Bursal Acromial Reconstruction (BAR) Using an Acellular Dermal Allograft for Massive, Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears: A Dynamic Biomechanical Investigation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of bursal acromial reconstruction (BAR) using an acellular dermal allograft on glenohumeral joint kinematics including maximum abduction angle, glenohumeral superior translation, cumulative deltoid force, and subacromial contact pressure. METHODS: In this dynamic biomechanical cadaveric shoulder study, 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (age 53.4 ± 14.2 years, mean ± standard deviation) were tested using a dynamic shoulder testing system. Maximum abduction angle (MAA), glenohumeral superior translation (ghST), maximum cumulative deltoid force (cDF), and subacromial peak contact pressure (sCP) were compared across 3 conditions: (1) intact shoulder; (2) massive retracted irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear (psRCT) according to Patte III; and (3) BAR. Additionally, humeral head containment was measured using contact pressure. RESULTS: Compared with the simulated psRCT, BAR significantly increased mean MAA and significantly decreased ghST (P < .001, respectively) and cDF (P = .017) Additionally, BAR was found to significantly decrease sCP compared with psRCT (P = .024). CONCLUSION: In a dynamic biomechanical cadaveric shoulder simulator, resurfacing the undersurface of the acromion using the BAR technique leads to significantly improved ghST, MAA, cDF, and sCP compared with the irreparable rotator cuff tear. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With the BAR technique, native humeral containment may be restored, which can potentially delay progressive subacromial and glenoidal abrasive wear and improve overall shoulder function. As such, the proposed BAR technique can be considered as a technically feasible and potentially cost- and timesaving procedure, as no bone anchors are needed, glenoidal or humeral side graft ruptures can be avoided, and postoperative rehabilitation can be started immediately. However, future clinical studies are needed.

Epidemiology of complete knee dislocations: an updated classification system.

INTRODUCTION: Current classifications of complete knee dislocations do not capture the extent of the complex concomitant ligamentous and bony injuries, which may have an impact on future outcomes. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the epidemiology of complete knee dislocations as well as to present an updated classification system based on the author's experience at a Level-I trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Only patients with complete loss of contact of the articulating bones and ≥ 18 years of age who admitted in our level-I trauma center between 2002 and 2019 were included. Patients were identified using a retrospective systematical query in the Hospital Information System (HIS) using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems Version10 (ICD-10) codes of the German Diagnosis Related Groups (G-DRG). RESULTS: Final data included 80 patients, with the majority of patients being male (n = 64; 80.0%). Mean age was 34.9 years (range: 18-70 years). External protective fixation was applied in 32 patients (40.0%). Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament were performed in 56.3% (n = 45) and 55.0% (n = 44) of cases, respectively. The lateral collateral ligament complex was surgically addressed in 47.5% (n = 38), while the medial collateral ligament complex was reconstructed in 40% (n = 32). Surgery of the lateral meniscus and the medial meniscus was needed in 31.1% (n = 25) and 30.0% (n = 24). Neurovascular surgery occurred in 13.8% (n = 11). From the characteristic injury-patterns the authors of this study present a new classification system that ranks the injuries from Grade-A to Grade-D according to their severity. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study demonstrates that the historically used classification systems for dislocations of the knee are insufficient for these severe injuries. Concomitant ligamentous, neurovascular, bony, and meniscal injuries were frequent, and required several staged procedures. Consequently, an updated classification system is proposed.

Seizure related injuries - Frequent injury patterns, hospitalization and therapeutic aspects.

PURPOSE: Epileptic seizures frequently result in distinct physical injuries, fractures, traumatic brain injuries and minor trauma. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the frequent injury patterns due to seizure episode and to analyze consecutive acute medical care. METHODS: This retrospective mono-center study was conducted at Frankfurt University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany between January 2007 and December 2017. Epilepsy patients with seizure-related fractures admitted to the emergency department were identified via a retrospective systematic query in the hospital information system using the ICD-10 German modification codes G40.0-G40.9. Patients with an unclear diagnosis of epilepsy were excluded. Sociodemographic as well as disease specific aspects were analyzed. Descriptive and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total number of 62 epilepsy patients were included. The mean age was 58.1 years. Fractures concerned the upper extremity most frequently (43.5%, n = 20), and 70.0% (14/20) were humerus fractures. Admission to intensive care unit for acute trauma care was necessary in 29.0% patients (n = 18), and surgery in 45.2% patients (n = 28). Twenty-five patients (26.6%) showed clinical or radiological signs of traumatic brain injury. Provoking factors were identified in 20 patients (32.3%), i.e., acute withdrawal or excess of alcohol (n = 15), relevant sleep deprivation (n = 2), and intoxication or withdrawal of other illegal drugs or trivial infect (n = 1 for each) and non-compliance with anti-seizure drugs (n = 1). A decreased T-score (-1.04 ± 1.15) and Z-score (-0.84 ± 0.75) compared to healthy subjects were found. CONCLUSION: Fractures in upper extremities, trunk and craniocerebral trauma occur frequently as seizure-induced injuries. Alcohol excess and withdrawal are important provoking factors and should be targeted with preventive measurements to avoid seizure related injuries and accidents.

[Costs-revenue deficit of outpatient treatment of minor injuries in the emergency department]. / Kosten-Erlös-Defizit der ambulanten Versorgung von Bagatellverletzungen in der Notaufnahme.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with minor injuries hastily present in the emergency department and tie up resources and personnel there. OBJECTIVE: To establish the cost-revenue relationship of outpatient care of minor injuries in the traumatology emergency department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The calculation was based on the uniformly billed emergency flat rates of the uniform assessment standard (EBM). Using the current collective bargaining agreements for physicians and nurses, per minute costs were calculated. The time required for treatment was determined on the basis of 100 reference patients with minor injuries. The case cost calculation with the respective resources was carried out with the operational controlling of the University Hospital Frankfurt. RESULTS: A total of 4088 patients with minor injuries who presented in 2019 were included. Most common reasons for presentation were contusions of the lower (31.9%; n = 1303) and upper extremities (16.6%; n = 677). A time expenditure of 166.7 min per day for the medical staff and 213.8 min per day for nursing staff was calculated. A total revenue of 29,384.31 € and total costs of 69,591.22 € were calculated. Thus, a revenue deficit of -40,206.91 € can be calculated for the year 2019. This corresponds to a monetary deficit of 9.84 € per patient. CONCLUSION: There is a shortage of the medical resource "personnel" to satisfactorily and economically manage the nowadays high volume of self-presenting pedestrian patients with minor injuries. The current remuneration of the treatment of minor injuries by the uniform assessment scale is insufficient for the hospital sector.

Who, When, Why?-Traumatological Patients in the Emergency Department of a Maximum Care Provider.

Nationwide, there is an annual increase in the number of patients in German emergency departments resulting in a growing workload for the entire emergency department staff. Several studies have investigated the situation in emergency departments, most of which were interdisciplinary, but there are no data on a solely traumatological patient population. The present study therefore aims to investigate the situation in a university-based trauma surgery emergency department. A total of 8582 traumatological patients attending a university hospital from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 were studied. Various variables, such as reason for presentation, time of accident, diagnosis, and diagnostic as well as therapeutic measures performed were analyzed from the admission records created. The mean age was 36.2 years, 60.1% were male, 63.3% presented on their own to the emergency department, and 41.2% presented during regular working hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The most common reason for presentation was outdoor falls at 17.4%, and 63.3% presented to the emergency department within the first 12 h after the sustained trauma. The most common diagnosis was bruise (27.6%), and 14.2% of patients were admitted as inpatients. Many of the emergency room patients suffered no relevant trauma sequelae. In order to reduce the number of patients in emergency rooms in the future, existing institutions in the outpatient emergency sector must be further expanded and effectively advertised to the public. In this way, the emergency medical resources of clinics, including staff, can be relieved to provide the best possible care for actual emergency patients.

Total elbow arthroplasty in elderly trauma patients: adding a new perspective for functional evaluation.

PURPOSE: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has evolved over the last years, with satisfactory early results, mainly not only in degenerative arthritis, but also increasingly after trauma. Outcome studies in recently published papers are mainly based on the range of motion (ROM), complication rate as well as patient-reported outcome scales and questionnaires. The purpose of this study was to add a new perspective with the "Purdue Pegboard" skill tests in a homogenous set of elderly trauma patients to contribute to a more precise objective outcome measurement in this specific population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a consecutive cohort of all patients with age above 60 years that received TEA after trauma. Data from follow-up examinations over a standardized time-schedule within 2 years after TEA were included. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), "Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand" (DASH) Questionnaire, ROM as well as test-scores using the Pegboard test were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 76.0 years ± 10.3. Indications for TEA were posttraumatic arthrosis in 68.8% (n = 11) and extensive fractures that could not be reconstructed surgically in 31.3% (n = 5). The mean score of MEPS was 82.81 ± 16.63 and 29.18 ± 12.01 in the DASH. ROM presented with a mean of 109.7° ± 15.4. Patients demonstrated good, but marginally reduced test scores in the Pegboard skill tests in comparison with the healthy reference population. No relevant differences between the arm with and the arm without TEA (0.3 ± 3.6; p = 0.715) were noted after 2 years. CONCLUSION: In the elderly trauma patient with complex fractures of the elbow, TEA is a good alternative to joint reconstruction using various osteosynthesis techniques. TEA is able to avoid revision surgery after open reduction and internal fixation of complex fractures. In cases of failed reconstruction, it is also a viable secondary procedure in posttraumatic arthrosis. Good outcomes in functionality and dexterity can be achieved. Skill tests like the Purdue Pegboard could add a valuable perspective in assessing functional outcomes after TEA.

Epidemiology and treatment of acute elbow dislocations: current concept based on primary surgical ligament repair of unstable simple elbow dislocations.

PURPOSE: Acute elbow dislocations are complex injuries that predispose to chronic instability and pain. The ideal treatment strategy is part of controversial discussion and evidence-based recommendations for the treatment could not be concluded from the literature. The purpose of the present study was to assess current epidemiological data, injury pattern, and the changing trend for treatment. METHODS: This study presents a retrospective review of 72 patients ≥ 18 years of age who were treated in our level I trauma centre with acute elbow dislocations from 2014 to 2018. The data were acquired by analysis of the institution's database, and radiological examinations. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 48.5 years (range 18-86). The ratio of male to female patients was 1.9:1. A fall onto the outstretched arm (42%) was the most common injury mechanism. By classification, 42% of the elbow dislocations were simple, and 58% complex. A total of 85% of patients underwent surgery including 73% of the simple elbow dislocations due to remaining instability or non-congruency of the reduced elbow. The indication for surgical treatment correlated merely with the grade of instability and displacement, but not with age. CONCLUSION: Acute elbow dislocations need identification of the precise injury pattern and instability after reduction of the elbow joint. To achieve a congruent and stable joint, we recommend primary surgical repair as first-line treatment for patients with unstable simple and complex elbow dislocation independent of age.

Acetabular fractures treatment needs in the elderly and nonagenarians.

Different treatment options for acetabular fractures in the elderly and nonagenarians exist; a consistent guideline has not been established, yet. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of how those fractures can be handled and compares two different surgical treatment methods. A total of 89 patients ≥ 18 years between 2016 and 2021 with acetabular fractures in our department received a surgical intervention with plate fixation via the Stoppa approach or a total hip arthroplasty with a Burch-Schneider ring and integrated cup. 60 patients ≥ 65 were compared in two groups, 29 patients between 65 and 79 and 31 patients ≥ 80. For comparison, data on operation times, hospitalization, complications during operation and hospital stay, blood loss and postoperative mobilization were collected. Characteristics could be found for indications for operative osteosynthesis or endoprosthetics based on the X-ray analysis. There was a tendency to treat simple fractures with osteosynthesis. Patients between 65 and 79 with an osteosynthesis had benefits in almost every comparison. Patients ≥ 80 with a plate fixation had advantages in the categories of postoperative complications, blood loss and transfusion of erythrocyte concentrates. Statistical significant differences were noticed in both groups regarding the operation time. Patients between 65 and 79 with osteosynthesis had significant benefits for postoperative complications, hospitalization, number of blood transfusions and postoperative mobilization. Finding the best supportive treatment option is difficult, and decision-making must respect fracture patterns and individual risk factors. This study shows that plate fixation via the Stoppa approach has some benefits.

Health Economic Challenge: Geriatric Trauma-An Age-Based Observational Analysis of Treatment Costs and Reimbursement Issues.

Demographic change is having a major impact on the economic and structural development of the healthcare system. People stay active longer and the number of mild traumatic brain injury [mTBI] in patients ≥ 65 years of age consequently increases. The aim of this comparative analysis is to illustrate the impact of demographic change and the increasing treatment of geriatric trauma patients on the cost structure of the health care system using mTBI as an example diagnosis. Patients and Methods: The 12-month retrospective analysis included 220 in-patients treated with mTBI and remunerated under the German Diagnosis Related Group [G-DRG] B80Z. For comparative analysis, the patient population was divided into two study groups according to age [U65 18−64 years, G65 ≥ 65 years]. For the cost and proceeds calculation, itemized cost reports (personnel, supply, material, and equipment costs, etc.) were created. Results: 163 patients U65 and 57 patients G65 were included. In the G65 group, the most frequent accident mechanism was a fall from a short distance (84.1 vs. U65 36.7%; p = 0.007). For the inpatient admission of G65, the use of anticoagulants (p < 0.001) and comorbidity (p = 0.002) played a primary role, while for younger patients it was more neurological symptoms (p < 0.001) and alcohol (p < 0.001) that led to inpatient monitoring. The mean length of hospitalization of G65 patients was significantly longer than that of younger patients (G65 2.4 ± 1.9 days > U65 1.7 ± 0.8 days; p = 0.007) and radiological examinations (G65 94.7% > U65 23.3%; p = 0.013) were performed more frequently. Comparing analysis of the cost and proceeds of U65 vs. G65 results in a proceeds difference of €51,753.91 per year for the G-DRG B80Z compared to U65. Conclusions: It has been shown that there is a difference in costs and proceeds when comparing younger and older patients, resulting in a reimbursement deficit. In view of the demographic development in Europe, flat-rate remuneration will lead to a considerable discrepancy between DRG reimbursement and the coverage of hospitals' running costs. Providing health care to an increasingly aging society represents one of the major personnel and financial challenges for the public health system in the coming decades. Further adaptation of the DRG system to the growing costs caused by older patients is imperative.

Injury Patterns after Falling down Stairs-High Ratio of Traumatic Brain Injury under Alcohol Influence.

Falling down a staircase is a common mechanism of injury in patients with severe trauma, but the effect of varying fall height according to the number of steps on injury patterns in these patients has been little studied. In this retrospective study, prospectively collected data from a Level 1 Trauma Center in Germany were analyzed regarding the injury patterns of patients admitted through the trauma room with suspicion of multiple injuries following a fall down a flight of stairs between January 2016 and December 2019. In total 118 patients were examined which where consecutively included in this study. More than 80% of patients suffered a traumatic brain injury, which increased as a function of the number of stairs fallen. Therefore, the likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage increased with higher numbers of fallen stairs. Fall-associated bony injuries were predominantly to the face, skull and the spine. In addition, there was a high coincidence of staircase falls and alcohol intake. Due to a frequent coincidence of staircase falls and alcohol, the (pre-)clinical neurological assessment is complicated. As the height of the fall increases, severe traumatic brain injury should be anticipated and diagnostics to exclude intracranial hemorrhage and spinal injuries should be performed promptly to ensure the best possible patient outcome.

Combined trauma in craniomaxillofacial and orthopedic-traumatological patients: the need for proper interdisciplinary care in trauma units.

AIM: The primary aim of this study was to analyze frequency and characteristics of combined facial and peripheral trauma with consecutive hospitalization and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included all patients with concomitant orthopedic-traumatolgical (OT) and craniomaxillofacial (CMF) injuries admitted to our level I trauma center in 2018. The data were collected by analysis of the institution's database and radiological reviews and included age, sex, injury type, weekday and time of presentation. All patients were examined and treated by a team of surgeons specialized in OT and CMF directly after presentation. RESULTS: A total number of 1040 combined OT and CMF patients were identified. Mean age was 33.0 ± 26.2 years. 67.3% (n = 700) were male patients. Primary presentation happened most frequently on Sundays (n = 199) and between 7 and 8 pm (n = 74). 193 OT fractures were documented, where cervical spine injuries were most frequent (n = 30). 365 facial and skull fractures were recorded. 10.8% of the 204 patients with fractures of the viscerocranium presented with at least one fracture of the extremity, 7.8% (16/204) with cervical spine fractures, 33.3% (68/204) with signs of closed brain trauma and 9.8% (20/204) with intracranial hemorrhage. DISCUSSION: The study shows a high frequency of combined facial with OT-injuries and brain damage in a predominantly young and male cohort. Attendance by interdisciplinary teams of both CMF and OT surgeons specialized in cervical spine trauma surgery is highly advisable for adequate treatment. CONCLUSION: Diagnostics and treatment should be performed by a highly specialized OT and CMF team, with a consulting neurosurgeon in a level-1 trauma center to avoid missed diagnoses and keep mortality low.

Assessment of muscle volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in football players after hamstring injuries.

Muscle injuries of the hamstrings are among the most frequent in football and a main cause for significant time away from training and competition. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the loss of muscle volume in recreational football players three and six weeks after initial trauma. We hypothesized that significant muscle volume loss occurs within 6 weeks after the initial injury event. Twenty recreational football players (mean-age=25 ± 4years; mean-height=181 ± 8cm; mean-weight=81 ± 10kg) with type3a (minor partial muscle tear) and type3b (moderate partial muscle tear) injuries were included. Muscle volume was determined using established methods for the hamstrings and the quadriceps femoris muscle within 3 days and after 3 and 6 weeks following the initial injury. The injured hamstrings lost 6.5% (mean=64 cm3(95%CI=31-98 cm3), p<0.001), the healthy hamstrings lost 2.1% (mean=21 cm3(3-44 cm3),p=0.096) of muscle volume after six weeks. The quadriceps in the injured leg lost 3.8% (mean=78 cm3(51-104 cm3), p<0.001) and 4.5% (83 cm3 (45-121 cm3), p<0.001) in the healthy leg. Muscle volume loss inversely correlated with activity levels in the healthy leg for the quadriceps (r=0.96 (0.90-0.98); R2=0.92; p<0.001) and the hamstrings (r=0.72 (0.40-0.88); R2=0.51; p<0.001), as well as the quadriceps in the injured leg (r=0.70 (0.37-0.87); R2=0.49; p<0.001), but not the injured hamstrings. Muscle volume ratio of hamstrings to quadriceps in the control limb was 0.52 ± 0.06 and 0.53 ± 0.06 in the injured leg. The rehabilitation period of six weeks did not have a relevant negative or a positive effect on ratios. Significant muscle volume loss in the upper thigh occurs in recreational soccer players within three, and within six weeks after a hamstring injury and lies between 2% and 7%.

The Influence of Alcohol on the Base Excess Parameter in Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: The base excess (BE) parameter can be used as an indicator of mortality. However, study results on the influence of alcohol on the validity of BE as a prognostic parameter in alcohol-intoxicated patients are controversial. Thus, this study examined the hypothesis: An increasing blood alcohol level reduces the prognostic value of the BE parameter on mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of the multicenter database of the TraumaRegister DGU, patients from 2015 to 2017 were grouped depending on their blood alcohol level (BAL) into a BAL+ and BAL- group. The hypothesis was verified using logistic regression with an assumed significance level of 1% (P < 0.01). RESULTS: Eleven thousand eight hundred eighty-nine patients were included; 9,472 patients in the BAL- group and 2,417 patients in the BAL+ group. Analysis of the BE showed lower values in the BAL+ group (BAL-: -1.8 ±â€Š4.4 mmol/L vs. BAL+: -3.4 ±â€Š4.6 mmol/L). There is a trend toward lower BE levels when BAL increases. Assuming a linear relationship, then BE decreases by 0.6 points per mille alcohol (95% CI: 0.5-0.7; P < 0.001). The mortality rate was significantly lower in the BAL+ group (BAL-: 11.1% vs. BAL+: 7.9%). The logistic regression analysis showed a significant beneficial influence of BAL+ on the mortality rate (OR 0.706, 95% CI 0.530-0.941, P = 0.018). To analyze whether a low BE (≤-6 mmol/L) has different prognostic effects in patients with and without alcohol, logistic regression models were calculated. However, the effect of BE ≤ -6 mmol/L was similar in both models (regression coefficients in BAL-/+ patients: 0.379/0.393). CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate an existing influence of alcohol on the BE parameter; however, this does not negatively affect the BE as a prognostic parameter at a threshold of ≤ -6 mmol/L.

Fractures in Parkinson's Disease: injury patterns, hospitalization, and therapeutic aspects.

AIM: The primary aim of this study was to analyze the frequency and characteristic patterns of fall-related fractures as well as consecutive hospitalization and management relating to such fractures. In addition, important pathognomonic and therapeutic aspects are discussed. METHODS: This retrospective mono-center study was conducted at the University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Between 2007 and 2017, a total of 145 PD patients with fall-related fractures were identified via a retrospective systematic query in the hospital information system using the ICD-10 German modification codes G20.0-G20.9. Patients with unclear or falsely coded PD were strictly excluded. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 77.7 years (± 7.5, median 77.) and 57.9% of the cohort were females (n = 84). A total number of 151 fractures were reported, with 140 patients (96.6%) suffering from one, four patients from two (2.8%), and one patient from three fractures (0.6%) at a time. For 43.9% (n = 65) of the cohort, fractures concerned lower extremities (LE) followed by trunk (38.1%, n = 58) and upper extremities (UE, 17.9%, n = 27). Most common fracture types in LE were femoral neck fractures (52.3%, n = 34). Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 13.6 days (95% CI 12.4-14.7). In 43.4% (n = 63) of cases, an interim admission to an intensive-care unit (ICU) was necessary. Mean ICU LOS was 2.3 days (95% CI 1.5-3.0), and mean LOS for normal care unit was 10.5 days (95% CI 10.3-12.4). Surgical treatment was necessary in 75.9% of the cases (n = 110). Patients undergoing surgical treatment showed significantly longer LOS compared to conservatively treated patients (p < 0.001). Moreover, fractures of the LE (p = 0.018) and UE (p = 0.010) were associated with a significant longer LOS. CONCLUSION: Fall-related fractures are a common and relevant complication in PD patients leading to increased immobility, frequent hospitalization, and immediate surgical care. Fractures of the lower extremities and trunk were the most common in the cohort for this study. A PD patient presenting to the emergency room or at the general practitioner with a fracture should always be checked for osteoporosis and a fall-related injury should be seen as a red flag for reviewing a patient's individual therapeutic regime.

[Inpatient treatment costs, cost-driving factors and potential reimbursement problems due to epileptic seizure-related injuries and fractures]. / Stationäre Versorgungskosten, kostenverursachende Faktoren und potenzielle Vergütungsprobleme bei Verletzungen und Frakturen im Rahmen epileptischer Anfälle.

BACKGROUND: The systematic analysis of disease-specific costs is becoming increasingly more relevant in an economically oriented healthcare system. Chronic diseases are of particular interest due to the long duration as well as frequent hospitalization and physician visits. Epilepsy is a frequent neurological disorder affecting all age groups with the clinical hallmark of paroxysmal epileptic seizures, which are often associated with injuries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to process the inpatient treatment costs due to seizure-related injuries and fractures. Moreover, relevant cost-causing factors were addressed. Using an alternative calculation of the costs of care, the question of potential reimbursement problems in the current German diagnosis-related groups (G-DRG) system was additionally assessed. METHODS: For this monocentric retrospective analysis the actual proceeds of 62 inpatients who were treated at the University Hospital Frankfurt between January 2010 and January 2018 for injuries and fractures due to epileptic seizures were used. The analysis of potential cost-causing factors was carried out with respect to relevant sociodemographic and clinical aspects. The alternative calculation of the costs of treatment was carried out using established health economic methods. RESULTS: The average DRG revenue was 7408€ (±8993€, median 5086€, range 563-44,519€), the average calculated costs were 9423€ (±11,113€, 5626€, range 587-49,830€). A length of stay ≥7 days (p = 0.014) was identified as a significant cost-driving factor. Due to the significant difference (p < 0.001) between revenue and calculated costs, an analysis was made according to factors for potential reimbursement problems, which remained significant for a length of stay of ≥7 days (p = 0.014) and for treatment in the intensive care unit (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The inpatient treatment costs for patients with injuries and fractures due to epileptic seizures are high and therefore relevant from a health economic perspective. In general, reimbursement according to the G­DRG appears to cover the actual costs, but there may be reimbursement problems for patients with a long period of hospitalization or a stay in an intensive care ward.

[Inpatient treatment costs, cost-driving factors and potential reimbursement problems due to fall-related fractures in patients with Parkinson's disease]. / Stationäre Versorgungskosten, kostenverursachende Faktoren und potenzielle Vergütungsprobleme bei durch Morbus Parkinson bedingten Frakturen.

BACKGROUND: In an increasingly economically oriented healthcare system the analysis of disease-specific costs is becoming more and more relevant, especially in chronic diseases with long duration of hospitalization. As a frequent neurodegenerative disease idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) causes high healthcare costs. The pathognomonic affection of mobility and equilibrium often leads to fall-related fractures in the course of the disease, which cause further costs through hospitalization and possibly surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was the calculation of inpatient treatment costs of fall-related fractures in IPD as well as the analysis of relevant cost-causing factors. In addition, an alternative calculation of the treatment costs was carried out with the question of potential remuneration problems in the current diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system. METHODS: The basis of this retrospective, single center analysis was the actual revenue of 95 patients treated between January 2011 and January 2018 at the University Hospital Frankfurt am Main. The proceeds were systematically reviewed for relevant demographic, healthcare and disease-related aspects and statistically analyzed for cost-related factors using univariate analysis. The alternative calculation of the treatment costs was carried out according to commonly used health economics methods. RESULTS: The median revenue per patient and injury was 9295 € (±8038 €, median 7148 €) with a mean length of stay of 13.5 days (±7.2 days, median 13 days). The alternative calculation of treatment costs per patient was an average of 9789 € (±6423 €, median 8906 €). High treatment costs were associated with age >75 years (p = 0.028), surgical treatment (p = 0.004), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p = 0.004), limb fractures (p = 0.028) and an advanced stage of IPD (p = 0.028). Significant differences between actual revenue and calculated costs were found for hospital stays ≥14 days (p = 0.009) and advanced stages of disease (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The costs of care in patients with IPD and fall-related fractures are high and relevant to health economics. In general, remuneration based on the DRG system seems to largely cover the costs; however, compensation problems arise especially for patients with a long duration of hospitalization or advanced IPD.