[Handling modern imaging procedures in a high-tech operating room]. / Handling moderner Bildgebung in einem Hightech-Operationssaal.

Operating rooms are the central unit in the hospital network in trauma centers. In this area, high costs but also high revenues are generated. Modern operating theater concepts as an integrated model have been offered by different companies since the early 2000s. Our hypothesis is that integrative concepts for operating rooms, in addition to improved operating room ergonomics, have the potential for measurable time and cost savings. In our clinic, an integrated operating room concept (I-Suite, Stryker, Duisburg) was implemented after analysis of the problems. In addition to the ceiling-mounted arrangement, the system includes an endoscopy unit, a navigation system, and a voice control system. In the first 6 months (9/2005 to 2/2006), 112 procedures were performed in the integrated operating room: 34 total knee arthroplasties, 12 endoscopic spine surgeries, and 66 inpatient arthroscopic procedures (28 shoulder and 38 knee reconstructions). The analysis showed a daily saving of 22-45 min, corresponding to 15-30% of the daily changeover times, calculated to account for potential savings in the internal cost allocation of 225-450 EUR. A commercial operating room concept was evaluated in a pilot phase in terms of hard data, including time and cost factors. Besides the described effects further savings might be achieved through the effective use of voice control and the benefit of the sterile handle on the navigation camera, since waiting times for an additional nurse are minimized. The time of the procedure of intraoperative imaging is also reduced due to the ceiling-mounted concept, as the C-arm can be moved freely in the operating theater without hindering cables. By these measures and ensuing improved efficiency, the initial high costs for the implementation of the system may be cushioned over time.

[Conservative functional treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures]. / Konservativ-funktionelle Behandlung der Achillessehnenruptur.

The conservative functional treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures has developed further over the last 20 years and is basically possible for 60-80% of patients. The treatment leads to success if the indications obtained by dynamic sonography are correctly interpreted (adaptation of the tendon ends up to 20 degrees plantar flexion), if the patient presents sufficient compliance and the physiotherapy is increasingly intensified depending on tendon healing. Modern ortheses allow an increased equinus position and therefore improved protection of the healing tendon. If these factors are present a relatively low re-rupture rate of only 7% can be achieved. The decisive advantage of conservative functional therapy is the avoidance of specific operative risks, such as infection and injury to the sural nerve. After removal of the orthesis the tendon should continue to be modeled using shoe insoles and raised heels.

[Surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture]. / Operative Behandlung der Achillessehnenruptur.

The open tendon suture is the most commonly used method of treatment for Achilles tendon rupture in Germany. Over the last decade the therapeutic spectrum of operative methods has been further enlarged by the development of new minimally invasive surgical techniques. Important criteria for planning treatment are the location and age of the rupture and comorbidities. For recent Achilles tendon ruptures minimally invasive suturing is indicated but for older ruptures a reconstruction often has to be carried out. The decisive disadvantage of an open tendon suture is the relatively high risk of infection. Using minimally invasive surgical techniques the frequency of postoperative infection could be significantly reduced. The suture methods without opening the ruptured region can be collectively grouped under the term percutaneous suture techniques and the minimally invasive methods with opening of the rupture region as combined open percutaneous techniques. Documented problems with the Ma-Griffith technique, such as injury of the sural nerve, low stability of the suture and insufficient adaption of the tendon stumps have been minimized by new minimally invasive operation techniques. Achilles tendon ruptures which nearly always arise without any external influence or accidents can have substantial psychological consequences regarding the integrity of one's own body especially for people actively engaged in sport. This aspect should be considered and accepted in particular during postoperative treatment.