Double screw versus angular stable plate fixation of scaphoid waist nonunions in combination with intraoperative extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

Introduction: Over the past years, different fixation techniques focused on rotational stability in order to increase stability and stimulate union rates. Additionally, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has gained importance in the treatment of delayed and nonunions. Purpose of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical outcome of two headless compression screws (HCS) and plate fixation in scaphoid nonunions, in combination with intraoperative high energy ESWT.

Functional and radiological outcome of distal radius fractures stabilized by volar-locking plate with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

Introduction: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common fractures of the upper extremities and incidence is expected to continue rising as life expectancy increases. Palmar locking plate stabilizing has since become the standard treatment for dorsally displaced DRF. Main aim of this study was to investigate correlation between radiological and clinical outcome in patients stabilized by palmar locking plate with a minimum follow-up of one year.

Biomechanical considerations on a CT-based treatment-oriented classification in radius fractures.

A wide range of different classifications exist for distal radius fractures (DRF). Most of them are based on plane X-rays and do not give us any information on how to treat these fractures. A biomechanical understanding of the mechanical forces underlying each fracture type is important to treat each injury specifically and ensure the optimal choice for stabilization.

Rehabilitation after distal radius fractures: is there a need for immobilization and physiotherapy?

Although the literature generally agrees that displaced distal radius fractures require surgery, no single consensus exists concerning the length of immobilization and type of post-operative physiotherapeutic rehabilitation program. Palmar locking plate fixation represents a very stable fixation of the distal radius, and was assessed biomechanically in various studies. Surprisingly, most authors report additional immobilization after plate fixation.

Indications, surgical approach, reduction, and stabilization techniques of distal radius fractures.

Distal Radius fractures (DRF) are one of the most common injuries in the upper extremity and incidence is expected to rise due to a growing elderly population. The complex decision to treat patients operatively or conservatively depends on a large variety of parameters which have to be considered. No unanimous consensus has been reached yet, which operative approach and fixation technique would produce the best postoperative functional results with lowest complication rates.

Complications after operatively treated distal radius fractures.

In the recent years, treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) has advanced considerably. Surgical fixation with palmar angular stable plate has gained popularity, due to a reported lower complication rate when compared to dorsal fixation. The type of trauma or injury, surgical procedure and impaired bone quality are all contributors to complications in DRF.

Salvage procedure after malunited distal radius fractures and management of pain and stiffness.

Indications for surgical treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) remain controversial in the literature, especially in elderly patients. Complication rates after operatively treated DRF are low and well documented. These include malunion, degenerative osteoarthritis in the radiocarpal joint and subsequently pain and impaired hand function.

Treatment of scaphoid waist nonunion by one, two headless compression screws or plate with or without additional extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

Introduction: Scaphoid nonunion remains challenging for hand surgeons. Several treatment options are available such as: non-vascularized or vascularized bone grafting, with or without additional stabilization. In the last few decades, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has become an established procedure for treating delayed and nonunions.

Three-dimensional kinematics of the flexor pollicis longus tendon in relation to the position of the FPL plate and distal radius width.

Introduction: The standard therapy of intra-articular and extra-articular distal radius fractures consists of open reduction and stabilization using palmar osteosynthesis with an angularly stable plate. The integrity of the flexor pollicis longus tendon (FPLT) may be mechanically affected by the plate, with rupture rates between 1 and 12% reported in the literature, occurring during a postoperative time period from 4 to 120 months. The aim of this study was to investigate the position of the tendon in relation to the distal edge of the plate using high-resolution ultrasonic imaging.

Early complications and radiological outcome after distal radius fractures stabilized by volar angular stable locking plate.

Introduction: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common fractures of the upper extremities. The incidence is expected to continue rising in the next years due to the increased life expectancy. Palmar locking plate stabilizing has since become the standard treatment for dorsally displaced DRF with a complication rate of 8-39% reported in the literature.

Stabilization of scaphoid type B2 fractures with one or two headless compression screws.

Introduction: Fractures of the scaphoid account for the most commonly injured carpal bone. Minimally displaced fractures of the waist will heal in 85-90% when using a below elbow cast. However, fractures with displacement have a higher risk for nonunion.

Spontaneous radioscapholunate fusion after septic arthritis of the wrist: a case report.

Bacterial septic arthritis rarely occurs in the upper extremities. Yet, early diagnosis and treatment is important, as a delay in diagnosis results in pain, impaired hand function, and degenerative joint disease. Radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis is a well-established procedure for treating inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis (primary or posttraumatic), primarily to achieve pain relief.

[The semi-occlusive dressing in treating Allen III and IV fingertip injuries as an alternative to local skin flaps].

Background: Fingertip injuries are very common in emergency departments. According to the literature, Allen III and IV fingertip injuries should be treated with local skin flaps. Instead, we have treated these kinds of injuries in recent years with a semi-occlusive dressing.

Rotational stability in screw-fixed scaphoid fractures compared to plate-fixed scaphoid fractures.

Background: The literature describes the treatment of scaphoid fractures comparing the volar and dorsal approaches, the advantages and disadvantages of percutaneous screw fixation, as well as the treatment of scaphoid nonunions using different types of cancellous or corticocancellous bone grafts. Yet, to date no studies are available comparing the outcome of rotational stability in screw-fixed scaphoid fractures to angular stable systems. The purpose of this study is to provide reliable data about rotational stability in stabilised scaphoid fractures and to gain information about the rigidity and the stability of the different types of fixation.

Early Passive Movement in flexor tendon injuries of the hand.

Introduction: Flexor tendon injuries are underestimated considering their anatomical function in the hand. According to the publications of Kleinert, Verdan and Kessler, primary suturing of the flexor tendon combined with immediate postoperative physiotherapy in terms of "Early Passive Movement" became the standard form of therapy following acute flexor tendon injuries of the hand.

Materials And Methods: In a study between 2007 and 2009, a total of 115 flexor tendon injuries were analysed retrospectively.