Reliability and validation of the German Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score.

PURPOSE: Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) are important instruments to evaluate efficacy of orthopaedic procedures. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM developed to evaluate outcomes after treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs). Purpose of this study is to develop and culturally adapt the German version of the ATRS and to evaluate reliability and validity. METHODS: The ATRS was translated by forward-backward translation based on common guidelines. In this retrospective study, 48 patients with a surgical intervention after ATR were recruited. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was valued by determining Pearson correlation coefficient with the German version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A). RESULTS: The German Version of the ATRS has an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.96) as well as an excellent test-retest-reliability (ICC 0.98). It has a moderately strong correlation with the VISA-A (r = 0.73) as well as with the FAOS subclasses (r = 0.6-0.79). CONCLUSION: The German version of the ATRS demonstrated good psychometric properties. It proofed to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in patients with Achilles tendon Rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

[Epiphysiolysis of the medial clavicle with posterior dislocation : Video article]. / Epiphysiolyse der medialen Klavikula mit posteriorer Luxation : Videobeitrag.

OBJECTIVE OF SURGERY: The goal of surgery is the anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation of an epiphysiolysis of the medial clavicle with posterior luxation in a child without harming intrathoracic structures. INDICATIONS: This case describes an acute epiphysiolysis of the medial clavicle Aitken type 0 with posterior dislocation. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Soft tissue infections within the region of the surgical access. Allergies against any materials used in the procedure. Successful closed reduction. Additional fracture of the clavicular shaft. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A detailed overview of the surgical technique is available through the video, which is accessible online as well as the graphic overview in this article. Longitudinal incision over the medial clavicle up to the sternoclavicular joint and preparation onto the bony structures. Display of the epiphysiolysis. Reduction of the medial clavicle. Introduction of two Kirscher wires along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the epiphysis and introduction of two sutures. Puncture of the cartilaginous epiphysis with the two sutures. Anatomical reduction of the medial clavicle and fixation by knots. With the continuous use of the sutures, fixation to the anterior periosteum and closure of the periosteum. Wound closure. FOLLOW-UP: For 6 weeks postoperative limitation of anteversion and abduction to 90°, afterwards unlimited functionality. No routine X­ray control. RESULT: After 6 months postoperative the patient is free of pain and has full range of motion. The Constant score is 97/100.

Current Trends in Orthopaedics and Trauma in Germany.

During the Guest Nation Symposium (cobranded with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie) at the 2023 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Congress in Las Vegas, the goal was to compile nationally important content from German orthopaedics and trauma surgery. This resulted in a mix of content on the latest developments in trauma care, knee arthroplasty, spinopelvic importance for hip arthroplasty, stemless shoulder endoprostheses, joint preservation for ankle osteoarthritis, trauma education, and research. Of course, this is only a small selection of the important issues that are being driven forward in Germany.

Performing Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) across Borders: Midterm Follow-Up of the Aeromedical Evacuation after Civilian Bus Accident at Madeira.

On 17 April 2019, a coach with tourists from Germany crashed in Madeira, requiring repatriation by the German Air Force. The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) concept was the central component of patient care. Data in Madeira were collected through a structured interview. The analysis of the Aeromedical Evacuation was based on intensive care transport records. In Germany, all available medical data sheets were reviewed for data collection. Quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Twenty-eight prehospital patients were transported to the Level III Trauma Center in Funchal (Madeira). Five operative procedures were performed. Fifteen patients were eligible for Aeromedical Evacuation (AE). In the second hospital phase in Germany, in total 82 radiological images and 9 operations were performed. Hospital stay lasted 11 days (median, IQR 10-18). Median follow-up (14 of 15 patients) was 16 months (IQR 16-21). Eighty percent (8 out of 10) showed an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six key findings were identified in this study: divergent injury classification, impact of AE mission on health status, lack of communication, need of PTSD prophylaxis, patient identification, and media coverage. Those findings may improve AE missions in the future, e.g., when required after armed conflicts.

[Treatment of Achilles insertional calcific tendinosis using a longitudinal midline incision approach/central tendon splitting approach]. / Therapie der kalzifizierten Insertionstendinopathie der Achillessehne über einen transtendinösen Zugang.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of Achilles insertional calcific tendinosis through a longitudinal midline incision approach with optional resection of the retrocalcaneal bursa and calcaneal tuberosity (Haglund's deformity). INDICATIONS: Calcific Achilles tendinosis, dorsal heel spur, insertional tendinosis. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General medical contraindications to surgical interventions. Fracture, infection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Longitudinal skin incision medial of the Achilles tendon. Exposure and midline incision of the Achilles tendon with plantar detachment from the insertion site preserving medial and lateral attachment. Resection of a dorsal heel spur and intratendinous calcifications. Optional resection of the retrocalcaneal bursa and calcaneal tuberosity (Haglund's deformity). POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Partial weight bearing 20 kg in 30° plantar flexion in a long walker boot for 2 weeks. Afterwards 2 weeks of progressively weight bearing in 15° plantar flexion and another 2 weeks in neutral ankle joint position in a long walker boot. RESULTS: A total of 26 feet of 26 patients with calcific Achilles tendinosis were treated with midline incision of the tendon. In all feet calcific tendon parts were resected. In 10 (38%) feet, a prominent dorsal spur was resected, in 12 feet (38%) retrocalcaneal bursa, and in 24 (92%) feet a calcaneal tuberosity. Mean follow-up was 34.5 months (range 2-64 months). Preoperative Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) score was 58.2 (±8.1) and postoperatively the score was 22.75 (±6.0). In all, 7 (26.9%) patients stated delayed wound healing; 1 suffered from deep vein thrombosis. Shoe problems were reported by 50% of patients, and 23.1% suffered from par- or dysesthesia. No revision surgery was required.

Survival after traumatic cardiac arrest is possible-a comparison of German patient-registries.

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to trauma is rare, and survival in this group is infrequent. Over the last decades, several new procedures have been implemented to increase survival, and a "Special circumstances chapter" was included in the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines in 2015. This article analysed outcomes after traumatic cardiac arrest in Germany using data from the German Resuscitation Registry (GRR) and the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) of the German Trauma Society.  METHODS: In this study, data from patients with OHCA between 01.01.2014 and 31.12.2019 secondary to major trauma and where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started were eligible for inclusion. Endpoints were return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hospital admission with ROSC and survival to hospital discharge. RESULTS: 1.049 patients were eligible for inclusion. ROSC was achieved in 28.7% of the patients, 240 patients (22.9%) were admitted to hospital with ROSC and 147 (14.0%) with ongoing CPR. 643 (67.8%) patients were declared dead on scene. Of all patients resuscitated after traumatic OHCA, 27.3% (259) died in hospital. The overall mortality was 95.0% and 5.0% survived to hospital discharge (47). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis; age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), head injury, found in cardiac arrest, shock on admission, blood transfusion, CPR in emergency room (ER), emergency surgery and initial electrocardiogram (ECG), were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Traumatic cardiac arrest was an infrequent event with low overall survival. The mortality has remained unchanged over the last decades in Germany. Additional efforts are necessary to identify reversible cardiac arrest causes and provide targeted trauma resuscitation on scene. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS, DRKS-ID DRKS00027944. Retrospectively registered 03/02/2022.

Plasmatic coagulation profile after major traumatic injury: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Uncontrolled hemorrhage is still the major cause of preventable death after trauma and is aggravated by trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). The underlying pathophysiology of TIC is still elusive, but several key effectors such as the thrombin-generation capacity, the protein C (PC) pathway, and the fibrinolytic activity could be identified. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate plasma coagulation markers attributed to reflect the course of TIC and to identify the mechanisms being responsible for the coagulopathy after major trauma. METHODS: Seventy-three consecutive patients after major trauma and admission to a level-1-trauma unit were included to the study. During early trauma management, extended coagulation testing including the measurement of circulating thrombin markers and activated PC (APC) was performed and correlated with standard shock parameters and the patients' clinical course and outcome. RESULTS: In contrast to standard coagulation parameters, thrombin markers and APC were found to be increased in correlation with injury severity. Even in patients with lower impact mechanisms, early endogenous accumulation of thrombin markers and APC (ISS < 16: 0.5 ng/ml; ISS ≥ 16-26: 1.5 ng/ml; ISS > 26: 4.1 ng/ml) were observed. Furthermore, APC showed ISS- and injury-dependent patterns while ROC curve analysis revealed that especially APC plasma levels were predictive for coagulopathy and general patient outcome. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of APC and thrombin markers in patients after major trauma were positively correlated with injury severity. APC showed an ISS- and injury-dependent kinetic and might serve as candidate biomarker to identify patients at risk for developing TIC.

Prevention of severe injuries of child passengers in motor vehicle accidents: is re-boarding sufficient?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether prolonged re-boarding of restraint children in motor vehicle accidents is sufficient to prevent severe injury. METHODS: Data acquisition was performed using the Trauma Register DGU® (TR-DGU) in the time period from 2010 to 2019 of seriously injured children (AIS 2 +) aged 0-5 years as motor vehicle passengers (MVP). Primarily treated and transferred patients where included. RESULTS: The study group included 727 of 2030 (35.8%) children, who were severely injured (AIS 2 +) in road traffic accidents, among them 268 (13.2%) as MVPs in the age groups: 0-1 years (42.5%), 2-3 years (26.1%) and 4-5 years (31.3%). The pattern of severe injury was head/brain (56.0%), thoracic (42.2%), abdominal (13.1%), fractures (extremities and pelvis, 52.6%) and spine/severe whiplash (19.8%). The 0-1-year-old MVPs showed the significantly highest proportion of brain injuries with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) < 8 and severe injury to the spine. The 2-3-year-olds showed the significantly highest proportion of fractures especially the lower extremity and highest proportion of cervical spine injuries of all spine injuries, while the 4-5-year-olds, the significantly highest proportion of abdominal injury and second highest proportion of cervical spine injury of all spine injuries. MVPs of the 0-1-year-old and 2-3-year-old groups showed a higher median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 21.5 and 22.1 points than the older children (17.0 points). They also suffered an AIS-6-injury significantly more often (9 of 21) of spine (p = 0.001). Especially the cervical spine was significantly more often involved. Passengers at the age of 0-1 years were treated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) three times as often as older children in the prehospital setting and twice as often at admission in the Trauma Resuscitation Unit (TRU). Their survival rate was 7 out of 8 (0-1 years), 1 out of 6 (2-3 years) and 1 out of 4 (4-5 years). CONCLUSION: Although the younger MVPs are restraint in a re-boarding position, severe injury to the spine and head occurred more often, while older children as front-faced positioned MVPs suffered from significantly higher rates of abdominal and more often severe facial injury. Our data show, that it is more important to properly restrain children in their adequate car seats (i-size-Norm) and additionally consider the age-related physiological and anatomical specific risks of injury as well as co-factors in road traffic accidents, than only prolonging the re-boarding position over the age of 15 months as a single method.

Diagnostic value of chest radiography in the early management of severely injured patients with mediastinal vascular injury.

INTRODUCTION: Time is of the essence in the management of severely injured patients. This is especially true in patients with mediastinal vascular injury (MVI). This rare, yet life threatening injury needs early detection and immediate decision making. According to the ATLS guidelines [American College of Surgeon Committee on Trauma in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®), 10th edn, 2018], chest radiography (CXR) is one of the first-line imaging examinations in the Trauma Resuscitation Unit (TRU), especially in patients with MVI. Yet thorough interpretation and the competence of identifying pathological findings are essential for accurate diagnosis and drawing appropriate conclusion for further management. The present study evaluates the role of CXR in detecting MVI in the early management of severely injured patients. METHOD: We addressed the question in two ways. (1) We performed a retrospective, observational, single-center study and included all primary blunt trauma patients over a period of 2 years that had been admitted to the TRU of a Level-I Trauma Center. Mediastinal/chest (M/C) ratio measurements were calculated from CXRs at three different levels of the mediastinum to identify MVI. Two groups were built: with MVI (VThx) and without MVI (control). The accuracy of the CXR findings were compared with the results of whole-body computed tomography scans (WBCT). (2) We performed another retrospective study and evaluated the usage of sonography, CXR and WBCT over 15 years (2005-2019) in level-I-III Trauma Centers in Germany as documented in the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU). RESULTS: Study I showed that in 2 years 267 patients suffered from a significant blunt thoracic trauma (AIS ≥ 3) and met the inclusion criteria. 27 (10%) of them suffered MVI (VThx). Through the initial CXR in a supine position, MVI was detected in 56-92.6% at aortic arch level and in 44.4-100% at valve level, depending on different M/C-ratios (2.0-3.0). The specificity at different thresholds of M/C ratio was 63.3-2.9% at aortic arch level and 52.9-0.4% at valve level. The ROC curve showed a statistically random process. No significant differences of the cardiac silhouette were observed between VThx and Control (mean cardiac width was 136.5 mm, p = 0.44). Study II included 251,095 patients from the TR-DGU. A continuous reduction of the usage of CXR in the TRU could be observed from 75% in 2005 to 25% in 2019. WBCT usage increased from 35% in 2005 to 80% in 2019. This development was observed in all trauma centers independently from their designated level of care. CONCLUSION: According to the TRU management guidelines (American College of Surgeon Committee on Trauma in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®), 10th edn, 2018; Reissig and Kroegel in Eur J Radiol 53:463-470, 2005) CXR in supine position is performed to detect pneumothorax, hemothorax and MVI. Our study showed that sensitivity and specificity of CXR in detecting MVI was statistically and clinically not reliable. Previous studies have already shown that CXR is inferior to sonography in detecting pneumothorax and hemothorax. Therefore, we challenge the guidelines and suggest that the use of CXR in the early management of severely injured patients should be individualized. If sonography and WBCT are available and reasonable, CXR is unnecessary and time consuming. The clinical reality reflected in the usage of CXR and WBCT over time, as documented in the TR-DGU, seems to support our statement.

[Treatment of severely injured patients by emergency physicians from different medical specialties : A retrospective multicenter investigation of data from the ADAC Air Recue Service and the German TraumaRegister DGU®]. / Schwerverletztenversorgung durch Notärzte aus unterschiedlichen Fachgebieten : Eine retrospektive, multizentrische Untersuchung aus Daten der ADAC Luftrettung und des deutschen TraumaRegister DGU®.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The level 3 guidelines on treatment of patients with severe/multiple injuries provide a defined framework for an appropriate treatment of these patients. It is presumed that prehospital diagnostic and therapeutic decisions are affected by the clinical expertise and the medical disciplines of the emergency physicians. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter study based on data from the ADAC Air Recue Service and the TraumaRegister DGU®. In the study period 2011-2015, a total of 11,019 seriously injured patients were included. They were treated by emergency physicians from the following disciplines: anesthesiology (ANÄ), internal medicine (INN) and surgery (CHIR). RESULTS: Of the patients 81.9% were treated by ANÄ, 7.6% by INN and 10.5% by CHIR. Preclinically, 40.5% of patients were intubated (ANÄ 43.0%, INN 31.2%, CHIR 28.3%; p < 0.001), 5.5% received pleural decompression (ANÄ 5.9%, INN 4.2%, CHIR 2.8%; p = 0.004),and 10.8% were treated with catecholamines (ANÄ 11.3%, INN 8.3%, CHIR 8.3%; p = 0.022). Unconscious patients were intubated in 96.0% (ANÄ 96.1%, INN 97.7%, CHIR 93.9%; p = 0.205). The mortality was not influenced by the medical specialty of the emergency physician. CONCLUSION: In this air rescue cohort differences in indications for invasive procedures were observed between the groups. This may be caused by their clinical background. Using the example of intubation, it has been shown that guideline recommendations were closely followed irrespective of the medical specialty of the emergency physician.

Factors predicting failure of internal fixations of fractures of the lower limbs: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed predictive factors of patients with fractures of the lower extremities caused by trauma. We examined which factors are associated with an increased risk of failure. Furthermore, the predictive factors were set into context with other long-term outcomes, concrete pain and physical functioning. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study at a single level I trauma center. We enrolled patients with traumatic fractures of the lower extremities treated with internal fixation from April 2017 to July 2018. We evaluated the following predictive factors: age, gender, diabetes, smoking status, obesity, open fractures and peripheral arterial diseases. The primary outcome was time to failure (nonunion, implant failure or reposition). Secondary outcomes were pain and physical functioning measured 6 months after initial surgery. For the analysis of the primary outcome, we used a stratified (according fracture location) Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: We included 204 patients. Overall, we observed failure in 33 patients (16.2 %). Most of the failures occurred within the first 3 months. Obesity and open fractures were associated with an increased risk of failure and decreased physical functioning. None of the predictors showed an association with pain. Age, female gender and smoking of more than ≥ 10 package years increased failure risk numerically but statistical uncertainty was high. CONCLUSIONS: We found that obesity and open fractures were strongly associated with an increased risk of failure. These predictors seem promising candidates to be included in a risk prediction model and can be considered as a good start for clinical decision making across different types of fractures at the lower limbs. However, large heterogeneity regarding the other analyzed predictors suggests that "simple" models might not be adequate for a precise personalized risk estimation and that computer-based models incorporating a variety of detailed information (e.g. pattern of injury, x-ray and clinical data) and their interrelation may be required to significantly increase prediction precision. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03091114 .

Implementation methods of infection prevention measures in orthopedics and traumatology - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of hospital-acquired infections, in the clinical field of orthopedics and traumatology especially surgical site infections, is one of the major concerns of patients and physicians alike. Many studies have been conducted proving effective infection prevention measures. The clinical setting, however, requires strategies to transform this knowledge into practice. QUESTION/PURPOSE: As part of the HYGArzt-Project ("Proof Of Effectivity And Efficiency Of Implementation Of Infection Prevention (IP) Measures By The Physician Responsible For Infection Prevention Matters In Traumatology/Orthopedics"), the objective of this study was to identify effective implementation strategies for IP (infection prevention) measures in orthopedics and trauma surgery. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A review protocol was drafted prior to the literature search (not registered). Literature search was performed in MEDLINE, SCOPUS and COCHRANE between January 01, 1950 and June 01, 2019. We searched for all papers dealing with infection and infection control measures in orthopedics and traumatology, which were then scanned for implementation contents. All study designs were considered eligible. Exclusion criteria were language other than English or German and insufficient reporting of implementation methods. Analyzed outcome parameters were study design, patient cohort, infection prevention measure, implementation methods, involved personnel, reported outcome of the studies and study period. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in 8414 citations. 13 records were eligible for analysis (all published between 2001 and 2019). Studies were primarily prospective cohort studies featuring various designs and including single IP measures to multi-measure IP bundles. Described methods of implementation were heterogeneous. Main outcome parameters were increase of adherence (iA) to infection prevention (IP) measures or decrease in surgical site infection rate (dSSI%). Positive results were reported in 11 out of 13 studies. Successful implementation methods were building of a multidisciplinary team (considered in 8 out of 11 successful studies [concerning dSSI% in 5 studies, concerning iA in five studies]), standardization of guidelines (considered in 10/11 successful studies [concerning dSSI% in 5 studies, concerning iA in seven studies]), printed or electronic information material (for patient and/or staff; considered in 9/11 successful studies [concerning dSSI% 4/4, concerning iA 5/5]), audits and regular meetings, personal training and other interactive measures as well as regular feedback (considered in 7/11 successful studies each). Personnel most frequently involved were physicians (of those, most frequently surgeons) and nursing professions. CONCLUSION: Although evidence was scarce and quality-inconsistent, we found that adhering to a set of implementation methods focusing on interdisciplinary and interactive /interpersonal work might be an advisable strategy when planning IP improvement interventions in orthopedics and traumatology.

Cross-validation of two prognostic trauma scores in severely injured patients.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma scoring systems are important tools for outcome prediction and severity adjustment that informs trauma quality assessment and research. Discrimination and precision of such systems is tested in validation studies. The German TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) and the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) from the UK agreed on a cross-validation study to validate their prediction scores (RISC II and PS14, respectively). METHODS: Severe trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 9 documented in 2015 and 2016 were selected in both registries (primary admissions only). The predictive scores from each registry were applied to the selected data sets. Observed and predicted mortality were compared to assess precision; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used for discrimination. Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic was calculated for calibration. A subgroup analysis including patients treated in intensive care unit (ICU) was also carried out. RESULTS: From TR-DGU, 40,638 patients were included (mortality 11.7%). The RISC II predicted mortality was 11.2%, while PS14 predicted 16.9% mortality. From TARN, 64,622 patients were included (mortality 9.7%). PS14 predicted 10.6% mortality, while RISC II predicted 17.7%. Despite the identical cutoff of ISS ≥ 9, patient groups from both registries showed considerable difference in need for intensive care (88% versus 18%). Subgroup analysis of patients treated on ICU showed nearly identical values for observed and predicted mortality using RISC II. DISCUSSION: Each score performed well within its respective registry, but when applied to the other registry a decrease in performance was observed. Part of this loss of performance could be explained by different development data sets: the RISC II is mainly based on patients treated in an ICU, while the PS14 includes cases mainly cared for outside ICU with more moderate injury severity. This is according to the respective inclusion criteria of the two registries. CONCLUSION: External validations of prediction models between registries are needed, but may show that prediction models are not fully transferable to other health-care settings.

Comparison of medial distal tibial angle in EOS imaging and weightbearing X-ray.

BACKGROUND: The medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) is used for measurement of ankle alignment. Standard to measure MDTA is weightbearing mortise view. EOS imaging becomes more popular for limb alignment analysis using low-dose radiation. As MDTA might vary in EOS, comparison between both radiographic techniques has been performed. METHODS: MDTA was compared between both techniques in 43 cases by defining the mechanical tibial axis in different ways (X-ray low, EOS low, EOS high). For each method MDTA, intra- and interobserver reliability has been compared. RESULTS: The correlation between the different methods were measured by ICC (intraclass coefficient) and were ICC 0.86 (X-ray low/EOS low), ICC 0.85 (X-ray low/EOS high) and ICC 0.97 (EOS low/EOS high). Intra- and interobserver reliability were in each case ICC > 0.95. CONCLUSION: ICC showed a substantial to excellent agreement between all methods. EOS is appropriate to determine MDTA and can be used for assessment of coronar deformities of the distal tibia.

International trauma care: initial European approaches during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The world was not prepared for the global of pandemic in early 2020 with the arrival of COVID 19. Europe has some of the most developed health care systems in the world and this article explains the initial response to the pandemic from an orthopaedic and trauma viewpoint from 8 nations. Italy reported the first cluster in February, which then rapidly spread around the continent, requiring a rapid reorganization of services. The reports highlight how elective surgery was universally stopped, surgical services were reconfigured, and new practices, such as the widespread use of telemedicine, may well become permanent. It also emphasizes how the pandemic has re-educated us on the importance of a consistent and central approach to deal with a global health crisis, and how medical services need to remain flexible and responsive to new ways of working.

Traumatic tracheobronchial injuries: incidence and outcome of 136.389 patients derived from the DGU traumaregister.

To describe the incidence, therapy and outcome of traumatic tracheobronchial injuries (TTBI) in trauma patients with multiple injuries derived from the DGU TraumaRegister. We analyzed the data on all patients listed on the TraumaRegister DGU (TR-DGU) in Germany between 2002 and 2015 aged 16 years or older and with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥ 9. We analyzed the data on 136,389 trauma patients, 561 of whom had suffered tracheobronchial injuries (0.4%). The majority were male (73.4%) and had a mean age of 43.7 years. In total, 84.0% of all TTBI injuries occurred secondary to blunt trauma, caused mainly by accidents (71.2%). TTBI was accompanied by several concomitant thoracic injuries such as pneumo- (41.2%) and hemothorax (23.2%), lacerations (7.8%) and contusions (32.3%) of the lung, as well as multiple rib fractures (29.6%). The severity of injury was classified via the abbreviated injury scale (AIS): 39.3% with AIS = 3, 51.3% with AIS = 4 and 60% with AIS = 5 patients underwent surgical interventions. The mortality of patients with tracheobronchial injuries was higher: 24.6%, versus 13.7% in all patients (control group). This high percentage reflects their generally severe injury burden through concomitant injuries. The incidence of TTBI in this large cohort of trauma patients is very low. However, its high mortality rate emphasizes its importance. Mortality was associated with higher ISS and AIS scores. Higher rates of concomitant injuries were therefore associated with a higher mortality rate. TTBI injuries revealed a higher rate of progression to surgical management, with 35% undergoing surgery within the first 24 h. This excessive mortality rate demonstrates a high overall injury burden in patients with TTBI and high mortality of associated injuries. A surgical intervention's impact on mortality cannot be assessed in this study, as it would need to be investigated in a case-matched study.

It is time for a change in the management of elderly severely injured patients! An analysis of 126,015 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU®.

BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients among the severely injured has been increasing continuously. It has been suggested that an increased life expectancy and a higher level of activity and mobility in older ages could explain this observation. Elderly trauma patients have relevant higher mortality rates and poorer functional outcomes. The reasons remain unclear. The aim of this study was to look for differences in the management of severely injured elderly patients compared to younger age groups and to evaluate their potential impact on outcome. METHODS: The TraumaRegister DGU® is a multicenter database that documents de-identified data of severely injured patients since 1993. Trauma cases documented between 2009 and 2016 with an ISS ≥ 9 were divided in four age groups. The groups were compared with respect to mechanism of injury, pattern of injury, severity of injury, management and outcome. RESULTS: The analysis of 126,015 severely injured patients showed that 37.5% of the population were elderly patients (≥ 60 years). Their rate actually increased every year by 1.7%. The elderly trauma patients experience different mechanisms of injury (more low energy trauma) and different pattern of injuries (more brain trauma, less abdominal and extremity injuries). Evaluating the management of patients showed that elderly patients have lower intubation rates and less volume replacement in the prehospital setting. Diagnostic interventions like CT scans in the emergency room were performed more restrictively. Elderly trauma patients also received fewer surgical interventions for brain injuries, pelvic fractures and femur fractures. Their hospital mortality rates were higher. CONCLUSIONS: Severely injured elderly patients are treated with a more "wait and see approach" resulting in higher mortality rates. We suggest that this population needs a more "aggressive management" to improve their outcome, if the wish to perform complete treatment including surgical procedures and intensive care medicine has not been excluded by the patients or their legal guardian.

Microparticles profiling in trauma patients: high level of microparticles induce activation of platelets in vitro.

PURPOSE: Trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is recognised as an own clinical entity which includes all components of haemostasis following rapidly tissue injury, hypoperfusion and shock. Microparticles (MP) are known to be released in large quantities from different cell types after trauma. The present study aimed to perform a phenotypic MP profiling after major trauma and to elucidate potential procoagulative function of MP under simulated conditions of lethal triad. METHODS: For MP isolation, 20 trauma patients (median ISS 24) were included. To produce a Standard MP Phenotype Profile after trauma, samples were pooled, extracted and concentrated by using an ultracentrifuge protocol. Specific cell surface markers were measured by flow cytometry. Our Standard MP Phenotype Profile was subsequently added in high and low concentration to an in vitro lethal triad assay, simulating coagulopathy via induced hypothermia, dilution and acidosis. A comprehensive analysis of coagulation function was performed. RESULTS: Within our Standard MP Phenotype Profile, PDMP (56%) were found as predominant phenotype followed by EDMP (33%) and MDMP (11%). EDMP characterized by CD144, CD62E and Annexin were determined most frequently but also EDMP expressing CD62P. In addition, tissue factor (TF) was expressed on all MP entities (EDMP 63%, PDMP 30%, MDMP 7%). Within our lethal triad simulation assay, the addition of low and high concentrated MP did not cause any significant alteration in standard coagulation assays, coagulation initiation, clot kinetics or stability. Addition of high concentrated MP increased platelet function and P-selectin expression significantly. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the assumption that there is a characteristic MP phenotype pattern in trauma, which may alter haemostatic capacity at least in part mediated via augmenting in primary haemostasis resulting in an improved contribution of platelets to clot formation. There are indications that expression of selectins on MP surface is involved in this activation process, but this pathway needs to be investigated in more detail.

Femoral flexion position is a highly variable factor in total knee arthroplasty: an analysis of 593 conventionally aligned total knee replacements.

PURPOSE: In contrast to coronal alignment, only few is known about sagittal alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to identify the flexion position of the femoral component in a routine surgical setting of conventional TKA and to evaluate potential predictors for the degree of femoral flexion. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 593 primary TKA using the conventional intramedullary alignment technique for distal femur. Femoral flexion was measured by the verification mode of a pinless navigation system. Correlations between femoral flexion and patient-specific data, surgery-related factors and measurements of a preoperative anterior-posterior long-leg X-ray were analysed. RESULTS: The distal femoral resection showed a mean flexion of 5.5° ± 2.5° to the mechanical axis with high variation between 2.5° extension and 14° flexion. In a multivariate regression model, body height (p = 0.023), body weight (p = 0.046) and body mass index (p = 0.026) showed significant positive correlation to femoral flexion. There was no correlation to any preoperative alignment data from the anterior-posterior long-leg film. The sagittal position was also independent from surgery-related factors such as different knee systems or surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral flexion is a highly variable characteristic in conventionally aligned TKA. Increasing body height, body weight and body mass index were identified as predictors for a high degree of femoral flexion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.