Norbert P Haas

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Land Berlin, Germany

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Publications (57)131.82 Total impact

  • Article: Closed reduction of distal radius fractures: does instability mean irreducibility?
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    ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The belief that not all distal radius fractures can be initially anatomically reduced with conservative means is rising. The aim of this study was to examine whether adequate reduction with a closed reduction technique is possible and to assess the importance of each step. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 63 distal radius fractures (62 patients). A standardized reduction technique was implemented. Reduction was radiologically evaluated in hanging traction, after reduction, and in plaster. Subgroup analysis was performed for fracture-dependent and fracture-independent factors on their influence on reduction. RESULTS: The mean radiological values (radial inclination, dorsal tilt, ulnar variance) showed near anatomic reduction of all fractures in plaster. Fracture severity according to AO classification, initial displacement, number of instability criteria and patient age did not affect the reduction outcome. CONCLUSIONS: All types of enrolled fractures were nearly anatomically reduced. This contradicts the opinion that some "severe" fractures are too unstable to be initially reduced by closed means.
    Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 05/2013; · 1.37 Impact Factor
  • Article: Periprosthetic fractures in total ankle replacement: classification system and treatment algorithm.
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    ABSTRACT: Despite progress in implant design and surgical technique, the reported number of periprosthetic ankle fractures following total ankle joint replacement continues to increase. A treatment-oriented classification of these fractures has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, cause, and location of periprosthetic fractures and the stability of the associated prosthetic components after total ankle replacement and to develop a method of classification. Data regarding 503 total ankle replacements with a mean follow-up of 14.7 months were reviewed. The prevalence, location, and possible cause of the fractures as well as prosthesis stability were analyzed and a systematic method of classification based on these factors was developed. Twenty-one patients (4.2%) with a periprosthetic fracture were identified. The fracture was intraoperative (Type 1) in eleven patients (2.2%) and postoperative in the remaining ten (2.0%). Two of the latter fractures were traumatic (Type 2) and eight were stress fractures (Type 3). Two-thirds (fourteen) of the twenty-one fractures occurred in the medial malleolus. The prevalence of periprosthetic fractures following primary total ankle replacement was relatively low. We propose a classification system for these fractures that is based on more than 500 cases. We believe that this classification can facilitate therapeutic decision-making, as it allows for differential analysis of the cause and guides the choice among operative and nonoperative treatment options. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
    The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 05/2013; 95(9):815-20. · 3.27 Impact Factor
  • Article: Influence of Statins locally applied from orthopedic implants on osseous integration.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Simvastatin increases the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in osteoblasts, therefore it is important to investigate the influence of statins on bone formation, fracture healing and implant integration. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Simvastatin, locally applied from intramedullary coated and bioactive implants, on bone integration using biomechanical and histomorphometrical analyses. METHODS: Eighty rats received retrograde nailing of the femur with titanium implants: uncoated vs. polymer-only (poly(D,L-lactide)) vs. polymer plus drug coated (either Simvastatin low- or high dosed; "SIM low/ high"). Femurs were harvested after 56 days for radiographic and histomorphometric or biomechanical analysis (push-out). RESULTS: Radiographic analysis revealed no pathological findings for animals of the control and SIM low dose group. However, n=2/10 animals of the SIM high group showed osteolysis next to the implant without evidence of bacterial infection determined by microbiological analysis. Biomechanical results showed a significant decrease in fixation strength for SIM high coated implants vs. the control groups (uncoated and PDLLA). Histomorphometry revealed a significantly reduced total as well as direct bone/implant contact for SIM high- implants vs. controls (uncoated and PDLLA-groups). Total contact was reduced for SIM low vs. uncoated controls. Significantly reduced new bone formation was measured around SIM high coated implants vs. both control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This animal study suggests impaired implant integration with local application of Simvastatin from intramedullary titanium implants after 8 weeks when compared to uncoated or carrier-only coated controls.
    BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 10/2012; 13(1):208. · 1.58 Impact Factor
  • Article: Necrotizing fasciitis: is the bacterial spectrum changing?
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    ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, but potentially fatal pathology. The aim of the present study was to identify the population characteristics of the NF patients, the responsible bacteria, and the differences between survivors and nonsurvivors. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, all patients with NF from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2010, treated in an academic level 1 trauma center, were identified, and their medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: The mortality rate of the 24 identified patients was 20.8 %. The majority of the infections (54.2 %) (13/24) were monomicrobial. Hemolytic Streptococcus of group A (25 %) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (20.8 %) were the commonest germs. The mean number of comorbidities was 3.62 (standard deviation (SD) 3.58). Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppression were the commonest. Mean number of operations was 8.1 (SD 4.7). Five patients (20.8 %) developed a disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); all of them died. Nonsurvivors, who presented with deteriorated coagulation factors, developed a DIC (p < 0.001) and received more often antibiotic monotherapy (ampicillin/sulbactam) as initial empirical therapy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests a shift of the bacterial spectrum towards monomicrobial infections with multiresistant bacteria. The early recognition of high-risk patients and the aggressive surgical treatment with at least double-schema antibiotic therapy are of outmost importance.
    Langenbeck s Archives of Surgery 07/2012; · 1.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: Overall distribution of trauma-related deaths in Berlin 2010: advancement or stagnation of German trauma management?
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    ABSTRACT: Trauma is the leading cause of death among children, adolescents, and young adults. The latest data from the German Trauma Registry reveals a constant decrease in trauma mortality, indicating that 11.6 % of all trauma patients in 2010 died in hospital. Notably, trauma casualties dying before admission to hospital have not been systematically surveyed and analyzed in Germany. We conducted a prospective observational study of all traumatic deaths in Berlin, recording demographic data, trauma mechanisms, and causes/localization and time of death after trauma. Inclusion criteria were all deaths following trauma from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. A total of 440 trauma fatalities were included in this study, with a mortality rate of 13/100,000 inhabitants; 78.6 % were blunt injuries, and fall from a height >3 m (32.7 %) was the leading trauma mechanism. 32.5 % died immediately, 23.9 % died within 60 min, 7.7 % died within 1-4 h, 16.8 % died within 4-48 h, 11.1 % died <1 week later, and 8 % died >1 week after trauma. The predominant causes of death were polytrauma (45.7 %), sTBI (38 %), exsanguination (9.5 %), and thoracic trauma (3.2 %). Death occurred on-scene in 58.7 % of these cases, in the intensive care unit in 33.2 %, and in 2.7 % of the cases, in the emergency department, the operating room, and the ward, respectively. Polytrauma is the leading cause of death, followed by severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). The temporal analysis of traumatic death indicates a shift from the classic "trimodal" distribution to a new "bimodal" distribution. Besides advances in road safety, prevention programs and improvement in trauma management-especially the pre-hospital phase-have the potential to significantly improve the survival rate after trauma.
    World Journal of Surgery 05/2012; 36(9):2125-30. · 2.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Arthroscopic reconstruction of a complex glenoid rim fracture using suture anchors
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    ABSTRACT: The gold standard for the treatment of large displaced glenoid rim fractures has been open reduction and internal fixation using cannulated screws. With the advancement in arthroscopic techniques there has been a growing trend towards arthroscopic treatment of glenoid rim fractures. This report outlines the case of 39-year-old health men who sustained a complex multifragmented displaced glenoid rim fracture after a fall on the right shoulder. The injury was diagnosed by standard radiographs and 3D-CT. An arthroscopic reconstruction including closed reduction and internal fixation using suture anchors was performed. After a follow-up of 1year the Constant Score was 94 points, the Rowe Score 100 points and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index was 99.9 points. In the Simple Shoulder Test all questions were answered with “yes”. At the latest follow-up the patient was completely painfree and regained a full work activity level. On postoperative 3D-CT imaging the fracture was consolidated in an almost anatomic position with a nearly complete reconstruction of the inferior glenoid circle. In cases of displaced glenoid rim fractures closed reduction and arthroscopic reconstruction using suture anchors can lead to excellent clinical and radiological results. Le gold standard pour le traitement des fractures déplacées du rebord glénoïdien a été la réduction à ciel ouvert et la fixation par des vis canulées. Avec les progrès des techniques arthroscopiques un intérêt croissant pour le traitement arthroscopique des fractures de la glène se constate actuellement. Ce travail relate le cas d’un patent de 39 ans, en bonne santé, qui a présenté une fracture comminutive déplacée de la glène après une chute sur l’épaule droite. La lésion fut diagnostiquée grâce aux radiographies standard et au scanner tridimensionnel. Une reconstruction comprenant la réduction à ciel fermé et la fixation interne par ancres. Avec un recul d’un an, le score de Constant est de 94 points, le score Rowe de 100 points et le Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index de 99.9 points. Dans le questionnaire Simple Shoulder Test toutes les réponses ont été «oui». Au dernier contrôle le patient était libre de toute douleur et avait repris son travail à plein temps. Au contrôle scanographique 3D, la fracture est consolidée dans une position quasi anatomique avec reconstitution presque complète du cercle glénoïdien inférieur. Dans le cas de fractures déplacées du rebord glénoïdien la réduction par voie arthroscopique et la reconstruction grâce à des sutures fifées par ancres donne un excellent résultat clinique et radiologique.
    European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 04/2012; 18(1):33-38. · 0.10 Impact Factor
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    Article: Effect of local zoledronate on implant osseointegration in a rat model.
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    ABSTRACT: An implant coating with poly(D, L-lactide) (PDLLA) releasing incorporated zoledronic acid (ZOL) has already proven to positively effect osteoblasts, to inhibit osteoclasts and to accelerate fracture healing. Aim of this study was to investigate the release kinetics of the chosen coating and the effect of different concentrations of ZOL locally released from this coating on the osseointegration of implants. For release kinetics the release of C14-labled ZOL out of the coating was monitored over a period of six weeks in vitro. For testing the osseointegration, titanium Kirschner wires were implanted into the medullary canal of right femurs of 100 Sprague Dawley rats. The animals were divided into five groups receiving implants either uncoated or coated with PDLLA, PDLLA/ZOL low (1.2% w/w) or PDLLA/ZOL high (2% w/w). Additionally, a group with uncoated implants received ZOL intravenously (i.v.). After 56 days animals were sacrificed, femurs dissected and either strength of fixation or histological bone/implant contacts and newly formed bone around the implants were determined. Release kinetics revealed an initial peak in the release of C14-ZOL with a slight further progression over the following weeks. There was no significant enhancement of osseointegration for both groups who received ZOL-coated implants or ZOL i.v. compared to the controls in biomechanical or histological analyses, except for a significant raise in strength of fixation of ZOL i.v. versus PDLLA. Even though the investigated local ZOL application did not enhance the osseointegration of the implant, the findings might support its application in fracture treatment, since fracture stabilization devices are often explanted after consolidation.
    BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 03/2012; 13:42. · 1.58 Impact Factor
  • Article: Surgical intensive care unit--the trauma surgery perspective.
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    ABSTRACT: This review addresses and summarizes the key issues and unique specific intensive care treatment of adult patients from the trauma surgery perspective. The cornerstones of successful surgical intensive care management are fluid resuscitation, transfusion protocol and extracorporeal organ replacement therapies. The injury-type specific complications and unique pathophysiologic regulatory mechanisms of the traumatized patients influencing the critical care treatment are discussed. Furthermore, the fundamental knowledge of the injury severity, understanding of the trauma mechanism, surgical treatment strategies and specific techniques of surgical intensive care are pointed out as essentials for a successful intensive care therapy.
    Langenbeck s Archives of Surgery 03/2011; 396(4):429-46. · 1.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: Diagnostic values of clinical tests for subscapularis lesions.
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    ABSTRACT: Subscapularis (SSC) lesions are often underdiagnosed in the clinical routine. This study establishes and compares the diagnostic values of various clinical signs and diagnostic tests for lesions of the SSC tendon. Fifty consecutive patients who were scheduled for an arthroscopic subacromial or rotator cuff procedure were clinically evaluated using the lift-off test (LOT), the internal rotation lag sign (IRLS), the modified belly-press test (BPT) and the belly-off sign (BOS) preoperatively. A modified classification system according to Fox et al. (Type I-IV) was used to classify the SSC lesion during diagnostic arthroscopy. SSC tendon tears occurred with a prevalence of 30% (15 of 50). Five type I, six type II, three type IIIa and one type IIIb tears according to the modified classification system were found. Fifteen percent of the SSC tears were not predicted preoperatively by using all of the tests. In six cases (12%), the LOT and the IRLS could not be performed due to a painful restricted range of motion. The modified BPT and the BOS showed the greatest sensitivity (88 and 87%) followed by the IRLS (71%) and the LOT (40%). The BOS had the greatest specificity (91%) followed by the LOT (79%), mod. BPT (68%) and IRLS (45%). The BOS had the highest overall accuracy (90%). With the BOS and the modified BPT in particular, upper SSC lesions (type I and II) could be diagnosed preoperatively. A detailed physical exam using the currently available SSC tests allows diagnosing SSC lesions in the majority of cases preoperatively. However, some tears could not be predicted by preoperative assessment using all the tests.
    Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy 04/2010; 18(12):1712-7. · 2.21 Impact Factor
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    Article: Cages augmented with mineralized collagen and platelet-rich plasma as an osteoconductive/inductive combination for interbody fusion.
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    ABSTRACT: After anterior cervical discectomy, fusion was radiologically, biomechanically, and histologically assessed in a sheep spine fusion model. To evaluate the efficacy of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application combined with a mineralized collagen matrix (MCM) as an alternative to autologous cancellous iliac crest bone grafts in a spine fusion model. PRP has the ability to stimulate bone and tissue healing. MCM is a recently developed osteoconductive material. Up to now, no comparative evaluation of PRP in combination with a MCM at the cervical spine has been performed in vivo. Twenty-four sheep (N = 8/group) underwent C3/4 discectomy and fusion: group 1, titanium cage filled with autologous cancellous iliac crest bone graft; group 2, titanium cage filled with MCM; and group 3, titanium cage filled with MCM and PRP. Radiographic evaluation was performed before surgery and after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. After 12 weeks, fusion sites were evaluated using functional radiographic views and quantitative computed tomographic scans to assess bone mineral density. Furthermore, histomorphologic and histomorphometrical analyses were performed to evaluate fusion. In comparison with the titanium cage group filled with autologous cancellous iliac crest bone grafts representing the control group, MCM-alone group showed a slightly lower fusion rate in the radiographic and the histomorphometrical analysis. The addition of PRP could not enhance this finding. There was no significant difference between MCM and MCM + PRP group in radiologic and histologic findings. The MCM alone is not able to replace autologous bone grafts. Early activation of the platelets by calcium, which is released from mineralized collagen, could be the reason for the insufficient osteoinductive effect of PRP. In consequence, the combined application of mineralized collagen and PRP had no significant osteoinductive effect in this model.
    Spine 03/2010; 35(7):740-6. · 2.08 Impact Factor
  • Article: Founding of the julius wolff institut charité - universitätsmedizin berlin: editorial comment.
    Georg N Duda, Norbert P Haas, Georg Bergmann
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    ABSTRACT: This Editorial on Julius Wolff corresponds to a translation of the historic text, Zur Lehre von der Fracturenheilung, available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-010-1240-9 ; and a translation and abridgement of the historic text, Ueber die Innere Architectur der Knochen und ihre Bedeutung für die Frage vom Knochenwachstum, available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-010-1239-2 . (Supplemental materials are available with the online version of CORR.) An accompanying biographical sketch is available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-010-1258-z .
    Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 02/2010; 468(4):1050-1. · 2.53 Impact Factor
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    Article: Periprosthetic femoral fractures: outcome after treatment with LISS internal fixation or stem replacement in 36 patients.
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    ABSTRACT: Periprosthetic fractures of the femur present a challenging surgical problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) which were treated with internal fixation or stem revision. Depending on the fracture type in the Duncan-Vancouver-Classification, 42 patients with PFF were treated either with a Fixateur interne (n = 23) in cases with type B1 or C fractures, or with stem revision (n = 19) in cases with type B2/B3 fractures. Follow-up rate was 78% over 24 months. All but two fractures showed radiological signs of healing. Implant failure was noted in 4 cases in the LISS group. The Lysholm and Larson scores were respectively 75.5 and 71 in patients undergoing stem revision, versus 74.5 and 69 in those treated with LISS fixation. Even taking into account the higher risk of implant failure, the treatment with LISS internal fixation has shown to be a reasonable method in the treatment of periprosthetic fractures without stem loosening.
    Acta orthopaedica Belgica 12/2009; 75(6):776-83. · 0.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: Local application of zoledronic acid incorporated in a poly(D,L-lactide)-coated implant accelerates fracture healing in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: Zoledronic acid (ZOL) has been shown in vitro and in vivo to inhibit osteoclastic activity and to regulate osteoblasts. Its antiresorptive effect is used clinically in the treatment of bone-consuming pathologies to prevent skeletal complications. Because of its effect on bone cells, there might be a possible benefit in treatment of fractures by local application from a biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) coating of osteosynthetic implants. We analyzed the effect of locally applied ZOL from a PDLLA coating of intramedullary implants on fracture healing. Standardized midshaft fractures of the right tibia of 5-month-old rats were stabilized either with uncoated, PDLLA-coated, or ZOL-coated implants. Animals were killed 42 or 84 days after fracture. Tibiae were dissected and mechanically tested. Results Radiographs taken 42 days after fracture showed at least unilateral bridging in all groups. Maximum load and torsional stiffness were highest in the group treated with ZOL. 84 days after fracture, the torsional stiffness of the ZOL-treated group remained higher than that of the uncoated group whereas the maximum load for the control groups reached the results for the ZOL-coated group. Local application of ZOL from PDLLA coating appears to accelerate the achievement of mechanical stability in fractures.
    Acta Orthopaedica 11/2008; 79(5):717-25. · 2.17 Impact Factor
  • Article: Biomechanical evaluation of different asymmetrical posterior stabilization methods for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
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    ABSTRACT: Beside several other advantages, the transforaminal approach for lumbar interbody fusion offers the possibility of reducing surgical trauma by limiting the approach to only 1 side. This requires posterior stabilization methods, which are applied without the need to damage contralateral muscles and soft tissues. The goal in this study was to compare different posterior stabilization methods for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) biomechanically. Stiffness testing was performed in 8 fresh-frozen human cadaveric lumbar spine motion segments, including the following sequentially tested configurations: 1) native motion segment; 2) TLIF and bilateral pedicle screw (PS) construct; 3) TLIF and ipsilateral PS construct; 4) TLIF and ipsilateral PSs plus contralateral translaminar facet screws according to the Magerl technique; and 5) TLIF and ipsilateral PSs plus contralateral lumbar facet interference screw (LFIS). In extension, the unilateral range of motion (uROM) and elastic zone (EZ) were significantly lower than native motion segments for bilateral PS and LFIS. There were no significant differences among the different stabilization methods. In flexion, uROM and EZ were significantly lower than the native segment in the spines treated with bilateral PSs and translaminar facet screws. The LFIS differed from the native segment in EZ only. Again, there were no significant differences between the different posterior stabilization methods. In lateral bending, the EZ of spines treated with uni- and bilateral PS differed significantly. There were no additional significant differences. In rotation, the stiffness values of bilateral PS were significantly higher than native, unilateral PS, and LFIS. The comparison between ipsi- and bilateral PS showed a tendency, but not a significant difference for uROM and EZ. There was no statistically significant evidence that the TLIF method led to an asymmetrical motion behavior in our study. Bilateral PS augmentation offers significantly more stability than unilateral PSs in the majority of the test modes. There was no significant difference between the other tested methods. All tested stabilization methods could achieve at least the stability of the native segment.
    Journal of Neurosurgery Spine 11/2008; 9(4):363-71. · 1.53 Impact Factor
  • Article: Biomechanical, microvascular, and cellular factors promote muscle and bone regeneration.
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    ABSTRACT: It is becoming clear that the long-term outcome of complex bone injuries benefits from approaches that selectively target biomechanical, vascular, and cellular pathways. The typically held view of either biological or mechanical aspects of healing is oversimplified and does not correspond to clinical reality. The fundamental mechanisms of soft tissue regeneration most likely hold the key to understanding healing response.
    Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews 05/2008; 36(2):64-70. · 4.49 Impact Factor
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    Article: Initial intramuscular perfusion pressure predicts early skeletal muscle function following isolated tibial fractures.
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    ABSTRACT: The severity of associated soft tissue trauma in complex injuries of the extremities guides fracture treatment and decisively determines patient's prognosis. Trauma-induced microvascular dysfunction and increased tissue pressure is known to trigger secondary soft tissue damage and seems to adversely affect skeletal muscle function. 20 patients with isolated tibial fractures were included. Blood pressure and compartment pressure (anterior and deep posterior compartment) were measured continuously up to 24 hours. Corresponding perfusion pressure was calculated. After 4 and 12 weeks isokinetic muscle peak torque and mean power of the ankle joint in dorsal and plantar flexion were measured using a Biodex dynamometer. A significant inverse correlation between the anterior perfusion pressure at 24 hours and deficit in dorsiflexion at 4 weeks was found for both, the peak torque (R = -0.83; p < 0.01) and the mean power (R = -0.84; p < 0.01). The posterior perfusion pressure at 24 h and the plantar flexion after 4 weeks in both, peak torque (R = -0.73, p = or < 0.05) and mean power (R = -0.7, p = or < 0.05) displayed a significant correlation. The functional relationship between the decrease in intramuscular perfusion pressures and muscle performance in the early rehabilitation period indicate a causative and prognostic role of early posttraumatic microcirculatory derangements and skeletal muscle function. Therapeutic concepts aimed at effective muscle recovery, early rehabilitation, and decreased secondary tissue damage, should consider the maintenance of an adequate intramuscular perfusion pressure.
    Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 01/2008; 3:14.
  • Article: Primary malignant bone tumors and solitary metastases of the thoracolumbar spine: results by management with total en bloc spondylectomy.
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    ABSTRACT: Primary malignant spinal tumors and solitary vertebral metastases of selected tumor entities in the thoracolumbar spine are indications for total en bloc spondylectomy (TES). This study aimed to describe our oncological and surgical management and to analyze the treatment results by management with TES for extra- and intracompartmental solitary spinal metastases and primary malignant vertebral bone tumors. In 15 patients (3 malignant bone tumors and 12 solitary metastases), tumors were distributed in the thoracic (n = 8) and lumbar (n = 7) spine. Tumors were classified as intra- (n = 8) and extracompartmental (n = 7). All patients underwent TES via a laterally extended posterior approach followed by dorsoventral reconstruction. Function and quality of life were assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI) and SF-36 score. At follow-up (100%; mean: 33 +/- 22 months), 11 patients had no evidence of disease. Two patients were alive with the disease and two were dead of the disease (no primary bone tumors). Histology revealed negative margins (R0) in all patients with wide (n = 11) and marginal (n = 4) resections. Two patients developed pulmonal metastases of which they died at 4 and 16 months of survival. No local recurrence was observed. Major complications did not occur. TES resulted in an acceptable outcome in the quality of life and function. TES is a demanding procedure reaching wide to marginal resections in a curative approach. In conjunction with multimodal therapies, local recurrences can effectively be prevented while control of distant disease needs to be improved. Proper selection of adequate patients combined with careful surgical planning are prerequisites for low complication rates, acceptable function and improved overall prognosis.
    European Spine Journal 09/2007; 16(8):1193-202. · 1.97 Impact Factor
  • Article: Structural integrity and clinical function of the subscapularis musculotendinous unit after arthroscopic and open shoulder stabilization.
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    ABSTRACT: Postoperative subscapularis dysfunction after open shoulder stabilization has recently received increasing attention. The potential advantage of arthroscopic stabilization procedures is that they do not violate the subscapularis musculotendinous unit, which might preserve its structural integrity and clinical function, which would lead to superior clinical results. Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization does not lead to clinical and radiological signs of subscapularis insufficiency. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Twenty-two patients who underwent arthroscopic (group I, n = 12; average age, 30.9 years; mean follow-up, 37 months) or open (group II, n = 10; average age, 28.8 years; mean follow-up, 35.9 months) shoulder stabilization procedure were followed up clinically (clinical subscapularis tests and signs, Constant Score, Rowe Score, Walch-Duplay Score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index and Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score) and by magnetic resonance imaging (subscapularis tendon integrity, cross-sectional area, defined muscle diameters, and signal intensity analysis [ratio infraspinatus/upper subscapularis and infraspinatus/lower subscapularis]). A third group (group 0) of 12 healthy volunteers served as a control. Clinical signs for subscapularis insufficiency were present in 0% of cases in group I and in 70% of cases in group II. There were no statistically significant differences in either group regarding Constant Score, Rowe Score, Walch-Duplay Score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, and Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score (P > .05). On magnetic resonance image, no subscapularis tendon ruptures were found. The cross-sectional area, the mean vertical diameter, and the mean transverse diameter of the upper and lower subscapularis muscle portion was significantly less in group II than in group 0 (P < .05). The signal intensity analysis revealed the infraspinatus/upper subscapularis ratio was significantly lower in group II than in group I or group 0. The infraspinatus/lower subscapularis ratio did not significantly differ in all 3 groups (P > .05). This study confirms previous observations that open shoulder stabilization using a subscapularis tenotomy may lead to atrophy and fatty infiltration of the subscapularis muscle, resulting in postoperative subscapularis dysfunction. As expected, arthroscopic procedures do not significantly compromise clinical subscapularis function and structural integrity. However, no significant differences were observed in the overall outcome.
    The American Journal of Sports Medicine 08/2007; 35(7):1153-61. · 3.79 Impact Factor
  • Article: Interaction of mechanics and biology in knee joint restoration and regeneration. From cells to limbs--multi-scale approaches for clinical applications. Berlin, 28-30 June 2006.
    Journal of Biomechanics 01/2007; 40 Suppl 1:S1-3. · 2.43 Impact Factor
  • Article: Local cooling restores microcirculatory hemodynamics after closed soft-tissue trauma in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: Severe closed soft-tissue injury (CSTI) results in progressively developing microvascular dysfunction and local inflammation. Cooling reduces swelling, pain, cellular oxygen demand, and metabolic activity. However, effects of cooling on posttraumatic microcirculation are not yet fully understood. Thus, we assessed effects of local cooling on microcirculation, regional inflammatory response including leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction, and edema formation after CSTI. Standardized CSTI was induced by means of controlled impact injury in the left tibial compartment of 14 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were assigned to four groups (n = 7 per group) as follows: group I, no trauma/no cooling; group II, no trauma/20 minutes of cooling; group III, 1.5 hours posttrauma/no cooling; and group IV, 1.5 hours posttrauma/20 minutes of cooling. CSTI resulted in a significant decrease in functional capillary density, a marked increase in microvascular permeability, and granulocyte infiltration (HIS48) as revealed by intravital microscopy and immunohistochemistry of the left extensor digitorum longus muscle. After 20 minutes of local cooling, these microvascular derangements were restored to the level of controls (group I). Edema (extensor digitorum longus muscle wet-to-dry weight ratio) was less pronounced compared with noncooling conditions (group III). Immunoreactivity for HIS48 (neutrophilic granulocytes) in injured rats subjected to local cooling (group IV) was markedly decreased compared with noncooling conditions (group III). These results provide in vivo evidence that cooling affords protection of posttraumatic microcirculation through sustained inhibition of microvascular and endothelial dysfunction leading to less granulocyte-dependent inflammation and skeletal muscle edema. Local cooling appears to reduce propagation of acute microvascular injury, preventing leukocyte-dependent tissue destruction and escalation of secondary tissue damage after musculoskeletal soft-tissue trauma.
    The Journal of trauma 10/2006; 61(3):642-9. · 2.48 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2002–2011
    • Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
      • Department of Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery
      Berlin, Land Berlin, Germany
  • 2005
    • Kansas City VA Medical Center
      Kansas City, MO, USA
  • 2003–2004
    • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
      • Department of Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery
      Berlin, Land Berlin, Germany
    • University of Leipzig
      Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
  • 1994
    • Freie Universität Berlin
      Berlin, Land Berlin, Germany