Late results of the operated patients with femoral neck fractures. results of the a-o technique and the endoprosthesis from 3 to 5 years after operation (author's transl)]

The late results of 133 operatively treated patients with femoral neck and trochanteric fractures were evaluated. The series consisted of 86 women and 47 men, 72 femoral neck fractures and 61 trochanteric fractures. 99 patients were treated by A-O osteosynthesis and 34 by endoprosthesis. The average age of the group with osteosynthesis was 71 and of the group with endoprosthesis 76 years. From 3 to 5 years after the operation the nailing results of the patients with femoral neck fractures were poor in 7.1 and with trochanteric fractures in 15.4 per cent. During the same observation period the results of the patients treated with endoprosthesis were poor in 14.3 per cent. There were no statistically significant difference between the A-O group and the endoprosthesis group with femoral neck fractures. Between the mortality of the nailed patients with femoral neck fractures and the endoprosthesis group there was no statistically significant difference.     

The effect of indwelling endoprosthesis on stone size or fragmentation after long-term treatment with biliary stenting for large stones

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic biliary stenting is often used for large or difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones, but the effect of indwelling endoprosthesis on size or fragmentation of stones after long-term treatment with biliary stenting has not been formally established. We compared the stone size or fragmentation of common bile duct stones after a long period of biliary stenting. METHODS: Endoscopic biliary endoprosthesis was performed for 49 high-risk patients with CBD stones too large or difficult to be extracted by conventional endoscopic means. Bile duct drainage was established in all the patients without complications. Of the patients, 24 died with endoprosthesis in situ all from causes unrelated to biliar disease; 22 underwent a second and three patients a third attempt at stone extraction. The largest stone diameter was >12 mm in all patients. RESULTS: In 11 of 25 patients (44%) the endoprosthesis allowed resolution of the problem of unextractable common bile duct stones. Four patients showed no existence of stent, and ERCP complete stone clearance from the CBD on programmized appointment after endoprosthesis insertion. Reduced size or fragmentation of stones was obtained in seven patients, and the stones could be removed endoscopically. The remaining 14 patients demonstrated no significant change in the size or fragmentation of their stones, and endoprostheses were replaced. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that endoscopic endoprosthesis for large or difficult CBD stones is an effective method to clear the duct in selected cases, as well as an important definitive treatment in high-risk patients.     

Rehabilitation of orthopedic patients after hip replacement

A comparative analysis of the treatment of 120 patients after endoprosthesis for degenerative-destructive diseases of the hip joint was carried on. All the patients were divided into two groups: the main group included 74 patients who underwent a full course of rehabilitation, the control group consisted of 46 patients without rehabilitation. The results of a comparative assessment of the static-dynamic function in the two groups of patients after operation of endoprosthesis have shown the inclusion of an obligatory program of rehabilitation to be expedient for the restorative treatment in addition to the operation of endoprosthesis.     

Demonstration of the loosening of hip endoprostheses by computerized tomography

A pilotstudy was undertaken to evaluate the utilisation of modified computed tomography as an early diagnostic means to confirm the loosening of the total hip endoprosthesis. In nine of the twelve cases the CT investigation clearly indicated the loosening of the endoprosthesis. With respect to the remaining three patients, no conclusions could be drawn because of the presence of artifacts. It is of further interest to note pertaining to these three, that two had been supplied with an endoprosthesis of the hip on both sides and the third with an irregular surfaced shaft endoprosthesis. In conclusions one can say, despite the problems associated with the modified CT, that it is a suitable additional method for the early diagnosis of the loosening of total hip endoprosthesis.     

Endoprosthesis of great joints of extremities in difficult anatomic conditions

Experience in endoprosthesis of great joints in 408 patients in difficult clinical cases associated with defects and deformations of bones of posttraumatic, oncological, dysplastic and systemic character, and also in the cases of complications after primary endoprosthesis is analyzed. Special constructions of implants, instruments, surgical technique were used depending on anatomic and functional changes. Results of endoprosthesis of great joints were accessed as successful in 95% patients in maximal period of follow-up during 13 years.     

Nonself-centering Bateman bipolar endoprosthesis for nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a 12- to 18-year follow-up study

We studied the long-term results of bipolar endoprosthetic replacement in 12 patients (12 hips) 12 to 18 years after surgery. These patients had Ficat stage III nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The original Bateman universal proximal femoral endoprosthesis, which did not have a self-centering mechanism, was inserted without cement as a primary surgical intervention. Three patients underwent revision surgery, 3, 17, and 17 years after surgery, respectively. The reasons for revision surgery were migration of the stem in 2 patients and migration of both the stem and the outer cup in 1. In the remaining 9 patients, the total Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score was 16.1 ± 1.3 at the time of follow-up. Radiographs showed migration of the endoprosthesis in 1 of these 9 patients. Thus, 11 of the 12 patients retained the endoprosthesis 12 years or more after implantation. We concluded that the original Bateman endoprosthesis was effective in delaying the need for total hip replacement for more than 10 years in patients with Ficat stage III nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Received: May 15, 2001 / Accepted: August 24, 2001     

A "nondislodgeable" endoprosthesis for nonsurgical drainage of the biliary tract.

In patients with obstructive jaundice, biliary decompression can be achieved by an endoprosthesis inserted by a percutaneous transhepatic approach. The prosthesis sometimes becomes dislodged and thus additional percutaneous transhepatic procedures may be required. To avoid this problem, a nondislodgeable endoprosthesis has been developed. The prosthesis is constructed with a layer of biocompatible material (hydrogel) on its surface. The hydrogel is located in grooves around the endoprosthesis and has the ability to absorb liquid, which increases its size. By placing the rings of hydrogel on either side of the obstruction, dislodgement of the prosthesis can be prevented. The nondislodgeable endoprosthesis has been inserted into 11 patients with biliary obstructions due to malignant strictures. No dislodgement has occurred and the established internal drainage reduced serum bilirubin levels without any major complications.     

Pertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Treatment with a long-stem/long-neck endoprosthesis

The long-stem, long-neck endoprosthesis is used in the treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures in the elderly. Between 1978 and 1984, 157 patients 70 years of age and over were treated at our clinic for fresh unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures. Fifty-five patients had internal fixation. Because of the high incidence of mechanical complications, the long spherostem endoprosthesis became the treatment of choice between 1980 and 1984. Thus, 102 patients were treated with this type of arthroplasty. They were compared with the 55 patients treated with osteosynthesis, and we concluded that: (1) in comparison with osteosynthesis, the procedure of endoprosthetic replacement is no more extensive and the mortality is no higher; (2) the incidence of mechanical complications is significantly lower in the endoprosthesis group; (3) even if the dynamic hip screw is now the treatment of choice for pertrochanteric fractures, the long spherostem endoprosthesis is still indicated in arthrotic hip fractures or in the case of reintervention after implant failure.     

Die ESKA- (CUT-)Endoprothese

The ESKA femoral neck endoprosthesis (CUT) is a mini endoprosthesis anchored in the metaphysis for surgical management of young arthrosis patients with good bone quality. The necessary surgical intervention can be considered minimally invasive and adequate because only the affected femoral head is removed. The preserved femoral neck is used for fixation of the endoprosthesis to obtain proximal physiological force transmission and avoid stress shielding. Since the diaphyseal marrow cavity is not opened, the procedures entail decidedly less blood loss. Should the need arise to change the endoprosthesis, an endoprosthetic stem anchored in the diaphysis can easily be implanted after resection of the femoral neck near the base.     

Operative treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients

Experience of the hip joint endoprosthesis for the femur colli fracture in 186 elderly patients is presented. The hip joint endoprosthesis expediency and its advantages in comparison with the femur osteosynthesis were substantiated.     

Possibilities and outlook for wrist joint endoprosthesis

On the basis of his experience with the treatment of 23 patients with diseases and sequellae of injuries the author has determined indications for endoprosthesis in the wrist joint. Butakryl, protokryl or silicon rubber are recommended as a material for endoprosthesis. Good long-term results were obtained in 23 patients subjected to operation.     

Percutaneous transhepatic drainage and insertion of an endoprosthesis for obstructive jaundice

As a consequence of the good results with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography using the Chiba needle, a similar technique was employed for percutaneous transhepatic drainage and insertion of a percutaneous transhepatic endoprostheses. Herein we have described the technique and results of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with the Chiba needle in 45 patients and of combined percutaneous transhepatic drainage and insertion of an endoprosthesis in a consecutive group of 69 patients with obstructive jaundice. In the latter group, 50 patients had a malignant lesion. Of these, 38 were subject to continuous drainage, 14 externally and 24 with an endoprosthesis. The percutaneous transhepatic drainage and insertion of an endoprosthesis procedure brings a new dimension to preoperative decompression of the bile ducts and palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice in high-risk patients.     

Long-term results of endoprosthesis of the hip joint with Plus-Endoprosthetic prosthesis

An experience and results with using endoprosthesis of the hip joint with Plus-Endoprosthetic prosthesis in 937 (1018 operations) patients were analyzed. The period of follow-up observations was 12 years. Distinctive characteristics of the endoprosthesis are described. Specific behavior of this construction in patients with diseases and damages of the hip joint are shown. Results and complications of the endoprosthesis operations are analyzed. In whole, excellent and good results were obtained in 99.42% of cases, satisfactory - in 0.47%, unsatisfactory - in 0.11%.     

Preventive plasty of the abdominal wall with endoprosthesis "Esfil" in operations on organs of the abdominal cavity

An analysis of clinical and US investigations of the abdominal wall in 210 patients with different surgical diseases of the abdominal cavity allowed division of the patients into three groups: without clinical and ultrasonic alterations, with a mild degree and with a severe degree of the anatomo-functional weakness of the abdominal wall. Indications for preventive endoprosthesis of the abdominal wall were determined using the method of quantitative evaluation of risk factors of postoperative hernias developed by the authors. Preventive endoprosthesis of the abdominal wall with a polypropylene endoprosthesis "Esfil" was fulfilled during operation on organs of the abdominal cavity in 11.9% of the patients by absolute indications. The number of postoperative hernias was reduced to 0.9%.     

Prophylactics and treatment of postoperative hernias of the lateral abdominal walls using polypropylene endoprosthesis

An analysis of complex examination and treatment of 151 patients after planned and performed surgical interventions on organs of the retroperitoneal space was made. The patients were divided into 4 groups. The first group (of comparison) included 46 patients who were treated by lumbotomy for different diseases of organs of the urinary system. In 35 patients of the second group (prophylactics) the indications were determined and in 20 patients preventive endoprosthesis of the lateral abdominal wall using polypropylene endoprosthesis was fulfilled. Herniotomy with plasty of the lateral abdominal wall using local tissues was fulfilled in 30 patients. Prosthesing hernioplasty of the lateral abdominal wall was fulfilled in 40 patients of the main group. It was found that preventive endoprosthesis of the lateral abdominal wall allowed prevention of progressing anatomo-functional i/isufficiency and the appearance of postoperative hernias. The application of polypropylene endoprosthesis for the treatment of postoperative hernias allows obtaining 36.4% more good results as compared with the control group, 21.7% decreased number of satisfactory results and no recurrent hernias.     

Gallbladder sepsis after stent insertion for bile duct obstruction: management by percutaneous cholecystostomy.

Of 364 patients undergoing insertion of a biliary endoprosthesis in 1989, six (1.6 per cent) developed gallbladder sepsis. Three patients had cholangiocarcinoma, two had carcinoma of the pancreas and one had a benign biliary stricture. Two of the five patients with malignancy had gallbladder stones, and the patient with a benign stricture developed stones after 3 years of stenting. Three patients developed gallbladder sepsis early after endoprosthesis insertion (less than 6 days), while in the other three it occurred late (greater than 6 months). All six patients failed to respond to antibiotics and were successfully managed by percutaneous cholecystostomy; the patient with a benign biliary stricture also had cholecystolithotomy. The gallbladder drainage tubes were removed or became dislodged at intervals varying from 2 weeks to 6 months without complications. Percutaneous cholecystostomy is the treatment of choice for gallbladder sepsis unresponsive to antibiotics in patients with a biliary endoprosthesis in situ.     

Limb salvage surgery for primary bone sarcoma of the lower extremities: Long-term consequences of endoprosthetic reconstructions

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy and endoprosthetic replacement for bone sarcomas of the lower extremity is well established. The specific long-term consequences of these endoprosthetic reconstructions for the patient's affected limb are unknown. Method: The oncologic results and the survival of the endoprostheses were reviewed in 32 patients with primary bone sarcoma of the femur or proximal tibia. There were 26 high-grade sarcomas, and 6 low-grade sarcomas. A proximal femoral endoprosthesis was used for reconstruction in 4 patients, a total or push-through femoral endoprosthesis in 11 patients, a distal femoral endoprosthesis in 15 patients, and a proximal tibial endoprosthesis in two patients. Results: Median survival was 10 years (range, 1.1 to 18.9 years) for patients with high-grade sarcoma, and 8.1 years (range, 7.1 to 10 years) for patients with low-grade sarcomas. Distant metastases developed in seven patients (22%), all with stage IIB sarcoma, with concomitant local recurrence in 3 patients (9%). Five-year overall and disease-free survival rates for high-grade sarcomas were 81% and 73%, respectively. The overall endoprosthetic survival rate was 87% at 5 years, 80% at 10 years, and 56% at 15 years. Median follow-up of the original endoprostheses was 8.3 years (range, 0.6 to 18.7 years). Endoprosthesis-related complications occurred in 13 patients (41%); most complications were mechanical failures. The highest complication rate was found in distal femoral replacements (60%); amputation was necessary in both patients treated with a proximal tibial endoprosthesis. Five endoprostheses (16%) were revised. An amputation of the involved limb was performed in four patients (13%): in two patients because of local recurrence and in the other two patients because of infection. For patients alive at follow-up, the median functional Enneking evaluation score was 22 points (range, 12 to 28 points), with the highest functional scores in patients with a distal femoral endoprosthesis, and the lowest functional scores in patients with total or push-through femoral replacements. Conclusion: Endoprosthetic reconstructions gave satisfying functional results in most patients after long-term survival. However, the proximal tibial and distal femoral endoprosthesis are particularly at risk for long-term endoprosthetic complications requiring additional surgical procedures.Presented at the Ninth International Symposium of the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS), New York, September 11, 1997.     

Endoscopic sphincterotomy for the palliation of ampullary carcinoma.

Palliative endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed on 17 patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. An endoprosthesis was inserted immediately after the sphincterotomy in four of the patients. Fourteen patients made uncomplicated recoveries from the procedure and their jaundice resolved completely. Early complications developed in three patients. One patient died from haemorrhage. Two patients, both of whom had an endoprosthesis, developed cholangitis. The endoprosthesis was removed and another inserted in one patient and the other underwent surgery. Both thereafter made uncomplicated recoveries. Jaundice subsequently recurred in eight patients and further endoscopic treatment was successful in five of these patients. Eleven patients died between 4 days and 23 months after the sphincterotomy with a median survival of 12 months. Four patients remain alive between 3 and 17 months after treatment. The results indicate that reasonable palliation can be achieved safely by endoscopic sphincterotomy.     

Gastroduodenal ulcers in the practice of joint endoprosthesis

The gastroduodenal ulcer rate and the gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurrence probability after total endoprosthesis of the hip and knee joint were studied. Of 526 patients in 4 (0.7%) after the total joint endoprosthesis operation the gastroduodenal ulcer had occurred, demanding the urgent treatment measures conduction. It is mandatory to conduct an adequate prophylactic measures to the patients, suffering pronounced gastropathy, according to anamnestic data available.     

Surgical Difficulties Encountered With Use of Modular Endoprosthesis for Limb Preserving Salvage of Failed Allograft Reconstruction After Malignant Tumor Resection

We reviewed outcomes and discussed surgical difficulties encountered in 10 patients who had modular endoprosthesis for limb preserving salvage of failed allograft reconstruction after malignant tumor resection. Mean allograft survival time before failure was 127.4 months (range, 14-264 months). Mean length of follow-up since endoprosthesis revision surgery was 62.8 months (range, 16-132 months). There was one endoprosthesis failure, resulting in a mean endoprosthesis survival time of 56.9 months (range, 16-132). Complications included arterial laceration, nerve injury, periprosthetic crack fracture, aseptic loosening, and infection. Modular endoprosthesis remain a viable option that should be considered in any limb preserving salvage of failed allograft reconstructions. However, altered anatomy, poor/short remnant host bone, periprosthetic fractures, inadequate soft tissue coverage and infection remain important difficulties encountered.