Value of Proximal Femur Geometry in Predicting Occult Hip Fracture.

Background and Objectives: Patients with occult hip fractures are a difficult subgroup to treat. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing occult proximal femur fractures but is costly and may not be readily available in an emergency setting. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in the proximal femur geometry can predict the likelihood of an occult hip fracture in patients presenting with hip pain following a ground-level fall. Material and Methods: Patients admitted to the hospital with a clinical suspicion of a hip fracture but initial negative radiographs over a seven-year period were included. All patients were additionally investigated with an MRI scan, and retrospectively, six radiologic parameters were obtained on plain radiographs: The cortical thickness index (CTI), the canal to calcar ratio (CCR), the canal flare index (CFI), the morphological cortical index (MCI), the canal bone ratio (CBR) and the canal bone aria ratio (CBAR). Subsequently the result of the plain radiographic indices of the patients with a negative MRI (Group A, no occult fracture) were compared to those with a positive MRI (Group B, occult fracture). Results: A total of 78 patients (59 female, 19 male) could be included in the study. The mean age was 82 years. The univariate analyses revealed a poor predictive ability of all radiological parameters with AUC values ranging from 0.515 (CBR) to 0.626 (CTI), whereas a multivariate prognostic model demonstrated improved prognosis (AUC = 0.761) for the CTI (p = 0.024), CBAR (p = 0.074) and CRR (p = 0.081) as the most promising predictive radiological parameters. Conclusions: Single radiologic indices obtained from conventional X-rays of the proximal femur have a weak predictive value in detecting occult fractures of the hip and cannot be used as clinical decision-making factors.

The Geriatrics at Risk Score (GeRi-Score) for mortality prediction in geriatric patients with proximal femur fracture - a development and validation study from the Registry for Geriatric Trauma (ATR-DGU).

This study developed an easy-to-use mortality prediction tool, which showed an acceptable discrimination and no significant lack of fit. The GeRi-Score was able to predict mortality and could distinguish between mild, moderate and high risk groups. Therefore, the GeRi-Score might have the potential to distribute the intensity of medical care. PURPOSE: Several mortality-predicting tools for hip fracture patients are available, but all consist of a high number of variables, require a time-consuming evaluation and/or are difficult to calculate. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an easy-to-use score, which depends mostly on routine data. METHODS: Patients from the Registry for Geriatric Trauma were divided into a development and a validation group. Logistic regression models were used to build a model for in-house mortality and to obtain a score. Candidate models were compared using Akaike information criteria (AIC) and likelihood ratio tests. The quality of the model was tested using the area under the curve (AUC) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: 38,570 patients were included, almost equal distributed to the development and to the validation dataset. The AUC was 0.727 (95% CI 0.711 - 0.742) for the final model, AIC resulted in a significant reduction in deviance compared to the basic model, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed no significant lack of fit (p = 0.07). The GeRi-Score predicted an in-house mortality of 5.3% vs. 5.3% observed mortality in the development dataset and 5.4% vs. 5.7% in the validation dataset. The GeRi-Score was able to distinguish between mild, moderate and high risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: The GeRi-Score is an easy-to-use mortality-predicting tool with an acceptable discrimination and no significant lack of fit. The GeRi-Score might have the potential to distribute the intensity of perioperative medical care in hip fracture surgery and can be used in quality management programs as benchmark tool.

[Radial head arthropolasty in unreconstructable comminuted fractures of the radial head: Long-term results and factors influencing the outcome]. / Langzeitverlauf und Einflussfaktoren auf das Outcome nach endoprothetischem Ersatz des Radiuskopfes bei nichtrekonstruierbaren Frakturen.

BACKGROUND: Radial head arthroplasty is recognized as the gold standard in the treatment of patients with unreconstructable radial head fractures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term results after prosthetic replacement of the radial head and in a subgroup analysis to identify factors which influence the outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients with unreconstructable fractures of the radial head and neck were treated by cementless radial head arthroplasty between 05/2008 and 10/2018 (30 bipolar prosthesis type rHead Recon, 18 monopolar prosthesis type MoPyc). After a mean follow-up of 4.6 years 39 patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: The median MEP score was 95 points. Compared to the uninjured side the median range of motion was reduced by 10° for extension/flexion as well as for pronation/supination. In 36 of 39 cases an osseous integration of the prosthesis could be documented. One prosthesis had to be removed after 23 months because of painful loosening. Overlengthening was present in 11 cases (28%), 25 patients (64%) had subcollar bone resorption with a stable osteointegrated stem. Nonbridging heterotopic ossification was observed in 15 patients (38%), 16 patients (41%) showed posttraumatic arthrosis. Patients with sustained elbow dislocation had a significantly worse function in the MEP score and tended to develop an arthrosis more frequently. Ulnohumeral joint degeneration was significantly increased when overlengthening was present. CONCLUSION: Radial head arthroplasty is an effective treatment option for unreconstructable fractures of the radial head and can provide good to excellent mid-term to long-term results. Sustained elbow dislocation as well as overlengthening of the prosthesis had a negative impact on the clinical outcome.

Ex Vivo Pulmonary Oedema after In Vivo Blast-Induced Rat Lung Injury: Time Dependency, Blast Intensity and Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Role.

Objective: Current treatments for blast-induced lung injury are limited to supportive procedures including mechanical ventilation. The study aimed to investigate the role of post-trauma-induced oedema generation in the function of time and trauma intensity and the probable role of beta 2-adrenergic receptors (ß2-ARs) agonists on pulmonary oedema. The study is conducted using an ex vivo model after an experimental in vivo blast-induced thorax trauma in rats. Methods: Rats were randomised and divided into two groups, blast and sham. The blast group were anaesthetised and exposed to the blast wave (3.16 ± 0.43 bar) at a distance of 3.5 cm from the thorax level. The rats were sacrificed 10 min after the blast, the lungs explanted and treated with terbutaline, formoterol, propranolol or amiloride to assess the involvement of sodium transport. Other groups of rats were exposed to distances of 5 and 7 cm from the thorax to reduce the intensity of the injury. Further, one group of rats was studied after 180 min and one after 360 min after a 3.5 cm blast injury. Sham controls were exposed to identical procedures except for receiving blast overpressure. Results: Lung injury and oedema generation depended on time after injury and injury intensity. Perfusion with amiloride resulted in a further increase in oedema formation as indicated by weight gain (p < 0.001), diminished tidal volume (Tv) (p < 0.001), and increased airway resistance (p < 0.001). Formoterol caused a significant increase in the Tv (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in the airway resistance (p < 0.01), while the lung weight was not influenced. Trauma-related oedema was significantly reduced by terbutaline in terms of lung weight gain (p < 0.01), Tv (p < 0.001), and airway resistance (p < 0.01) compared to control blast-injured lungs. Terbutaline-induced effects were completely blocked by the ß-receptor antagonist propranolol (p < 0.05). Similarly, amiloride, which was added to terbutaline perfusion, reversed terbutaline-induced weight gain reduction (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ß2-adrenoceptor stimulation had a beneficial impact by amiloride-dependent sodium and therefore, fluid transport mechanisms on the short-term ex vivo oedema generation in a trauma-induced in vivo lung injury of rats.

The Influence of a Modified 3rd Generation Cementation Technique and Vaccum Mixing of Bone Cement on the Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome (BCIS) in Geriatric Patients with Cemented Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures.

Background and Objectives: Cemented hemi arthroplasty is a common and effective procedure performed to treat femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. The bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a severe and potentially fatal complication which can be associated with the implantation of a hip prosthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a modified cementing technique on the incidence of BCIS. Material and Methods: The clinical data of patients which were treated with a cemented hip arthroplasty after the introduction of the modified 3rd generation cementing technique were compared with a matched group of patients who were treated with a 2nd generation cementing technique. The anesthesia charts for all patients were reviewed for the relevant parameters before, during and after cementation. Each patient was classified as having no BCIS (grade 0) or BCIS grade 1,2, or 3 depending on the severity of hypotension, hypoxia loss of consciousness. Results: A total of 92 patients with complete data sets could be included in the study. The mean age was 83 years. 43 patients (Group A) were treated with a 2nd and 49 patients (Group B) with a 3rd generation cementing technique. The incidence of BCIS grade 1,2, and 3 was significantly higher (p = 0,036) in group A (n = 25; 58%) compared to group B (n = 17; 35%). Early mortality was higher in group A (n = 4) compared to group B (n = 0). Conclusions: BCIS is a potentially severe complication with a significant impact on early mortality following cemented hemiarthroplasty of the hip for the treatment of proximal femur fracture. Using a modified 3rd generation cementing technique, it is possible to significantly reduce the incidence of BCIS and its associated mortality.

[Impact of the COVID-19 crisis in Spring 2020 on trauma case numbers of an academic teaching hospital in Stuttgart : Trauma during a pandemic]. / Einfluss der COVID-19-Krise im Frühjahr 2020 auf traumatologische Fallzahlen eines akademischen Lehrkrankenhauses in Stuttgart : Trauma während einer Pandemie.

BACKGROUND: To cope with the COVID-19 outbreak in Germany, the government imposed a lockdown, which led to restrictions and lifestyle changes for the population. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the lockdown on activities causing trauma and the consultation in emergency rooms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All consecutive trauma patients consulting the Emergency Department of the Marienhospital Stuttgart (MHS), Germany, during the 6 weeks preceding the lockdown, during and after the lockdown were included. The time and type of consultation, treatment received, Manchester triage score, type of trauma, the anatomical region of the injury as well as demographic data were reported and compared. RESULTS: The study included 551 cases during lockdown, 943 cases before and 783 cases after the lockdown. We observed a reduced caseload during the lockdown of 41.6% compared to before and of 29.7% compared to after (p < 0.001). Patients were on average older in the observation group than in both control groups (before : 51.5 years, lockdown: 56.1 years, after: 51.6 years) (p < 0.001). Injuries to the head and neck were constant (25.0%, 25.4%, 25.5%). We noticed lower limb injuries decreasing (26.1%, 22.3%, 22.7%) and upper limb injuries increasing (25.5%, 31.8%, 30.1%). A decrease in sports injuries (11.1%, 5.1%, 9.1%) and work accidents (16.1%, 10.7%, 12.8%) resulted in more domestic accidents (30.4%, 52.5%, 31.8%). Self-referral decreased (67.7%, 53.2%, 60.3%) while referral via paramedics increased (28.3%, 38.7%, 35.6). Blunt trauma was the most common cause of injury (55.6%, 61.0%, 55.3%). Indications for surgery were higher (16.8%, 21.6%, 14.0%). CONCLUSION: The lockdown and restrictions in personal life and daily routine had an impact on the frequency, etiology and management of trauma patients in Stuttgart.

Periodontal damage after thermal inhalation injury - The impact of high temperature inhalation injury on long term periodontal health.

PURPOSE: Thermal inhalation injury is a common, life-threatening problem in burned patients. Whether or not this single event of damage to the oral integrity causes long term health problems is yet to be examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All consecutive burn patients between 2014 and 2017 of Marienhospital Stuttgart (MHS), Germany, with at least 10% of burned skin surface were included and compared. The Periodontal Screening Index as well as Vitamin D levels were examined. Vitamin D has been suspected to contribute to the genesis of periodontitis. Risk factors and subjective oral life quality were prompted. RESULTS: We included a total of 32 patients, 15 of which had an inhalation injury in their medical history. Risk factors were examined via Renatus' questionnaire. While risk factors were equally distributed in both groups we saw a remarkable difference in periodontal integrity, with the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI) per sextant differing drastically (with inhalation injury: 2.40, without inhalation injury: 1.10, p < 0.001). Patients with an inhalation injury had a mean of 5.2 out of 6 possible sextants with a pathologic PSI (with the median being 6/6), while patients without an inhalation injury had a mean of 1.83 out of 6 (median: 1/6), p < 0.001. The oral health impact profile showed a difference as well, albeit without statistical significance (with inhalation injury: median = 11, without: median = 3.5, p = 0.414). A correlation between Serum Vitamin D levels and periodontal integrity could not be seen in this group. CONCLUSION: Inhalation injury is a possible cause for periodontitis and hence impacts the quality of life of burned patients.

Increased Geriatric Treatment Frequency Improves Mobility and Secondary Fracture Prevention in Older Adult Hip Fracture Patients-An Observational Cohort Study of 23,828 Patients from the Registry for Geriatric Trauma (ATR-DGU).

Interdisciplinary orthogeriatric care of older adult hip fracture patients is of growing importance due to an ageing population, yet there is ongoing disagreement about the most effective model of care. This study aimed to compare different forms of orthogeriatric treatment, with focus on their impact on postoperative mobilization, mobility and secondary fracture prevention. In this observational cohort study, patients aged 70 years and older with a proximal femur fracture requiring surgery, were included from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019. Data were recorded from hospital stay to 120-day follow-up in the Registry for Geriatric Trauma (ATR-DGU), a specific designed registry for older adult hip fracture patients. Of 23,828 included patients from 95 different hospitals, 72% were female, median age was 85 (IQR 80-89) years. Increased involvement of geriatricians had a significant impact on mobilization on the first day (OR 1.1, CI 1.1-1.2) and mobility seven days after surgery (OR 1.1, CI 1.1-1.2), initiation of an osteoporosis treatment during in-hospital stay (OR 2.5, CI 2.4-2.7) and of an early complex geriatric rehabilitation treatment (OR 1.3, CI 1.2-1.4). These findings were persistent after 120 days of follow-up. Interdisciplinary treatment of orthogeriatric patients is beneficial and especially during in-patient stay increased involvement of geriatricians is decisive for early mobilization, mobility and initiation of osteoporosis treatment. Standardized treatment pathways in certified geriatric trauma departments with structured data collection in specific registries improve outcome monitoring and interpretation.

Health-economic evaluation of collaborative orthogeriatric care for patients with a hip fracture in Germany: a retrospective cohort study using health and long-term care insurance claims data.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests benefits of orthogeriatric co-management (OGCM) for hip fracture patients. Yet, evidence on cost-effectiveness is limited and based on small datasets. The aim of our study was to conduct an economic evaluation of the German OGCM for geriatric hip fracture patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was based on German health and long-term care insurance data. Individuals were 80 years and older, sustained a hip fracture in 2014, and were treated in hospitals providing OGCM (OGCM group) or standard care (control group). Health care costs from payer and societal perspective, life years gained (LYG) and cost-effectiveness were investigated within 1 year. We applied weighted gamma and two-part models, and entropy balancing to account for the lack of randomisation. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) and employed the net-benefit approach to construct cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. RESULTS: 14,005 patients were treated in OGCM, and 10,512 in standard care hospitals. Total average health care costs per patient were higher in the OGCM group: €1181.53 (p < 0.001) from payer perspective, and €1408.21 (p < 0.001) from societal perspective. The ICER equalled €52,378.12/ LYG from payer and €75,703.44/ LYG from societal perspective. The probability for cost-effectiveness would be 95% if the willingness-to-pay was higher than €82,000/ LYG from payer, and €95,000/ LYG from societal perspective. CONCLUSION: Survival improved in hospitals providing OGCM. Costs were found to increase, driven by inpatient and long-term care. The cost-effectiveness depends on the willingness-to-pay. The ICER is likely to improve with a longer follow-up.

[Reliability of the FFP classification in pelvic fractures]. / Anwendungsverlässlichkeit der FFP-Klassifikation bei Beckenfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic fractures are typical for frail geriatric patients. They are characterized by increasing pain and loss of mobility. As geriatric pelvic fractures differ from the typical high velocity injuries, Rommens and Hofmann recommended a new classification for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in 2013. In addition to the location of the fracture they also assessed the degree of dislocation. OBJECTIVE: Compared to known fracture classifications of the pelvis, the FFP classification appears complex. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the interobserver reliability of the FFP classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The members of the Section of Geriatric Traumatology (DGOU) were presented with 10 DICOM data sets with fractures of the pelvis for classification. As a reference the classification of P.M. Rommens, the author of the FFP, was established. RESULTS: In this study 24 consultants (47%) and 27 (53%) residents took part. Also, six radiologists were invited to participate. A total of 493 assessments were made. In 184 (37%) cases there was agreement with the reference, in 183 (37%) computed tomography images the fractures were classified lower, in 26 (26%) higher than the reference. This initially resulted in a Cohens κ coefficient of 0.36. This corresponds to a sufficient agreement (fair) according to Garbuz. With the reduction of the classification to four main groups, the Cohens κ coefficient increased to a satisfactory value. CONCLUSION: The reasons for the partly low agreement could be the participants' lack of experience and an inaccurate description of the classification levels. In the end, however, the FFP classification is the only one that meaningfully represents pelvic fractures of geriatric and frail patients. By simplifying to the four main groups, a better interobserver reliability is achieved. For a successful treatment, however, attention to the individual patient and the "fracture personality" is essential.

The Association Between Orthogeriatric Co-Management and Mortality Following Hip Fracture.

BACKGROUND: To meet the special needs of older patients with fragility fractures, models for collaborative orthogeriatric care have been developed. The objective of our study was to analyze the association of orthogeriatric co-management with mortality following hip fracture in older patients in Germany. METHODS: This observational study was based on health insurance claims data from 58 001 patients (79.4% women) aged ≥80 years admitted to the hospital with hip fracture between January 2014 and March 2016. They were treated in 828 German hospitals with or without orthogeriatric co-management. The outcome measure was cumulative mortality with adjustment of the regression analyses. RESULTS: The crude 30-day mortality was 10.3% for patients from hospitals with orthogeriatric co-management and 13.4% for patients from hospitals without orthogeriatric co-management. The adjusted 30-day mortality was 22% lower for patients in hospitals with orthogeriatric co-management (rate ratio 0.78; 95% CI [0.74; 0.82]; adjusted absolute difference -2.48%; 95% CI [-2.98; -1.98]). The difference in 30-day mortality remained nearly unchanged over the first 6 months. The risk reduction with orthogeriatric co-management was consistently observed in both women and men, across age groups, and in patients with and without care needs. The mean length of the index stay was 19.8 days in hospitals with orthogeriatric co-management and 14.4 days in hospitals without orthogeriatric co-management. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary orthogeriatric approach is associated with lower mortality and a longer index stay in hospital after hip fracture.

[Refresher Orthogeriatrics]. / Orthogeriatrie.

Fragility fractures are associated with a substantial mortality and morbidity. Because of the high prevalence of comorbidities and a high risk of complications the application of geriatric principles in the complex treatment of these patients is vital. The last years have seen a paradigm shift in the treatment of fragility fractures from an orthopedic disorder towards an orthogeriatric syndrome. This article reviews the orthogeriatric principles of treating fragility fractures.

[Results of the pilot phase of the Age Trauma Registry DGU®]. / Ergebnisse der Pilotphase des AltersTraumaRegister DGU®.

BACKGROUND: Since 2014, hospitals with ortho-geriatric fracture centres could be certified as AltersTraumaZentrum DGU® in Germany. To measure the quality of treatment in these centres, a geriatric trauma registry (AltersTraumaRegister DGU®) was established. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to report the results of the pilot phase of the AltersTraumaRegister DGU® from the year 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included were 118 patients >70 years with hip fracture or implant-related femoral fractures. Apart from other parameters, the point of surgery, initiation of anti-osteoporotic treatment and the EQ-5D one week post-surgery was measured. RESULTS: Surgery was performed in 87% of patients within 24 h. Specific osteoporotic therapy could be increased from 4 to 63 patients. The EQ-5D was strongly restricted to one week post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Based on the timing of surgery and anti-osteoporotic therapy, the treatment seems to be successful in the ortho-geriatric fracture centres. For a better evaluation of treatment quality in the AltersTraumaZentren DGU®, implementation of follow-up examinations in the AltersTraumaRegister DGU® is essential.

Mono- versus polyaxial locking plates in distal femur fractures: a prospective randomized multicentre clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Treatment of complex fractures of the distal femur utilizing monoaxial locking plates (e.g. Less Invasive Stabilisation System, LISS®, Synthes) is considered to be superior to conventional plating systems. Due to the limitation that the thread forces the screw into pre-determined positions, modifications have been made to allow screw positioning within a range of 30° (Non Contact Bridging, NCB®-DF, Zimmer). For the first time, this multicenter prospective randomized clinical trial (RCT) investigates the outcome of LISS® vs. NCB®-DF treatment following complex fractures of the distal femur. METHODS: Since June 2008, 27 patients with a fracture of the distal femur (AO ASIF 33-A-C and periprosthetic fractures) were enrolled in this study by four university trauma centres in southern Germany. Clinical (e.g. range of motion, Oxford knee score, Tegner score) and radiological (e.g. axis deviation, secondary loss of realignment) follow-ups were conducted one and six weeks, as well as three, six, and 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: This study comprises data of 27 patients (8 male, 19 female; 15 NCB®-DF, 12 LISS®). Polyaxial osteosynthesis using the NCB® system tended to result in better functional knee scores and a higher range of motion. Interestingly, fracture union tended to be more rapid using the polyaxial plating system. CONCLUSIONS: We present the analysis of a multicenter prospective RCT to compare the monoaxial LISS® vs. the polyaxial NCB®-DF treatment following complex fractures of the distal femur. NCB®-DF treatment tended to result in better functional and radiological outcomes than LISS® treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Early orthogeriatric treatment of trauma in the elderly: a systematic review and metaanalysis.

BACKGROUND: More than 125,000 hip fractures occur in Germany every year, with a one-year mortality of about 25%. To improve treatment outcomes, models of cooperation between trauma surgery and geriatrics have been developed. Their benefit has not yet been unequivocally demonstrated. METHODS: We systematically searched the Medline database and the Cochrane Library for prospective randomized controlled trials in which the treatment of elderly patients with fractures by the trauma surgery service alone was compared with preoperatively initiated collaborative treatment by the trauma surgery and geriatric services ("orthogeriatric" treatment). We investigated three treatment outcome variables--length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and one-year mortality--in a metaanalysis. RESULTS: The five trials of hip fracture treatment that met the selection criteria all had relatively small study populations and a high risk of bias. The outcomes with respect to hospital stay differed greatly among trials (I(2): 88.5%), and geriatric intervention was not found to have any statistically significant effect (0.06 days, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.74 to 3.62 days). The relative risk of dying in the hospital was 0.66 for orthogeriatric treatment (95% CI: 0.28-1.55, p = 0.34), and the hazard ratio for one-year mortality was 0.79 in favor of orthogeriatric treatment (95% CI: 0.57 to 1.10, p = 0.17). A metaanalysis of functional outcomes was not possible. CONCLUSION: Only a few randomized controlled trials of early orthogeriatric treatment have been performed, and these trials are of limited quality. Due to low case numbers, a benefit from interdisciplinary orthogeriatric treatment could not clearly be demonstrated. Further trials are needed.

Exchange reamed nailing compared to augmentation compression plating leaving the inserted nail in situ in the treatment of aseptic tibial non-union: a two-centre study.

BACKGROUND: A remarkable number of investigations are available treating tibial non-unions by exchange reamed nailing (ERN). Only few authors reported positive results after augmentation compression plating (ACP) for the same entity. To our knowledge no systematic study is published comparing ERN vs. ACP, so that this trial compares ACP leaving the already inserted un-reamed nail in situ against ERN in the treatment of aseptic tibial non-union, analysing success rate, time for union and operation time. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with aseptic hypertrophic diaphyseal tibial non-union treated previously by un-reamed nailing were included retrospectively in this two-centre study. Group A consisted of 25 patients with ERN and group B of 23 patients with ACP leaving the underlying un-reamed nail in situ. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Union was achieved in 24 out of 25 cases (96 %) for group A and in 22 out of 23 cases (95.6 %) for group B. Time needed for union varied; an average of 29 weeks for group A and 14 weeks for group B. The mean operation time for group A was 99 min, while it was 65 min for group B. CONCLUSIONS: ERN and ACP with remaining pre-existing nail in situ are both safe and straightforward surgical procedures with equivalent high success rates of about 95 %. ACP has the advantage of less time for union and operating time in this series, but is associated with the disadvantage of requiring an additional incision and complaints associated to the plate requiring implant removal.

Is the function of alveolar macrophages altered following blunt chest trauma?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the local pulmonary inflammatory environment and to elucidate alterations of alveolar macrophage (AMØ) functions after blunt chest trauma. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to blunt chest trauma. AMØ were isolated, stimulated, and cultured. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected. Cytokines/chemokines were quantified in the BAL and in AMØ supernatants via ELISA. AMØ phagocytic and chemotactic activity and respiratory burst capacity were assessed. RESULTS: Following chest trauma, a significant increase of IL-1ß (at 6 and 24 h) and IL-6 (at 24 h) in BAL was observed, whereas IL-10 and TNF-α concentrations were not altered. MIP-2 and CINC were substantially increased as early as 6 h and PGE2 early at 10 min, whereas BAL MCP-1 was not elevated until 24 h after trauma. MIP-2 release by AMØ isolated form trauma animals was markedly increased as early as 10 min after injury. IL-1ß and IL-10 exhibited a late increase at 24 h. AMØ TNF-α release was increased at 6 h. At 6 or 24 h, AMØ from trauma animals incorporated significantly more opsonized latex beads than their sham controls, and their chemotactic activity was substantially enhanced at 24 h. AMØ oxidative burst capacity remained largely unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Already very early after chest trauma, inflammatory mediators are present in the intraalveolar compartment. Additionally, AMØ are primed to release cytokines and chemokines. Blunt chest trauma also changes the phagocytic and chemotactic activity of AMØ. These functional changes of AMØ might enable them to better ward off potential pathogens in the course after trauma.

Inflammatory alterations in a novel combination model of blunt chest trauma and hemorrhagic shock.

BACKGROUND: Chest trauma frequently occurs in severely injured patients and is often associated with hemorrhagic shock. Immune dysfunction contributes to the adverse outcome of multiple injuries. The aims of this study were to establish a combined model of lung contusion and hemorrhage and to evaluate the cardiopulmonary and immunologic response. METHODS: Male mice were subjected to sham procedure, chest trauma, hemorrhage (35 mm Hg±5 mm Hg, 60 minutes), or the combination. Respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored. Plasma, Kupffer cells, blood monocytes, splenocytes, and splenic macrophages were isolated after 20 hours. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, 10, 12, 18, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 levels in plasma and culture supernatants were determined. RESULTS: Heart rate and blood pressure dropped in all groups, and after chest trauma and the double hit, these values remained reduced until the end of observation. Blood pressure was lower after the double hit than after the single hits. Plasma and Kupffer cell TNF-α concentrations were increased after lung contusion but not further enhanced by subsequent hemorrhage. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) TNF-α and IL-6 release were suppressed after the combined insult. IL-18 concentrations were increased in PBMC supernatants after chest trauma and in splenic macrophage supernatants of all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although physiologic readouts were selectively altered in response to the single or double hits, the combination did not uniformly augment the changes in inflammation. Our results suggest that the leading insult regarding the immunologic response is lung contusion, supporting the concept that lung contusion represents an important prognostic factor in multiple injuries.