[Ultrasound-based treatment of proximal humerus fractures in children]. / Ultraschallbasierte Therapiesteuerung bei subkapitalen Humerusfrakturen im Wachstumsalter.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of juvenile proximal humerus fractures is based on the extent of the deformity. The standard diagnosis with X-ray images in 2 directions is error-prone and can lead to a suboptimal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate if ultrasound imaging can improve the measurement of the deformity of proximal humerus fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective, multicentre trial children aged 0-12 years with a suspected proximal humerus fracture were initially examined with a 10-MHz linear transducer in 4 directions and the maximum deformity was determined. Afterwards the standard X-rays were taken and the results of both methods compared. The certainty of both methods was compared with a standardised nominal scale. RESULTS: From 8/2010 to 5/2011 6 consultants in 4 hospitals examined 30 patients (16 m, 14 f, mean age 7.9 years). In 15 cases the ultrasound showed a larger deformation than the X-rays and in 2 cases vice versa. In 11 cases the measurement was identical 6 of which were undisplaced. The mean difference of the measurement of the deformity was + 8.6°, with 14.2° in the displaced fractures. The certainty of the ultrasound was rated significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of radiography. DISCUSSION: With a correct technique the deformity cannot be overestimated by ultrasound means and the safeness is rated significantly higher in comparison to the X-ray imaging. It seems that ultrasound is a meaningful method to improve the measurement of the deformity of proximal humerus fractures in children. Deficiencies are found only in cases with massive deformities which demand a reduction and stabilisation.

[Uncertainty in the radiological evaluation of deformity in proximal humerus fractures]. / Unsicherheit bei der radiologischen Achsbestimmung proximaler Humerusfrakturen.

INTRODUCTION: The accurate measurement of the deformity of proximal humerus fractures is essential for a proper treatment, particularly in the growing bone. Due to the local pain the correct projection in standard X-rays is difficult to achieve and, in contrast to other joints, cannot be verified in the X-ray. Even with the correct projections a mismeasurement can occur when the rotation is 45° to both planes. The aim of this study was to objectify the error sources and reveal starting points for an improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a three-step study we initially developed a mathemathical formula in cooperation with the faculty of mathematics of the University of Duisburg-Essen. This formula was proved with X-ray imaging of a steel rod which was bent 120°, simulating a 60° deformity. X-ray images with different rotation and tilt were taken and compared with the values calculated with the above-mentioned formula. In the third step X-rays of a healthy shoulder in different rotation and tilt positions were presented to 2 orthopaedic and 3 radiological consultants. The aim was to determine the direction and amount of rotation and tilt. RESULTS: The first theoretical step resulted in a mathematical formula which describes the optical deformation based on real deformation, tilt and rotation. The evaluation showed a mean difference of 0.5° (0-1.2°) between the calculated and the measured values. In the third step, evaluation of the X-rays of a shoulder showed that two in 50 (4 %) of the values were correct, in additional 28 cases (56 %) the tendency of the direction of the rotation was correct, the extent of the rotation was missed by 19.6° (0-60°). Ante- and retroversion were evaluated correctly in nine cases (18 %), the extent was missed by a mean of 23° (0-50°). In seven cases (18 %) the tendency for rotation and ante-/retroversion was correct, in 11 cases (22 %) one or both aspects could not be evaluated, in additional 8 cases (16 %) the extent could not be estimated. DISCUSSION: Our results show that rotation and tilt of the proximal humerus cannot be estimated in shoulder X-rays and therefore a reliable measurement of the deformity of proximal humerus fractures is extremely unsafe. This problem is relevant for clinical practice because of the high likeliness of unaccurate projections in shoulder X-ray imaging after trauma. Especially for the growing bone the problem is evident, so that new ways of determining the deformity are mandatory.

[Proximal cut-out of the hip screw: cement augmentation as a minimally invasive rescue procedure]. / Zementaugmentation als minimalinvasive Rettungsoperation bei proximalem Cut-out von Hüftnägeln.

BACKGROUND: Cemented augmentation of osteosynthesis for the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures in elderly patients has been under discussion for years. We propose this option as a salvage procedure in cases of instability after standard osteosynthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After reduction and optional re-osteosynthesis a Jamshidi needle is placed transcutanously or through the open wound cranio-lateral of the tip of the hip screw. Cement augmentation can be performed under fluoroscopic control. The patients were monitored for at least 7 months postoperatively to rule out a redislocation. RESULTS: From 1/2009 to 1/2011 we treated 6 patients (5 female, 1 male, age 83.8 [79-94] years). We performed 4 augmentations and 2 augmentations with additional re-osteosynthesis. OP time was 26.8 (13-45) minutes. The revision was performed 9.7 (4-14) days after the osteosynthesis. Within 14.7 (7-28) months no redislocation and no surgical complication occurred. CONCLUSION: Even with a small patient number the good results show the potential of this minimally invasive technique. In our opinion this option allows a fast and technically easy salvage procedure without blocking of further treatment options like a prosthesis.

[Retrospective calculation of the workload in emergency departments in case of a mass accident. An analysis of the Love Parade 2010]. / Retrospektive Abschätzung der Belastung einer Notaufnahme beim MANV. Eine Analyse am Beispiel der Loveparade 2010.

BACKGROUND: For the clinical planning of mass events the emergency departments are of critical importance, but there are still no data available for the workload in these cases. As this is essential for an effective medical preparation, we calculated the workload based on the ICD codes of the vicitims at the Loveparade 2010 in Duisburg. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on the patient data of the Loveparade 2010 we used a filter diagnosis to estimate the number of shock room patients, regular admittances, surgical wound treatments, applications of casts or splints, and diagnosis of drug abuse. In addition every patient was classified to a Manchester Triage System category. This resulted in a chronological and quantitative work-load profile of the emergency department, which was evaluated by the clinical experiences of the departmental medical staff. RESULTS: The workload profile as a whole displayed a realistic image of the real true situation on July 24, 2010. While only the number, diagnosis and chronology of medical surgical patients was realistic, the MTS classification was not. The emergency department had a maximum of 6 emergency room admittances, 6 regular admittances, 4-5 surgical wound treatments, 3 casts and 2 drug abuse patients per hour. CONCLUSION: The calculation of workload from the ICD data is a reasonable tool for retrospective estimation of the workload of an emergency department, the data can be used for future planning. The retrospective MTS grouping is at present not suitable for a realistic calculation. Retrospective measures in the MTS groups are at present not sufficiently suitable for valid data publication.

[Efficacy of x-ray assessment in emergency surgical departments: an evaluation in a level I trauma center]. / Qualität der Röntgenbefundung im traumatologischen Bereitschaftsdienst: Eine Einschätzung anhand einer Studie an einem Krankenhaus der Maximalversorgung.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to ascertain the state of the art in x-ray assessment in an emergency surgical department. METHODS: From August 2008 to February 2009 a total of 1,588 plain x-rays of 658 patients from the emergency department were included in this study. The images were assessed by 3 experienced orthopedic surgeons and 1 experienced radiologist. The incidence of missed traumatic lesions and suspected lesions and the treatment of these patients were noted. RESULTS: A total of 136 pathological cases with 238 pathological x-ray findings were found. The mean rate of missed lesions was 13% of the assessed cases. Despite the fact that the rate of missed lesions varied from 9-25% depending on the level of experience, all patients were treated adequately. The quality of x-ray assessment improved with the level of training of the individual doctors. CONCLUSION: The present situation is in need of improvement but it is not critical. Junior medical staff should undergo a special training in x-ray assessment.

[Sonographic diagnostics of proximal humerus fractures in juveniles]. / Sonographische Diagnostik der subkapitalen Humerusfraktur im Wachstumsalter.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The exact determination of the extent of deformities in juvenile proximal humerus fractures is difficult with plain x-rays. The aim of this study was to find out whether proximal humerus fractures can be diagnosed and the extent of the deformity can be detected by ultrasonography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective, multicentre trial children aged 0-12 years with suspected proximal humerus fractures were examined. Initially a standardized sonographic evaluation was performed and the extent and the direction of the deformity were determined. The recommended treatment was noted. Afterwards standard x-rays were taken and the results of both diagnostic procedures were compared. RESULTS: A total of 33 children were examined, 14 male and 19 female, with a mean age of 7.6 years. In the ultrasound examination 17 out of 18 proximal humerus fractures were detected. In comparison to x-ray diagnostics ultrasonography proved to have a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100%. In 16 cases ultrasonography gave a better result than x-ray imaging and x-ray was better in 5 cases. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is suitable for detection and exclusion of fractures and better than x-ray diagnosis for evaluation of the type and direction of deformations of proximal humerus fractures.