The effect of computer navigation on blood loss and transfusion rate in TKA.

The blood loss that accompanies total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be substantial. Many patients need perioperative blood transfusions. To avoid anemia and transfusion-related complications, the amount of blood loss and need for blood transfusions must be reduced.

How much tibial resection is required in total knee arthroplasty?

The purpose of our study was to calculate the optimal tibial resection depth in total knee arthroplasty. The data from 464 navigated total knee arthroplasties were analysed. An implant with a minimum insert thickness of 8 mm was used.

[Spinal surgery in the elderly: does age have an influence on the complication rate?].

In accordance with the demographic trend, the number of elderly patients with spinal diseases which require surgery will increase continuously. Up to now, age has often been regarded as a contraindication for an elective operation. However, a review of the existing literature, the results of the European spine register "Spine Tango" and our own results show that the rate of complications after minimally invasive spinal surgery is as low in the elderly as it is in the younger population.

Continuous monitoring of post mortem temperature changes in the human brain.

Recent developments in neurochemistry research on the post mortem human brain require a detailed understanding of the post mortem changes in the human brain, including the correlation between time related temperature changes and alterations in biochemical parameters. As an initial step towards our deeper insight into the intricate relationships between post mortem time, temperature and neurochemical processes, in the present study we set out to monitor continuously temperature changes in the post mortem human brain in eight cadavers for a period of up to 24 h after death under 'standard' clinical conditions at a neurosurgery clinic. A main objective of the study was to find a simple and reliable mathematical formula, requiring only time and an easily obtainable body temperature measurement parameter, with the help of which the superficial and deep brain temperatures can be obtained without invasive interactions.

Quantitative determination of hyaluronan content in cerebral aneurysms by digital densitometry.

Object: Hyaluronan (HA) is a highly hydrated macromolecule; it is one of the essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the arteries and plays an important role in maintaining the biomechanical features of blood vessels. Although the potential contribution of HA in aneurysms of different vessels has been studied intensively, no data are available about the alteration of the HA content in the extracellular matrix of intracranial aneurysms. The aim of the study was to determine the hyaluronan content in the wall of human cerebral arteries.