Colon capsule endoscopy is a viable alternative to colonoscopy for the investigation of intermediate- and low-risk patients with gastrointestinal symptoms: results of a pilot study.

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a recommended viable alternative to colonoscopy for colonic visualisation in a variety of clinical settings with proven efficacy in polyp detection, surveillance, screening and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) assessment. CCE efficacy in an unselected average risk symptomatic cohort has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of CCE imaging assessment in average risk symptomatic patients as an alternative to colonoscopy with and without additional biomarker assessment.

Treatment of irreversible lesion of the radial nerve by tendon transfer: indication and long-term results of the Merle d'Aubigné procedure.

Irreversible radial nerve paralysis should be treated by tendon transfer reconstruction to improve wrist and finger extension and stabilization of the thumb joints. Many different techniques and modifications are known and used. A total of 43 patients, all of whom underwent the Merle d'Aubigné procedure, were examined in a long-term follow-up study.

[Quantification of variations in arm perfusion after plexus anesthesia with color doppler sonography].

The axillary brachial plexus block is a well-known technique for intra- and postoperative analgesia and sympathetic blockade in hand and microsurgery. The aim of this study was to show the influence of the axillary brachial plexus block on the blood flow as a side effect. METHODS.

[Various tendon suture techniques and their follow-up care].

In this review of the most commonly applied techniques of surgical tendon repair, their development and modification are described. The most important issue is the connection of special suture material and surgical techniques that take into account the anatomical localization of the tendon as well as the mode of injury.

[The monitor findings of digitalized conventional wrist x-rays].

The study aimed at proving the reliability of monitor systems with the matrix of 1024 x 768 for the detection of scaphoid fractures compared to conventional X-ray. Moreover, we were interested in the significance of procedures of digital imaging post processing, depending in particular on the experience of investigators. 5 investigators with different levels of experience analysed 57 X-rays of the wrist.

[Effectiveness of treatment of scaphoid pseudarthrosis in the impaired and damaged carpal bones and wrist].

107 of 604 cases with scaphoid non-union had secondary arthrosis of the wrist before surgical treatment by the Matti-Russe technique. In contrast to earlier opinions the results of this retrospective study show that this procedure is indicated more frequently.

[Injury of the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and therapy].

The authors report on their experience on 176 patients with lesions of the ulnar collateral ligaments. Two samples were compared: the fresh rupture and immediate suture, and the old lesion treated by a special plasty with palmaris tendon (Bäuerle/Reill). The long term results (at least 2 years) of both collectives were nearly identical.

[Long-term results of 2-stage flexor tendon grafting].

The authors report the results of 85 two-stage tendon grafts (with Silastic rod preparation and subsequent tendon grafting) in which the evaluation was based upon the classification of Buck-Gramcko. The time between the end of treatment and physical evaluation varied from three to six years. The interpretation of the results was based on the analysis of the preoperative state according to the nature of the lesion and the severity of the injury (Boyes/Hunter).

[Nerve transplantations in the upper extremity with autologous grafts].

The paper deals with the technique and indications of interfascicular nerve grafting. The operative technique and problems as well as new ideas are described. When the results published in this operative technique are compared, the following tendency is seen: some teams of microsurgeons have nearly the same excellent results after transplantation as after primary suture, while other teams have significantly more failures with transplantation.

[Primary flexor tendon suture].

The protracted controversy about whether divided tendons, particularly in the so-called no-man's land, should be treated primarily or secondarily, seems to be resolved. Primary tendon suture with immediate dynamic splintage has led to a significant improvement in the results and is preferred, with minor variations, by most hand surgeons. Following a description of flexor tendon anatomy, more recent discoveries about the physiology of tendon healing are discussed.

[Camptodactylia (author's transl)].

In the case of camptodactylia, the early congenital form must be differentiated from that encountered in adolescents. Mild abnormalities with limitation of extension up to 30 degeees do not need treatment. Those with limitation of 30-50 degrees can be treated conservatively with suitable splints.

[Treatment of the osseous tear of extensor tendons].

The osseous tear of extensor tendon is to be seen as a intraarticular fracture. The exact anatomical reduction is not only necessary for the reconstruction of extensor tendon but also for the recovery of the articular surface. The tension band wiring which is used in avulsion fractures of bigger joints is also the method of choice for the treatments of the osseous tear of extensor tendon.

[2-stage flexor tendon transplantation].

Staged flexor tendon repair utilizing temporary silastic rod implants has proved to be an effective method for restoring the grip function of severely injuried hands. Since its inauguration by CARROLL and BASSETT in 1958 this method has been successfully practiced by numerous hand surgeons. In this review the patho-physiological principles of the development of the so-called "pseudo tendon sheath" are described.

Retrograde changes in motor and sensory conduction velocity after nerve injury.

Nerve section is followed by a reduction of motor and sensory conduction velocity in the proximal segment of the injured nerve. This reduction of velocity is associated with retrograde changes in fiber size. If reinnervation does not occur within the next 1 1/2--2 years, retrograde degeneration of nerve fibers results, and the amplitude of the evoked nerve potential in the proximal segment of the injured nerve decreases.