In vitro elution characteristics of gentamicin and vancomycin from synthetic bone graft substitutes.

Objects: Beta tricalciumphosphate pellets loaded with individualized antibiotics may represent novel options in the treatment of osteomyelitis and infectious bone disease. Here, the in vitro antibiotic elution of vancomycin and gentamicin from the synthetic bone graft substitutes Cerasorb(®) and Cerasorb M(®) was tested.

Methods: Antibiotic elution and concentration of gentamcin and vancomycin were measured using photometrically-based measurement and homogeneous particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassays (PETINIA).

Thermometry during coblation and radiofrequency ablation of vertebral metastases: a cadaver study.

Purpose: To evaluate safety of coblation of simulated lytic metastases in human cadaveric vertebral bodies by measuring heat distribution during thermal tissue ablation and comparing it to radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Materials And Methods: Three devices were compared: a 10 mm single-needle RFA electrode, a 20 mm array RFA electrode and the coblation device. To simulate bone metastases, a spinal tumor model was used stuffing a created lytic cavity with muscle tissue.

Scanning electron microscopy investigation of PMMA removal by laser irradiation (Er:YAG) in comparison with an ultrasonic system and curettage in hip joint revision arthroplasty.

The cement often left in the femur socket during hip joint revision arthroplasty is usually removed by curettage. Another method for removing the cement is to use an ultrasonic system, and yet another alternative may be to use a laser system. The aim of these investigations was to determine the pulse rate and pulse energy of the Er:YAG laser for sufficient cement ablation.

Hip centralizing forces of the iliotibial tract within various femoral neck angles.

A contentious issue in the literature is the function and the biomechanical properties of the iliotibial tract. On account of this fact the aim was to take a measurement about the hip centralizing forces of the iliotibial tract by using a custom-made hip prosthesis with adjustable femoral neck angles and lengths in an anatomic model. By increasing the collodiaphyseal (CCD) angle (coxa valga) a higher load of the hip joint results.

Functional cervical MRI within the scope of whiplash injuries: presentation of a new motion device for the cervical spine.

Purpose: Frequently following a whiplash injury of the cervical spine, patients suffer from persistent pain symptoms. The MRI will in some of these cases show changes consistent with disk pathology or spinal stenosis, although in most instances the imaging studies will offer no adequate explanation for the described symptoms. The goal of our research was to develop and test a new MRI compatible device that will allow functional imaging of the cervical spine.

Percutaneous cervical disc decompression.

Background: Cervical disc nucleoplasty is a significant and clinically demonstrated innovation in percutaneous disc decompression in case of non-herniated disc protrusions or prolpase. It allows a percutaneous decompression via a 19-gauge needle under utilization of the Coblation technique and under C-arm control. Until now the patients suffering of a cervicobrachialgia in cause of a disc prolapse had only the therapeutical solution between conservative treatment and monosegmental spondylodesis or disc prosthesis of the mentioned motion segment.