No implant, no solution, lost cases to surgery: orthopedic trauma triage for surgery in an NGO hospital in Sierra Leone.

INTRODUCTION: In low-income countries (LIC), international surgeons face the fact that there are patients they cannot treat. The goal of this study was to identify and analyze patients lost to treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the data of 282 trauma victims from a non-governmental organizational (NGO) hospital in Sierra Leone, Africa. During a 3-month period (10.10.2015-08.01.2016), these patients had 367 injuries and underwent 263 orthopedic surgeries. Despite a clear indication, some patients did not receive surgical treatment. We identified these injuries and the reason why they could not be operated. The anatomic region of the injury was evaluated and if they had a bone or soft tissue defect or were infected. RESULTS: We identified 95 (25.89%) injuries in 70 patients (47 males; 23 females) that were not be operated. The reasons were lack of specific implants (no implant group; N = 33), no treatment strategy for the injury (no solution group; N = 29), and patients that were lost (lost patient group; N = 33), almost equally distributed by 1/3. In the no implant group were mainly closed fractures and fractures of the pelvis and the proximal femur. The implants needed were locking plates (N = 19), proximal femoral nails (N = 8), and implants for pelvic surgery (N = 6). In the no solution group were nearly all bone (P < 0.0000), soft tissue defects (P < 0.00001) and infections (P = 0.00003) compared to the rest and more open fractures (P < 0.00001). In the lost patients group, most fractures were closed (24 out of 33, P = 0.033). These fractures were mostly not urgent and were postponed repeatedly. CONCLUSION: One quarter of the patients did not receive the surgical treatment needed. Besides acquisition of implants, surgical skills and expertise could be a solution for this issue. Nevertheless, these skills must be passed to local surgeons.

Off-label use of orthopedical trauma implants in a low-income country.

PURPOSE: Lack of resources, severe injuries, and logistical flaws force surgeons in low-income countries (LIC) to improvise during surgery and use implants "off-label." These off-label treatments are specific for the work of trauma surgeons in non-governmental (NGO) hospitals in LIC. The aim of this study is to show the need of off-label surgery in an environment of low resources by means of typical examples. METHODS: Off-label treated fractures, the implant used instead, and the reason for off-label treatment were investigated in 367 injuries over a three month period in an NGO hospital in Sierra Leone. RESULTS: Twenty-seven fractures were treated off-label with mostly K-wires (88.89%) and external fixators (51.85%). Three reasons for off-label use could be defined: no suitable implants (N = 14), the condition of soft tissues that did not allow internal osteosyntheses (N = 10), and implants not ready for surgery due to logistic flaws (N = 3). The implants needed were mostly locking plates. CONCLUSION: Surgeons in similar settings must use K-wires and external fixators to treat complex fractures. Using implants off-label can help surgeons to treat fractures otherwise left untreated.

War surgery in Afghanistan: a model for mass causalities in terror attacks?

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to identify solution strategies from a non-governmental (NGO) hospital in a war region for violence-related injuries and to show how high-income countries (HIC) might benefit from this expertise. METHODS: NGO trauma hospital in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan. Four hundred eighty-four war victims admitted in a three month period (February 2016-May 2016) were included. Patients´ characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 23.5 years. Four hundred thirty-four (89.9%) were male, and 50 (10.1%) were female. The most common cause of injury was bullet injuries, shell injuries, and mine injuries. The most common injured body region was the lower extremity, upper extremity, and the chest or the face. Apart from surgical wound care and debridements, which were performed on every wound in the operation theatre, laparotomy was the most common surgical procedure, followed by installation of a chest drainage and amputation. CONCLUSION: The surgical expertise and clear pathways outweigh modern infrastructure. In case of a mass casualty incident, fast decision-making with basic diagnostic means in order to take rapid measurements for life-saving therapies could make the difference.

Functional and radiological outcome of periprosthetic fractures of the ankle.

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of the ankle is increasing. However, little is known about the outcome of treatment and their management remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of periprosthetic fractures on the functional and radiological outcome of patients with a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). A total of 505 TAAs (488 patients) who underwent TAA were retrospectively evaluated for periprosthetic ankle fracture: these were then classified according to a recent classification which is orientated towards treatment. The outcome was evaluated clinically using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and a visual analogue scale for pain, and radiologically. A total of 21 patients with a periprosthetic fracture of the ankle were identified. There were 13 women and eight men. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (48 to 74). Thus, the incidence of fracture was 4.17%. There were 11 intra-operative and ten post-operative fractures, of which eight were stress fractures and two were traumatic. The prosthesis was stable in all patients. Five stress fractures were treated conservatively and the remaining three were treated operatively. A total of 17 patients (81%) were examined clinically and radiologically at a mean follow-up of 53.5 months (12 to 112). The mean AOFAS score at follow-up was 79.5 (21 to 100). The mean AOFAS score in those with an intra-operative fracture was 87.6 (80 to 100) and for those with a stress fracture, which were mainly because of varus malpositioning, was 67.3 (21 to 93). Periprosthetic fractures of the ankle do not necessarily adversely affect the clinical outcome, provided that a treatment algorithm is implemented with the help of a new classification system.

Complication rates and reduction potential of palmar versus dorsal locking plate osteosynthesis for the treatment of distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rates of volar versus dorsal locking plates and postoperative reduction potential after distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study 285 distal radius fractures (280 patients/59.4 % female) treated with locked plating were retrospectively evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 54.6 years (SD 17.4) and the mean follow-up was 33.2 months (SD 17.2). The palmar approach was used in 225 cases and the dorsal approach in 60 cases (95 % type C fractures). RESULTS: Adequate reduction was achieved with both approaches, regardless of fracture severity. In the dorsal group, the complications and implant removal rates were significantly higher and the operative time was also longer. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these facts, we advocate the palmar locking plate for the vast majority of fractures. In cases of complex multifragmentary articular fractures where no compromise in reduction is acceptable, and with the biomechanical equality of palmar and dorsal plating remaining unproven, dorsal plating may still be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level IV.

Lower limb salvage: indication and decision making for replantation, revascularisation and amputation.

Defining reproducible criteria for lower extremity salvage following severe high-energy trauma continues to be one of the most challenging and controversially discussed fields in orthopaedic surgery. At present, however, the difficult performance, limited availability and number of valid reconstructive options for complex injury types, i. e. simultaneous osteoligamentous trauma with neurovascular lesions and severe soft tissue defects ("composite/compound multilayer defects") represent the decisive prognostic injury components triggering and determining the fate of the limb. Consequently, due to the complex injury pattern of the extremity and the overall situation of multiple injured patient the treatment and decision making has to be made in a priority-adapted algorithm. In this treatment algorithm interdisciplinary cooperation with vascular and plastic surgeons is of tremendous importance. Although the number of severely injured patients remains stable in the last decade, changes in the treatment algorithms result from increased survival rates of multiple injured patients and improved modern reconstructive options leading to continuously increasing rates of salvaged limbs. This paper aimed to systematically review the current literature for lower extremity injuries in order to unravel the different surgical treatment options and provide guidelines for decision making with corresponding treatment algorithms for limb salvage. Furthermore, the experiences in the management of mangled extremities in our centre are presented and illustrated/underscored with different cases.

[Complications after osteosynthetic treatment of acetabular fractures]. / Komplikationen nach osteosynthetischer Versorgung von Azetabulumfrakturen.

The early work of Judet and Letournel in the 1970s and 1980s led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of acetabular fractures. The previously purely conservative treatment was replaced more and more by open surgical approaches. The complex, three-dimensional bony anatomy and the periacetabular soft tissue with a close topographic relationship to intrapelvic and extrapelvic neurovascular and visceral structures implicate an increased rate as well as a high risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications. Simultaneously, anatomical reconstruction with a gap step-off less than 1-2 mm is required. Fractures of the acetabulum are comparatively rare and only few trauma centers have the capability and the infrastructure to treat acetabular fractures. Therefore, the aim of this review was to illustrate the possible intraoperative and postoperative complications of osteosynthetic treatment of acetabular fractures as well as to identify possible strategies for treatment and prevention.

The treatment of the proximal humeral fracture with the use of the PHN Nailing System: the importance of reduction.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive technique that respects humeral head. However, limited surgical approach does not permit an anatomical reduction. The significance of the reduction on the functional outcome has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of the study was to examine the functional and radiological postoperative outcome in patients with proximal humeral fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and the significance of reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 43 patients with proximal humeral fractures that were treated with the Proximal Humerus Nail System (Targon, Aesculap). Mean follow-up period was 23.2 months (SD: 8.9). Shoulder function was assessed with the Constant-Murley Score. Reduction was examined radiographically anteroposterior and true lateral plane. Radiographs of 50 healthy shoulders served as controls. Malreduction was analyzed for 10°, 15° and 20° in both planes. RESULTS: The overall functional results were satisfying; mean CS of all patients at the last follow-up visit was 74.8 (SD: 19.3). Mean normalized CS for age and gender was 78.15 (SD 17.8). Fracture severity seemed to affect clinical outcome to a certain extent; 4-part fractures exhibited inferior results. Mean NSA was 126.5 (SD: 16.9) in anteroposterio and 137.4 (SD: 15.4) in true lateral view. The respective values in the control group were 134.1° (SD 7.1°) in anteroposterior and 133.7° (SD 12.8°) in true lateral view. A malreduction of >20° in the anteroposterior plane and >15° in both anteroposterior and true lateral planes resulted in significantly inferior clinical outcome. Thirteen complications were recorded, four of them being major. DISCUSSION The quality of reduction affected the postoperative outcome to a certain extent. Especially the anteroposterior reduction seemed to play a more important role in the postoperative function than reduction in the true lateral plane. However, this difference was statistically significant only after > 20° malreduction. The worst results in Constant Score were shown, as expected, in the group with malreduction in both planes; even a 15°malreduction resulted in statistically significant difference. The importance of anteroposterior reduction could be due to achievement of better ROM in the frontal plane, most probably because of better levers on the tuberosities. However an absolute anatomical reduction does not have to be achieved at all costs. The overall good results of the fractures in this study despite absence of anatomical reduction could partly result from the limited surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the patients treated with closed reduction and internal fixation with PHN show good postoperative functional results. However, fracture malreduction reduction cannot be always avoided with the use of PHN. Nevertheless, the evaluation of the Constant-Murley score shows an absolute anatomical reduction in not necessary for satisfying functional outcome. The reduction in anteroposterior plane seems to play a more important role in the postsurgical functional outcome. A malreduction that exceeds 15° in both planes or a malreduction of more than 20° in either plane should be avoided.

Periprosthetic fractures around the knee: update on therapeutic algorithms for internal fixation and revision arthroplasty.

Effective treatment of periprosthetic fractures following TKA continues to represent a surgical challenge. The incidence and frequency of these complicated type of fractures is expected to increase as the number of TKA as well as the activity level of these patients steadily rises. A careful and correct analysis of the fracture pattern, its classification, the quality of the existing bone stock and the fixation / loosening of the underlying prosthetic system has to precede decision making for successful conservative or surgical treatment. Therefore, improved diagnostic radiographic imaging of fracture patterns and reliable assessment of prosthesis loosening progressive development of new implant methods and refinement of soft tissue preserving surgical techniques will hold the key for regaining the functional level prior to the fracture.

[Costs and role of ultrasound follow-up of polytrauma patients after initial computed tomography]. / Kosten und Stellenwert von Ultraschallverlaufskontrollen bei polytraumatisierten Patienten nach initialer Computertomografie.

PURPOSE: To assess the costs and diagnostic gain of abdominal ultrasound follow-up of polytrauma patients initially examined by whole-body computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 176 patients with suspected multiple trauma (126 men, 50 women; age 43.5 ± 17.4 years) were retrospectively analyzed with regard to supplementary and new findings obtained by ultrasound follow-up compared with the results of exploratory FAST (focused assessment with sonography for trauma) at admission and the findings of whole-body CT. A process model was used to document the staff, materials, and total costs of the ultrasound follow-up examinations. RESULTS: FAST yielded 26 abdominal findings (organ injury and/or free intra-abdominal fluid) in 19 patients, while the abdominal scan of whole-body CT revealed 32 findings in 25 patients. FAST had 81 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity. Follow-up ultrasound examinations revealed new findings in 2 of the 25 patients with abdominal injuries detected with initial CT. In the 151 patients without abdominal injuries in the initial CT scan, ultrasound follow-up did not yield any supplementary or new findings. The total costs of an ultrasound follow-up examination were EUR 28.93. The total costs of all follow-up ultrasound examinations performed in the study population were EUR 5658.23. CONCLUSION: Follow-up abdominal ultrasound yields only a low overall diagnostic gain in polytrauma patients in whom initial CT fails to detect any abdominal injuries but incurs high personnel expenses for radiological departments.

Image-guided spinal injection procedures in open high-field MRI with vertical field orientation: feasibility and technical features.

OBJECTIVE: We prospectively evaluated the feasibility and technical features of MR-guided lumbosacral injection procedures in open high-field MRI at 1.0 T. METHODS: In a CuSO(4).5H(2)O phantom and five human cadaveric spines, fluoroscopy sequences (proton-density-weighted turbo spin-echo (PDw TSE), T1w TSE, T2w TSE; balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP), T1w gradient echo (GE), T2w GE) were evaluated using two MRI-compatible 20-G Chiba-type needles. Artefacts were analysed by varying needle orientation to B(0), frequency-encoding direction and slice orientation. Image quality was described using the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Subsequently, a total of 183 MR-guided nerve root (107), facet (53) and sacroiliac joint (23) injections were performed in 53 patients. RESULTS: In vitro, PDw TSE sequence yielded the best needle-tissue contrasts (CNR = 45, 18, 15, 9, and 8 for needle vs. fat, muscle, root, bone and sclerosis, respectively) and optimal artefact sizes (width and tip shift less than 5 mm). In vivo, PDw TSE sequence was sufficient in all cases. The acquisition time of 2 s facilitated near-real-time MRI guidance. Drug delivery was technically successful in 100% (107/107), 87% (46/53) and 87% (20/23) of nerve root, facet and sacroiliac joint injections, respectively. No major complications occurred. The mean procedure time was 29 min (range 19-67 min). CONCLUSION: MR-guided spinal injections in open high-field MRI are feasible and accurate using fast TSE sequence designs.

[Clinical studies outside university clinics : What are the problems to implement this?]. / Klinische Studien ausserhalb von Universitätskliniken : Wo liegen Probleme bei der Durchführung?

The demand for high quality evidence-based surgical treatment in Germany and awareness of the poor quality of surgical trials highlight the basic necessity of randomized controlled trials. In six surgical trial centers a professional infrastructure for surgical trials is in the process of being established since 2006.The aim is the initiation of surgical multicenter trials which can be effectively conducted by local networking. To accomplish a timely recruitment of patients it is necessary to integrate surgical departments outside university hospitals into multicenter trials. With a questionnaire survey of non-university surgical departments in the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg, interest, experience in clinical trials and structural conditions in these departments were evaluated. Based on the results of this survey the possibilities to integrate non-university surgical departments into multicenter trials and how a high recruitment of patients can be motivated will be discussed in this article.

[The scaphocapitate fracture syndrome (Fenton)]. / Die skaphokapitale Fraktur der Hand (Fenton-Syndrom).

The scaphocapitate fracture syndrome as a greater arc injury is a special form of the perilunate fracture dislocation. It is a combination of fractures of the scaphoid and capitate bones. This severe injury of the carpus is rare and therefore difficult to diagnose. We report the case of a 22-year-old handball player, who fell on the outstretched hand with the wrist in extension. Open reduction was performed via a dorsal approach and both fractures were treated operatively with Herbert screws. After three months the patient was able to play handball again with a good functional result.