[Mechanical stimulation of venous blood flow in below-the-knee plaster cast].

Physical methods became recently more important as an alternative to anticoagulation for prophylaxis of thromboembolism and were studied for their efficacy. The AV-impulse-system proved efficient in reducing thromboembolic complications in patients undergoing hip surgery by increasing the return of venous blood in the deep veins of the leg. In a preclinical trial we studied the influence of the AV-impulse-system and of active forefoot movement on venous blood return in 12 lower extremities of 6 healthy individuals immobilized in below the knee plaster casts.

Results of flexor tendon repair of the hand by the motion-stable wire suture by Towfigh.

We compared the motion-stable wire suture by Towfigh (MSWST) with a modified Kessler suture (MKS) by following up flexor tendon repairs (MSWST, n = 21/39 digits; MKS, n = 20/31 digits). For MSWST we found 31 (79.5%) "excellent", 3 (7.

[Effectiveness of an improved antiseptic in treatment of contaminated soft tissue wounds].

A novel antiseptic biguanide has been shown to be more bactericidal and tissue compatible in vitro than other antiseptics. In our controlled, prospective and randomized double-blind study on patients with bacteria-contaminated wound types 2-4, one group (n = 45) was treated with humid cotton swab dressings of 0.2% Lavasept solution compared with Ringer solution (n = 35).

Grading of functional results of elbow joint arthrolysis after fracture treatment.

In the treatment of posttraumatic contracture of the elbow joint, arthrolysis is a proven procedure. We used a stepwise operative approach starting laterally and including an additional medial and dorsal incision if needed. A total of 91 patients with arthrolysis of the elbow could be followed-up on average 44 months (range 9-102 months) joint after operative (58, 63.