The authors studied botulinum toxin type A therapy of severe biceps-triceps cocontractions after nerve regeneration following birth-related brachial plexus lesions. Six children (age, 2 to 4 years) were treated two to three times over a period of 8 to 12 months with 40 mouse units of botulinum toxin at two sites of the triceps muscle. Elbow range of motion improved from 0 to 25 to 50 deg to 0 to 25 to 100 deg (p < 0.05), and muscle force of elbow flexion increased from a mean of Medical Research Council classification 1.7 to 3.7 (p < 0.05). After a 1-year follow-up, there was no clinical recurrence.

Evoked potentials were recorded in three different visual experiments in 14 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 14 matched control subjects. Control subjects' evoked potentials (EPs) were characterized by an initial positivity in the 90-140 ms range (P1) at the temporo-occipital site. This component was absent from the group average of the ALS patients as well as the individual patients' EPs. As the P1 is known to emanate from inferior occipito-temporal areas, this finding provides electrophysiological evidence for a cortical involvement in ALS including visual areas.

We present a new arthroscopic technique for chronic AC joint dislocations with coracoacromial ligament transposition and augmentation by the Tight Rope device (Arthrex, Naples, USA). First the glenohumeral joint is visualised to repair concomitant lesions, such as SLAP lesions, if needed. Once the rotator interval is opened and the coracoid is identified, the arthroscope is moved to an additional anterolateral portal. A 1.5 cm incision is made 2 cm medial to the AC joint. After drilling a 4 mm hole with a cannulated drill through the clavicle and coracoid a Tight Rope is inserted, the clavicule is reduced and stabilized with the implant. The arthroscope is moved to the subacromial space and a partial bursectomy is performed to visualise the CA ligament and lateral clavicle. The CA ligament is armed with a strong braided suture using a Lasso stitch and dissected from the undersurface of the acromion. It is then reattached to the distal part of the clavicle by transosseous suture fixation after abrasion of its undersurface. Although this combined arthroscopic procedure of AC joint augmentation with a Tight Rope combined with a ligament transposition is technically demanding, it is a safe method to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligaments and achieve a sufficient reduction of the clavicle without the need of further implant removal or autologous tendon transplantation.

Background: In recent years, an increasing number of auto-antibodies (AB) have been detected in the CSF and serum of patients with new onset epilepsy. Some of these patients develop convulsive or nonconvulsive status epilepticus (AB-SE), necessitating intensive medical care and administration of multiple antiepileptic and immunomodulatory treatments of uncertain effectiveness. Objectives: In this retrospective multicenter survey we aimed to determine the spectrum of gravity, the duration and the prognosis of the disorder. In addition, we sought to identify the antibodies associated with this condition, as well as determine whether there is a most effective treatment regime. Methods: 12 European Neurology University Clinics, with extensive experience in the treatment of SE patients, were sent a detailed questionnaire regarding symptoms and treatment of AB-SE patients. Seven centers responded positively, providing a total of 13 patients above the age of 16. Results: AB-SE affects mainly women (12/13, 92%) with a variable age at onset (17–69 years, median: 25 years). The duration of the disease is also variable (10 days to 12 years, median: 2 months). Only the 3 oldest patients died (55–69 years). Most patients were diagnosed with anti NMDAR encephalitis (8/13) and had oligoclonal bands in the CSF (9/13). No specific treatment regimen (antiepileptic, immunomodulatory) was found to be clearly superior. Most of the surviving 10 patients (77%) recovered completely or nearly so within 2 years of index poststatus. Conclusion: AB-SE is a severe but potentially reversible condition. Long duration does not seem to imply fatal outcome; however, age older than 50 years at time of onset appears to be a risk factor for death. There was no evidence for an optimal antiepileptic or immunomodulatory treatment. A prospective multicenter study is warranted in order to stratify the optimal treatment algorithm, determine clear risk factors of unfavorable outcome and long-term prognosis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the results of a group of patients who had received free vascularized muscle transfer to the face for the treatment of long-standing facial paralysis. In 15 patients, neurovascular transfer of 16 segments of the gracilis muscle to the cheek was performed for reanimation of oral commissure movement. Voluntary muscle activation was evaluated by electromyography (EMG) and clinical function was assessed both metrically from frontal photographs and by a rating system with 6 categories. Patient satisfaction was explored through a self-administered questionnaire of general health (SF-36 health survey). The average follow-up period was 49.3 months. All patients showed voluntary activation of the grafted muscles in the EMG. Symmetry of the static and dynamic position of the oral commissure at rest and under function was considerably improved. In general, however, there was a tendency for undercorrection particularly in a vertical direction. Under function, the excursion of the oral commissure on the grafted side reached 63.7% and 65.5% of the nonparetic side in vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. Subjective rating of patient well-being showed that the scores were higher than or comparable to those of healthy adults in six of eight areas of evaluation.