Navigated iliac screw placement may reduce radiation and OR time in lumbopelvic fixation of unstable complex sacral fractures.

PURPOSE: Instability of the posterior pelvic ring may be stabilized by lumbopelvic fixation. The optimal osseous corridor for iliac screw placement from the posterior superior iliac spine to the anterior inferior iliac spine requires multiple ap- and lateral-views with additional obturator-outlet and -inlet views. The purpose of this study was to determine if navigated iliac screw placement for lumbopelvic fixation influences surgical time, fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, and complication rates. METHODS: Bilateral lumbopelvic fixation was performed in 63 patients. Implants were inserted as previously described by Schildhauer. A passive optoelectronic navigation system with surface matching on L4 was utilized for navigated iliac screw placement. To compare groups, demographics were assessed. Operative time, fluoroscopic time, and radiation were delineated. RESULTS: Conventional fluoroscopic imaging for lumbopelvic fixation was performed in 32 patients and 31 patients underwent the procedure with navigated iliac screw placement. No differences were found between the groups regarding demographics, comorbidities, or additional surgical procedures. Utilization of navigation led to fluoroscopy time reduction of more than 50% (3.2 vs. 8.6 min.; p < 0.001) resulting in reduced radiation (2004.5 vs. 5130.8 Gy*cm2; p < 0.001). Operative time was reduced in the navigation group (176.7 vs. 227.4 min; p = 0.002) despite the necessity of additional surface referencing. CONCLUSION: For iliac screws, identifying the correct entry point and angle of implantation requires detailed anatomic knowledge and multiple radiographic views. In our study, additional navigation reduced operative time and fluoroscopy time resulting in a significant reduction of radiation exposure for patients and OR personnel.

[Fracture-related infections in traumatology : Current standards and new developments in diagnostics and treatment]. / Implantatassoziierte Infektionen in der Traumatologie : Aktuelle Standards und neue Entwicklungen in der Diagnostik und Behandlung.

BACKGROUND: The high demands that fracture-related infections put on patients, physicians and the healthcare system have led to the establishment of a international group of experts called the Fracture-Related Infection (FRI) Consensus Group, whose aim is to develop evidence-based treatment recommendations. DIAGNOSIS: Fracture-related infections are classified according to the time of occurrence, extent and treatment options. The diagnostic algorithm distinguishes between confirmatory and suggestive diagnostic criteria. If there are indications of an infection, tissue biopsy with microbiological and histological workup is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. THERAPY: The primary objective of FRI treatment is to achieve fracture consolidation, while avoiding osteomyelitis. Therapeutic options are removal of the implant, eradication of the infection with implant retention or suppression of FRI. A multidisciplinary team is recommended to develop a patient-specific, optimized surgical and antimicrobial therapy.

[Temporary arthrodesis of the knee in two-stage septic prosthesis exchange : In vitro analysis of adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus on steel and carbon fiber rods]. / Temporäre Arthrodese des Kniegelenks bei zweizeitigem septischen Prothesenwechsel : In-vitro-Analyse der Adhäsion von Staphylococcus aureus auf Stahl- und Kohlefaserstäben.

BACKGROUND: In two-stage septic revision arthroplasty of the knee, a temporary intramedullary fixation with an antibiotic-containing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) spacer is often performed in cases of extensive bone defects after endoprosthesis explantation. A common method is the use of conventional steel or carbon fiber rods, which are connected via a tube-to-tube connector and finally reinforced near the joint with bone cement. OBJECTIVE: As the surface of foreign materials plays a critical role in the colonization and biofilm formation in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), the steel and carbon fiber rods were examined and compared with respect to bacterial surface adhesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Carbon fiber and steel rods of external fixator systems were used for this experimental study. The sample material was placed in a substrate enriched with S. aureus. The adherent bacteria were examined both by fluorescence microscopy and quantitatively after ultrasonic detachment (sonication) in a smear preparation. In addition, scanning electron micrograph (SEM) images were taken to analyze the topography of bacterial adhesions. RESULTS: The fluorescence microscopy revealed a uniform surface distribution for both materials. The observation of the SEM images showed that for carbon fiber rods the growth of bacteria ran in unison with the direction of the fiber, while for the steel rods an arbitrary arrangement was found. With the help of sonication a significant difference in the number of adherent micro-organisms between the two materials could not be determined using the Wilcoxon test (significance level p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both materials can be used to perform PMMA-reinforced intramedullary fixation without fear of sacrificing therapeutic success. From an economic point of view, the use of steel rods seems reasonable as the material costs are significantly lower.

[Changes in age distribution and frequency of comorbidities in patients in the occupational insurance association treatment process]. / Veränderung der Altersstruktur und Häufigkeit von Komorbiditäten bei Patienten im bg-lichen Heilverfahren.

BACKGROUND: Due to the demographic development the proportion of older patients has increased. These show at least a higher rate of comorbidities, which affects the length of inpatient hospital stay. Until now no uniform recording exists for such comorbidities within the occupational insurance association system even if the clinical relevance is beyond dispute. Adaptations within the system with increased interdisciplinary treatment are necessary. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the age distribution and the frequency of comorbidities in patients in the occupational insurance association system. METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis of age distribution and comorbidities of all operatively treated occupational insurance association patients in 2005 (n = 631), 2010 (n = 1180) and 2015/2016 (n = 2315). A comparison of the age groups ≤29 years, 30-49 years, 50-65 years and ≥66 years was performed. RESULTS: The proportion of patients aged 50-65 years showed a significant increase: 2005 (26.5%), 2010 (30.5%) and 2015/2016 (37.3%) (p < 0.001) and an increased proportion of patients with at least 1 comorbidity: 2005 (38.7%), 2010 (52.5%) and 2015/2016 (52.9%) (p = 0.01). This was statistically significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.005) within the age group 30-49 years (2005: 31.1%, 2015/2016: 49.0%) and the age group 50-65 years (2005: 55.7%, 2015/2016: 67.1%). Significant changes were found for arterial hypertension, morbid obesity, thyroid and respiratory diseases. In addition, there was an increase in multimorbid patients. DISCUSSION: A changing age distribution with a tendency to an increased number of older patients and an increased frequency of comorbidities could be determined. In the present documentation system of the occupational insurance association treatment procedure these comorbidities are insufficiently recorded and considered, even though their clinical relevance is indisputable. Adaptations with respect to intensified interdisciplinary cooperation are necessary.

[Instability after operative and conservative treatment of isolated Mason type II fractures]. / Instabilität nach operativer und konservativer Versorgung von isolierten Mason-II-Frakturen.

BACKGROUND: Radial head fractures are the most frequent fractures of the elbow joint in adults. For Mason type II fractures without concomitant injuries favorable results have been shown with operative and conservative management. There is insufficient evidence concerning elbow joint stability after conservative treatment compared to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with isolated Mason type II (two part fracture displaced >2 mm and <5 mm) radial head fractures between 1 January 2003 and 1 April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, associated fractures of the ipsilateral extremity or elbow luxation. A total of 50 patients (mean age 44.2 years, range 19-71 years) who received either ORIF (n = 31) or conservative treatment (n = 19) were included. The mean follow-up was 43.2 months (range 9-61 months). Patients were evaluated using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS), and Oxford Elbow score (OES). Joint stability (varus and valgus stress) was assessed under fluoroscopy and a distinction was made between slight instability (angulation <10°), moderate instability (angulation ≥10°) and gross instability (elbow dislocation). RESULTS: Residual fracture displacement (conservative: 2.7 mm, ORIF: 1.4 mm, p < 0.042) and varus/valgus joint stability (3% ORIF vs. 26% conservative, p = 0.031) showed significant differences. The stability as tested by a radiological dynamic procedure showed an instability after ORIF in 3% of the joints compared to 26% after conservative treatment; however, this did not influence the short to mid-term clinical outcome: No significant differences were found in the DASH score (conservative 33 points, ORIF 36 points), MEPS (conservative 76 points, ORIF 78 points) and OES (conservative 41 points, ORIF 43 points). DISCUSSION: Both conservative management and operative treatment had a good functional outcome. Operative treatment showed a positive tendency concerning radiological and functional outcome without statistical significance.

[Shoulder prosthesis replacement options : New implants, treatment algorithms and clinical results]. / Wechseloptionen bei Schulterprothesen : Neue Implantate, Therapiealgorithmus und klinische Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Bony defect situations are a common problem in revision arthroplasty of the shoulder and are the cause of the complexity of the procedure. Aseptic and septic loosening as well as difficult implant removal can result in humeral and/or glenoid bone loss. PLANNING: A careful preoperative imaging is needed to estimate the extent of the bony defect and to enable precise planning of the bone reconstruction and the required implants. However, the size of the defect needs to be re-evaluated intraoperatively after removal of the implant components and any larger defects have to be addressed appropriately. PROSTHESIS DESIGN: While in the glenoid autologous bone grafts and, to a lesser extent, allogenic bone grafts are preferred, metallic augmented implants have recently become available to fill the glenoid bone defect. However, humeral defects are normally addressed with longer revision stems, possibly with allograft augmentation. The soft tissue loss in proximal humeral defects can be addressed with fixation techniques to improve function and reduce the risk of dislocation. Modern modular prosthesis designs allow prosthesis conversion while leaving bony, tightly integrated component parts on the glenoid or shaft. This review describes the preoperative diagnostic steps as well as techniques for revision surgery of the shoulder in the case of bone loss.

[Bony Bankart lesions and glenoid defects : From refixation techniques to bony augmentation]. / Knöcherne Bankart-Läsion und Glenoiddefekte : Von Techniken der Refixierung bis zur knöchernen Augmentation.

Rim defects of the anterior glenoid cavity are a main reason for residual shoulder instability after traumatic dislocation of the shoulder. These defects can be the result of a glenoid rim fracture or chronic glenoid erosion after repeated shoulder dislocations. Treatment concepts for these entities are entirely different. While in the acute fracture situation glenoid rim fractures can be treated operatively or non-operatively, augmentation of the anterior glenoid for stabilization of the shoulder should be considered if the defect exceeds 15-25% of the anterior glenoid. The purpose of this article is to summarize the diagnostics and indications for treatment of glenoid rim fractures. Radiological assessment and options for augmentation are reviewed for both acute fractures as well as chronic instability following an anterior glenoid rim defect.

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.

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.

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.

Effective and rapid treatment of wound botulism, a case report.

BACKGROUND: The latest news shows several cases of contaminated heroin that is found in different parts all over Europe. This information can be helpful for the emergency doctors to find the correct diagnosis of wound botulism in patients who are intravenous drug users. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a 40-year-old man who presented to the emergency department in 2016. He suffered from mild dysarthria, diplopia, dysphagia and ptosis since two days. The CT-scan of the cerebrum and the liquor were without any pathological results. We found out that the patient is an intravenous drug user and the clinical examination showed an abscess in the left groin. So we treated him with the suspected diagnosis of wound botulism. In the emergency operation we split the abscess, made a radical debridement and complementary treated him with a high dose of penicillin g and two units of botulism antitoxin. The suspected diagnosis was confirmed a few days later by finding the Toxin B in the abscess and in the patient's serum. In the following days the neurological symptoms decreased and the wound healing was without any complications. The patient left the hospital after nine days; the antibiotic therapy with penicillin g was continued for several days. In a following examination, 14 days after the patient's discharge of the hospital, no further symptoms were found and the abscess was treated successfully without any problems. CONCLUSION: Because wound botulism is a very rare disease it can be challenging to the attending physician. This case shows a fast treatment with full recovery of the patient without any further disabilities, which can be used for the future.

[The acetabulum nonunion: reconstruction and reosteosynthesis : A long-term outcome]. / Die Acetabulumpseudarthrose: Rekonstruktion und Reosteosynthese : Ein Langzeitergebnis.

Acetabular nonunions are rare, especially after operative treatment of an acetabular fracture. There are only single reports of the reconstruction and therapy of acetabular nonunion. Furthermore, there are fewer reports for treatment of acetabular nonunion with a long follow-up. We report a successful revision of an acetabular nonunion after transversal fracture and previous operative intervention, as well as the long-term follow-up after revision surgery.

Outcome of periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip replacement treated with polyaxial locking plate.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients with total hip replacement (THR) is likely to grow. Periprosthetic femoral fractures occur in 0.1-4.5 % of patients with THR. Treatment of periprosthetic fractures in the vicinity of well-fixed implants has focused on lateral plating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate polyaxial locking plate treatment of periprosthetic fractures with THR in regard to fracture type, surgical procedure, complications, and outcome. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2013, 109 patients underwent surgical treatment for periprosthetic femur fractures with 66 fractures in the vicinity to a THR. Fifteen patients were excluded. Therefore, 51 patients with a mean age of 78.7 years were identified. There were 76.5 % females. Average BMI was 27.1 kg/m2. Follow-up averaged 25 months. Total hip stems were uncemented in 63 %. Low-energy mechanism predominated. Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA and Vancouver classifications with the majority (70.6 %) classified as AO/OTA type A fractures. Surgeries were performed utilizing a polyaxial locking plate. Complications were recorded concerning infection, union, fixation failure, and revision surgery. RESULTS: After the index procedure, 90.2 % healed. Non-union formation was diagnosed in 5.9 % with 2.0 % leading to hardware failure. All patients with non-union formation had interprosthetic fractures (χ 2 = 0.016). Additionally, these fractures were classified as AO/OTA type B fractures (χ 2 = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management despite polyaxial locked plate fixation continues to be challenging and may still result in non-union formation. Non-union formation is increased in AO/OTA type B fractures and related to interprosthetic fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

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.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an awake patient after a major trauma with an incidental finding of tuberculosis.

We report the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a trauma patient with an incidental finding of open tuberculosis (TB). Sedation was reduced during extracorporeal support and awake veno-venous ECMO was successfully performed. Subsequently, accidental cannula removal caused major blood loss which required the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Our case report demonstrates that the incidental finding of open TB is an important hint for differential diagnosis and that it should still be considered in high-income countries. In addition, awake ECMO appears to be a feasible therapeutic option in non-transplant patients, although the described case demonstrates that patient compliance and nursing care are important for therapeutic success to avoid complications, for example, inadvertent decannulation.

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with pulmonary embolism in surgical patients - a case series.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) devices maintain the circulation and oxygenation of organs during acute right ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock, bypassing the lungs. A pulmonary embolism can cause this life-threatening condition. ECLS is a considerably less invasive treatment than surgical embolectomy. Whether to bridge embolectomy or for a therapeutic purpose, ECLS is used almost exclusively following failure of all other therapeutic options. METHODS: From January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2014, five patients in cardiac arrest and with diagnosed pulmonary embolism (PE) were cannulated with the ECLS system. RESULTS: PE was diagnosed using computer tomography scanning or echocardiography. Cardiac arrest was witnessed in the hospital in all cases and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) was initiated immediately. Cannulation of the femoral vein and femoral artery was always performed under CPR conditions. Right heart failure regressed during the ECLS therapy, usually under a blood flow of 4-5 L/min after 48 hours. Three patients were weaned from ECLS and one patient became an organ donor. Finally, two of the five PE patients treated with ECLS were discharged from inpatient treatment without neurological dysfunction. The duration of ECLS therapy depends on the patient's condition. Irreversible damage to the organs after hypoxemia limits ECLS treatment and leads to futile multiorgan failure. Hemorrhages after thrombolysis and cerebral dysfunction were further complications. CONCLUSIONS: Veno-arterial cannulation for ECLS can be feasibly achieved and should be established during active CPR for cardiac arrest. In the case of PE, the immediate diagnosis and rapid implantation of the system are decisive for therapeutic success.

[Chronic bony instability of the elbow joint]. / Chronische knöcherne Instabilitäten des Ellenbogengelenkes.

The high stability of the elbow joint is provided by the congruent articular surfaces in combination with soft tissue stabilizers. The main osseous contributor of elbow stability is the coronoid, which is therefore referred to as a primary stabilizer. The radial head as a secondary stabilizer together with the medial collateral ligament assures valgus stability and together with the coronoid it assures posterolateral stability. Insufficiency of the osseous stabilizers may lead to difficulties in the treatment of chronic dislocation and complex instability. Thereby reconstruction of the osseous constraints of the elbow joint is not performed in isolation from addressing insufficient soft-tissue stabilizers. Bony stabilizers and reconstructional procedures are discussed in this review.

[Winged scapula in lyme borreliosis]. / Scapula alata nach Borreliose-Infektion.

Here we present the case of a young patient with one-sided winged scapula and lyme borreliosis. This disease can be very delimitating in daily life. If non-operative treatment fails, dynamic or static stabilization of the scapula can be a therapeutic option.

[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.