Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounted for 9% to 27% of all strokes worldwide in the last decade, with high early case fatality and poor functional outcome. In view of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the management of ICH, the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) has updated its evidence-based guidelines for the management of ICH. Method A multidisciplinary writing committee of 24 researchers from 11 European countries identified 20 questions relating to ICH management and created recommendations based on the evidence in RCTs using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results We found moderate-to high-quality evidence to support strong recommendations for managing patients with acute ICH on an acute stroke unit, avoiding hemostatic therapy for acute ICH not associated with antithrombotic drug use, avoiding graduated compression stockings, using intermittent pneumatic compression in immobile patients, and using blood pressure lowering for secondary prevention. We found moderate-quality evidence to support weak recommendations for intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure to <140 mmHg within six-hours of ICH onset, early surgery for patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score 9-12, and avoidance of corticosteroids. Conclusion These guidelines inform the management of ICH based on evidence for the effects of treatments in RCTs. Outcome after ICH remains poor, prioritizing further RCTs of interventions to improve outcome.

The purpose of this prospective randomised study was to evaluate which operative technique for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is preferable: subcutaneous anterior transposition or nerve decompression without transposition. This study included 66 patients suffering from pain and/or neurological deficits with clinically and electromyographically proven cubital tunnel syndrome. Thirty-two patients underwent nerve decompression without transposition and 34 underwent subcutaneous transposition of the nerve. Follow-up examinations evaluating pain, motor and sensory deficits as well as motor nerve conduction velocities, were performed 3 and 9 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences between the outcomes of the two groups at either postoperative follow-up examination. We recommend simple decompression of the nerve in cases without deformity of the elbow, as this is the less invasive operative procedure.

Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome. In German-speaking countries, cubital tunnel syndrome is often referred to as sulcus ulnaris syndrome (retrocondylar groove syndrome). This term is anatomically incorrect, since the site of compression comprises not only the retrocondylar groove but the cubital tunnel, which consists of 3 parts: the retrocondylar groove, partially covered by the cubital tunnel retinaculum (lig. arcuatum or Osborne ligament), the humeroulnar arcade, and the deep flexor/pronator aponeurosis. According to Sunderland , cubital tunnel syndrome can be differentiated into a primary form (including anterior subluxation of the ulnar nerve and compression secondary to the presence of an anconeus epitrochlearis muscle) and a secondary form caused by deformation or other processes of the elbow joint. The clinical diagnosis is usually confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Recently, the use of ultrasound and MRI have become useful diagnostic tools by showing morphological changes in the nerve within the cubital tunnel. A differential diagnosis is essential in atypical cases, and should include such conditions as C8 radiculopathy, Pancoast tumor, and pressure palsy. Conservative treatment (avoiding exposure to external noxes and applying of night splints) may be considered in the early stages of cubital tunnel syndrome. When nonoperative treatment fails, or in patients who present with more advanced clinical findings, such as motor weakness, muscle atrophy, or fixed sensory changes, surgical treatment should be recommended. According to actual randomized controlled studies, the treatment of choice in primary cubital tunnel syndrome is simple in situ decompression, which has to be extended at least 5-6 cm distal to the medial epicondyle and can be performed by an open or endoscopic technique, both under local anesthesia. Simple decompression is also the therapy of choice in uncomplicated ulnar luxation and in most post-traumatic cases and other secondary forms. When the luxation is painful, or when the ulnar nerve actually "snaps" back and forth over the medial epicondyle of the humerus, subcutaneous anterior transposition may be performed. In cases of severe bone or tissue changes of the elbow (especially with cubitus valgus), the anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve may again be indicated. In cases of scarring, submuscular transposition may be preferred as it provides a healthy vascular bed for the nerve as well as soft tissue protection. Risks resulting from transposition include compromise in blood flow to the nerve as well as kinking of the nerve caused by insufficient proximal or distal mobilization. In these cases, revision surgery is necessary. Epicondylectomy is not common, at least in Germany. Recurrence of compression on the ulnar nerve at the elbow may occur. This review is based on the German Guideline "Diagnose und Therapie des Kubitaltunnelsyndroms" ( www.leitlinien.net ).

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Analysis of the admission/discharge data of all German hospitals reveals surprising inside views of age group-related incidence and mortality rates of head injuries in this country. Future research should be focused on patients with minor head injuries who account for nearly 200,000 cases of in-hospital treatment.