Arthrodesis of the knee joint (author's transl)]

Arthrodesis of the knee joint was performed in 75 patients. Solid fusion was achieved in 74 out of them. Average time for union was basically dependent upon type of pathological process and not upon fusion technique employed. In the last years compression arthrodesis with internal fixation by plates was used in all cases of degenerative, posttraumatic and rheumatoid arthrosis; in cases of tuberculosis and other infections of the knee joint external osteosynthesis by fixateur externe was the preferred procedure.     

Ligamentous injuries of the wrist joint (author's transl)]

Author deal with some basic type of ligamentous injuries around the wrist. Attention is drown to the significance of injuries to the distal radio-ulnar ligamentsystem, the triangular fibrocartilage, and ulnar carpal ligament. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods are recommended. The importance for treatment of ligamentous injuries around the wrist joint is emphasized.     

Comments on the double-cup hip endoprosthesis according to Freeman (author's transl)]

Histological examinations (including tetracycline labelling) of preparations of the neck of the femur which had to be removed 1 1/2, 3 and 14 1/2 months subsequent to double-cup arthroplasty according to Freeman, prove that the bone tissue can remain vital under the solidly cemented metal cup. A thick layer of connective tissue with bundles of collagenous fibres running parallel to the surface, is temporarily formed between the cement layer and the prepared spongiosa of the neck of the femur. It is possible that this layer of connective tissue is replaced within about a years' time by a thin, lamellar cortex layer, which is then covered only by a thin layer of connective tissue which is rich in fibres. Below this layer, the spongiosa spaces are definitely widened and filled with fibrotic fat marrow; vascularisation decreases, whereas osteoporosis increases.     

Knee joint prosthesis with the geomedic knee joint (author's transl)]

Thirty-one cases of plastic knee joint operations were reported. Twenty-one patients were treated with the geomedic knee. The advantage of this joint is that only a small amount of bone must be sacraficed. The range of movement is better than that with a complete knee prosthesis with axis.     

Investigations on hips and extremities by ultrasonics (author's transl)]

Using a Picker Echoview System 80 L, an Ultrasound Compound scanning instrument from Picker Roentgen GmbH, Espelkamp, Germany, some investigations on bones and joints were performed. In comparison with needle probe diameter measuring of muscles it could be shown that ultrasound tomography gives identical results without pain. Figuring of hip and knee joints outlines was possible. Alterations of muscles and tendon tissue were to be seen. Special meridians on the hip joint, along with the ultrasound probe had to be moved, were defined by anatomical marking points. So it became possible to reproduce some angles which usually had to be measured at X-ray pictures.     

Intraosseous osteotomy in arthrosis of the knee joint (author's transl)]

The article describes a surgical method in which removal of the spongiosa is effected in the region of the upper tibia and the lower femur after fenestration of the cortex. Results are reported on the surgical treatment of 24 knee joints with painful arthrosis without any deformation worth mentioning. Worthwhile pain relief was achieved in 22 cases. In these cases, no osteotomy with correction was indicated.     

The lengths' difference of legs in view of the general physician (author's transl)]

The present paper treats the problem of the lengths' difference of legs in view of the general physician. After a five years' research a survey has been established and a classification in four groups has been made. Moreover the question of diagnosis and therapy has been treated. The requirement has been raised to diagnose as early as possible and to apply the corresponding therapy even in case of a lengths' difference below 20 mm in order to avoid any inevitable secondary consequences. Only by acting this way arising complaints, long working incapabilities and last but not least considerable expenses can be prevented.     

The roux-en-y-loop (author's transl)]

78 patients were operated on from 1st July to 31th December 1976 according to the method of Roux-en-Y-loop under several indications concerning primary and secondary reconstructive procedures in abdominal surgery. The experiences made are good. We recommend this method.     

A contribution to pigmented villonodular synovitis of the shoulder joint (author's transl)]

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the shoulder joint, particularly with osseous invasion, is a rare disease. Typical clinical, roentgenological and histological criteria are pointed out on the basis of the case report of one of the authors' own patients. Aetiology and pathogenesis of the changes are discussed. This disease must be included in differential diagnostic deliberations in the shoulder joint region as well, where it may be superficially confused with malignant tumours of the joint.     

Endoprosthetic replacement following resections of malignant tumors of the extremities (author's transl)]

Due to advances in chemotherapy and endoprothetics, amputation is increasingly being replaced by local resectioning in malignant tumors. While suitable implantations for bridging defects in the proximal humerus and proximal femur are available, prostheses for resectioned tumors in the knee area have not yet been fully developed. From 1966 to 1978, 77 endoprostheses were implanted in 29 primary bone tumors, 3 malignant soft-tissue tumors and 45 bone metastases. There were 43 endoprostheses of the proximal femur, 31 endoprostheses of the proximal humerus and 3 special endoprostheses of the knee region. In most cases, eliminating the tumor radically was successful and a functional extremity was retained.     

The brown coloring of the permanent cartilage tissue in old age (author's transl)]

The brown coloring of the permanent cartilage tissue in old age (demonstrated at the rib cartilage) is to be related to pigment deposition in cartilage cells and ground substance. There is a granular pigment present, which probably is a chromolipid. Unstained histological slides are best suitable for the presentation of pigments. In epiphysial joint cartilage (transitory cartilage tissue) the pigmentation of aging usually is only suggested. The appearance of pigment granulas is accompanied by various regressive alterations of cartilage tissue, especially with eosinophilia of the ground substance.     

Mechanical force exercised on the elbow joint in olecranon fractures (author's transl)]

Opinion is fairly unanimous on the need for surgical treatment of disclocated olecranon fractures. However, opinions differ regarding the mechanical backgrounds and practical application of the presently widely used tension wiring. The article attempts to clarify the picture of the forces involved in the humero-ulnar joint. Basing on the points of attack of these forces and on the influence of the ligamentum collaterale ulnare, the fractures are subdivided into three groups with individual demands on the respective fixation method and the permissible post-operative exercise therapy. Post-operative plaster immobilisation is not indicated in these cases.     

Ball and socket ankle joint and tarsal synostosis (author's transl)]

Ball and socket ankle joints in 4 patients with "tarsal coalition" have first been described by Lamb and later by others. This report deals with a further case. The boy with a congenitally short left leg and absence of the lateral two toes was seen at the age of 4 months. He was again seen at 11 years of age after a sprain of the right ankle. Roentgen-examination showed calcaneotarsal synostosis and a ball and socket ankle joint with a fatigue fracture of the lateral metatarsal. The shape of the ankle joint appears to be part of a non-inheritable congenital defect with early embryonal disturbance of cleft formation in the tarsus.