Ankle fractures of the geriatric patient: a narrative review.

The present narrative review provides a summary of current concepts for the treatment of ankle fractures in elderly patients. Despite a high complication rate, open reduction and internal fixation is the gold standard for operative care. However, individual patient-based treatment decision considering the soft-tissue status, the fracture pattern, as well as the patient's mobility and comorbidities is mandatory to achieve sufficient patient outcomes. Due to high complication rates after surgery in the past, techniques such as fibular nails or minimal invasive techniques should be considered.

Substantial changes in fracture rates in German hospitals in 2018 compared with 2002: an epidemiological study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to present recent epidemiological data on extremity and axial skeletal fractures in German hospitals and to compare them with older data to detect time trends. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inpatient data from the German National Hospital Discharge Registry were used. The absolute number and age-standardized incidence of fractures in 2002 and 2018 were analysed by fracture location according to the International Classification of Disease. Data were analysed according to age group. Male: female ratios (MFRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to compare the 2018 and 2002 data. RESULTS: The absolute number of fractures of the nine analysed locations was 15.2% higher in 2018 than in 2002. By fracture location, the changes were as follows (absolute change + IRR): "neck" (S12): + 172%, IRR = 2.6; "rib(s), sternum, thoracic spine" (S22): + 57%, IRR = 1.3; "lumbar spine and pelvis" (S32): + 66%, IRR = 1.3; "shoulder and upper arm" (S42): + 36%, IRR = 1.2; "forearm" (S52): + 13%, IRR = 1.0; "wrist and hand level" (S62): - 32%, IRR = 0.7; "femur" (S72): + 24%, IRR = 0.9; "lower leg, including ankle" (S82): - 24%, IRR = 0.7; "foot, except ankle" (S92): - 4%, IRR = 0.9. The overall MFR changed from 0.7 in 2002 to 0.6 in 2018. The age group of 45-54 years represented a turning point, males were more often affected than females in the younger age groups, and the opposite trend was observed in the older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the absolute fracture rates was due to increased rates of femur, shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and axial skeletal fractures, with elderly women being the main contributors. Femur fractures were found to be the most common fractures treated in German hospitals.

Changing epidemiology of lower extremity fractures in adults over a 15-year period - a National Hospital Discharge Registry study.

BACKGROUND: Demographic changes led to an increasingly ageing population in Germany and thus to possible changes in the frequency of fractures. The primary aim of this study was to report changes in fracture rates of the lower extremities in Germany in 2002 compared to 2017 and to evaluate those changes. METHODS: Inpatient data from the German National Hospital Discharge Registry (ICD10) for 2002 and 2017 were evaluated. Changes in total counts and incidence rates were analysed for fractures in the following locations: femoral neck, pertrochanteric, subtrochanteric, distal femur, femoral shaft, proximal and distal tibia, tibial shaft, medial and lateral malleolus, and other parts of the lower leg (including bi- and trimalleolar fractures), calcaneus, talus, other tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, greater toe, lesser toe, other fractures of foot or unspecific fractures of foot and toe. Patients were classed into age groups by sex: 15-24, 25-34,35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85-90 and >  90 years. RESULTS: The total count for lower extremity fractures in men and women increased slightly by 4.5% from 305,764 in 2002 to 319,422 in 2017. Hip and femur fractures increased by 23.5% from 150,565 in 2002 to 185,979 in 2017. The number of these fractures among men increased by 46% and among women by 15.3%. The total count of lower leg fractures decreased by 15.4% from 131,162 in 2002 to 110,924 in 2017. Especially, younger age groups showed a decline for all tibial segments and ankle fractures. For both sexes, the number of lower leg fractures in those 75 years or older increased in all lower leg fracture locations. Most femur and lower leg fractures occurred in women. The incidence of fractures rose sharply from 2002 to 2017, especially for older cohorts. CONCLUSION: The total numbers of lower extremity fractures increased slightly in 2017 compared to 2002 - especially hip and femur fractures among men. The incidence of almost all lower extremity fracture types among older people increased during this time. Women were particularly affected. Therefore, focused prevention programmes should be considered including an extended fracture spectrum in the elderly.

Radiographic parameter(s) influencing functional outcomes following angular stable plate fixation of proximal humeral fractures.

PURPOSE: Radiographic parameters which correlate with poor clinical outcome after proximal humeral fractures could be helpful indicators to answer the question which patients should be followed up closer. Moreover, during surgery, radiographic parameters correlating with unfavourable outcome should be avoided. The primary aim of the study was to compare radiographic measurements between the injured and the contralateral, uninjured shoulder. The secondary aim was to correlate these radiographic parameters with post-operative shoulder function. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients (age: 55.6 ± 14.4 years, age at surgery) following angular stable plate fixation of a proximal humeral fracture (2-part fractures according to Neer: 24, 3-part: 25, 4-part: 9) were included in this retrospective cohort study. All patients were followed up at least six years (7.9 ± 1.4 after surgical intervention). During follow-up examination, the Constant score (CS) was assessed, and radiographs of both shoulders were taken. Radiographs were analyzed regarding lateral humeral offset, distance between tuberculum and head apex, head diameter, head height, perpendicular height, perpendicular center, vertical height, and angles between head and humeral shaft (CCD and HSA). These parameters were compared between the injured and uninjured shoulder. The cohort was divided in two groups: patients with a CS category of excellent/good and satisfying/worse. Both groups were tested regarding differences of demographic and radiographic parameters. RESULTS: The distance between tuberculum and head apex (2.6 ± 3.4 mm vs. 4.3 ± 2.1 mm; p = 0.0017), the CCD (123.1 ± 12.9° vs. 130.1 ± 7.3°; p = 0.0005), and the HSA (33.1 ± 12.8° vs. 40.1 ± 7.3°; p = 0.0066) were significantly smaller on the treated shoulder compared to the uninjured side. Patients reached a Constant score of 80.2 ± 17.4 (95% CI 75.6-84.8) points. Regarding outcome categories of the Constant score, 46 patients had a good to excellent outcome, and 12 patients had a satisfying or bad outcome. The comparison of these groups revealed that patients with inferior outcome in the long-term follow-up were older, female, had a more complex fracture type (AO classification), smaller lateral humeral offset, smaller head diameter and height, lower perpendicular height, and lower CCD and HSA angles. CONCLUSION: If the abovementioned parameters cannot be restored sufficiently during surgery, (reversed) shoulder arthroplasty might be a better solution to reach good post-operative outcome. Moreover, patients presenting these radiographic characteristics in the follow-up, older patients, and patients with a more complex fracture type should be followed up closer to possibly prevent poor shoulder function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 83 250/2011BO2.

Comparison of pelvic C-clamp and pelvic binder for emergency stabilization and bleeding control in type-C pelvic ring fractures.

Severe bleeding is the major cause of death in unstable pelvic ring fractures. Therefore, a quick and efficient emergency stabilization and bleeding control is inevitable. C-clamp and pelvic binder are efficient tools for temporary bleeding control, especially from the posterior pelvic ring. Yet the C-clamp requires more user knowledge, training and equipment. However, whether this makes up for a more efficient bleeding control, is still under debate. Patients with a type-C pelvic ring fracture were identified from the German Pelvic Registry (GPR) and divided into three groups of 40 patients (1. no emergency stabilization, 2. pelvic binder, 3. C-clamp). The matching occurred according to the parameters age, gender, initial RR and initial HB. Complication-and mortality rates were compared especially regarding bleeding control. Regarding ISS and fracture dislocation there was no difference. The use of the C-clamp resulted in more complications, a higher mortality rate due to severe bleeding and more blood transfusions were admitted. Moreover the pelvic binder was established noticeably faster. However, the C-clamp was more often rated as effective. There is no evidence of advantage comparing the C-clamp to the pelvic binder, regarding bleeding control in type-C pelvic ring fractures. In fact, using the pelvic binder even showed better results, as the time until established bleeding control was significantly shorter. Therefore, the pelvic binder should be the first choice. The C-clamp should remain a measure for selected cases only, if an adequate bleeding control cannot be achieved by the pelvic binder.

Transplantation of a latissimus dorsi flap after nearly 6 hr of extracorporal perfusion: A case report.

Prolonged ischemia of tissues inevitably leads to their necrosis. This is especially relevant in the case of transplantation or replantation. In such situations, reperfusion in a timely manner might not be possible due to transportation times or other unforeseen complications. Therefore, a readily available and simple method to oxygenate the tissue and thus widen the time frame to reperfusion seems desirable. Here, we present the case of extracorporal perfusion of a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap that was successfully transplanted after nearly 6 hr of ischemia. A 41-year-old patient suffered multiple injuries including complete severance of the popliteal artery requiring emergency bypass. After stabilization of the patient and subsequent debridement, a LD flap was performed for soft tissue coverage. However, there was an acute occlusion of the bypass during flap inset. To salvage the free flap, a one-way extracorporal perfusion of the flap with heparinized isotonic saline solution was performed for a total of 5 hr and 47 min. The flap survived with minimal tip necrosis. This case report describes the application of a simple extracorporal perfusion technique for salvage of a free flap over a prolonged ischemia time and discusses the relevant literature. Due to its ease and quickness of application as well as ubiquitous availability, it might serve as a valuable tool in cases of acute problems with the recipient vessels or other incidents where several hours of ischemia time are to be anticipated.

Comparability of Patient-reported Outcome Measures and Clinical Assessment Tools for Shoulder Function in Patients with Proximal Humeral Fracture. / Vergleichbarkeit subjektiver, durch den Patienten beantworteter Feedbackfragebögen und klinischer Fragebögen zur Beurteilung der Schulterfunktion bei Patienten mit proximaler Humerusfraktur.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are gaining increasing importance in the context of quality management. Different PROMs and scoring tools are available to assess shoulder function after proximal humeral fracture (PHFx). In Europe, these include the Constant-Murley Score (CS), Neer Score (NS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), University of California at Los Angeles Score (UCLA) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hands Score (DASH). In addition, the health-related quality of life can be assessed by the PROMs Short Form 36 (SF-36) and EuroQol (EQ-5D). Although all these test instruments assess shoulder function, the components to be answered objectively and subjectively vary and thus the possibility of independent assessment. The aim of the present study is to compare the correlation between the results of the different PROMs and the clinical screening tools in patients with PHFx. METHODS: 76 patients who were treated with angular stable plate osteosynthesis for a proximal humeral fracture between 01/2001 and 12/2005 were included in this trial. The outcome was measured with PROMs or clinical scoring tools such as CS, NS, OSS, UCLA, DASH, SF-36 and EQ-5D and a correlation coefficient between those evaluation tools was calculated. In addition, a distinction was made between the two force measurement methods (wrist [HG] vs. deltoid muscle [DM]) for CS. RESULTS: The correlation of the results of CS and NS (HG: r = 0.85; p < 0.001/DM: r = 0.93; p < 0.001), CS and UCLA (HG: r = 0.83; p < 0.001/DM: r = 0.86; p < 0.001), NS and UCLA (r = 0.91; p < 0.001) as well as DASH and OSS (r = 0.88; p < 0.001) was strongly expressed. A good comparability of the results was demonstrated between CS and OSS (HG: r = 0.63; p < 0.001/DM: r = 0.66; p < 0.001) and between CS and DASH (HG: r = 0.62; p < 0.001/DM: r = 0.61; p < 0.001). The correlation of CS (HG/DM) and UCLA with the EQ-5D index was also good. Assessment of the physical components of SF-36 with CS, NS, OSS, UCLA and DASH showed a moderate to good association, while the mental components of SF-36 showed a low correlation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The assessment of shoulder function after proximal humerus fracture showed a very strong correlation within the clinical questionnaires (CS/NS/UCLA) and the PROMs (OSS/DASH). A strong correlation also exists between the clinical questionnaires and the PROMs. There was only a moderate correlation with the EQ-5D. The moderate to strong correlation between the physical components of SF-36, with almost no correlation between the mental components of SF-36, indicates that the quality of life restriction is based on a physical, but not on a mental impairment.

[Fractures of the Distal Radius]. / Frakturen des distalen Radius.

The fracture of the distal radius is the most common human fracture. The optimal management of this injury requires extensive knowledge and skills regarding closed and open reposition maneuvers, plastering and various surgical osteosynthesis techniques. Typical as well as rare accompanying injuries must be recognized and included in the treatment regimen.

Substantial decrease in paediatric lower extremity fracture rates in German hospitals in 2017 compared with 2002: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: There are no recent studies on the frequency of paediatric lower extremity fractures in Germany. The aims of this study were to report fracture rates of paediatric lower extremity fractures treated in German hospitals in 2002 and 2017 and to detect changes over time as well as to evaluate the gender and age distribution for each fracture location. METHODS: Data from the German National Hospital Discharge Registry, which covers over 99% of all German hospitals, were used for this study. The absolute frequencies and incidence of lower extremity fractures as well as age at the time of fracture and gender were included in the data. The population was subdivided into four age groups: 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-19 years. The boy: girl ratio (BGR) for all fracture locations was calculated by dividing the absolute frequency of boys by that of girls. The fracture incidence in 2017 was compared with 2002 by calculating the incidence rate ratio (IRR). RESULTS: The total number of fractures decreased by 39.9% from 2002 to 2017. The most common fracture locations in 2002 were femoral shaft, tibial shaft, distal tibia, and lateral and medial malleolus; the absolute number of all these fractures was lower in 2017 than in 2002 in all age groups. The incidence of hip and thigh fractures, knee and lower leg fractures, and foot fractures decreased by 39.0, 41.1, and 33.3%. Proximal tibial fractures increased both in absolute numbers and in incidence in the age groups 0-4, 10-14, and 15-19 years (IRR ≥ 1.1). The overall BGR was 2.3 in 2002 and 2.0 in 2017, indicating that the number of girls relative to that of boys who suffered a lower extremity fracture was higher in 2017 than in 2002. Furthermore, the BGR of all fracture locations increased with age in both years. CONCLUSIONS: The number of paediatric lower extremity fractures treated in German hospitals in 2017 was significantly lower than that in 2002. However, the fracture frequency in girls decreased to a lesser extent than that in boys. The incidence of proximal tibial fractures increased.

Complications of surgical approaches for osteosynthesis treatment of acetabular fractures: Analysis of pitfalls and how to avoid them.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the acetabulum are rare injuries. The indication for surgical stabilization depends on the grade of instability and dislocation. Exact knowledge of the different possible surgical approaches is essential for the planning of the surgical treatment. Both, knowledge of anatomical structures and possible risks of the different approaches, are important. METHODS: Over a period of 15 years, we analyzed all patients with acetabular fractures, treated in our Level I Trauma Center with special interest in surgical and approach-related complications. Based on our complication rates, we describe the used different surgical approaches and the accessible anatomical structures respectively. Finally, we focus on strategies to reduce the risk of approach-related complications in acetabular surgery. RESULTS: Between January 2003 and December 2017, 523 patients with an acetabular fracture were treated in our Tertiary Referral Hospital. Of these, 101 patients had at least one complication, resulting in an overall complication rate of 19.3%. 296 patients underwent surgical treatment of the acetabular fracture, while 227 patients were treated non-operatively. Surgically treated patients had a significantly higher complication rate of 21.2% (63/296) compared to conservatively treated patients with a complication rate of 16.7% (38/227). Neurovascular and thromboembolic adverse events were the most often complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acetabular fractures are at a high risk for different kind of complications. The most common risks are neuro-vascular and thromboembolic incidents. The risk of getting a complication is increased in surgically treated patients, therefore both the indication for surgical treatment and the surgical approach should be carried out carefully, including individual patient parameters and fracture types as well as the surgeons expertise.

Mid-term results after proximal humeral fractures following angular stable plate fixation in elderly patients-which scores can be evaluated by a telephone-based assessment?

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate postsurgical outcome in elderly patients (> 70 years) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of proximal humeral fractures and compare the test-retest agreement of scores which are frequently used to assess the outcome of upper extremity disorders. METHODS: Ninety patients (78.1 ± 5.2 years) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (3.7 ± 0.9 years) following angular stable plate fixation of a proximal humeral fracture (2-part: 34, 3-part: 41, 4-part: 12) were enrolled. Two telephone-based interviews assessed Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and Constant Score adjusted for interview assessment (CS) by two independent interviewers. Correlations, Bland-Altman analyses, Cross tabulation, and weighted Kappa measure of agreement (k) were calculated to assess differences and the test-retest agreement between the categories of each score. RESULTS: In the first and second interview, we could state fair outcomes: CS 91 (range 40-100) and 65.5 (23-86), DASH 12.5 (0-64.2) and 18.3 (0-66.7), and OSS 58 (33-60) and 55 (25-60) points. The test-retest correlations were r = 0.67, r = 0.77, and r = 0.71 for CS, DASH, and OSS. Bland-Altman analyses showed absolute mean individual score differences of - 22.3, 4.9, and - 3.0 for CS, DASH, and OSS. Limits of agreement represented possible differences of 21.6%, 15.5%, and 9.0% of CS, DASH, and OSS. The category agreements were medium to high: CS 55.9% (k = 0.08), DASH 87.2% (k = 0.62), and OSS 99.3% (k = 0.74). CONCLUSION: Patients showed good subjective outcomes. The test-retest agreement of the interview-adjusted CS was low, but telephone-based assessment of OSS and DASH present as an alternative to collect outcomes in elderly patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (250/2011BO2).

Change in paediatric upper extremity fracture incidences in German hospitals from 2002 to 2017: an epidemiological study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies investigating the frequency of paediatric fractures in Germany are not available. The primary aim of this study was to report frequencies of the most common paediatric upper extremity fractures treated in German hospitals in 2002 and 2017 and to detect changes over time. METHODS: This study used inpatient data from the German National Hospital Discharge Registry. Absolute frequencies and incidences of the following fracture localisations were analysed: clavicle, proximal humerus, humerus shaft, distal humerus, ulna shaft, radius shaft, forearm shaft, distal radius, and distal forearm. Four age groups were formed: 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-19 years. The boy-girl ratio (BGR) was calculated for all fracture localisations for both years, respectively. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to compare fracture incidences between 2002 and 2017. RESULTS: The absolute number of the nine fracture localisations together decreased from 38,480 in 2002 to 35,128 in 2017. The overall BGR was 2.0 in both years. The BGR increased with increasing patient age. The incidence of clavicle fractures increased from 2002 to 2017 (IRR ≥ 1.72), while that of humerus fractures (proximal, shaft, and distal) remained the same or decreased (IRR ≤ 1.00) within all age groups. The incidence of isolated ulna or radius shaft fractures increased slightly or remained the same in the two lower age groups (IRR ≥ 1.00), while it decreased in the two higher age groups (IRR ≤ 0.80). Furthermore, complete forearm fractures were more frequent in the 0-4, 5-9, and 10-14 year age groups (IRR ≥ 1.44) in 2017 compared to 2002. The incidence of distal radius und forearm fractures changed only slightly. CONCLUSIONS: The absolute number of paediatric upper extremity fractures decreased from 2002 to 2017, while the incidence of in-hospital treatment of clavicle and forearm fractures increased significantly, indicating a trend towards operative treatment.

Evaluation of the Constant score: which is the method to assess the objective strength?

BACKGROUND: The Constant score (CS) is one of the most frequently applied tools for the assessment of the shoulder joint. However, evaluation of strength is not standardized leading to potential bias when comparing different studies. METHODS: Seventy-six patients with fractures of the proximal humerus undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were assessed using standardized CS strength measurements at the deltoid muscle insertion and at the wrist in three different arm positions. Variation coefficients were evaluated for each patient and position. RESULTS: Forty women (57%) and 36 men (43%) were examined 96 months in mean after ORIF. We could state a maximum of 105.3 N difference if measurements were performed at the wrist or the insertion of the deltoid muscle in 90° forward flexion on the injured arm (167.9 ± 83.1 N; 62.6 ± 29.4 N). The lowest variation coefficient of the three performed measurements could be stated at the deltoid muscle insertion in a 90° abduction position in the scapula plane (6.94 ± 5.5). CONCLUSION: Following our study results, different positions of force measurement can change the total CS by a whole category (e.g. "very good" to "good"). We recommend performing the measurement at the insertion of the deltoid muscle in a 90° abduction position in the scapula plane. Otherwise, even in the non-injured, it is hard to reach a "normal" shoulder function, based on the CS. When using the CS as outcome parameter, authors must give detailed information about the force measuring and use an exact measuring device.

The Perioperative Care of Older Patients.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients are a growing and vulnerable group with an elevated perioperative risk. Perioperative treatment pathways that take these patients' special risks and requirements into account are often not implemented in routine clinical practice. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, the AWMF guideline database, and the Cochrane database for guidelines from Germany and abroad, meta-analyses, and Cochrane reviews. RESULTS: The care of elderly patients who need surgery calls for an interdisciplinary, interprofessional treatment concept. One component of this concept is preoperative preparation of the patient ("prehabilitation"), which is best initiated before hospital admission, e.g., correction of deficiency states, optimization of chronic drug treatment, and respiratory training. Another important component consists of pre-, intra-, and postoperative measures to prevent delirium, which can lower the frequency of this complication by 30-50%: these include orientation aids, avoidance of inappropriate drugs for elderly patients, adequate analgesia, early mobilization, short fasting times, and a perioperative nutrition plan. Preexisting cognitive impairment predisposes to postoperative delirium (odds ratios [OR] ranging from 2.5 to 4.5). Frailty is the most important predictor of the postoperative course (OR: 2.6-11). It follows that preoperative assessment of the patient's functional and cognitive status is essential. CONCLUZION: The evidence-based and guideline-consistent care of elderly patients requires not only close interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and cross-sectoral collaboration, but also the restructuring and optimization of habitual procedural pathways in the hospital. Elderly patients' special needs can only be met by a treatment concept in which the entire perioperative phase is considered as a single, coherent process.

Complications after non-surgical management of proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review of terms and definitions.

BACKGROUND: A majority of proximal humeral fractures can be managed without surgery. Recent randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses even question the benefit of surgical treatment for displaced 3-, and 4-part fractures. However, evidence-based treatment recommendations, balancing benefits and harms, presuppose a common reporting of complications and adverse events, which at the moment is largely missing. Therefore we systematically reviewed the use of terms and definitions of complications after nonsurgical management of proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus and WorldCat (2010-2017) and included articles and book chapters containing complication terms or definitions. Two reviewers independently extracted and grouped terms and definitions according to a predefined scheme. Terms and definitions concerning non-surgical management were tabulated, grouped and analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: The initial search identified 1376 references from which 470 articles were selected for full-text retrieval. Data-extraction included first articles published in 2017, was then performed iteratively in batches of 20 articles, and terminated after retrieval of 91 articles when no additional definitions or terms was found. In addition, 12 book chapters were reviewed from an initial list of 100. No general definition of a complication was found. A total of 69 terms for complications after non-surgical management were identified from 19 articles. Sixty-seven terms regarded local events. The most commonly reported event terms regarded osteonecrosis, malunion, secondary displacement and rotator cuff problems. Seven individual terms were accompanied by some kind of definition. Most terms and definitions were based on radiographical assessments. CONCLUSIONS: We found no consensus in the use of terms and definitions of complications after nonsurgical management of proximal humeral fractures. Multiple terms, some synonymous, some partly synonymous, some distinct, were used. Few complication terms were explicitly defined. Development and validation of an internationally consensus-based core event set for complications after proximal humeral fractures managed non-surgically is needed.

Preoperative Ascorbic Acid Levels in Proximal Femur Fracture Patients Have No Postoperative Clinical Impact, While Ascorbic Acid Levels upon Discharge Have a Major Effect on Postoperative Outcome.

Proximal femur fractures show a high prevalence in elderly patients and are associated with an elevated risk of multimorbidity and early mortality. Recovery is impaired by malnutrition and oxidative stress, which is affected by antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AA). This study monitored AA levels during hospitalization of patients with a proximal femur to investigate the influence of AA status to the clinical outcome. AA levels of 25 elderly patients with a proximal femur fracture were measured during hospitalization using high performance liquid chromatography. Plasma samples were collected preoperatively, on the first day after surgery, on the third day after surgery and on the day of discharge. Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were assessed to evaluate the nutritional status. In patients with proximal femoral fractures, preoperative AA concentrations were significantly lower compared to elderly patients without an acute fracture. A significant decrease of 33.8% in AA plasma level was measured on the day after surgery with a significant recovery up to the time of discharge. The preoperative AA status did not have any significant effect on clinical outcome. However, inadequate AA levels (<50 µmol/L) upon discharge significantly increased the incidence and the severity of postoperative complications. These results indicate that the AA status upon discharge has a greater impact on clinical outcome than assumed, and therefore, AA supplementation during hospitalization should be considered.

EASY (endoscopic approach to the symphysis): a new minimally invasive approach for the plate osteosynthesis of the symphysis and the anterior pelvic ring-a cadaver study and first clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical approaches to reduce approach-associated morbidity are an interdisciplinary goal in surgery. In principle, the endoscopic approach for the extraperitoneal repair of groin hernias is the minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach, which is used for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries in traumatology. METHOD: Anatomical feasibility study regarding the plate osteosynthesis of the anterior pelvic ring via a minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach. RESULTS: We present the minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach in a human cadaver step by step, both photographically and radiologically. Feasibility of the plate osteosynthesis of the symphysis is presented in a patient with open book injury via the minimally invasive approach using standard laparoscopic instruments. CONCLUSION: The plate osteosynthesis of the anterior pelvic ring via the minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach is feasible with existing standard laparoscopic instruments.

[Failure Prevention and Management of Complications after Proximal Femoral Fractures]. / Fehlervermeidung und Komplikationsmanagement nach proximaler Femurfraktur.

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral fractures belong to the most common fractures, especially of the elderly. There is a high load of cases and most of them have to be treated surgically. With 20% and above, the rate of complications is very high. On the one hand these are due to limited biological healing competence as well as to surgical pitfalls. METHODS: Based on the literature and our own clinical experience we want to demonstrate a standard surgical treatment of proximal femoral fractures, draw attention to the most frequent complications and provide an overview of salvage procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the aging population and increasing morbidity, trauma surgery will become even more difficult. Excellent training and knowledge about the patient are becoming more important to avoid manifold complications. Once present, these complications need a detailed analysis and further diagnostics to determine which salvage procedure should be preferred. Due to the fact that there are so many different complications and procedures, evidenced based studies with large numbers cannot be found in literature.

Interview based malnutrition assessment can predict adverse events within 6 months after primary and revision arthroplasty - a prospective observational study of 351 patients.

BACKGROUND: Being at risk for malnutrition can be observed among hospitalized patients of all medical specialties. There are only few studies in arthroplasty dealing with defining and assessing malnutrition as such a potentially risk. This study aims to identify the risk for malnutrition following primary (pAP) and revision arthroplasty (rAP) (1) using non-invasive interview based assessment tools and to analyze effects on clinical outcome (2) and quality of life (3). METHODS: A consecutive series of hospitalized patients of a Department of Arthroplasty at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Western Europe was observed between June 2014 and June 2016. Patients were monitored for being at risk for malnutrition at hospital admission (T1) and 6 months post surgery (T2) by non-invasive interview based assessment tools (NRS 2002, SF-MNA, MNA). Adverse events, length of hospital stay and quality of life (HRQL, SF-36) were monitored. RESULTS: 351 (283 pAP/ 68 rAP) patients were included. At T1, 13.4% (47) / 23.9% (84) / 27.4% (96) and at T2 7.3% (18) / 17.1% (42) / 16.0% (39) of all patients were at risk for malnutrition regarding NRS/SF-MNA/MNA. Prevalence of malnutrition risk was higher in rAP (22.1-29.4%) compared to pAP (11.3-26.9%). Patients being at risk for malnutrition showed prolonged hospitalization (NRS 14.5 to 12.5, SF-MNA 13.7 to 12.4, MNA 13.9 to 12.3 days, p < 0.05), delayed mobilization (NRS 2.1 to 1.7, SF-MNA 1.8 to 1.7, MNA 1.9 to 1.7 days), lower values in HRQL and more adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: There is a moderate to high prevalence of risk for malnutrition in arthroplasty that can easily be assessed through interview based screening tools. Being at risk for malnutrition can reduce the clinical outcome following pAP and rAP. Patients with an impaired nutritional status show reduced values in physical and mental aspects of HRQL. Non-invasive interview-based nutritional assessment can predict adverse events in primary and revision total arthroplasty and can therefore help identifying patients at risk before surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee (193/2014BO2) and registered at the German Clinical Trials Register according to WHO standard ( DKRS00006192 ).

Quality of life and clinical-radiological long-term results after implant-associated infections in patients with ankle fracture: a retrospective matched-pair study.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are frequently occurring injuries. Despite the relatively simple operative technique, patients often suffer from postoperative complications. Little is known about postoperative treatment of implant-associated infections of the ankle. Therefore, this study shows and evaluates a treatment algorithm in long- and short-term outcomes compared to infection-free patients. METHODS: Data from patients of over 20 years of a level 1 trauma center and university hospital was retrospectively analyzed including age, gender, comorbidities, smoking status, fracture classification, number of revisions, length of in-patient stay due to fracture and infection, and results of microbiological specimen with the length of antibiotic treatment. Moreover, present long-term outcome was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, the Ankle Osteoarthritis Score, and the Short Form 36 score and compared to a matched-pair infection-free patient cohort. RESULTS: Forty-four patients could be retrospectively evaluated (51% male, 49% women, mean age 46 ± 17 years). Most of the cases were Weber B fractures (38%) following an in-patient stay from 51 ± 4.3 days after primary treatment and 77 ± 10.0 days after secondary treatment in our hospital. Microbiological specimen showed in 77% Staphylococcus aureus with following intravenous antibiotic treatment for 13.9 ± 3.1 days in mean. Common comorbidities/risk factors were cardiovascular disease (28%), smoking (15%), and diabetes (18%). Cure of infection and clinical and radiographic osseous consolidation could be documented for all cases. Patients with implant-associated infections had significantly more risk factors than infection-free patients (1.1/0.33; p = .02 per patient). The matched-pair group showed significantly better long-term outcome in mean regarding the Ankle Osteoarthritis Score (2.0 ± 1.2/13.9 ± 4.7) and AOFAS hindfoot score (96.7 ± 1.9/87.3 ± 3.4). CONCLUSION: Immediate revision surgery with aggressive debridement, microbiological diagnostics, antibiotic therapy, and use of a drain until osseous consolidation is reached with following removal of the implant in patients with implant-associated infections after ankle fracture and open reduction internal fixation lead to cure of infection and fair long-term outcome in all cases. Special care must be taken of risk factors like diabetes and smoking. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 24/2008BO2.