Survival among patients with severe high cervical spine injuries - a TraumaRegister DGU® database study.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a significant cause of death and impairment. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) differentiates the severity of trauma and is the basis for different trauma scores and prediction models. While the majority of patients do not survive injuries which are coded with an AIS 6, there are several patients with a severe high cervical spinal cord injury that could be discharged from hospital despite the prognosis of trauma scores. We estimate that the trauma scores and prediction models miscalculate these injuries. For this reason, we evaluated these findings in a larger control group. METHODS: In a retrospective, multi-centre study, we used the data recorded in the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) to select patients with a severe cervical spinal cord injury and an AIS of 3 to 6 between 2002 to 2015. We compared the estimated mortality rate according to the Revised Injury Severity Classification II (RISC II) score against the actual mortality rate for this group. RESULTS: Six hundred and twelve patients (0.6%) sustained a severe cervical spinal cord injury with an AIS of 6. The mean age was 57.8 ± 21.8 years and 441 (72.3%) were male. 580 (98.6%) suffered a blunt trauma, 301 patients were injured in a car accident and 29 through attempted suicide. Out of the 612 patients, 391 (63.9%) died from their injury and 170 during the first 24 h. The group had a predicted mortality rate of 81.4%, but we observed an actual mortality rate of 63.9%. CONCLUSIONS: An AIS of 6 with a complete cord syndrome above C3 as documented in the TR-DGU is survivable if patients get to the hospital alive, at which point they show a survival rate of more than 35%. Compared to the mortality prognosis based on the RISC II score, they survived much more often than expected.

The sensitivity of ultrasound screening examination in detecting heterotopic ossification following spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of sonography in detecting heterotopic ossification (HO) following spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2013, 217 patients with HO of the hips met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analyses. The diagnosis of HO was carried out in all cases using our hospital protocol. Primary outcome measure was to calculate the sensitivity of ultrasound screening examination in detecting HO following SCI. RESULTS: The diagnosis of HO was confirmed in 217 patients after a mean interval of 64.8 days (range from 8 to 295; s.d.=40.4) via computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan. In 193 out of 217 patients, suspicious HO signs were noted in the ultrasound screening examination (sensitivity=88.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasound for screening for HO in SCI patients is reliable and has a high sensitivity.

In-hospital outcomes following single-dose radiation therapy in the treatment of heterotopic ossification of the hip following spinal cord injury-an analysis of 444 cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to analyse the efficacy of single-dose radiation therapy in the treatment of heterotopic ossification (HO) following spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. METHODS: Patients who were treated for HO around the hips following SCI at our institution between January 2003 and December 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. A total of 444 HO cases around the hip were treated with single-dose radiation therapy after a mean time interval of 4.9 days (0-97 days; s.d.=8.1) after HO diagnosis. Primary outcome measures were the number of HO relapses and the occurrence of adverse side effects related to the radiation therapy. RESULTS: After a mean time interval of 63.2 days (8-295 days; s.d.=39.6) subsequent to SCI HO occurred in 207 male (84.8%) and 37 female (15.2%) patients with a mean age of 46.4 years (18-81 years, s.d.=18.2). In 200 patients both hips were affected, whereas the remaining 44 HO occurred unilateral. None of the patients suffered primary side effects due to the radiation therapy. However, in 13 out of 244 patients (5.3%), HO relapse occurred. After repeated single-dose radiotherapy, one patient suffered joint ankylosis and therefore required surgical resection. CONCLUSION: Our results present that single-dose radiation therapy is a safe option in the treatment for spinal cord-injured patients suffering from HOs of the hips.

Ankylosing spondylitis does not increase the risk of neurogenic heterotopic ossification in patients with a spinal cord injury: a retrospective cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to analyze the impact of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in developing heterotopic ossification (HO) in patients following spinal cord injury. SETTING: Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2015, 67 patients with AS and SCI were included in the study. The control group consisted of 141 patients with SCI and without AS. The definitive diagnosis of HO was made via magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Primary outcome measure was to analyze the impact of AS on the development of HO. RESULTS: Fifteen out of 67 AS patients (22.4%) had a diagnosed HO. In the control group, 28 of 141 patients (19.9%) suffered from HO. Patients with AS had no significant higher risk for HO development compared with patients without AS (RR=1.16; 95% CI=0.65-2.09). However, patients with a complete neurological deficit had a twofold higher risk for HO development (RR=2.55; 95% CI=1.26-5.16). CONCLUSIONS: AS does not increase the risk for HO development in patients with spinal cord injury.

The roles of serum alkaline and bone alkaline phosphatase levels in predicting heterotopic ossification following spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the usefulness of serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in predicting heterotopic ossification (HO). SETTING: Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2013, 87 patients with HO around the hips met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Alkaline phosphatase, CRP and BAP were assessed and interpreted at the time of HO diagnosis and after radiation therapy in all patients. RESULTS: At the time of HO diagnosis, 49 out of 87 patients (49.4%) had elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and 39 out of 87 patients (44.8%) had elevated BAP levels. Elevated CRP values were found in 67 patients (77.0%). Within 3 days after single-dose radiation therapy, elevated AP levels persisted in 38 patients (43.7%) and elevated BAP levels in 28 patients (32.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained show that the determination of CRP, AP and BAP levels may not be considered a reliable screening method for early HO detection, subsequent to spinal cord injury.

Heterotopic ossification of the shoulder joint following spinal cord injury: an analysis of 21 cases after single-dose radiation therapy.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: Heterotopic ossification (HO) affecting the hips is a common complaint of patients suffering traumatic spinal cord injury. However, the incidence of HO of the shoulder is considerably rare. In this context, we report on our results of 13 patients with a total of 21 cases of shoulder HO and single-dose radiation therapy. SETTING: Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. METHODS: The study group consists of 12 male and 1 female patient with a mean age of 55.5 years (range from 24 to 81 years; s.d.=14.5). Primary outcome measures were defined as the number of HO relapses and the number of side or adverse effects in relation to the radiation therapy. RESULTS: At the time of latest follow-up during hospitalization, the mean shoulder flexion was 92.1° while mean abduction was 94.5°. The average external rotation was 26.4°. No HO recurrence occurred and none of the patients suffered any adverse effects related to radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, single-dose radiation therapy in the treatment of shoulder HO due to spinal cord injury is an effective and reliable method, although the risk of secondary side effects related to the radiation therapy remain unknown.

[Exoskeletons for rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries. Options and limitations]. / Exoskelette in der Rehabilitation Querschnittgelähmter. Möglichkeiten und Grenzen.

BACKGROUND: Mobile exoskeletons are increasingly being applied in the course of rehabilitation and provision of medical aids to patients with spinal cord injuries. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This article gives a description of the currently available exoskeletal systems and the clinical application including scientific and medical evidence, to derive recommendations regarding clinical practice of the various exoskeletons in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries. RESULTS: The different systems represent a useful adjunct to the therapeutic regimen depending on the medical objectives. Posture-controlled exoskeletons in particular enable mobilization of patients with neurological gait disorders via direct motion support. In addition the neurologically controlled exoskeleton HAL® leads to functional improvements in patients with residual muscular functions in the chronic phase of spinal cord injury in terms of improved walking abilities subsequent to training. However, beneficial effects on bone density, bladder function and perfusion are conceivable but not yet adequately supported by evidence. Positive effects on spasticity and neuropathic pain are currently based only on case series or small clinical trials. CONCLUSION: Although exoskeletons are not yet an established tool in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, the systems will play a more important role in rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries in the future. Neurologically controlled exoskeletons show beneficial effects in the treatment of acute and chronic spinal cord injuries and might therefore evolve to be a useful alternative to conventional locomotion training.

Pelvic reconstruction with compound osteosynthesis following hemipelvectomy: A clinical study.

To date, all surgical techniques used for reconstruction of the pelvic ring following supra-acetabular tumour resection produce high complication rates. We evaluated the clinical, oncological and functional outcomes of a cohort of 35 patients (15 men and 20 women), including 21 Ewing's sarcomas, six chondrosarcomas, three sarcomas not otherwise specified, one osteosarcoma, two osseous malignant fibrous histiocytomas, one synovial cell sarcoma and one metastasis. The mean age of the patients was 31 years (8 to 79) and the latest follow-up was carried out at a mean of 46 months (1.9 to 139.5) post-operatively. We undertook a functional reconstruction of the pelvic ring using polyaxial screws and titanium rods. In 31 patients (89%) the construct was encased in antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate. Preservation of the extremities was possible for all patients. The survival rate at three years was 93.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 77.9 to 98.4), at five years it was 82.4% (95% CI 57.6 to 93.4). For the 21 patients with Ewing's sarcoma it was 95.2% (95% CI 70.7 to 99.3) and 81.5% (95% CI 52.0 to 93.8), respectively. Wound healing problems were observed in eight patients, deep infection in five and clinically asymptomatic breakage of the screws in six. The five-year implant survival was 93.3% (95% CI 57.8 to 95.7). Patients were mobilised at a mean of 3.5 weeks (1 to 7) post-operatively. A post-operative neurological defect occurred in 12 patients. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at last available follow-up was 21.2 (10 to 27). This reconstruction technique is characterised by simple and oncologically appropriate applicability, achieving high primary stability that allows early mobilisation, good functional results and relatively low complication rates.

[Clostridium difficile-associated infections in a septic ward of a level 1 trauma centre: an analysis of 159 patients]. / Clostridium-difficile-assoziierte Infektionen in der septischen Unfallchirurgie: Eine Analyse von 159 Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile-associated infections are severe nosocomial infections. In recent studies, dramatic increases of CD-associated infections for the U.S.A. and Germany have been described, which leads to additional risk for patients and higher costs. Despite several studies, there is no study available which analyses the incidence of CD-associated infections on a septic ward at a level 1 trauma centre. Therefore, this study was performed to analyse the incidence and risk factors of developing a CD-associated infection in septic trauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients treated between January 2002 and December 2009 at the septic ward of a level 1 trauma centre, who developed a CD-associated diarrhoea or pseudomembranous colitis, were included in this retrospective study. Information about age, sex, admission diagnosis, indication for antibiotic therapy, length of antibiotic therapy, number of administered antibiotics, length of hospital stay, type of treatment of the CD-associated infection as well as the mortality rate was gleaned from the patients' medical records. Furthermore, the relation of developing a CD-associated infection was determined for the following factors: (i) age > 65 years versus < 65 years; (ii) male versus female; (iii) single versus multiple antibiotic therapy; (iv) cephalosporins versus remaining antibiotic groups. RESULTS: Between January 2002 and December 2009 6378 patients with surgical infection were treated at our level 1 trauma centre, whereas a total of 159 patients (2.5%) developed during the hospital stay a Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. The incidence of CD-associated infection increased dramatically in 2009 and was more than quadrupled compared with 2002 or 2003. Patients over 65 years of age developed more frequently a CD-associated infection compared to patients less than 65 years of age (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.7). There was no difference between males and females as well as between multiple antibiotic therapy and single antibiotic therapy (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.3). Cephalosporins were the most often administered antibiotics with a median value of 45.9% followed by gyrase inhibitors with a median value of 17.2%. However, there were no differences between antibiotic groups (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0,87-1,5). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CD-associated infections are frequent nascent infections on a septic ward at a level 1 trauma centre. This could result in a therapeutic dilemma in the future, especially in septic surgery, where antibiotic therapy is an essential component of the therapy. Thus, further prospective clinical and experimental studies are essential.

[Treatment of heterotopic ossification after spinal cord injury - clinical outcome after single-dose radiation therapy]. / Therapie der heterotopen Ossifikation bei frischem Rückenmarkstrauma - Klinisches Outcome nach einmaliger Radiatio.

INTRODUCTION: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common and serious complication after spinal cord injury, with an incidence of 5-50 %. Single-dose radiation therapy with 7 Gy is an established procedure for HO prophylaxis after total hip replacement. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical outcome after single-dose radiation therapy in the prophylaxis of HO in paraplegic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2006 and July 2009, 75 paraplegic patients with heterotopic ossification were treated in our hospital. On the basis of the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 62 patients were included in our study, whereas 55 patients participated in our follow-up examination. All patients received a bi-weekly ultrasound of the hip for an attempt at early diagnosis of the condition. In case of an ultrasound suspicion of HO, a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip was performed. After confirmation of HO, a single-dose radiation therapy with 7 Gy was performed. In group A, the patients were irradiated with an electrode voltage of 15 MeV (36 patients) and in group B with 6 MeV (26 patients). All patients were assessed with a standardised questionnaire with a mean follow-up of 30.6 months (range 6-78 months). RESULTS: The mean interval time between the initial spinal injury and HO development was 58,2 days (range 14-125). 69,4 % of all patients revealed a Brooker grade I, 27.4 % grade II and 3.2 % a grade III. No cases of Brooker grade IV (ankylosis) occurred. No patient showed side-effects after radiation therapy. However, in group A one patient (3,2 %) and in group B three patients (12.5 %) developed HO relapse. Those patients were treated again with a single-dose radiation therapy with 7 Gy and 15 MeV and, afterwards, they were free of complaints. Deep vein thrombosis was confirmed in 11 patients (32.3 %) in group A and in 8 patients (33.3 %) in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose radiation therapy with 7 Gy in the treatment of heterotopic ossification is an effective option. A higher electrode voltage improves the effectiveness of the irradiation and the clinical outcome. Essential for the outcome is the early detection and treatment of HO with single-dose radiation therapy. Randomised, prospective studies should be undertaken in order to confirm these findings.