[Positioning of external pelvic stabilization devices in patients with multiple injuries : Retrospective computed tomographic evaluation]. / Lage von externen Beckenstabilisatoren bei polytraumatisierten Patienten : Retrospektive computertomographische Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Severe hemorrhage is a dreaded complication of pelvic fractures. It has a significant impact on early trauma-associated mortality. Hemorrhage that is secondary to pelvic fractures can be reduced by external stabilization devices. Despite the commercial availability of many different systems, they are infrequently used. The aim of this computed tomography (CT) study was to examine the use of external pelvic stabilization devices. METHODS: Between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015 a total of 982 images produced in CT trauma scans at a level 1 trauma centre were retrospectively examined with respect to the presence of external pelvic stabilizers. The type of device applied, its actual position including deviation from optimal position as well as pelvic parameters and complications were determined. RESULTS: In 67 out of 982 patients (6.82%) with suspected multiple trauma, an external pelvic stabilizer was employed. In 41.8% the devices were not placed in concordance with prevailing scientific knowledge, 53.73% of devices did not comply with the manufacturer's instructions and 51.85% of systems with pneumatic cuffs caused significant malrotation. In one patient the cuff induced hypoperfusion of the leg but without further sequelae. CONCLUSION: While the prehospital use of pelvic slings is increasing, misplacement is very common. Especially inconsistencies between manufacturers' manuals and current scientific knowledge warrant further improvement. In systems with pneumatic cuffs malrotation of the device is common and clinically relevant. Hypoperfusion of the lower extremities is possible and should be taken into account when employing these devices.

Blunt cerebrovascular injuries in acute trauma care: a screening protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) of the extra- or intracerebral vessels are frequently observed lesions which may lead to thrombembolic events with focal neurological deficits, stroke or death particularly in patients <60 years. However, a comprehensive standardised clinical algorithm for screening and management of these secondary injuries is still lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a standardised screening protocol applicable for mild as well as severely injured patients. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated the feasibility of this diagnostic algorithm in a level 1 trauma centre setting. Trauma patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent a computed tomographic angiography (CTA) as part of standard diagnostic procedure at admission. All suspicions or positive findings were reevaluated by a conventional four-vessel catheter angiography within the first 72 h after trauma. Within this period, anticoagulation with low-dose heparin was started. BCVI confirmation indicated a shift to systemic heparinisation with overlapping phenprocoumon therapy for at least 6 months. All patients were reevaluated after 6 months by another four-vessel angiography. Depending on the diagnostic findings, oral anticoagulation may be discontinued or continued for another 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients (8 male, 6 female, age range 19-95 years) were included in the study. 20 BCVIs were detected in 16 patients (36.3%). The most common injuries identified were Biffl Type II (40%) and Type IV lesions (30%). 86.4% of the patients received a CTA upon admission, 93.2% of which were conducted within 12 h posttrauma. None of the patients had a secondary thrombembolic neurological event during the hospital stay or within 3 months postdischarge. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that implementation of the screening protocol can prevent strokes in patients without primary thrombembolic neurological deficits.

Experimental fracture model versus osteotomy model in metacarpal bone plate fixation.

Introduction. Osteotomy or fracture models can be used to evaluate mechanical properties of fixation techniques of the hand skeleton in vitro. Although many studies make use of osteotomy models, fracture models simulate the clinical situation more realistically. This study investigates monocortical and bicortical plate fixation on metacarpal bones considering both aforementioned models to decide which method is best suited to test fixation techniques. Methods. Porcine metacarpal bones (n = 40) were randomized into 4 groups. In groups I and II bones were fractured with a modified 3-point bending test. The intact bones represented a further control group to which the other groups after fixation were compared. In groups III and IV a standard osteotomy was carried out. Bones were fixated with plates monocortically (group I, III) and bicortically (group II, IV) and tested for failure. Results. Bones fractured at a mean maximum load of 482.8 N ± 104.8 N with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 21.7%, mean stiffness was 122.3 ± 35 N/mm. In the fracture model, there was a significant difference (P = 0.01) for maximum load of monocortically and bicortically fixed bones in contrast to the osteotomy model (P = 0.9). Discussion. In the fracture model, because one can use the same bone for both measurements in the intact state and the bone-plate construct states, the impact of inter-individual differences is reduced. In contrast to the osteotomy model there are differences between monocortical and bicortical fixations in the fracture model. Thus simulation of the in vivo situation is better and seems to be suitable for the evaluation of mechanical properties of fixation techniques on metacarpals.

Is there a way to diagnose spinal instability in acute burst fractures by performing ultrasound?

The aim of this study is to examine the predictive value of ultrasound diagnostics for the assessment of traumatic lesions of the posterior ligament complex (PLC) in burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. This was a prospective validating cohort study. Judgment about instability and treatment of burst fractures depends on the condition of the PLC. There have been some studies describing underdiagnosis of PLC injuries due to classification problems in ligamentary distraction type fractures. The gold standard for assessing these lesions is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Even then, there are often limits in contemporary operational availability and technical limitations of MRI. Ultrasound was described being an alternative. In a prospective study, 54 levels of 18 patients with acute burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine have been examined by ultrasound and additional MRI scans preoperatively. The condition (intact vs. ruptured) of supraspinous ligament (SSL) and the interspinous ligament has been assessed for the ligaments separately. Hematoma below the SSL has also been evaluated as an indirect sign of an injured PLC. In all the patients the primary performed operative treatment was a posterior spinal instrumentation. Postoperatively the blinded results of the ultrasound procedures have been matched against intraoperative and MRI findings. Assessments of all target structures have been contributed to the calculation of the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound. A total of 18 patients, 14 males and 4 females, with acute burst fractures have been qualified for inclusion in the study. The patients' mean age was 43.4 years. Comparing intraoperative findings with preoperatively performed investigations, ultrasound archived a sensitivity of 0.99 and a specificity of 0.75 (P < 0.05) to detect traumatic lesions to the PLC. As hypothesized the obtained predictive value using ultrasound correlates closely with intraoperative findings. Anyway MRI still seems to be the superior diagnostic method for examining the PLC. However, ultrasound can be considered to be an adequate alternative method in cases with contraindications for MRI such as ferromagnetic side effects, claustrophobia, availability or emergency diagnostics in multiple injuries.

[Persistent dysphagia and mechanical glottic paralysis. Complications of a ventral fracture spondylodesis with Forestier's disease]. / Persistierende Dysphagie und mechanische Glottisparese: Komplikation einer ventralen Frakturspondylodese bei Morbus Forestier.

Persistent dysphagia after ventral instrumentation of a patient with a cervical spine fracture and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH, or Forestier's disease) is a rare but dramatic complication. In this case report some pathogenetic factors are discussed. Accurate resection of the spondylophytes should be considered to avoid a ventral protrusion of the plate.

[Classification of severely injured patients in the G-DRG System 2008]. / Abbildung des schwer verletzten Patienten im G-DRG-System 2008.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of a per-case reimbursement system in Germany (German Diagnosis-Related Groups, G-DRG), the correct reimbursement for the treatment of severely injured patients has been much debated. While the classification of a patient in a polytrauma DRG follows different rules than the usual clinical definition, leading to a high number of patients not grouped as severely injured by the system, the system was also criticized in 2005 for its shortcomings in financing the treatment of severely injured patients. The development of financial reimbursement will be discussed in this paper. METHOD: 167 patients treated in 2006 and 2007 due to a severe injury at the University-Hospital Münster and grouped into a polytrauma-DRG were included in this study. For each patient, cost-equivalents were estimated. For those patients treated in 2007 (n=110), exact costs were calculated following the InEK cost-calculation method. The reimbursement was calculated using the G-DRG-Systems of 2007, 2008 and 2009. Cost-equivalents/costs and clinical parameters were correlated. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients treated in 2006 and 2007 for a severe injury at the Münster University Hospital and grouped into a polytrauma DRG were included in this study. Cost equivalents were estimated for each patient. For those patients treated in 2007 (n=110), exact costs were calculated following the InEK (Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System) cost calculation method. Reimbursement was calculated using the G-DRG systems of 2007, 2008 and 2009. Cost equivalents/costs and clinical parameters were correlated. DISCUSSION: With the ongoing development of the G-DRG system, reimbursement for the treatment of severely injured patient has improved, but the amount of underfinancing remains substantial. As treatment of severely injured patients must be reimbursed using the G-DRG system, this system must be further adapted to better meet the needs of severely injured patients. Parameters such as total surgery time, injury severity score (ISS) and LOS in ICU could be used for this purpose. In future, data obtained in trauma networks can help optimize reimbursement for the treatment of these patients.

Telematics in acute trauma care.

Each year, 20,000 people in Germany die because of a traffic accident. Altogether, yearly productivity loss caused by these injuries is estimated to be around 5 billion Euros. International and national studies revealed the trauma center level of the primary hospital as the major predictor for trauma related mortality. In 2006 the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) called its members to form regionally based networks for the exchange of data among hospitals engaged in trauma care. In April 2008 the north-west region of Germany with 49 hospitals, three hospitals in the Netherlands, and local emergency services founded the "TraumaNetwork NorthWest (TNNW). The major goals of the TNNW are: 1) to shorten the time between accident and admission to the appropriate hospital, 2) to create effective means of communication, and 3) to implement common pre- and in-hospital standards for trauma care. Since the needed application software is not commercially available, a team of computer and medical specialists has been formed for its development. Once the software is in place, a pre- and post-analysis will be performed to study the consequences of the application on transportation time and injury-related mortality within the region. The project is recognized as a pilot project by the DGU and if it is successful is meant to be adapted across Germany.

Current concepts in the treatment of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Although currently there are many different recommendations and strategies in the therapy of odontoid fractures in the elderly, there are still no generally accepted guidelines for a structured and standardised treatment. Moreover, the current opinion of spine surgeons regarding the optimal treatment of odontoid fractures Type II of the elderly is unknown. In order to have an objective insight into the diverging strategies for the management of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures and form a basis for future comparisons, this study investigated the current concepts and preferences of orthopaedic, neuro- and trauma surgeons. Spine surgeons from 34 medical schools and 8 hospitals in Germany, 4 university hospitals in Austria and 5 in Switzerland were invited to participate in an online survey using a 12-item 1-sided questionnaire. A total of 44 interviewees from 34 medical institutions participated in the survey, consisting of trauma (50%), orthopaedic (20.5%) and neurosurgeons (27.3%). Out of these, 70.5% treated 1-20 fractures per year; 63.6% favoured the anterior screw fixation as therapy for Type II odontoid fractures, the open posterior Magerl transarticular C1/C2 fusion, the posterior Harms C1/C2 fusion, and conservative immobilisation by cervical orthosis was preferred by 9.1% in each case. 59.1% preferred the anterior odontoid screw fixation as an appropriate treatment of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly. 79.5% chose cervical orthosis for postsurgical treatment. Following operative treatment, nonunion rates were reported to be <10% and <20% by 40.9% and 70% of the surgeons, respectively. 56.8% reported changing from primary conservative to secondary operative treatment in <10% of cases. The most favoured technique in revision surgery of nonunions was the open posterior Magerl transarticular fusion technique, chosen by 38.6% of respondents. 18.2% preferred the posterior Harms C1/C2 fusion technique, 11.4% the percutaneous posterior Magerl technique and the anterior odontoid screw fixation in each case. This study discovered major variations in the treatment of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly in terms of indication for conservative and operative treatment between several treatment centres in 3 European countries. Difficulty and complexity in formulating general guidelines based on multicenter studies is conceivable.

Limb salvage or amputation? The use of a gentamicin coated nail in a severe, grade IIIc tibia fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Severe grade IIIc tibial fractures have limited treatment options. The decision between limb salvage or amputation depends on many factors, including the age and health status of the patient, as well as the soft tissue status and associated injuries. Until recently, intramedullary nailing was not a favoured treatment option in such tibial fractures, since it is associated with an increased risk of deep wound infections and osteomyelitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Here we present a case where a novel polylactic acid/gentamicin coated unreamed tibial nail (UTN-PROtect(®)) has been used to successfully salvage the limb of a 17-year-old man, where prolonged external fixation or amputation would have been the standard treatment. RESULTS: This case demonstrates that treating severe grade IIIc tibial fractures with the acid/gentamicin coated unreamed tibial nail (UTN-PROtect(®)) is a viable alternative to prolonged external fixation or amputation. CONCLUSION: The gentamicin-loaded coating of the UTN-PROtect(®) nail, which releases the antimicrobial agent directly at the bone-implant inter-face, overcomes the limitation of insufficient antibiotic delivery. Awareness of this case and the existing literature supporting the use of an antibiotic coated nail may assist surgeons in their decisions on how to treat severe grade IIIc fractures.

[Osteochondral reconstruction of the lunate fossa in proximal row carpectomy for Kienböck's disease early stage IV]. / Der osteochondrale Ersatz der Fossa lunata bei der Entfernung der proximalen Handwurzelreihe im frühen Stadium IV der Lunatumnekrose.

An osteochondral transfer of a scaphoid segment into the lunate fossa in proximal row carpectomy was performed in two female patients in stage IV of Kienböck's disease. Clinical and radiological follow-up at 18 and 6 months, respectively, showed results comparable to those of PRC in Lichtman stage III. This technique may serve as another option for salvage operations on the wrist.

[Enchondroma of the hand - treatment and long-term outcome]. / Enchondrome des Handskeletts - Therapeutisches Vorgehen und funktionelle Langzeitergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: An enchondroma is with up to 90% the most common benign tumour of the hand. Functional long-term outcome studies of the several treatments do not exist. The aim of this study is thus to evaluate the information from our 147 patients about diagnostics, operative treatment and follow-up treatment. METHODS: 147 patients with 183 histologically secured enchondromas of the hand, who had been treated between 1973 and 2004, were analysed by follow-up examination and radiological findings retrospectively. RESULTS: We found 136 mono- and 11 polyostotic lesions. The proximal phalanx was afflicted most commonly (44.8%). There was no preference for one special finger, only the thumb was afflicted below average (9.8%). The most common symptoms were pain and swelling (51.7%) or pathological fracture (25%). We found 11 relapses (7.5%) after an average of 4.4 years. In two cases we found a grade 1 chondrosarcoma. 84.2% of the patients achieved a "very good" or a "good" functional long-term outcome, 11.7% a "fair" and 4.2% a "poor" outcome. CONCLUSION: Standard treatment should be the accurate extirpation of the tumour and subsequent filling of the defect with cancellous bone. Only very small, asymptomatic lesions can be treated conservatively with six-month check-up examinations.

[Calcaneonavicular coalition fracture. A rare differential diagnosis of post-traumatic ankle pain]. / Fraktur einer Coalitio calcaneonavicularis. Eine seltene Differentialdiagnose des posttraumatischen Sprunggelenkschmerzes.

The causes of chronic posttraumatic ankle pain are manifold, ranging from ligament and tendon injuries and fractures to joint degeneration. Calcaneonavicular coalition, a bridge between the calcaneus and navicular bones, is a rare disease with an incidence below 1%. The morphology of this coalition is variable. It can occur as either a fibrous, cartilaginous or bony union of the involved bones. Symptoms usually occur in adolescence with chronic pain around the ankle, mainly lateral and anterior, following distortion trauma. Patients often claim to have a lateral ankle sprain. We report 2 cases of a fracture of the calcaneonavicular coalition as the cause of chronic posttraumatic ankle pain and demonstrate the characteristics of tarsal coalitions with a review of the literature.

[Surgical indications in intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus. Case report and critical review of the literature]. / Zur operativen Indikation beim intraossären Kalkaneuslipom. Kasuistik und kritischer Literaturüberblick.

Intraosseous lipomas represent a small number of benign bone tumors with incidence rates of approximately 0.1%. In about 15% these neoplasias are localized within the calcaneus, mostly at Ward's triangle. The tumors usually remain clinically inapparent and diagnosis is often obtained incidentally. Although CT scan and MRI provide specific and sensitive diagnostic tools that can distinguish morphology and dignity, surgical treatment is not standardized yet. In conjunction with a case report, we summarize and critically compare current treatment strategies.

[Subperiosteal pisiform excision in misaligned fractures of the triquetrum]. / Die subperiostale Pisektomie als Massnahme bei fehlverheilter Triquetrumfraktur.

Isolated fractures of the os triquetrum are a very rare condition, since they are usually combined with other fractures of the carpus. An undetected isolated fracture of the os triquetrum in a 28-year-old pieceworker revealed an osseous consolidation with a misalignment of the joint surface on presentation 6 months after his primary injury. During the whole time he was unable to work due to the severely painful restricted range of movement of his wrist. There are no general guidelines for treatment. Instead of correction of the anatomy of the os triquetrum, we decided to perform a subperiosteal pisiform excision according to Palmieri. As early as 6 weeks later, the patient was able to go back to work and demonstrated a pain-free full range of movement of his wrist. We encourage this procedure not only for degenerated joint disease but also for posttraumatic lesions in the early onset of painful blocking of the joint between the os triquetrum and os pisiforme.