[Injuries under the influence of alcohol]. / Verletzungen unter Alkoholeinfluss.

BACKGROUND: In Germany, an average of 9.5 L of pure alcohol is consumed per capita per year. Alcohol is known to negatively influence psychomotor abilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate injuries that lead to hospital admission with and without prior intake of alcohol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 7-month period, all 1317 patients who were admitted to the hospital because of an injury were evaluated with respect to their blood-alcohol level. Patient data of both groups (139 injuries under alcohol influence and 1178 injuries without alcohol influence) were compared with respect to the mechanism and type of injury, patient demographics, and treatment costs. RESULTS: At the time of presentation, 11 % (n = 139) of all admitted patients had detectable blood-alcohol levels of more than 0.1 g/L with an average blood-alcohol level of 2.21 g/L. Female patients had an average of 1.96 g/L and males an average of 2.28 g/L (N.S.). Almost every fifth male patient (109 out of 570, 19 %) had a detectable blood-alcohol level, compared to only 4 % of all admitted female patients. Among the patients admitted between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., 35 % had detectable blood-alcohol levels and among the 20- to 30-year-old patients, 24 % had detectable blood-alcohol levels. The leading mechanisms of injury among intoxicated patients were falls (50 %, n = 70) and physical violence (18 %, n = 25). The latter was recorded significantly (p = 0.01) less among sober patients (0.17 %, n = 2). The most frequent diagnosis was a mild concussion in both intoxicated (60%, n = 84) and sober (34 %, n = 402) patients (p = 0.04). The time to discharge averaged 4.3 days for intoxicated and 5.6 days for sober patients. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries that occur while under the influence of alcohol that lead to hospital admission are particularly frequent in male patients aged between 20 and 30 years. They do not necessarily lead to more severe injuries.

[Hip endoprosthetics in osteoarthritis after acetabular fractures]. / Hüftendoprothetik bei Arthrose nach Azetabulumfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after acetabular fractures is between 26 and 57%. With total hip arthroplasty (THA), affected patients can achieve a clear functional improvement and pain reduction if specific conditions are heeded. OBJECTIVE: Depending on the degree and localisation of bone defects and deformities, scarring and the presence of remaining osteosynthesis material, different treatment strategies are available. This review gives an overview of current treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of relevant clinical studies, meta-analyses and presentation of our own approach. RESULTS: The best results regarding to implant survival and clinical outcome, comparable with THA in primary osteoarthritis, can be achieved, when cementless acetabular reconstruction with anatomical restoration of the hip's rotational center and sufficient mechanical support is obtained. Pre-operative planing based on a thorough radiographic examination is essential. CONCLUSION: Althoug the postoperative complication rate is elevated after THA for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fractures compared with primary osteoarthritis, the overall functional results and implant survival are comparable.