Comparative study on the treatment of Rockwood type III acute acromioclavicular dislocation: Clinical results from the TightRope® technique vs. K-wire fixation.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to address the inconsistency regarding the operative treatment of Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint separation. We compared results after single- and double TightRope® reduction with results after acromioclavicular transfixation via K-wires only and additional ligament augmentation in acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations graded Rockwood type III, and hypothesized that the TightRope® technique leads to better clinical and radiological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective clinical cohort study and included 42 consecutive patients (mean age 43 years [24-66]) diagnosed and operatively treated between 2004 and 2012 (mean follow-up was 54.6 months [15-118]). Specific shoulder scores as well as scores reflecting the patients' overall mental and physical health status were used. Radiological evaluation was also performed. RESULTS: The SF12 test revealed comparability between all subgroups. Specific shoulder tests and a visual analogue scale demonstrated comparable results. Radiographic measurements showed a significant reduction in the AC distance and CC distance after surgery in all subgroups. The early complication rate was 9.5% for all patients, while late complications occurred in 14.3% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the established methods, the operative TightRope® procedures represent a safe alternative in Rockwood III injuries. All investigated techniques predominantly led to good and excellent clinical results in acute Rockwood type III AC joint instabilities. Avoidance of material removal and shorter hospital stays appear to speak in favour for the TightRope® technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

[Cost-benefit analysis of cranial computed tomography in mild traumatic brain injury--appropriate depiction within the G-DRG system?]. / Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse der Schnittbildgebung beim leichten Schädel-Hirn-Trauma--Wie sachgerecht ist die Abbildung im G-DRG-System?

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with mild head injury is related to a continuous lack of finances. The current investigation summarises radiological costs of patients from a level I trauma centre and discusses the indication for CT scanning within the G-DRG system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes all patients who underwent a CCT scan in 2011. Diagnosis, length of stay and cost data were recorded for every patient. Finally, frequent diagnosis groups were summarised to clusters (Basis-DRG/MDC 21A). RESULTS: A total of 380 patients was treated. Within the largest group (G-DRG B80Z) the costs for a CCT already took up one quarter of the total proceedings. In combination with the high cost for monitoring patients with mild head injuries this causes an ongoing lack of finances. CONCLUSION: In spite of the often necessary CCT investigation in mild head injuries, the earnings do not cover the costs of the patients. To improve the situation clear guidelines for CCT scanning should be provided and the reimbursement in particular in the diagnosis group of the G-DRG B80Z has to be improved.

[Cost analysis of emergency room patients in the German diagnosis-related groups system. A practice relevant depiction subject to clinical parameters]. / Kostenanalyse von Schockraumpatienten im DRG-System. Eine praxisnahe Abbildung in Abhängigkeit klinischer Parameter.

BACKGROUND: Since the implementation of the diagnosis-related system there has been a continuous lack of finances in the treatment of multiple injured patients. The current investigation summarizes consecutive patients from a level I trauma centre and tests the hypothesis that an injury severity score (ISS) based reimbursement would be an improvement in the cost-effectiveness of this patient population. METHODS: The study is based on multiple injured patients admitted to the emergency department in 2009. The ISS, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and cost data were recorded for every patient and two subgroups were formed: group I ISS < 16 and group II ISS ≥ 16. RESULTS: A total of 442 patients with an average age of 40.5 ± 9.1 years (ISS 12) were included. The average amount of coverage during an average length of stay of 13.15 ± 6.3 was -2,752 per patient. Patients in group I (n = 296, ISS 6.3) showed a value of -1,163 with an average length of stay of 8 ± 4.6 days. In group II (n = 146, ISS 23.6) the average amount of coverage was -5,973 during an average hospital stay of 23 ± 8.7 days. CONCLUSION: Improvements have been made with the recent adjustment of the reimbursement within the last year. Nevertheless, several factors identified in this study require additional adjustment: the ISS, the requirement of blood transfusion and the presence of additional chest trauma should be weighted in the calculation of reimbursement.