[Plate-assisted bone segment transport for bone defects of the lower extremities : Possibilities and limitations of treatment]. / "Plate-assisted bone segment transport" bei Knochendefekten an der unteren Extremität : Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Behandlung.

Large bone defects of the lower extremities are challenging for both patients and the treating orthopedic surgeons. The treatment is determined by the size and location of the defect; however, patient-specific factors, such as the soft tissue situation and the presence of systemic comorbidities must be taken into consideration in the treatment strategy. Osteodistraction is an excellent technique especially for large bone defects exceeding 3 cm; however, it is time-consuming and required external fixation prior to the development of motorized distraction nails. This article describes the procedure for the treatment of large bone defects of the lower extremities, with its possibilities and limitations, using the novel plate-assisted bone segment transport (PABST) procedure.

Quality and quantity of serious violent suicide attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: While repeated shutdown and lockdown measures helped contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and self-isolation negatively impacted global mental health in 2020 and 2021. Although suicide rates did reportedly not increase during the first months of the pandemic, long-term data, and data on the quality of serious violent suicide attempts (SVSAs) are not available to date. Materials and methods: Orthopaedic trauma patient visits to the emergency department (ED), ED trauma team activations, and SVSAs were retrospectively evaluated from January 2019 until May 2021 in four Level-I Trauma Centers in Berlin, Germany. SVSAs were assessed for suicide method, injury pattern and severity, type of treatment, and length of hospital stay. Results: Significantly fewer orthopaedic trauma patients presented to EDs during the pandemic (n = 70,271) compared to the control (n = 84,864) period (p = 0.0017). ED trauma team activation numbers remained unchanged. SVSAs (corrected for seasonality) also remained unchanged during control (n = 138) and pandemic (n = 129) periods, and no differences were observed for suicide methods, injury patterns, or length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Our data emphasize that a previously reported rise in psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic does not coincide with increased SVSA rates or changes in quality of SVSAs.

Effectiveness of architectural separation of septic and aseptic operating theatres for improving process quality and patient outcomes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Architectural division of aseptic and septic operating theatres is a distinct structural feature of surgical departments in Germany. Internationally, hygienists and microbiologists mainly recommend functional separation (i.e. aseptic procedures first) without calling for separate operating floors and rooms. However, patients with severe musculoskeletal infections (e.g. joint empyema, spondylodiscitis, deep implant-associated infections) may benefit from the permanent availability of septic operating capacities without delay caused by an ongoing aseptic surgical program. A systematic literature review on the influence of a structural separation of septic and aseptic operating theatres on process and/or outcome quality has not yet been conducted. METHODS: Systematic literature search in PubMed MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, screening of referenced citations, and assessment of grey literature. RESULTS: A total of 572 articles were found through the systematic literature search. No head-to-head studies (neither randomised, quasi-randomised nor observational) were identified which examined the impact of structural separation of septic and aseptic operating theatres on process and/or outcome quality. CONCLUSIONS: This review did not identify evidence in favour nor against architectural separation of septic or aseptic operating theatre. Specifically, there is no evidence of a harmful effect of architectural separation. Unless prospective studies, ideally randomised trials, will be available, it is unjustified to call for abolishing established hospital structures. Future investigations must address patient-centered endpoints, surgical site infections, process quality and hospital economy. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews): CRD42018086568.

Retrospektive Analyse von56 Weichteildefekten nach einzeitiger Rekonstruktion unter Verwendung von Dermisersatzpräparaten.

HINTERGRUND: Der Verschluss von Wunden mit ausgeprägtem Weichteilschaden stellt eine chirurgische Herausforderung dar und erfordert häufig umfangreiche plastische Operationen sowie freie Lappenplastiken. Die Kombination von Dermisersatzpräparaten und Spalthauttransplantationen ist eine innovative Methode die zur Versorgung von komplexen Verletzungen der Extremitäten angewandt werden kann. Wir haben diese Technik in das Standard-Handwerkszeug bei komplexen Verletzungen der Extremitäten aufgenommen. Die klinischen Ergebnisse von 56 behandelten Patienten werden vorgestellt. PATIENTEN UND METHODEN: In 44 Fällen (78,6 %) wurde die beschriebene Methode an Defekten der unteren Extremitäten verwendet, einschließlich sieben Personen (12,5 %), die sich einer Stumpfdeckung nach Amputation unterzogen. Zwölf Defekte (21,4 %) befanden sich an den oberen Extremitäten. In zwei Fällen (3,6 %) wurde die Matriderm(®) -Matrix verwendet, um Nerven von unmittelbar angrenzenden chirurgischen Implantaten zu schützen. ERGEBNISSE: Bei 41 Patienten (73,2 %) kam es zur Einheilung des Transplantats ohne Komplikationen. Fünfzehn Patienten (26,8 %) zeigten eine gestörte Wundheilung nach Defektverschluss, die unter konservativer Therapie zur Ausheilung gebracht werden konnte. Ein Patient (1,8 %) zeigte ein Transplantatversagen, was eine Revisionsoperation erforderlich machte. Umfangreiche plastische Rekonstruktionen mussten bei keinem Patienten angewandt werden. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Bei Fällen, in denen ausgedehnte plastische Operationen nicht möglich oder nicht erwünscht sind, ist die Verwendung von Dermisersatzpräparaten in Kombination mit Spalthauttransplantationen eine vielversprechende Alternative zum Wundverschluss bei ausgedehnten Weichteilschäden.

Retrospective analysis of 56 soft tissue defects treated with one-stage reconstruction using dermal skin substitutes.

BACKGROUND: The closure of wounds associated with soft tissue defects is surgically challenging, frequently requiring extensive plastic surgery and free flaps. The combination of dermal skin substitutes and split-thickness skin grafting is an innovative method used to cover such wounds. We incorporated this technique into the standard therapeutic armamentarium for complex injuries to the extremities. Clinical results of 56 patients thus treated are presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 44 (78.6 %) cases, the method described was used for defects on the lower extremities, including seven (12.5 %) individuals undergoing amputation stump coverage. Twelve (21.4 %) defects were located on the upper extremities. In two (3.6 %) cases, Matriderm(®) matrix was used to protect nerves from adjacent surgical implants. RESULTS: In 41 (73.2 %) patients, the graft healed without any complication. Fifteen (26.8 %) patients displayed impaired wound healing following defect closure and were subsequently managed conservatively. One patient (1.8 %) showed graft failure, leading to revision surgery. None of the patients required extensive plastic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In cases where plastic surgery is unavailable or undesirable, the use of dermal skin substitutes in combination with split-thickness skin grafting represents a promising alternative for covering wounds associated with soft tissue defects.