Identifying patients with bacterial infections using a combination of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, TRAIL, and IP-10 in the emergency department: a prospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to effectively reduce the unnecessary use of broad spectrum antibiotics in the emergency department (ED), patients with bacterial infections need to be identified accurately. We investigated the diagnostic value of a combination of biomarkers for bacterial infections, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT), together with biomarkers for viral infections, tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and interferon-gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10), in identifying suspected and confirmed bacterial infections in a general ED population with fever. METHODS: This is a sub-study in the HiTEMP cohort. Patients with fever were included during ED triage, and blood samples were obtained. Using both diagnostics and expert panel analysis, all patients were classified as having either suspected or confirmed bacterial infections, or non-bacterial disease. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, three biomarker models were analysed: model 1, CRP, TRAIL, IP-10; model 2, PCT, TRAIL, IP-10; and model 3, CRP, PCT, TRAIL, IP-10. RESULTS: A total of 315 patients were included, of whom 228 patients had a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. The areas under the curve for the combined models were the following: model 1, 0.730 (95% CI 0.665-0.795); model 2, 0.748 (95% CI 0.685-0.811); and model 3, 0.767(95% CI 0.704-0.829). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that a combination of CRP, PCT, TRAIL and IP-10 can identify bacterial infections with higher accuracy than single biomarkers and combinations of a single bacterial biomarkers combined with TRAIL and IP-10.

Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy in patients with fever in a general emergency department population: a multicentre non-inferiority randomized clinical trial (HiTEMP study).

OBJECTIVES: Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics in emergency departments (EDs) results in antibiotic resistance. We determined whether procalcitonin (PCT) -guided therapy can be used to reduce antibiotic regimens in EDs by investigating efficacy, safety and accuracy. METHODS: This was a non-inferiority multicentre randomized clinical trial, performed in two Dutch hospitals. Adult patients with fever ≥38.2°C (100.8°F) in triage were randomized between standard diagnostic workup (control group) and PCT-guided therapy, defined as standard workup with the addition of one single PCT measurement. The treatment algorithm encouraged withholding antibiotic regimens with PCT <0.5 µg/L, and starting antibiotic regimens at PCT ≥0.5 µg/L. Exclusion criteria were immunocompromised conditions, pregnancy, moribund patients, patients <72 h after surgery or requiring primary surgical intervention. Primary outcomes were efficacy, defined as number of prescribed antibiotic regimens; safety, defined as combined safety end point consisting of 30 days mortality, intensive-care unit admission, ED return visit within 2 weeks; accuracy, defined as sensitivity, specificity and area-under-the-curve (AUC) of PCT for bacterial infections. Non-inferiority margin for safety outcome was 7.5%. RESULTS: Between August 2014 and January 2017, 551 individuals were included. In the PCT-guided group (n = 275) 200 (73%) patients were prescribed antibiotic regimens, in the control group (n = 276) 212 (77%) patients were prescribed antibiotics (p 0.28). There was no significant difference in combined safety end point between the PCT-guided group, 29 (11%), and control group, 46 (16%) (p 0.16), with a non-inferiority margin of 0.46% (n = 526). AUC for confirmed bacterial infections for PCT was 0.681 (95% CI 0.633-0.730), and for CRP was 0.619 (95% CI 0.569-0.669). CONCLUSIONS: PCT-guided therapy was non-inferior in terms of safety, but did not reduce prescription of antibiotic regimens in an ED population with fever. In this heterogeneous population, the accuracy of PCT in diagnosing bacterial infections was poor. TRIAL REGISTRATION IN NETHERLANDS TRIAL REGISTER: http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4949.

[National developments in Emergency Departments in the Netherlands: numbers and origins of patients in the period from 2012 to 2015]. / Landelijke ontwikkelingen in de Nederlandse SEH's.

OBJECTIVE: Gaining insight into key figures of emergency departments (EDs) in the Netherlands and developments in these figures. DESIGN: Longitudinal survey study. METHOD: Over the period from 2012 up to and including 2015, the following key data were surveyed: number of EDs, number of ED patients, ED patients' origin, number of hospital admissions from the ED and form of cooperation between ED and a general practitioner centre (GPC). RESULTS: An average of 96% of all EDs responded. The number of EDs decreased from 93 to 87. The percentage of EDs that maintained a form of cooperation with a GPC in the hospital rose from 49% to 79%. The total number of patients seen annually in an ED in the Netherlands decreased by 128,000 to 1.951 million. The proportion of patients presenting in the ED via ambulance, mobile medical team or 112 (emergency number) increased by 2.6% to 16.0%. The proportion of patients referred from their own GP or GPCs increased by 7.8% to an average of 50.3%. The proportion of self-referrals decreased by 12.6% to 17.4%. The proportion of patients who came up to the ED through a different route remained constant at around 14%. The nationwide variation in the origin of patients remained high. The average percentage of hospital admissions from the ED increased by 5.6% to 37.2%. CONCLUSION: The number of EDs is decreasing and the cooperation between EDs and GPCs has intensified. The number of patients seen in the ED has decreased. The percentage of self-referrals has decreased and the number of hospital admissions from the ED has increased significantly. For a successful and consistent policy, more substantive data on the nature and extent of emergency care in the ED are needed. This requires a national registry.

Total medical costs of treating femoral neck fracture patients with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty: a cost analysis of a multicenter prospective study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to determine the total medical costs for treating displaced femoral neck fractures with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty in fit elderly patients. The mean total costs per patient at 2 years of follow-up were €26,399. These results contribute to cost awareness. INTRODUCTION: The absolute number of hip fractures is rising and increases the already significant burden on society. The aim of this study was to determine the mean total medical costs per patient for treating displaced femoral neck fractures with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty in fit elderly patients. METHODS: The population was the Dutch sample of an international randomized controlled trial consisting of femoral neck fracture patients treated with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty. Patient data and health care utilization were prospectively collected during a total follow-up period of 2 years. Costs were separated into costs for hospital care during primary stay, hospital costs for clinical follow-up, and costs generated outside the hospital during rehabilitation. Multiple imputations were used to account for missing data. RESULTS: Data of 141 participants (mean age 81 years) were included in the analysis. The 2-year mortality rate was 19 %. The mean total cost per patient after 10 weeks of follow-up was €15,216. After 1 and 2 years of follow-up the mean total costs were €23,869 and €26,399, respectively. Rehabilitation was the main cost determinant, and accounted for 46 % of total costs. Primary hospital admission days accounted for 22 % of the total costs, index surgery for 11 %, and physical therapy for 7 %. CONCLUSIONS: The main cost determinants for hemi- or total hip arthroplasty after treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures (€26,399 per patient until 2 years) were rehabilitation and nursing homes. Most of the costs were made in the first year. Reducing costs after hip fracture surgery should focus on improving the duration and efficiency of the rehabilitation phase.

Full regeneration of segmental bone defects using porous titanium implants loaded with BMP-2 containing fibrin gels.

Regeneration of load-bearing segmental bone defects is a major challenge in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. The ideal bone graft substitute is a biomaterial that provides immediate mechanical stability, while stimulating bone regeneration to completely bridge defects over a short period. Therefore, selective laser melted porous titanium, designed and fine-tuned to tolerate full load-bearing, was filled with a physiologically concentrated fibrin gel loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). This biomaterial was used to graft critical-sized segmental femoral bone defects in rats. As a control, porous titanium implants were either left empty or filled with a fibrin gels without BMP-2. We evaluated bone regeneration, bone quality and mechanical strength of grafted femora using in vivo and ex vivo µCT scanning, histology, and torsion testing. This biomaterial completely regenerated and bridged the critical-sized bone defects within eight weeks. After twelve weeks, femora were anatomically re-shaped and revealed open medullary cavities. More importantly, new bone was formed throughout the entire porous titanium implants and grafted femora regained more than their innate mechanical stability: torsional strength exceeded twice their original strength. In conclusion, combining porous titanium implants with a physiologically concentrated fibrin gels loaded with BMP-2 improved bone regeneration in load-bearing segmental defects. This material combination now awaits its evaluation in larger animal models to show its suitability for grafting load-bearing defects in trauma and orthopaedic surgery.

The societal costs of femoral neck fracture patients treated with internal fixation.

SUMMARY: The study rationale was to provide a detailed overview of the costs for femoral neck fracture treatment with internal fixation in the Netherlands. Mean total costs per patient at 2-years follow-up were 19,425. Costs were higher for older, less healthy patients. Results are comparable to internationally published costs. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to provide a detailed overview of the cost and healthcare consumption of patients treated for a hip fracture with internal fixation. A secondary aim was to compare costs of patients who underwent a revision surgery with patients who did not. METHODS: The study was performed alongside the Dutch sample of an international randomized controlled trial, concerning femoral neck fracture patients treated with internal fixation. Patient characteristics and healthcare consumption were collected. Total follow-up was 2 years. A societal perspective was adopted. Costs included hospital costs during primary stay and follow-up, and costs related to rehabilitation and changes in living situation. Costs were compared between non-revision surgery patients, implant removal patients, and revision arthroplasty patients. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients were included (mean age 71 years). Mean total costs per patient at 2-years follow-up were 19,425. In the non-revision surgery patients total costs were 17,405 (N = 137), in the implant removal patients 10,066 (N = 38), and in the revision arthroplasty patients 26,733 (N = 67). The main contributing costs were related to the primary surgery, admission days, physical therapy, and revision surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: The main determinant was the costs of admission to a rehabilitation center/nursing home. Costs were specifically high in elderly with comorbidity, who were less independent pre-fracture, and have a longer admission to the hospital and/or a nursing home. Costs were also higher in revision surgery patients. The 2-years follow-up costs in our study were comparable to published costs in other Western societies.

Four-wheeled walker related injuries in older adults in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: With ageing populations worldwide, mobility devices are used more than ever. In the current literature there is no consensus whether the available mobility devices safely improve the mobility of their users. Also, evidence is lacking concerning the risks and types of injuries sustained while using a four-wheeled walker. OBJECTIVE: To assess injury risks and injury patterns in older adults (≥65 years) who presented at Emergency Departments (ED) in the Netherlands with an injury due to using a four-wheeled walker. DESIGN AND SETTING: In this study, the Dutch Injury Surveillance System was used to obtain a national representative sample of annual ED visits in the Netherlands in the adult population (≥65 years) sustaining an injury while using a four-wheeled walker. The numbers of four-wheeled walker users in the Netherlands were obtained from the national insurance board. The numbers of ED visits were divided by the numbers of four-wheeled walker users to calculate age- and sex-specific injury risks. RESULTS: Annually 1869 older adults visited an ED after sustaining an injury while using a four-wheeled walker. Falls were the main cause of injury (96%). The injury risk was 3.1 per 100 users of four-wheeled walkers. Women (3.5 per 100 users) had a higher risk than men (2.0 per 100 users). Injury risk was the highest in women aged 85 years and older (6.2 per 100 users). The majority of injuries were fractures (60%) with hip fracture (25%) being the most common injury. Nearly half of all four-wheeled walker related injuries required hospitalisation, mostly due to hip fractures. Healthcare costs per injury were approximately €12 000. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents evidence that older adults experiencing a fall while using a four-wheeled walker are at high risk to suffer severe injuries.

Risk of infection and sepsis in severely injured patients related to single nucleotide polymorphisms in the lectin pathway.

BACKGROUND: Infectious complications remain a serious threat to patients with multiple trauma. Susceptibility and response to infection is, in part, heritable. The lectin pathway plays a major role in innate immunity. The aim of this study was to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three key genes within the lectin pathway affect susceptibility to infectious complications in severely injured patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort of severely injured patients admitted to a level I trauma centre between January 2008 and April 2011 were genotyped for SNPs in MBL2 (mannose-binding lectin 2), MASP2 (MBL-associated serine protease 2) and FCN2 (ficolin 2). Association of genotype with prevalence of positive culture findings and infection was tested by χ(2) and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients were included, of whom 112 (51·1 per cent) developed a positive culture from sputum, wounds, blood or urine. A systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) developed in 139 patients (63·5 per cent), sepsis in 79 (36·1 per cent) and septic shock in 37 (16·9 per cent). Patients with a MBL2 exon 1 variant allele were more prone to positive wound cultures (odds ratio (OR) 2·51, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·12 to 5·62; P = 0·025). A MASP2 Y371D DD genotype predisposed to SIRS (OR 4·78, 1·06 to 21·59; P = 0·042) and septic shock (OR 2·53, 1·12 to 4·33; P = 0·003). A FCN2 A258S AS genotype predisposed to positive wound cultures (OR 3·37, 1·45 to 7·85; P = 0·005) and septic shock (OR 2·18, 1·30 to 4·78; P = 0·011). CONCLUSION: Severely injured patients with SNPs in MBL2, MASP2 Y371D and FCN2 A258S of the lectin pathway of complement activation are significantly more susceptible to positive culture findings, and to infectious complications, SIRS and septic shock than patients with a wildtype genotype.

Accuracy of an expanded early warning score for patients in general and trauma surgery wards.

BACKGROUND: Early warning scores (EWS) may aid the prediction of major adverse events in hospitalized patients. Recently, an expanded EWS was introduced in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between this EWS and the occurrence of major adverse clinical events during hospitalization of patients admitted to a general and trauma surgery ward. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted to the general and trauma surgery ward of a university medical centre (March-September 2009). Follow-up was limited to the time the patient was hospitalized. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the EWS and the occurrence of the composite endpoint consisting of death, reanimation, unexpected intensive care unit admission, emergency surgery and severe complications. Performance of the EWS was analysed using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: A total of 572 patients were included. During a median follow-up of 4 days, 46 patients (8.0 per cent) reached the composite endpoint (two deaths, two reanimations, 17 intensive care unit admissions, 44 severe complications, one emergency operation). An EWS of at least 3, adjusted for baseline American Society of Anesthesiology classification, was associated with a significantly higher risk of reaching the composite endpoint (odds ratio 11·3, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 5·5 to 22·9). The area under the ROC curve was 0·87 (95 per cent c.i. 0·81 to 0·93). When considering an EWS of at least 3 to be a positive test result, sensitivity was 74 per cent and specificity was 82 per cent. CONCLUSION: An EWS of 3 or more is an independent predictor of major adverse events in patients admitted to a general and trauma surgery ward.

Rigidity of unilateral external fixators--a biomechanical study.

INTRODUCTION: External fixation is the primary choice of temporary fracture stabilisation for specific polytrauma patients. Adequate initial fracture healing requires sufficient stability at the fracture site. The purpose of this study was to compare the rigidity of the Dynafix DFS(®) Standard Fixator (4 joints) with the Orthofix ProCallus Fixator(®) (2 joints), which differ in possibilities for adapting the configuration for clinical needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both devices were tested 10 times in a standardised model. In steps of 10N, loading was increased to a maximum of 160N in parallel, transversal and axial direction (distraction and compression). Translation resultant and rotation resultant were calculated. RESULTS: With a force of 100N in parallel direction the mean translation resultant (Tr(mean)) of the Dynafix DFS(®) Standard Fixator (6.65±1.43mm) was significantly higher than the ProCallus Fixator(®) (3.29±0.83mm, p<0.001; Student's t-test). With a maximum load of 60N in transverse direction the Tr(mean) of the Dynafix DFS(®) Standard Fixator was significantly lower (8.14±1.20mm versus 9.83±0.63mm, p<0.005). Translation was significantly higher with the Dynafix DFS(®) Standard Fixator, for both distraction (2.13±0.32mm versus 1.69±0.44mm, p<0.05) and compression (1.55±1.08mm versus 0.15±0.33mm, p<0.005). The mean rotation resultant (Rr(mean)) at 160N distraction was lower for the Dynafix DFS(®) Standard Fixator (0.70±0.17° versus 0.97±0.21°, p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Both fixators were most sensitive to transverse forces. The Dynafix DFS(®) Standard Fixator was less rigid with parallel and axial forces, whereas transverse forces and rotation at distraction forces favoured the Dynafix DFS(®) Standard Fixator. Repeated heavy loading did not influence the rigidity of both devices.

Comparison of three different pelvic circumferential compression devices: a biomechanical cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic circumferential compression devices are designed to stabilize the pelvic ring and reduce the volume of the pelvis following trauma. It is uncertain whether pelvic circumferential compression devices can be safely applied for all types of pelvic fractures because the effects of the devices on the reduction of fracture fragments are unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of circumferential compression devices on the dynamic realignment and final reduction of the pelvic fractures as a measure of the quality of reduction. METHODS: Three circumferential compression devices were evaluated: the Pelvic Binder, the SAM Sling, and the T-POD. In sixteen cadavers, four fracture types were generated according to the Tile classification system. Infrared retroreflective markers were fixed in the different fracture fragments of each pelvis. The circumferential compression device was applied sequentially in a randomized order with gradually increasing forces applied. Fracture fragment movement was studied with use of a three-dimensional infrared video system. Dynamic realignment and final reduction of the fracture fragments during closure of the circumferential compression devices were determined. A factorial repeated-measures analysis of variance with pairwise post hoc comparisons was performed to analyze the differences in pulling force between the circumferential compression devices. RESULTS: In the partially stable and unstable (Tile type-B and C) pelvic fractures, all circumferential compression devices accomplished closure of the pelvic ring and consequently reduced the pelvic volume. No adverse fracture displacement (>5 mm) was observed in these fracture types. The required pulling force to attain complete reduction at the symphysis pubis varied substantially among the three different circumferential compression devices, with a mean (and standard error of the mean) of 43 ± 7 N for the T-POD, 60 ± 9 N for the Pelvic Binder, and 112 ± 10 N for the SAM Sling. CONCLUSIONS: The Pelvic Binder, SAM Sling, and T-POD provided sufficient reduction in partially stable and unstable (Tile type-B1 and C) pelvic fractures. No undesirable overreduction was noted. The pulling force that was needed to attain complete reduction of the fracture parts varied significantly among the three devices, with the T-POD requiring the lowest pulling force for fracture reduction.

Acute traumatic abdominal wall hernia.

Although blunt abdominal trauma is frequent, traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) are rare. We describe a large TAWH with associated intra-abdominal lesions that were caused by high-energy trauma. The diagnosis was missed by clinical examination but was subsequently revealed by a computed tomography (CT) scan. Repair consisted of an open anatomical reconstruction of the abdominal wall layers with reinforcement by an intraperitoneal composite mesh. The patient recovered well and the results of a post-operative CT scan are presented.

Simple elbow dislocations: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To identify if functional treatment is the best available treatment for simple elbow dislocations. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were trials comparing different techniques for the treatment of simple elbow dislocations. DATA ANALYSIS: Results were expressed as relative risk for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean difference for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS: This review has included data from two trials and three observational comparative studies. Important data were missing from three observational comparative studies and the results from these studies were extracted for this review. No difference was found between surgical treatment of the collateral ligaments and plaster immobilisation of the elbow joint. Better range of movement, less pain, better functional scores, shorter disability and shorter treatment time were seen after functional treatment versus plaster immobilisation.

Cost-effectiveness and quality-of-life analysis of physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services.

BACKGROUND: The long-term health outcomes and costs of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) assistance remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of HEMS assistance compared with emergency medical services (EMS). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed at a level I trauma centre. Quality-of-life measurements were obtained at 2 years after trauma, using the EuroQol-Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) as generic measure to determine health status. Health outcomes and costs were combined into costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). RESULTS: The study population receiving HEMS assistance was more severely injured than that receiving EMS assistance only. Over the 4-year study interval, HEMS assistance saved a total of 29 additional lives. No statistically significant differences in quality of life were found between assistance with HEMS or with EMS. Two years after trauma the mean EQ-5D utility score was 0.70 versus 0.71 respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for HEMS versus EMS was 28,327 Euro per QALY. The sensitivity analysis showed a cost-effectiveness ratio between 16,000 and 62,000 Euro. CONCLUSION: In the Netherlands, the costs of HEMS assistance per QALY remain below the acceptance threshold. HEMS should therefore be considered as cost effective.

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures by ligamentotaxis: current concepts' review.

INTRODUCTION: A large variety of therapeutic modalities for calcaneal fractures have been described in the literature. No single treatment modality for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures has proven superior over the other. This review describes and compares the different percutaneous distractional approaches for intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The history, technique, anatomical and fracture considerations, limitations and the results of different distractional approaches reported in the literature are reviewed. METHOD: Literature review on different percutaneous distractional approaches for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. RESULTS: Eight studies in which application of a distraction technique was used for the treatment of calcaneal fractures were identified. Because of the use of different classification, techniques, and outcome scoring systems, a meta-analysis was not possible. A literature review reveals overall fair to poor result in 10-29% of patients. Ten up to 26% of patients are unable to return to work after percutaneous treatment of their fracture. A secondary arthrodesis has to be performed in 2-15% of the cases. Infectious complications occur in 2-15%. Some loss of reduction is reported in 4-67%. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous distractional reduction and fixation appears to be a safe technique with overall good results and an acceptable complication rate, compared with other treatment modalities for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. A meta-analysis, based on Cochrane Library criteria is not possible, because of a lack of level 1 and 2 trials on this subject.

Prehospital interventions: time wasted or time saved? An observational cohort study of management in initial trauma care.

OBJECTIVE: Preclinical actions in the primary assessment of victims of blunt trauma may prolong the time to definitive clinical care. The aim of this study was to examine the duration of performed interventions and to study the effect of on-scene time (OST) and interventions performed before admission to hospital on hospital resuscitation time. METHODS: 147 consecutive patients with high-energy blunt trauma aged >/=15 years were studied prospectively. Prehospital time intervals and interventions were documented and compared with hospital data collected from continuous digital video registration. Analyses were performed with correction for injury severity and type of prehospital medical assistance (emergency medical services (EMS) versus physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS)). RESULTS: Primary survey and initial treatment were initiated and completed within 1 h of arrival of the EMS. 83% of this "golden hour" elapsed out of hospital and 81% (n = 224) of all interventions (n = 275) were carried out before admission to hospital. An increase in the number of prehospital interventions was associated with an increased OST (p<0.001). Subanalyses showed no such correlation in the HEMS group. The HEMS group had a longer mean OST than the EMS group (p<0.001) with relatively more prehospital interventions (p<0.001) and a shorter mean in-hospital primary survey time with fewer in-hospital interventions. Overall, OST and the number of prehospital interventions were not related to in-hospital primary survey time and interventions. CONCLUSION: For most trauma patients the initial life- and limb-saving care is achieved within the "golden hour". Prehospital treatment occupies most of the golden hour. More prehospital interventions were performed with HEMS than with EMS only, but the higher number of interventions did not result in a longer OST with HEMS. Although the numbers of subsequent in-hospital interventions may be lower, no reduction in time in hospital may be expected from the interventions performed before hospital admission.

A prospective cohort study comparing the VAS spine score and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire in patients with a type A traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fracture.

The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-24) and the VAS spine score have been regularly used to measure functional outcome in patients with back pain. The RMDQ-24 is primarily used in degenerative disease of the spine and the VAS Spine is used in trauma patients. The aim of this study is to compare these scores and to see if there is a correlation in patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fracture. Prospective cohort study comparing the RMDQ-24 and the VAS spine score in patients with a traumatic type A fracture thoracolumbar spine fracture. Fifteen non-operatively patients (group one) completed 118 questionnaires and 17 operatively treated patients (group two) completed 140 questionnaires. Group one scored an average of 6.6 and 65.9 for the RMDQ-24 and VAS Spine, in group two this was 5.1 and 82.9. Spearman's correlation test showed a significant correlation, in group one 0.83 and for the second group 0.87. RMDQ-24 and VAS Spine have a strong positive correlation in measuring disability in a group of patients with back pain because of a spinal fracture. In both non-operatively and operatively treated groups this correlation is significant.

Current concepts in the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures: results of a nationwide survey.

The treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures is controversial and randomised clinical trials are scarce. Moreover, the socio-economic cost remains unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, treatment preferences and socio-economic cost of this complex fracture in the Netherlands. This data may aid in planning future clinical trials and support education. The method of study was of a cross-sectional survey design. A written survey was sent to one representative of both the traumatology and the orthopaedic staff in each hospital in the Netherlands. Data on incidence, treatment modalities, complications and follow-up strategies were recorded. The socio-economic cost was calculated. The average response rate was 70%. Fracture classifications, mostly by Sanders and Essex-Lopresti, were applied by 29%. Annually, 920 intra-articular calcaneal fractures (0.4% incidence rate) were treated, mainly with ORIF (46%), conservative (39%) and percutaneous (10%) treatment. The average non-weight-bearing mobilisation was 9 weeks (SD 2 weeks). An outcome score, mainly AOFAS, was documented by 7%. A secondary arthrodesis was performed in 21% of patients. The socio-economic cost was estimated to be euro21.5-30.7 million. Dutch intra-articular calcaneal fracture incidence is at least 0.4% of all fractures presenting to hospitals. Better insight into treatment modalities currently employed and costs in the Netherlands was obtained.

Radiographic evaluation of calcaneal fractures: to measure or not to measure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to correlate the functional outcome after treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture with plain radiography. DESIGN: The design was a prognostic study of a retrospective cohort with concurrent follow-up. PATIENTS: A total of 33 patients with a unilateral calcaneal fracture and a minimum follow-up of 13 months participated. Patients filled in three disease-specific questionnaires, graded their satisfaction and the indication for an arthrodesis was noted. Standardised radiographs were made of the previously injured side and the normal (control) side. Different angles and distances were measured on these radiographs and compared with values described in the literature. The differences in values in angles and distances between the injured and uninjured (control) foot were correlated with the outcome of the questionnaires, and the indication for an arthrodesis. RESULTS: None of the angles correlated with the disease-specific outcome scores. Of the angles only the tibiotalar angle correlated with the VAS (r = 0.35, p = 0.045) and only the absolute foot height correlated with the indication for an arthrodesis (odds = 0.70, CI = 0.50-0.99). CONCLUSION: In this study the radiographic evaluation correlated poorly with the final outcome. Measurements on plain radiographs seem not to be useful in determining outcome after intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

[Abdominal gunshot wounds: possibilities for selective conservative management]. / Abdominale schotverwondingen: mogelijkheden voor selectief conservatief beleid.

Two men aged 45 and 26 years, respectively, presented with abdominal gunshot wounds and were treated successfully using a nonsurgical approach. Normally, abdominal gunshot wounds are treated surgically in the Netherlands. This policy produces negative laparotomy findings in 22-41% of procedures. With an increasing number of gunshot wound patients presenting to emergency departments, a better understanding of abdominal gunshot wounds is needed. Immediate laparotomy is indicated for patients with haemodynamic instability, signs of peritonitis or massive intra-abdominal fluid visible with focused abdominal ultrasonography for trauma. However in selected cases and with the use of strict diagnostic and follow-up procedures, it is possible to treat these patients with a nonsurgical approach. Physical examination, adequate CT investigation and possibly additional radiological evaluation play a pivotal role in this approach. Therefore, assessment by a multidisciplinary trauma team is crucial at the time of presentation and during further treatment for abdominal gunshot wounds. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd.