TY - JOUR A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Schmidt, Karsten A1 - Gruenert, Joerg G. A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. T1 - Acute A4 Pulley Reconstruction with a First Extensor Compartment Onlay Graft JF - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open N2 - Background: The integrity of the flexor tendon pulley apparatus is crucial for unimpaired function of the digits. Although secondary reconstruction is an established procedure in multi-pulley injuries, acute reconstruction of isolated, closed pulley ruptures is a rare occurrence. There are 3 factors influencing the functional outcome of a reconstruction: gapping distance between tendon and bone (E-space), bulkiness of the reconstruction, and stability. As direct repair is rarely done, grafts are used to reinforce the pulley. An advantage of the first extensor retinaculum graft is the synovial coating providing the possibility to be used both as a direct graft with synovial coating or as an onlay graft after removal of the synovia when the native synovial layer is present. Methods: A graft from the first dorsal extensor compartment is used as an onlay graft to reinforce the sutured A4 pulley. This technique allows reconstruction of the original dimensions of the pulley system while stability is ensured by anchoring the onlay graft to the bony insertions of the pulley. Results: Anatomical reconstruction can be achieved with this method. The measured E-space remained 0 mm throughout the recovery, while the graft incorporated as a slim reinforcement of the pulley, displaying no bulkiness. Conclusions: The ideal reconstruction should provide synovial coating and sufficient strength with minimal bulk. Early reconstruction using an onlay graft offers these options. The native synovial lining is preserved and the graft is used to reinforce the pulley. KW - surgery KW - pulley rupture Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158057 VL - 5 IS - 6 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Schmidt, Karsten A1 - Zahn, Robert K. T1 - Biomechanical properties of first dorsal extensor compartment regarding adequacy as a bone-ligament-bone graft JF - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open N2 - Background: Bone-ligament-bone grafts for reconstruction of the scapholunate ligament are a valuable tool to prevent disease progression to carpal collapse. Locally available grafts do not require an additional donor site. The first extensor compartment was evaluated biomechanically regarding its possible use as an autograft. Methods: Twelve native fresh-frozen, human cadaver specimens were tested by applying axial tension in a Zwick Roell machine. Load to failure, transplant elongation, and bony avulsion were recorded. The load to failure was quantitated in newtons (N) and the displacement in length (millimeters). Parameters were set at distinct points as start of tension, 1 mm stretch and 1.5 mm dissociation, failure and complete tear, and were evaluated under magnified visual control. Although actual failure occurred at higher tension, functional failure was defined at a stretch of 1.5 mm. Results: Mean load at 1 mm elongation was 44.1 ± 28 N and at 1.5 mm elongation 57.5 ± 42 N. Failure occurred at 111 ± 83.1 N. No avulsion of the bony insertion was observed. Half the transplants failed in the central part of the ligament, while the rest failed near the insertion but not at the insertion itself. Analysis of tension strength displayed a wide range from 3.8 to 83.7 N/mm at a mean of 33.4 ± 28.4 N/mm. Conclusions: The biomechanical tensile properties of the first dorsal extensor compartment are similar to those of the dorsal part of the scapholunate ligament. A transplant with a larger bone stock and a longer ligament may display an advantage, as insertion is possible in the dorsal, easily accessible part of the carpal bones rather than in the arête-like region adjacent to the insertion of the scapholunate ligament. In this study, 1.5 mm lengthening of the bone–ligament–bone transplant was defined as clinical failure, as such elongation will cause severe gapping and is considered as failure of the transplant. KW - bone ligament graft Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158851 VL - 5 IS - 7 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jordan, Martin C. A1 - Bröer, David A1 - Fischer, Christian A1 - Heilig, Philipp A1 - Gilbert, Fabian A1 - Hölscher-Doht, Stefanie A1 - Kalogirou, Charis A1 - Popp, Kevin A1 - Grunz, Jan-Peter A1 - Huflage, Henner A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. A1 - Ergün, Süleyman A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. T1 - Development and preclinical evaluation of a cable-clamp fixation device for a disrupted pubic symphysis JF - Communications Medicine N2 - Background Traumatic separation of the pubic symphysis can destabilize the pelvis and require surgical fixation to reduce symphyseal gapping. The traditional approach involves open reduction and the implantation of a steel symphyseal plate (SP) on the pubic bone to hold the reposition. Despite its widespread use, SP-fixation is often associated with implant failure caused by screw loosening or breakage. Methods To address the need for a more reliable surgical intervention, we developed and tested two titanium cable-clamp implants. The cable served as tensioning device while the clamp secured the cable to the bone. The first implant design included a steel cable anterior to the pubic symphysis to simplify its placement outside the pelvis, and the second design included a cable encircling the pubic symphysis to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring. Using highly reproducible synthetic bone models and a limited number of cadaver specimens, we performed a comprehensive biomechanical study of implant stability and evaluated surgical feasibility. Results We were able to demonstrate that the cable-clamp implants provide stability equivalent to that of a traditional SP-fixation but without the same risks of implant failure. We also provide detailed ex vivo evaluations of the safety and feasibility of a trans-obturator surgical approach required for those kind of fixation. Conclusion We propose that the developed cable-clamp fixation devices may be of clinical value in treating pubic symphysis separation. KW - pubic symphysis KW - cable-clamp implants KW - SP-fixation Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299800 VL - 2 IS - 1 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gilbert, Fabian A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. T1 - Does distal radio-ulnar joint configuration affect postoperative functional results after ulnar shortening osteotomy? JF - PRS Global Open N2 - Background: Reverse oblique distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) configuration is assumed to show inferior postoperative results in ulnar-shortening osteotomy due to osteoarthritis, as the joint force pressure in the DRUJ may be increased. An evaluation and comparison of the postoperative functional results with regard to clinical and radiographic signs of arthritis among different DRUJ configurations was carried out retrospectively. Methods: Sixty-two patients after ulnar shortening osteotomy were included. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Preoperative x-rays were assessed for the DRUJ configuration according to the Tolat classification, whereas postoperative radiographs were evaluated with regard to signs of osteoarthritis using the Kallgren-Lawrence-Score. Functional results were evaluated using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and Mayo Wrist Score and measuring range of motion and grip strength. Results: Significantly better functional results were found in patients with parallel configuration of the DRUJ (Tolat type 1 configuration) with regard to DASH score, grip strength, and supination compared with nonparallel configurations. In the Tolat type 1, configurated DRUJ mean DASH score was 9 compared with 18 in the Tolat type 2 and 3 groups. Apart from supination, no differences were observed in range of motion among groups. Conclusion: Although long-term postoperative range of motion failed to display statistically significant differences between DRUJ configurations except for supination, better results regarding grip strength and DASH scores were seen in a parallel-aligned DRUJ configuration. Although onset of osteoarthritis does not seem to become apparent within the observation period, nonparallel aligned configuration predisposes to inferior results. KW - distal radio-ulnar joint KW - ulnar-shortening osteotomy Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-176265 VL - 6 IS - 4 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. A1 - Schmidt, Karsten A1 - Bernuth, Silvia A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. T1 - Evaluation of the intraoperative blood flow of pedicled perforator flaps using indocyanine green-fluorescence angiography JF - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open N2 - Background: Although indocyanine-green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) has been established as a useful tool to assess perfusion in free tissue transfer, only few studies have applied this modality to pedicled perforator flaps. As both volume and reach of pedicled perforator flaps are limited and tip necrosis often equals complete flap failure, ICG-FA may help to detect hypoperfusion in pedicled flaps. Methods: In 5 patients, soft tissue reconstruction was achieved with pedicled perforator flaps. ICG-FA was utilized intraoperatively to visualize flap perfusion. Results: Three pedicled anterolateral thigh flap flaps and 2 propeller flaps were transferred. ICG-FA detected hypoperfusion in 2 flaps. No flap loss occurred; in 2 cases, prolonged wound healing was encountered. Conclusions: ICG-FA confirmed clinical findings and reliably detected tissue areas with hypoperfusion. A clear cut-off point between nonvital tissue and such that stabilized in the following clinical course could not be found. ICG-FA is a promising technology which could also be used in pedicled perforator flaps. KW - surgery Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202625 VL - 7 IS - 9 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. A1 - Nickel, Aljoscha A1 - Neshkova, Iva A1 - Schmidt, Karsten A1 - Gilbert, Fabian A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. T1 - Long-term patency of twisted vascular pedicles in perforator-based propeller flaps JF - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open N2 - Background: Propeller flaps require torsion of the vascular pedicle of up to 180 degrees. Contrary to free flaps, where the relevance of an intact vascular pedicle has been documented, little is known regarding twisted pedicles of propeller flaps. As secondary surgeries requiring undermining of the flap are common in the extremities, knowledge regarding the necessity to protect the pedicle is relevant. The aim of this study was a long-term evaluation of the patency of vascular pedicle of propeller flaps. Methods: In a retrospective clinical study, 22 patients who underwent soft-tissue reconstruction with a propeller flap were evaluated after 43 months. A Doppler probe was used to locate and evaluate the patency of the vascular pedicle of the flap. Results: The flaps were used in the lower extremity in 19 cases, on the trunk in 3 cases. All flaps had healed. In all patients, an intact vascular pedicle could be found. Flap size, source vessel, or infection could therefore not be linked to an increased risk of pedicle loss. Conclusions: The vascular pedicle of propeller flaps remains patent in the long term. This allows reelevation and undermining of the flap. We therefore recommend protecting the pedicle in all secondary cases to prevent later flap loss. KW - long-term patency Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158870 VL - 5 IS - 10 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Schmidt, Karsten T1 - Multiple-level replantation in elderly patients: risk versus benefit JF - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open N2 - Multiple-level amputations of the upper extremity represent a surgical challenge generally only attempted in young patients. This case demonstrates a successful replantation in an elderly woman. The postoperative course was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulopathy most likely due to inadequate resuscitation. Hand trauma is often underestimated in its general severity. Upper extremity amputations need to be handled similar to polytraumatized patients. KW - multiple-level replantation KW - elderly Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158443 VL - 5 IS - 4 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. A1 - Gruenert, Joerg G. A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. T1 - Palmar and dorsal fixed-angle plates in AO C-type fractures of the distal radius: is there an advantage of palmar plates in the long term? JF - Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research N2 - Background: Current surgical approaches to the distal radius include dorsal and palmar plate fixation. While palmar plates have gained widespread popularity, few reports have provided data on long term clinical outcomes in comparison. This paper reports the result of a randomised clinical study comparing dorsal Pi plates and palmar, angle-stable plates for treatment of comminuted, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius over the course of twelve months. Methods: 42 patients with unilateral, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were included and randomised to 2 groups, 22 were treated with a palmar plate, 20 received a dorsal Pi-plate. Results were evaluated after 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively focussing on functional recovery as well as radiological results. Results: The palmar plate group demonstrated significantly better results regarding range of motion and grip strength over the course of 12 months. While a comparable increase in function was observed in both groups, the better results from the early postoperative period in the palmar plate group prevailed over the whole course. Radiological results showed a significantly increased palmar tilt and carpal sag in dorsal plates, with other radiological parameters being comparable. Pain levels were decreased in dorsal plates after hardware removal and failed to show significant differences after 12 months. However, complications such as tendon ruptures were more frequent in the dorsal plate group. Conclusions: Functional advantage of palmar plates gained within the first 6 weeks prevails over the course of a year. Both groups demonstrate further gradual increase of function after 6 months, although dorsal plates did not catch up completely. Improved early postoperative function seems to be the cornerstone for the best possible results. Patients with dorsal plates benefit from hardware removal more than palmar plates in terms of reduction of pain levels. The advantage of palmar plates is a faster functional recovery with lower complication rates. This is especially important in the elderly population. Radiological results did not show a superiority of palmar plates over dorsal plates. KW - internal fixation KW - intraarticular fractures KW - percutaneous fixation KW - open reduction KW - trial Y1 - 2012 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133987 VL - 7 IS - 8 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. A1 - Schmidt, Karsten A1 - Holzapfel, Boris M. A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Jakubietz, Michael G. T1 - Pedicled perforator flaps for mid-tibial soft tissue reconstruction in medically compromised patients JF - JPRAS Open N2 - Background: The soft tissue of the central pretibial area is difficult to reconstruct often requiring free tissue transfer. Especially medi- cally compromised patients are not ideal candidates for free tissue transfer and may benefit from expeditiously harvested local flaps with limited donor site morbidity. As muscle flaps are rare, pedi- cled flaps based on lateral perforators represent an alternative as the arc of rotation can often be limited to 90 °. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patient data was conducted to identify patients over the age of 60 years with comor- bidities that underwent pretibial soft tissue reconstruction with a single-pedicle perforator flap. Patient demographics, size and cause of the defect, flap dimension, arc of rotation and complications were recorded. Results: Five patients with an average age of 71.4 years were in- cluded. The arc of rotation was 69 °, all flaps healed. There were two recurrences of osteomyelitis. Conclusion: Lateral perforators originating from the anterior tib- ial artery or peroneal artery are adequate source vessels for single pedicled perforator flaps even in medically compromised patients. A perforator located proximal to the defect allows limiting the arcof rotation to less than 90 °, which increases the safety of the flap. Patients benefit from a simple procedure without a microvascular anastomosis and a donor site confined to one extremity KW - Propeller flap KW - Pedicled perforator flap KW - Lower extremity reconstruction KW - Elderly patients Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229473 VL - 24 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bernuth, Silvia A1 - Vater, Adrian A1 - Fuchs, Konrad F. A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Jakubietz, Rafael G. T1 - Perfusion changes in perforator-based propeller flaps JF - Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery Open N2 - Background  To cover soft tissue defects, the perforator-based propeller flap offers the option to rotate healthy tissue into complex wounds. By rotating the flap, the perforator is torqued. As a result, perfusion changes are possible. Methods  A retrospective data analysis of patients was done, who received a propeller flap to cover soft tissue defects of the lower extremity as well as a peri- and postoperative perfusion monitoring with a laser-Doppler-spectrophotometry system. Additionally, patient-specific data were collected. Results  Seven patients were identified. Four patients experienced early complications, two epidermolysis of the distal flap areas, three wound healing disorders, and one partial flap necrosis. Intraoperative perfusion monitoring showed a decline of blood flow after incision of the flap, especially at distal flap site. In case of complications, there were prolonged blood flow declines up to the first postoperative day. Conclusion  Torqueing the perforator by rotating the flap can cause an impairment in inflow and outflow. If the impairment is prolonged, perfusion-associated complications are possible. The identification of a viable perforator is particularly important. In addition, a conservative postoperative mobilization is necessary to compensate for the impaired and adapting outflow. KW - propeller flap KW - perfusion KW - lower extremity Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-350491 SN - 2377-0813 VL - 8 IS - 1 ER -