[Polytrauma care in air rescue in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: impact and development of case numbers]. / Polytraumaversorgung in der Luftrettung in Zeiten der COVID-19-Pandemie: Auswirkungen und Entwicklung der Fallzahlen.

Background: Changes in patient care occurred as a result of the SARS-CoV­2 virus, and both intrahospital and prehospital care were profoundly affected. Public shutdowns during lockdown periods were intended to prevent overstretching existing resources, resulting in noticeable changes in medical care for both elective treatments and emergency medicine. This study now considered the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on air ambulance services at a central air ambulance site in 2020 compared to the previous 2 years. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of all missions of the rescue helicopter Christoph 9 in the first COVID-19 pandemic year 2020 in comparison to the years 2018 and 2019 was performed. The mission logs were evaluated for the analysis. Results: There was a 20% reduction in the number of missions in 2020, with primarily internal medicine missions affected. Despite the lockdown periods and reduction in social life, the proportion of trauma deployments remained nearly the same. As expected, the proportion of occupational accidents decreased, and recreational activities resulted in accidents more frequently. Injury or illness severity showed no significant differences. In terms of internal diseases, there was a reduction in alerts for acute coronary syndrome and respiratory emergencies. The proportion of suicide-related injuries remained constant over the years. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 study period, a decrease in the number of deployments and aborted deployments was observed. However, no significant differences in deployment and injury characteristics were observed for trauma-related deployments. These results highlight the importance of air ambulance services to ensure patient care even during pandemic periods.

Bioactive glass S53P4 vs. autologous bone graft for filling defects in patients with chronic osteomyelitis and infected non-unions - a single center experience.

Introduction: The goals of osteomyelitis therapy are successful control of infection and reconstruction of the bone. The gold standard for filling defects is the autologous bone graft. Bioactive glass S53P4 is an inorganic bone substitute. We compared the outcome of using bioactive glass (BAG) versus autologous bone graft (AB) in patients with infected non-union. Methods: Patients with chronic osteomyelitis and infected non-union who received either bioactive glass or autologous bone grafts between 2013 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was successful control of infection during follow-up. Secondary endpoints were bone healing, functional outcome, and occurrence of complications. Results: Eighty-three patients were analyzed (BAG n = 51 , AB n = 32 ). Twenty-one patients experienced reinfection (BAG n = 15 , 29 %; AB n = 6 , 19 %). Seventy-eight patients achieved full weight bearing (BAG n = 47 , 92 %; AB n = 31 , 97 %). Sixty-four patients had complete bone healing at the end of the follow-up period (BAG n = 39 , 77 %; AB n = 25 , 78 %). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the primary or secondary endpoints. Patients with multidrug-resistant pathogens had a significantly higher rate of incomplete bone healing ( p = 0 .033) and a 3-fold higher risk of complications in both groups. Conclusions: Bioactive glass appears to be a suitable bone substitute not only for successful control of infection and defect filling but also for bone healing in cases of infected non-union. In our study, bioactive glass was neither superior nor inferior to autologous bone graft with regard to the primary and secondary endpoints. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are required.

C-Nail versus plate osteosynthesis in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures-a comparative retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Locking plate osteosynthesis via an L-shaped lateral approach is the gold standard in treating displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. High complication rates are known for this approach. The most frequent complications are wound edge necrosis and superficial wound infections. To reduce complication rates, a locking intramedullary nail (C-Nail) was developed that can be implanted minimally invasively via a sinus tarsi approach. We compared the postoperative complication rate and the outcome of plate osteosynthesis versus C-Nail in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. METHODS: All patients with calcaneal fractures who received osteosynthesis with either plate or C-Nail between January 2016 and October 2019 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. A subgroup analysis was performed with matched pairs (matching Sanders type, age, Böhler's angle postoperative in normal range, 33 pairs). Endpoints were postoperative complication rate, bone healing, full weight-bearing and functional outcome. Treatment groups were compared using Fisher's exact test for binary data, and Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous data. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and one calcaneal fractures were included (C-Nail n = 52, plate n = 49). Patients with C-Nail developed significantly less postoperative complications (p = 0.008), especially wound edge necrosis (p < 0.001). Screw malposition was found more often in the C-Nail group. The rates of achieving full weight-bearing as well as bone healing were comparable in both groups, but in each case significant faster in the C-nail subgroup. The results of the matched-pairs analysis were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the C-Nail group. The C-Nail appears to be a successful alternative in the treatment of calcaneal fractures, even in Sanders IV fractures because of the minimal-invasive implantation as well as the high primary stability. Long-term analysis of this new implant including elaboration on functional outcome is planned. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) DRKS00020395 . Date of registration 3 January 2020.

External versus internal fixation for arthrodesis of chronic ankle joint infections - A comparative retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of the ankle is a salvage procedure in case of chronic ankle joint infection. External fixation still is the gold standard. We compared the outcome of external fixator versus intramedullary nailing for arthrodesis of the infected ankle joint. METHODS: All patients with ankle joint infection who received arthrodesis with either external fixator or intramedullary nail between 08/2009 and 09/2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Endpoints were the successful control of infection, osseous fusion, and mobilization with full weightbearing. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included. Nineteen patients (27%) suffered reinfection. Patients with intramedullary nailing showed significantly fewer reinfections (p=0.019), achieved full weightbearing significantly more often (p=0.042) and faster and developed significantly fewer complications (p<0.001). Forty-three patients showed bone fusion without significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle arthrodesis with intramedullary nailing appears to be a successful alternative to the established procedure of external fixation in cases of chronic ankle joint infection.

[Successful prehospital emergency thoracotomy after blunt thoracic trauma : Case report and lessons learned]. / Erfolgreiche präklinische Notfallthorakotomie nach stumpfem Thoraxtrauma : Fallbericht mit Darstellung gewonnener Erkenntnisse.

BACKGROUND: The European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation in patients with traumatic cardiac arrest recommend the immediate treatment of all reversible causes, if necessary even prior to continuous chest compression. In the case of cardiac tamponade immediate emergency thoracotomy should also be considered. OBJECTIVE: The authors report the case of a 23-year-old male patient with multiple injuries including blunt thoracic trauma, which caused a witnessed cardiac arrest. He successfully underwent prehospital emergency resuscitative thoracotomy. The lessons learned from this case on internal and external quality measures are discussed in detail. RESULTS: After 60 min of technical rescue, extensive trauma life support including intubation, chest decompression and bleeding control was carried out. The cardiovascular insufficiency progressively deteriorated and under the suspicion of a cardiac tamponade a prehospital emergency thoracotomy was carried out. After successful resuscitative thoracotomy and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) the patient was airlifted to the next level 1 trauma center for damage control surgery (DCS). The patient could be discharged 59 days after the accident and now 2 years later is living a normal life without neurological or cardiopulmonary limitations. Airway management, chest decompression including resuscitative thoracotomy, fluid resuscitation and blood products were the key components to ensure that the patient achieved ROSC. Advanced Trauma Life Support® as well as structural prerequisites made these measures and good results for the patient possible.

The Use of Bioactive Glass S53P4 as Bone Graft Substitute in the Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis and Infected Non-Unions - a Retrospective Study of 50 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis (COM) remains challenging and often results in large bone defects. Dead space management and proper defect filling are essential for successful treatment. Bioactive glass S53P4 (BAG-S53P4) is an anorganic bone graft substitute with antibacterial, osteoconductive, osteostimulative and angiogenic properties. The aim of our study was to analyse the outcome of patients with COM and infected non-unions, whose bone defects were filled with BAG-S53P4. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study (07/13 - 02/16), we analysed all patients with COM and infected non-unions, who obtained BAG-S53P4 after surgical debridement to fill their bone defects. Epidemiological data, pre-, peri- and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. The primary endpoint was the successful control of infection during the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were the absence of BAG-S53P4-related complications, the time period to full weight bearing as well as to radiologically detectable incorporation of BAG. X-ray examinations were routinely performed 1 month, 3 - 4 months, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: 50 patients were analysed. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen involved. On average, 11.1 ± 6.7 cm3 BAG-S53P4 were implanted. Mean follow-up was at 12.3 months. After 6 months, 26/37 (70.3%) and after 12 months, 35/42 (83.3%) of the filled bone defects were healed. X-ray examinations showed a thickened neo-cortex. 40 patients (80%) have achieved full weight bearing after a mean of 4 months. There were no complications at all in 76% of patients. Seven patients suffered reinfection. BAG-associated complications were not seen. CONCLUSIONS: The use of BAG-S53P4 in patients with COM and infected non-unions is promising. Adequate debridement and proper defect filling are necessary. BAG is well tolerated. X-ray examinations showed a thickened neo-cortex. The antibacterial effect is not mediated by antibiotics and is advantageous in times of evolving antibiotic resistance. High quality studies with a longer follow-up are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TRN DRKS00011679.

Are large fracture trials really possible? What we have learned from the randomized controlled damage control study?

PURPOSE: Although they are considered the 'gold standard' of evidence-based medicine, randomized controlled trials are still a rarity in orthopedic surgery. In the management of patients with multiple trauma, there is a current trend toward 'damage control orthopedics', but to date, there is no proof of the superiority of this concept in terms of evidence-based medicine. The purpose of this article is to present unexpected difficulties we encountered in successfully completing our randomized controlled trial and to discuss the problematic differences between theoretically planning a trial and real-life practical experience of implementing the plan, with attention to published strategies. METHODS: The multicenter randomized controlled trial on risk adapted damage control orthopedic surgery of femur shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients (DCO study) was designed to determine whether 'risk adapted damage control orthopedics' of femoral shaft fractures is advantageous when treating multiple trauma patients. We compared our methods of study planning and realization point by point with published methods for conducting such trials. RESULTS: The study was methodically planned. We met the most prerequisites for successfully completing a large fracture trial, but experienced unexpected difficulties. After 2.5 years, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft suspended the financing because of low recruitment. The reasons were multifactorial. CONCLUSIONS: We believe it is much more difficult to perform a large fracture trial in reality than to plan it in theory. Even the theoretically best designed trial can prove unsuccessful in its implementation. The question remains: are large fracture trials even possible? Hopefully YES! TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10321620. Date assigned: 09/02/2007. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Randomized, controlled, two-arm, interventional, multicenter study on risk-adapted damage control orthopedic surgery of femur shaft fractures in multiple-trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Long bone fractures, particularly of the femur, are common in multiple-trauma patients, but their optimal management has not yet been determined. Although a trend exists toward the concept of "damage control orthopedics" (DCO), current literature is inconclusive. Thus, a need exists for a more specific controlled clinical study. The primary objective of this study was to clarify whether a risk-adapted procedure for treating femoral fractures, as opposed to an early definitive treatment strategy, leads to an improved outcome (morbidity and mortality). METHODS/DESIGN: The study was designed as a randomized controlled multicenter study. Multiple-trauma patients with femur shaft fractures and a calculated probability of death of 20 to 60 % were randomized to either temporary fracture fixation with external fixation and defined secondary definitive treatment (DCO) or primary reamed nailing (early total care). The primary objective was to reduce the extent of organ failure as measured by the maximum sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were randomized to two groups of 17 patients each. Both groups were comparable regarding sex, age, injury severity score, Glasgow Coma Scale, prothrombin time, base excess, calculated probability of death, and other physiologic variables. The maximum SOFA score was comparable (nonsignificant) between the groups. Regarding the secondary endpoints, the patients with external fixation required a significantly longer ventilation period (p = 0.049) and stayed on the intensive care significantly longer (p = 0.037), whereas the in-hospital length of stay was balanced for both groups. Unfortunately, the study had to be terminated prior to reaching the anticipated sample size because of unexpected low patient recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the results of this randomized study reflect the ambivalence in the literature. No advantage of the damage control concept could be detected in the treatment of femur fractures in multiple-trauma patients. The necessity for scientific evaluation of this clinically relevant question remains. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10321620 Date assigned: 9 February 2007.

A risk-adapted approach is beneficial in the management of bilateral femoral shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients: an analysis based on the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society.

BACKGROUND: Today, there is a trend toward damage-control orthopedics (DCO) in the management of multiple trauma patients with long bone fractures. However, there is no widely accepted concept. A risk-adapted approach seems to result in low acute morbidity and mortality. Multiple trauma patients with bilateral femoral shaft fractures (FSFs) are considered to be more severely injured. The objective of this study was to validate the risk-adapted approach in the management of multiple trauma patients with bilateral FSF. METHODS: Data analysis is based on the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society (1993-2008, n = 42,248). Multiple trauma patients with bilateral FSF were analyzed in subgroups according to the type of primary operative strategy. Outcome parameters were mortality and major complications as (multiple) organ failure and sepsis. RESULTS: A total of 379 patients with bilateral FSF were divided into four groups as follows: (1) no operation (8.4%), (2) bilateral temporary external fixation (DCO) (50.9%), bilateral primary definitive osteosynthesis (early total care [ETC]) (25.1%), and primary definitive osteosynthesis of one FSF and DCO contralaterally (mixed) (15.6%). Compared with the ETC group, the DCO group was more severely injured. The incidence of (multiple) organ failure and mortality rates were higher in the DCO group but without significance. Adjusted for injury severity, there was no significant difference of mortality rates between DCO and ETC. Injury severity and mortality rates were significantly increased in the no-operation group. The mixed group was similar to the ETC group regarding injury severity and outcome. CONCLUSION: In Germany, both DCO and ETC are practiced in multiple trauma patients with bilateral FSF so far. The unstable or potentially unstable patient is reasonably treated with DCO. The clearly stable patient is reasonably treated with nailing. When in doubt, the patient is probably not totally stable, and the safest precaution may be to use DCO as a risk-adapted approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV. Epidemiologic study, level III.

Image-guided spine surgery: state of the art and future directions.

Navigation technology is a widely available tool in spine surgery and has become a part of clinical routine in many centers. The issue of where and when navigation technology should be used is still an issue of debate. It is the aim of this study to give an overview on the current knowledge concerning the technical capabilities of image-guided approaches and to discuss possible future directions of research and implementation of this technique. Based on a Medline search total of 1,462 publications published until October 2008 were retrieved. The abstracts were scanned manually for relevance to the topics of navigated spine surgery in the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, the lumbar spine, as well as ventral spine surgery, radiation exposure, tumor surgery and cost-effectivity in navigated spine surgery. Papers not contributing to these subjects were deleted resulting in 276 papers that were included in the analysis. Image-guided approaches have been investigated and partially implemented into clinical routine in virtually any field of spine surgery. However, the data available is mostly limited to small clinical series, case reports or retrospective studies. Only two RCTs and one metaanalysis have been retrieved. Concerning the most popular application of image-guided approaches, pedicle screw insertion, the evidence of clinical benefit in the most critical areas, e.g. the thoracic spine, is still lacking. In many other areas of spine surgery, e.g. ventral spine surgery or tumor surgery, image-guided approaches are still in an experimental stage. The technical development of image-guided techniques has reached a high level as the accuracies that can be achieved technically meet the anatomical demands. However, there is evidence that the interaction between the surgeon ('human factor') and the navigation system is a source of inaccuracy. It is concluded that more effort needs to be spend to understand this interaction.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial on risk adapted damage control orthopedic surgery of femur shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the long bones and femur fractures in particular are common in multiple trauma patients, but the optimal management of femur fractures in these patients is not yet resolved. Although there is a trend towards the concept of "Damage Control Orthopedics" (DCO) in the management of multiple trauma patients with long bone fractures as reflected by a significant increase in primary external fixation of femur fractures, current literature is insufficient. Thus, in the era of "evidence-based medicine", there is the need for a more specific, clarifying trial. METHODS/DESIGN: The trial is designed as a randomized controlled open-label multicenter study. Multiple trauma patients with femur shaft fractures and a calculated probability of death between 20 and 60% will be randomized to either temporary fracture fixation with fixateur externe and defined secondary definitive treatment (DCO) or primary reamed nailing (early total care). The primary objective is to reduce the extent of organ failure as measured by the maximum sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. DISCUSSION: The Damage Control Study is the first to evaluate the risk adapted damage control orthopedic surgery concept of femur shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients in a randomized controlled design. The trial investigates the differences in clinical outcome of two currently accepted different ways of treating multiple trauma patients with femoral shaft fractures. This study will help to answer the question whether the "early total care" or the "damage control" concept is associated with better outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10321620.

Extension injury of the thoracic spine with rupture of the oesophagus and successful conservative therapy of concomitant mediastinitis.

The case of an upper oesophageal perforation as a concomitant injury of an isolated fracture of the upper thoracic spine without neurological compromise has not been described so far. A Case report and review of the literature is presented here. Concomitant oesophageal perforations carry a high risk of being missed initially. CT alone can visualize the subtle indirect signs like peri-oesophageal air. The literature revealed that only peri-oesophageal air might be a valid indicator of oesophageal injury. There are no systematic data on thoracic spine fractures with concomitant oesophageal perforations. Mediastinitis secondary to oesophageal perforation might be treated conservatively with endoscopic stent placement rather than surgically. As the radiological signs of concomitant soft tissue injury, like oesophageal perforations, in fractures of the upper thoracic spine are subtle and easily missed initially only anticipation of concomitant injuries by the treating physician based on the trauma mechanism ensures a timely diagnosis.

Computer assisted percutaneous placement of augmented iliosacral screws: a reasonable alternative to sacroplasty.

STUDY DESIGN: A technical report of fluoroscopy guided placement of augmented iliosacral screws in osteoporotic insufficiency fractures of the sacrum. OBJECTIVE: To describe a combined approach of navigated iliosacral screw placement and screw augmentation as an option for osteosynthesis of sacral insufficiency fractures in the elderly. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The incidence of sacral insufficiency fractures is increasing. Outcome of conservative treatment is inconsistent. Recently sacroplasty is propagated as an interventional therapy but the long-term outcome is still unknown. Evidence from finite element models suggests that stabilization of the sacrum achieved by sacroplasty is insufficient to restore the weight bearing capacity of the sacrum permanently. METHODS: We suggest a minimally invasive fluoroscopically navigated iliosacral screw osteosynthesis with cement augmentation of the screws for treatment of insufficiency fractures of the sacrum. RESULTS: The procedure, especially fluoroscopic visualization and navigation of the osteoporotic sacrum is technically feasible. A total radiograph time of 7,4 minutes, including image acquisition for navigation and fluoroscopic control of cement injection, is acceptable and can be expected to be significantly reduced with repeated applications of the procedure. The patient presented in the report was discharged to rehabilitation soon after the operation. An assistive device (delta wheel) is only needed for longer walking distances. Pain was reduced drastically immediately after surgery. CONCLUSION: In general, fractures are treated by reduction and fixation to restore the biomechanical function of the injured bone. These principles should be applied to elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures as well. The technique reported here is adapted to the special demands of the elderly patient, i.e., minimally invasive, support of the weakened bone by cement augmentation, bone protective screw positioning and safety due to navigation support.

The long-distance tertiary air transfer and care of tsunami victims: injury pattern and microbiological and psychological aspects.

OBJECTIVE: On December 26, 2004, a giant earthquake shocked Southeast Asia, triggering deadly flood waves (tsunami) across the Indian Ocean. More than 310,000 people have been reported dead and millions left destitute. Shortly thereafter, European governments organized airborne home transfer of most severely injured tourists using MedEvac aircraft. On arrival, patients were distributed to various medical centers. One cohort of the severely injured was admitted to the Cologne-Merheim Medical Center (Germany) for further surgical and intensive care treatment. The objective of this report was to characterize typical injury patterns along with microbiological findings and psychoemotional aspects unique to the tsunami disaster. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Adult intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Seventeen severely injured tsunami victims were screened on arrival for characteristic injury patterns. In parallel, multifocal microbiological assessment was performed to identify pathogens responsible for high-level wound contamination. INTERVENTIONS: Standard clinical management. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The predominant pattern of injury comprised multiple large-scale soft-tissue wounds (range, 2 x 3 to 60 x 60 cm) of lower extremities (88%), upper extremities (29%), and head (18%). Additional injuries included thoracic trauma with hemopneumothorax and serial rib fractures (41%) and peripheral bone fractures (47%). A major problem associated with wound management was significant contamination. Microbiological assessment identified a variety of common (Pseudomonas 54%, Enterobacteriae 36%, Aeromonas spp. 27%) but also uncommon isolates that were often multiply resistant (multiply resistant Acinetobacter and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-positive Escherichia coli, 18% each). Upper respiratory tract specimens contained a high rate of multiply resistant Acinetobacter species but also methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophilia, Pseudomonas species, and Candida albicans. Apart from these findings, all patients displayed severe signs of posttraumatic stress response. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who survived their initial injuries and who were evacuated to Europe had traumatic injuries to head, chest, and limbs that were often contaminated with highly resistant bacteria.