Implementation of new standard operating procedures for geriatric trauma patients with multiple injuries: a single level I trauma centre study.

BACKGROUND: The demographic changes towards ageing of the populations in developed countries impose a challenge to trauma centres, as geriatric trauma patients require specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This study investigated whether the integration of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the resuscitation room (ER) has an impact on the clinical course in geriatric patients. The new SOPs were designed for severely injured adult trauma patients, based on the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and imply early whole-body computed tomography (CT), damage control surgery, and the use of goal-directed coagulation management. METHODS: Single-centre cohort study. We included all patients ≥65 years of age with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 9 who were admitted to our hospital primarily via ER. A historic cohort was compared to a cohort after the implementation of the new SOPs. RESULTS: We enrolled 311 patients who met the inclusion criteria between 2000 and 2006 (group PreSOP) and 2010-2012 (group SOP). There was a significant reduction in the mortality rate after the implementation of the new SOPs (P = .001). This benefit was seen only for severely injured patients (ISS ≥ 16), but not for moderately injured patients (ISS 9-15). There were no differences with regard to infection rates or rate of palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between implementation of new ER SOPs, and a lower mortality rate in severely injured geriatric trauma patients, whereas moderately injured patients did not obtain the same benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03319381, retrospectively registered 24 October 2017.

Clinical pathways for fragility fractures of the pelvic ring: personal experience and review of the literature.

Fragility fractures of the pelvic ring (FFP) are increasing in frequency and require challenging treatment. A new comprehensive classification considers both fracture morphology and degree of instability. The classification system also provides recommendations for type and invasiveness of treatment. In this article, a literature review of treatment alternatives is presented and compared with our own experiences. Whereas FFP Type I lesions can be treated conservatively, FFP Types III and IV require surgical treatment. For FFP Type II lessions, percutaneous fixation techniques should be considered after a trial of conservative treatment. FFP Type III lesions need open reduction and internal fixation, whereas FFP Type IV lesions require bilateral fixation. The respective advantages and limitations of dorsal (sacroiliac screw fixation, sacroplasty, bridging plate fixation, transsacral positioning bar placement, angular stable plate) and anterior (external fixation, angular stable plate fixation, retrograde transpubic screw fixation) pelvic fixations are described.

Animal models for acquired heterotopic ossification.

Heterotopic ossification (HO), the ectopic formation of bone in soft tissues, is a relevant musculoskeletal disorder that, by reduction of range of motion, may lead to significant impairment of quality of live. HO can either be acquired or hereditary. Acquired HO is seen most often after hip prosthetic surgery and pelvic trauma. In contrast, hereditary HO is commonly observed in the axial skeleton, but can affect every joint. Substantial effort has been directed towards understanding the pathophysiology and towards finding both, effective prophylactic and therapeutic treatments. Every improvement of the understanding of the pathophysiologic changes underlying HO as well as the rationale of prophylactic and therapeutic treatment regimens in the end, is based on the study of appropriate animal models. Although intriguing models of 'genetic' HO have been developed recently, their relevance to acquired HO remains questionable. As there is still neither proper treatment nor reliable prophylaxis, animal models will remain important in the study of HO. Currently, there are 6 different animal models regularly used for the study of acquired HO. Some of these models can reflect a merely particular part of the disease. Hence, selection of the appropriate animal model for the study of HO is exceedingly important. The present paper reviews the history and major features of the different animal models of acquired HO, and reveals some of the insights gained through the study of animal models; important biochemical and pathophysiological key features are highlighted. Clinical studies have proved indometacine, celecoxib and radiation therapy to be effective in reducing the occurrence of HO, but not always be able to prevent it.

Surgical stabilization of postpartum symphyseal instability: two cases and a review of the literature.

During pregnancy, asymptomatic widening of the symphysis pubis by about one third is normal and considered physiological. However, peripartal relaxation of the symphyseal and sacroiliac ligaments may cause significant complaints conditions including pain and gait dysfunction. Usually, patients are treated by the application of pelvic binders and bed rest up to several weeks. Surgical stabilization is performed seldom, though it may be promising in selected patients. Based on 2 cases of postpartum symphyseal instability treated by surgical fixation, the current literature was reviewed systematically to evaluate the outcome and potential complications of surgical fixation of symphyseal instability. Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria and were analyzed in detail. Including the two cases presented, surgical stabilization of postpartum symphyseal instability has been described for 33 patients. In conclusion, though only based on case reports and case series, early surgical stabilization represents a decent treatment option for postpartum symphyseal instability and may be indicated by pain or walking disability alone. In regard to the clinical outcome comparing internal and external fixation, no differences were demonstrable. However, the rate of infection was higher in patients treated by external fixation. Based on these data, we propose a treatment algorithm for this injury.

Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation in S1 and S2 for posterior pelvic ring injuries: technique and perioperative complications.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous iliosacral screw placement allows for minimally invasive fixation of posterior pelvic ring instabilities. The objective of this study was to describe the technique for screws in S1 and S2 using conventional C-arm and to evaluate perioperative complications. METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients after percutaneous pelvic ring fixation with cannulated screws in S1 and S2 using conventional C-arm fluoroscopy were analysed. Accuracy of screw placement, nerval lesions, need for second surgery, operation time, and time to full weight bearing were assessed postoperatively and during regular follow-up examinations. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent unilateral screw fixation and 17 patients underwent bilateral screw fixation. In total, 83 screws were placed. Mean age of the patients was 52 ± 19 years. Mean operation time was 16 ± 7 min/screw. Mean follow-up was 5 ± 3 months. Time to full weight bearing in 28 patients was 9 ± 4 weeks. Eight patients were still not able to support full weight bearing, partially due to concomitant injuries. Patients without concomitant injuries that affected walking were able to bear full weight after 8 ± 4 weeks (n = 17). Two patients had persistent postoperative hypaesthesia. No motor weakness was apparent and no postoperative bleeding was observed. Secondary surgery due to screw malpositioning or loosening had to be performed in four patients. The presence of a screw in S2 was not indicated for perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is a rapid and definitive treatment for posterior pelvic ring injuries with a low risk of secondary bleeding during posterior pelvic stabilization. The technique using standard C-arm fluoroscopy was also found to be safe for screws placed in S2.

A new incision technique to reduce tibiofemoral mismatch in rotationplasty.

Rotationplasty provides stable and durable biologic reconstruction after tumor resection around the knee and renders reliable results, in young patients. However, after resection of the tumor, there is often a mismatch between the circumference of the proximal (femoral) and the distal (tibial) parts. Because rotationplasty includes an intercalary amputation where the ends are readapted, there is always a mismatch of the proximal and distal circumferences of the soft tissue envelope. To facilitate skin closure without tension and to avoid impaired wound healing and subsequent infections, the type of incision is critical and must be carefully planned. We present a new incision technique for rotationplasty about the knee. Half of the difference of the incision length of the proximal and distal circumferences represents the base of the triangle proximally, medially and laterally of the thigh. After adapting both ends, the peak of this flat triangle is distally adapted via a vertical incision which allows it to match unequal circumferences. This technique was used in eight patients, in all of whom the wounds healed uneventfully.

Subacromial pressures vary with simulated sleep positions.

HYPOTHESIS: Subacromial impingement is one of the underlying factors of rotator cuff pathologies and is linked to increased subacromial pressures. Because humans spend about one-third of their life sleeping, we hypothesized that distinct shoulder positions while sleeping may considerably influence nocturnal subacromial pressures. Consequently, atrophy and rupture can affect tendon healing after rotator cuff repair, thus potentially discrediting the outcome of surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined the subacromial pressures acting on the rotator cuff in the 4 most common sleep positions and related these pressures to the mean arterial blood pressure and physical examination findings in 20 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Subacromial pressures were significantly lower in participants sleeping preferably in a supine position than in participants sleeping in side or prone positions (P < .005). DISCUSSION: As tendon perfusion is crucial for tendon-to-bone healing during postoperative physical therapy after rotator cuff reconstruction and for prevention of additional damage to healthy or already torn cuffs, potential clinical relevance may emerge from the present study. CONCLUSION: Distinct shoulder positions considerably influence subacromial pressures. Our findings may be considered in physiotherapeutic concepts after rotator cuff surgery.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation versus ACI using 3D-bioresorbable graft for the treatment of large full-thickness cartilage lesions of the knee.

BACKGROUND: In autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), the periosteum patch which is sutured over the cartilage defect has been identified as a major source of complications such as periosteal hypertrophy. In the present retrospective study, we compared midterm results of first-generation ACI with a periosteal patch to second generation ACI using a biodegradable collagen fleece (BioSeed-C) in 82 patients suffering from chronic posttraumatic and degenerative cartilage lesions of the knee. METHODS: Clinical outcome was assessed in 42 patients of group 1 and in 40 patients of group 2 before implantation of the autologous chondrocytes and at a minimum follow-up of 2 years using the ICRS score, the modified Cincinnati score and the Lysholm score. RESULTS: Although patients treated with BioSeed-C had more previous surgical procedures on their respective knees, highly significant improvements (P < 0.001) were assessed in both groups at comparable outcome levels: the ICRS score improved from grade D (poor) preoperatively to grade C (fair); the modified Cincinnati knee score from 3.26 to 6.4 (group 1) and 3.3 and 6.88 (group 2). Lysholm score improved from 33 to 70 points (group 1) and from 47 to 78 points (group 2), respectively. Revision surgery was due to symptomatic periosteal hypertrophy (n = 4), graft failure (n = 3), plica syndrome (n = 2) synovectomy (n = 1) (group 1); and graft failure (n = 2), debridement (n = 1), synovectomy (n = 2) (group 2). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that BioSeed-C is an equally effective treatment option for focal degenerative chondral lesions of the knee in this challenging and complex patient profile.

Osteoblastic and osteolytic human osteosarcomas can be studied with a new xenograft mouse model producing spontaneous metastases.

There is no animal model that reflects the histological and radiographical heterogeneity of osteosarcoma. We assessed seven osteosarcoma cell lines for their potential to develop orthotopic tumors and lung metastasis in SCID mice. Whereas radiologically, 143B developed osteolytic tumors, SaOS-LM7 developed osteoblastic primary tumors. The mineralization status was confirmed by assessing the alkaline phosphatase activity and the microarray expression profile. We herein report a xenograft orthotopic osteosarcoma mouse model to assess osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions, which may contribute in the search for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: case presentation and a systematic review.

UNLABELLED: In sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF), a rare variant of low-grade fibrosarcoma, treatment results and therapeutic options are poorly characterized. We systematically analyzed the data of all 89 patients (43 female, 46 male; mean age, 47 years [range, 14-87 years]) reported in the literature concerning clinical presentation, histopathology, differential diagnosis, treatment, survival rates, and prognosis, and we present an additional case. Information detailing treatment, disease control, and followup was available in 60 (67%), 75 (84%), and 68 patients (76%), respectively. Case history was variable with one-third of patients reporting a painful, enlarging mass. Ten patients (13%) presented with metastases, 23 (31%) had metastases develop after diagnosis, and 28 (37%) had local recurrence. Low cellularity, mild pleomorphy, and sclerotic hyaline matrix of SEF suggest a benign clinical behavior, and cell morphology allows for the wide differential diagnosis of benign, pseudosarcomatous, and malignant proliferations. In addition to surgery, 11 patients (15%) had chemotherapy, 22 (29%) had postoperative radiation therapy, and three (4%) had a combination of both. Twenty-three patients (34%) died from their disease after a mean of 46 months, 24 (35%) were alive with disease, and 20 (31%) were alive without evidence of disease. Patients with SEF of the head and neck had the worst prognosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Importance of sports in cartilage regeneration after autologous chondrocyte implantation: a prospective study with a 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There have been no data in the literature reporting the influence of sports on the outcome of autologous chondrocyte implantation in chondral defects of the knee. HYPOTHESIS: Sports can improve the result of autologous chondrocyte implantation in postoperative follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2003, 118 patients with symptomatic isolated chondral lesions of the knee underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation. According to the sports activity level before the start of symptoms, patients were assigned to 2 groups: group II with no or rare sports involvement (1-3 times/month); group I with regular (1-3 times/week) or competitive sports (4-7 times/week). All patients underwent clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation preoperative and 6, 18, and 36 months after autologous chondrocyte implantation. RESULTS: Group I patients showed significantly better results (< .01) in the International Cartilage Repair Society and Cincinnati scores than group II patients. Preoperative evaluation revealed no correlation between the sports activity levels and the clinical scores (P > .05). However, from the sixth month on, correlation was statistically significant, increasing from 6 to 18 months, and from 18 to 36 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Physical training improves long-term results after autologous chondrocyte implantation of the knee and should be carried out for at least 2 years after surgery.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation for the treatment of large full-thickness cartilage lesions of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the benefit, reliability, and complication rate of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in patients with large full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee. METHODS: Between March 1997 and December 2001, 71 consecutive patients (24 women, 47 men) were treated with ACI at the Freiburg University Hospital, Germany, and were included in this study. Average age was 35 years (13-61). Lesions were mainly situated on the medial femoral condyle (n=46); mean defects size was 6.61 cm2 (2-17.5), outerbridge grade III-IV. Number of previous surgical procedures was 2.13 (0-8). For outcome measurement, International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) knee examination form, Lysholm score, Cincinnati knee score, and the modified Cincinnati-knee-score were used. Correlation between treatment results, and previous surgical procedures was examined. Statistical analysis was performed using the 2-tailed paired and unpaired Wilcoxon-rang-sum-test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Mean follow-up 36 months (24-65). Modified Cincinnati score overall rating demonstrated highly significant improvements from 3.24 to 6.44 points (patients) and from 3.35 to 6.87 (physicians). Mean Cincinnati score improved from 27-72 points, ICRS score improved from grade D to grade C, and average Lysholm score from 33 points to 69 points. All but 11 patients returned to casual sports, 25 patients went in for regular sports 1-3 times a week or more. Complication rate was 11%. CONCLUSION: Autologous chondrocyte implantation provides an appropriate method for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage lesions of the knee and gives good clinical short-term results.

Critical dimensions of trans-sacral corridors assessed by 3D CT models: Relevance for implant positioning in fractures of the sacrum.

Trans-sacral implants can be used alternatively to sacro-iliac screws in the treatment of osteoporosis-associated fragility fractures of the pelvis and the sacrum. We investigated trans-sacral corridor dimensions, the number of individuals amenable to trans-sacral fixation, as well as the osseous boundaries and shape of the S1 corridor. 3D models were reconstructed from pelvic CT scans from 92 Europeans and 64 Japanese. A corridor of <12 mm was considered critical for trans-sacral implant positioning, and <8 mm as impossible. A statistical model of trans-sacral corridor S1 was computed. The limiting cranio-caudal diameter was 11.6 mm (±5.4) for S1 and 14 mm (±2.4) for S2. Trans-sacral implant positioning was critical in 52% of cases for S1, and in 21% for S2. The S1 corridor was impossible in 26%, with no impossible corridor in S2. Antero-superiorly, the S1 corridor was limited not only by the sacrum but in 40% by the iliac fossa. The statistical model demonstrated a consistent oval shape of the trans-section of corridor S1. Considering the variable in size and shape of trans-sacral corridors in S1, a thorough anatomical knowledge and preoperative planning are mandatory using trans-sacral implants. In critical cases, S2 is a veritable alternative. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2577-2584, 2017.

Femoral stress fracture after computer navigated total knee arthroplasty.

Computer navigation for total knee arthroplasty is increasingly used because it improves the accuracy of femoral and tibial components implantation. However, every new technique is associated with its own complications. Here, we report on a patient who developed a distal femoral stress fracture after two attempts at fixing the navigation tracker.

The role of muscular trauma in the development of heterotopic ossification after hip surgery: An animal-model study in rats.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO), the formation of bone in soft tissues, is a frequent complication after surgery of the hip and the pelvis. Although the pathophysiological entities responsible for the formation of HO remain largely unclear, muscle trauma is alleged to play a central role in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying HO. However, for this observation, made by many surgeons for decades, no objective evidence has been provided yet. METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were subjected to surgery of the right hip. The femoral canal was reamed in three steps up to 2mm. Animals formed 2 groups: in group 1 (25 animals) every effort was taken not to injure the muscles. In contrast, in the rats of group 2 (25 animals), an additional muscle lesion was created. Twelve weeks after surgery, the amount of heterotopic bone was assessed using micro-computed tomography, and classified using a modified Brooker classification system. A chi-square test was used to assess the statistical hypothesis comparing both groups. RESULTS: A significant higher amount of heterotopic bone was observed in animals that underwent additional muscular trauma. CONCLUSION: According to our data, muscle trauma seems to play an important role in the development of HO after hip surgery. Hence, during surgery, particular care not to injure the surrounding muscular tissue should be taken.

Inhibition of Contractile Function in Human Joint Capsule Myofibroblasts by Targeting the TGF-ß1 and PDGF Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Contractile myofibroblasts (MFs) accumulate in the joint capsules of patients suffering from posttraumatic joint stiffness. MF activation is controlled by a complex local network of growth factors and cytokines, ending in the increased production of extracellular matrix components followed by soft tissue contracture. Despite the tremendous growth of knowledge in this field, inconsistencies remain in practice and prevention. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this in vitro study, we isolated and cultured alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive human joint capsule MFs from biopsy specimens and investigated the effect of profibrotic and antifibrotic agents on MF function. Both TGF-ß1 and PDGF significantly induced proliferation and increased extracellular matrix contraction in an established 3D collagen gel contraction model. Furthermore, both growth factors induced α-SMA and collagen type I gene expression in MFs. TGF-ß1 down-regulated TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß receptor (R) 1 and receptor (R) 2 gene expression, while PDGF selectively down-regulated TGF-ß receptor 2 gene expression. These effects were blocked by suramin. Interestingly, the anti-oxidant agent superoxide dismutase (SOD) blocked TGF-ß1 induced proliferation and collagen gel contraction without modulating the gene expression of α-SMA, collagen type I, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß R1 and TGF-ß R2. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that targeting the TGF-ß1 and PDGF pathways in human joint capsule MFs affects their contractile function. TGF-ß1 may modulate MF function in the joint capsule not only via the receptor signalling pathway but also by regulating the production of profibrotic reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, anti-oxidant agents could offer promising options in developing strategies for the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic joint stiffness in humans.

A new small-animal model for the study of acquired heterotopic ossification after hip surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Heterotopic ossification (HO)--the formation of bone in soft tissues--is a frequent problem after surgery of the hip and pelvis, but little is known about its underlying pathogenic mechanisms. It is vital to study the underlying pathogenesis in animal models to develop and evaluate new prophylactic regimens directed against HO. However, previously developed small-animal models for the study of HO imitate neither surgery nor trauma-mechanisms that potentially cause HO. Hence, the goal of this study was to develop a novel small-animal model imitating hip surgery that can reliably produce HO. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were subjected to surgery of the right hip during which the femoral canal was reamed in three steps up to 2 mm, and a muscle lesion was made. Twelve weeks after surgery, the amount of heterotopic bone was assessed using micro-computed tomography. RESULTS: Eighteen of 20 animals showed HO around the hip 12 weeks after surgery. The amount of heterotopic bone varied from very small particles up to near ankylosis. CONCLUSION: A rat model of hip/pelvic surgery that does not use exogenous osteogenic stimulus and can reliably produce HO was developed.

Bilateral pseudarthrosis of the femoral neck in a 25-year-old male with hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets.

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets (HHR) is a rare disorder of renal phosphate wasting and the most common form of heritable rickets. Here, we report a case of an active 25-year-old male with HHR showing atraumatic bilateral femoral neck pseudarthrosis after 4 years of consecutive knee pain. A conservative therapy was administered, taking into account both the risks of surgical treatment and the little impairment even in the sport activities which the patient experienced.

Vertebral body stenting versus kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of vertebral compression fractures, vertebral body stenting with an expandable scaffold inserted before application of the bone cement was developed to impede secondary loss of vertebral height encountered in patients treated with balloon kyphoplasty. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether there are relevant differences between balloon kyphoplasty and vertebral body stenting with regard to perioperative and postoperative findings. METHODS: In a two-armed randomized controlled trial, patients with a total of 100 fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated with either balloon kyphoplasty or vertebral body stenting. The primary outcome was the post-interventional change in the kyphotic angle on radiographs. The secondary outcomes were the maximum pressure of the balloon tamp during inflation, radiation exposure time, perioperative complications, and cement leakage. RESULTS: The mean reduction (and standard deviation) of kyphosis (the kyphotic correction angle) was 4.5° ± 3.6° after balloon kyphoplasty and 4.7° ± 4.2° after vertebral body stenting (p = 0.972). The mean pressures were 24 ± 5 bar (348 ± 72 pounds per square inch [psi]) during vertebral body stenting and 16 ± 6 bar (233 ± 81 psi) during balloon kyphoplasty (p = 0.014). There were no significant differences in radiation exposure time.None of the patients underwent revision surgery, and postoperative neurologic sequelae were not observed. Cement leakage occurred at twenty-five of the 100 vertebral levels without significant differences between the two intervention arms (p = 0.230). Intraoperative material-related complications were observed at one of the fifty vertebral levels in the balloon kyphoplasty group and at nine of the fifty levels in the vertebral body stenting group. CONCLUSIONS: No beneficial effect of vertebral body stenting over balloon kyphoplasty was found among patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures with regard to kyphotic correction, cement leakage, radiation exposure time, or neurologic sequelae. Vertebral body stenting was associated with significantly higher pressures during balloon inflation and more material-related complications.