[Is implant removal after percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of unstable posterior pelvic ring disruptions indicated?]. / Ist die Entfernung des Osteosynthesematerials nach perkutaner iliosakraler Verschraubung bei iliosakraler Sprengung oder Sakrumfraktur indiziert?

The aim of this study was to examine the indication for implant removal (IR) after percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of unstable posterior pelvic ring disruptions by systematic literature analysis and clinical follow-up examination. Retrospective identification revealed 27 operatively stabilized patients [12 females, mean age: 35 years, ISS 22 points (range: 14-37)] between January 1996 and July 2001. Patient characteristics, AO classification, Hannover fracture scale pelvis, ISS, and DGU pelvis score points were analyzed. All cases showed a C-type lesion (C1:67%, C2:33%). A total of 21 patients were seen at follow-up, 12 with and 9 without IR. In ten cases with IR, clinical outcome improved after surgery according to the DGU pelvis score ( p=0.001, Wilcoxon's test). These mostly young patients also showed a better outcome compared with those cases without IR. Due to the good clinical results, implant removal seems to be beneficial for selected individual patients, especially when pain is present.

The Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (eosinophilic granuloma) of the cervical spine: a rare diagnosis of cervical pain.

We present the case of a 44-year-old man who complained of cervical pain. He was treated with physiotherapy and analgetics. Because of persistent pain, computed tomography (CT) scan and MRI were performed. They revealed an osteolytic destruction of the fourth cervical vertebra. The patient was treated surgically for removal of the tumor and stabilization of his cervical spine. Histology of the osteolytic material led to the diagnosis of an eosinophilic granuloma of the cervical spine. This case report describes the incidence, clinical significance, background and therapy of an eosinophilic granuloma of the spine.

Quality of life in patients with multiple injuries--basic issues, assessment, and recommendations.

BACKGROUND: While the primary goal of trauma care continues to be the preservation of life, interest has begun to focus on disability and quality of life of those who survive. Numerous instruments have been developed to measure personal well-being, impairment, or subjective life-satisfaction. But there is no consensus regarding which instruments are most appropriate to use in multiply injured patients, and comparison of results are difficult. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this multinational conference was to arrive at a consensus regarding the measurement of quality of life in survivors of multiple trauma. Specifically we sought to identify the best time intervals for measurement and a minimum set of instruments. METHOD: The group reviewed instruments currently in use for quality of life measurement in multiply injured patients. A structured discussion covered the following topics: definition of the population, the concept of quality of life, the importance of different domains of quality of life at different time points, the type of measures and their validity, consistency, and practicability, the mode of administration, subject burden, and availability of population norms. RESULTS: The group suggested three time points, after 3, 12 and 24 months, for the assessment of quality of life after multiple injury. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was suggested as an overall global outcome measure including death and vegetative state. The EuroQol was proposed to permit economic analysis, and the SF-36 as a validated global quality of life measure. CONCLUSION: While most selected measures are psychometrically sound, many have had limited use in the setting of multiple injuries. Researchers and clinicians may use these suggestions as a source of information when developing a measurement strategy.

[What prognostic factors correlate with activities of daily living (Barthel Index) 1 year after para-articular hip fracture? A prospective observational study]. / Welche Prognosefaktoren korrelieren mit der Alltagsaktivität (Barthel-Index) ein Jahr nach hüftgelenksnaher Fraktur? Eine prospektive Beobachtungsstudie.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this prospective study was to identify prognostic factors predicting post-operative outcome in patients one year after their hip fracture. METHODS: From October 1996 until September 1997 all patients (n = 98) treated for a hip fracture in our hospital were prospectively included into the study. Follow up was performed at three, six and twelve months after the injury. The main outcome variable was the activity of daily living measured by the Barthel-Index. An univariate analysis of the variables age, gender, ASA-classification, type of fracture and treatment, length of stay and rehabilitation was performed and all these variables were correlated with the Barthel-Index. A multiple logistic regression was performed for identification of prognostic factors predicting outcome. RESULTS: The one year lethality was 33% (n = 31). All patients younger than 75 years reached their preoperative activity level at one year follow up. Patients with age of 75 years or more experienced a reduction of their activities of daily living of 20%. The ADL-differences of both groups at the follow up after 3, 6 and 12 months showed a significant p-value (p < 0.001). The ADL-differences between the group of patients with or without a transfer to a specialized rehabilitation center were not significant. The multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative use of the Barthel-Index was the best prognostic factor for outcome until one year after the injury. CONCLUSION: The preoperative Barthel-Index should be seriously considered for therapeutic decision making in patients with hip fractures.

[The status of therapy of acromioclavicular joint injury. Results of a survey of trauma surgery clinics in Germany]. / Stand der Therapie der Schultereckgelenkverletzung. Ergebnisse einer Umfrage an Unfallchirurgischen Kliniken in Deutschland.

The therapy of acromioclavicular dislocations remains controversial. In particular, for injuries classified as Rockwood/Tossy Type III good results have been reported with different operative techniques as well as with conservative treatment. The objective of this study was to obtain data about the current treatment for Rockwood/Tossy III injuries in German trauma departments. In a countrywide anonymous survey 210 German trauma departments were asked about their diagnostic procedures and their treatment strategies for acromioclavicular injuries. 104 questionnaires (49%) were returned and evaluated. In Rockwood/Tossy I/II injuries most clinics recommend conservative treatment (Rockwood/Tossy I/II: 99%/87%). On the other hand, 84% of the clinics would operate on Type III acromioclavicular injuries--especially in athletes or overhead workers. Although 38 percent of the clinics believe that conservative treatment is equal or better than operative treatment, only 13 percent manage Type III injuries conservatively. For more severe acromioclavicular injuries (Rockwood IV to VI) all clinics recommend an operative treatment. The operative techniques of choice for acromioclavicular injuries are K-wire fixation (37%) or a coraco-clavicular cerclage (32%). Of the latter, 73% use a resorbable material, while the remainder use wires.

[Surgical therapy of traumatic shoulder dislocation. Are there evidence-based indications for arthroscopic Bankart operation?]. / Die operative Therapie der traumatischen Schulterluxation. Gibt es evidenzbasierte Indikationen für die arthroskopische Bankart-Operation?

INTRODUCTION: For young athletic patients with a primary traumatic shoulder dislocation a surgical treatment is recommended. The operation of choice is the Bankart-Repair. QUESTION: Are there evidence-based indications for an arthroscopic Bankart repair. METHODS: Based on the criteria of the "Cochrane Collaboration" a systematic literature search was performed using medline (1966 to 9/2000). 172 publications were found with the key words "shoulder dislocation" and "Bankart". All relevant articles were ranked and analysed by the criteria of "evidence-based medicine". RESULTS: There are 12 prospective studies (evidence grade Ib/IIa) and another 28 retrospective studies (evidence grade III). For open Bankart-Repair a recurrence rate of 0 to 8% is reported (prospective/retrospective studies). For arthroscopic Bankart-Repair, 19 of 40 studies and 8 of 12 prospective studies, show a recurrence rate of < 10%; however in other studies (prospective/retrospective) an atraumatic recurrence rate of up to 38% is reported. The reasons for these differences in the recurrence rate are not obvious from the given data. In particular, there seems to be no correlation between the type of arthroscopic fixation technique and the recurrence rate. Concerning the postoperative range of shoulder motion, the reported data suggest that external rotation is less limited after arthroscopic than after open Bankart-Repair (arthroscopic: 5-12 degrees, open: 5-25 degrees). However, there is no evidence that patients are more likely to return to their previous level of sporting activities when operated on in an arthroscopic technique than in an open technique (arthroscopic: 42-100%, open: 72-94%). CONCLUSION: In the surgical treatment of a traumatic shoulder dislocation, the open Bankart-Repair remains the "gold standard". In reviewing the literature, arthroscopic Bankart-Repair has not been shown to be equal or superior to the open technique.

[Therapeutic concept for preventing chronic phantom pain after traumatic brachial plexus lesion]. / Therapiekonzept zur Verhinderung der Phantomschmerzchronifizierung nach traumatischer Armplexusläsion.

We report on a 29-year-old motorcyclist, who had suffered a traumatic right side arm plexus lesion. The myelo-CT image showed a avulsion of the cervical roots C7/C8. Five days after the accident the patient complained of phantom pain in the right plegic arm and was presented to our acute pain service (APS). The patient complained of lancinating attacks of severe phantom pain in the right arm (visual analogue scale intensity of 80-100 pts.). The initial pain treatment was performed with PCA (piritramide), and because of the lancinating pain character carbamazepine treatment was introduced. The pain intensity increased under carbamazepine (VAS = 100 pts.), and after treatment with five cycles of salmon-calcitonin infusion the pain intensity decreased (VAS = 10 pts). After withdrawal of the infusion therapy with salmon calcitonin the pain intensity increased up to VAS = 70 pts. TENS therapy five times per day showed no analgetic effect. We repeated the calcitonin-infusion therapy and after five i.v. cycles we continued with 200 I.U. salmon calcitonin intranasal per day. The initial phantompain intensity decreased (VAS = 40 pts.), but showed no long term analgesia. The additional psychological treatment with relaxation techniques (Jacobson/Bensen) showed the desired phantom pain relief. An interdisciplinary and multimodal cooperation between anesthesiologists, trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons and psychologists is needed for successful phantom pain treatment after traumatic brachial plexus lesion. Intravenous salmon calcitonin showed only short-term analgetic effect.

[Meniscus refixation: suture or anchor?]. / Meniskusrefixierung: Faden oder Anker?

Suture techniques are the standard for fixation of meniscus bucket-handle lesions. In 1993 a new method for meniscus repair with self-reinforced biodegradable "arrows" was introduced. Currently, various meniscus implants are available in Germany and are widely used clinically. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate and discuss the literature on biodegradable meniscus implants. Relevant articles were retrieved from Medline of the National Library of Medicine (1966 until July 2000) using the combined search strategy for the keywords "meniscal repair" and "arrow." Ten publications were found. The reported advantages of meniscus arrows are the reduced operation time, the easy surgical technique, and the reduced risk of neurovascular injury. In most experimental studies, lower failure strength of meniscus arrows was found compared to meniscus sutures. In clinical studies, the meniscal healing rates comparing the arrow technique and suture technique are comparable. Various complications of the new arrow technique have been reported such as inflammatory foreign-body reaction, cartilage lesions, and arrow displacement. Based on the existing literature, no final judgment is possible. Currently, individual indications depending on the kind of meniscal lesion and location are recommended. A combination of suture and arrow technique might be a treatment option, but further prospective randomized studies and longer follow-ups are necessary.

[Therapy of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: current status of therapy in Germany. Are there scientifically verified therapy concepts?]. / Die Therapie der traumatischen vorderen Schulterluxation: Aktueller Stand der Therapie in Deutschland. Gibt es wissenschaftlich gesicherte Therapiekonzepte?

There are no generally accepted concepts for the treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. The objective of this study was to ascertain the current treatment for traumatic shoulder dislocations in German hospitals and to compare this with the data reported in the literature. A total of 210 orthopedic surgery departments were asked for their treatment strategy in an anonymous country-wide survey; 103 questionnaires (49%) were returned for evaluation. Additional imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) beyond the routine X-rays is performed in 82% of clinics for primary shoulder dislocation (94% in recurrent dislocation). A young, athletic patient (< 30 years old) would be operated on for a primary traumatic shoulder dislocation in 73% of hospitals (98% in recurrent dislocation). In contrast, a patient of the same age, with a moderate level of sporting activity would be treated conservatively in 67% of cases (14% in recurrent dislocation). Similarly, for an active, middle-aged patient with a demanding job, 74% of responses favored conservative treatment after a primary dislocation and 6% after a recurrent dislocation. Older patients (> 65 years old) are usually treated conservatively after a primary or recurrent shoulder dislocation (99%, 69%). For a primary shoulder dislocation the most popular surgical reconstruction is a Bankart repair (75%). For recurrent shoulder dislocation several different operative techniques are seen (Bankart 29%, T-shift 26%, Putti-Platt 8%, Eden-Lange-Hybbinette 22%, Weber osteotomy 13%). Based on our literature review, we found: (1) The clinical examination of both shoulders is important to diagnose hyperlaxity; (2) Routine CT or MRI is not necessary for primary traumatic shoulder dislocations; (3) A young, athletic patient should undergo surgical reconstruction after a primary shoulder dislocation; (4) The operation of choice for primary and recurrent dislocation is the Bankart repair; (5) There is no sufficient evidence that an arthroscopic Bankart repair is as good as an open procedure; (6) There are limited indications for other operative techniques, as they are associated with a higher recurrence and arthrosis rate.

[Surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Is the T-plate still adequate osteosynthesis procedure?]. / Die operative Therapie der proximalen Humerusfraktur. Ist die T-Platte noch ein zeitgemässes Osteosyntheseverfahren?

No general agreement exists on the operative therapy of displaced proximal humeral fractures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate different internal fixation techniques (plate fixation, figure-of-eight tension wiring, lagscrew) and to verify if the plate fixation is still an adequate therapy in the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures. A follow-up investigation was conducted in 51 patients after an average of 4.2 years. A T-plate fixation was performed in 62.7%, a minimal invasive technique in 21.6% and a shoulder prosthesis in 15.7% of these patients. At follow-up 60.7% of the patients with a 3- or 4-part fracture had good or excellent results in the Constant score (59% T-plate, 66% minimal invasive). Humeral head necrosis was seen in 15.9% of the patients with a T-plate fixation and in 9.1% of the patients with minimal invasive techniques. Based on our results and the reviewed literature we can confirm advantages of the minimal invasive techniques in the treatment of 4-part fractures. However, good results can be obtained with T-plate fixation in 2- or 3-part fractures especially in younger patients.

[Constant Score and Neer Score. A comparison of score results and subjective patient satisfaction]. / Constant-Score und Neer-Score. Ein Vergleich von Scoreergebnis und subjektiver Patientenzufriedenheit.

INTRODUCTION: The Constant- and the Neer-Score are widely used to assess shoulder function after trauma or shoulder diseases. The objective of this study was to compare the correlation of score result with the patient subjective assessment. We hypothesized that there is a clinically relevant difference between the score result and the patient assessment, especially for highly selective patient groups. METHODS: 51 patients were followed up after the surgical treatment of a proximal humeral fracture. For each patient the Constant- and the Neer-Score was calculated. Further, the patients were asked for a subjective assessment of their shoulder function ("excellent", "good", "fair", "poor"). RESULTS: For both score-systems a good linear correlation (r = 0.97) is shown. 57% of the patients assessed their shoulder function as "excellent" or "good", but only 37% (Constant) vs. 43% (Neer) of the patients were classified as "excellent" or "good" based on their score results. The Spearman correlation of subjective and score-based assessment was just fair with r = 0.50 (Constant) and r = 0.55 (Neer). When comparing the score results with the patient subjective assessment for the groups: "excellent", "good", "fair" and "poor", there was a positive correlation for the Neer-Score in 20 cases and for the Constant-Score in 15 cases. Of all elderly patients (> 60 years, n = 20), 14 (Neer-Score) vs. 16 (Constant-Score) assessed their shoulder function as better than the score did. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis of a clinically relevant difference between the subjective and the score-based assessment of shoulder function can be confirmed. Our results suggest that for clinical practice, statements and therapy strategies recommended in the literature, that are just based on score results might not be valid for all patient-groups (e.g. elderly patients).

[The displaced proximal humeral fracture: is there evidence for therapeutic concepts?]. / Die dislozierte proximale Humerusfraktur: Gibt es gesicherte Therapiekonzepte?

INTRODUCTION: There is no general agreement on the operative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures. While T-plate fixation was the method of choice until the end of the 1980s, minimally invasive techniques have been favoured during the past decade. The indication for primary shoulder prosthesis is controversial. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the scientific evidence of current treatment recommendations. METHODS: Relevant articles were retrieved from "Medline" and "Knowledge-Finder" using the combined search strategy for the keywords "proximal humerus" and "fracture". Retrieved articles were evaluated according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine. RESULTS: The analysis retrieved 3 randomized, 4 prospective, and 26 retrospective studies and a number of review articles relevant to the subject. Limitations of most publications were due to small study populations, differences in patient selection and fracture classification as well as measurements of outcome. According to these studies good functional results can be achieved in dislocated two-part fractures treated with minimal osteosynthesis in the elderly and T-plate fixation in younger patients. For three- and four-part fractures minimally invasive techniques seem to be more favourable in the elderly. However, there is some evidence that alternative therapies such as conservative treatment and plating can be successful in defined populations. A general indication for primary implantation of a prosthesis in four-part fractures in the elderly is not supported by the literature. CONCLUSION: We conclude from our analysis that the scientific evidence for treatment recommendations of displaced proximal humeral fractures is still limited.

Biomechanical and morphological types of the linea alba and its possible role in the pathogenesis of midline incisional hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To review the tensile strength of the different histological types of fibres in the linea alba and correlate the anatomical features of the anterior abdominal wall with the tensile strength of the linea alba to see whether the tensile strength of the linea alba might contribute to the development of midline incisional hernias. DESIGN: Laboratory study. SETTING: University hospital, Germany. SUBJECTS: 46 cadavers in part one, and 9 freshly frozen and 38 formalin-fixed cadavers in part two. INTERVENTIONS: In the first part of the study the histological examination was by binocular dissection microscopy, magnification x10, but this was not sufficiently reproducible so in the second part we used an Olympus BX50 microscope, magnification x20, and Optimas 5.22 picture processing software. Tensile strength was measured using a Loosenhausen ZHP 1-6 tensiometer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between anatomical features and tensile strength. RESULTS: The method used in part one of the study failed to differentiate between the three types of fibres in the linea alba (weak, intermediate, and compact). In the second part of the study we found that the fibres were irregular, with no systematic crossing of the fibres of the aponeurosis. There was a significant correlation between the thickness and density of fibres in the linea alba and its tensile strength (r = 0.9). The thickness of fibres ranged from 21.9-38.2 microm and the density from 48% to 90%. The tensile strength ranged from 3-25 kp. CONCLUSION: A combination of low density and thin fibres in the linea alba could be a predisposing factor for development of midline incisional hernias

[Differential transplant selection in cruciate ligament surgery]. / Differenzierte Transplantatauswahl in der Kreuzbandchirurgie.

Over the past century numerous graft materials have been used for the reconstruction of the cruciate ligament of the knee. Among the autologous tissues that are currently recommended as graft materials, the central bone patellar tendon bone graft, a quadrupled hamstring graft and the central quadriceps tendon graft have the greatest clinical significance. With some limitations, allograft materials can also be used. Each of the three mentioned grafts has specific features regarding morphological and structural properties, graft fixation and graft incorporation. Clinical studies have failed to identify any of the three grafts as superior to the others. When choosing the graft for surgery the different anatomy and function of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments have to be considered. For the treatment of multiple ligament injuries and for revision cases, thorough preoperative planning is necessary and modified graft selection may be required.

[Conservative or surgical therapy of acromioclavicular joint injury--what is reliable? A systematic analysis of the literature using "evidence-based medicine" criteria]. / Konservative oder operative Therapie der Schultereckgelenkverletzung--was ist gesichert? Eine systematische Literaturanalyse nach Kriterien der "evidence based medicine".

There is controversy about the therapy for third-degree acromioclavicular dislocation according to Tossy and Rockwood's classification. Both operative and non-operative treatment is reported to have satisfactory results in the literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze the literature in a systematic manner based on the criteria of evidence-based medicine. It was our hypothesis that there is no scientific evidence for the superiority of one treatment over the other. A total of 370 papers were retrieved and classified into three groups: (1) randomized controlled trials; (2) comparative retrospective studies; and (3) retrospective studies. In three studies that were graded with high evidence, the major outcome for both operative and non-operative treatment was similar. The advantages of non-operative treatment include a shorter period of rehabilitation and a significantly lower complication rate while the advantages of operative treatment include a low rate of persisting subluxation of the AC joint. Similar results were found for retrospective comparative and long-term studies. For retrospective studies without controls, both operative and conservative therapy are described with good and excellent results, ranging between 80 and 97%. In conclusion, there is good evidence on the therapy of third-degree acromioclaviculary dislocation studies. The functional result according to the literature is similar, and complications associated with therapy occur more often with operative treatment. Conservative treatment appears to be the method of choice for third-degree acromioclavicular dislocations unless the patient's preference is operative therapy.

[Dorsal carpometacarpal dislocation of the fifth finger: discussion of diagnosis and therapy on two cases]. / Die dorsale karpometakarpale Luxation des 5. Strahls.Diskussion der Diagnostik und Therapie an 2 Fällen.

Dorsal dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint after injury is rare. Only five cases are reported in the literature. We report on two cases of dorsal dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint after injury and we give a review of related literature. There are two interesting aspects concerning diagnostic and therapy of dorsal dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint. Anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs do not always provide adequate visualisation of this joint so a dislocation may be misdiagnosed. A radiograph taken with the forearm pronated 45 degrees from the routine anterior-posterior position better shows the dislocation. The adequate therapy consists in closed reduction, Kirschner wire fixation and cast immobilisation. A reduction without following Kirschner wire fixation - even in those dislocations that were found to be stable after closed reduction - is not recommended because of the risk of persisting pain after heavy manual work. In our two cases an instability of the fifth carpometacarpal joint existed after closed reduction. After Kirschner wire fixation and cast immobilisation for 6 weeks both patients showed 3 months after operative therapy a full range of movement and a powerful grip without any pain in the fifth carpometacarpal joint.

[Therapy of phantom pain with salmon calcitonin and effect on postoperative patient satisfaction]. / Phantomschmerztherapie mit Lachscalcitonin und Einfluss auf die postoperative Patientenzufriedenheit.

In this prospective clinical study we examined the intravenous application of salmon-calcitonin in eight patients with severe phantom limb pain (Visual Analogue Scale = 50-100). The patients presented at the Acute Pain Service (APS) section of the Second Department of Surgery, University of Cologne. Six of eight patients (75%) had no phantom limb pain after 10 days of intravenous treatment with salmon-calcitonin (maximum of five cycles of calcitonin infusion). Systematic follow-up examinations after 3, 6 and 12 months showed long-term success. Patient satisfaction was examined with a numeric rating scale (NRS 1-6) between the single infusion cycles. When patient satisfaction was low, the physician modified the time period or drug dosage between infusions. This study shows good or excellent results in patient satisfaction for six of eight patients (75%). A prospective randomized trial is required to verify the excellent results of intravenous salmon-calcitonin in a larger population. Alternative pharmacological and operative treatments of phantom limb pain are critically reviewed and assessed.

Does the mode of data collection change results in a subjective knee score? Self-administration versus interview.

Our objective was to compare the effect of two methods of data collection on results in a functional knee score. Two Lysholm scores were obtained for 61 patients 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament surgery at the same clinic visit. First, the patients completed a self-administered questionnaire, and second, the Lysholm score form was completed by the investigator in the course of a patient interview. A comparison of the scores revealed that the mean score was significantly lower with self-administration (self, 89.3 +/- 10.6; interviewer, 92.2 +/- 7.4) (P = 0.0035, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The assignment to one of four categories (excellent, good, fair, poor) was also significantly altered by the manner of data collection. Nineteen patients (31%) were assigned to different categories based on the mode of data collection. We believe that the major reason for a better score result with an interview was the presence of interview bias. The more the investigator is involved in the treatment of the patient, the greater the influence of this bias may be. To avoid such potential bias we suggest that a standardized self-administered questionnaire be used as the method of choice for obtaining subjective data in clinical settings.

Local and intra-articular infiltration of bupivacaine before surgery: effect on postoperative pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

In a double-blind, randomized trial, 40 patients undergoing open anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft were randomly allocated to two groups: group A (n = 20) received an intra-articular instillation of 20 mL bupivacaine (0.25%) and a local infiltration of 20 mL bupivacaine (0.5%) 15 minutes before surgery. Group B (n = 20) received an injection of saline solution in the same manner. Patient-controlled on-demand analgesia (PCA) with intravenous piritramid was used for postoperative pain control. A significant decrease in pain scores on a visual analog scale (VAS scale, 0 to 10) was found in the bupivacaine group (group A) at bedrest on the day of surgery only (pain score, 5.5 v 7.3 (scale, 0 to 10), P < .05). At all other times, no significant differences were found. The overall supplemental opioid requirements were not different between the study groups (63.9 v 62.6 mg piritramid/72 hours). A long-lasting, clinically relevant, pain-reducing effect with infiltration of bupivacaine before surgery could not be shown with this study.

Trauma score systems: Cologne Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Most standard trauma score systems have been developed and validated in the United States. However, trauma differs between the United States and Germany. This prospective study tested the validity of eight current trauma scoring systems (Glasgow Coma Scale, Trauma Score, Revised Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score, TRISSTS, TRISSRTS, Prehospital Index, Polytraumaschluessel) in 612 patients in Cologne. METHODS: Between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 1987, 2,136 trauma related emergencies were seen by emergency physicians in the field. All trauma patients with a Trauma Score below 16 and a random sample of 10% of patients with a Trauma Score of 16 were included in the study (n = 625). Follow-up was successfully completed for 612 patients (97%). Their hospital outcome was correlated with their individual score result. RESULTS: All trauma score systems under study showed high accuracy rates. TRISSRTS and TRISSTS performed best with values of above 0.97 for the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the standard trauma score systems are valid tools for patient classification and support TRISSRTS as the international reference score system for the assessment of injury severity. This validation will allow comparisons between different trauma care systems.