A Regional health care network: eHealth.Braunschweig. Domain fields and architectural challenges.

BACKGROUND: Health care network eHealth.Braunschweig has been started in the South-East region of Lower Saxony in Germany in 2009. It composes major health care players, participants from research institutions and important local industry partners. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper is firstly to describe the relevant regional characteristics and distinctions of the eHealth.Braunschweig health care network and to inform about the goals and structure of eHealth.Braunschweig; secondly to picture and discuss the main concepts and domain fields which are addressed in the health care network; and finally to discuss the architectural challenges of eHealth.Braunschweig regarding the addressed domain fields and defined requirements. METHODS: Based on respective literature and former conducted projects we discuss the project structure and goals of eHealth.Braunschweig, depict major domain fields and requirements gained in workshops with participants and discuss the architectural challenges as well as the architectural approach of eHealth.Braunschweig network. RESULTS: The regional healthcare network eHealth.Braunschweig has been established in April 2009. Since then the network has grown constantly and a sufficient progress in network activities has been achieved. The main domain fields have been specified in different workshops with network participants and an architectural realization approach for the transinstitutional information system architecture in the healthcare network has been developed. However, the effects on quality of information processing and quality of patient care have not been proved yet. Systematic evaluation studies have to be done in future in order to investigate the impact of information and communication technology on the quality of information processing and the quality of patient care. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the aspects described in this paper are expected to contribute to a systematic approach for the establishment of regional health care networks with lasting and sustainable effects on patient-centered health care in a regional context.

[Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. Indications, techniques, complications and results]. / Kyphoplastie und Vertebroplastie. Indikationen, Techniken, Komplikationen und Ergebnisse.

The indications, technical principals, and results after vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are presented in detail. We focus on the complications of both procedures. The benefit of vertebroplasty has been fundamentally questioned by two papers which have recently been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Our paper discusses the present knowledge and policy about indication. The contradictory results from different studies are presented. In general, there is a lack of randomized clinical trials. Therefore, a final judgement of these two techniques is not possible. New procedures like stent-kyphoplasty or lordoplasty are briefly described. However, at present an assessment of these new techniques is impossible. A similar situation is give for the application of resorbable bone cements.

[Fractures of the acetabulum. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies]. / Azetabulumfraktur : Diagnostik und Versorgungsstrategien.

Fractures of the acetabulum are a challenge in terms of orientation and the surgical skills of the orthopedic trauma surgeon. Due to the surrounding soft tissues and because of the indirect reduction control, operative treatment of acetabular fractures can be very demanding. This review includes the anatomical and clinical features, the radiological diagnostic approach, the classification systems, and, in particular, the surgical approaches and treatment principles. The work houses for surgical approaches are the ilioinguinal and the posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) approach. In view of the high complication rate, the extended approaches are of less relevance. The therapeutic relevance of recent developments including navigation is discussed.

[Fractures of the lateral clavicle]. / Die Fraktur der lateralen Klavikula.

Fractures of the lateral clavicle end account for 12-15 percent of all clavicle fractures. In contrast to the clear treatment of midshaft fractures the therapy of the distal third is still open to controversy. The high non-union rate up to 40 percent that occurs with the lateral end fractures shows the special biomechanical mechanisms. The role of the coracoclavicular ligaments is comparable to the acromioclavicular joint disruption. To make a clear decision about the therapy we need a treatment based classification such as the one by Jäger and Breitner, which distinguishes four different fracture types. The treatment options reach from conservative therapy up to numerous different operative techniques. The aim of this article is to demonstrate a simple and save way for the diagnosis and therapy of that special kind of fracture.

[Trauma and degeneration of the acromioclavicular joint]. / Verletzungen und Erkrankungen des Akromioklavikulargelenkes.

Osteoarthritis or instability of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint may cause significant impairment or pain in the shoulder. If symptoms of osteoarthritis persist despite conservative treatment, distal clavicular resection is usually curative. Injuries and instability are classified according to Rockwood. Treatment of mild instability due to trauma is nonoperative. An underestimated acute injury to the AC joint may result in chronic instability. Different techniques are presented for operative treatment of significant acute or chronic instability. Arthroscopic methods are now available for treating both acute and chronic instability.

[Distal tibial fractures]. / Distale Tibiafrakturen.

Distal tibial fractures can be divided by mechanism into injuries caused by torsion trauma or by compression trauma. The latter ones are often associated with a complete destruction of the tibial joint surface, so-called tibial plafond fractures. Another group of fractures are the distal metaphyseal fractures of the tibia with only minimal involvement of the ankle as a result of low energy torsion trauma. Multiple factors can be held responsible for posttraumatic complications and poor outcome: malalignment, nonanatomic reduction of the joint surface or bone defects, and severe soft tissue injury. Therefore a sophisticated therapeutic regime of distal tibial fractures is necessary, which we present in detail in this article. In cases with only minor soft tissue injury a primary definitive open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of the tibial fracture is possible. Fractures with severe soft tissue injury should be initially fixed with an external fixator. Definitive fixation and reconstruction should here be performed in subsequent operations. Early functional therapy can be attempted if fractures are reliably stabilized.

[Treatment strategies for gunshot wounds of the extremities]. / Versorgungsstrategien bei Schussverletzungen der Extremität.

The incidence of gunshot wounds is increasing also in Europe and surgeons in urban trauma centers are more frequently confronted with this type of injury. Since there is no established treatment algorithm for gunshot injuries to the extremities, the surgeon should rely on established soft tissue injury and fracture protocols. Gunshot fractures with minor soft tissue destruction should be treated as closed fractures. The treatment of choice for unstable fractures is early internal stabilization, whereas stable fractures may be treated by functional bracing. The administration of an antibiotic prophylaxis for fractures with minor soft tissue injury is controversial. Gunshot fractures with major soft tissue injury should be treated as open fractures. Debridement of nonviable tissue and external fixation are recommended. Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics are mandatory and prophylactic fasciotomy is often required. Upon definitive internal stabilization, bone grafting should be considered since gunshot fractures are usually associated with a high degree of comminution. Articular gunshot injuries are treated as open joint injuries and require irrigation, debridement, foreign body removal and antibiotic prophylaxis.

[Periprosthetic fractures: classification, management, therapy]. / Die periprothetische Fraktur. Klassifikation, Management, Therapie.

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures is increasing because of the increasing age and the rising number of joint replacements. Elderly patients are endangered because of a higher rate of co-morbidity such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases. The treatment of periprosthetic fractures depends on these preconditions and has to solve the problem after an exact analysis of the fracture. An understanding of the biomechanical principles and risk factors is necessary for an effective treatment. Intraoperative and postoperative periprosthetic fractures will be discussed with emphasis on classification and treatment. The aim has to be an early functional postoperative treatment with partial/full weight bearing in order to avoid postoperative complications. In discussing the scope of periprosthetic fractures, the site, incidence, treatment and outcome of periprosthetic fractures of the hip and knee will be outlined.

[Injury to the pelvic ring. Diagnosis and current possibilities for treatment]. / Beckenringverletzung. Diagnostik und aktuelle Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.

Pelvic fracture, especially in combination with multiple trauma, can still lead to ife-threatening situations. Only clear inclusion criteria and decisions can ensure survival of the patient, the key task being mechanical stabilization using external fixators or pelvic clamps with or without surgical intervention for hemostasis. The basis for problem-orientated management is a precise classification, which is based on conventional X-rays in emergency situations and detailed analysis of computed tomography for the planning of definitive surgical interventions. The classification groups postulated are stable pelvic fractures (type A), rotational unstable pelvic fractures (type B -- partial stability of the posterior ring present), and translational instabilities (type C -- with a complete disruption of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring). This classification leads to clear indications for pelvic ring stabilization as surgical interventions are only exceptionally indicated in type A fractures, stabilization of the anterior ring is sufficient for type B fractures, and combined posterior and anterior stabilization is necessary for treatment of type C fractures. Following these concepts and by using standardized procedures and implants, the high rate of enclosed anatomical healing can be achieved even after type C injuries. Nevertheless, the role of concomitant soft tissue injuries and scar formation is not clear as the origin of the frequently observed long-term clinical impairments even after anatomical reconstruction of the osteoligamentous structures.

[Pelvic fracture. Diagnostics and current treatment options]. / Beckenringverletzung. Diagnostik und aktuelle Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.

Pelvic fracture, especially in combination with multiple trauma, can still lead to life-threatening situations. Only clear inclusion criteria and decisions can ensure the survival of the patient, the key task being mechanical stabilization using external fixators or pelvic clamps with or without surgical intervention for hemostasis. The basis for problem-oriented management is a precise classification, which is based on conventional X-rays in emergency situations and detailed analysis of computed tomography for the planning of definitive surgical interventions. The classification groups postulated are stable pelvic fractures (type A), rotational unstable pelvic fractures (type B--partial stability of the posterior pelvic ring present), and translational instabilities (type C--with a complete disruption of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring). This classification leads to clear indications for pelvic ring stabilization as surgical interventions are only exceptionally indicated in type A fractures, stabilization of the anterior ring is sufficient for type B fractures, and combined posterior and anterior stabilization is necessary for treatment of type C fractures. Following these concepts and by using standardized procedures and implants, the high rate of enclosed anatomical healing can be achieved even after type C injuries. Nevertheless, the role of concomitant soft tissue injuries and scar formation is not clear as the origin of the frequently observed long-term clinical impairments even after anatomical reconstruction of the osteoligamentous structures.

[Results after palmar plate-osteosynthesis with angularly stable T-plate in 100 distal radius fractures: a prospective study]. / Ergebnisse nach palmarer Plattenosteosynthese mit der winkelstabilen T-Platte bei 100 distalen Radiusfrakturen. Eine prospektive Studie.

In a prospective study a total of 124 unstable fractures of the distal radius were treated with a fixed angle palmar T-plate (Synthes Ltd., Switzerland). A total of 100 distal radius fractures were evaluated radiologically and clinically after a mean of 10 months after surgery. Loss of correction between postoperative and follow-up radiographs was assessed. The mean loss of the initial volar tilt was 3+/-4 degrees, the loss of radial inclination 0.4+/-2 degrees. The radial shortening was 1+/-1 mm. Flexion and extension of the injured wrist had recovered to an average of 81% of the normal, contralateral side. Radial and ulnar deviation were limited to 84%, pronation and supination reached 91%. Mass grip strength recovered to an average of 74% of the normal side. Using the functional outcome score according to Sarmiento,we obtained 15% excellent,56% good, 28% fair and 1% poor results. The complication rate was 10%. In conclusion, the operative treatment of unstable extra- and intraarticular fractures of the distal radius by fixed angle T-plateosteosynthesis shows good radiological and functional results.

[Proximal and distal ruptures of the biceps brachii tendon]. / Proximale und distale Bizepssehnenruptur]

Proximal ruptures. Ruptures of the long head of the M. biceps humeri are commonly caused by degenerative changes within the tendon. Non-operative treatment gives good results, the loss of power regarding elbow flexion and supination amounts to only 8-21%. Refixation may be indicated for cosmetic reasons and offers a small but evident improvement of flexion and supination power. Deformity of the slipped muscle can be corrected effectively. Residual complaints after conservative treatment often result from associated subacromial problems. Distal ruptures. Ruptures of the distal tendon should be treated operatively. The loss of power after conservative treatment is evident (30-40% for flexion, >50% for supination). Extra-anatomical tenodesis to the brachialis muscle or anatomical fixation to the radial tuberosity can be applied. Flexion power and cosmesis can be addressed by both techniques. If supination strength is to be restored, the tendon has to be fixed anatomically. Preparation of the tuberosity bears the risk of heterotopic ossification or nerve damage. Mini-open techniques, using only a limited anterior approach, may decrease risks.

[Technique of distal biceps tendon repair using a limited anterior approach]. / Technik der gedeckten Refixierung der distalen Bizepssehne.

From May 1999 to November 2001 an anatomical attachment of a ruptured distal biceps tendon to the radial tuberosity was performed through a limited anterior approach in 8 male patients with an age of 37 to 47 years. Through a small incision in the cubital fossa (3-4 cm) the remaining synovial sheet of the biceps tendon was followed to insert absorbable anchor hooks into the radial tuberosity. The distal biceps tendon then was anatomically reattached. Instruments for arthroscopic Bankart-repair were used. There were no specific complications like neurovascular damage or significant functional impairment. The contour of the biceps muscle was restored in all cases. 3 out of 7 patients developed mild heterotopic ossifications without functional deficits. In our experience the presented technique is a possible minimal invasive procedure of distal biceps tendon repair without major complications and with good functional results.

[Pronation and supination of the forearm. With special reference to the humero-ulnar articulation]. / Die Pro- und Supination des Unterarms. Unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Articulatio humeroulnaris.

The development of a kinematic model of the pro- and supination, that can be used to predict the influence of angulations of ulna and radius on the pronation and supination is based on the precise knowledge of the pronation and supination movement. We performed two parallel studies for examining the pronation and supination motion of the human forearm. The first experiment dealt with MRI-studies on 18 probands (36 examined forearms). As a result we observed an evasive movement of the ulna during the rotation of 7, 14 degrees medial. In order to prove whether the evasive movement was caused by a rotation of the humerus or by an evasion in the articulatio humeroulnaris, we carried out a second experiment, using 30 preparations. The measurement of the pro- and supination motion with a fixed humerus was expedited using a special experimental setup which guaranteed that the ulna could move freely. In all cases we found the same magnitude of the evasive motion of the ulna. Therefore we demonstrated, that the ulna performs an evasive motion during the pro- and supination motion of the forearm that influences the kinematic behavior of the pro- and supination motion significantly.