The posterior two-portal approach for reconstruction of scapula fractures: results of 39 patients.

The purpose of this study was to describe the so-called posterior two-portal approach to the scapula in detail and to investigate the clinical outcome of patients with displaced glenoid and scapular neck fractures who were surgically treated using this approach. From February 1992 to August 2008, 39 patients (30 men and nine women; mean age: 53 years) with scapular fractures underwent surgical fixation at our institution. Thirty-three patients had glenoid fractures and six had unstable scapular neck fractures. All patients were treated via the two-portal approach. The reduction was evaluated radiographically, and the clinical results were analysed using the Constant score. The mean follow-up period was 78 months (range: 6-168). In 24 of the 33 glenoid fractures, the reduction was anatomical. The mean Constant score was 82.3 (range: 35-100) points. In one case, an early postoperative wound infection was cured by local revision, and one patient developed posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint after 2 years. Only one patient developed specific glenohumeral degeneration after non-anatomical reduction. The posterior two-portal approach allows for a good visualisation of the posterior scapular neck and the glenoid area, facilitating the reduction and safe internal fixation of dislocated scapular neck and glenoid fractures.

[Acetabular fractures in the elderly. Outcome of open reduction and internal fixation]. / Osteosynthese bei Acetabulumfrakturen im Alter. Ist eine Rekonstruktion sinnvoll?

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome and incidence of hip arthritis in elderly patients with acetabular fractures. Because of poor bone quality in the elderly, even a low-energy trauma may lead to an acetabular fracture. An anatomical reconstruction of the acetabulum is necessary to achieve sufficient stability also for a potential hip arthroplasty. So far, there is very limited information on the outcome of acetabular fractures in the elderly. During a period of 6 years (2001-2006), 48 patients older than 60 years were admitted to our department with an acetabular fracture. Thirty-nine patients were treated operatively and nine patients non-operatively. Twenty-nine operatively treated patients were followed up. Nineteen of them were assessed using EQ-5D, SF-12 and Merle d'Aubigné questionnaires in addition to their clinical examination. Ten other surgical patients were only examined using the questionnaires. Of the 29 patients that were followed up, 5 underwent total hip arthroplasty due to secondary post-traumatic hip arthritis after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The range of motion of the operated hip was comparable to that of the non-operated contralateral side. However, the internal rotation was found to be slightly decreased at the operated side when compared to the non-operated contralateral side. Merle d'Aubigné score and physical and mental SF-12 score components as well as quality of life were better in patients treated with ORIF compared to those patients that were treated by secondary hip arthroplasty. Regarding the different treatment strategies (ORIF vs primary hip arthroplasty vs non-operative treatment) of acetabular fractures in the elderly, data from the literature are conflicting. Our results indicate that ORIF represents a good treatment option for acetabular fractures in the elderly. In patients that did not develop secondary hip arthritis, a good clinical outcome and quality of life was documented.

[Concept for treatment of pelvic ring injuries in elderly patients. A challenge]. / Versorgungskonzept der Beckenringverletzung des alten Patienten. Eine Herausforderung.

Whereas pelvic injuries in patients in their 20s and 30s are typically caused by high energy trauma, another group suffering this injury are elderly patients between the seventh and eighth decades of life. Due to osteoporosis and co-morbidities females are particularly affected by low energy trauma. After examining the medical history a physical examination of the pelvis is performed. This is followed by imaging with X-ray and CT scanning with 3D reconstruction if necessary. If there are concomitant injuries additional diagnostics are essential (e.g. sonography, MRI, retrograde ureterography, cystography and excretion urogram). The standard AO/ATO classification (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma Association) has been well proven and does not depend on the age of the patient. Three different fracture types are differentiated, types A, B and C. This classification in combination with the description of the affected anatomical region (e.g. transsymphysis, transpubic, etc.) is sufficient in the daily clinical practice to decide on the necessary treatment. Often there are diagnostic difficulties in elderly patients (so-called differentiation of the A-B problem). In these patients a type A fracture is initially diagnosed and treated conservatively but due to persistent pain the imaging is repeated and an additional (insufficiency) fracture is found. With this new information the therapeutic regime has to be changed. The reconstruction of the pelvic ring is of major importance especially for elderly patients. This reduces the pain and the primary objective, an earliest possible rehabilitation without prolonged immobilization, can be achieved. In elderly patients external fixation with supra-acetabular screw positioning is an effective procedure and secondary insufficiency-instability (mostly dorsal) can be avoided. Whereas type A fractures can almost exclusively be treated non-surgically, types B and C fractures usually need surgery. As in young patients type B fractures are stabilized ventrally and C fractures dorsoventrally. In an emergency supra-acetabular external fixation and when required extraperitoneal tamponade has been established as the standard treatment for elderly patients in Germany. For the definitive surgical management standard procedures are used, but they often have to be modified depending on the bone structure.

[Complex pelvic trauma in elderly patients]. / Das komplexe Beckentrauma des älteren Patienten.

The definition of complex pelvic trauma has allowed a selection of those pelvic fracture patients with the highest mortality rate. The term complex pelvic trauma is used as a definition for pelvic fractures which are associated with serious soft tissue lesions in the pelvic region. These may include visceral and neurovascular, as well as extensive skin and muscle injuries. Haemodynamic instability particularly related to vascular injuries raises the mortality dramatically. Traumatic hemipelvectomy, which represents the worst case of a complex pelvic trauma, is associated with mortality rates of up to 60%. The pelvic study groups 1-3 of the German trauma association (DGU) and the Association for Osteosynthesis (AO) provide the worldwide largest database on pelvic injuries (group 1, 1991-1993: 1,722 patients from 10 hospitals; group 2, 1998-2002: 2,569 patients from 22 hospitals; and group 3, 2005-2007: 2,704 patients from 23 hospitals). Using this database this article reviews epidemiological data, therapy concepts, associated injuries as well as the incidence and mortality rates related to complex pelvic trauma over a 16-year time period. Special attention has been paid to complex trauma in the elderly (patients >60 years of age). An additional aim of this article is to analyze the correlation between different treatment modalities and the mortality rate of complex pelvic trauma and to investigate whether changes in the treatment of complex pelvic trauma have improved the outcome of these injuries. Taken together an increase in measures for an initial mechanical stabilization of the pelvic ring, such as the use of the pelvic C clamp, the external fixator or primary osteosynthesis was found over the 16-year observation period. In addition to stabilization of the pelvic ring, pelvic tamponade for mechanical haemostasis has been proven to be one of the most effective measures to control haemorrhaging. These treatment regimes did not differ between young patients and patients >60 years of age. Regarding the outcome of these treatment strategies only slight decreases in the mortality rate were found (pelvic study group 1: 21%; pelvic study group 2: 22%; pelvic study group 3: 18%). In all pelvic study groups the mortality rate in patients >60 years of age was found to be significantly higher than in individuals <60 years of age (pelvic study group 1: 57% versus 29.6%, pelvic study group 2: 33% versus 22.6%, pelvic study group 3: 41% versus 10.4%, p <0.05, respectively).

Changes in epidemiology and treatment of pelvic ring fractures in Germany: an analysis on data of German Pelvic Multicenter Study Groups I and III (DGU/AO).

The diagnosis and treatment of pelvic ring injuries is demanding. Therefore, standardized classifications characterizing the stability and severity of pelvic ring fractures are essential to define clear algorithms for the treatment of these injuries. The first part of this article provides an overview of the etiology and classification of pelvic ring injuries. We recommend the AO classification to assess the stability of pelvic ring fractures. This classification includes 3 types of pelvic ring fractures: stable fractures (type A), fractures with only rotational instability (type B), and fractures with complete (rotational and translational) instability. To describe the severity of the injury, pelvic ring fractures can be classified as plain pelvic fractures, which include fractures with osteoligamentous instability, but without significant concomitant injuries to the soft tissue, versus complex pelvic fractures, which are combined with severe peripelvic soft tissue lesions.While plain pelvic fractures allow thorough clinical and radiological diagnostics, complex pelvic traumata represent a life threatening situation for the patient, which needs immediate emergency measures. In the second part of the this review we present current data of the German Pelvic Multicenter Study III (DGU/AO) on the epidemiology and treatment of pelvic ring injuries deriving from a study population of more than 3000 patients. In addition, we compare the present data with those of the German Pelvic Multicenter Study I and highlight changes in the epidemiology and treatment of pelvic ring fractures during the past decades. Taken together, we could observe an increasing number of elderly patients sustaining pelvic ring fractures.Regarding the treatment of pelvic ring fractures we found a rising use of external fixators and SI screws, while the number of laparotomies has markedly decreased.

Different stabilisation techniques for typical acetabular fractures in the elderly--a biomechanical assessment.

OBJECTIVES: The tremendous increase of acetabular fractures in the elderly provides new challenges for their surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of conventional and newly developed implants for the stabilisation of an anterior column combined with posterior hemitransverse fracture (ACPHTF), which represents the typical acetabular fracture in the elderly. METHODS: Using a single-leg stance model we analysed four different implant systems for the stabilisation of ACPHTFs in synthetic and cadaveric pelvises. Applying an increasing axial load, fracture dislocation was analysed with a new multidirectional ultrasonic measuring system. Results of the different implant systems were compared by Scheffé post hoc test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: In synthetic pelvises, the standard reconstruction plate fixed by 3 periarticular long screws and a new titanium fixator with multidirectional interlocking screws were associated with significantly less dislocation of the fractured quadrilateral plate of the acetabulum when compared to a standard reconstruction plate fixed by only one periarticular long screw and a locking reconstruction plate. No significant differences between the different osteosynthesis techniques could be observed in cadaver pelvises, probably due to a heterogeneous bone quality. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the plate fixation by positioning of periarticular long screws as well as the multidirectional positioning of interlocking screws account for the most sufficient fracture stabilisation of ACPHTFs under experimental conditions.

[Percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw fixation of the posterior pelvic ring. Increasing safety by standardization of visualization and insertion technique]. / Die perkutane transiliosakrale Zugschraubenosteosynthese des hinteren Beckenrings. Erhöhte Sicherheit durch Standardisierung von Visualisierung und Technik.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of posterior pelvic ring fractures by sacroiliac screws has become a well established treatment option for stabilization of posterior pelvic ring disruptions. Stable percutaneous pelvic ring fixation also implies a very low complication rate, e.g., in operative blood loss, wound healing, and operative time. To avoid malpositioning of the screws, sufficient reduction and radiologic visualization are essential. The surgical technique has been described in several studies; however, great importance is attached to the personal experience of the surgeon. Therefore, this study was conducted to establish a standard procedure that allows different surgeons a safe positioning of sacroiliac screws. RESULTS: A total of 41 injuries of the posterior pelvic ring were stabilized with 73 sacroiliac lag screws inserted by 7 different surgeons using a standardized technique. In all cases adequate reduction of the fracture and radiologic visualization were achieved. No wound infections, no relevant bleedings, and no spiral fractures of screws were observed. In two cases malpositioning led to revision of the screws. Of interest, one case of S1 paresthesia resulting from a malpositioned screw could be revised. In contrast, two cases of screw loosening and one case of screw bending did not require further intervention. CONCLUSION: We conclude that safe positioning of the sacroiliac screws was accomplished by all surgeons given a standardized technique. For safe insertion preparation of the patients, accurate visualization of the fracture zone, and potential closed reduction is always required.

[Biomechanical comparison of different stabilisation devices for transforaminal sacral fracture. Is an interlocking device advantageous?]. / Vergleichende biomechanische Untersuchung zur internen Stabilisierung der transforaminalen Sakrumfraktur. Ist eine winkelstabile Plattenosteosynthese vorteilhaft?

BACKGROUND: Reliable osteosynthesis for fractures in the different regions of the human pelvis are described in the literature while there is no common and satisfying treatment for unstable sacral fractures. Because of the posterior pelvic rings special anatomic conditions a local plate osteosynthesis seems to be advantageous. In many fields of modern fracture treatment locking implants show superior results. The prototype of a local locking plate osteosynthesis was compared to a common local plate and two sacroiliac screws. METHODS: The implants were tested using six plastic models of the pelvis and three embalmed human specimens. A Tile C1 fracture was created by disruption of the pubic symphysis and a transforaminal osteotomy. The specimens were exposed to axial loading in an upright single-leg stance with a maximum of 800 N for the plastic models and 200 N for the human specimens. An ultrasonic-based measuring system recorded translations (X, Y, Z) and rotations (alpha, beta, gamma). Parameters such as pattern of motion, translation/rotation, load to failure and remaining dislocation were evaluated. RESULTS: Concerning most of the evaluated parameters the local plate osteosynthesis was inferior compared with two sacroiliac screws. There were no significant differences between the locking implant and the local plate osteosynthesis. Compared with the two sacroiliac screws the locking implant shows biomechanically equal results but allows greater anterior rotation and remaining dislocation. Because of the lower bone quality, the results from the anatomic specimen tested were not utilisable. CONCLUSIONS: The locking implant is biomechanically an alternative compared with two sacroiliac screws. Problems occurred due to the preset direction of the locking head screws.

[Misinterpretation of anterior pelvic ring fractures in the elderly]. / Fehleinschätzung bei vorderer Beckenringfraktur im höheren Lebensalter.

Clinical outcome following pelvic ring fractures of AO/OTA type-A in the elderly is often unsatisfying because the posterior pelvic ring fracture is underdiagnosed and patients with type B fractures were conservatively treated like patients with type A fractures. This so-called "A-B" problem was systematically analyzed in our patients with pelvic ring fractures. 183 patients were treated with pelvic ring fractures. Primarily, the injuries were classified as follows: 81 type A, 38 type B, and 64 type C. The diagnosis was changed from type A to type B injury in seven patients. Parameters of investigation included fracture type, duration of symptoms, treatment, and outcome score according to the German Multicenter Study Group Pelvis. Persistent pain in the sacral area over an average of 2 (1-6) weeks was found in all patients. The CT scan revealed in all patients a transalar sacral impression fracture in the sense of an internal rotationally unstable injury of type AO/OTA B 2.1. The treatment consisted in a supra-acetabular external fixator for an average of 3 weeks. After 4 weeks the mean pelvis outcome score was 9 (7-10) points. In cases of persistent pain for more than 2 weeks after transpubic pelvic ring fractures in the elderly further investigation by CT scan should be recommended to exclude a concomitant sacral fracture, which then could be safely treated by a supra-acetabular external fixator.

[Application of the pelvic C-clamp]. / Die Anlage der Notfall-Beckenzwinge.

Unstable pelvic girdle injury combined with severe pelvis related haemorrhage has a high mortality rate. This prognosis can be improved by using the C-clamp according to Ganz. This can be applied while the life saving measures are in progress, and should, if necessary, be combined with a pelvic tamponade. Due to the limited number of patients, trauma centres have the most experience with this technique. In this contribution, we present our standardised application technique, which allows the use of the procedure through well defined clinically recognisable orientation points in the emergency room.

[Injury to the pelvic ring. Diagnosis and current possibilities for treatment]. / Beckenringverletzung. Diagnostik und aktuelle Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.

Pelvic fracture, especially in combination with multiple trauma, can still lead to ife-threatening situations. Only clear inclusion criteria and decisions can ensure survival of the patient, the key task being mechanical stabilization using external fixators or pelvic clamps with or without surgical intervention for hemostasis. The basis for problem-orientated management is a precise classification, which is based on conventional X-rays in emergency situations and detailed analysis of computed tomography for the planning of definitive surgical interventions. The classification groups postulated are stable pelvic fractures (type A), rotational unstable pelvic fractures (type B -- partial stability of the posterior ring present), and translational instabilities (type C -- with a complete disruption of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring). This classification leads to clear indications for pelvic ring stabilization as surgical interventions are only exceptionally indicated in type A fractures, stabilization of the anterior ring is sufficient for type B fractures, and combined posterior and anterior stabilization is necessary for treatment of type C fractures. Following these concepts and by using standardized procedures and implants, the high rate of enclosed anatomical healing can be achieved even after type C injuries. Nevertheless, the role of concomitant soft tissue injuries and scar formation is not clear as the origin of the frequently observed long-term clinical impairments even after anatomical reconstruction of the osteoligamentous structures.

[Pelvic fracture. Diagnostics and current treatment options]. / Beckenringverletzung. Diagnostik und aktuelle Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.

Pelvic fracture, especially in combination with multiple trauma, can still lead to life-threatening situations. Only clear inclusion criteria and decisions can ensure the survival of the patient, the key task being mechanical stabilization using external fixators or pelvic clamps with or without surgical intervention for hemostasis. The basis for problem-oriented management is a precise classification, which is based on conventional X-rays in emergency situations and detailed analysis of computed tomography for the planning of definitive surgical interventions. The classification groups postulated are stable pelvic fractures (type A), rotational unstable pelvic fractures (type B--partial stability of the posterior pelvic ring present), and translational instabilities (type C--with a complete disruption of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring). This classification leads to clear indications for pelvic ring stabilization as surgical interventions are only exceptionally indicated in type A fractures, stabilization of the anterior ring is sufficient for type B fractures, and combined posterior and anterior stabilization is necessary for treatment of type C fractures. Following these concepts and by using standardized procedures and implants, the high rate of enclosed anatomical healing can be achieved even after type C injuries. Nevertheless, the role of concomitant soft tissue injuries and scar formation is not clear as the origin of the frequently observed long-term clinical impairments even after anatomical reconstruction of the osteoligamentous structures.