[Geriatric Trauma Center DGU®: Evaluation of clinical and economic parameters : A pilot study in a german university hospital]. / AltersTraumaZentrum DGU®: Evaluation klinischer und ökonomischer Parameter : Eine Pilotstudie an einer deutschen Universitätsklinik.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on orthogeriatric models of care suggest that there is substantial variability in how geriatric care is integrated in the patient management and the necessary intensity of geriatric involvement is questionable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current prospective cohort study was the clinical and economic evaluation of fragility fracture treatment pathways before and after the implementation of a geriatric trauma center in conformity with the guidelines of the German Trauma Society (DGU). METHODS: A comparison of three different treatment models (6 months each) was performed: A: Standard treatment in Orthopaedic Trauma; B: Special care pathways with improvement of the quality management system and implementation of standard operating procedures; C: Interdisciplinary treatment with care pathways and collaboration with geriatricians (ward round model). RESULTS: In the 151 examined patients (m/w 47/104; 83.5 (70-100) years; A: n = 64, B: n = 44, C: n = 43) pathways with orthogeriatric comanagement (C) improved frequency of postoperative mobilization (p = 0.021), frequency of osteoporosis prophylaxis (p = 0.001) and the discharge procedure (p = 0.024). In comparison to standard treatment (A), orthogeriatric comanagement (C) was associated with lower rates of mortality (9% vs. 2%; p = 0.147) and cardio-respiratory complications (39% vs. 28%; p = 0.235) by trend. In this context, there were low rates of myocardial infarction (6% vs. 0%), dehydration (6% vs. 0%), cardiac dysrhythmia (8% vs. 0%), pulmonary decompensation (28% vs. 16%), electrolyt dysbalance (34% vs. 19%) and pulmonary edema (11% vs. 2%). Duration of stay in an intensive care unit was 29 h (A) and 18 h (C) respectively (p = 0.205), with consecutive reduction in costs. A sole establishment of a special care pathway for older hip fracture patients (B) showed a lower rate of myocardial infarction (A: 11%, B: 0%, C: 0%; p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: There was a clear tendency to a better overall result in patients receiving multidisciplinary orthogeriatric treatment using a ward visit model of orthogeriatric comanagement, with lower rates of cardiorespiratory complications and mortality. While special care pathways could reduce the rate of myocardial infarction in hip fracture patients, costs and revenues showed no difference between all care models evaluated. However, patients with hip fracture or periprosthetic fracture represent cohorts at clinical and economic risk as well.

One year after proximal or distal periprosthetic fracture of the femur -two conditions with divergent outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Arthroplasty of the hip and knee is 1 of the 20 most frequent operations in Germany. Periprosthetic fracture is one of the most feared complications following primary or revision arthroplasty. Present publication aims to analyse differences between patients with periprosthetic fracture around total knee arthroplasty (PFTKA) and patients with periprosthetic fracture around total hip arthroplasty (PFTHA) concerning demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. METHODS: Prospective single-centre observation study of periprosthetic femoral fractures with stable implants. Present subgroup analysis includes patients with PFTKA and PFTHA. All patients were treated with polyaxial angular stable plates using two standardized techniques: a minimally invasive percutaneous distal insertion technique and a mini-open technique. Data collection included implant- and operation-related information as well as demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. Data were collected during a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: We were able to analyse the data of 73 patients. The PFTKA group had 37 patients with a mean age of 76 ±â€¯10 years; 88% were female. After 1 year, 3 patients in this cohort had died; 68% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility; 22% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons. The PFTHA cohort included 36 patients with a mean age of 80 ±â€¯13 years, 72% were female. After 1 year, 9 patients had died in this cohort, 42% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility. Non-operative complications occurred for 16% in the PFTKA group and 64% in the PFTHA group (p < 0.001). 11% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons, among them, two cases of nonunion but no primary infection. CONCLUSION: On average, compared to the PFTHA patients, PFTKA patients were younger, underwent significantly lower rates of non-operative complications, had a tendency towards lower mortality, and returned to pre-fracture mobility at higher rates, although they tended to have more revisions when compared to treatment for PFTHA. Overall, when periprosthetic fractures of the femur were treated using polyaxial locking plate osteosynthesis, patients showed very low rates of nonunion and no primary infection.

[Evaluation of a simple screening tool for ambulant fall prevention]. / Evaluation eines einfachen Testverfahrens in der ambulanten Sturzprävention.

BACKGROUND: An individual's risk of falling is generally difficult to detect and it is likely to be underestimated. Thus, preventive measures are challenging and they demand sufficient integration and implementation into aftercare and outpatient management. The Aachen Falls Prevention Scale (AFPS) is a quick and easy tool for patient-driven fall risk assessment. Older adults' risk of falling is identified in a suitable manner and they then have the opportunity to independently assess and monitor their risk of falling. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the AFPS as a simple screening tool in geriatric trauma patients via the identification of influencing factors, e.g. objective or subjective fall risk, fear of falling (FOF) and demographic data. In this context, we investigated older adults' willingness to take part in special activities concerning fall prevention. METHODS: Retrospectively, all patients over 70 years of age who received in-hospital fracture treatment between July 2014 and April 2016 were analyzed at a level I trauma center. After identification of 884 patients, participants completed a short questionnaire (47 questions, yes/no, Likert scale) comprising the AFPS. A history of falls in the past year was considered an indicator of a balance disorder. In addition, ambulant patients were invited to participate between July and August 2016. RESULTS: In total, 201 patients (mean 80.4 years, range 63-97 years) performed a self-assessment based on the AFPS. After steps 1 and 2 of the AFPS had been completed, 95 (47%) participants rated their subjective risk of falling as high (more than 5 points). Of the participants 84 (42%) were objectively classified as "fallers" with significant effects on their AFPS evaluation and rating of their subjective risk of falling. Furthermore, 67% of the participants identified a general practitioner as their main contact person, and 43% of the respondents viewed the AFPS as a beneficial screening tool in fall risk evaluation (8% negative attitudes). Only 12% of the participants could imagine using the AFPS app version as a feasible option. CONCLUSION: It would be advantageous to pretest at-risk individuals in their environment using a simple self-assessment approach, with the main purpose of identifying potential balance problems. With this approach, cost savings in the healthcare system are possible, combined with a higher health-related quality of life in the geriatric population.

[Interdisciplinary treatment in geriatric traumatology from the trauma surgeons' perspective : Results of a survey in Germany]. / Interdisziplinäre Behandlung in der Alterstraumatologie aus unfallchirurgischer Sicht : Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage.

BACKGROUND: Many patients treated on trauma surgery wards are geriatric trauma patients. To improve treatment of these often multimorbid patients, various interdisciplinary treatment concepts have been established in Germany between trauma surgeons and geriatricians. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dissemination and the impact of the different orthogeriatric treatment concepts for geriatric trauma in Germany. Material and methods In March and April 2014 an electronic questionnaire for assessing the interdisciplinary treatment of geriatric trauma patients was sent to 691 medical directors of trauma surgery departments in Germany. RESULTS: A total of 259 (37 %) fully answered questionnaires could be analyzed. The analysis revealed that 70 % of all responding trauma surgery departments had an orthogeriatric treatment cooperation. Most of them reported having patient discharge agreements to geriatric rehabilitation facilities (59 %). Geriatric counseling services were reported by 39 % while 24 % reported having regular interdisciplinary visits and orthogeriatric wards were available in 13 %. The need for orthogeriatric services was considered to be high by 79 % of the participants and benefits especially for the patients were expected. These expectations were largely fulfilled. More than 70 % of respondents planned to intensify the orthogeriatric cooperation. In this context difficulties were seen in the lack of personnel resources, especially in a lack of geriatricians. CONCLUSION: The results of this survey underline the impact and the positive experiences in orthogeriatric services. Solutions have to be found to address the emerging problem of capacity constraints.

[Endoprostheses in geriatric traumatology]. / Endoprothetik in der Alterstraumatologie.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric traumatology is increasing in importance due to the demographic transition. In cases of fractures close to large joints it is questionable whether primary joint replacement is advantageous compared to joint-preserving internal fixation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the importance of prosthetic joint replacement in the treatment of geriatric patients suffering from frequent periarticular fractures in comparison to osteosynthetic joint reconstruction and conservative methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A selective search of the literature was carried out to identify studies and recommendations concerned with primary arthroplasty of fractures in the region of the various joints (hip, shoulder, elbow and knee). RESULTS: The importance of primary arthroplasty in geriatric traumatology differs greatly between the various joints. Implantation of a prosthesis has now become the gold standard for displaced fractures of the femoral neck. In addition, reverse shoulder arthroplasty has become an established alternative option to osteosynthesis in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. Due to a lack of large studies definitive recommendations cannot yet be given for fractures around the elbow and the knee. Nowadays, joint replacement for these fractures is recommended only if reconstruction of the joint surface is not possible. CONCLUSION: The importance of primary joint replacement for geriatric fractures will probably increase in the future. Further studies with larger patient numbers must be conducted to achieve more confidence in decision making between joint replacement and internal fixation especially for shoulder, elbow and knee joints.

Patient factors associated with increased acute care costs of hip fractures: a detailed analysis of 402 patients.

The aim of the present study was to identify patient factors associated with higher costs in hip fracture patients. The mean costs of a prospectively observed sample of 402 patients were 8853 €. The ASA score, Charlson comorbidity index, and fracture location were associated with increased costs. PURPOSE: Fractures of the proximal end of the femur (hip fractures) are of increasing incidence due to demographic changes. Relevant co-morbidities often present in these patients cause high complication rates and prolonged hospital stays, thus leading to high costs of acute care. The aim of this study was to perform a precise cost analysis of the actual hospital costs of hip fractures and to identify patient factors associated with increased costs. METHODS: The basis of this analysis was a prospectively observed single-center trial, which included 402 patients with fractures of the proximal end of the femur. All potential cost factors were recorded as accurately as possible for each of the 402 patients individually, and statistical analysis was performed to identify associations between pre-existing patient factors and acute care costs. RESULTS: The mean total acute care costs per patient were 8853 ± 5676 € with ward costs (5828 ± 4294 €) and costs for surgical treatment (1972 ± 956 €) representing the major cost factors. The ASA score, Charlson comorbidity index, and fracture location were identified as influencing the costs of acute care for hip fracture treatment. CONCLUSION: Hip fractures are associated with high acute care costs. This study underlines the necessity of sophisticated risk-adjusted payment models based on specific patient factors. Economic aspects should be an integral part of future hip fracture research due to limited health care resources.

Nutritional intervention in cognitively impaired geriatric trauma patients: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Most studies focusing on improving the nutritional status of geriatric trauma patients exclude patients with cognitive impairment. These patients are especially at risk of malnutrition at admission and of worsening during the perioperative fasting period. This study was planned as a feasibility study to identify the difficulties involved in including this high-risk collective of cognitively impaired geriatric trauma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective intervention study included cognitively impaired geriatric patients (Mini-Mental State Examination <25, age >65 years) with hip-related fractures. We assessed Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002), body mass index, calf circumference, American Society of Anesthesiologists' classification, and Braden Scale. All patients received parenteral nutritional supplementation of 800 kcal/d for the 96-hour perioperative period. Serum albumin and pseudocholinesterase were monitored. Information related to the study design and any complications in the clinical course were documented. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were screened, among whom eleven women (median age: 87 years; age range: 74-91 years) and nine men (median age: 82 years; age range: 73-89 years) were included. The Mini-Mental State Examination score was 9.5 (0-24). All patients were manifestly undernourished or at risk according to MNA and NRS 2002. The body mass index was 23 kg/m2 (13-30 kg/m2), the calf circumference was 29.5 cm (18-34 cm), and the mean American Society of Anesthesiologists' classification status was 3 (2-4). Braden Scale showed 18 patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. In all, 12 patients had nonsurgical complications with 10% mortality. Albumin as well as pseudocholinesterase dropped significantly from admission to discharge. The study design proved to be feasible. CONCLUSION: The testing of MNA and NRS 2002 was feasible. Cognitively impaired trauma patients proved to be especially at risk of malnutrition. Since 96 hours of parenteral nutrition as a crisis intervention was insufficient, additional supplementation could be considered. Laboratory and functional outcome parameters for measuring successive supplementation certainly need further evaluations involving randomized controlled trials.

Pre-fracture quality of life predicts 1-year survival in elderly patients with hip fracture-development of a new scoring system.

UNLABELLED: Hip fractures are common in elderly people. Despite great progress in surgical care, the outcome of patients with hip fracture remains disappointing. This study determined four prognostic factors (lower ASA score, higher pre-fracture EQ-5D index, higher MMSE score, and female gender) to predict 1-year survival in patients with hip fracture. INTRODUCTION: This study determined the prognostic factors for 1-year survival in patients with hip fracture. Based on these predictors, a scoring system was developed for use upon patients' admission to the hospital. METHODS: Hip fracture patients, aged ≥60 years, were prospectively enrolled. Upon admission, patients' sociodemographic data, type of fracture, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, health-related quality of life scores (EQ-5D index) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were recorded, among other parameters. Correlational analysis was performed on all potential variables to identify relevant predictor variables of 1-year survival. Univariate regression analysis was performed on all selected variables, followed by a multivariate analysis for variables that were significant in the univariate analysis. The final score was developed by converting the ß-coefficients of each variable from the multivariate analysis into a scoring system. RESULTS: For 391 hip fracture patients, complete data were available at the time of the 1-year follow-up. In multivariate regression analysis, independent predictors of 1-year survival were lower ASA score, higher pre-fracture EQ-5D index, higher MMSE score, and female gender. The different variables were weighted according to their ß-coefficient to build the prognostic score, which ranged from 0 to 10 points. The ROC curve for 1-year mortality after hip fracture showed an area under the curve of 0.74 (R (2) = 0.272; 95 % CI 0.68-0.79; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With only four instruments, the new score represents a useful tool for estimating 1-year survival in elderly patients with hip fractures. At present, the score is limited due to a lack of validation. A validation study is currently underway to prove its reliability.

Treatment strategies for partial chronic instability of the distal syndesmosis: an arthroscopic grading scale and operative staging concept.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate three different anatomical reconstruction techniques for the partial chronic isolated instability of the syndesmosis based on own arthroscopic classification criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to review 32 patients (15 female, 17 male; average age 41; range 18-71) with isolated partial chronic instability of the syndesmosis. During the arthroscopic examination of the patient, the instability of the syndesmosis was assessed by inserting a dissector of defined size into the distal tibiofibular joint. The lateralization of the fibula in the distal tibiofibular joint was then semi-quantitatively evaluated and classified. In all cases, open reconstructive surgery was carried out at the same time. Depending on the grading of the instability assessed arthroscopically (Grades I-III), one of three different anatomical reconstruction techniques was performed: suture of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), ligament repair using periosteal flaps, or autogenous plantaris tendon graft. Patients in all three groups were treated with a screw and an additional preassembled suture-button device. At 8 weeks after surgery, the screw was removed and full weight bearing was allowed. Clinical and radiological follow up were obtained at an average time of 17 months after surgery. Clinical evaluation of the reconstruction techniques was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and the Weber Score. RESULTS: The median AOFAS score was significantly higher than before surgery for all three groups. In addition, the Weber score was significantly lower in all three groups than before surgery, indicating substantial improvement. There were no complications after the arthroscopies and the reconstructive surgeries. But in two cases, suture granuloma occurred within the 17-month window, which was treated with a revision operation and removal of the suture-button device. CONCLUSION: Depending on the arthroscopic classification of the partial chronic instability of the syndesmosis, the three different anatomical reconstruction techniques potentially provide appropriate treatment options based on the grade of injury.

What determines health-related quality of life in hip fracture patients at the end of acute care?--a prospective observational study.

UNLABELLED: Hip fractures are associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HrQoL). We found pre-existing need of care or limited function, cognitive impairment, and depression to be independent factors associated with lower HrQoL during the postsurgical period. In contrast, joint replacement was associated with better HrQoL compared to internal fixation. Patients' treatment should be focused on functional recovery and treatment of depression. INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to identify independent factors that were correlated with health-related quality of life (HrQoL) after hip fracture. METHODS: A total of 402 patients with a mean age of 81 years suffering from a hip fracture were included in this prospective, observational cohort study. HrQoL (determined by the EuroQol instrument) was measured at admission and at discharge from an acute care hospital. Independent factors correlated with HrQoL at discharge and changes from pre-fracture to discharge were determined using multivariate analyses. The influence of antidepressants was evaluated by an ANOVA with repeated measurements. RESULTS: Need of care prior to fracture was the most important determinant of EQ-5D index at discharge (ß = -0.359, p = 0.003). Additionally, low Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was associated with a lower EQ-5D index at discharge (MMSE 0-9: ß = -0.238, p <0.001; MMSE 10-19: ß = -0.294, p <0.001) and a greater decrease in EQ-5D during hospitalisation (MMSE 10-19: ß = 0.281, p <0.001), while joint replacement (compared to internal fixation) was associated with a higher EQ-5D index (ß = 0.188, p = 0.002) and a lower decrease in the index (ß = -0.216, p = 0.003). EQ VAS values at discharge were correlated with pre-fracture Barthel Index (ß = 0.253, p <0.001) and Geriatric Depression Scale scores (ß = -0.135, p = 0.026). Depressive patients on antidepressants demonstrated less of a decrease in the EQ-5D index compared to patients not receiving medication (F = 2.907, p = 0.090). CONCLUSIONS: Acute care of hip fracture patients should be focused on functional recovery and treatment of depression. When the preferred surgical strategy is unclear, joint replacement should be considered.

[Surgical treatment of proximal femoral fractures--a training intervention?]. / Die operative Versorgung proximaler Femurfrakturen--ein Weiterbildungseingriff?

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral fractures are common in the elderly. Surgical and postoperative complications are of major importance in this population. Numerous factors affecting the treatment results could be identified so far. The effect of surgeons' experience in terms of educational status is not entirely clarified yet. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of surgeons' educational status on the outcome in proximal femoral fractures. Therefore treatment results were compared in terms of individual surgeons' experience. Furthermore, the surgical education concept of our department was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At a national trauma centre, patients of at least 60 years of age with proximal femoral fractures were prospectively screened. Patient-specific parameters like Barthel index, ASA score, Charlson score, patients' age and type of fracture were collected at the time of hospital admission. During the in-hospital stay type of fracture treatment, surgery time, number of blood transfusions, perioperative complications, duration of in-hospital stay as well as in-hospital mortality were recorded. Results were analysed for osteosynthesis and prosthesis depending on the surgeons' educational status. Four different groups of surgeons were distinguished (inexperienced senior house officer; experienced senior house officer; specialist in orthopaedics and accident surgery; specialist in orthopaedics and accident surgery with an additional qualification for special accident surgery). RESULTS: 402 patients with coxal femoral fractures could be included into the study. 160 patients (40 %) sustained complications of different severity. In-hospital mortality was shown to be 6.2 %. Separate consideration of osteosynthesis and prosthesis revealed no difference between the four groups of surgeons regarding mortality rate, number of blood transfusions and in-hospital stay. In terms of cutting/suture time consultants with a further specialisation in trauma surgery were significantly faster. CONCLUSION: Apart from cutting/suture time, surgeons' educational status had no statistically significant impact on the rate of complications, rate of blood transfusions, hospital mortality and in-hospital stay. It can be presumed that surgical education according to our educational concept has no negative effects on treatment quality of patients with proximal femoral fractures. Differences in cutting/suture time give a hint for the additional expense that is connected with surgical education.

[Anticoagulation medication for proximal femoral fractures: prospective validation study of new institutional guidelines]. / Gerinnungshemmende Medikation bei proximaler Femurfraktur: Prospektive Validierungsstudie einer neuen institutionellen Leitlinie.

BACKGROUND: Under current guidelines surgical care of hip fractures has to be initiated within 48 h which is a challenge for the management of patients on medical anticoagulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-house standard operation procedure (SOP) concerning these patients. METHODS: All geriatric hip fracture patients were included in this prospective study. Data concerning medical anticoagulation and hemoglobin levels on admission and at discharge, the start and duration of surgery, transfusion rates and postoperative complications were collected RESULTS: A total of 154 (62%) out of 247 patients were on anticoagulants. Patients on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) demonstrated a significant increase in the rate of transfusion (62%, 95% CI, range 53%-72%, p<0.05) but lost significantly less hemoglobin during hospitalization (1.25 g/dl, 95% CI 0.62-1.88g/dl, p<0.05) in comparison to the control group (40% transfused, hemoglobin loss 3.00 g/dl). Patients on phenprocoumon were operated on later (26 h versus 20 h,95% CI 22-30, p<0.001). There were no significant differences concerning complications. CONCLUSION: Under this SOP anticoagulation has no impact on complication rates after hip fracture. The increased transfusion rates under ASS can be attributed to early blood transfusions. Antagonization of coumarin with vitamin K delays surgery but seems adequate. An analysis of more patients over a longer period of time should be conducted.

Increased age is not associated with higher incidence of complications, longer stay in acute care hospital and in hospital mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients.

The number of agile patients in the 10th decade with a strong need for postoperative mobility will increase in the following decades. The present prospective study sought to prove if very old patients with hip-related fractures are disadvantaged according to incidence of complications, length of ICU and in-hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality. We included 402 patients, age 60 years and older, with hip related fractures. Operative treatment consisted of osteosynthesis or endoprothesis. ASA score, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Barthel Index and Mini-Mental-Status were documented. We noted length of in-hospital stay and ICU stay as well as readmission to ICU and complications, including their dispersal according to Clavien-Dindo Classification. After univariate analysis, a multivariate analysis was performed. The examined cohorts were 85 patients aged 60-74 years, 253 75-90 years old and 64 >90 year old patients. In-hospital periods (13-14 days) mean stay on ICU (2 days) and frequency of readmission on ICU did not significantly differ statistically. Most complications were grade II, with comparable frequency and modality, displaying no significant difference throughout age-related groups (p=0.461). In-hospital mortality showing significance (p=0.014) only between 75-89 (4.4%) and >90-year-old (12.5%) cohort. Nevertheless, according to multivariate analysis, including the common risk factors, increased age was not an independent risk factor for dying (p=0.132). Patients at an advanced age with hip-related fractures showed neither a prolonged in-hospital nor ICU stay. There was no significant relation of advanced age to number and type of complications.

[Subsequent treatment following proximal femoral fracture - who, when, where? Assessment of the current situation in Germany]. / Weiterbehandlung nach proximaler Femurfraktur - Wer, wann, wohin? Eine deutschlandweite Statuserhebung mit Unterstützung der AG Alterstraumatologie der DGU.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric fractures are an increasing challenge for the German health-care system. While the acute care for patients with proximal femoral fractures is already standardised, differences remain in the further treatment and rehabilitation. A survey was conducted in cooperation with the section of geriatric trauma (AG Alterstraumatologie) of the German Association of Trauma Surgery (DGU) to point out existing problems in this group of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In October/November 2010 an electronic questionnaire, assessing the medical care for patients after proximal femoral fracture, was sent to 1080 medical directors of trauma and orthopaedic surgery departments in Germany. RESULTS: 339 (31.4 %) departments participated. The analysis revealed that 57 % of the hospitals had cooperation agreements with aftercare hospitals. 37 % of all hospitals had problems in finding a rehabilitation hospital. The initiation of a rehabilitation procedure is almost exclusively based on the doctors' decision. Influence of employees with other professions is marginal. Mobility and Barthel index before the release from the acute care hospital are major factors in the decision making. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire confirms that there are problems in the aftercare service of geriatric patients all around Germany. A further improvement of collaboration between acute and aftercare hospitals is required.

[Partial aplasia of the atlas in a child]. / Partielle Aplasie des Atlasbogens beim Kind.

Congenital anomalies of the atlas are rare but well documented. They can range from total agenesis to partial clefts of the posterior and/or anterior arches and are mostly incidental findings after a sustained trauma. It is essential to differentiate these congenital variants from fractures of the atlas to prevent the patient from unnecessary (neuro-) surgical intervention. In this article the case of a 10-year-old girl is described with an unusual finding of partial aplasia of the posterior arch. The clinical features and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are discussed.