[Injuries of the shoulder in winter sports]. / Wintersportverletzungen am Schultergelenk.

Skiing as a sport has come a long way from the first competitive event in Norway in 1767 to about 200 million skiers today worldwide. With Germany alone recording around 8000 injuries annually, there is an increased need for awareness for winter-sport-related injuries and their management. According to the latest report by "Auswertungsstelle für Skiunfälle" (ASU, evaluation center for ski accidents), shoulder injuries alone account for more than 20% of injuries to all body regions (men 26.1% and women 13%). The most common injuries affecting the shoulder girdle are rotator cuff strains, glenohumeral dislocations, acromioclavicular dislocations and clavicle fractures. These injuries are primarily the result of four mechanisms: direct impact, axial load on an extended arm, resisted forced abduction of the arm, and external rotation forces resulting from a firmly planted ski pole in the grasp of a skier during a fall. In this article, we describe the three most common shoulder girdle injuries in winter sports along with their management and answer the most important questions for the athlete.

[Diagnostics and treatment concepts for anteroinferior shoulder instability : Current trends]. / Diagnostik und Behandlungskonzept der anteroinferioren Schulterinstabilität : Aktuelle Trends.

Shoulder instability arises when static or dynamic stabilizers deviate from the natural equilibrium. The most common form of shoulder instability is in an anteroinferior direction, affects young athletes in contact sports and can lead to permanent impairment of shoulder function and early degeneration of the joint. Conservative as well as operative therapy options have been controversially discussed for years. This article describes the current state of diagnostics, current trends in therapy decisions and relevant therapy options for anterior shoulder instability.

Return-to-activity after anatomical reconstruction of acute high-grade acromioclavicular separation.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate return-to-activity (RtA) after anatomical reconstruction of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separation. METHODS: A total of 42 patients with anatomical reconstruction of acute high-grade ACJ-separation (Rockwood Type V) were surveyed to determine RtA at a mean 31 months follow-up (f-u). Sports disciplines, intensity, level of competition, participation in overhead and/or contact sports, as well as activity scales (DASH-Sport-Module, Tegner Activity Scale) were evaluated. Functional outcome evaluation included Constant score and QuickDASH. RESULTS: All patients (42/42) participated in sporting activities at f-u. Neither participation in overhead/contact sports, nor level of activity declined significantly (n.s.). 62 % (n = 26) of patients reported subjective sports specific ACJ integrity to be at least the same as prior to the trauma. Sporting intensity (hours/week: 7.3 h to 5.4 h, p = .004) and level of competition (p = .02) were reduced. If activity changed, in 50 % other reasons but clinical symptoms/impairment were named for modified behavior. QuickDASH (mean 6, range 0-54, SD 11) and DASH-Sport-Module (mean 6, range 0-56, SD 13) revealed only minor disabilities at f-u. Over time Constant score improved significant to an excellent score (mean 94, range 86-100, SD 4; p < .001). Functional outcome was not correlated with RtA (n.s.). CONCLUSION: All patients participated in sporting activities after anatomical reconstruction of high-grade (Rockwood Type V) ACJ-separation. With a high functional outcome there was no significant change in activity level (Tegner) and participation in overhead and/or contact sports observed. There was no correlation between functional outcome and RtA. Limiting, there were alterations in time spent for sporting activities and level of competition observed. But in 50 % those were not related to ACJ symptoms/impairment. Unrelated to successful re-established integrity and function of the ACJ it should be considered that patients decided not return-to-activity but are very content with the procedure.

[Arthroscopically assisted techniques for treatment of acute and chronic acromioclavicular joint injuries]. / Arthroskopisch gestützte Techniken zur Versorgung der akuten und chronischen AC-Gelenk-Verletzung.

Acute and chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is frequently encountered in the routine clinical practice. This injury can lead to significant impairment of shoulder girdle function. Therapy based on the severity of injury is recommended to re-establish correct shoulder function. The static radiographic Rockwood classification is used to define the degree of dislocation but the clinical aspects and functional x-ray imaging of horizontal AC joint instability should also be considered for selection of the appropriate procedure. Rockwood grades I and II injuries are treated non-operatively with early functional exercise. The approach for Rockwood grade III injuries should be individual and patient-specific, with non-surgical procedures for low functional requirement patients with a high risk for surgical interventions. For patients with high demands on shoulder function surgery is recommended. A detailed diagnostic assessment frequently reveals Rockwood grade III injuries to be type IV injuries. Rockwood types IV and V AC joint dislocations require surgery for sustained stability. Treatment of acute injuries is recommended within 1-3 weeks after trauma but there is no clear evidence of a cut-off for the presence of chronic injuries. Various surgical techniques have been described in the literature. This article presents an arthroscopically assisted technique that addresses both vertical and horizontal instability of the AC joint.

[Shoulder dislocation in athletes]. / Schulterluxation bei Sportlern.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder dislocation is a common injury in athletes. Surgical and non-surgical therapy options are still the subject of controversial debate. STUDY AIM: This article presents important considerations for decision-making and current concepts for the therapy of shoulder dislocation in athletes. METHODS: A selective literature search was carried out in PubMed. RESULTS: Surgical and non-surgical therapy options are described in the literature without yet defining a gold standard. CONCLUSION: Early surgical stabilization is currently recommended in young athletes. For decision-making numerous sport and patient-related factors need to be considered. Most athletes are able to return to the pre-injury level after surgical stabilization.

Functional results following titanium elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of mid-shaft clavicle fractures.

INTRODUCTION While plate fixation remains the gold standard for surgical treatment for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures (DMCF), intramedullary fixation has emerged as a promising alternative. However, due to its more demanding technique and depending on the fracture's nature, an open reduction can be necessary. Aim of this study was to compare the outcome of open reduction versus closed reduction of DMCF using ESIN. PATIENTS AND METHODS Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN) were used to treat 40 patients undergoing minimally invasive ESIN between December 2006 and July 2009. A total of 19 patients were treated with a closed reduction and 21 patients required open reduction. RESULTS Open reduction increases operative time and fluoroscopy time significantly versus closed reduction (open 80.8 ± 35.9 min; closed 30.5 ± 8.5 min). No significant differences were found regarding strength measurement (75.7 ± 22.0 N in the closed group and 74.2 ± 26.0 N in the open group), DASH score (5.1 ± 6.5 closed group vs. 5.8 ± 7.3 open group) and Constant score (87.4 ± 9 points closed group vs. 85.3 ± 7.2 points open group). No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference comparing patients who were treated with an open versus a closed technique. If appropriately indicated we believe that using ESIN is an adequate and successful operative technique for DMCF. There were no significant differences in shoulder function after either procedure.

[Surgical stabilization of acute/chronic sternoclavicular instability with autologous gracilis tendon graft]. / Operative Stabilisierung der akuten/chronischen Sternoklavikulargelenkinstabilität mit autologem Grazilissehnengraft.

SURGICAL OBJECTIVE: Restoration of joint stability and unimpaired, painless shoulder function INDICATIONS: Chronic and recurrent painful instabilities of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint. Locked posterior instability. CONTRAINDICATIONS: A lack of autologous tendon grafts due to harvesting of all hamstring grafts during prior surgical procedures and general contraindications for surgery/anesthesia. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Joint stability is restored by a gracilis tendon allograft passed through two drill holes in the sternum and the medial clavicle using a figure-of-eight configuration. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization in a sling for 6 weeks with passive motion exercises followed by 6 weeks of active mobilization without weight-bearing. After 12 weeks, continuous remobilization with increasing weight-bearing. RESULTS: SC joint reconstruction using an autologous tendon graft in a figure-of-eight configuration can significantly improve shoulder function and pain relief. However, some impairment of shoulder function or persistent complaints may occur, which must be discussed with the patient in the preoperative setting.

[Arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of acute and chronic AC joint separations]. / Arthroskopisch assistierte Stabilisierung bei akuter und chronischer Akromioklavikulargelenksprengung.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical procedure aims at anatomic reduction and stabilization of the acromioclavicular joint in vertical and horizontal planes for acute separations using a trans-clavicular and trans-coracoidal suture tape fixation with additional acromioclavicular joint augmentation with a PDS cord cerclage. For chronic instability adding a tendon graft is essential for sustainable stability. INDICATIONS: Acute und chronic acromioclavicular joint separations type Rockwood III-VI. Recurrent AC-joint instability with intact coracoid process (with tendon graft). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Acromioclavicular joint separations type Rockwood I-II. Asymptomatic chronic AC-separations type Rockwood III-IV. Fracture close to base of coracoid process General contraindications for (elective) surgery. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Vertical reconstruction of the coraco-clavicular ligaments using a drill-guide for trans-clavicular and trans-coracoidal tunnel placement for high-strength suture tapes over titanium buttons. Additional stabilization of the AC-joint with a transosseus figure of 8 PDS suture cord cerclage. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperatively the arm is put in a regular sling for 6 weeks. Free active range of motion of wrist and elbow. Shoulder range of motion is limited to 30° of flexion and abduction and 80° internal and 0° external rotation for 2 weeks. Extended to active-assisted 45° flexion and abduction in weeks 3 and 4 and advanced to 60° flexion/abduction and free internal/external rotation in weeks 5 and 6. Range of motion is unlimited from week 7. Full daily life activities after 3 months, high-impact sports after 5-6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The presented surgical technique reliably stabilizes the acromioclavicular joint. It's biomechanical properties with only the single-tunnel coracoclavicular suture tapes is on the level of the native vertical stability, which can be additionally improved for better horizontal stability with the cerclage over the AC-joint.

[Tibial plateau fractures in alpine skiing--return to the slopes or career end?]. / Tibiakopffrakturen im alpinen Skisport--Rückkehr auf die Skipiste oder Karriereende?

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the tibial plateau are among the most severe injuries of the knee joint and are often the result of sports accidents, especially skiing accidents. PATIENTS/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and March 2009, a total of 37 skiers with tibial plateau fractures were treated operatively at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich (level I trauma center); 28 patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included in this study. Sporting activity was determined at the time of injury and at the time of survey at an average follow-up of 49.0 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At the time of the survey, 92.9% of all patients were engaged in sports; only 12 of the 28 patients returned to skiing. Of the competitive athletes (n = 5 at time of injury) no patient returned to competition. The number of different sporting activities declined significantly from 6.4 before the injury to 4.6 after the injury. The activity duration per week, being 5.0 hours at the time of injury, declined to 4.4 hours, although the difference is statistically not significant. The Lysholm score, 97.5 points before accident, illustrated a significant decline to 84.4 points. Activity levels according to the Tegner scale declined significantly from 6.1 to 4.7 after the tibial plateau fracture. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients could not return to their previous level of activity. For patients playing competitive sports, the tibial plateau fracture can be a career ender. Overall, 92.9% of the patients returned to sports, but we noticed a post-injury shift toward activities with less impact. Only 12 of the 28 (42.9%) skiers with tibial plateau fractures returned to skiing.

[Shoulder dislocation in athletes. Current therapy concepts]. / Schulterluxation des Sportlers. Aktuelle Therapiekonzepte.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder dislocation is a common injury in athletes participating in contact and overhead sports. Optimal treatment is still a subject of controversial debate. STUDY AIM: Presentation of current concepts for therapy of shoulder dislocation in athletes. METHODS: A selective literature search in PubMed was carried out. RESULTS: Surgical and non-surgical therapy options are described in the literature and can be successful in certain situations. A gold standard has yet to be defined. CONCLUSION: For decision-making numerous patient and sports-related factors need to be considered. There is a current trend towards early surgical stabilization in young athletes.

[Fractures of the lower extremity in the emergency room. Analysis of a new immobilization and x-ray splint]. / Frakturen der unteren Extremität in der Notaufnahme. Anwendungsanalyse einer Lagerungs- und Röntgenspezialschiene.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the lower extremity are a common reason for presentation to an emergency room. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new immobilization and x-ray splint (Andante®, ForMed) in the emergency room. METHODS: From April 2010 to August 2010 all patients presenting with a fracture of the lower extremity were included in the study. Pain perception (visual analog scale; VAS) was measured before and after splint application. The handling of the splint during radiography was assessed and the quality of the diagnostic x-ray was evaluated. RESULTS: The study comprised 61 patients. Subjective pain perception was reduced significantly (3.96±1.9 vs. 6.38±2.2; p<0.001). The handling of the splint was graded at 1.73±0.96 (1, very good; 5, poor). There was no difference in the diagnostic quality of the x-rays between the Andante® and the control group; however, significantly poorer results were found for x-rays of ankle fractures (p<0.038). CONCLUSION: The Andante® splint is a useful tool in the emergency room that combines simple handling and pain relief due to immobilization. However, the quality of the diagnostic x-rays was not better compared with the control group.

[Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of clavicular midshaft fractures: comparison of open vs closed fracture reduction]. / Die elastisch stabile intramedulläre Osteosynthese der diaphysären Klavikulafraktur : Offene vs. geschlossene Reposition.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of open reduction versus closed reduction of midclavicular fractures using elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in both groups. METHODS: Titanium elastic nails were used to treat 40 patients undergoing minimally invasive ESIN between December 2006 and July 2009. A total of 19 patients were treated with a closed reduction and 21 patients required open reduction. RESULTS: The Constant Score revealed no significant differences between the two groups (closed 87.4±9.0; open 85.3±7.1) nor did the DASH Score (closed: 5.0±6.5; open 5.8±7.3). The strength measurement of shoulder abduction was consistent in each group: 75.7±22.0 N in the closed reduction group and 74.2±26.0 N in the group with open treatment. CONCLUSION: There was no difference comparing right- and left-sided injuries and the outcomes were consistent irrespective of the treatment method. When appropriately indicated open and closed intramedullary nailing are very successful modalities of treatment. There were no significant differences in shoulder function after either procedure.

[Recurrent hematomas of the iliopsoas muscle after total hip replacement as a differential diagnosis for chronic groin pain: case series report]. / Rezidivierende Iliopsoaseinblutungen als Differenzialdiagnose bei Chronischen Leistenschmerzen nach Hüfttotalendoprothesenimplantation: Eine Fallserie.

BACKGROUND: Chronic and atraumatic groin pain may be due to a variety of pathologies local to and distal from the hip joint. Aside from frequent entities, such as inguinal hernia, impingement of the iliopsoas muscle by the anterior rim of the acetabular component leading to a hematoma can be a potential cause after total hip replacement (THR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article presents three cases of delayed groin pain after THR received due to osteoarthrosis of the hip joint several years prior to the onset of symptoms. In all three cases the patient suffered from chronic groin pain aggravated by active flexion without direct trauma. After thorough clinical, laboratory and radiological (ultrasound, x-ray, computed tomography) examination a hematoma of the iliopsoas muscle was detected. Furthermore, in all three cases the acetabular component appeared to be slightly malpositioned. Considering the least invasive procedure all cases were treated with an excavation of the hematoma. After recurrence the indications for revision of the malpositioned acetabular component were present. RESULTS: All patients clearly showed a reduction of pain after operative revision. There have been no further hematomas and the patients could be easily and rapidly remobilized. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent atraumatic groin pain connected to a deficit in hip flexion after THR needs thorough investigation by the treating physician. The differential diagnosis of a delayed hematoma due to impingement of the iliopsoas muscle is a rare but more complex entity. After careful consideration of the perioperative risks an early indication for revision of a malpositioned acetabular component is promising.

[Comprehensive arthroscopic management of shoulder osteoarthritis]. / Manejo artroscópico integral para la osteoartritis de hombro.

Shoulder osteoarthritis has been considered as a cause of severe pain and loss of shoulder function. Many patients with shoulder osteoarthritis are young and have demanding activities, which leads to questioning the choice of arthroplasty. This is why in this paper we describe the comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) that combines arthroscopic debridement, capsular release, osteoplasty of the lower humeral head, and auxiliary nerve decompression. In our experience this technique has shown short-term promising results as it decreases pain and allows patients to resume high performance demanding activities.

[Optimal timing of operations to treat fractures of the femoral neck with endoprotheses : CRP as a parameter of postoperative immunologic reaction]. / Optimaler Zeitpunkt zur prothetischen Versorgung von Schenkelhalsfrakturen : CRP als Marker der postoperativen immunologischen Reaktion.

BACKGROUND: The optimal time to perform endoprosthesis of hip fractures in the elderly is still under discussion. CRP as an objective marker of postoperative inflammatory reaction should give an indication if early or late surgery is favored. METHODS: CRP values from 122 patients with no complications after hip arthroplasty of femoral neck fractures were analyzed in context with the time between the trauma and the operation. RESULTS: In early surgery within 24 h after trauma the CRP values were significantly lower than in delayed surgery. CONCLUSION: The lower postoperative inflammatory reaction after early surgery of hip fractures provides a better outcome when treated with arthroplasty.

Brachial artery transection caused by closed elbow dislocation in a mature in-line skater: a case report with review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Regarding skating injuries, isolated cases of closed elbow dislocations are reported only for children or teenage patients. Due to the anatomic proximity of neurovascular structures, elbow dislocations run the risk of concomitant injury, but its occurrence remains very rare. METHOD: We describe the case of an advanced mature in-line skater with a complete disruption of the brachial artery caused by a closed elbow dislocation. The patient underwent emergency repair of the arterial injury with an autologous saphenous vein bypass. RESULTS: One year after surgery, the patient recovered without any complaints and has returned to all activities of daily living as well as sporting activities. CONCLUSION: This case should sensitize the readers for concomitant vascular lesions when confronted with elbow dislocations. The mechanism of closed elbow dislocation in relation to skating sports is discussed with the current literature. We hold the view that accurate clinical assessment by orthopedic and vascular surgeons is absolutely necessary and immediate operative approach is the only acceptable treatment.

[Shoulder injuries in overhead athletes: utility of MR arthrography]. / Schulterverletzungen des Uberkopfsportlers: Wertigkeit der MR-Arthrografie.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this work was to assess the accuracy of the MR-Arthrografie in the evaluation of over head athletes injuries in comparison with athroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 29 patients (middle age: 30 years, 21 male, 8 female, age 16 - 53 years) with persistent pain after conservative therapy an Arthro-MRI with intraarticular application of gadolinum was performed prior to arthroscopic surgery. The MRI was retrospectivly analysed of three examiners independently from one another. The result were compared to the results of the Arthroscopy. Interrater Reliability was calculated by using of Cohens Kappa. RESULTS: The MR-Arthrography could demonstrate 8 of 9 (88.9 %) partial tears of he rotator cuff. All SLAP (Superiores Labrum from Anterior to Posterior) Lesions as well as all bankart type Lesions were recognized through the MR-Arthrography. However, dependent upon the experience of the examiner in a span between 33.3 % (fellow radiologist) and 93.3 % (consultant radiologist). We found a high agreement between consultant radiologist and shoulder surgeon with Kappa of 0.79 for rotator cuff tear-, 0.86 for Bankart- and 0.82 for SLAP-Läsionen.