Der Unfallchirurg
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Cervical spine trauma most commonly involves the lower parts in adults. In children lesions of the cervical spine can predominantly be found in the region of C1/C2 including ligament injuries at this level. However such injuries are difficult to detect and only few data are available concerning therapy and prognosis of atlantoxial ligament lesions. ⋯ Both injuries were proven by magnetic resonance imaging which is recommended as the resource of choice for the evaluation of the cervical spine soft tissues in children. Although the biomechanic properties of the alar ligaments remain unclear non-operative treatment for the rupture of these ligaments seems to be adequate. In order to avoid neurologic symptoms or long term complications an immediate diagnosis is indispensable.
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The occurrence of heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-recognized problem after total hip replacement. In a retrospective study, we investigated 32 patients who had undergone surgical excision of symptomatic HO followed by radiation with 7 Gy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy between 1994 and 1999. The mean follow-up was 20 months (range: 12-60). ⋯ At the time of follow-up examination, 18 patients (56%) assessed their pain symptoms as low but 6 patients (19%) reported strong pain symptoms. Nevertheless, the score at the time of examination (35 +/- 10) was statistically improved (p < 0.02) when compared to the preoperative score (30 +/- 8). Surgical excision of Brooker class III or IV heterotopic ossification with limited ROM followed by irradiation and anti-inflammatory prophylaxis results in significant improvement in flexion, abduction, and rotation arc and significant reduction of HO in radiographic examination at follow-up, but pain relief was only satisfactory.
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Analgesia plays a major role in the therapy of fractures. This raises the question whether frequently used analgetics as Tramadol and Diclofenac have negative effects on the healing of fractures. Human osteoblasts were isolated from human spongiosa and incubated with Diclofenac, Tramadol and without analgetic substance in an in vitro experiment. ⋯ Our results don't suggest any negative effects of Tramadol on the osteoblast activities in vitro. Diclofenac significantly decreased the proliferation of human osteoblasts at concentrations probably reachable in vivo. A prolonged healing of fractures under treatment with Diclofenac may be possible in critical situations (pseudarthrosis revision, callus distraction).