Expression patterns and functional evaluation of RGMa during the early phase of peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model.

Background: In this study, we evaluate the role of RGMa (Repulsive Guidance Molecule a) during peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model.

Methods: By real-time PCR and Western Blot analysis, we examined expression changes of RGMa mRNA and RGMa protein in neural tissue after transection and microsurgical repair of the mouse median nerve distal to the transection site. We evaluated histomorphometrical changes in neural tissue distal to the injury site and functional recovery of the grasping force after median nerve transection and repair in wild-type mice and RGMa+/- heterozygous mice.

Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion: Radiologic Outcome of 286 Patients in 10 Years.

We analyzed the radiologic outcome of different treatment options for scaphoid nonunion. The results were compared with literature, and a treatment algorithm was proposed. On the basis of a retrospective case-control study, 286 patients suffering from scaphoid nonunion were treated over a 10-year period.

Platelet-targeted dual pathway antithrombotic inhibits thrombosis with preserved hemostasis.

Despite advances in antithrombotic therapy, the risk of recurrent coronary/cerebrovascular ischemia or venous thromboembolism remains high. Dual pathway antithrombotic blockade, using both antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, offers the promise of improved thrombotic protection; however, widespread adoption remains tempered by substantial risk of major bleeding. Here, we report a dual pathway therapeutic capable of site-specific targeting to activated platelets and therapeutic enrichment at the site of thrombus growth to allow reduced dosing without compromised antithrombotic efficacy.

[Diagnosis Related Groups in reconstructive plastic surgery of malignant head and neck skin tumours].

Background: Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) were introduced in Germany as a medico-economic classification system 13 years ago. In this analysis, we looked into the compensation for reconstructive plastic surgery after the excision of malignant head and neck skin tumours by DRGs.

Material And Methods: Four main diagnoses (malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, carcinoma in situ) at a maximum of 6 different locations in the head and neck were combined with the following procedures: excision and primary wound closure, excision with temporary soft tissue coverage, split-thickness or full-thickness skin grafting, local, free or regional pedicle flaps, distant flaps as well as combined procedures for coverage.

Histological case-control study of peeling-induced skin changes by different peeling agents in surgically subcutaneous undermined skin flaps in facelift patients.

A histological evaluation of peeling-induced skin changes in subcutaneous undermined preauricular facial skin flaps of nine patients was performed. There were three treatment groups: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 25%, TCA 40% and phenol/croton oil; one group served as control. Two independent evaluators determined the epidermal and dermal thickness and the depth of necrosis (micrometre).

The PAVE (peeling-assisted volume-enhancing) lift: A retrospective 6-year clinical analysis of a combined approach for facial rejuvenation.

The peeling-assisted volume-enhancing (PAVE) lift is a single-stage approach that combines superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication techniques with fat grafting and different peeling agents. To evaluate the safety of this approach, we analyzed the records of 159 patients who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2014. The percentage of complications observed was not higher than values reported in the literature for each treatment entity: surgical facelift: n=3 haematomas (1.

Assessment of sural flap microcirculation: Which position maintains the optimal perfusion?

Background: Limb elevation is a commonly used approach for reducing edema and increasing venous drainage. Considering the anatomy of the sural flap with retrograde perfusion and hence potentially difficult blood outflow, the best angle for positioning the leg following operation is not yet known.

Methods: A total of 14 patients undergoing sural flap lower limb reconstruction were enrolled in the study.

[Decompression of Peripheral Nerves in the Treatment of Diabetic Polyneuropathy].

Polyneuropathy causing ulceration and amputation as a long-term consequence of diabetes mellitus is analysed for its pathophysiology, socioeconomic and medical relevance. Outcomes of decompression of peripheral nerves on the lower extremity regarding sensation, pain, development, and recurrence of ulceration, and amputation is evaluated by a systematic literature review in pubmed, medline and embase. Decompression of peripheral nerves in diabetic peripheral neuropathy seems to be a good treatment option for restoring sensation, decreasing pain, as well as for avoiding the development and recurrence of ulceration and amputation.

Reactions of the rat musculoskeletal system to compressive spinal cord injury (SCI) and whole body vibration (WBV) therapy.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a loss of locomotor function with associated compromise of the musculo-skeletal system. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a potential therapy following SCI, but little is known about its effects on the musculo-skeletal system. Here, we examined locomotor recovery and the musculo-skeletal system after thoracic (T7-9) compression SCI in adult rats.

Functional recovery after experimental spinal cord compression and whole body vibration therapy requires a balanced revascularization of the injured site.

Purpose: Based on several positive effects of whole-body-vibration (WBV) therapy on recovery after SCI, we looked for correlations between functional (analysis of locomotion), electrophysiological (H-reflex) and morphological (density of functioning capillaries) measurements after SCI and WBV-treatment.

Methods: Severe compression SCI at low-thoracic level (T8) in adult female Wistar rats was followed by WBV twice a day (2 × WBV) over a 12-week post-injury period. Intact rats and rats with SCI but no WBV-therapy ("No-WBV") served as controls.

Utilization of laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry for burn depth assessment using a miniature swine model.

Currently, the diagnosis of burn depth is primarily based on a visual assessment and can be dependent on the surgeons' experience. The goal of this study was to determine the ability of laser Doppler flowmeter combined with a tissue spectrophotometer to discriminate burn depth in a miniature swine burn model. Burn injuries of varying depth, including superficial-partial, deep-partial, and full thickness, were created in seven Göttingen minipigs using an aluminium bar (100 °C), which was applied to the abdominal skin for periods of 1, 3, 6, 12, 30, and 60 seconds with gravity alone.

Alteration of biomechanical properties of burned skin.

Background: The prevalence of burns in the general population is high. Despite new research findings, skin burns and its resulting tissue damage are still not entirely understood. In particular, little is known about the depth-dependent alteration of skin biomechanical properties of these wounds.

Reconstruction of scaphoid nonunion fractures of the proximal one third with a vascularized bone graft from the distal radius.

Objective: The treatment of proximal located scaphoid nonunion is a well-known and common problem. For these patients, we used a vascular pedicled bone graft of the distal radius.

Methods: In the last 7 years, 75 patients were treated with the vascular pedicled bone graft.

Evaluation of sensory recovery after reconstruction of digital nerves of the hand using muscle-in-vein conduits in comparison to nerve suture or nerve autografting.

Background: Muscle-in-vein conduits are a good alternative solution to nerve autografts for bridging peripheral nerve defects since enough graft material is available and no loss of sensation at the harvesting area is expected. The purpose of this study was to compare regeneration results after digital nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits, nerve autografts, or direct suture.

Patients And Methods: 46 patients with 53 digital nerve injuries of the hand subjected to direct suture (n = 22) or reconstruction of 1-6 cm long defects with either nerve autografts (n = 14) or muscle-in-vein conduits (n = 17) between 2008 and 2012, were examined using the two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments.

A quantitative analysis of microcirculation in sore-prone pressure areas on conventional and pressure relief hospital mattresses using laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry.

Background: Pressure ulcers are associated with severe impairment for the patients and high economic load. With this study we wanted to gain more insight to the skin perfusion dynamics due to external loading. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of different types of pressure relief mattresses.

Correlation analysis of histomorphometry and motor neurography in the median nerve rat model.

Objective: Standard methods to evaluate the functional regeneration after injury of the rat median nerve are insufficient to identify any further differences of axonal nerve regeneration after restitution of motor recovery is completed. An important complementary method for assessing such differences is a histomorphometric analysis of the distal to lesion nerve fibers. Recently, an electrophysiological method has been proposed as a sensitive method to examine the quality of axonal nerve regeneration.

Alteration of biomechanical properties of skin in acute cold contact injury.

Background: The prevalence of acute cold injury has increased recently. Despite new research findings, these injuries and their resulting tissue damage are still not entirely understood. Especially, little is known about alteration of skin biomechanical properties.

Assessment of microcirculatory changes of cold contact injuries in a swine model using laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry.

Background: Until now, the exact pathophysiology of frostbite injuries is poorly understood. The aim of the study is to evaluate the perfusion changes of frostbite injuries to get a better understanding of the exact mechanism underlying the resulting tissue damage. Particular attention has been given to the differentiation of changes between the various injury depths.

[Benign subcutaneous emphysema caused by a bellows mechanism of the first interdigital space].

We report 2 cases of subcutaneous emphysema after stab wounds of the first interdigital space. The first diagnosis of a gas gangrene was not confirmed. We hypothese an air incorporation caused by a bellows mechanism.

[Clinical functional assessment of various surgical hand arthrodesis techniques].

Background: Total and partial arthrodesis of the wrist are currently sophisticated treatment options for many advanced pathological changes of the wrist. This retrospective study analyzed the subjective and objective outcome of different wrist arthrodesis techniques, e.g.

Development of an animal frostbite injury model using the Goettingen-Minipig.

Background: A standardized reproducible animal model is desirable to gain a better understanding in the pathophysiology of frostbite injury and to develop novel therapies. Little has been studied about frostbite injury models. The depth and extent were not always being controllable and consistent.

Evaluating the role of Netrin-1 during the early phase of peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model.

Background: Less is known about the role of Netrin-1 in the peripheral nervous system. In this study, we evaluated the role of Netrin-1 using the mouse median nerve model for assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration.

Methods: Using real-time PCR and western blot analysis, we examined expression changes of netrin-1 mRNA and Netrin-1 protein after transection and repair of the mouse median nerve in Wild-type animals.

A European comparison of reimbursement in breast reconstruction.

Aims: Case payment mechanisms have become the principal means of remunerating hospitals in most developed countries. The purpose of this study was to make an international comparison of reimbursement for breast reconstructive surgery.

Methods: We analysed remuneration for unilateral and bilateral female breast reconstruction (pedicled flaps, free flaps, alloplastic procedures) across five different European countries.

Expression patterns and functional evaluation of the UNC5b receptor during the early phase of peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model.

Introduction: In this study, we evaluated the role of the Netrin-1 receptor UNC5b (Uncoordinated), a neuronal guidance molecule, during peripheral nerve regeneration using the mouse median nerve model.

Materials And Methods: Using Western blot analysis, we examined the expression changes of UNC5b after transection and microsurgical repair of the mouse median nerve distal to the transection site. We evaluated the histomorphometrical changes and functional recovery of the grasping force after median nerve transection and repair in wild-type (WT) mice and UNC5b(+/-) heterozygous mice.

Whole-body vibration improves functional recovery in spinal cord injured rats.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a relatively novel form of exercise used to improve neuromuscular performance in healthy individuals. Its usefulness as a therapy for patients with neurological disorders, in particular spinal cord injury (SCI), has received little attention in clinical settings and, surprisingly, even less in animal SCI models. We performed severe compression SCI at a low-thoracic level in Wistar rats followed by daily WBV starting 7 (10 rats) or 14 (10 rats) days after injury (WBV7 and WBV14, respectively) and continued over a 12-week post-injury period.