[Testing of practical surgical teaching at a distance-Experiences with a hybrid OSCE in surgery]. / Prüfung praktisch-chirurgischer Lehre auf Distanz ­ Erfahrungen mit einem Hybrid-OSCE in der Chirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed medical teaching worldwide. Digital teaching and examinations are successful for cognitive learning objectives, whereas practical skills had to be carried out predominantly in person under strict hygiene standards. AIM: This study presents the opportunities and challenges of using a presence objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) at a distance with digital support. METHOD: Following surgical practical teaching an OSCE was conducted in presence, where students demonstrated practical skills in one room while the examiners were connected via videoconference from another room. Students were surveyed about the OSCE and sustained learning via a standardized online questionnaire after completion of the surgical teaching. Additionally, examiners were surveyed on their experiences. RESULTS: In the online survey 40 students participated (25% of n = 157 students contacted) and 36 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, the implementation of an OSCE even under pandemic conditions was perceived as very positive by the students (92% of students n = 33). In particular, the acquisition of practical skills was rated as very high. For 78% (n = 28) of the students, the acquisition of competencies through the practical examination was particularly sustainable. The vast majority of students and examiners felt safe regarding infection control because of the hygiene concept (92%, n = 33). Overall, 80 students achieved grade 1 (51%), 71 students grade 2 (45.2%) and 6 students grade 3 (3.8%) (grade 1 = very good, grade 6 = very bad). CONCLUSION: Practical examinations are essential for checking practical learning objectives and can be implemented at a distance with a well-developed hygiene concept and digital support.

Progress of instability in fragility fractures of the pelvis: An observational study.

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are an increasing entity among elderly persons. Characteristics are different from high-energy pelvic trauma. Little is known about the natural course of FFP in conservative and after operative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical charts and radiologic data of 148 patients with an FFP, who were admitted in a 3-year period, were analysed retrospectively. Incidence and characteristics of fracture progression (FP) were noted. RESULTS: Patients presenting early after a traumatic event had more often non-displaced fractures, fractures with lower FFP Type classification and were more frequently treated conservatively. FP was observed in 21 cases (14.2%), twenty times after conservative and once after operative treatment. FP under conservative treatment occurred in female patients only. Patients with FP were younger than patients without. FP occurred in all fracture types, most frequently in FFP Type I. A second CT scan was positive for FP in 39.2% of patients with prolonged pain or restricted mobility. CONCLUSION: FP is a real phenomenon, occurring in a minority of FFP patients. Female patients are at highest risk. Repeated CT scan is positive in nearly 40% of patients with continuing pain or restricted mobility. Operative treatment is a good preventive measure of FP as FP does only exceptionally occur after operative fixation of FFP.

Reconstruction of complex radial head fractures using fine-threaded K-wires : clinical outcome and remaining instability.

Radial head replacement or ORIF are established treatment options for Mason type-III and type-IV fractures. The aim of this study was to provide results for reconstruction of these complex fractures using fine-threaded K-wires. We present results after reconstruction of 15 Mason type-III and 8 Mason type-IV fractures. Parameters used to describe the functional outcome were pain level, range of motion, and clinical scores. To estimate the elbow stability we performed ultrasound examinations under valgus/varus stress. All radial heads could be reconstructed. The average resting pain level was 0.9 of 10. The average ROM for extension/flexion was 134°, average forearm rotation was 159°. For the whole patient collective the mean MEPS was 86.5 points and the mean QuickDASH was 16.8 points with no significant difference for both groups. We can recommend ORIF with fine-threaded K-wires for Mason type-III and type-IV fractures of the radial head. Ligamentous injuries can be addressed successfully with external fixation.

[Reduction techniques in intramedullary nailing osteosynthesis]. / Repositionstechniken in der Marknagelosteosynthese.

Intramedullary nailing was originally conceived for the stabilization of shaft fractures of long bones. Due to new nail designs and multiple interlocking possibilities, the spectrum of nailing has significantly increased. Nailing of fractures beyond the isthmus is technically challenging because fractures need to be reduced before the nailing procedure starts. Indirect techniques of reduction include the use of an extension table, a large distractor or an external fixator. Direct reduction with pointed reduction forceps, lag screws, a cerclage wire or a short plate can optimize indirect reduction. The choice of the correct entry portal is of utmost importance for an optimal operative result. The location of the entry portal is dependent on the local anatomy and the bend of the nail. The optimal entry portal at the proximal tibia is directly behind the patellar tendon and accessible with the knee in more than 90° of flexion, alternatively through a suprapatellar approach with a slightly flexed knee joint. Insertion of the nail through the suprapatellar approach is possible without stress on the reduced fracture fragments. Blocking screws create an artificial isthmus in the metaphyseal area and force the guide wire in the desired direction. Blocking screws help to avoid axial malalignment during nail insertion. Interlocking of the nail with screws coming from different directions prevents secondary dislocation.

Fragility fractures of the pelvis: should they be fixed?

Due to the aging population, there is an increasing number of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). They are the result of low energy trauma. The bone breaks but the ligaments remain intact. Immobilizing pain at the pubic region or at the sacrum is the main symptom. Conventional radiographs reveal pubic rami fractures, but lesions of the dorsal pelvis are hardly visible and easily overlooked. CT of the pelvis with multiplanar reconstructions show the real extension of the lesion. Most patients have a history of osteoporosis or other fragility fractures. The new classification distinguishes between four categories of different and increasing instability. FFP Type I are anterior lesions only, FFP Type II are non-displaced posterior lesions, FFP Type III are displaced unilateral posterior lesions and FFP Type IV are displaced bilateral posterior lesions. Subgroups discriminate between the localization of the dorsal instability. FFP Type I lesions are treated non-operatively. FFP Type II lesions are fixed in a percutaneous procedure when a trial of conservative treatment was not successful. FFP Type III lesions are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). FFP Type IV lesions are treated with bilateral ORIF or with a bridging osteosynthesis. Iliosacral screw osteosynthesis is widely used, but has an elevated risk of screw loosening due to diminished bine mineral density. Transsacral bar osteosynthesis enable interfragmentary compression and does not have this danger of loosening. Bridging plate osteosynthesis is used as an additional fixation to iliosacral screw osteosynthesis. Lumbopelvic fixation is restricted to highly unstable lumbopelvic dissociations. More studies are needed to find the optimal treatment for each type of instability. Key words: pelvis, fragility fracture, diagnosis, classification, treatment.

Haemorrhage in fragility fractures of the pelvis.

INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are one of the most visible and debilitating consequences of osteoporosis. In contrast to pelvic ring fractures of the young, fragility fractures are caused by falls from a standing height or even by repetitive physiological loads. Even though haemorrhage is rarely found in fragility fractures of the pelvis, one must be aware of the potential risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a computer literature search, we identified eight papers about patients with haemorrhage and/or haemodynamic instability as a complication of a low-velocity pelvic ring fracture, all of which were case reports. CONCLUSION: In our review, an overview of the case reports is provided, risk factors identified and a recommendation for the treatment and clinical observation given.

The role of intramedullary nailing in treatment of open fractures.

The management of open fractures remains one of the greatest challenges to orthopedic trauma surgeons. Damage to the soft tissue envelope together with periosteal stripping are the most important factors making open fractures prone to complications such as nonunion and infection. Urgent and thorough soft tissue debridement, proper surgical fracture stabilization as well as the administration of intravenous and local antibiotics as adjunctive therapy are mandatory to reduce the risk of infection. Intramedullary nail osteosynthesis has become an accepted treatment method of open long bone fractures. Especially at sites of sparse soft tissue coverage like the proximal and distal tibia, early intramedullary stabilization proved advantageous for its superior biomechanical stability, the chance of early soft tissue reconstruction, shorter healing times, and quicker rehabilitation. However, due to a potential risk of deep infection, especially when a reamed technique is applied, nailing of open fractures remains contentious. In this review, we focus on the current evidence of nail osteosynthesis in open fractures and delineate its value with respect to other possible treatment options.

[Fractures of the elbow joint]. / Frakturen des Ellenbogengelenkes.

Fractures around the elbow joint comprise fractures of the distal humerus, the radial head, the olecranon and the coronoid process. Combined lesions are particularly demanding for the surgeon. Accurate knowledge of the anatomy and of the biomechanics is an essential requirement for a specific diagnosis and therapy. A stable and painless movable elbow joint is essential for most of the activities of daily living. Risk factors for the development of posttraumatic elbow joint arthrosis are non-anatomically reconstructed joint surfaces, axial malalignment of the joint axis and untreated concomitant injuries. Modern angular stable and anatomically preshaped implants facilitate a biomechanically adequate osteosynthesis and avoid or decrease functional impairment. In consideration of an increasing number of osteoporotic elbow joint fractures, endoprosthetic replacement has gained significance.

Distal humerus fractures in the elderly: osteosynthesis or endoprosthesis? Review of the literature.

Fractures of the distal humerus in adults are rare but challenging for the orthopaedic trauma surgeon. The bimodal distribution reflects the trauma mechanism. While distal humerus fractures are caused by high-energy traumata in young male adults, a fall from a standing height is the most common reason for humerus fractures among elderly females. As a rule, fractures of the distal humerus are treated surgically. In young patients, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with anatomic locking plates are the gold standard. In elderly patients, reconstruction is not always possible, and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) becomes necessary. The present article provides an overview of the current diagnostic and treatment recommendations. The current literature is reviewed and the results discussed.

Biomechanical comparison of an interspinous device and a rigid stabilization on lumbar adjacent segment range of motion.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Decompression surgery with or without fusion is the gold standard treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, but adjacent segment degeneration has been reported as a long-term complication after fusion. This led to the development of dynamic implants like the interspinous devices. They are supposed to limit extension and expand the spinal canal at the symptomatic level, but with reduced effect on the range of motion of the adjacent segments. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the biomechanical effects on the range of motion (ROM) of adjacent lumbar segments after decompression and instrumentation with an interspinous device compared to a rigid posterior stabilization device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight fresh frozen human cadaver lumbar spines (L2-L5) were tested in a spinal testing device with a moment of 7.5 Nm in flexion/extension, lateral bending and rotation with and without a preload. The preload was applied as a follower load of 400N along the curvature of the spine. The range of motion (ROM) of the adjacent segments L2/L3 and L4/L5 was measured with the intact segment L3/L4, after decompression, consisting of resection of the interspinous ligament, flavectomy and bilateral medial facetecomy, and insertion of the Coflex® (Paradigm Spine, Wurmlingen) and after instrumentation with Click X® (Synthes, Umkirch) as well. RESULTS: The interspinous and the rigid device caused a significant increase of ROM at both adjacent segments during all directions of motion and under follower load, without significant difference between these devices. The ROM of L2/L3 tends to increase more than the ROM of L4/L5 after instrumentation without statistical significance. DISCUSSION: The "dynamic" Coflex device caused a significant increase of ROM at both adjacent lumbar segments comparable to the increase of ROM after instrumentation with the rigid Click X device. Other in vitro studies observed comparable biomechanical effects on the adjacent segments after fusion, but biomechanical spacer studies concentrated on the "noncompressible" X-Stop® and could not demonstrate a significant adjacent segment effect of this device. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis, that an interspinous device would reduce the stress on adjacent segments compared to a rigid posterior stabilization device, could not be demonstrated with this biomechanical in vitro study. Therefore, the protection of adjacent segments after instrumentation with dynamic devices is still not completely achieved.

[Fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly. Pros and cons of endoprosthetic replacement]. / Distale Humerusfraktur beim älteren Menschen. Pro und Contra endoprothetischer Ersatz.

The intraarticular fracture of the distal humerus in an elderly patient remains a challenge for trauma surgeons. In case of severe co-morbidities and/or osteoporosis stable fixation with screws and plates is difficult and in some cases can be impossible. Even if osteosynthesis is feasible the clinical outcome is still incalculable due to delayed or non-union of the fracture fragments. Endoprosthetic replacement of the elbow joint for comminuted distal humerus fractures has been used for almost 20 years. The clinical results are predominantly excellent or good and better predictable than those of osteosynthesis. There still is no guideline when a prosthesis for the elbow joint should be used. We reviewed the literature and outline the current recommendations for diagnostics and surgical therapy for distal humerus fractures in the elderly.

Volar and dorsal mid-shaft forearm plating using DCP and LC-DCP: interference with the interosseous membrane and forearm-kinematics.

PURPOSE: To clarify if dorsal plate osteosynthesis of the forearm shaft is associated with impingement of the interosseous membrane (IOM) and if rotational kinematics of the forearm are influenced. BACKGROUND: Forearm fractures are treated by separate incisions. Osteosynthesis via one approach in proximal forearm fractures was associated with higher rates of synostosis. It has been claimed that this is due to IOM impingement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 forearms of fresh frozen cadavers were dissected until only radius, ulna and the IOM remained. To preserve physiological forearm rotation, the elbow joint, the distal radio-ulnar joint and the carpus remained intact. In group 1, LC-DC and DC plates were placed on the flexor aspect of the respective bone. In group 2, the plates were placed ulnodorsal and radiodorsal. The distance between the plates and their effect on the IOM were investigated in a newly designed forearm simulator and measured in 30 degrees, 60 degrees and 90 degrees of pronation and supination respectively. RESULTS: The IOM was affected in neither group. There was no interference of the kinematics in group 1. In group 2, plate contact appeared in one pair in both types of plate. The plates were significantly closer in all positions in group 2. There was no difference between the various plates in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Dorsal plate osteosynthesis of the forearm shaft is not associated with an impingement of the IOM. Malpositioning of the plates is more likely to be of more effect in dorsal plate positioning and leads to interference with the kinematics.

[The small-fragment double plate osteosynthesis in C1 to C3 fractures of the tibial pilon]. / Die Kleinfragment-Doppelplattenosteosynthese bei C1- bis C3-Frakturen des Pilon tibiale.

Intra-articular fractures of the tibial pilon always have been a challenge for the surgeon and his operative technique. With conservative or operative management, we have to take care of destroyed articular surfaces and traumatised soft tissues. Therefore, tibial pilon fractures are known in the literature as complicated lesions with a high rate of complications. Between 1993 and 2001 twenty-one patients who were between 18 and 65 years old and suffered a monotrauma of the tibial pilon of the type C1 to C3 of the AO classification, were treated with a staged reconstruction. Stabilisation was done by small-fragment double plate osteosynthesis. In this retrospective study, we could review 17 patients clinically and radiologically and assess their outcome with the ankle hindfoot and the Bargon scores. In accordance with the ankle hindfoot score, there were 11 excellent and good results, 5 moderate and one poor. In accordance with the Bargon score, 41 % of the patients had a severe arthrosis, 24 % a moderate and 35 % a light to no arthrosis. Our results show that the small-fragment double plate osteosynthesis offers a high stability, allows careful soft tissue handling and can be done with a low ratio of complications. Long-term results are gratifying, although the radiological examinations often show a certain degree of arthrosis of the ankle joint.

Intra-articular volume assessment in glenohumeral instability.

It is commonly claimed that instability of the shoulder is associated with an enlarged joint volume. The purpose of our study was to assess the intra-articular volume in acute and chronic glenohumeral dislocation. Sixty-seven patients were examined by intra-articular infusion of saline solution. Three groups could be formed. Group 1 (n = 51) consisted of patients with first time traumatic dislocation, group 2 (n = 8) of cases with recurrent post-traumatic dislocation. The patients of group 3 (n = 8) suffered from impingement syndrome and served as the control group. The joint volume was correlated to the body surface area (BSA). We found a strong correlation between height, sex and intra-articular joint volume. There was no statistically significant difference in joint volume correlated to BSA between the three groups. There is no statistically significant difference in joint volume correlated to BSA in patients with traumatic anterior instability, chronic instability and individuals without glenohumeral instability.

[Surgical treatment of type I capitellar-humeral fractures using the Henry ventral approach approach. Short- and medium-term results]. / Operative Versorgung von Capitulum-humeri-Typ-I-Frakturen über den ventralen Zugang nach Henry Kurz- und mittelfristige Ergebnisse.

Capitellar fractures are rare. Despite adequate surgical treatment, patients suffer frequently from limited range of motion, osteonecrosis, and neurological deficits. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate short- and medium-term surgical results in seven patients who had type I capitellar fractures according to Bryan and Morrey. All patients were treated via an anterior approach, according to Henry, and open reduction and internal fixation with two screws. Seven patients were examined clinically, neurologically, and radiologically after 10-65 months. The fracture healed in all patients. None of the patients had a neurological deficit. According to the Morrey Score, five of seven patients had an excellent or good functional result. Open reduction and internal fixation with two screws via the Henry approach is a suitable option for surgical treatment for type I capitellar fractures.

[Current concepts in treatment of rotator cuff tears]. / Stand in der Versorgung der Rotatorenmanschettenruptur.

The expectation of a functional shoulder joint, even in advanced age, the growing experience and success in shoulder surgery have brought the operative treatment another step further. The goal of any advanced knowledge should be a proper treatment of the patients and the pathology. Complex rotator cuff tears can be repaired by means of muscle transfer and partial reconstruction. In cases of irreparable rotator cuff tear arthropathy prosthetic replacement of the gleno-humeral joint can be performed. In this article a review on the different techniques and indications for rotator cuff repair is given.