC-AT stiffness increased 28% at peak tensions in middle-aged rats (2.7±0.2 N/mm) compared to young rats (1.9±0.2 N/mm; p=0.036). While the limitations of this animal model must be considered, the changes we describe could be associated with the observation that GC-AT pathology and injury is more common in middle-aged individuals. Further studies are necessary to characterize the load-to-failure behavior of AT in middle-aged compared to young animals.

Non-unions treated with bone morphogenic protein 7: introducing the quantitative measurement of human serum cytokine levels as promising tool in evaluation of adjunct non-union therapy

BackgroundIn this study we sought to determine if application of bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP-7) promotes physiological bone healing of non-unions and to investigate if serum cytokine analysis may serve as a promising tool in the analysis of adjunct non-union therapy. Therefore we analyzed the influence of BMP-7 application on the serum cytokine expression patterns on patients with impaired bone healing compared to patients that showed proper bone healing.MethodsOur study involved analyzing blood samples from 208 patients with long bone fractures together with patients that subsequently developed non-unions. From this large pool, 15 patients with atrophic non-union were matched to 15 patients with atrophic non-union treated with local application of BMP-7 as well as normal bone healing. Changes in the cytokine expression patterns were monitored during the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th and 52nd week. The patients were followed both clinically and radiologically for the entire duration of the study. Serum cytokine expression levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were analyzed and compared.ResultsSerum expression of TGF-β were nearly parallel in all three groups, however serum concentrations were significantly higher in patients with proper bone healing and those treated with BMP-7 than in patients with non-unions (p < 0.05). bFGF serum concentrations increased initially in patients with proper bone healing and in those treated with BMP-7. Afterwards, values decreased; bFGF serum concentrations in the BMP-7 group were significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). PDGF serum concentration levels were nearly parallel in all groups, serum concentrations were significantly higher in patients with proper bone healing and those treated with BMP-7 than in patients with non-unions (p < 0.05).ConclusionTreatment with BMP-7 in patients with former non-unions led to similar cytokine expression patterns after treatment as those found in patients with proper bone healing. Our results suggest that treatment with BMP-7 promote healing of non-unions. Furthermore, quantitative measurement of serum cytokine expression is a promising tool for evaluating the effectiveness of additional non-union therapies such as adjunct application of growth factors.

Validity of subjective smoking status in orthopedic patients.

Purpose In this level 1 diagnostic study, we analyzed the validity of subjective smoking status and, as secondary research question, the smoking cessation adherence in orthopedic patients during a routine hospital stay of nonunion patients by measuring serum cotinine. Methods We included patients undergoing revision surgery due to nonunion of long bones. Patients were interviewed about their smoking status. Blood samples were taken from all the patients prior to surgery and for an additional 6 weeks following surgery. Serum levels of cotinine were measured, and coherence between subjective smoking status and objective cotinine analysis was evaluated. Results Between March 2012 and August 2014, we enrolled 136 patients. Six of the 26 “previous smokers” (23%) and four of the 65 “nonsmokers” (6%) had serum cotinine above cutoff levels. In self-labeled smokers, serum cotinine levels averaged at 2,367.4±14,885.9 ng/mL (with a median of 100 ng/mL), whereas in previous smokers the levels averaged at 4,270±19,619.4 ng/mL (with a median of 0 ng/mL) and in the nonsmokers group the levels averaged at 12±53.9 ng/mL (with a median of 0.03 ng/mL). Overall, the subjective smoking status matched serum cotinine testing in 88% of the cases. Sensitivity was 79.6% and specificity was 93.1%. Ninety-one percent of the patients with preoperative positive serum values were still positive at follow-up. Conclusion In this study, we could show that subjective smoking status in orthopedic patients is predominantly reliable as validated by objective cotinine measurements; however, patients who declare themselves as “previous smokers” are at elevated risk for underreporting continued smoking and patients who smoked preoperatively are at high risk for continuing their habit. In the future, caregivers should consider introducing effective treatments for smoking cessation to smokers and furthermore offer effective treatments to maintain smoking cessation in previous smokers during their routine consultation prior to orthopedic and trauma surgery.

App-based serious gaming for training of chest tube insertion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChest tube insertion is a standard intervention for management of various injuries of the thorax. Quick and accurate execution facilitates efficient therapy without further complications. Here, we propose a new training concept comprised of e-learning elements as well as continuous rating using an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) tool. The study protocol is presented for a randomized trial to evaluate e-learning with app-based serious gaming for chest drain insertion.MethodsThe proposed randomized trial will be carried out at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Heidelberg University in the context of regular curricular teaching for medical students (n = 90, 3rd to 6th year). The intervention group will use e-learning with the serious gaming app Touch Surgery (TM) for chest drain insertion, whereas the control group uses serious gaming for an unrelated procedure. Primary endpoint is operative performance of chest drain insertion in a porcine cadaveric model according to OSATS.DiscussionThe randomized trial will help determine the value of e-learning with the serious gaming app Touch Surgery (TM) for chest drain insertion by using the OSATS score. The study will improve surgical training for trauma situations.Trial registrationTrial Registration Number, DRKS00009994. Registered on 27 May 2016.

The treatment of nonunions with application of BMP-7 increases the expression pattern for angiogenic and inflammable cytokines: a matched pair analysis

The local application of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) in combination with the transplantation of autologous bone graft improves the outcome in nonunion treatment; however, the specific reasons remain unclear. In this study, we sought to determine if the local application of BMP-7 contributes to improved bone regeneration in nonunion therapy by modulation of the angiogenic and inflammable cytokine expression patterns of the early inflammation response. Therefore, we utilized the analysis of serological cytokine expression patterns. As a matched pair analysis, best-fitting patients who were treated with transplantation of autologous bone graft (G1, n=10) were compared with patients who were treated with additional application of BMP-7 (G2, n=10). The changes in the cytokine expression patterns were monitored and correlated to clinical data of bone healing. Significant differences in angiogenesis potential (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] serum levels) could be found in the first days after surgery (P<0.05). Furthermore, the increase and absolute amount of VEGF levels in the BMP-7 group were considerably higher than in the control group during the first 2 weeks after surgery. The expression pattern of inflammable cytokines showed noticeable differences in the time point of significant elevated levels, in particular, inflammable cytokines showed an earlier peak in G2. Furthermore, interleukin-6 was significantly elevated within the first week only, comparing G2 to G1 (P<0.05). Our findings indicate that BMP-7 induces an early and more intense expression of VEGF via a direct and postulated indirect pathway, thereby providing a favorable environment for bone healing. Moreover, application of BMP-7 leads to an earlier expression of known proinflammatory cytokines. The results of this study show that application of BMP-7 leads to costimulatory effect on both angiogenic and inflammable cytokine expression patterns that may serve as a possible stimulus for bone regeneration.

Botulinum Neurotoxin A Injections Influence Stretching of the Gastrocnemius Muscle-Tendon Unit in an Animal Model

Botulinum Neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injections have been used for the treatment of muscle contractures and spasticity. This study assessed the influence of (BoNT-A) injections on passive biomechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit. Mousegastrocnemius muscle (GC) was injected with BoNT-A (n = 18) or normal saline (n = 18) and passive, non-destructive, in vivo load relaxation experimentation was performed to examine how the muscle-tendon unit behaves after chemical denervation with BoNT-A. Injection of BoNT-A impaired passive muscle recovery (15% vs. 35% recovery to pre-stretching baseline, p < 0.05) and decreased GC stiffness (0.531 ± 0.061 N/mm vs. 0.780 ± 0.037 N/mm, p < 0.05) compared to saline controls. The successful use of BoNT-A injections as an adjunct to physical therapy may be in part attributed to the disruption of the stretch reflex; thereby modulating in vivo passive muscle properties. However, it is also possible that BoNT-A injection may alter the structure of skeletal muscle; thus modulating the in vivo passive biomechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit.

Evaluation of matrix metalloproteases as early biomarkers for bone regeneration during the applied Masquelet therapy for non-unions

INTRODUCTION In the current study, we sought to determine if serum concentrations of MMPs correlate with bone regeneration occurring during the course of the Masquelet-therapy and to identify if MMPs may serve as early biomarkers reflecting successful bone regeneration and tissue remodeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was designed as a prospective clinical observer study. We compared serum samples over the time of treatment, as a matched-pair analysis, from 10 patients who were treated successfully with the Masquelet-therapy (Responder) with 10 patients who did not respond to the Masquelet-therapy (Non-Responder). The quantitative measurement was performed with Luminex Performance Human High Sensitivity Assays according to manufacturers instructions. The lab technician performing the Luminex assays was blinded to both patient data and clinical outcome. RESULTS Analysis of the expression pattern of MMP-2, -8 and -9 showed significant differences between groups. Two days after the first step of the Masquelet therapy Responder showed peak values of MMP-8 and MMP-9 that where significantly higher (p = 0.003 and p = 0.042, respectively) than in Non-Responder. In contrast serum levels of MMP-2 were lower after the first step of the Masquelet therapy in the Non-Responder group. The ratio of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was significantly higher in the Responder group two days after step I (p = 0.031) as well as 4 weeks after step II (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION The findings of the current study emphasize the potential role of MMPs as biomarkers in bone remodeling. In particular, a distinct expression of MMP-2 correlates with successful bone regeneration, whereas initial overexpression of MMP-2 serum levels might identify patients that have a higher risk for a poor outcome of the Masquelet-therapy. Furthermore, we were able to introduce the serum analysis of the ratio of MMP-9 and MMP-2 as promising novel modality for early prediction of the outcome of the Masquelet therapy. Further analysis of this ratio over time subsequent to the second step might serve as an early indicator of a favorable response to the induced membrane technique.

Complications and risk management in the use of the reaming-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) system: RIA is a safe and reliable method in harvesting autologous bone graft

Background Autologous bone grafting (ABG) remains the gold standard for augmentation of bone defects. The RIA system has become more prevalent, but evidence regarding risk management and complications remain scarce. This study presents the risk management and complications associated with RIA in the largest single-center case series to date. Methods All records, operative notes, lab data and radiographs of patients receiving a RIA procedure at Heidelberg´s University Hospital between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2016 were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for clinically relevant covariates were used to examine the respective relevance regarding the presence and absence of prolonged postoperative pain (PPP). Results A total of 341 RIA procedures on 306 patients were performed at our level-1 trauma center. The femur was the main donor site (98.53%; N = 336) whereas only in 1.47% (N = 5) the tibia was utilized. A total of 11 patients showed a relevant loss of hemoglobin requiring blood transfusion. A total of 22 patients suffered from PPP directly associated with the RIA procedure resulting in prevalence of 6.45%. The 6 major complications in our study were of diverse origin and all intraoperative complications took place in the early phase of the RIA procedure in our center (2010–2013). Our data revealed influence of sex (p = 0.0459) and age (p = 0.0596) on the criterion PPP. The favored model including sex and age resulted in an AUC of 66.2% (CI: 55.5%-76.9%). Conclusion Perioperative blood loss remains a prevalent complication during RIA reaming. In addition, PPP occurs with a prevalence of 6.45%. This study showed a complication rate of 1.76%, emphasizing RIA´s overall safety and furthermore highlighting the need for vigilance in its application and prior extensive hands-on training of surgeons. Level of Evidence: II.

Relation of selenium status to neuro-regeneration after traumatic spinal cord injury

INTRODUCTION The trace element selenium (Se) is crucial for the biosynthesis of selenoproteins. Both neurodevelopment and the survival of neurons that are subject to stress depend on a regular selenoprotein biosynthesis and sufficient Se supply by selenoprotein P (SELENOP). HYPOTHESIS Neuro-regeneration after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is related to the Se status. STUDY DESIGN Single-centre prospective observational study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three groups of patients with comparable injuries were studied; vertebral fractures without neurological impairment (n = 10, group C), patients with TSCI showing no remission (n = 9, group G0), and patients with remission developing positive abbreviated injury score (AIS) conversion within 3 months (n = 10, group G1). Serum samples were available from different time points (upon admission, and after 4, 9 and 12 h, 1 and 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 2 and 3 months). Serum trace element concentrations were determined by total reflection X-ray fluorescence, SELENOP by ELISA, and further parameters by laboratory routine. RESULTS Serum Se and SELENOP concentrations were higher on admission in the remission group (G1) as compared to G0. During the first week, both parameters remained constant in C and G0, whereas they declined significantly in the remission group. Similarly, the concentration changes between admission and 24 h were most pronounced in this group of recovering patients (G1). Binary logistic regression analysis including the delta of Se and SELENOP within the first 24 h indicated an AUC of 90.0% (CI: 67.4%-100.0%) with regards to predicting the outcome after TSCI. CONCLUSION A Se deficit might constitute a risk factor for poor outcome after TSCI. A dynamic decline of serum Se and SELENOP concentrations after admission may reflect ongoing repair processes that are associated with higher odds for a positive clinical outcome.