[Deficit of trainees in thoracic surgery : Do we need to adapt or become extinct?] / Nachwuchsmangel in der Thoraxchirurgie : Müssen wir uns anpassen oder aussterben?

BACKGROUND: Although thoracic surgery is a challenging and versatile surgical specialty, a shortage of qualified and motivated thoracic surgery residents is expected in the coming years. In the inpatient setting, a shortage of approximately 7300 surgeons is expected. Therefore, there is an urgent need to attract more interested young medical students and improve the medical training of our next generation of surgeons. METHODS: To assess the current nationwide status quo among medical students, an online survey with 39 questions on participant demographics, medical education, interest in surgical and thoracic surgery training, and attractiveness of residency was designed. RESULTS: In all, 224 questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, there was a high level of interest in (thoracic-) surgery at the start of training. It should be noted that one third of the respondents did not know that the 'thoracic surgeon' is an independent specialist. This statement raises further questions about the presence of thoracic surgery in medical studies. When asked about typical characteristics that students associate with thoracic surgery, the majority answered 'a high level of practical activity'. The main reason they gave for not pursuing further surgical training was the unfavorable work-life balance. CONCLUSION: Students know exactly what they want for their future and where surgery has its weaknesses. They want transparent and practical training, a work-life balance, and recognition of their work and themselves.

Postoperative lymphedema after primary total hip arthroplasty: prospective analysis of bikini incision-type direct anterior approach versus established standard approaches.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches to the hip joint for total hip arthroplasty such as the DAA ("Direct Anterior Approach with bikini incision") are increasingly utilized. According to the literature, this approach is more muscle-sparing, results in less postoperative pain, and achieves higher patient satisfaction. The existence of postoperative lymphedema after hip arthroplasty is hardly considered. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the evaluation of the different access methods related to postoperative lymphedema and their functional outcomes. METHODS: This is a prospective non-randomized study at an orthopedic specialist clinic in Northern Europe. The surgeons that performed the arthroplasties are high-volume surgeons in private practice affiliated to the clinic. The study included 188 patients with primary hip arthroplasty in a 1:1 ratio (DAA: standard accesses (posterior, transgluteal, and anterolateral access)). Epidemiologic data, Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, European Quality of Life 5, and Visual Analog Scale were collected preoperatively on admission day, 3rd and 5th postoperative day, and follow-up after 1 year. Furthermore, the range of motion, gait, and ability to climb stairs, as well as the presence of hypesthesia were assessed. To evaluate the edema situation, both legs were measured on the 3rd and 5th postoperative day. The prescription of manual lymphatic drainage and remaining swelling conditions 1 year postoperatively were recorded. RESULTS: For each group, 94 patients with a mean age of 61.7 years (DAA 60.7 and standard access 62.6) were included. All but one patient in the DAA group showed postoperative lymphedema (n: 93/94; 98.9%). In the standard surgery group, only n: 37/94 (39.4%) showed swelling symptoms requiring treatment. After 1 year, lymphedema persisted in 20 patients in the DAA group and 0 patients in the standard-OR group. Hypesthesia at the ventral thigh persisted in 16/94 (= 17%) patients of the DAA group versus 0/94 patients of the standard group after 12 months. Of these 16 cases, 10 had concomitant edema (62.5%). The DAA showed better results than the standard accesses in terms of Oxford Hip Score (p < 0.05) and ability to climb stairs (p < 0.05). In contrast, the Visual Analog Scale and patient quality of life results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the increased incidence of postoperative lymphedema in patients operated on via DAA access using a Bikini-type skin incision. In the follow-up, significantly more hypesthesia of the ventral thigh occurred in the DAA group. Otherwise, the DAA proved to be superior to the standard approaches from a functional point of view at short-term follow-up. Future research is needed to compare the horizontally oblique to the longitudinal oblique skin incision technique in direct anterior hip surgery regarding the above-mentioned adverse effects found in this study.

Operative versus conservative treatment in pelvic ring fractures with sacral involvement.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the performance in activities of daily living (ADL), level of pain, mortality and rate of complications in patients with a pelvic ring fracture with sacral involvement who were treated conservatively compared to a surgically treated patient collective using percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. HYPOTHESIS: Conservative treatment does not result in inferior clinical outcome compared to operative treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 112 conservatively (n=46) or operatively (n=66) treated patients with an isolated posterior or a combined posterior and anterior pelvic ring fracture was performed. The analysis included: age, sex, mechanism of injury, fracture type according to AO/OTA classification, energy of trauma sustained (no-, low-, high-energy trauma), type of treatment (operative or conservative), complications as well as duration of in-hospital stay. To assess clinical and activity outcome, the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), Barthel Scale, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) scores as well as mortality were assessed. The mean follow-up was 29.3±14.6 months. Furthermore, a geriatric subgroup (n=68, age≥60, low-energy trauma only) was analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (79%) and suffered from low-energy trauma (n=64, 58%). There were no significant differences in the operative and the conservative groups and subgroups concerning VAS, Barthel scores and ASA scores. The survival analyses showed a significantly lower survival rate in the conservative group (41.8±3.6 months) compared to the operative group (55.9±2 months, p=0.002). Similar findings were encountered in the geriatric subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates equivalent clinical outcome in conservatively and surgically treated patients using a percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation at a mid-term follow-up. However, operatively treated patients showed decreased mortality. This needs to be carefully considered in clinical decision-making but must be further explored using a prospective randomized study approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Apps in Clinical Practice: Usage Behaviour of Trauma Surgeons and Radiologists in Northern Germany.

Introduction: Apps, in general, are an integral part of our daily lives. To investigate the current usage behaviour of trauma surgeons and radiologists regarding medical apps in clinical practice and to find out if and how the current range of medical apps can be improved, we surveyed trauma surgeons and radiologists in northern Germany. Material and Methods. An online questionnaire was sent to 100 trauma surgeons and 100 radiologists in northern Germany. Participants were asked about the frequency of their use of medical apps in clinical practice, which apps were used most often, how useful participants thought apps were, and in which area they would like to see improvements. The most frequently mentioned apps were finally analyzed. Results: The survey study showed that 87.4% of the trauma surgeons and 67.4% of the radiologists use medical apps on a regular basis at work. It also revealed that trauma surgeons used medical apps much more often than radiologists and that young doctors were more likely to rely on medical apps than chief physicians. 80.0% of the participants would pay at least 5 euros for a medical app. Trauma surgeons see the greatest need for support in their daily work from medical apps in the area of treatment, while radiologists seek more support in the area of classification. Conclusion: The study underscored the broad acceptance of medical apps in everyday clinical practice. As the physicians are willing to spend money and stated a general interest and need for further developments, there is high potential for the future. This trial is registered with DRKS00026766.

[What female surgeons wish for!] / Was Chirurginnen sich wünschen!

BACKGROUND: Surgical specialties have a recruitment problem. A magnification of the problem is often seen in the "feminization" of medicine but the causes are multifactorial. Female physicians of the association "Die Chirurginnen e. V." want to raise enthusiasm for their profession and strengthen the affinity for a surgical specialty by increasing the visibility and networking of female surgeons. The aim of this article is to present the results of a survey among female surgeons and to discuss them in the focus of the current shortage of personnel. METHODOLOGY: An anonymized online survey was conducted internally within the association ("Die Chirurginnen e. V.") in October 2022. The survey contained a total of 57 questions and was divided into 7 sections (demographic data, questions about wishes in professional life, private life, social life, towards professional associations, politics and the association). Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 358 female surgeons participated in the survey. This represented a response rate of 25.5% of association members (as of October 2022: n = 1406). The mean age was 39.25 years (±8.06 years; range 25-65 years), 37% (n = 133) were in the specialty of orthopedic and trauma surgery and 26% (n = 93) were in the specialty of visceral surgery. The remainder were distributed across a variety of different surgical specialties. The desire for change was preferentially in the area of continuing surgical education, the implementation of working time models, and the organization of the personal workday (operating room time, administrative tasks, time for patients, bureaucracy). DISCUSSION: Motivated and dedicated surgeons are needed to counteract the already existing and increasingly severe shortage of manpower. In recent decades, the proportion of female students and physicians has been increasing, so the needs for recruitment must be increasingly considered. The disparity between men and women at the management level must be gradually resolved. In addition, alternative working models for both genders need to be established in daily practice. By providing a good compatibility of family/private life and career, surgery can remain an attractive profession for future generations.

Localization and Likelihood of Chondral and Osteochondral Lesions After Patellar Dislocation in Surgically Treated Children and Adolescents.

Background: Patellar dislocation is a common injury in children and adolescents. There is a lack of information about concomitant osteochondral lesions in these patients. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the likelihood of chondral or osteochondral lesions would increase with each prior patellar dislocation and that the appearance of lesions in surgically treated children and adolescents would be influenced by age, sex, injury mechanism, and body mass index (BMI). Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Inclusion criteria were (1) age <18 years, (2) surgical treatment with diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee including description of chondral and osteochondral lesions, and (3) maximum time period between the last patellar dislocation and presentation in our department of 6 weeks and maximum of 4 weeks between presentation and surgery. A total of 153 children (173 knees) with a mean age of 13.0 ± 2.1 years were included. All surgical reports and intraoperative arthroscopic imaging were analyzed retrospectively for the location and severity of lesions. The likelihood of lesions was calculated with multiple stepwise regression models regarding injury mechanism, number of dislocations, sex, age, physeal closure, and BMI. Results: The regression model to predict femoral lesions was statistically significant (χ2[5] = 26.55; P < .001) and identified male sex, BMI ≥25, traumatic injury mechanism, and physeal closure as independent factors associated with the appearance of femoral lesions. The second regression model predicting the appearance of patellar lesions was also statistically significant (χ2[4] = 26.07; P < .001) and identified the traumatic injury mechanism as a single independent predictor for patellar lesions. Conclusion: BMI ≥25, male sex, and physeal closure were factors significantly associated with femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions in our cohort. In case of traumatic lateral patellar dislocation (LPD), the likelihood of patellar and femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions is significantly higher than in nontraumatic LPD. Early magnetic resonance imaging and surgical treatment should be considered in obese patients, male patients, and patients with physeal closure and after traumatic LPD.

Evaluation of Pelvic Circular Compression Devices in Severely Injured Trauma Patients with Pelvic Fractures.

Background: The role of pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCD) is to temporarily stabilize the pelvic ring, reduce its volume and to tamponade bleeding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of PCCDs on mortality and bleeding in severely injured trauma patients, using a large registry database.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients registered in the Trauma Register DGU® between 2015 and 2016. The study was limited to directly admitted patients who were alive on admission, with an injury severity score (ISS) of 9 or higher, with an Abbreviated Injury Scale AISpelvis of 3-5, aged at least 16, and with complete status documentation on pelvic circular compression devices (PCCD) and mortality. A cohort analysis was undertaken of patients suffering from relevant pelvic fractures. Data were collected on mortality and requirements for blood transfusion. The observed outcome was compared with the expected outcome as derived from version II of the Revised Injury Severity Classification (RISC II) and adjusted accordingly. A Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) was also calculated.Results: A total of 9,910 patients were included. 1,103 of 9,910 patients suffered from a relevant pelvic trauma (AISpelvis = 3-5). Only 41% (454 cases) of these received a PCCD. PCCD application had no significant effect on mortality and did not decrease the need for blood transfusion in the multivariate regression analysis. However, in this cohort, the application of a PCCD is a general indicator for a critical patient with increased mortality (12.0% no PCCD applied vs. 23.2% PCCD applied prehospital vs. 27.1% PCCD applied in the emergency department). The ISS was higher in patients with PCCD (34.12 ± 16.4 vs. 27.9 ± 13.8; p < 0.001).Conclusion: PCCD was applied more often in patients with severe pelvic trauma according to ISS and AISpelvis as well with deterioration in circulatory status. PCCDs did not reduce mortality or reduce the need for blood transfusion.Trial registration: TR-DGU ID 2017-003, March 2017; German clinical trial register DRKS00024948.

Ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for femoral head containment disorders in children between one and 12 years of age.

PURPOSE: Ultrasound has been used to diagnose hip dysplasia in neonates and to screen until the end of their first year. For older children, femoral head containment disorders such as developmental dysplasia of the hip, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease or cerebral palsy are usually diagnosed with plain radiographs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate ultrasound in comparison with radiographic imaging in children up to age 12 years and to determine reference values for sonographic containment parameters. METHODS: Hip ultrasound and radiographic imaging were acquired on the same day and then compared. As a reference, normal acetabular angle and acetabulum head index were determined on radiographs. Lateral cartilage distance (LCD), lateral head distance (LHD) and femoral head extrusion angle (HA) were measured on ultrasound images. RESULTS: We included 96 patients with 167 healthy hips in the study. A total of 55 patients were female and 41 male. The mean age was 5.2 years (sd 3.3; 1.0 to 11.9). LCDultrasound, LHDultrasound and HAultrasound correlated significantly with radiographic parameters. The following ultrasound values were calculated as limits for impending loss of containment: LCDultrasound ≥ 6.5 mm, LHDultrasound ≥ 3.3 mm and HAultrasound ≥ 27.6°. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a simple, radiation-free diagnostic tool to detect femoral head containment disorders, even in children older than one year. This study provides reference values for hip ultrasound in children up to 12 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Palmar plating of distal radius fractures : 3-year follow-up with titanium and PEEK plates give similar outcomes.

A variety of different plate designs and materials are available to treat distal radius fractures. This study evaluates clinical results with a carbon fibre- reinforced (CFR)-polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plate in comparison to a standard titanium plate. Thirty-one distal radius fractures were included in this randomised controlled trial. Five fractures were classified as type A, 6 as type B and 20 as type C, in accordance with the AO classification. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups : 15 patients for titanium palmar plating (TPP) and 16 patients for PEEK palmar plating (PPP). Follow-up examinations were set at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 3 years postop. In terms of wrist range of motion, radiological evaluation (alignment and fracture healing), DASH score (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and VAS (visual analogue scale), no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups, at all follow-up intervals. PEEK palmar plating and titanium plates give equivalent clinical and radiological outcomes up to 3 years follow-up.

Electromagnetic navigation reduces radiation exposure for retrograde drilling in osteochondrosis dissecans of the talus.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde drilling in osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is a widely used surgical intervention. A radiation-free electromagnetic navigation system (ENS)-based method was compared with the standard freehand fluoroscopic (SFF) method regarding clinical applicability. METHODS: We performed a clinical cohort study at a department of Orthopaedics in a Level 1 children's hospital with 40 patients (20 SFF and 20 ENS). Retrograde drilling of the talar dome was used in patients with unstable medial OCD (MRI stage 2 according to Hepple's revised classification; stage 2 according to the International Cartilage Repair Society). The outcome measurements were: (a) Intraoperative fluoroscopy exposure and length of surgery and (b) Postoperative serial follow-up MRIs every 6 months. RESULTS: 22 female and 18 male patients aged 13.8 ± 1.6 years (range: 11-17 years) were included. Using the ENS technique, length of surgery was significantly reduced to 20.2 ± 6.4 min compared to 36.1 ± 11.8 min (p < 0.01) for the SFF technique. The average x-ray radiation time for the SFF technique was 23.5 ± 13.5 sec and 1.9 ± 1.7 sec for the ENS technique (p < 0.01). Radiation exposure was significantly reduced from 44.6 ± 19.7 mSv (SFF technique) to 5.6 ± 2.8 mSv (ENS technique) (p < 0.01). Intraoperative perforation of cartilage occurred once in the SFF group. Correct placement of the drilling channel was verified in all patients on follow-up MRI after six months and a timely healing was seen after two years. CONCLUSIONS: The ENS method provides for a significant reduction in length of surgery and radiation exposure. ENS was without intraoperative cartilage perforation. The clinical and radiological follow-up parameters are comparable for SFF- and ENS-guided retrograde drilling. TRIAL REGISTRATION: WF - 085/20, 05/2020 "retrospectively registered" https://www.aerztekammer-hamburg.org/ethik_kommission.html .

Validity of Ultrasound Compared with Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Distal Femur in Children.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the gold standard to diagnose and monitor osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for the first time if ultrasound imaging can be used to visualize osteochondritis dissecans of the distal femur. DESIGN: From May 2008 to December 2013, 44 children (26 boys and 18 girls) presenting with OCD of the knee in our department were examined and evaluated by ultrasound imaging. Mean age at diagnosis was 11.8 ± 2.2 years. Two independent experienced orthopedic surgeons analyzed the localization, stage, and the size of the OCD via ultrasound and compared the results with the MRI findings. RESULTS: Ultrasonic examination has limitations in assessing the OCD stage I and therefore is not suitable for evaluating this stage of the disease. In stages II to IV, a good correlation to MRI regarding defect localization and size can be found, when the defect is localized in a region that is accessible to ultrasonic examination. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic scan is an appropriate tool for the screening and monitoring of OCDs stages II to IV. It provides an inexpensive and readily available alternative to MRI. In addition, the healing process of higher grade defects as well as the screening of the opposite side can also be performed by ultrasound. Detection of defects being localized close to the intercondylar notch or far posterior on the lateral condyle are limitations for the use of ultrasound.

Vertical Expandable Rib-based Distraction Device for Correction of Congenital Scoliosis in Children of 3 Years of Age or Younger: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the treatment outcome of very young children with congenital scoliosis aged 3 years or under after surgery with a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR)-based distraction device. METHODS: A retrospective study of 13 children undergoing implantation of a vertical expandable rib-based distraction device. From September 2007 to June 2018, 13 children (7 male and 6 female patients) with congenital scoliosis were followed after treatment with a VEPTR. The outcome parameters were complications, thoracic height, kyphosis, lordosis, and coronal major scoliosis curve. In addition, the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, assisted ventilation rating, and hemoglobin and body mass index were analyzed. Data were examined separately by 2 investigators. RESULTS: The mean age at initial surgical treatment was 24.4±10.6 months, follow-up was 91.5±23.1 months. The mean number of surgical procedures per patient was 14±3.9 (total 182 operations). Apart from planned operations every 6 months, 5 unplanned operations (2.7%) were performed. The major scoliosis curve improved significantly from 55.2±21.9 degrees to 40.5±18.7 degrees, thoracic spine height T1-T12 significantly from 111±12 mm to 137±23 mm, T1-S1 height significantly from 211±13 mm to 252±36 mm and space available for the lung from 80.9%±11.3% to 84.4%±8.8% (preoperatively and at 5-y follow-up, respectively). Kyphosis increased significantly from 30±21.4 degrees to 42.6±23.5 degrees and lordosis from 32.4±20.9 degrees to 37.6±10.4 degrees. Hemoglobin levels were virtually unchanged. Weight increased from 10.6±2.8 kg to 20.2±5.0 kg at final follow-up, but body mass index decreased from 16.6±3.7 kg/m² to 15.7±2.9 kg/m². CONCLUSIONS: The expandable rib-based distraction device is an effective method to treat severe congenital scoliosis in very young children. It can control the deformity and promotes spinal and thoracic growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

[Diagnostic imaging and classification of proximal femoral and tibia fractures in adults]. / Diagnostik und Klassifikation proximaler Femur- und Tibiafrakturen beim Erwachsenen.

BACKGROUND: A confident diagnosis and classification of proximal femoral and tibia fractures are crucial to determine further therapeutic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this article the current standards regarding diagnostic imaging of proximal femoral and tibia fractures are presented and the different classification systems are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Plain radiography in two planes remains the initial investigation of choice for suspected osseous injury. While this is usually sufficient to determine further procedures for injuries of the proximal femur, cross-sectional imaging is normally necessary in the diagnosis of proximal tibia fractures.

The three-dimensional bone mass distribution of the posterior pelvic ring and its key role in transsacral screw placement.

To optimize the placement of iliosacral screws in osteoporotic bone it is essential to know where to find the best purchase. The aim of this study was to determine and visualize the distribution of bone mass in the posterior pelvic ring by using a color-coded thermal map, to differentiate the bone distribution patterns in normal pelvises and in pelvises with impaired bone density and to identify zones in S1 and S2 with particularly good bone quality, in both healthy and osteoporotic pelvises. A total of 324 pelvises were included. The bone density of the posterior pelvic ring, the fifth lumbar vertebral body (L5) and screw corridors S1 and S2 were visualized. Each individual pelvis was measured with a 3D automated program. Two groups were selected - patients with mean bone density in L5 of ≤100 HU (group 1, n = 52) and those with mean bone density >100 HU (group 2, n = 272). Color-coded thermal maps are presented of the bone density distribution in the pelvises. Bone density in L5 correlated significantly with S1 and S2; bone density was significantly higher in the S1 than in the S2 corridor (p < 0.001). Bone was denser in the posterior and upper parts of the S1 body. Bone density was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (p < 0.001). The color-coded "thermal" maps of bone mass distribution can help surgeons to decide where sacroiliac screws are likely to find optimal purchase.

Accuracy of navigated and conventional iliosacral screw placement in B- and C-type pelvic ring fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to report the institutions experiences with standardized 2D computer-navigated percutaneous iliosacral screw placement (CNS), as well as the conventional fluoroscopically assisted screw placement method (CF) over a period of 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 604 patients with sacral fractures (OTA B and C) were treated at the institution. Cases with both, a preoperative and postoperative CT scan were included for further analysis. With this prerequisite, a total of 136 cases were included. The quality of screw positioning, length of operation and intraoperative radiation exposure were recorded and compared. Moreover, it was analyzed whether the presence of dysmorphic sacra influenced the precision of screw positioning. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-two screws were implanted in 136 patients (100 navigated, 36 conventional). The duration of the average procedure was similar in the two groups [49.8 min (p = 0.7) conventional group (CF) vs. 48.0 min computer-navigated (CNS) group]. With computer navigation, radiation exposure was significantly reduced by almost half [128.3 vs. 65.2 s (p = 0.023)]. Screw placement was more accurate in the navigation group (79.03% CF vs. 86.47% CNS). The presence of dysmorphic sacral foramina or an increased alar slope increased the incidence of screw malpositioning. CONCLUSION: The conventional percutaneous method and a standardized 2D navigated method have similar rates of malpositioning. Dysmorphic upper sacral foramina and increased alar slope were identified as risk factors for screw malpositioning. Radiation exposure rates were reduced by half when using computer navigation. Therefore, computer navigation in iliosacral screw placement is recommended as method of choice.

The intra- and interobserver reliability of the Tile AO, the Young and Burgess, and FFP classifications in pelvic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Several different systems of classification have been developed to understand the complexity of pelvic ring fractures, to facilitate communication between physicians and to support the selection of appropriate therapeutic measures. The purpose of this study was to measure the inter- and intraobserver reliability of Tile AO, Young and Burgess, and FFP classification in pelvic ring fractures. The Rommens classification system (FFP) is analyzed for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four reviewers (2 × senior pelvic trauma surgeon, 1 × resident, 1 × medical student) separately analyzed and classified 154 CT scans of patients with pelvic fracture. The Tile AO, the Young and Burgess, and the FFP classifications (subgroup with patients ≥ 60 years) were compared. Another blinded re-evaluation was carried out after 2 months to determine intraobserver reliability. RESULTS: The overall interobserver agreement was fair for all classification systems (ICC: OTA 0.55, Young and Burgess 0.42, FFP 0.54). For specific categories, (e.g. type B or C fractures), there was a substantial agreement between the experienced surgeons (kappa: OTA 0.64, Young and Burgess 0.62, FFP 0.68). For inexperienced observers, there was a fair agreement in all systems (kappa: OTA 0.23, Young and Burgess 0.23, FFP 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: All three classifications reach their maximum reliability with advanced expertise in the surgery of pelvic fractures. The novel FFP classification has proved to be at least equivalent when directly compared to the established systems. The FFP classification system showed substantial reliability in patients older than 60 years.

Femoral antecurvation-A 3D CT Analysis of 1232 adult femurs.

INTRODUCTION: For optimal treatment of femoral fractures, it is essential to understand the anatomical antecurvation of the human femur. Recent clinical studies have highlighted the problem of distal anterior encroachment or even perforation of the nail tip. The aim of this study was to accurately describe the femoral antecurvation in a large cohort. Another objective was to identify the most important influences on femoral antecurvation, such as age, femur length, gender and ethnicity. METHODS: A three dimensional modelling and analytical technology was applied for the analysis of 1,232 femurs. Individual femoral antecurvation was precisely computed to determine whether gender, femur length, age, ethnicity or body mass index influence the radius of curvature (ROC). RESULTS: The calculated mean ROC for all femurs was 943 mm. The lowest ROC of 826 mm was found in female Asian femurs. A regression analysis demonstrated that age and femur length could predict the variability of the curvature, with femoral length as most powerful predictor. A matched pair subgroup analysis between Asians and Caucasians could not show any significant differences of ROC values. CONCLUSIONS: The mean radius of the femoral antecurvation may be smaller than previously reported revealing a significant mismatch between the actual individual anatomy and existing implants. In opposite to existing literature, this study suggests, that antecurvation differences between various ethnicities may exclusively be attributed to differences in femoral length and age. The findings of this study may be found helpful in the development of novel designs for intra- and extramedullary implants.

Determination of bone density in patients with sacral fractures via CT scan.

BACKGROUND: Gold standard to diagnose osteoporosis is standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). CT is a standard diagnostic tool to detect injuries to the pelvic ring. The aim of the study was to collect information on bone density without DXA by determination of Hounsfield units (HU) in CT scans of patients with sacral fractures, to draw conclusions on the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients admitted to the investigating institution. HYPOTHESIS: Is the determination of HU in CT scans a useful method to gain more information about bone density in patients with sacral fractures? PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients treated from 2004-2014 with sacral fractures confirmed with a CT scan. A total of 531 patients (398 female, 133 male) were included in the study. Bone density was measured with CT scans in Hounsfield units in vertebral body L5. The assessment was performed by placing a single oval over the trabecular bone in the axial view. In the sagittal plane, the correct position in the middle of the vertebral body was checked. As in previously published studies, we defined bone of less than 100 HU as osteoporotic, 100-150 HU as osteopenic and above 150 HU as normal. RESULTS: In 71.6% of the patients, bone density was reduced. Seventy-five percent of patients aged 65 or more exhibited manifest osteoporosis. With each additional year of age, bone density decreased by 2.7 Hounsfield units (p˂0.001). Female patients were predominant in the patient group with osteoporotic bone (p˂0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant prevalence of reduced bone density in the investigated patient group. The methodology used in this study is an uncomplicated procedure to further assess bone quality in patients with fractures of the pelvic ring. Fractures of the posterior pelvic ring in women over 65 years with low-energy trauma are most probably osteoporotic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

T2 relaxation times of the anterolateral femoral cartilage in patients after ACL-reconstruction with and without a deep lateral femoral notch sign.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively assess T2 relaxation times of the anterolateral femoral cartilage following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstruction with and without a positive deep lateral femoral notch sign (DLNS) at post-traumatic MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 52 patients post-traumatic MRI as well as 12 months after ACL-rupture (ACLR) and surgical treatment were analysed. In 28 patients a positive DLNS was present at post-traumatic MRI. For quantitative analysis, T2 relaxation time measurements (7 TE: 10-70 ms) were performed at time of re-evaluation. Three polygonal ROIs encompassing the full cartilage layer were placed in the anterolateral femoral cartilage. Clinical assessment included Lysholm-Tegner-Activity-Score, Rasmussen's clinical score and modified Cincinnati-Rating-System-Questionnaire. Description and differences were calculated as means and confidence intervals of means, controlled for the cluster effect of person, if appropriate. RESULTS: In patients with a positive DLNS after ACLR, relaxation times in the notch region were significantly prolonged compared to patients without a positive DLNS (Δ 7.4 ms, CI: 5.6-9.2; p-value <0.001) as well as to the adjacent anterior (Δ 5.7 ms, CI: 4.7-6.7; p-value <0.001) and central femoral cartilage (Δ 6.6 ms, CI: 5.7-7.6; p-value <0.001). Solely insignificant differences were noticed in the performed clinical scores comparing the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significantly prolonged T2 relaxation times of the anterolateral femoral cartilage were found in patients with a positive DLNS following ACL-reconstruction compared to patients without a DLNS. Based on these results, it has to be assumed that a positive DLNS is associated with higher cartilage degradation.

Rare Combination of a Cuboid-navicular Tarsal Coalition with a Closed Tibialis Anterior Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) rupture and cuboid-navicular coalition (CNC) are rare, to the best of our knowledge, only 238 cases of TAT rupture and 34 cases of CNC are described in the past century. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old man came with a sudden onset of foot pain including drop foot to our department. We diagnosed a TAT rupture, which was fixed through suture. The pathologist testified degenerative changes in the tendon. In addition, a CNC was diagnosed. No extra treatment was necessary for the CNC. At the 6-year follow-up examination, the patient had no pain and went back to normal day activities (AOFAS 95/100 points). CONCLUSION: We presume that, in our case, the long-term stress at the TAT through the foot deformity, caused by the CNC, may have supported the tendon rupture. CNC normally is symptom free. Therapy of a painful CNC should start with a conservative therapy. When this fails, an operation can be considered.