Der Unfallchirurg
-
During the war period 1991-1992 in Croatia, ten wounded children (16 years of age or younger) with war injuries to the brain were admitted to the Division of Neurosurgery, Osijek Clinical Hospital. Six of them had been wounded by shrapnel and four by pistol or rifle bullets. All but one were managed surgically (i.e. by craniotomy). ⋯ Five of the wounded (four injured by shrapnel and one by bullets) had associated injuries (fractures of the leg bones, eye lesion, amputation of the right leg) which influenced morbidity, and in one case mortality. Children wounded with shrapnel had brain edema on admission to hospital. Our experience indicates that the thermal effect from heated shrapnel, as well as velocity, mass, size and shape of the shrapnel, could be an additional factor for the development of severe brain edema.
-
Fractures of the distal third of the clavicle tend to develop delayed union or nonunion when treated conservatively. Correct diagnosis of fracture instability and/or associated lesions of the ligamentous structures of the acromioclavicular joint is mandatory for adequate fracture treatment. When classical radiographs fail to demonstrate instability, stress roentgenographs of both shoulders are indicated. ⋯ For fractures of the distal clavicle, good results can be achieved when the instability is recognized and adequately treated. The association of a distal clavicular fracture and an acromioclavicular ligament disruption should be added as a separate subtype in the existing classification of distal clavicular fractures. PDS banding is a valuable alternative for fractures with small peripheral fragment or associated acromioclavicular disruption.
-
These guidelines reveal a consence of the presidency of the "German Society for Trauma Surgery" (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie) concerning: structure of prehospital and hospital care for trauma patients, principles, structure, resources and organisation of prehospital trauma care, criteria qualifying a hospital for trauma care and reconstructive surgery, qualifications of trauma care personnel, structure and necessary for emergency rooms and intensive care units, documentation and quality evaluation in trauma patient care.