Der Unfallchirurg
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The therapy of acromioclavicular dislocations remains controversial. In particular, for injuries classified as Rockwood/Tossy Type III good results have been reported with different operative techniques as well as with conservative treatment. The objective of this study was to obtain data about the current treatment for Rockwood/Tossy III injuries in German trauma departments. ⋯ For more severe acromioclavicular injuries (Rockwood IV to VI) all clinics recommend an operative treatment. The operative techniques of choice for acromioclavicular injuries are K-wire fixation (37%) or a coraco-clavicular cerclage (32%). Of the latter, 73% use a resorbable material, while the remainder use wires.
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The transmitters and/or modulators calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasointestinal polypeptide (VIP) are supposed to be involved in bone growth, fracture healing and internal remodeling. Immunohistochemical proof of neuropeptide positive fibers in normal bone let us assume that these substances effect the early phase of fracture healing. Exact time of appearance of neuropeptide positive fibers, localisation in the bone, chemospecifity and mode of genesis are unknown so fare. ⋯ After histological preparation of tissue specimens from the interfragmental gap and the bone marrow beside the gap the neuropeptides CGRP, SP and NPY were immunohistochemically expressed. Sprouting of CGRP- and SP-positive nerve fibers has its origin in the bone marrow. A vascularisation in the early state of osteoneogenesis after fracture seems impossible without the nerval peptidergic influence and transmission.
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A multidisciplinary quality management system (QMS) for the early treatment of severely injured patients was validated in a trauma center in Germany. In the presented prospective study a QMS developed at another trauma center was implemented at the department of trauma surgery of the University of Essen for the presented study. The essential elements of the QMS were the establishment of (1) an adequate protocol for documentation, (2) 20 criteria for the assessment of treatment quality, (3) regular statistical analysis of treatment quality and (4) a quality circle comprising all medical specialties for data discussion. ⋯ Apart from the significant time reductions other improvements were found. Overall mortality was diminished from 17% in the first to 10% in the last observation period. In conclusion the study revealed that the quality of the early therapy of severely injured patients was significantly improved by implementation of a multidisciplinary quality management system especially with respect to treatment efficiency.
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Vacuum assisted wound closure (VAC) is a closed system, which applies negative pressure to the wound tissues. Basic studies have shown beneficial effects on wound blood flow and proliferation of healing granulation tissue. Theoretically, the method acts by removal of excess tissue fluid from the extravascular space, which lowers capillary after-load and thereby promotes the microcirculation during the early stages of inflammation. ⋯ Also, patients who are fully anticoagulated or patients with large wound surface areas (e.g., burns) may need careful monitoring of electrolytes, hematocrit, and/or fluid balance in an intensive care or burn unit setting. The mainstay of wound care is débridement, and vacuum assisted wound closure is not a substitute for this. It is a novel and welcome addition to the methods available to surgeons charged with the management of challenging wounds, and its final role in the overall list of adjunctive wound treatment modalities is still seeking a final definition.