Sacroiliac Screw Placement with Ease: CT-Guided Pelvic Fracture Osteosynthesis in the Elderly.

Background and Objectives: The number of geriatric patients presenting with fragility fractures of the pelvis is increasing due to ageing Western societies. There are nonoperative and several operative treatment approaches. Many of which cause prolonged hospitalisation, so patients become bedridden and lose mobility and independence. This retrospective study evaluates the postoperative outcome of a computed tomography-guided (CT-guided) minimally invasive approach of sacroiliac screw osteosynthesis. The particular focus is to demonstrate its ease of use, feasibility with the equipment of virtually every hospital and beneficial outcomes to the patients. Materials and Methods: 28 patients (3 men, 25 women, age 80.5 ± 6.54 years) with fragility fractures of the pelvis types II-IV presenting between August 2015 and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The operation was performed using the CT of the radiology department for intraoperative visualization of screw placement. Patients only received screw osteosynthesis of the posterior pelvic ring and cannulated screws underwent cement augmentation. Outcomes measured included demographic data, fracture type, postoperative parameters and complications encountered. The quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the German version of the EQ-5D-3L. Results: The average operation time was 32.4 ± 9.6 min for the unilateral and 50.7 ± 17.4 for the bilateral procedure. There was no significant difference between surgeons operating (p = 0.12). The postoperative CT scans were used to evaluate the outcome and showed only one case of penetration (by 1 mm) of the ventral cortex, which did not require operative revision. No case of major complication was reported. Following surgery, patients were discharged after a median of 4 days (Interquartile range 3-7.5). 53.4% of the patients were discharged home or to rehabilitation. The average score on the visual analogue scale of the EQ-5D-3L evaluating the overall wellbeing was 55.6 (Interquartile range (IQR) 0-60). Conclusions: This study shows that the operative method is safe to use in daily practice, is readily available and causes few complications. It permits immediate postoperative mobilization and adequate pain control. Independence and good quality of life are preserved.

[Requirements for trauma rehabilitation centers : Post-acute rehabilitation (phase C) after severe trauma injury]. / Anforderungen an Traumarehabilitationszentren : Postakute Rehabilitation (Phase C) nach schwerer Unfallverletzung.

Severely injured patients need a qualified and seamless rehabilitation after the end of the acute treatment. This post-acute rehabilitation (phase C) places high demands on the rehabilitation facility in terms of personnel, material, organizational and spatial requirements.The working group on trauma rehabilitation of the German Society for Orthopedics and Traumatology e. V. (DGOU) and other experts have agreed on requirements for post-acute phase C rehabilitation for seriously injured people. These concern both the personnel and material requirements for a highly specialized orthopedic trauma surgery trauma rehabilitation as well as the demands on processes, organization and quality assurance.A seamless transition to the follow-up and further treatment of seriously injured people in the TraumaNetzwerk DGU® is ensured through a high level of qualification and the corresponding infrastructure of supraregional trauma rehabilitation centers. This also places new demands on the TraumaZentren DGU®. Only if these are met can the treatment and rehabilitation of seriously injured people be optimized.

[Risk factors affecting mortality in patients with hip fractures at a regional trauma center]. / Einflussfaktoren auf die Mortalität bei Patienten mit hüftgelenknahen Frakturen an einem regionalen Traumazentrum.

BACKGROUND: Primary care hospitals and regional trauma centers play an essential role in the treatment of hip fractures. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between patient-related parameters and in-hospital mortality as well as complications of hip fractures at a regional trauma center. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data were collected from all patients > 60 years admitted over 2 years to a regional trauma center with a hip fracture. Patient-related parameters included age, sex, fracture location, method of surgical treatment, time of surgery, duration of surgery, length of inpatient stay, blood transfusion, complications, comorbidities, use of anticoagulant medication and need for postoperative intensive care treatment. The relationship between these parameters and hospital mortality as well as complications was investigated. RESULTS: Data were collected from 360 patients undergoing 335 surgeries (f:m 225:110) with a mean age of 83 ± 8 years. The total in-hospital mortality rate was 7.76% (n = 26). Factors increasing in-hospital mortality included: age > 85 years (odds ratio [OR] 5.126; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.665-39.498; p = 0.1167); male sex (OR 1.85 95%-CI [0.82-4.14]; p = 0.0555); time of surgery > 24 h (OR 1.896 95%-CI [0.661-5.441]; p = 0.2341); ≥ 3 comorbidities (OR 10.61 95%-CI [3.681-27.501]; p < 0.0001); intake of anticoagulants (OR 6.19 95%-CI [2.69-14.24]; p < 0.0001) and postoperative intensive care (OR 5.9 95%-CI [2.56-13.76]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the present study a statistically significant influence of the number of comorbidities or Charlson comorbidity index, the intake of anticoagulant drugs and need for postoperative intensive care treatment on the in-hospital mortality of patients with proximal femoral fractures in a regional trauma center was found.

[Surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic : Recommendations on operative procedures]. / Chirurgie in der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie : Empfehlungen zum operativen Vorgehen.

BACKGROUND: In February 2020 Germany was also hit by the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic. Even patients infected by SARS-CoV­2 or COVID-19 may need operative procedures. Currently, no uniform recommendations exist on precautions to be taken when operating on these patients. Furthermore, they may differ from one hospital to another. METHODS: The task force COVID-19 of the emergency, intensive and severely injured section of the German Trauma Society (DGU e. V.) has developed consensus-based recommendations on surgical treatment of patients with SARS-CoV­2 infections. Great importance is placed on the implementation in hospitals at all levels of care. RESULTS: The indications for surgical interventions in patients with COVID-19 infections require an extremely critical evaluation. When indicated these surgical intervention should ideally be performed in a separate operating theater. All personnel involved should wear personal protective equipment with FFP2 masks, face shields and double gloves. The emergency team in the resuscitation bay should generally wear the same personal protective equipment. Special training is mandatory and the exposure of team members should be minimized. CONCLUSION: The recommendations are principally used for all kinds of surgery and comply with the currently available knowledge. Nevertheless, all recommendations represent a compromise between maximum safety of all medical staff and practicability in the routine hospital workflow.

Level of Evidence Analysis for the Latest German National Guideline on Treatment of Patients with Severe and Multiple Injuries and ATLS.

PURPOSE: Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) is one of the world's best-known training programs for medical providers. Revisions of the ATLS manual have been evidence based for a number of years. In 2011, a level 3 (S3) evidence- and consensus-based guideline on the treatment of patients with severe and multiple injuries was published in Germany. The scope of this study was the systematic comparison of the educational content of the ATLS concept and the interdisciplinary "S3 polytrauma guideline." METHODS: A total of 123 key recommendations of the guideline were compared with the content of the ATLS manual (9th edition). Depending on the level of agreement, the recommendations were classed in the following categories: (1) Agreement. (2) Minor variation. (3) Major variation. RESULTS: An overall 86% conformity was found between the key recommendations of the guideline and the ATLS® manual. The ATLS® primary survey (ABCDE) showed an 85% conformity. The degree of conformity for the individual priorities was as follows: A (Airway) 79%, B (Breathing) 79%, C (Circulation) 86%, D (Disability) 93%, E (Exposure) 100%. The ATLS® secondary survey showed a 94% conformity. The main differences were in the areas of anesthetic induction, fluid administration, and coagulation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: According to our comparison, the educational content and manual of the ATLS are largely compatible with a high level of evidence S3 guideline. However, subsequent editions of both the ATLS® and the S3 guideline should re-examine and reassess a number of aspects.

Is the ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock appreciated in daily trauma care? An online-survey among 383 ATLS course directors and instructors.

OBJECTIVE: For the early recognition and management of hypovolaemic shock, ATLS suggests four shock classes based upon an estimated blood loss in percent. The aim of this study was to assess the confidence and acceptance of the ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock among ATLS course directors and instructors in daily trauma care. METHODS: During a 2-month period, ATLS course directors and instructors from the ATLS region XV (Europe) were invited to participate in an online survey comprising 15 questions. RESULTS: A total of 383 responses were received. Ninety-eight percent declared that they would follow the 'A, B, C, D, E' approach by ATLS in daily trauma care. However, only 48% assessed 'C-Circulation' according to the ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock. One out of four respondents estimated that in daily clinical routine, less than 50% of all trauma patients can be classified according to the current ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock. Additionally, only 10.9% considered the ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock as a 'good guide' for fluid resuscitation and blood product transfusion, whereas 45.1% stated that this classification only 'may help' or has 'no impact' to guide resuscitation strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Although the 'A, B, C, D, E' approach according to ATLS is widely implemented in daily trauma care, the use of the ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock in daily practice is limited. Together with previous analyses, this study supports the need for a critical reassessment of the current ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock.

The effect of paramedic training on pre-hospital trauma care (EPPTC-study): a study protocol for a prospective semi-qualitative observational trial.

BACKGROUND: Accidents are the leading cause of death in adults prior to middle age. The care of severely injured patients is an interdisciplinary challenge. Limited evidence is available concerning pre-hospital trauma care training programs and the advantage of such programs for trauma patients. The effect on trauma care procedures or on the safety of emergency crews on the scene is limited; however, there is a high level of experience and expert opinion. METHODS: I - Video-recorded case studies are the basis of an assessment tool and checklist being developed to verify the results of programs to train participants in the care of seriously injured patients, also known as "objective structured clinical examination" (OSCE). The timing, completeness and quality of the individual measures are assessed using appropriate scales. The evaluation of team communication and interaction will be analyzed with qualitative methods and quantified and verified by existing instruments (e.g. the Clinical Team Scale). The developed assessment tool is validated by several experts in the fields of trauma care, trauma research and medical education. II a) In a German emergency medical service, the subjective assessment of paramedics of their pre-hospital care of trauma patients is evaluated at three time points, namely before, immediately after and one year after training. b) The effect of a standardized course concept on the quality of documentation in actual field operations is determined based on three items relevant to patient safety before and after the course. c) The assessment tool will be used to assess the effect of a standardized course concept on procedures and team communication in pre-hospital trauma care using scenario-based case studies. DISCUSSION: This study explores the effect of training on paramedics. After successful study completion, further multicenter studies are conceivable, which would evaluate emergency-physician staffed teams. The influence on the patients and prehospital measures should be assessed based on a retrospective analysis of the emergency room data. TRIALS REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register, ID DRKS00004713.

Assessment of hypovolaemic shock at scene: is the PHTLS classification of hypovolaemic shock really valid?

OBJECTIVE: Validation of the classification of hypovolaemic shock suggested by the prehospital trauma life support (PHTLS) in its sixth student course manual. METHODS: Adults, entered into the TraumaRegister DGU(®) database between 2002 and 2011, were classified into reference ranges for heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) according to the PHTLS classification of hypovolaemic shock. First, patients were grouped by a combination of all three parameters (HR, SBP and GCS) as suggested by PHTLS. Second, patients were classified by only one parameter (HR, SBP or GCS) according to PHTLS and alterations in the remaining two parameters were assessed. Furthermore, subgroup analysis for trauma mechanism and traumatic brain injury (TBI) were performed. RESULTS: Out of 46 689 patients, only 12 432 (26.5%) could be adequately classified according to PHTLS if a combination of all three criteria was assessed. In TBI patients, only 12.2% could be classified adequately, whereas trauma mechanism had no significant influence. When patients were grouped by HR, there was only a slight reduction in SBP. When grouped by SBP, GCS dropped from 14 to 8, while no significant tachycardia was observed in any group. In patients with a GCS less than 12, HR was unaltered whereas SBP was slightly reduced to 114 (±42) mm Hg. On average, GCS in TBI patients was lower within all shock groups. In penetrating trauma patients, changes in HR and SBP were more distinct, but still less than predicted by PHTLS. CONCLUSIONS: The PHTLS classification of hypovolaemic shock displays substantial deficits in adequately risk-stratifying trauma patients.

Establishment of a new methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus animal model of osteomyelitis.

PURPOSE: The increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is currently a major health care problem. Vancomycin is still often the first-line anti-microbiological agent for treating such infections; however, a recent decline in efficacy of vancomycin in MRSA infections has raised concerns and accelerated the search for new antibiotics. The aim of this study was to establish a MRSA peri-implant osteomyelitis animal model for future testing of new anti-microbiological agents under typical MRSA infection conditions. METHODS: Eighteen randomised NZW-rabbits underwent a standardised surgical procedure with the insertion of a femoral bone implant. Animals were then divided into group 1 (MRSA inoculation, no antibiotics; M/N), group 2 (MRSA inoculation, Vancomyin; M/V), and group 3 (no MRSA inoculation, no antibiotics; N/N). The primary study outcome parameters were animal leucocyte count, animal weight, and animal body temperature at one, seven, and 42 days after surgery. Additionally, a histo-morphometrical score was established and adjusted to a modified histological Smeltzer score. RESULTS: Macroscopic and histo-morphometrical findings showed a peri-implant osteomyelitis in group 1 with both increased acute and chronic infection parameters in M/N, as compared to M/V and N/N, indicating that vancomycin treatment prevented typical morphological changes of MRSA peri-implant osteomyelitis. Similarly, there was a reduction in animal weight and increase in leucocyte count and body temperature in group 1 (each p < 0.005). Vancomycin treatment again resulted in significantly reduced leucocyte count and body temperature, and increased animal body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Here we have established a peri-implant MRSA osteomyelitis model that successfully combined clinical and laboratory outcome parameters of infection with histo-morphometrical results; this model appears to be valuable for future experimental use and therapeutic monitoring of new anti-microbiological MRSA drugs.

The Shock Index revisited - a fast guide to transfusion requirement? A retrospective analysis on 21,853 patients derived from the TraumaRegister DGU.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated vital signs (for example, heart rate or systolic blood pressure) have been shown unreliable in the assessment of hypovolemic shock. In contrast, the Shock Index (SI), defined by the ratio of heart rate to systolic blood pressure, has been advocated to better risk-stratify patients for increased transfusion requirements and early mortality. Recently, our group has developed a novel and clinical reliable classification of hypovolemic shock based upon four classes of worsening base deficit (BD). The objective of this study was to correlate this classification to corresponding strata of SI for the rapid assessment of trauma patients in the absence of laboratory parameters. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2011, data for 21,853 adult trauma patients were retrieved from the TraumaRegister DGU database and divided into four strata of worsening SI at emergency department arrival (group I, SI <0.6; group II, SI ≥0.6 to <1.0; group III, SI ≥1.0 to <1.4; and group IV, SI ≥1.4) and were assessed for demographics, injury characteristics, transfusion requirements, fluid resuscitation and outcomes. The four strata of worsening SI were compared with our recently suggested BD-based classification of hypovolemic shock. RESULTS: Worsening of SI was associated with increasing injury severity scores from 19.3 (± 12) in group I to 37.3 (± 16.8) in group IV, while mortality increased from 10.9% to 39.8%. Increments in SI paralleled increasing fluid resuscitation, vasopressor use and decreasing hemoglobin, platelet counts and Quick's values. The number of blood units transfused increased from 1.0 (± 4.8) in group I to 21.4 (± 26.2) in group IV patients. Of patients, 31% in group III and 57% in group IV required ≥10 blood units until ICU admission. The four strata of SI discriminated transfusion requirements and massive transfusion rates equally with our recently introduced BD-based classification of hypovolemic shock. CONCLUSION: SI upon emergency department arrival may be considered a clinical indicator of hypovolemic shock in respect to transfusion requirements, hemostatic resuscitation and mortality. The four SI groups have been shown to equal our recently suggested BD-based classification. In daily clinical practice, SI may be used to assess the presence of hypovolemic shock if point-of-care testing technology is not available.

Time course of 25(OH)D3 vitamin D3 as well as PTH (parathyroid hormone) during fracture healing of patients with normal and low bone mineral density (BMD).

BACKGROUND: Until now the exact biochemical processes during healing of metaphyseal fractures of healthy and osteoporotic bone remain unclear. Especially the physiological time courses of 25(OH)D(3) (Vitamin D) as well as PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) the most important modulators of calcium and bone homeostasis are not yet examined sufficiently. The purpose of this study was to focus on the time course of these parameters during fracture healing. METHODS: In the presented study, we analyse the time course of 25(OH)D3 and PTH during fracture healing of low BMD level fractures versus normal BMD level fractures in a matched pair analysis. Between March 2007 and February 2009 30 patients older than 50 years of age who had suffered a metaphyseal fracture of the proximal humerus, the distal radius or the proximal femur were included in our study. Osteoporosis was verified by DEXA measuring. The time courses of 25(OH)D(3) and PTH were examined over an eight week period. Friedmann test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Withney U test were used as post-hoc tests. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Serum levels of 25(OH)D(3) showed no differences in both groups. In the first phase of fracture healing PTH levels in the low BMD level group remained below those of the normal BMD group in absolute figures. Over all no significant differences between low BMD level bone and normal BMD level bone could be detected in our study. CONCLUSIONS: The time course of 25(OH)D(3) and PTH during fracture healing of patients with normal and low bone mineral density were examined for the first time in humans in this setting and allowing molecular biological insights into fracture healing in metaphyseal bones on a molecural level. There were no significant differences between patients with normal and low BMD levels. Hence further studies will be necessary to obtain more detailed insight into fracture healing in order to provide reliable decision criteria for therapy and the monitoring of fracture healing.

The Immo Traffic Light System as a Decision-Making Tool for Prehospital Spinal Immobilization­A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Spinal injuries are difficult injuries to assess yet can be associated with significant neurological damage. To avoid secondary damage, immobilization is considered state of the art trauma care. The indication for spinal immobilization must be assessed, however, for potential complications as well as its advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: This systematic review addressing the question of the correct indication for spinal immobilization in trauma patients was compiled on the basis of our previously published analysis of possible predictors from the Trauma Registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery. A Delphi procedure was then used to develop suggestions for action regarding immobilization based on the results of this review. RESULTS: The search of the literature yielded 576 publications. The 24 publications included in the qualitative analysis report of 2 228 076 patients. A decision tool for spinal immobilization in prehospital trauma care was developed (Immo traffic light system) based on the results of the Delphi procedure. According to this system, severely injured patients with blunt trauma, severe traumatic brain injury, peripheral neurological symptoms, or spinal pain requiring treatment should be immobilized. Patients with a statistically increased risk of spinal injury as a result of the four cardinal features (fall >3m, severe trunk injury, supra clavicular injury, seniority [age >65 years]) should only have their spinal motion restricted after weighing up the pros and cons. Isolated penetrating trunk injuries should not be immobilized. CONCLUSION: High-quality studies demonstrating the benefit of prehospital spinal immobilization are still lacking. Decision tools such as the Immo traffic light system can help weigh up the pros and cons of immobilization.

Correction: Characteristics of bone turnover in the long bone metaphysis fractured patients with normal or low Bone Mineral Density (BMD).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096058.].

Anamnestic risk factor questionnaire as reliable diagnostic instrument for osteoporosis (reduced bone morphogenic density).

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a major health problem worldwide, and is included in the WHO list of the top 10 major diseases. However, it is often undiagnosed until the first fracture occurs, due to inadequate patient education and lack of insurance coverage for screening tests. Anamnestic risk factors like positive family anamnesis or early menopause are assumed to correlate with reduced BMD. METHODS: In our study of 78 patients with metaphyseal long bone fractures, we searched for a correlation between anamnestic risk factors, bone specific laboratory values, and the bone morphogenic density (BMD). Each indicator was examined as a possible diagnostic instrument for osteoporosis. The secondary aim of this study was to demonstrate the high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with metaphyseal fractures. RESULTS: 76.9% of our fracture patients had decreased bone density and 43.6% showed manifest osteoporosis in DXA (densitometry) measurements. Our questionnaire, identifying anamnestic risk factors, correlated highly significantly (p = 0.01) with reduced BMD, whereas seven bone-specific laboratory values (p = 0.046) correlated significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Anamnestic risk factors correlate with pathological BMD. The medical questionnaire used in this study would therefore function as a cost-effective primary diagnostic instrument for identification of osteoporosis patients.

Teaching Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS): A nationwide retrospective analysis of 8202 lessons taught in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether faculty who teach the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course would improve with experience and, correspondingly, ratings from course evaluations would increase. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of student evaluations of 262 ATLS courses held between 2008 and 2012. SETTING: All ATLS courses held between 2008 and 2012 nationwide in Germany. PARTICIPANTS: All ATLS student course evaluations covering 8202 lessons, 81 instructors, 36 course directors, and 5 coordinators. RESULTS: ATLS courses in Germany attained high levels of student satisfaction. Satisfaction levels increased steadily over the 5-year period studied. The entire staff influenced this finding. Teaching quality improved the most within the first 100 lessons taught. Skill stations received better evaluations than lectures, and local courses were less satisfactory than national course formats. The 2 demonstrations that open the course were the top rated events. Skill stations, including a human phantom, were highly rated; the cricothyrotomy station was top rated. CONCLUSION: The German ATLS course evaluations indicated steady improvement over the 5-year study. The level of experience of course coordinators, directors, and instructors influenced this finding. Teaching quality improved most within the first 100 lessons taught, and then reached a steady state. Skill stations received better evaluations than lectures, and local courses were less satisfactory than national course formats.

Pay for performance - motivation to succeed in Advanced Trauma Life Support courses - a question of background or funding?

Objective: To correlate students' performance with their professional background and motivation to take part in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses. We base our analysis on the self-determination theory that differentiates intrinsic (ambition to perform by individual itself) from extrinsic motivation (incentive by external stimuli). Design: We present a non-blinded, monocentric, non-randomized descriptive study of 376 students taking part in an ATLS course at one course site in Germany. Part of a two-day ATLS course are two written tests; we correlate test scores with background information provided by the students in a questionnaire of 13 items (age, sex, adress, board certification, specialty, subspecialty, position, hospital level of care, hospital operator and hospital participation in trauma network, motivation, funding source, condition of funding). Setting: The students were recuited at the BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen (Germany), a large 528-bed trauma center and one of 13 ATLS course sites in Germany. Participants: 449 ATLS course students taking part in ATLS courses at the above-mentioned course site from February 2009 to May 2010 were sent a questionnaire asking for their background. All 449 course students were eligible to participate. 376 (83.7%) questionnaires were returned, pre- and post-test results of all students aquired and included into our calculations. 312 (83%) were male and 64 (17%) female. The majority (59.3%) of recruited students came from trauma surgery, 21.8% from anesthesiology, 8% from general surgery, 4% from abdominal surgery, 0.5% from vascular or thoracic surgery each and 5.9% from other specialties. Results: Neither age, sex, subspecialty, hospital level of care, hospital operator, or hospital participation in trauma network played a role with respect to motivation or test results. The high degree of intrinsic motivation of consultants (92.3%) had no impact on their test results. Anesthesiologists were higher motivated (75.6% intrinsically motivated) in contrast to all surgical colleagues (63.6%), which showed significant differences in the pre- (89.8% vs. 85.3%, p=0.03) but not the post-test. Of all 13.6% students who were self-payers, 94.1% were intrinsically motivated; the 86.2% whose course fee was accounted for were less likely to be intrinsically motivated (63.9%). Sponsoring however did not have a negative impact on test results. Conditional funding (sponsored only on passing both tests) was detrimental to motivation: 0% of these individuals were intrinsically motivated and they scored significantly lower (82.5%) than all other students in the post-test (86.9%, p=0.002). Overall, intrinsically motivated students overtopped extrinsically motivated students in the post-test (88.0% vs. 83.4%, p<0.001). Conclusions: ATLS course participation is not compulsory for medical doctors in Germany. Intrinsic motivation to take part in these courses is a key prerequisite to increase performance, irrespective of the background of the students. Intrinsically motivated students are ready to invest into their education and vice versa. Conditional funding (course fee only sponsored on passing the course) evokes no intrinsic motivation at all and causes worse results.

Influence of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on bone turnover markers in organisms with normal and low bone mineral density during fracture healing: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) leads to metaphyseal fractures, which are considered of delayed, qualitatively reduced healing resulting in prolonged care phases and increased socioeconomic costs. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is already approved to support bone healing of pseudarthrosis and delayed unions. With this study, we examined its influence on bone turnover markers (BTM) during fracture healing in patients with low and normal BMD. Methods: Within a period of 2 years, patients with a metaphyseal fracture of the distal radius or the proximal humerus, requiring surgical osteosynthesis were included into the study. Patients were randomized within their fracture groups whether they received ESWT after surgery or not. ESWT was applied once after surgery with an energy flux density (EFD) of 0.55 mJ/mm² à 3000 shockwaves. In addition, serum levels of vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), c-telopeptide of type-I-collagen (ß-CTX) and serum band 5 tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP5b) were determined before surgery and post-operatively in week 1, 4, 8, 52. T-score levels as an indicator of the BMD were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: 49 patients (40 females, 9 males; mean age 62 years) with fractures of the metaphyseal distal radius (n=25) or the proximal humerus (n=24) were included in the study. The follow-up time was one year. 24 of them were diagnosed of having low BMD, whereas 25 had a normal BMD. During follow-up time serum levels of bone turnover markers, as well as vitamin D3 and iPTH, showed no significant changes; however, ESWT approaches the decreased serum levels of patients with low BMD to the level of healthy organisms. Conclusions: ESWT as treatment option of fractures in patients with low BMD can lead to an equilibration of levels of bone turnover markers to the levels of patients with normal BMD.