Reconstruction for DRUJ Instability

The skeletal architecture of the DRUJ provides minimal inherent stability, as the sigmoid notch is shallow and its radius of curvature is 50% greater than that of the ulnar head [Af Ekenstam F, Hagert CG. Anatomical studies on the geometry and stability of the distal radio ulnar joint. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg 1985;19(1):17–25]. Due to its incongruent articulation, the DRUJ relies strongly on the surrounding soft tissues for stability. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is generally accepted as the major soft tissue stabilizer of the DRUJ of which the volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments are the primary components. Restoration of the radioulnar ligaments offers the best possibility to restore the normal DRUJ primary constraints and kinematics. This article presents an update of the procedure developed by the senior author that anatomically reconstructs the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments at their anatomic origins and insertions.     

Isolated avulsion of the biceps femoris insertion-injury patterns and treatment options: a case report and literature review

Isolated avulsion of the biceps femoris tendon is a relatively rare condition. We report a case of a 43 year-old soccer player with a rupture of the biceps femoris tendon which occurred in a hyperextension of the knee. Based on this case, we discuss the literature referring to injury pattern and treatment.     

Tissue engineering of tendons and ligaments by human bone marrow stromal cells in a liquid fibrin matrix in immunodeficient rats: Results of a histologic study

Introduction The original complex structure and mechanical properties are not fully restored after ligament and tendon injuries. Due to their high proliferation rate and differentiation potential, Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSC) are considered to be an ideal cell source for tissue engineering to optimize the healing process. Ideal matrices for tissue engineering of ligaments and tendons should allow for homogenous cell seeding and offer sufficient stability. Material and methods A mixture of human BMSC and liquid fibrin glue was injected into a standardized full-thickness window defect of the patellar tendon of immunodeficient rats (BMSC group). The histology of the tissue was analysed 10 and 20 days postoperatively and compared to four control groups. These groups consisted of a cohort with a mixture of human fibroblasts and fibrin glue, fibrin glue without cells, a defect group without treatment, and a group with uninjured patellar tendon tissue. Results Tendon defects in the BMSC group revealed dense collagen fibres and spindle-shaped cells, which were mainly orientated along the loading axis. Histologic sections of the control groups, especially of untreated defects and of defects filled with fibrin glue only, showed irregular patterns of cell distribution, irregular formed cell nucleoli and less tissue maturation. Compared to healthy tendon tissue, higher numbers of cells and less intense matrix staining was observed in the BMSC group. No ectopic bone or cartilage formation was observed in any specimen. Conclusions Injection of human BMSC in a fibrin glue matrix appears to lead to more mature tissue formation with more regular patterns of cell distribution. Advantages of this “in-vivo” tissue engineering approach are a homogenous cell-matrix mixture in a well-known and approved biological matrix, and simple, minimally-invasive application by injection.     

A pilot study of factors associated with falls in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with falls among a sample of ambulatory individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional mail survey. METHODS: A survey instrument of participant characteristics and fall-related variables was developed using relevant items from existing measures and was mailed to 221 individuals with incomplete SCI, who were identified from records of a large specialty hospital in the southeastern United States. Of the 221 prospective participants, 119 completed the questionnaire (54%). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors that were independently associated with having had a fall in the past year. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, having fallen in the past year was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with greater numbers of medical conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-1.7), having arthritis (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.2-9.6), experiencing dizziness (OR = 5.6, 95% Cl = 1.1-27.7), greater numbers of days with poor physical health (OR = 1.1; 95% Cl = 1.0-1.3), and the restriction of community activities because of fear of falling (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1). The multivariable models also showed that the odds of having fallen were significantly lower among those with better current perceived physical health (OR = 0.5; 95% Cl = 0.3-0.9), those with better perceived health compared to a year ago (OR = 0.4; 95% Cl = 0.2-0.8), individuals who exercised more frequently (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1-0.7), and those who used a walker (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that interventions that address exercise frequency, walker use, and dizziness have promise for reducing falls for individuals with incomplete SCI.     

Optimizing Outcomes in the Jehovah’s Witness Following Trauma: Special Management Concerns for a Unique Population

Abstract Background:   The objective of this study was to describe the management of the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) in an intensely active level I trauma center and review the modern therapeutic options available for the trauma care of these patients. Study design:   A retrospective review of injured JWs admitted to a busy trauma center over a 13-year period was conducted. Results:   Over the study period, 143 JWs were identified. Among these, 15.4% (22/143) overall and 32.3% (10/31) requiring surgical intensive care unit (SICU) admission accepted transfusion. Overall, 56.6% of JWs (81/143) required operation and 21.7% (31/143) were admitted to the SICU with a complication rate of 4.2% (6/143) and a mortality of 1.4% (2/143). One patient of the 31 patients that were admitted to the SICU received 10 ml of blood with subsequent discontinuation of the transfusion and was excluded from analysis. Of the 30 JWs admitted to the SICU, 20 (66.7%) did not receive transfusion and demonstrated mean admission and nadir hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 12.7 (±2.5) and 9.1 (±3.0) mg/dl, respectively. Ten patients accepted transfusion. This group had longer mean SICU stays (23.3 vs. 5.5 days) but similar mortality (10%, 1/10 vs. 5%, 1/20) compared to non-transfused counterparts. Only one complication (1/20, 5%) was observed in the JWs who were not transfused, compared to a 40% (4/10) complication rate in those accepting transfusion. Conclusion:   Although our experience was limited, we found no significant difference in the mortality or morbidity between JW patients who received or abstained from transfusion following major trauma. We should keep in mind that the population was small, in order to extract safe conclusions regarding whether we should transfuse or not transfuse trauma patients. We can, however, see interesting insights on the value of trauma resuscitation.     

Methodological quality of randomised controlled trials in burns care. A systematic review

Objective

To evaluate the methodological quality of published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in burn care treatment and management.

Methods

Using a predetermined search strategy we searched Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to January 2008) database to identify all English RCTs related to burn care. Full text studies identified were reviewed for key demographic and methodological characteristics. Methodological trial quality was assessed using the Jadad scale.

Results

A total of 257 studies involving 14,535 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median Jadad score was 2 (out of a best possible score of 5). Information was given in the introduction and discussion sections of most RCTs, although insufficient detail was provided on randomisation, allocation concealment, and blinding. The number of RCTs increased between 1950 and 2008 (Spearman's rho = 0.6129, P < 0.001), although the reporting quality did not improve over the same time period (P = 0.1896) and was better in RCTs with larger sample sizes (median Jadad score, 4 vs. 2 points, P < 0.0001). Methodological quality did not correlate with journal impact factor (P = 0.2371).

Conclusions

The reporting standards of RCTs are highly variable and less than optimal in most cases. The advent of evidence-based medicine heralds a new approach to burns care and systematic steps are needed to improve the quality of RCTs in this field. Identifying and reviewing the existing number of RCTs not only highlights the need for burn clinicians to conduct more trials, but may also encourage burn health clinicians to consider the importance of conducting trials that follow appropriate, evidence-based standards.     

Planning of traumatological hospital resources for a major winter sporting event as illustrated by the 2005 Winter Universiad

Introduction  The 22nd Student World Winter Games took place in January 2005 in Innsbruck and Seefeld, Austria. Exactly 1,500 athletes of 50 nationalities competed in 69 events in ten winter sports. A total number of 750 functionaries, 800 volunteers and 85,000 spectators participated in the second largest winter sports event behind the Olympic winter games. Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate the needed resources to ensure traumatological care for an event of that size. Material  At the medical “call-center” all consultations, as well as patient data, diagnosis, and medical treatment were recorded using a preset protocol. Further, all patients treated in the University Hospital Innsbruck were registered with an emphasis on trauma patients. Results  Forty-eight of 65 patients transported to the hospital as a result of the Universiade were trauma patients, 37 of whom were athletes. The gender distribution was 34:14 (m:f). Ice hockey players had the highest rate of injury (25% of all injured athletes), followed by alpine skiers (20.8% of injured athletes). The highest ISS was nine. Forty-three patients got ambulatory treatment, five were admitted to the hospital and surgical treatment was conducted in three cases. Mean patient number was 4.8 per day. No additional personnel, structural, or technical hospital resources were needed to accommodate a large winter sports event like the Universiad. Thus, a level-B trauma center with an emergency room and independent traumatological department with around the clock surgical capability seems to be sufficient to provide traumatological care for an event of this size if the possibility of patient transport to a larger facility exists in the case of catastrophic events.     

Flexion Model Simulating Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality in Patients With Ossification of the Longitudinal Ligament: The Influence of Flexion Speed on the Cervical Spine

Background/Objective:

It is suspected that the speed of the motion of the spinal cord under static compression may be the cause of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, little is known about the relationship between the speed of the motion of the spinal cord and its stress distributions. The objective was to carry out a biomechanical study of SCI in patients with ossification of the longitudinal ligament without radiologic evidence of injury.

Methods:

A 3-dimensional finite element spinal cord model was established. After the application of static compression, the model underwent anterior flexion to simulate SCI in ossification of the longitudinal ligament patients without radiologic abnormality. Flexion of the spine was assumed to occur at 1 motor segment. Flexion angle was 5°, and flexion speeds were 0.5°/s, 5°/s, and 50°/s. Stress distributions inside of the spinal cord were evaluated.

Results:

Stresses on the spinal cord increased slightly after the application of 5° of flexion at a speed of 0.5°/s. Stresses became much higher at a speed of 5°/s and increased further at 50°s.

Conclusions:

The stress distribution of the spinal cord under static compression increased with faster flexion speed of the spinal cord. High-speed motion of the spinal cord under static compression may be one of the causes of SCI in the absence of radiologic abnormality.     

Exercise: the brittle cornerstone of type 2 diabetes treatment

Regular exercise has been recommended for diabetes patients for many years; however, it is not widely used clinically. This may be because of high costs, lack of reimbursement, low compliance and/or absence of proper infrastructure. Alternatively, structured exercise therapy may be underutilised because current guidelines do not include detailed information on the preferred type and intensity of exercise that should be applied to maximise the benefits of exercise for different subgroups of patients with type 2 diabetes. Based on available evidence and our own clinical research experience this article proposes that exercise therapy in type 2 diabetes might be more effective if (1) cardiac rehabilitation programmes served as a model for ‘pre-cardiac diabetes rehabilitation’; (2) resistance exercise were prescribed for sarcopenic or severely deconditioned type 2 diabetes patients; and (3) a multidisciplinary approach and continued exercise training under personal supervision became standard therapy. Nevertheless, more clinical research is warranted to establish the efficacy of an approach that takes into account type 2 diabetes subpopulations at different stages of the disease and with different levels of comorbidity.     

Aortic injury with chance fracture in a child

To present the findings in a 10-year-old male with a Chance fracture and associated aortic vascular injury and review of the literature on the subject. We reviewed the clinical and imaging findings in a patient who was in a serious motor vehicle accident, sustaining a Chance fracture of the lumbar spine and associated aortic and common iliac vessel injury. We also accomplished a literature review. Evidence of an associated aortic injury was available on the initial computed tomography (CT) study, but the findings were more exquisitely demonstrated on reconstructed studies of the lumbar spine. Our literature review indicated that aortic injury associated with Chance fracture is relatively rare and often overlooked. Abdominal aortic injury although rare, can occur with Chance fractures. With the now present sophisticated CT imaging in most Emergency Rooms it is possible to obtain exquisite reconstructed images of all organ systems including the vascular tree. The images may provide enough details so that further delineation of any given problem may not be necessary.