Correlation of head screw lengths in proximal humerus nailing: a CT-based study on 289 cases.

Introduction: Nailing of the proximal humerus is an established method for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Choice of the correct length for potentially four proximal locking screws is essential for postoperative outcome. Due to positioning of the patient, intraoperative determination of the correct length of the anteroposterior (AP) screw with the x-ray beam is particularly challenging even for experienced surgeons.

Influence of the inclination angle of the S1 pedicle on screw malposition and operative revision in percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of posterior pelvic ring fractures.

Introduction: Due to aging society, osteoporotic posterior ring fractures of the pelvis are gaining importance. Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation can reduce pain if conservative therapy is not sufficient. One of the surgical complications is the malposition of the screws in neuroforamen.

Rare implant-specific complications of the MoPyC radial head prosthesis.

Background: According to currently available data, the clinical short-term results of the MoPyC radial head prosthesis (Bioprofile, Tornier, Montbonnot-Saint-Martin, France) seem favorable. However, we have encountered several implant-specific complications in recent years. Hence, this case series reports rare complications after radial head arthroplasty with the MoPyC prosthesis to make surgeons aware of their existence and to provide information about the underlying cause and possible salvage strategies.

Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation after osteoporotic posterior ring fractures of the pelvis reduces pain significantly in elderly patients.

Introduction: Osteoporotic posterior ring fractures of the pelvis are common injuries in the elderly, but the treatment of these fractures still remains controversial. Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is one surgical option if conservative treatment cannot provide sufficient pain reduction. The aim of this study is to provide short-term results of elderly patients with percutaneous screw fixation.

Presentation of the vascular supply of the proximal ulna using a sequential plastination technique.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the peri- and intraosseous vascular supply of the proximal ulna.

Methods: Eleven fresh human cadaveric elbows were sequentially plastinated beginning with arterial injection, followed by block and secondary slice plastination of the whole elbow. With this technique, we obtained completely transparent cadaveric slices in which the peri- and intraosseous vascular architecture could be studied.

Treatment of unstable elbow dislocations with hinged elbow fixation-subjective and objective results.

Background: The aim of this study was to provide subjective and objective results of surgical treatment of unstable elbow dislocations with the hinged external fixation technique.

Methods: Twenty-six patients were available for re-examination after treatment. Parameters used to quantify the subjective functional results were the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and the stability of the elbow joint.

Characterization of tumor-associated B-cell subsets in patients with colorectal cancer.

Purpose: A precise understanding of the mechanisms by which human immune cell subsets affect tumor biology will be critical for successful treatment of cancer using immunotherapeutic approaches. Recent evidence suggests that B cells can both promote and inhibit the development and progression of tumors. The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of the B-cell infiltrates in colorectal cancers (CRC) in order to gain further insight into the role of B cells in CRC.

The bispecific immunoligand ULBP2-aCEA redirects natural killer cells to tumor cells and reveals potent anti-tumor activity against colon carcinoma.

NKG2D, an activating receptor expressed on NK cells and T cells, is critically involved in tumor immunosurveillance. In this study, we explored the potential therapeutic utility of the NKG2D ligand ULBP2 for the treatment of colon carcinoma. To this end we designed a fusion protein consisting of human ULBP2 and an antibody-derived single chain targeting the tumor carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

The ratio between dendritic cells and T cells determines whether prostaglandin E2 has a stimulatory or inhibitory effect.

Prostaglandin E2 has been shown to enhance the maturation, migration, and antigen-presenting capacity of DCs. It is therefore included in many maturation cocktails for the generation of monocyte-derived DCs. Paradoxically, PGE2 is also an important tumor-derived immunosuppressive factor and has inhibitory effects on DC differentiation and function.

Reconstruction of a Bryan and Morrey type I capitellar fracture in a sawbone model with four different fixation devices: an experimental study.

Background: We evaluated 4 different fixation devices for the reconstruction of a standardised Bryan and Morrey capitellar shear fracture in a sawbone model. Outcome measurements were the quality of reduction, time for reconstruction and stability.

Methods: 80 standardised Bryan and Morrey type I fractures were created for 5 different orthopaedic surgeons in 80 sawbones.

Analysis of Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEM) in patients with colorectal cancer.

Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEM) promote tumor angiogenesis and growth in experimental cancer models. The role of TEM in cancer patients is unknown. We studied TEM in healthy volunteers and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Reconstruction of radial capitellar fractures using fine-threaded implants (FFS).

Fractures of the capitulum humeri are rare and challenging injuries to the elbow and outcome results are limited to case series, often with different fixation devices. This article aims to present 15 patients with a fracture of the capitulum humeri treated with the same implant, fine-threaded Kirschner wires (FFS). Besides range of motion and grip strength, outcome measurements include the following scores: the Mayo Elbow Performance index (MEPI); the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' Elbow Assessment (ASES) Form; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; and the Broberg-Morrey score.

Treatment of displaced proximal fifth metatarsal fractures using a new one-step fixation technique.

Background: Fractures of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal are common after foot twisting injuries, and operative treatment is recommended in cases of displacement. The purpose of this study was to report the radiologic outcome and clinical results of displaced fractures of the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal treated using fine-threaded K-wires (FFS).

Methods: In 3 years' time, in a total of 35 cases, patients had an initial fracture displacement of more than 2 mm for isolated extraarticular fractures and an involvement of the cuboidal joint surface of more than 30%.

Olecranon fracture fixation with a new implant: biomechanical and clinical considerations.

Unlabelled: This study aims to describe the first clinical results in the treatment of dislocated olecranon fractures with 2.2-mm, fine-threaded wires with a washer. Furthermore, in the second part of the article, the stability of these new implants has been compared to standard tension band wiring in a sawbone model.

Efficient activation of autologous tumor-specific T cells: a simple coculture technique of autologous dendritic cells compared to established cell fusion strategies in primary human colorectal carcinoma.

Different technologies have been employed to deliver the whole spectrum of tumor antigens (TAs) to dendritic cells (DCs) to be presented to T cells. These include whole tumor RNA-transfected DCs, preparations of DCs loaded with tumor-derived apoptotic bodies or tumor cell lysates, and DC tumor cell fusions. Early clinical trials have been conducted using such techniques.

Reconstruction of Mason type-III and type-IV radial head fractures with a new fixation device: 23 patients followed 1-4 years.

Background: Treatment options in radial head fractures of Mason types III and IV range from open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to radial head resection with or without prosthetic replacement.

Patients: In a prospective study, the radiographic and clinical outcome was evaluated in 23 patients (age median 51 years) with 23 complex radial head fractures median 2 (1-4) years after ORIF using a new fixation device (FFS; Orthofix). 14 Mason type-III fractures with 2 concomitant olecranon fractures and 1 ulnar nerve lesion, and 11 type-IV fractures with 2 olecranon fractures and 2 fractures of the coronoid process were treated.

Mechanical distraction for the treatment of posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow in children and adolescents. Surgical technique.

Background: Elbow contracture is a recognized sequela of elbow injuries in children and adolescents, but previous studies of operative treatment with formal capsular release have demonstrated unpredictable outcomes and unfavorable results.

Methods: Over a period of five years, fourteen children and adolescents with a mean age of fourteen years who had posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow were managed according to a prospective protocol. Eleven patients had undergone a mean of three previous operative procedures before the index operation.

Treatment of bilateral elbow dislocation using external fixation with motion capacity: a report of 2 cases.

Bilateral elbow dislocation is a rare injury and only 11 cases are described in the literature, including 8 patients with isolated ligamentous and 3 patients with an additional osseous injury. We present 2 cases of bilateral posterior elbow dislocations treated with a bilateral hinged elbow fixator with motion capacity to allow for early physiotherapy. Both patients had a high-energy trauma with one who fell off a ladder from a 5 m height and the second from a mountain bike injury during off-road biking.

Immunomagnetic enrichment and detection of micrometastases in colorectal cancer: correlation with established clinical parameters.

Purpose: Micrometastatic disease in bone marrow is of prognostic significance in colorectal cancer patients. However, detection rates of standard immunocytology are relatively low. We used magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), a highly sensitive method, to increase detection rates and correlated the presence of cytokeratin (CK)-expressing cells with clinical parameters.