Histology of neurogenic heterotopic ossification and comparison with its radiological expression in acute spinal cord injured patients.

Study Design: Clinical prospective study.

Objectives: To histologically examine puncture biopsies of early neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) in spinal cord injured individuals.

Setting: University of Bochum, Germany.

Acetabular Home Run Screw Guidance for Transiliac Fixation in Cup Revision Arthroplasty.

The growing incidence of acetabular revisions has highlighted the importance of achieving reliable fixation to the remaining bone. Proximal transiliac fixation (TIF) of pelvic implants is becoming an increasingly common approach for managing extensive bone defects. This study seeks to provide guidance on TIF implantation by analyzing the optimal screw placement in partial pelvic replacements for acetabular defects.

Safety and efficacy of intrathecal antibodies to Nogo-A in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial.

Background: Spinal cord injury results in permanent neurological impairment and disability due to the absence of spontaneous regeneration. NG101, a recombinant human antibody, neutralises the neurite growth-inhibiting protein Nogo-A, promoting neural repair and motor recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal NG101 on recovery in patients with acute cervical traumatic spinal cord injury.

Water exchange technique improves colonoscopy in patients with spinal cord injury: Results of a matched cohort study.

Colonoscopies in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently remain incomplete. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of water exchange colonoscopy (WE) in patients with SCI. Three matched groups, each of 31 patients (WE in SCI patients [WE-SCI]) and in the general population (WE-GP), carbon dioxide-based colonoscopy in SCI patients (CO -SCI)) were analyzed retrospectively.

Perceptions of critically ill individuals with acute and chronic spinal cord injury requiring a tracheostomy tube.

Study Design: Observational study.

Objectives: To evaluate the perceptions of patients requiring a tracheostomy tube and to identify possible different perceptions in critically ill patients with tracheostomy tubes who have acute (ASCI) or chronic spinal cord injuries (CSCI).

Setting: Medical and surgical intensive care units (ICU) and intermediate care unit of the BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum, Germany.

Minor microbial alterations after faecal diversion do not affect the healing process of anus-near pressure injuries in patients with spinal cord injury - results of a matched case-control study.

Study Design: Retrospective matched case-control study including patients with spinal cord injury who presented with an anus-near pressure injury. Two groups were formed based on the presence of a diverting stoma.

Objectives: To evaluate the primary microbial colonisation and secondary infection of anus-near pressure injuries depending on the presence of a pre-existing diverting stoma and to investigate the effect on the wound healing.

Learning to control a BMI-driven wheelchair for people with severe tetraplegia.

Mind-controlled wheelchairs are an intriguing assistive mobility solution applicable in complete paralysis. Despite progress in brain-machine interface (BMI) technology, its translation remains elusive. The primary objective of this study is to probe the hypothesis that BMI skill acquisition by end-users is fundamental to control a non-invasive brain-actuated intelligent wheelchair in real-world settings.

[New technologies and robotics].

The development of increasingly more complex computer and electromotor technologies enables the increasing use and expansion of robot-assisted systems in trauma surgery rehabilitation; however, the currently available devices are rarely comprehensively applied but are often used within pilot projects and studies. Different technological approaches, such as exoskeletal systems, functional electrical stimulation, soft robotics, neurorobotics and brain-machine interfaces are used and combined to read and process the communication between, e.g.

[Traumatic spinal cord injuries in sports: a 22-year analysis performed by a specialized trauma centre].

Introduction: There is not much data on traumatic spinal cord injuries sustained during sports in Germany. This study aims to present the frequency of traumatic spinal cord injuries with neurological involvement within various sports over the past 22 years.

Methods: This study is a retrospective evaluation of traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCI) in sports sustained in the past 22 years.

Pilot study: advanced haemodynamic monitoring after acute spinal cord injury-Keep the pressure up?

Background: Although the use of vasopressors to maintain haemodynamic goals after acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is still recommended, evidence regarding the target values and possible risks of this practice is limited, and data on haemodynamic parameters unaffected by catecholamines are rare. In this pilot study, we show the haemodynamic profile of patients with acute SCI mainly unaffected by vasopressor use and other factors that influence the cardiovascular system.

Methods: From March 2018 to March 2020, we conducted a prospective, single-centre pilot study of 30 patients with acute SCI.

Rehabilitation during early postoperative period following total knee arthroplasty using single-joint hybrid assistive limb as new therapy device: a randomized, controlled clinical pilot study.

Introduction: The first weeks after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are crucial for the functional outcome. To improve knee mobility, a continuous passive motion (CPM) motor rail is commonly used during in-hospital rehabilitation. The single-joint hybrid assistive limb (HAL-SJ) is a new therapy device.

Rehabilitation of Acute Vs. Chronic Patients With Spinal Cord Injury With a Neurologically Controlled Hybrid Assistive Limb Exoskeleton: Is There a Difference in Outcome?

This study aimed to assess the outcome of acute and chronic participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) after 12 weeks of bodyweight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with a hybrid assistive limb exoskeleton (HAL). Acute participants were defined as ≤12 months between SCI and training, chronic participants >12 months between SCI and training. We assessed whether HAL-assisted BWSTT is advantageous for acute and chronic participants and if length of time post injury impacts the outcome of HAL-assisted BWSTT.

[Germany-wide, Web-based ParaReg Registry for Lifelong Monitoring of People with Spinal Cord Injury: Data Model, Ethico-legal Prerequisites and Technical Implementation].

Objective: In Germany, treatment paths for patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) differ considerably depending on intrinsic, disease-specific and extrinsic factors. Which of these factors are associated with improved outcome with fewer subsequent complications and inpatient re-admissions is not clear. The German-wide, patient-centered, web-based ParaReg registry will be implemented to improve the long-term quality of patient care and the planning of treatment paths with increased cost-effectiveness.

Fecal diversion does not support healing of anus-near pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury-results of a retrospective cohort study.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study including spinal cord injured patients with anus-near pressure ulcers.

Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of stool diversion via stoma on the decubital wound healing. Secondary objectives included the risk of complications and ulcer recurrence.

Improved Physiological Gait in Acute and Chronic SCI Patients After Training With Wearable Cyborg Hybrid Assistive Limb.

In recent years robotic devices became part of rehabilitation offers for patients suffering from Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and other diseases. Most scientific publications about such devices focus on functional outcome. The aim of this study was to verify whether an improvement in physiological gait can be demonstrated in addition to the functional parameters after treatment with neurological controlled HAL® Robot Suit.

Influence of Locomotion Therapy With the Wearable Cyborg HAL on Bladder and Bowel Function in Acute and Chronic SCI Patients.

Study Design: Retrospective survey.

Objectives: Purpose of this study was to explore whether bowel and bladder management can be influenced by locomotion therapy with HAL Robot Suit.

Methods: 35 subjects with acute (< one year since injury, n = 13) or chronic (> one year since injury, n = 22) incomplete paraplegia (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) B, n = 1 / AIS C, n = 22 / AIS D, n = 7) or complete paraplegia (AIS A, n = 5) with zones of partial preservation (ZPP) participated.

Factors Associated With Major Complications and Mortality During Hospitalization in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis Undergoing Surgical Management for a Spine Fracture.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objectives: To analyze factors associated with major complications (MC) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) undergoing surgical management for a spine fracture.

Methods: Included were all persons with spine fractures and AS in a teriary health care center between 2003 and 2019.

Spinal Cord Injury With Tetraplegia in Young Persons After Diving Into Shallow Water: What Has Changed in the Past 10 to 15 Years?

Study Design: Retrospective, monocentric, observational study in a tertiary health care center.

Objectives: To analyze prehospital and clinical findings, complications, neurological improvement and follow-up in a young person cohort with spinal cord injury (SCI) and tetraplegia according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) A to D after diving into shallow water.

Methods: Included were all persons younger than 50 years with SCI after head-first diving into shallow water between June 2001 and June 2019.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Lower Limb Fractures in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury.

Study Design: Retrospective observational study.

Objectives: To analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of lower limb fractures following surgical treatment in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2015, 102 chronic SCI patients with a lower limb fracture were surgically treated at our hospital.

Similar Adenoma Detection Rates in Colonoscopic Procedures of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury Compared to Controls.

Background: Cancer is a major cause of death in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Preventive strategies, such as colonoscopy, deal with higher burdens that may lead to lower quality.

Aims: The primary objective was to evaluate the adenoma detection rate.

Incidence and complications of cannula changes in long-term tracheotomized patients: a prospective observational study.

Study Design: Prospective, monocentric observational study.

Objective: Investigation of incidence and complication rate of cannula changes in long-term tracheotomized patients suffering spinal cord injury.

Setting: University hospital in Bochum, Germany.

A Randomized and Controlled Crossover Study Investigating the Improvement of Walking and Posture Functions in Chronic Stroke Patients Using HAL Exoskeleton - The HALESTRO Study (HAL-Exoskeleton STROke Study).

The exoskeleton HAL (hybrid assistive limb) has proven to improve walking functions in spinal cord injury and chronic stroke patients when using it for body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT). Compared with other robotic devices, it offers the possibility to initiate movements actively. Previous studies on stroke patients did not compare HAL-BWSTT with conventional physiotherapy (CPT).

Outcome of subtrochanteric femur resection in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Objective: To analyse the clinical outcome of subtrochanteric femur resection in patients with infected hip joints caused by pressure ulcers (PUs) in patients following spinal cord injury (SCI).

Method: A retrospective cohort study, carried out between January 2004 and December 2015. Only patients receiving a subtrochanteric femur resection were included.

Successful non-surgical management of pleuroparenchymal fistula following cervical intraspinal empyema.

Pulmonary infections are life-threatening complications in patients with spinal cord injuries. In particular, paraplegic patients are at risk if they are ventilator-dependent. This case history refers to a spinal cord injury with a complete sensorimotor tetraplegia below C2 caused by a septic scattering of an intraspinal empyema at C2-C5 and T3-T4.