Tibial plateau fracture: does fracture classification influence the choice of surgical approach? A retrospective multicenter analysis.

PURPOSE: The role of classification systems for the choice of surgical approach and the management of tibial plateau fractures remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of classification systems to choose the appropriate operative approach. Current surgical management strategies were investigated in a large multicenter assessment. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed all patients with tibial plateau fractures that have received surgical treatment in one of the five Level I trauma facilities between 2012 and 2015. Fractures were classified in each center by a senior orthopedic surgeon using the AO/OTA and the Luo classification. Demographics, trauma mechanism, as well as the surgical approach were recorded. RESULTS: 538 patients (46.1% male, 53.9% female) were included. The anterolateral approach was used most frequently with 54.8% of all single approaches; 76.2% of all combined approaches used anterolateral as part of the approach. Combined approaches were used in 22.5% of the cases; a combination of the anterolateral and medial (10%), anterolateral, and posteromedial approach (5.8%) were used most frequently. The lowest number was found for the posterolateral (1.3%) and the combined approaches dorsal/anterolateral and medial/dorsal (1.7%, 1.1%). The AO/OTA classification showed a peak for 41.B2 (21.9%) and B3 (35.5%) fractures. Regarding the Luo classification, the dorsal column was involved in 45.7%. In contrast, only 14.7% of the surgical approaches used were able to address the dorsal tibial plateau potentially. CONCLUSION: The use of dorsal approach seems to be of minor importance than expected in daily clinical practice in this multicenter study. It was not possible to specify whether the AO/OTA or the Luo classification can reliably predict the choice of surgical approach. The operative treatment strategy of tibial plateau fractures seems to rather rely on the surgeons' experience, education, and preferences.

Evaluation of Pelvic Circular Compression Devices in Severely Injured Trauma Patients with Pelvic Fractures.

Background: The role of pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCD) is to temporarily stabilize the pelvic ring, reduce its volume and to tamponade bleeding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of PCCDs on mortality and bleeding in severely injured trauma patients, using a large registry database.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients registered in the Trauma Register DGU® between 2015 and 2016. The study was limited to directly admitted patients who were alive on admission, with an injury severity score (ISS) of 9 or higher, with an Abbreviated Injury Scale AISpelvis of 3-5, aged at least 16, and with complete status documentation on pelvic circular compression devices (PCCD) and mortality. A cohort analysis was undertaken of patients suffering from relevant pelvic fractures. Data were collected on mortality and requirements for blood transfusion. The observed outcome was compared with the expected outcome as derived from version II of the Revised Injury Severity Classification (RISC II) and adjusted accordingly. A Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) was also calculated.Results: A total of 9,910 patients were included. 1,103 of 9,910 patients suffered from a relevant pelvic trauma (AISpelvis = 3-5). Only 41% (454 cases) of these received a PCCD. PCCD application had no significant effect on mortality and did not decrease the need for blood transfusion in the multivariate regression analysis. However, in this cohort, the application of a PCCD is a general indicator for a critical patient with increased mortality (12.0% no PCCD applied vs. 23.2% PCCD applied prehospital vs. 27.1% PCCD applied in the emergency department). The ISS was higher in patients with PCCD (34.12 ± 16.4 vs. 27.9 ± 13.8; p < 0.001).Conclusion: PCCD was applied more often in patients with severe pelvic trauma according to ISS and AISpelvis as well with deterioration in circulatory status. PCCDs did not reduce mortality or reduce the need for blood transfusion.Trial registration: TR-DGU ID 2017-003, March 2017; German clinical trial register DRKS00024948.

Biomechanical analysis of anterior pelvic ring fractures with intact peripelvic soft tissues: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: Biomechanical studies of the pelvis are usually performed using dissected pelvic specimens or synthetic bones. Thereby the stabilising effect of the surrounding soft tissues is analysed insufficiently. Biomechanical data for isolated anterior pelvic ring fractures are currently missing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a novel testing device for biomechanical analyses of the pelvis and to investigate two different anterior pelvic ring fractures in a cadaveric model with intact peripelvic soft tissues. METHODS: A new biomechanical table construction which enables the fixation and testing of complete cadaveric specimens was developed. It was used to investigate the relative motion and stiffness changes due to unilateral osteotomy of the superior and inferior pubic ramus. Five cadavers with a mean age of 55.6 years (± 15.53 years) were included and loaded with a sinusoidal, cyclic (1 Hz), compressive force of up to 365 N over ten cycles for each condition. RESULTS: Biomechanical testing of the pelvis with complete appended soft tissues was feasible. Native stiffness without a pelvic fracture was 64.31 N/mm (± 8.33 N/mm). A standardised unilateral osteotomy of the superior pubic ramus reduced the stiffness under isolated axial load by 2% (63.05 N/mm ± 7.45 N/mm, p = 0.690). Additional osteotomy of the inferior pubic ramus caused a further, statistically not significant, decrease by 5% (59.57 N/mm ± 6.84 N/mm, p = 0.310). CONCLUSIONS: The developed test device was successfully used for biomechanical analyses of the pelvis with intact peripelvic soft tissues. In a first study, isolated unilateral fractures of the anterior pelvic ring showed no relevant biomechanical variation compared to the intact situation under isolated axial load. Only 7% of the measured stiffness was created by both unilateral pubic rami. Therefore, the clinical practice to treat unilateral anterior pelvic ring fractures conservatively is supported by the results of this study.

Third day laboratory follow-up: mandatory for surgical site infections of tibial plateau fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial plateau fractures are common fractures in adults and can be extremely challenging for surgeons. State-of-the-art therapy is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), although major complications of ORIF are surgical site infections (SSIs). This is especially critical on the proximal tibia, which is only sparsely covered by soft tissue and has a close relation to the knee joint. We analyzed SSIs after ORIF to correlate established laboratory parameters to the occurrence of SSIs. METHODS: A monocentric case-control study in a Level 1 Trauma Center was conducted. Data were acquired from electronic medical records from 2011 until 2016. White blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were used as laboratory parameters and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 97 patients were included, with four patients suffering from SSIs. Patients with SSIs had a significantly increased WBC count and CRP levels on the third postoperative day. Infection was diagnosed after rehospitalization, 12 ± 4 weeks after initial surgery. Furthermore, a large bony destruction through trauma coincides with a rise of WBC count with no influence on CRP level. CONCLUSION: We highly recommend a laboratory analysis with WBC count and CRP on the third day after ORIF. Patients with a CRP level above 100 mg/l should be closely watched, even if laboratory parameters few days later are adequate-since a one-time increase above this landmark might be a hint regarding the development of a SSI.

Orthopedic injuries in patients with multiple injuries: Results of the 11th trauma update international consensus conference Milan, December 11, 2017.

BACKGROUND: In blunt trauma, orthopedic injuries are often associated with cerebral and torso injuries. The optimal timing for definitive care is a concern. The aim of the study was to develop evidence-based guidelines for damage-control orthopedic (DCO) and early total care (ETC) of pelvic and long-bone fractures, closed or open, and mangled extremities in adult trauma patients with and without associated injuries. METHODS: The literature since 2000 to 2016 was systematically screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses protocol. One hundred twenty-four articles were reviewed by a panel of experts to assign grade of recommendation and level of evidence using the Grading of recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system, and an International Consensus Conference, endorsed by several scientific societies was held. RESULTS: The choice between DCO and ETC depends on the patient's physiology, as well as associated injuries. In hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patient, extraperitoneal pelvic packing, angioembolization, external fixation, C-clamp, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta are not mutually exclusive. Definitive reconstruction should be deferred until recovery of physiological stability. In long bone fractures, DCO is performed by external fixation, while ETC should be preferred in fully resuscitated patients because of better outcomes. In open fractures early debridement within 24 hours should be recommended and early closure of most grade I, II, IIIa performed. In mangled extremities, limb salvage should be considered for non-life-threatening injuries, mostly of upper limb. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic priorities may be: to save a life: control hemorrhage by stabilizing the pelvis and femur fractures; to save a limb: treat soft tissue and vascular injuries associated with fractures, stabilize fractures, recognize, and prevent compartmental syndrome; to save functionality: treat dislocations, articular fractures, distal fractures. While DCO is the best initial treatment to reduce surgical load, ETC should be applied in stable or stabilized patients to accelerate the recovery of normal functions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review of predominantly level II studies, level II.

Accuracy of navigated and conventional iliosacral screw placement in B- and C-type pelvic ring fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to report the institutions experiences with standardized 2D computer-navigated percutaneous iliosacral screw placement (CNS), as well as the conventional fluoroscopically assisted screw placement method (CF) over a period of 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 604 patients with sacral fractures (OTA B and C) were treated at the institution. Cases with both, a preoperative and postoperative CT scan were included for further analysis. With this prerequisite, a total of 136 cases were included. The quality of screw positioning, length of operation and intraoperative radiation exposure were recorded and compared. Moreover, it was analyzed whether the presence of dysmorphic sacra influenced the precision of screw positioning. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-two screws were implanted in 136 patients (100 navigated, 36 conventional). The duration of the average procedure was similar in the two groups [49.8 min (p = 0.7) conventional group (CF) vs. 48.0 min computer-navigated (CNS) group]. With computer navigation, radiation exposure was significantly reduced by almost half [128.3 vs. 65.2 s (p = 0.023)]. Screw placement was more accurate in the navigation group (79.03% CF vs. 86.47% CNS). The presence of dysmorphic sacral foramina or an increased alar slope increased the incidence of screw malpositioning. CONCLUSION: The conventional percutaneous method and a standardized 2D navigated method have similar rates of malpositioning. Dysmorphic upper sacral foramina and increased alar slope were identified as risk factors for screw malpositioning. Radiation exposure rates were reduced by half when using computer navigation. Therefore, computer navigation in iliosacral screw placement is recommended as method of choice.

A bioactive nano-calcium phosphate paste for in-situ transfection of BMP-7 and VEGF-A in a rabbit critical-size bone defect: results of an in vivo study.

The aim of this study was to prepare an injectable DNA-loaded nano-calcium phosphate paste that is suitable as bioactive bone substitution material. For this we used the well-known potential of calcium phosphate in bone contact and supplemented it with DNA for the in-situ transfection of BMP-7 and VEGF-A in a critical-size bone defect. 24 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: One group with BMP-7- and VEGF-A-encoding DNA on calcium phosphate nanoparticles and a control group with calcium phosphate nanoparticles only. The bone defect was created at the proximal medial tibia and filled with the DNA-loaded calcium phosphate paste. As control, a bone defect was filled with the calcium phosphate paste without DNA. The proximal tibia was investigated 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the operation. A histomorphological analysis of the dynamic bone parameters was carried out with the Osteomeasure system. The animals treated with the DNA-loaded calcium phosphate showed a statistically significantly increased bone volume per total volume after 4 weeks in comparison to the control group. Additionally, a statistically significant increase of the trabecular number and the number of osteoblasts per tissue area were observed. These results were confirmed by radiological analysis. The DNA-loaded bone paste led to a significantly faster healing of the critical-size bone defect in the rabbit model after 4 weeks. After 12 weeks, all defects had equally healed in both groups. No difference in the quality of the new bone was found. The injectable DNA-loaded calcium phosphate paste led to a faster and more sustained bone healing and induced an accelerated bone formation after 4 weeks. The material was well integrated into the bone defect and new bone was formed on its surface. The calcium phosphate paste without DNA led to a regular healing of the critical-size bone defect, but the healing was slower than the DNA-loaded paste. Thus, the in-situ transfection with BMP-7 and VEGF-A significantly improved the potential of calcium phosphate as pasty bone substitution material.

Observed versus expected mortality in pediatric patients intubated in the field with Glasgow Coma Scale scores < 9.

PURPOSE: A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less in patients suffering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a decision-making marker in terms of intubation. This study evaluated the impact of prehospital intubation on the mortality of these TBI cases among different age groups. METHODS: This study included the data from patients predominantly suffering from severe TBI [Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) of the head ≥ 3, GCS score < 9, Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 9] who were registered in TraumaRegister DGU® from 2002 to 2013. An age-related analysis of five subgroups was performed (1-6, 7-15, 16-55, 56-79, and ≥ 80 years old). The observed and expected mortality were matched according to the Revised Injury Severity Classification, version II. RESULTS: A total of 21,242 patients were included. More often, the intubated patients were severely injured when compared to the non-intubated patients (median ISS 29, IQR 22-41 vs. 24, IQR 16-29, respectively), with an associated higher mortality (42.2% vs. 30.0%, respectively). When compared to the calculated expected mortality, the observed mortality was significantly higher among the intubated patients within the youngest subgroup (42.2% vs. 33.4%, respectively; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The observed mortality in the intubated children 1-6 years old suffering from severe TBI seemed to be higher than expected. Whether or not a GCS score of 8 or less is the only reliable criterion for intubation in this age group should be investigated in further trials.

Femoral antecurvation-A 3D CT Analysis of 1232 adult femurs.

INTRODUCTION: For optimal treatment of femoral fractures, it is essential to understand the anatomical antecurvation of the human femur. Recent clinical studies have highlighted the problem of distal anterior encroachment or even perforation of the nail tip. The aim of this study was to accurately describe the femoral antecurvation in a large cohort. Another objective was to identify the most important influences on femoral antecurvation, such as age, femur length, gender and ethnicity. METHODS: A three dimensional modelling and analytical technology was applied for the analysis of 1,232 femurs. Individual femoral antecurvation was precisely computed to determine whether gender, femur length, age, ethnicity or body mass index influence the radius of curvature (ROC). RESULTS: The calculated mean ROC for all femurs was 943 mm. The lowest ROC of 826 mm was found in female Asian femurs. A regression analysis demonstrated that age and femur length could predict the variability of the curvature, with femoral length as most powerful predictor. A matched pair subgroup analysis between Asians and Caucasians could not show any significant differences of ROC values. CONCLUSIONS: The mean radius of the femoral antecurvation may be smaller than previously reported revealing a significant mismatch between the actual individual anatomy and existing implants. In opposite to existing literature, this study suggests, that antecurvation differences between various ethnicities may exclusively be attributed to differences in femoral length and age. The findings of this study may be found helpful in the development of novel designs for intra- and extramedullary implants.

Prediction of Meniscal and Ligamentous Injuries in Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures Based on Measurements of Lateral Plateau Widening on Multidetector Computed Tomography Scans.

BACKGROUND: The influence of increasing lateral plateau widening on the frequency of meniscal and ligamentous lesions in lateral tibial plateau fractures has been examined in very few studies using plain radiographs. Because the amount of this parameter cannot be measured accurately on plain radiographs, the purpose of this survey was to look for a possible correlation between the extent of lateral plateau widening, as measured on multidetector CT (MDCT) scans, and different soft-tissue injuries determined from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 patients with a lateral tibial plateau fracture were included in this retrospective case series. Patient age averaged 52.6 years (SD = 18.0). The degree of lateral plateau widening was measured on CT images. MRIs were screened for meniscal and ligamentous injuries. RESULTS: We found a significant effect of increasing lateral plateau widening on the incidence of lateral meniscus lesions (P = 0.021), lateral collateral ligament tears (P = 0.047), and the overall quantity of meniscal and ligamentous lesions (P = 0.001). DISCUSSION: MRIs are not widely used as a diagnostic tool in lateral plateau fractures of the tibia. Reasons might be the costs and the fact that it is a time-consuming examination. The results of this study may help to estimate the probability of specific soft-tissue lesions in lateral tibial plateau fractures based on measurements of lateral plateau widening on MDCT scans, and they may guide the decision for additional MRI and/or arthroscopically assisted repair.

Ilioinguinal Approach: Indication and Technique.

This video on the ilioinguinal approach presents its indications and techniques for the operative treatment of acetabular fractures. The principle of the ilioinguinal approach is to work through 3 different windows. The lateral window gives access to the pelvic bone from the sacroiliac joint to the lateral border of the iliopsoas muscle, the middle window accesses the medial border of the iliopsoas muscle to the femoral artery, and the medial window allows for control of the anterior pelvic ring medially from the femoral vein to the symphysis pubis. In this video, we demonstrate anatomical reconstruction of the acetabulum in a patient with an associated both-column fracture using the ilioinguinal approach. Indications are all acetabular fracture types, where in addition to anterior column fracture, a fractured posterior column is reducible through the middle window, that is, there is no involvement of the posterior column or wall that would necessitate a direct posterior approach. The ilioinguinal approach is a standard anatomical approach that gives an excellent visual and palpatory exposure of the anterior column up to the symphysis pubis and of the quadrilateral plate. Indications and techniques, how to develop this approach for the anatomical reduction and fixation of appropriate acetabular fractures, are demonstrated in this video.

Rare Combination of a Cuboid-navicular Tarsal Coalition with a Closed Tibialis Anterior Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) rupture and cuboid-navicular coalition (CNC) are rare, to the best of our knowledge, only 238 cases of TAT rupture and 34 cases of CNC are described in the past century. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old man came with a sudden onset of foot pain including drop foot to our department. We diagnosed a TAT rupture, which was fixed through suture. The pathologist testified degenerative changes in the tendon. In addition, a CNC was diagnosed. No extra treatment was necessary for the CNC. At the 6-year follow-up examination, the patient had no pain and went back to normal day activities (AOFAS 95/100 points). CONCLUSION: We presume that, in our case, the long-term stress at the TAT through the foot deformity, caused by the CNC, may have supported the tendon rupture. CNC normally is symptom free. Therapy of a painful CNC should start with a conservative therapy. When this fails, an operation can be considered.

ß-TCP bone substitutes in tibial plateau depression fractures.

BACKGROUND: The use of beta-tricalciumphospate (ß-TCP, Cerasorb®) ceramics as an alternative for autologous bone-grafting has been outlined previously, however with no study focusing on both clinical and histological outcomes of ß-TCP application in patients with multi-fragment tibial plateau fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term results of ß-TCP in patients with tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: 52 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent open surgery with ß-TCP block or granulate application. After a mean follow-up of 36months (14-64months), the patients were reviewed. Radiography and computed-tomography were performed, while the Rasmussen score was obtained for clinical outcome. Furthermore, seven patients underwent biopsy during hardware removal, which was subsequently analyzed by histology and backscattered electron microscopy (BSEM). RESULTS: An excellent reduction with two millimeters or less of residual incongruity was achieved in 83% of the patients. At follow-up, no further changes occurred and no nonunions were observed. Functional outcome was good to excellent in 82%. Four patients underwent revision surgery due to reasons unrelated to the bone substitute material. Histologic analyses indicated that new bone was built around the ß-TCP-grafts, however a complete resorption of ß-TCP was not observed. DISCUSSION: ß-TCP combined with internal fixation represents an effective and safe treatment of tibial plateau depression fractures with good functional recovery. While its osteoconductivity seems to be successful, the biological degradation and replacement of ß-TCP is less pronounced in humans than previous animal studies have indicated.

Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for the Treatment of Nonunion of the Femur in Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background. The aim of this study was to examine clinical and radiographic healing after rhBMP-2 application in children and adolescents presenting with nonunion of the femur and to investigate the safety of rhBMP-2 use in these cases. Materials and Methods. We reviewed the medical records of five patients with a mean age of 11 years (5.4 to 16.2) with nonunion of the femur who were treated with rhBMP-2 and internal fixation using a locking plate at a single institution. Particular attention was paid to identify all adverse events that may be due to rhBMP-2 use. Results. Union occurred in four of five patients at a mean of 12.1 months (7.9 to 18.9). The locking plates were removed after a mean of 16 months (11 to 23). One patient had nonunion due to deep infection. After a mean follow-up of 62.5 months (17 to 100), union was still evident in all four patients and they were fully weight-bearing without pain. Discussion. In this retrospective study, rhBMP-2 combined with a locking plate has been used successfully to treat children and adolescents with nonunion of the femur in four of five cases. One major complication was thought to be possibly related to its use.

Posterior Only Vertebral Column Resection for the Treatment of Severe Spinal Deformities in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of severe spinal deformities in pediatric patients is very challenging. Posterior only vertebral column resection (PVCR) allows for correcting of severe deformities of the vertebral column via a posterior only procedure. We analyzed radiologic outcome of PVCR performed on a series of pediatric patients with severe congenital and acquired spinal deformities. METHODS: A case series of 11 pediatric patients with severe spinal deformity who were treated by PVCR between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had posterior instrumentation and reconstruction of the anterior column with titanium cages filled with autologous bone. Seven patients had pure kyphosis or kyphoscoliosis, whereas 4 patients were treated because of scoliotic deformities. The patient records were reviewed for demographic and general clinical data. Complications and adverse events, transfusion rates, and surgical time were recorded. Radiologic analysis included Cobb angles and percentage of correction, analysis of sagittal profile, time to fusion, and possible complications related to instrumentation. RESULTS: Average preoperative scoliosis of 61° was corrected to 32°, resulting in a 50% correction at final follow-up. Coronal imbalance was improved to 36% at the most recent follow-up. Mean preoperative kyphotic deformity was 90° and was corrected to 43° at the last follow-up evaluation. Intraoperative complications included loss of the neuromonitoring signals in 2 cases and pleural laceration in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: PVCR for children is an effective and safe technique providing a successful correction of complex pediatric spinal deformities. Nevertheless, it remains a technically highly demanding procedure, implying the possibility of severe complications.

The Anterior Intrapelvic Approach for Acetabular Fractures Using Approach-Specific Instruments and an Anatomical-Preshaped 3-Dimensional Suprapectineal Plate.

OBJECTIVES: Anatomical acetabular plates the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) were recently introduced to fix acetabular fractures through the intrapelvic approach. Therefore, we asked the following: (1) Does the preshaped 3-dimensional suprapectineal plate interfere with or even impair the fracture reduction quality? (2) How often does the AIP approach need to be extended by the first (lateral) window of the ilioinguinal approach? DESIGN: Observational case series. SETTING: Two Level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients with unstable acetabular fractures in 2014. INTERVENTION: Fracture fixation with anatomical-preshaped, 3-dimensional suprapectineal plates through the AIP approach ± the first window of the ilioinguinal approach. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fracture reduction results were measured in computed tomography scans and graded according to the Matta quality of reduction. Intraoperative parameters and perioperative complications were recorded. Radiological results (according to Matta) and functional outcome (modified Merle d'Aubigné score) were evaluated at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty patients (9 women + 21 men; mean age ± SE: 64 ± 8 years) were included. The intrapelvic approach was solely used in 19 cases, and in 11 cases, an additional extension with the first window of the ilioinguinal approach (preferential for 2-column fractures) was performed. The mean operating time was 202 ± 59 minutes; the fluoroscopic time was 66 ± 48 seconds. Fracture gaps and steps in preoperative versus postoperative computed tomography scans were 12.4 ± 9.8 versus 2.0 ± 1.5 and 6.0 ± 5.5 versus 1.3 ± 1.7 mm, respectively. At 13.4 ± 2.9 months follow-up, the Matta grading was excellent in 50%, good in 25%, fair in 11%, and poor in 14% of cases. The modified Merle d'Aubigné score was excellent in 17%, good in 37%, fair in 33%, and poor in 13% of cases. CONCLUSION: The AIP approach using approach-specific instruments and an anatomical-preshaped, 3-dimensional suprapectineal plate became the standard procedure in our departments. Radiological and functional early results justify joint preserving surgery in most cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia or persistent tibial nonunion in children and adolescents: A retrospective study with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

There is a lack of studies reporting on rhBMP-2 application in pediatric orthopaedics, although few reports demonstrated promising results of the use of rhBMP-2 in children, especially for spine fusion and for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. The objectives of this study were (1) to examine clinical and radiographic healing after rhBMP-2 application for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) or persistent tibial nonunion in children and adolescents, and (2) to investigate the safety of rhBMP-2 use in these cases. Therefore we reviewed the medical records of ten patients with a mean age of 8.6 years (2.3-21) with CPT (n = 7) or persistent tibial nonunion for at least six months (n = 3) who had been treated with rhBMP-2. Nine of ten patients had union at final follow-up, after a mean of 72.9 months (25-127). In the CPT group, primary healing of the pseudarthrosis occurred in six of seven patients at a mean of 5.2 months (3-12). Repeat rhBMP-2 application was performed in three patients; two patients had one additional application each, and one patient had three additional applications. Complications that may be attributed to the use of rhBMP-2 were seen in two of fifteen applications, including a compartmemt syndrome and a hematoma. In this retrospective case series rhBMP-2 has been used successfully to treat CPT or persistent tibial nonunion in pediatric patients. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of rhBMP-2 use in these cases.

Prospective evaluation of the Eppendorf-Cologne Scale.

OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and reliable prediction of outcome are essential for determining treatment strategies and allocating resources. This study re-evaluates the Eppendorf-Cologne Scale (ECS) and its predictive accuracy for outcome compared with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). METHODS: A prospective cohort analysis of severely injured trauma patients registered in the Trauma Registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery from 2012-2013 was carried out. Only directly admitted patients alive on admission with complete data on GCS, ECS and outcome in terms of survival to hospital discharge or death were included. The predictive accuracy in terms of the outcome of the ECS and the GCS was modelled using area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: A total of 17 616 patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. The ECS outmatched the predictive accuracy of the GCS for outcome (AUROC, 0.853, 95% confidence interval, 0.831-0.854; and AUROC 0.836; 95% confidence interval, 0.825-0.848, respectively; P=0.062). An ECS score of 8 was associated with a 25-fold higher mortality compared with an ECS score of 0. Patients who had an ECS score of 8 had a 1.5-fold higher mortality compared with patients allocated a GCS score of 3. CONCLUSION: The ECS shows a higher accuracy for prediction of outcome compared with the GCS and enables further differentiation within the critical GCS 3 collective.

The Impact of Prehospital Intubation With and Without Sedation on Outcome in Trauma Patients With a GCS of 8 or Less.

BACKGROUND: Although unconsciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] 3 to 8) necessitates intubation according national guidelines, there is a notable lack of evidence to support this approach. This study evaluates the impact on outcome of prehospital intubation with and without sedation in trauma patients with a GCS of ≤8. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of severely injured trauma patients registered in the TraumaRegister DGU of the German Trauma Society (DGU) from 2002 to 2013 was conducted. Only directly admitted patients alive on admission and with a GCS of ≤8 at the scene were included. The observed outcome was matched with the expected outcome deriving from the Revised Injury Severity Classification, version II (RISC-II). Furthermore, a Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) was calculated for various subgroups. Early neurological outcome was classified using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: A total of 21,242 patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. A total of 18,975 patients (89.3%) received prehospital intubation. Intubation rates were continuously increasing with decreasing GCS score values. Difference between observed and expected mortality was lower in intubated patients (42.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 41.5%-42.9%]; RISC-II prognosis 41.4%; SMR 1.020 [95% CI, 1.003-1.037]) compared with nonintubated (30.0% [95% CI, 28.1-31.9%] RISC-II prognosis 26.6% and SMR 1.128 [95% CI, 1.057-1.199]). Patients being sedated before intubation presented significant (P<0.001) lower observed mortality (37.7% [95% CI, 36.7-38.7%], RISC-II prognosis 39.0%, SMR 0.967 [95% CI, 0.951-0.983]) associated with a less poor early neurological outcome compared with those being intubated without sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Observed outcome of prehospital intubated patients with a GCS of ≤8 seems less poor than predicted compared with nonintubated patients. Sedation before intubation might potentially decrease mortality and improve early neurological outcome. Further studies are required to clarify this issue.

Impact of Glasgow Coma Scale score and pupil parameters on mortality rate and outcome in pediatric and adult severe traumatic brain injury: a retrospective, multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE Prediction of death and functional outcome is essential for determining treatment strategies and allocation of resources for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to evaluate, by using pupillary status and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, if patients with severe TBI who are ≤ 15 years old have a lower mortality rate and better outcome than adults with severe TBI. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of patients suffering from severe TBI registered in the Trauma Registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery between 2002 and 2013 was undertaken. Severe TBI was defined as an Abbreviated Injury Scale of the head (AIShead) score of ≥ 3 and an AIS score for any other part of the body that does not exceed the AIShead score. Only patients with complete data (GCS score, age, and pupil parameters) were included. To assess the impact of GCS score and pupil parameters, the authors also used the recently introduced Eppendorf-Cologne Scale and divided the study population into 2 groups: children (0-15 years old) and adults (16-55 years old). Each patient's outcome was measured at discharge from the trauma center by using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS A total of 9959 patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria; 888 (8.9%) patients were ≤ 15 years old (median 10 years). The overall mortality rate and the mortality rate for patients with a GCS of 3 and bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils (19.9% and 16.3%, respectively) were higher for the adults than for the pediatric patients (85% vs 80.9%, respectively), although cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates were significantly higher in the pediatric patients (5.6% vs 8.8%, respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, no motor response (OR 3.490, 95% CI 2.240-5.435) and fixed pupils (OR 4.197, 95% CI 3.271-5.386) and bilateral dilated pupils (OR 2.848, 95% CI 2.282-3.556) were associated with a higher mortality rate. Patients ≤ 15 years old had a statistically lower mortality rate (OR 0.536, 95% CI 0.421-0.814; p = 0.001). The rate of good functional outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale Score 4 or 5) was higher in pediatric patients than in the adults (72.2% vs 63.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study found that severe TBI in children aged ≤ 15 years is associated with a lower mortality rate and superior functional outcome than in adults. Also, children admitted with a missing motor response or fixed and bilaterally dilated pupils also have a lower mortality rate and higher functional outcome than adults with the same initial presentation. Therefore, patients suffering from severe TBI, especially pediatric patients, could benefit from early and aggressive treatment.