Introduction: Apart from the standard intramural administration of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) to the detrusor, intense research is taking place into new means of administration in view of the complex mechanism of action of BoNT/A. Methods: An open, randomised, prospective study was performed on a total of 23 patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Following randomisation, patients were treated with 300 U of onabotulinumtoxinA (onaBoNT/A) in either the submucosa or the detrusor. Urodynamic examinations were carried out, and a bladder diary was kept both prior to and 12 weeks after the treatment. All patients stopped taking anticholinergics 1 week prior to the treatment. Results: In both the submucosa and detrusor groups, we recorded a significant improvement in the monitored urodynamic parameters and significant decreases in the frequency of urinary incontinence episodes following the treatment. A comparison of the two groups showed no significant difference between the two forms of application, with the exception of voided volume (p = 0.007). Conclusion: A comparison of the two administration methods did not show any significant difference between onaBoNT/A administration to the submucosa and to the detrusor. Thus, the submucosal injection of onaBoNT/A represents an equally effective approach for its administration to patients.

Background Patients, especially inpatients, with spinal cord lesions and disorders (SCI/D) have an elevated risk of recurrent urinary tract infections with multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study evaluated antimicrobial resistance and the prevalence of multidrug resistance and determined the risk factors for multidrug resistance. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, urine culture results were used to calculate the antimicrobial resistance rate and the incidence of infection with MDR bacteria in the SCI/D population. MDR was defined as acquired nonsusceptibility to at least one agent from three or more antimicrobial categories. The cohort included 402 inpatients from 2013 to 2020, with 1385 urine isolates. We included only the first isolate; duplicate isolates, defined as positive cultures of the same strain within 14 days, were excluded from the evaluation. Results The most common MDR strains were Klebsiella spp. (29%) and Escherichia coli (24%). MDR isolates were detected in 50% of the samples and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates were detected in 26%, while carbapenem resistance was found in 0.1%. Significantly higher rates of infection with MDR bacteria were identified in groups of patients with indwelling urethral/suprapubic catheters (p = 0.003) and severity scores of C1–C4/AIS A–C (p = 0.01). We identified age (OR: 0.99, 95% CI; 0.98–0.99, p = 0.000), sex (OR: 1.55, 95% CI; 1.16–2.06, p = 0.003), management with urethral/suprapubic catheters (OR: 2.76, 95% CI; 2.04–3.74, p = 0.000), and spontaneous voiding (OR: 1.84, 95% CI; 1.03–3.29, p = 0.038) as independent predictors of multidrug resistance in our study population. Conclusions We identified a high antibiotic resistance rate and an increasing prevalence of infection with MDR bacteria in the SCI/D inpatient population. Particular attention should be given to bladder management, with an emphasis on minimizing the use of indwelling catheters.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDYTo evaluate and compare proximal humeral fractures treated either by plate osteosynthesis with angular-stable screws or by intramedullary nailing, and to define the indications optimal for use of either technique. MATERIALThe study comprised 97 patients. The proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate was used in 49 patients (31 women and 18 men); with age average 57.4 years (women, 64.5 and men, 45.3 years). By the AO classification, 12 patients with type A, 15 with type B, and 22 with type C fractures. The Targon PH nail was used in 48 patients (32 women and 16 men) at an average age of 65.3 years (women, 72.2 and men, 51.4 years). Type A fractures were in 18, type B in 18 and type C in 12 patients. METHODSThe patients were prospectively evaluated and placed into the two groups.The post-operative range of motion was assessed by tthe Constant-Murley (CM) score at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6 and 12 months. The CM value was related to the healthy collateral limb and recorded as a relative CM score. RESULTSIn the PHILOS group, the average values were: operative time, 76.2 min; X-ray exposure, 4.2 min; and relative CM score, 74.5 points. The Targon PH group showed the average operative time of 50.2 min., X-ray exposure for 4 min. and the relative CM score 78.3 points. There were no signifficant differences between the groups, with the exception of shorter operative time in intramedullary nailing. DISCUSSIONNailing is the method of choice for two-fragment fractrues. In comminutive metaphyseal fractures particularly, the use of nailing is more effective than plate osteosynthesis that carries the risk of plate detachment from the diaphysis. In fractures with a long fracture line extending into the metaphysis, plate osteosynthesis with open reduction is a better option.The results in three-fragment fractures are comparable and the choice of an implant is the matter of surgeon's preference. The standard technique for four-fragment fractures involves the use of angular-stable plate fixation through the deltoid-pectoral approach. Intramedullary nailing is a borderline indication requiring a modified surgical procedure, with tubercles being fixed with osteosuture. CONCLUSIONSNo statistically significant differences in functional results occurred between the observed groups at one year of followup. In four-fragment proximal humerus fractures, the patients treated with Targon PH nails had more complications and worse relative CM scores than those treated with PHILOS plates; however, this was not statistically significant and the number of complications decreased after the technique of tubercle osteosuture had been introduced. Finally, the only significant difference between the groups was a shorter operative time with the use of intramedullary nailing.

This case study describes the experimental determination of displacements and stresses on a composite model of a pelvis that was modified to represent a healthy intact pelvic ring. The modified model was stressed statically up to 1750 N to simulate standing on one leg and also cyclically to model walking. For two different model settings in the loading machine the values of displacements and stresses at the pelvic ring were determined. The two different settings correspond to two different loading vectors applied on the pelvic ring, boundary conditions and degrees of freedom. The experimentally determined values of displacements in both settings are very similar and in accordance with the knowledge on the behaviour of a real human pelvis. The modified model is thus suitable for testing of newly developed implants for pelvis treatment and experimental determination of displacements and stresses in pelvic ring which are caused by application of implants.

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