[Prioritization or unlimited resources in orthopedics and trauma surgery?] / Priorisierung oder unbegrenzte Ressourcen in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie?

The development of the healthcare system in Germany is increasingly approaching human and economic limits. A social consensus and a political concept at which point priorities are promoted and for which services the money should be primarily spent, do not exist on the whole. As soon as it becomes clear that resources are limited and that is now, prioritization has to be introduced to avoid the alternative threat of rationing of treatment benefits. The goal of prioritization is to rationally and optimally use the existing but limited resources. Medical progress and the relationship to the demographic development are the variables in the future. The individual care of the patient, patients' needs and dependence on access to treatment are the foundations of ethical actions. They must be at the center of attention for doctors and nurses because, after all they are the patient's advocates in the complex healthcare system. At the same time, unjustified claims for entitlement must be rejected just as a preservation of vested rights. Efficiency and economic considerations in diagnostics and treatment are not mutually exclusive. The physician acts as a mediator between the claims of the patient to be treated, the individual realization and the existing resources in the healthcare system.

Femoral shaft fractures in adults: treatment options and controversies.

Antegrade reamed femoral nailing via the piriformis entry point is the technique of choice in treating femoral shaft fractures, with retrograde nailing as an alternative. The supine position is favored to reduce complications, especially rotational malalignment. With navigation and robotic assistance fracture reduction can be supported and the rate of rotational, axis and length malalignement can potentially further reduced. Careful reaming is the procedure of choice to optimize bony healing and reduce systemic and local complications. In multiply injured patients reamed nailing can be safely integrated in the DCO- or ETC-concept and can be performed in the majority of patients, even when additional severe chest and head injuries are present. Initial resuscitation should focus on general stabilization before definitive femur fixation. Plate osteosynthesis of the femur can be an option in selected patients.

[Current treatment of pelvic ring fractures]. / Aktuelle Behandlung der Beckenringfraktur.

Pelvic injuries are often associated with multiple injuries of other body regions, neurovascular and visceral lesions, as well as hemodynamic instability. The use of a standardized classification characterizing the severity and stability of pelvic fractures and the early stabilization of pelvic ring injuries in appreciation of damage control principles has helped to improve the number of survivors. This is particularly necessary due to the higher number of older patients. Complex pelvic trauma still represents a life-threatening situation for the patient, particularly in multiple traumatized patients. Standardized clinical investigations and modern concepts even in the preclinical therapy of complex pelvic fractures make a contribution to enhancement of treatment options. Because of the still problematic long-term results after surgery of instable pelvic fractures, the need for modern treatment concepts has to be adapted to the requirements.

[Current treatment of pelvic ring fractures]. / Aktuelle Behandlung der Beckenringfraktur.

Pelvic injuries are often associated with multiple injuries of other body regions, neurovascular and visceral lesions, as well as hemodynamic instability. The use of a standardized classification characterizing the severity and stability of pelvic fractures and the early stabilization of pelvic ring injuries in appreciation of damage control principles has helped to improve the number of survivors. This is particularly necessary due to the higher number of older patients.Complex pelvic trauma still represents a life-threatening situation for the patient, particularly in multiple traumatized patients. Standardized clinical investigations and modern concepts even in the preclinical therapy of complex pelvic fractures make a contribution to enhancement of treatment options. Because of the still problematic long-term results after surgery of instable pelvic fractures, the need for modern treatment concepts has to be adapted to the requirements.

[Acetabular fractures]. / Azetabulumfrakturen.

Treatment of acetabular fractures requires extensive knowledge of the bony anatomy, the amount of possible exposure of the bone with the selected approaches and fracture type-dependent indications of operative treatment. Classification of the fracture with detailed analysis of the fracture morphology is the basis for decision making and planning. The primary treatment aim is the anatomic reconstruction of the acetabulum which results in optimal long-term results.The basis of this overview is the presentation of standard treatment concepts in acetabular fracture surgery. Beside characteristics of the acetabular bony anatomy, biomechanical and pathomechanical principles and the relevant radiological anatomy, the treatment options, both conservative and operative and basic principles of the indications for standard surgical approaches will be discussed.The special fracture type is discussed in detail regarding incidence, injury mechanism, concomitant injuries, options for conservative and operative treatment, quality of operative reduction and long-term results.Furthermore, epidemiological data on typical postoperative complications are evaluated.

Open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with use of the locking proximal humerus plate. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of unstable displaced proximal humeral fractures, especially in the elderly, remains controversial. The objective of the present prospective, multicenter, observational study was to evaluate the functional outcome and the complication rate after open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with use of a locking proximal humeral plate. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients (mean age, 62.9 +/- 15.7 years) with an acute proximal humeral fracture were managed with open reduction and internal fixation with a locking proximal humeral plate. At the three-month, six month,and one-year follow-up examinations, 165 (88%), 158 (84%), and 155 (83%) of the 187 patients were assessed with regard to pain, shoulder mobility, and strength. The Constant score was determined at each interval, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was determined for the injured and contralateral extremities at the time of the one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Between three months and one year, the mean range of motion and the mean Constant score for the injured shoulders improved substantially. Twelve months after surgery, the mean Constant score for the injured side was 70.6 +/- 13.7 points, corresponding to 85.1% +/- 14.0% of the score for the contralateral side. The mean DASH score at the time of the one-year follow-up was 15.2 +/- 16.8 points. Sixty-two complications were encountered in fifty-two (34%) of 155 patients at the time of the one-year follow-up. Twenty-five complications (40%) were related to incorrect surgical technique and were present at the end of the operative procedure. The most common complication, noted in twenty-one (14%) of 155 patients, was intraoperative screw perforation of the humeral head. Twenty-nine patients (19%) had an unplanned second operation within twelve months after the fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures with use of the locking proximal humeral plate that was evaluated in the present study can lead to a good functional outcome provided that the correct surgical technique is used. Because many of the complications were related to incorrect surgical technique, it behooves the treating surgeon to perform the operation correctly to avoid iatrogenic errors.

[The use of blade plate and dynamic screw plate osteosynthesis]. / Anwendung der Klingen- und der dynamischen Schraubplattenosteosynthese.

Osteosynthesis in fracture treatment and in some reconstructive procedures with blade plates or dynamic screw systems was the standard procedure for several decades. In this review, the current options and concepts using blade plate osteosynthesis, stabilization of proximal and distal femur fractures and reconstructive procedures with the dynamic hip screw or the dynamic condylar blade are discussed. On the basis of a literature review, the present indications, results and region-specific complications are reported and discussed.Blade plates are used mainly in the context of reconstructive procedures, as well as in the treatment of pseudoarthroses. The Pauwel procedure in femoral neck non-unions is one of the best known indications. In contrast, the dynamic hip screw is the gold standard for stabilization of femoral neck and most pertrochanteric fractures, whereas the dynamic condylar screw is still an alternative to internal fixators for proximal and distal femoral fracture fixations.

Open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with use of the locking proximal humerus plate. Results of a prospective, multicenter, observational study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of unstable displaced proximal humeral fractures, especially in the elderly, remains controversial. The objective of the present prospective, multicenter, observational study was to evaluate the functional outcome and the complication rate after open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with use of a locking proximal humeral plate. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients (mean age, 62.9 +/- 15.7 years) with an acute proximal humeral fracture were managed with open reduction and internal fixation with a locking proximal humeral plate. At the three-month, six-month, and one-year follow-up examinations, 165 (88%), 158 (84%), and 155 (83%) of the 187 patients were assessed with regard to pain, shoulder mobility, and strength. The Constant score was determined at each interval, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was determined for the injured and contralateral extremities at the time of the one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Between three months and one year, the mean range of motion and the mean Constant score for the injured shoulders improved substantially. Twelve months after surgery, the mean Constant score for the injured side was 70.6 +/- 13.7 points, corresponding to 85.1% +/- 14.0% of the score for the contralateral side. The mean DASH score at the time of the one-year follow-up was 15.2 +/- 16.8 points. Sixty-two complications were encountered in fifty-two (34%) of 155 patients at the time of the one-year follow-up. Twenty-five complications (40%) were related to incorrect surgical technique and were present at the end of the operative procedure. The most common complication, noted in twenty-one (14%) of 155 patients, was intraoperative screw perforation of the humeral head. Twenty-nine patients (19%) had an unplanned second operation within twelve months after the fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures with use of the locking proximal humeral plate that was evaluated in the present study can lead to a good functional outcome provided that the correct surgical technique is used. Because many of the complications were related to incorrect surgical technique, it behooves the treating surgeon to perform the operation correctly to avoid iatrogenic errors.

[Trauma and accident documentation in Germany compared with elsewhere in Europe]. / Trauma- und Unfalldokumentation in Deutschland. Eine Standortbestimmung im europäischen Vergleich.

BACKGROUND: The role of trauma documentation has grown continuously since the 1970s. Prevention and management of injuries were adapted according to the results of many analyses. Since 1993 there have been two different trauma databases in Germany: the German trauma registry (TR) and the database of the Accident Research Unit (UFO). Modern computer applications improved the data processing. Our study analysed the pros and cons of each system and compared them with those of our European neighbours. METHODS: We compared the TR and the UFO databases with respect to aims and goals, advantages and disadvantages, and current status. Results were reported as means +/- standard errors of the mean. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: There were differences between the two databases concerning number and types of items, aims and goals, and demographics. The TR documents care for severely injured patients and the clinical course of different types of accidents. The UFO describes traffic accidents, accident conditions, and interrelations. The German and British systems are similar, and the French system shows interesting differences. DISCUSSION: The German trauma documentation systems focus on different points. Therefore both can be used for substantiated analyses of different hypotheses. Certain intersections of both databases may help to answer very special questions in the future.

[Injury prevention as the physician's challenge]. / Prävention von Verletzungen als ärztliche Aufgabe.

In Germany, more than 9 million individuals yearly sustain injuries and more than 30,000 fatal injuries. Based on estimations, preventive measures could avoid more than one half of all accidents and could influence the other half of the accidents such that the injuries caused are minor. The aim of an initiative of the Study Group on Injury Prevention of the German Trauma Society (DGU) is a complete inventory of all prevention programs from different expert groups in Germany. A synopsis of the gathered knowledge should serve as a basis for further interdisciplinary preventive measures. The consistent interdisciplinary orientation of this program is a special characteristic including trauma surgery, orthopedics, pediatric surgery, pediatrics, sociology, legal medicine, psychology, sports medicine, geriatrics, anesthesiology, and others. Special attention was also directed to the age groups of children/adolescents and the elderly.

[Management strategies in the first operative phase after long-bone injury of the lower extremity in multiple-injured patients. A systematic literature review]. / Versorgungsstrategien in der ersten operativen Phase nach Verletzung langer Röhrenknochen der unteren Extremität beim Polytrauma. Eine systematische Literaturübersicht.

OBJECTIVE: Lower extremity injuries make up a substantial proportion of the injuries in multiply injured patients. The aim of this systematic literature analysis was to give an overview of the levels of evidence for different management strategies in the first operative phase after long-bone injuries of the lower extremity in multiply injured patients to enable, in the presence of adequate evidence, the development of clinical management corridors or, if the evidence was found to be inadequate, to document the necessity for scientific proof. METHODS: Clinical trials were systematically collected (Medline, Cochrane and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (EL 1 to 5 according to the Oxford system). RESULTS: The necessity for primary or secondary definitive osteosynthesis of femur/tibia shaft fractures is still a matter of discussion. Intramedullary nailing is the preferred operative procedure for definitive treatment of femur shaft fractures. Stabilization of proximal and distal femur and tibia fractures is predominantly based on expert opinion. According to the literature, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is essential in fracture treatment. CONCLUSION: Numerous comparative studies (EL 2) dealing with management strategies in the first operative phase after long-bone injuries of the lower extremity in multiply injured patients are available, but there are only a few randomized studies. Based on the available data, it is possible to develop a rational therapy for this patient population.

[Quality and economy--contradictory demands]. / Qualität und Okonomie--ein unüberbrückbarer Gegensatz.

Polytrauma treatment (40-60,000,-[symbol: see text]) and trauma killed victims (750,000,-[symbol: see text]) are a severe economical problem. The data of the German Trauma Registry show a significant influence of arrival time of the emergency doctor and lethality. There is also a significant increase of the length of stay at the intensive unit in severe thoracic and abdominal trauma (AIS > 3). The analysis of the audit filter for quality management showed between 1999-2000 a decrease of the time till first CCT from 41 to 31 minutes and for the first thoracic X-ray from 20 to 16 minutes. The German Trauma Registry includes till now more than 10,000 polytraumatized patients. There is an increase of 110% between the years 1998 and 2000.

[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.

[Anatomy of the shoulder joint]. / Anatomie des Schultergelenkes.

The shoulder joint and its associated joints form one of the most complex joint systems of the human locomotor apparatus. Its large range of motion is made possible by the interplay of 5 joints: sternoclavicular-joint, acromioclavicular-joint, glenohumeral joint, thoracoscapular joint and subacromial joint. The rotator cuff works mostly as an active stabilizer of the shoulder joint. The supraspinatus muscle causes a compression of the humerus in the glenoid mainly, furthermore it effects synergistic the abduction with the delta muscle. On the basis of its lever-arm the supraspinatus works between 0 and 60 degrees abduction the most optimally. With failure of the supraspinatus, the deltoideus can almost completely take its function. The inferior glenohumeral ligament-complex is the main passive stabilizer. The blood supply of the humerus head is ensured mainly by the a. circumflexa anterior and its rami ascendents, by several small branches from the a. circumflexa posterior and over intraosseous anastomoses. The most important vessel of the cap is the intraosseous a. arcuata out of the ramus ascendens lateralis of the a. circumflexa anterior.

[Conclusions and consequences from registries: the Polytrauma Register of the German Society of Trauma Surgery]. / Lehren und Konsequenzen aus Sammelregistern: Das Polytraumaregister der DGU.

In the trauma register of the German society of traumatology until now 5353 patients have been analysed. The mean age was 38.5 years, the proportion of blunt injuries was 94.3%. The mean ISS was 24.8%, the emergency doctor arrived in the middle 22.4 minutes after the accident. The stay of the emergency doctor lasted 32.9 minutes and the transport from the place of accident to the hospital took 18.3 minutes. The rate of intubation through the emergency doctor was 58.3%. The mean stay at hospital was 31.1 days, at the intensive car unit 13.1 days with a mean time of 8.7 days artificial respiration. In comparing the years we saw an improvement of outcome throughout all participating hospitals. Future aims of the trauma register are to increase the quality of life after trauma, to guarantee an adequate quality of treatment, to analyse costs and to include all German hospitals in the trauma register.

Facts about the disaster at Eschede.

On June 3, 1998, at 10:59 a.m., a high-speed train (Intercity Express, ICE) traveling at 200 kilometers per hour collided with a bridge at Eschede, Germany, causing it to collapse. The force of the collision, combined with the speed of the train's rear engine, propelled the rear wagons into the structure. The accident caused 101 deaths and 103 injuries. Four minutes after the accident, the alarm was reported; sixteen minutes after the accident, the first doctor on emergency call was on the scene, arriving from Celle, approximately twenty kilometers away. In the first four hours after the crash, different rescue organizations brought a total of 1,844 people to the accident site, including 461 ambulance personnel and paramedics. Thirty-nine aircraft, including helicopters and army aircraft, were available at the scene. Ninety-five passengers passed away on site. Many of the surviving passengers had multiple injuries and were stuck in the train; although they had to be rescued from the severely damaged wagons, all patients, with one exception, were on the way to hospitals by 12:55 p.m. The casualties were distributed among twenty-two hospitals; two victims later had to be transferred to other hospitals for medical reasons. This paper details the factors that were responsible for the success of the rescue operations at Eschede.