A Contemporary View on Felix Pinkus' Concept of the Vitreous Membrane.

INTRODUCTION: Felix Pinkus' concept of the vitreous membrane (VM) published in 1927 describes circular folds protruding into the outer root sheath (ORS), which, in his opinion, serve as interdigitations between the outer root sheath (ORS) and the VM. This concept currently seems to have fallen into oblivion. OBJECTIVE: To determine the origin and possible function of the VM in the proliferation and vascularization of the hair follicle (HF). METHODS: Serial investigation of healthy skin probes with histological (hematoxylin & eosin and periodic acid-Schiff) and immunohistochemical examination (Ki67, CD56, CD8, and collagen IV) were performed. RESULTS: Morphological variations of the VM in various HFs such as protrusions and folds, the latter unilateral, bilateral or circular, some acute-angled, were found. Similarly, protrusions of the VM into the ORS were observed, that consisted of capillary tissue together with perifollicular tissue and VM mimicking minimal variants of the dermal papilla. CONCLUSIONS: Pinkus' concept of the VM is revisited, reproduced and possible functions are proposed. Since these structures are found in a HF region with a high metabolic dynamism, they may be involved in differentiation or nutrition, or else be formed as a result of pressure arising from outgrowing hair shafts.

A New Configurable Wireless Sensor System for Biomedical Applications with ISO 18000-3 Interface in 0.35 µm CMOS.

This article presents a new configurable wireless sensor system. The system is used to perform amperometric measurements and send the measurement data to a handheld reader using a wireless transponder interface. The two-chip sensor system was implemented in a 0.35 µm CMOS technology. The system consists of an integrated nano-potentiostat that performs the actual measurements and an ISO 18000-3 compliant frontend that enables wireless telemetric data transmission and powering of the entire sensor system. The system was manufactured in combination with a chronoamperometric glucose sensor which allows the measurement of the glucose content in tear fluid and thus a non-invasive determination of the blood sugar level. For a range of sensor currents from 0.1 µA to 10 µA, the potentiostat achieved an accuracy of better than 5 % with a total power dissipation of less than 600 µW. With the realized antenna geometry a wireless communication distance of more than 7 cm has been achieved.

Injectable autologous chondrocyte transplantation for full thickness acetabular cartilage defects: early clinical results.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular cartilage lesions are frequently seen in young patients with hip pain and have been identified as an important prognostic factor. New therapies have complemented abrasion and microfracture procedures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the early outcome of patients with arthroscopic injectable autologous chondrocyte transplantations (ACT) for full thickness acetabular cartilage defects. METHODS: A two-step procedure ACT was performed in patients with full thickness acetabular cartilage defects measuring ≥2 cm(2). The patients were closely followed with clinical examination, pre- and postoperative scores until the latest available follow-up of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: 20 consecutive cases (4 female, 16 male, mean age 33 years) were included. No patients were lost at final follow-up. The average defect size was 5.05 (range 2-6) cm(2). The average follow-up was 12.05 (range 6-24) months. Three months postoperatively the preoperative scores improved significantly from a mean mHHS of 63-81 points (p = 0.009), iHOT33 of 44-66 % (p = 0.028) and subjective hip assessment (Subjective Hip Value, SHV) of 60-87 % (p = 0.007). After 12 months the results improved significantly to a mean mHHS of 93 points (p = 0.017), an iHOT33 of 79 % (p = 0.007) and an SHV of 82 % (p = 0.048) compared with the preoperative scores. DISCUSSION: The injectable matrix associated ACT is a reliable procedure, yielding promising early results with a significant increase of all scores evaluated in patients with full thickness acetabular cartilage defects.

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement shows persistent clinical improvement in the mid-term.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and the indication for surgical intervention have been established in the last decade. Despite promising short-term results and emerging arthroscopic techniques, it remains unclear whether patients benefit from surgical correction in the mid- to long-term and whether progressive joint degeneration can be prevented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of our first 50 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic correction for FAI was conducted. The modified Harris hip score (mHHS) was assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. In addition, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and a subjective hip value (SHV) were added at final follow-up. Degenerative changes according to Kellgren and Lawrence scale and the α angle were analyzed preoperatively and on the most recent radiograph. RESULTS: Of a total of 50 patients, 44 (24 male, 20 female) with a mean age of 34.3 years (17-65) were available with complete follow-up. Of these 44 patients, 39 were treated with correction of the femoral offset for isolated cam deformity, 5 with additional focal pincer correction and partial labral resection. After a mean follow-up of 66.3 ± 14.5 months the mHHS had improved significantly from 67.2 ± 6.4 preoperatively to 86.4 ± 13.5 (p < 0.001). The WOMAC score (converted to 0 = best/100 = worst) resulted in mean indices for the subcategories pain, stiffness and function of 11.8 ± 16.5, 12.2 ± 17.8 and 9.1 ± 16.1. The SHV was reported with a mean of 77.7 ± 21.8 % at final follow-up. The α angle was reduced significantly from 57.2° ± 10.1° to 46.3° ± 7.4° (p < 0.001). The Kellgren and Lawrence score showed a non-significant trend from 2.0 ± 0.8 preoperatively to 2.2 ± 0.9 in the most recent radiograph (p = 0.46). 5 patients had been converted to a total hip arthroplasty a mean of 28 ± 7.1 months postoperatively. These patients were significantly (p < 0.01) older with a mean age of 49.8 ± 7.8 years and showed significantly higher present osteoarthritic changes with an average Kellgren and Lawrence score of 2.6 ± 2.5 before FAI correction (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement results in a persistent clinical improvement without significant progression of degenerative changes in the majority of patients. The indication for surgery should be established cautiously when degenerative changes are present. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series with no comparison group.

Diagnosing fractures: pain intensity and subjective functional impairment are unreliable markers for initial assessment of possible extremity fractures.

OBJECTIVES: The triage of trauma patients is based on patient-given information. The aim of the study was the accuracy of pain intensity, subjective functional impairment, trauma history, and clinical examination in identifying patients with fractures. METHODS: We prospectively asked 436 patients with an extremity trauma whether they believed they had a fracture. Pain intensity and subjective functional impairment were also assessed. The physicians were also asked, based on trauma history and clinical examination. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of patient opinion and of the functional questions for fracture detection were low. The combination of history and clinical examination delivered the best results. There was only a slight difference in pain intensity between patients with and those without fractures. CONCLUSION: Fracture diagnosis based only on patient opinion or subjective functional impairment can be misleading. Pain intensity needs further investigation for its role in fracture detection.

Semi-rigid screws provide an auxiliary option to plate working length to control interfragmentary movement in locking plate fixation at the distal femur.

BACKGROUND: Extent and orientation of interfragmentary movement (IFM) are crucially affecting course and quality of fracture healing. The effect of different configurations for implant fixation on successful fracture healing remain unclear. We hypothesize that screw type and configuration of locking plate fixation profoundly influences stiffness and IFM for a given load in a distal femur fracture model. METHODS: Simple analytical models are presented to elucidate the influence of fixation configuration on construct stiffness. Models were refined with a consistent single-patient-data-set to create finite-element femur models. Locking plate fixation of a distal femoral 10mm-osteotomy (comminution model) was fitted with rigid locking screws (rLS) or semi-rigid locking screws (sLS). Systematic variations of screw placements in the proximal fragment were tested. IFM was quantitatively assessed and compared for different screw placements and screw types. RESULTS: Different screw allocations significantly affect IFM in a locking plate construct. LS placement of the first screw proximal to the fracture (plate working length, PWL) has a significant effect on axial IFM (p < 0.001). Replacing rLS with sLS caused an increase (p < 0.001) of IFM under the plate (cis-cortex) between +8.4% and +28.1% for the tested configurations but remained constant medially (<1.1%, trans-cortex). Resultant shear movements markedly increased at fracture level (p < 0.001) to the extent that plate working length increased. The ratio of shear/axial IFM was found to enhance for longer PWL. sLS versus rLS lead to significantly smaller ratios of shear/axial IFM at the cis-cortex for PWL of ≥ 62 mm (p ≤ 0.003). CONCLUSION: Mechanical frame conditions can be significantly influenced by type and placement of the screws in locking plate osteosynthesis of the distal femur. By varying plate working length stiffness and IFM are modulated. Moderate axial and concomitantly low shear IFM could not be achieved through changes in screw placement alone. In the present transverse osteotomy model, ratio of shear/axial IFM with simultaneous moderate axial IFM is optimized by the use of appropriate plate working length of about 42-62 mm. Fixation with sLS demonstrated significantly more axial IFM underneath the plate and may further contribute to compensation of asymmetric straining.

The effect of traumatic brain injury on bone healing: an experimental study in a novel in vivo animal model.

INTRODUCTION: Among many factors determining the outcome of complex fractures in polytrauma patients, the role of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains only partly understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of traumatic brain injury on bone healing through the establishment of a novel standardised animal model that sequentially combines traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a long bone injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six female twelve-week old C57/BL6 mice were randomised in two groups (fracture (Fx)-group and combined-trauma (Fx/TBI) group). The methods of the Control Cortical Impact Injury for induction of TBI and of the femoral osteotomy, fixed with an external fixator for the simulation of the long bone fracture, were combined. No TBI was induced in the Fx-group. Bone healing was examined using in vivo micro-CT measurements over a period of three weeks. RESULTS: The severity of the TBI was sufficient to stimulate a significantly increased callus formation in the Fx/TBI-group with an acceptable mortality rate. The micro-CT analysis of fracture healing displayed a significantly increased callus volume in the Fx/TBI-group already from the second postoperative week. This difference remained significant throughout the entire study period. DISCUSSION: The successful and standardised combination of TBI and fracture in a mouse model allows systematic and quantitative in vivo analysis of underlying pathways that trigger the mutual interaction between musculoskeletal trauma and brain injury, as well as, corresponding differences in fracture healing using micro-CT methods. CONCLUSION: The present study offers three new aspects: a standardised model for combined injury of TBI and femoral osteotomy; direct and serial in vivo imaging and quantification of fracture healing response using micro-CT; testing of potentially beneficial therapeutic regimens for fracture treatment in presence of TBI. Thus this model provides a valuable basic approach for the study of the amplifying effect of TBI on callus formation seen in patients with craniocerebral injury and concomitant skeletal trauma.

Outcome of angular stable locking plate fixation of tibial plateau fractures Midterm results in 101 patients.

BACKGROUND: Articular reconstruction and stable fixation of tibial plateau fractures and its various subtypes continue to represent a surgical challenge. Only few trials have studied results following angular stable plate fixation. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical, radiological, functional and quality of life results following tibial plateau fractures using angular stable plate fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 101 patients were retrospectively studied using functional (ROM; KSS; VAS), radiographic (osteoarthritis score, loss of reduction) and quality of life (WOMAC; Lysholm) scores. There were 46 males and 55 females. The average of patients was 51 years (range 22-77 years). Study groups were assigned according to the AO fracture classification. RESULTS: Mean followup was 57 ± 30 months. Fracture type distribution revealed a significantly (P < 0.001) increased number of type B- (62.4%) compared to C-fractures. Functional assessment showed a significantly better total KSS (84.1 ± 15.6 vs. 74.7 ± 18.0; P = 0.01) as well as ROM (active: 124°±17° vs. 116°±15°, P = 0.014; passive: 126°±18° vs. 118 ± 14°, P = 0.017) in the B-fracture group. VAS was found to be markedly higher (P = 0.0039) following type C-fractures. Rating osteoarthritis secondary to a tibial plateau fracture as a function of injury severity (r = 0.485; P < 0.001) and relating the loss of reduction to the grade of evolving osteoarthritis (r = 0.643; P < 0.001) a positive correlation was found. Quality of life showed significantly improved results for Lysholm score (P = 0.004) following B-fractures with low overall values for the WOMAC score. CONCLUSION: Presented data provide sufficient evidence that anatomic restoration of tibial plateau fractures with angular stable plate fixation result in decreased loss of reduction and declined incidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis, thereby providing acceptable mid to long term outcome.

Long-term functional outcome and quality of life after successful surgical treatment of tibial nonunions.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and functional outcome of patients with tibial nonunions after completion of surgical treatment with an average follow-up of five years. METHODS: The following data of 64 patients were retrospectively evaluated: fracture type, type and duration of surgical therapy, range of motion of the knee and ankle and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. QoL was evaluated with the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire; pain intensity, patient satisfaction and impairments of daily, professional and sport activities with a ten point visual analogue scale. RESULTS: QoL, even in cases with successfully completed treatment, was significantly reduced compared with the normal general population. Pain intensity and limited ankle dorsal extension, despite the absence of intra-articular fractures, were significantly correlated with inferior QoL. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasises the long-term negative impact of tibial nonunions on patient QoL, even after successful surgical treatment.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Acute Tibial Avulsion Fracture of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament Using the TightRope Fixation Device.

Avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament from its tibial insertion is a rare condition. Early surgical treatment has been regarded as necessary, but the optimal surgical technique remains unclear. The purpose of this technical note is to present a novel all-inside arthroscopic reconstruction technique for bony tibial avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament using the TightRope device (Arthrex, Naples, FL).

Palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia-like skin symptoms in patients under various chemotherapeutics: preventive and therapeutic options.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The palmoplantar erythrodysaesthesia (PPE) is an inflammatory cutaneous side effect in patients under chemotherapy with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), with indications that also other chemotherapeutics induce similar side effects. Recently, it has been demonstrated that PLD escapes with the sweat onto the skin inducing radical-forming processes that damage the skin. The topical application of antioxidants with a high radical protection factor has proven to be a very efficient prevention strategy for PLD-treated patients. METHODS: 68 patients, who had been treated with 12 different chemotherapeutics and experienced side effects similar to PPE, were treated with a meanwhile commercially available ointment. RESULTS: At the beginning of the therapy, 46 patients suffered from a PPE of severity grade III, while in 22 patients a PPE of severity grade II was diagnosed. The application of the ointment resulted in a significant improvement of the clinical symptoms and the skin status in all these patients; their chemotherapies could be continued. CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest that radical-forming processes play an essential role in a great number of chemotherapeutics which induce dermal side effects. The topical application of the antioxidant-containing ointment proved to be a good therapeutic option which needs further evaluation.

Three-dimensional fluoroscopy-navigated percutaneous screw fixation of acetabular fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic reduction and articular restoration after acetabular fractures occur (Ac-Fxs) are accepted predictors for good function and slow progression of posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the hip. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze Ac-Fxs, which were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous (three-dimensional) fluoroscopy-based navigated screw fixation. DESIGN: Level 4, retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Twelve patients (male/female: 9/3; mean age: 60 years; range: 16-80 years) with moderately displaced Ac-Fxs were included. INTERVENTION: In enrolled patients, the treatment involved percutaneous three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based navigated lag screw positioning. Closed reduction was achieved by lag screws, or reduction was aided by the insertion of percutaneous Schanz pins. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The quality of the reduction and screw positions were assessed using intraoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans. Functional outcome was assessed using the Harris hip score, the visual analog scale for pain, and the Tegener activity scale. RESULTS: A total of 22 periacetabular screws were placed (mean: 1.8 ± 1.1 screws/patient, range: 1-5). The mean follow-up was done for 30 (16-72) months. The postoperative reduction was anatomical in all patients, and the mean fracture displacement was significantly reduced (gap: 4.1 ± 1.8 mm to 0.4 ± 0.7 mm/step: 1.4 ± 0.6 mm to 0.2 ± 0.4 mm). No secondary dislocations or malunions/nonunions were found. All screws correctly addressed the fracture morphology and corresponded to preoperative planning. The Harris hip score, the visual analog scale (motion), and Tegener activity scale showed excellent to very good results (92.4 ± 6.8, 1.9 ± 1.3, and 3.8 ± 1.6, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The navigated, percutaneous screw fixation of selected Ac-Fxs is a promising method that allows for closed reduction and fixation while obtaining a very good radiographic and functional outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level 4.

Efficient prevention strategy against the development of a palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia during chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a highly efficient chemotherapeutic; however, it induces dermal side effects such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) in up to 80% of cases, probably by being emitted with the sweat onto the skin surface. AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine whether a topically applied ointment containing antioxidants with a high radical protection factor is able to prevent the formation of PPE. METHODS: Twenty patients suffering from ovarian carcinoma and treated with PLD were observed. RESULTS: 60% of the patients tolerated the regular application of the cream and developed no PPE. The remaining 40% interrupted the application. Six of them developed PPE and resumed ointment application thereafter. In these cases the PPE disappeared or was strongly reduced. CONCLUSION: The results of the observation clearly demonstrate that topical application of the ointment is an efficient strategy against the development of PPE during chemotherapy with PLD.

Arthroscopically assisted stabilization of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint separations in a coracoclavicular Double-TightRope technique: V-shaped versus parallel drill hole orientation.

BACKGROUND: The arthroscopically assisted Double-TightRope technique has recently been reported to yield good to excellent clinical results in the treatment of acute, high-grade acromioclavicular dislocation. However, the orientation of the transclavicular-transcoracoidal drill holes remains a matter of debate. HYPOTHESIS: A V-shaped drill hole orientation leads to better clinical and radiologic results and provides a higher vertical and horizontal stability compared to parallel drill hole placement. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cohort study; level of evidence, 2b. METHODS: Two groups of patients with acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint instability (Rockwood type V) were included in this prospective, non-randomized cohort study. 15 patients (1 female/14 male) with a mean age of 37.7 (18-66) years were treated with a Double-TightRope technique using a V-shaped orientation of the drill holes (group 1). 13 patients (1 female/12 male) with a mean age of 40.9 (21-59) years were treated with a Double-TightRope technique with a parallel drill hole placement (group 2). After 2 years, the final evaluation consisted of a complete physical examination of both shoulders, evaluation of the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Constant Score (CS), Taft Score (TF) and Acromioclavicular Joint Instability Score (ACJI) as well as a radiologic examination including bilateral anteroposterior stress views and bilateral Alexander views. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 2 years, all patients were free of shoulder pain at rest and during daily activities. Range of motion did not differ significantly between both groups (p > 0.05). Patients in group 1 reached on average 92.4 points in the CS, 96.2 % in the SSV, 10.5 points in the TF and 75.9 points in the ACJI. Patients in group 2 scored 90.5 points in the CS, 93.9 % in the SSV, 10.5 points in the TF and 84.5 points in the ACJI (p > 0.05). Radiographically, the coracoclavicular distance was found to be 13.9 mm (group 1) and 13.4 mm (group 2) on the affected side and 9.3 mm (group 1) and 9.4 mm (group 2) on the contralateral side. The distance of neither the affected side nor the contralateral side differed significantly between both groups (p > 0.05). In group 1, eight patients (53 %) and in group 2 four patients (31 %) revealed signs of dynamic posterior instability (p > 0.05). Clavicular drill hole enlargement was found to be equally distributed in group 1, whereas group 2 displayed a cone-shaped form. CONCLUSION: The Double-TightRope technique yields good to excellent clinical results in both V-shaped and parallel drill hole placement. Partial recurrent vertical and horizontal instability represents a problem in both techniques. So far, no significant differences regarding clinical or radiologic results have been found. Long-term results are needed to reveal possible advantages in terms of clinical and radiologic acromioclavicular stability.

Periprosthetic fractures in total ankle replacement: classification system and treatment algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Despite progress in implant design and surgical technique, the reported number of periprosthetic ankle fractures following total ankle joint replacement continues to increase. A treatment-oriented classification of these fractures has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, cause, and location of periprosthetic fractures and the stability of the associated prosthetic components after total ankle replacement and to develop a method of classification. METHODS: Data regarding 503 total ankle replacements with a mean follow-up of 14.7 months were reviewed. The prevalence, location, and possible cause of the fractures as well as prosthesis stability were analyzed and a systematic method of classification based on these factors was developed. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (4.2%) with a periprosthetic fracture were identified. The fracture was intraoperative (Type 1) in eleven patients (2.2%) and postoperative in the remaining ten (2.0%). Two of the latter fractures were traumatic (Type 2) and eight were stress fractures (Type 3). Two-thirds (fourteen) of the twenty-one fractures occurred in the medial malleolus. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of periprosthetic fractures following primary total ankle replacement was relatively low. We propose a classification system for these fractures that is based on more than 500 cases. We believe that this classification can facilitate therapeutic decision-making, as it allows for differential analysis of the cause and guides the choice among operative and nonoperative treatment options.

Improvement of research quality in the fields of orthopaedics and trauma: a global perspective.

The international orthopaedic community aims to achieve the best possible outcome for patient care by constantly modifying surgical techniques and expanding the surgeon's knowledge. These efforts require proper reflection within a setting that necessitates a higher quality standard for global orthopaedic publication. Furthermore, these techniques demand that surgeons acquire information at a rapid rate while enforcing higher standards in research performance. An international consensus exists on how to perform research and what rules should be considered when publishing a scientific paper. Despite this global agreement, in today's "Cross Check Era", too many authors do not give attention to the current standards of systematic research. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to describe these performance standards, the available choices for orthopaedic surgeons and the current learning curve for seasoned teams of researchers and orthopaedic surgeons with more than three decades of experience. These lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the topics that will significantly influence the research development as we arrive at an important globalisation era in orthopaedics and trauma-related research.

Results of in-hospital triage in 17 mass casualty trainings: underestimation of life-threatening injuries and need for re-triage.

BACKGROUND: In-hospital triage is the key factor for successful management of an overwhelming number of patients in lack of treatment capacity. The main goal of in-hospital triage is to identify casualties with life-threatening injuries and to allocate immediate medical aid. For the first time, we evaluate the quality of in-hospital triage in the German capital Berlin. METHODS: In this prospective observational study of 17 unheralded external mass casualty trainings for Berlin disaster hospitals in 2010/2011, we analyzed the in-hospital triage of 601 rouged casualty actors. Evaluation was performed by structured external survey and interview of the casualty actors after the disaster training. In 93 percent (n = 558), complete data were available and suitable for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The primary triage category was allocated correctly to 61 percent (n = 338) of the simulated injury severity. The following measurements were performed: anamnesis in 77 percent, physical examination 71 percent, blood pressure in 68 percent, heart rate in 61 percent, and oxygen saturation in 25 percent. Additive radiological diagnostics were used: 38 percent X-ray, 16 percent computer tomography, and 7 percent ultrasound. On an average, 1.6 ± 1.2 diagnostic tools were used to allocate injury severity to rouged casualties. Of all the rouged casualties, 24 percent overtriage and 16 percent undertriage were observed. Overtriage was significantly infrequent in level I trauma centers (p = 0.03). Of the patients with life-threatening injuries, 18 percent was undertriaged. Of the 62 percent with secondary right allocation to triage category, re-triage was only used in 4 percent. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of in-hospital triage is low (61 percent). Predominately, the problem of overtriage (24 percent) due to insufficient triage training in contrast to undertriage (16 percent) occurs. The diagnostic triage adjuncts, ultrasound and re-triage, should be routinely used to lower the rate of undetected life threat in mass casualty incidents. Furthermore, a standardized training program and triage algorithm for in-hospital triage should be established.

Closed reduction of distal radius fractures: does instability mean irreducibility?

INTRODUCTION: The belief that not all distal radius fractures can be initially anatomically reduced with conservative means is rising. The aim of this study was to examine whether adequate reduction with a closed reduction technique is possible and to assess the importance of each step. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 63 distal radius fractures (62 patients). A standardized reduction technique was implemented. Reduction was radiologically evaluated in hanging traction, after reduction, and in plaster. Subgroup analysis was performed for fracture-dependent and fracture-independent factors on their influence on reduction. RESULTS: The mean radiological values (radial inclination, dorsal tilt, ulnar variance) showed near anatomic reduction of all fractures in plaster. Fracture severity according to AO classification, initial displacement, number of instability criteria and patient age did not affect the reduction outcome. CONCLUSIONS: All types of enrolled fractures were nearly anatomically reduced. This contradicts the opinion that some "severe" fractures are too unstable to be initially reduced by closed means.

Are pentraxin 3 and transsignaling early markers for immunologic injury severity in polytrauma? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory-related conditions and organ failure (OF) lead to late trauma mortality. Cytokine profiles can predict adverse events and mortality, potentially guiding treatment strategies (damage control surgery versus early total care). However, the specific cytokines to predict the clinical course in polytraumatized patients are not fully identified. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We investigated the early pentraxin 3 (PTX3), IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and transsignaling ratio (TSR) in polytraumatized patients to estimate immunologic injury severity and predict OF and survival. METHODS: We prospectively followed 58 patients with severe polytrauma, six patients with minor trauma, and 10 healthy volunteers. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 43 points and the mean Hannover Polytrauma Score (PTS) was 59 points, with a consequently high mortality rate (30%). Twenty-seven of the 58 polytraumatized patients (46%) developed OF, 67% systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and 38% sepsis. RESULTS: Mean sIL-6R concentrations in polytrauma initially were low. Mean PTX3 concentrations were high and peaked at 24 hours. The mean TSR peaked at 6 hours; at that time, the mean value was higher for nonsurvivors. PTX3 concentrations at admission were associated with injury severity calculated by ISS and PTS. Higher PTX3 serum concentrations 24 hours after admission correlated with lower probability for survival. CONCLUSIONS: PTX3, sIL-6R, and TSR were early markers for posttraumatic inflammatory status, OF, injury severity, and TSR for survival after polytrauma. The temporal profile of PTX3 and TSR might be used to anticipate the total injury severity and the clinical course and thereby guide decision making in polytraumatized patients.

Terminally differentiated CD8⁺ T cells negatively affect bone regeneration in humans.

There is growing evidence that adaptive immunity contributes to endogenous regeneration processes: For example, endogenous bone fracture repair is modulated by T cells even in the absence of infection. Because delayed or incomplete fracture healing is associated with poor long-term outcomes and high socioeconomic costs, we investigated the relationship between an individual's immune reactivity and healing outcome. Our study revealed that delayed fracture healing significantly correlated with enhanced levels of terminally differentiated CD8(+) effector memory T (TEMRA) cells (CD3(+)CD8(+)CD11a(++)CD28(-)CD57(+) T cells) in peripheral blood. This difference was long lasting, reflecting rather the individual's immune profile in response to lifelong antigen exposure than a post-fracture reaction. Moreover, CD8(+) TEMRA cells were enriched in fracture hematoma; these cells were the major producers of interferon-γ/tumor necrosis factor-α, which inhibit osteogenic differentiation and survival of human mesenchymal stromal cells. Accordingly, depletion of CD8(+) T cells in a mouse osteotomy model resulted in enhanced endogenous fracture regeneration, whereas a transfer of CD8(+) T cells impaired the healing process. Our data demonstrate the high impact of the individual adaptive immune profile on endogenous bone regeneration. Quantification of CD8(+) TEMRA cells represents a potential marker for the prognosis of the healing outcome and opens new opportunities for early and targeted intervention strategies.