[Non-unions. From diagnosis to healing]. / Pseudarthrosen. Von der Diagnose bis zur Ausheilung.

Non-unions are a relevant medical and socio-economic problem. Hyper-, oligo- and atrophic non-unions as well as septic and aseptic non-unions are differentiated. Correct classification is essential for the selected therapy. The "diamond concept" describes five pillars, on which bone healing is based and that have to be considered in the treatment of non-unions: osteogenic cells (mesenchymal stem cells), osteoinduction (growth factors), osteoconduction (scaffolds), mechanical stability, and vascularization. Factors that predispose to non-union also influence fracture healing. The gold standard of therapy are still resection of the non-union, decortication and autologous bone grafting. No advantage could be proven for any of the numerous procedures in monotherapy. But the combination of various procedures - polytherapy - seems to be promising. The aim is to optimize these concepts.

[2010 Love Parade in Duisburg: clinical experiences in planning and treatment]. / Loveparade 2010 Duisburg - klinische Erfahrungen in Vorbereitung und Versorgung.

BACKGROUND: Tragic incidents at the 2010 Love Parade attracted significant public attention. As the frequency of similar events increases, more hospitals and practitioners will face the necessities of planning and response to unforeseeable occurrences. Obligatory guidelines for physicians do not exist, so that essential aspects are repeatedly discussed for each new event. This paper summarizes the experience of hospitals and emergency departments and draws conclusions, allowing recommendations for reasonable proposals for hospitals and practitioners. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A structured analysis of data concerning planning, patient flow and injury statistics led to a profile determining personnel, rooms and material which have to be provided by the hospitals. In a consensus conference afterwards and personal interviews with clinical coordinators the preparation of hospitals was evaluated to separate reasonable from needless efforts. RESULTS: We describe various measures concerning staff, logistics and rooms from the viewpoint of actual application. Reasonable measures for preparation and management of mass panic are analysed and described in detail. Problems are explained and solutions discussed. The result is a qualitative catalogue, which supports the organization of future events. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and reflection on the experience of the 2010 Love Parade optimizes local emergency guidelines and planning for similar events. A coordinated cooperation of all involved is essential.

[Surgical treatment of injuries of the thoracolumbar transition--3: Follow-up examination. Results of a prospective multi-center study by the "Spinal" Study Group of the German Society of Trauma Surgery]. / Operative Behandlung von Verletzungen des thorakolumbalen Ubergangs--Teil 3: Nachuntersuchung. Ergebnisse einer prospektiven multizentrischen Studie der Arbeitsgemeinschaft "Wirbelsäule" der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie.

OBJECTIVES: Prospective, multicenter study addressing late results after operative treatment of acute thoracolumbar spinal injuries. METHODS: 682 patients (T10-L2) were included and 372 (80%) were postoperatively followed for 2 1/4 years (4-61 months). RESULTS: Comparing the initially included patients (n = 682) with the study group (n = 372), no differences were observed and results were assumed to be representative. A C-type lesion or polytrauma significantly prolonged the hospital stay. The method of operative treatment did not affect the length of the rehabilitation period. Neurological improvement was observed in 3 out of 7 patients with complete, and in 44 out of 64 (69%) with incomplete lesion. The operative method did not affect the improvement rate. The physical capacity significantly decreased. After a mean of 1/2 year of disability only 71% returned to work. 48% returned to their preoperative physical level. The mean Hannover Spine Score was 68 points (preoperative 94, p < 0.001), indicating permanent impairment of function. The angle-stable internal fixator was superior in restoration of spinal alignment and best radiological results were noted after combined stabilization. Posterior stabilization lead to high re-kyphosing. No correlations between radiologic and clinical parameters were observed. CONCLUSIONS: All treatment methods under study were appropriate for achieving comparable clinical and functional outcome. The internal fixator is superior in restoration of the spinal alignment. Best radiological outcome is achieved by combined stabilization. Merely by direct reconstruction of the anterior column the postoperative re-kyphosing is prevented and a gain in segmental angle is achieved.

[Surgical treatment of injuries of the thoracolumbar transition. 2: Operation and roentgenologic findings]. / Operative Behandlung von Verletzungen des thorakolumbalen Ubergangs. Teil 2: Operation und röntgenologische Befunde.

The authors report on a prospective multicenter study with regard to the operative treatment of acute fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine (T10-L2). The study should analyze the operative methods currently used and determine the results in a large representative collective. This investigation was realized by the working group "spine" of the German Trauma Society. Between September 1994 and December 1996, 682 patients treated in 18 different traumatology centers in Germany and Austria were included. Part 2 describes the details of the operative methods and measured data in standard radiographs and CT scans of the spine. Of the patients, 448 (65.7%) were treated with posterior, 197 (28.9%) with combined posterior-anterior, and 37 (5.4%) with anterior surgery alone. In 72% of the posterior operations, the instrumentation was combined with transpedicular bone grafting. The combined procedures were performed as one-stage operations in 38.1%. A significantly longer average operative time (4:14 h) was noted in combined cases compared to the posterior (P < 0.001) or anterior (P < 0.05) procedures. The average blood loss was comparable in both posterior and anterior groups. During combined surgery the blood loss was significantly higher (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). The longest intraoperative fluoroscopy time (average 4:08 min) was noticed in posterior surgery with a significant difference compared to the anterior group. In almost every case a "Fixateur interne" (eight different types of internal fixators) was used for posterior stabilization. For anterior instrumentation, fixed angle implants (plate or rod systems) were mainly preferred (n = 22) compared to non-fixed angle plate systems (n = 12). A decompression of the spinal canal (indirect by reduction or direct by surgical means) was performed in 70.8% of the neurologically intact patients (Frankel/ASIA E) and in 82.6% of those with neurologic deficit (Frankel/ASIA grade A-D). An intraoperative myelography was added in 22% of all patients. The authors found a significant correlation between the amount of canal compromise in preoperative CT scans and the neurologic deficit in Frankel/ASIA grades. The wedge angle and sagittal index measured on lateral radiographs improved from -17.0 degrees and 0.63 (preoperative) to -6.3 degrees and 0.86 (postoperative). A significantly (P < 0.01) stronger deformity was noted preoperatively in the combined group compared to the posterior one. The segmental kyphosis angle improved by 11.3 degrees (8.8 degrees with inclusion of the two adjacent intervertebral disc spaces). A significantly better operative correction of the kyphotic deformity was found in the combined group. In 101 (14.8%) patients, intra- or postoperative complications were noticed, 41 (6.0%) required reoperation. There was no significant difference between the three treatment groups. Of the 2264 pedicle screws, 139 (6.1%) were found to be misplaced. This number included all screws, which were judged to be not placed in an optimal direction or location. In seven (1.0%) patients the false placement of screws was judged as a complication, four (0.6%) of them required revision. The multicenter study determines the actual incidence of thoracolumbar fractures and dislocations with associated injuries and describes the current standard of operative treatment. The efforts and prospects of different surgical methods could be demonstrated considering certain related risks. The follow-up of the population is still in progress and the late results remain for future publication.

[Surgical treatment of injuries of the thoracolumbar transition. 1: Epidemiology]. / Operative Behandlung von Verletzungen des thorakolumbalen Ubergangs. Teil 1: Epidemiologie.

The authors report on a prospective multicenter study with regard to the operative treatment of fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine. 18 traumatologic centers in Germany and Austria, forming the working group "spine" of the German Society of Trauma Surgery, are participating in this continuing study. Between September 1994 and December 1996 682 patients (64% male) with an average age of 39 1/2 (7-83) years were entered. The entry criteria included all patients with acute and operatively treated (within 3 weeks after trauma) fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine (Th 10-L 2). Part 1 of this publication outlines the protocol and epidemiologic data. The incidence of fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine and associated injuries were recorded according to a standardized protocol, as well as the different operative methods and complications, duration of hospital stay, rehabilitation and incapacity. The analysis of the clinical social and radiological course was a second focus. The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall (50%) or traffic accident (22%). Most of the fractures occurred at the L 1 level (49%). All injuries were classified according to the ASIF (AO) classification. 65% sustained an A-type fracture (compression fracture). Associated injuries were observed in 35% and 6% were polytraumatized. Extremities and thorax were most frequently affected. Younger age and traffic accidents lead more often to C-type fracture (fracture dislocation) and polytrauma. An increased number of multisegmental or multilevel lesions were observed in polytraumatized patients. There were 16% with incomplete paraplegia (Frankel/ASIA B-D) and 5% with complete paraplegia (Frankel/ASIA A). The rate of patients with initial neurologic deficits significantly increased with the severity of spinal injury according to the Magerl classification. Until discharge a neurologic improvement (at least 1 Frankel/ASIA grade) was observed in 32% of the partially paralyzed (Frankel/ASIA B-D) and in 12% of the patients with complete paraplegia (Frankel/ASIA A). A neurologic deterioration occurred in 3 patients (0.4%). As a base for further follow-up and late results the individual starting point was determined by collecting relevant data of the patients' history: 277 (40.6%) patients suffered from simultaneous diseases, one half was spine related. At the time of injury 559 (82.0%) patients were employed; 429 (62.9%) doing manual work. 369 (54.1%) patients stated sportive activities before the injury and 561 (82.3%) designated their "back function" as normal. For the time before injury the patients scored an average of 93.4 points in the Hannover Spine Score (0-100 points concerning complaints and function of the back/spine).

[Fractures of the lower extremity--including femoral neck fractures--in advanced age]. / Frakturen der unteren Extremität--einschliesslich Schenkelhalsfrakturen--im höheren Lebensalter.

Unstable intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures in elderly patients are still a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The results of the present study show the importance of a rigid fixation to allow early mobilization and immediate weight bearing. The gamma nail has clearly brought an improvement to the treatment of such fractures, although there are complications associated to this implant which need to be reduced by further developments of the implant itself, the instruments, and/or the operative technique.

Post-traumatic osteomyelitis. Pathophysiology and management.

Osteomyelitis is one of the most severe complications that can arise following operative treatment of bone. It requires a long-term treatment. The patient can never be sure that it heals completely. The pathophysiology depends on: (1) the extent of soft tissue damage and impairment of blood supply; (2) inoculation of bacterial flora; (3) the instability of the fracture area; and (4) the general defensive condition of the organism. The symptoms of acute osteomyelitis are those of acute inflammation. They appear 1 week to 3 months after operation. The diagnosis can only be made on clinical examination by an experienced surgeon. X-Ray findings are lacking. The treatment of acute osteomyelitis involves debridement of soft tissue and bone sequesters, refixation of the fragments, most often by means of an external fixator, and suction drainage or wet dressing. The reconstruction of the bone is done in a second step. The cancellous bone grafting is performed from a medial approach. Closure of the soft tissue follows. In the case of chronic osteomyelitis scarring, fistulas and muddy secretion are present. The function of the bone is disturbed. X-Ray examination shows loosening of the metal and failing structure of the bone. In this case too, the first step is the debridement of soft tissue and bone. All the metal inside is removed. Stabilization is achieved by means of an external fixator. Once the fracture area has been cleaned, cancellous bone grafting is done once, twice, or even more frequently. For wound closure it is necessary to rotate muscle groups, to cover the bone with dermatomic skin, or to use microvascular flaps.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Alloarthroplasty, resection-arthroplasty and arthrodesis of the shoulder-joint--indications and technic (author's transl)]. / Alloarthroplastik, Resektionsarthroplastik und Arthrodese des Schultergelenkes--Indikation und Technik.

Indications and operative technics of problematic situations in the shoulder region are discussed. Methods which are commonly used at the "BG"-Accident-Hospital, Duisburg, are described in detail. Operative methods under question are arthroplasty, resection-arthroplasty and arthrodesis. The indications for the individual operative procedures are presented. Particular emphasis is laid upon the faction are discussed. Methods which are commonly used at the "BG"-Accident-Hospital, Duisburg, are described in detail. Operative methods under question are arthroplasty, resection-arthroplasty and arthrodesis. The indications for the individual operative procedures are presented. Particular emphasis is laid upon the faction are discussed. Methods which are commonly used at the "BG"-Accident-Hospital, Duisburg, are described in detail. Operative methods under question are arthroplasty, resection-arthroplasty and arthrodesis. The indications for the individual operative procedures are presented. Particular emphasis is laid upon the fact that alloarthroplasty--because of still unsolved technical problems--retains only a very narrow indication. It should be limited exclusively to older patients. Details of the operative technic for various operations are described. Apart from the common resection of the humoral head these are technically difficult; they require a surgeon who is experienced in traumatology and orthopedics.