[Medical ID and emergency apps: A useful tool in emergency situations or a waste of time?] / Notfall-Apps: vergeudete Zeit oder sinnvolles Instrument in der präklinischen Versorgung von Traumapatienten?

BACKGROUND: In order to provide safe care to a patient in an emergency situation, it is useful to know something about the patient's previous medical conditions and medication. For this very reason smartphones have been equipped with so-called emergency apps (e.g. medical-ID, emergency-ID). The aim of our study was to find out whether the owners of smartphones are using the apps and whether medical professionals are trying to access this information. METHODS: We conducted a survey among patients in our outpatient clinic at a level one trauma center. We collected data over 3 months regarding the usage behavior of the aforementioned apps. We simultaneously asked emergency physicians at various hospitals about their experiences with these apps. RESULTS: We were able to interview 192 patients and 103 emergency physicians. The emergency apps were unknown to 45% (n = 79) of the respondents; only 10% (n = 19) of the respondents had the app with data stored. Furthermore, it was found that a total of 21% (n = 41) of the persons carried a note on themselves with previous illnesses and medication. Of the surveyed physicians, 42% (n = 44) stated that they had heard of the app before; however, only 6% (n = 5) routinely searched the smartphone for relevant information in the case of nonresponsive patients. Only 14% of physicians (n = 14) have successfully used the app so far. CONCLUSION: The collected data show that the emergency apps are still unknown to many patients and emergency physicians alike. Due to the low distribution it does not seem to be recommendable to search the smartphone for the apps in time-critical situations after accidents. For patients over 55 years of age, it currently seems more promising to search their wallets for information regarding their previous illnesses.

Comparative study on the treatment of Rockwood type III acute acromioclavicular dislocation: Clinical results from the TightRope® technique vs. K-wire fixation.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to address the inconsistency regarding the operative treatment of Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint separation. We compared results after single- and double TightRope® reduction with results after acromioclavicular transfixation via K-wires only and additional ligament augmentation in acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations graded Rockwood type III, and hypothesized that the TightRope® technique leads to better clinical and radiological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective clinical cohort study and included 42 consecutive patients (mean age 43 years [24-66]) diagnosed and operatively treated between 2004 and 2012 (mean follow-up was 54.6 months [15-118]). Specific shoulder scores as well as scores reflecting the patients' overall mental and physical health status were used. Radiological evaluation was also performed. RESULTS: The SF12 test revealed comparability between all subgroups. Specific shoulder tests and a visual analogue scale demonstrated comparable results. Radiographic measurements showed a significant reduction in the AC distance and CC distance after surgery in all subgroups. The early complication rate was 9.5% for all patients, while late complications occurred in 14.3% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the established methods, the operative TightRope® procedures represent a safe alternative in Rockwood III injuries. All investigated techniques predominantly led to good and excellent clinical results in acute Rockwood type III AC joint instabilities. Avoidance of material removal and shorter hospital stays appear to speak in favour for the TightRope® technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

[The Anterior "Triple-/Quadruple" Technique for C1/C2 Trauma in the Elderly: First Experience with 16 Patients]. / Die ventrale "Triple-/Quadruple"-Schraubenosteosynthese für die traumatische C1-C2-Kombinationsverletzung des geriatrischen Patienten: erste operative Erfahrungen mit 16 Patienten.

INTRODUCTION: In geriatric patients the management of odontoid type II fractures is complicated by osteoporosis and atlantoaxial arthritis (spondylarthritis C1/C2) with an increased lever arm. Furthermore, a few of the odontoid fractures are accompanied by an atlas fracture resulting in the "atlantoaxial unhappy triad". Posterior C1/C2 spondylodesis with bilateral Magerl screws and C1 hooks is a strong biomechanical construct, however, the posterior approach is associated with several drawbacks such as increased risk of infection and increased blood loss. In contrast, the anterior bilateral C1/C2 transarticular screw fixation with additional odontoid screw fixation is also a known technique. Advantages of the anterior approach are shorter surgery time, lower intraoperative blood loss and lower risk of infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all geriatric patients with an atlantoaxial arthritis and odontoid or combined atlantoaxial fracture treated at our institution between 01/2012 and 12/2014 with an anterior screw fixation were included. Following closed reduction, the surgical management was performed over a standard right anterior approach. At the end of surgery, operation time and blood loss were documented. During the hospital stay radiological follow-up of the upper cervical spine were performed to analyse the screw position. We also report the length of stay on intensive care unit, the hospital course and demographic data of the patients. Follow-up was planned after 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 18 months. During follow-up COMI evaluation and X-rays of the cervical spine were made. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This study included 16 patients who underwent surgery for C1-C2 lesions. There were 9 females and 7 males. Median age at the time of operation was 76 years. At the time of surgery, fractures were classified as follows: 8 patients showed an "atlantoaxial unhappy triad", 8 patients had a type II odontoid fracture complicated by osteoporosis and atlantoaxial arthritis (spondylarthritis C1/C2). Average time for operative treatment was 100 ± 36.35 minutes with a median intraoperative fluoroscopy time of 161 seconds. The intraoperative blood loss was minimal (45 ± 22.80 ml). Length of stay was documented with 10 (± 4.60) days whereby the patients spent on average 0.8 days in the intensive care unit postoperatively. No serious morbidities, such as esophageal perforation, carotid artery laceration, neurological deterioration, and airway obstruction were reported. All cases of transient dysphagia resolved gradually and spontaneously without therapy. In 4 cases (25 %) we detected a penetration of the atlantooccipital joint without functional impairment. In one case we have seen an implant failure. The technique of anterior screw fixation of odontoid and bilateral transarticular C1-C2 anterior screw fixation provides a fast surgery without higher morbidity. Based on our findings, this technique and its feasibility is an alternative to known posterior C1/C2 spondylodesis in the elderly.

Biomechanical properties of different external fixator frame configurations.

PURPOSE: External fixators are easy to apply and maximize soft tissue preservation. However, frames need providing an adequate stiffness in order to avoid excessive interfragmentary movement during the healing period. We characterized the stiffness of four different configurations of the newly developed Hoffmann 3 external fixation system. METHODS: A synthetic fracture gap model was stabilized using four different frame configurations: a double-∅ 11 mm rod configuration (group DR), a hybrid double-∅ 8 mm rod configuration (group H), a single ∅ 11 mm rod direct link configuration (group DL) and a single ∅ 11 mm rod side arm configuration (group SA). The stiffness of each configuration was measured under anterior-posterior bending, medial-lateral bending and axial torsion loading directions and the results statistically compared. RESULTS: The basic frame construct (group DR) showed the highest bending and torsional stiffness properties while the single rod side arm configuration (group SA) the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: The diameter and the amount of used connecting rods as well as the adequate placement of these rods towards the main loading directions determine the construct stiffness. These results could help the surgeons estimating how different frames can potentially affect the interfragmentary motion. This information might help in choosing specific configuration when treating different fracture types on given patients.

Reconstruction of a quadriceps tendon tear using Polyvinylidene fluoride sutures and patellar screw fixation: A biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Acute quadriceps tendon tears are infrequent injuries requiring surgical treatment. Improved stability after surgical repair may allow for earlier weight-bearing and range of motion. Therefore, a new implant was tested and compared with the "gold standard", using transosseous sutures. METHODS: Quadriceps tendon tears were constructed using a cadaveric model of 12 fresh matched-pair specimens (aged 61-97; mean age: 82 years). The biomechanical testing compared non-absorbable suture anchors (Polyvinylidene fluoride) versus transosseous absorbable sutures (Polydioxanon). Following anatomic reconstruction, the repaired specimens were loaded until they failed (testing machine: Hounsfield H10KM, Redhill, United Kingdom; maximum force: 1000 N; load speed: 25 mm/min; maximum test length: 150 mm; pre-load: 5 N). Values for load until tear displacement, maximum load until complete failure of the construct (pullout or breakage of the sutures or anchors) and stiffness of the reconstruction were recorded. RESULTS: The stiffness found in the Polyvinylidene fluoride reconstruction (mean 9.83 N/mm) (standard deviation (SD) 7.75) showed a significant increase compared to the Polydioxanon reconstruction (mean 6.66 N/mm (SD 3.32); P=0.045). Transosseous fixation showed comparable results to the suture anchor system. There was no significant difference found in the maximum load to tear displacement (PVDF: 290.88 N (SD 106.01) vs. PDS: 266.75 N (SD 82.61); P=0.358). CONCLUSIONS: Using the Polyvinylidene fluoride thread showed comparable results to the established method in reconstruction of ruptured quadriceps tendon. Stiffness of the Polyvinylidene fluoride thread reconstruction was even greater than Polydioxanon thread. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Improved stiffness may facilitate healing and is suggested as clinical relevance in reconstruction.

[Percutaneous stabilization of the thoracic and lumbar spine with active intraoperative reduction]. / Perkutane dorsale Stabilisierung der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsäule mit aktiver intraoperativer Repositionsmöglichkeit.

OBJECTIVE: Operative treatment of vertebral fractures is focused on stabilization of the spine and decompression of the spinal cord and nerves. In German-speaking countries, it is common to restore the sagittal profile by fracture reduction. The use of percutaneous systems has been limited due to inferior reduction possibilities compared to open systems. The improved reduction options offered by newer percutaneous systems extend their application to highly deformed fractures. INDICATIONS: Unstable thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral spine fractures; unacceptable spinal deformities. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Need for open decompression or cross-bracing; relative contraindication: obesity or cachexia. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: 3 cm skin incision 1.5 cm lateral to the radiological border of the pedicle. Incision of the fascia and blunt preparation to the facet joints. Guidewire placement via fluoroscopy. Tapping and cannulated screw setting. Insertion of the longitudinal rods and reduction using special reduction tools. Rod fixation with locking caps, wound closure, dressing. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Pain-related mobilization, physiotherapy, indication for anterior fusion to be considered. RESULTS: In 2012, 80 patients (42 female, 38 male) with a mean age of 59.7 years received posterior stabilization (27 open, 53 percutaneous). Intraoperative radiation was significantly higher in the percutaneous group compared with the open group (percutaneous: 212 s; open: 146 s; p < 0.05), while the length of surgical treatment was significantly shorter (percutaneous: 107 min; open: 143 min; p < 0.05). Accuracy of screw positioning and the amount of reduction was similar in both groups. Major complications did not occur.

[New from old : relevant factors for fracture healing in aging bone]. / Aus alt mach neu : Relevante Faktoren bei der Frakturheilung im Alter.

BACKGROUND: Fracture healing is a complex biological process with specific temporal expression patterns. During this process new bone tissue is formed, which is similar to the original bone in quality and structure. This occurs in four phases: inflammation, formation of a soft tissue callus, formation of a bony callus and remodelling of the bony callus. This needs the precise orchestration of each cell type involved. OBJECTIVES: This article presents details of the fracture healing phases and the relevant factors. During the aging process there is an increase of reactive oxygen species and a change in expression pattern of growth factors that have a negative effect on the fracture healing process. METHODS: A selective review of the literature was carried out in PubMed concerning the influence of aging on fracture healing. CONCLUSION: The healing process is regulated by systemic and local factors. An understanding of these processes and the changes during aging is necessary in order to improve the knowledge of delayed or lack of fracture healing during aging to decide when an intervention is needed.

[Therapy of chronic osteomyelitis: soft tissues as "key to success"]. / Therapie der chronischen Osteomyelitis: Die Weichteile als "Schlüssel zum Erfolg"

Chronic osteomyelitis is a severe complication characterized by soft tissue and bone pathogenic infection resulting in osseous destruction. Surgical management is demanding and poses a challenge in achieving the goals of treatment, which are control of infection, bone healing as well as satisfactory functional outcome. Therapeutic strategies are based on a combined application of radical surgery and systemic antibiotic therapy. The bony defects which remain after extensive debridement have to be reconstructed with bone grafting after soft tissue coverage and the healing process is decisive for a successful outcome.

Bone graft substitutes for articular support and metaphyseal comminution: what are the options?

Subchondral and metaphyseal bone defects pose a great challenge for the Orthopaedic surgeon not only because the support for the articular surface has been lost but also because the mechanism for the nourishment of articular cartilage through the subchondral plate is distorted. A number of options are available to the surgeons, none of them perfect. Autografting has an appreciable high rate of harvest site morbidity, allograft is associated with infection transmission and host immunologic response. These realities have stimulated interest in supplying bone replacement materials (demineralised bone matrix, synthetic bone substitutes, bone morphogenic proteins). This paper presents the indications and applications of bone substitutes for metaphyseal defects and subchondral support in orthopaedic trauma.

Scaffolds for bone healing: concepts, materials and evidence.

Critical sized bone defects have to be filled with material to allow bone healing. The golden standard for this treatment is autogenous bone grafting. Because of donor size morbidity, equivalent synthetic bone scaffolds should be developed. Different materials, especially ceramics and polymers are in the focus of research. Calcium phosphate ceramics show similar properties to bone and are degradable. Different modifications can improve the bioactive features. This article gives an overview about the current materials and their evidence of clinical use.

[Planning of corrective osteotomies of the lower limb]. / Planung von Korrekturosteotomien der unteren Extremität.

Deformities of the lower extremities can result in local complications, chronic pain and early arthritis. To correct these deformities, several techniques of osteotomies are available. In general continuous deformity correction and acute, one step procedures are available. The exact diagnostics and precise planning of the operative correction is crucial to avoid iatrogenic complications. This summary describes basic principles and indications for different types of osteotomies.

[Impact of hypothermia on the severely injured patient]. / Bedeutung der Hypothermie in der Traumatologie.

Accidental hypothermia is a common complication in severely injured patients. Risk factors include environmental exposure of the patient at the accident site or in the clinic, infusion of cold fluids, hemorrhagic shock and anesthetics which influence thermoregulation. In contrast to animal studies, human studies and clinical experiences have identified accidental hypothermia of the severely injured patient to be associated with increased complication and mortality rates. As a consequence, hypothermia together with acidosis and coagulopathy, have been coined the lethal triad in severely injured patients. On a cellular level hypothermia reduces cellular activity and metabolism resulting in reduced oxygen consumption, which is therapeutically used in patients following cardiac arrest. However, the activity of important enzymes, such as those of the coagulation pathway, is simultaneously down regulated. Hypothermia-induced coagulopathy, which is refractory to substitution of coagulation factors, is a major complication of hypothermia in traumatized patients. Therefore, hypothermic trauma patients with hemodynamic instability require aggressive rewarming.

[Bite injuries of the hand]. / Bissverletzungen der Hand.

Bite injuries of the hand have a clearly increased risk for infection compared with other regions. Surgical treatment of the wound is indicated, and the debridement must be done thoroughly and with consideration of the wound closure. Antibiotic therapy may be indicated in addition to the surgery if signs of infection exist. Antibiotics alone are not a suitable treatment. Common complications in cases of deficient primary therapy are flexor tenosynovitis, purulent arthritis, and phlegmons of the dorsal hand. These are emergencies and need immediate surgical intervention.