Der Unfallchirurg
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Palmar lunate dislocation as the end stage of a perilunate dislocation is a very uncommon injury. Having treated 19,534 hospitalized patients between 1 January 1986 and 1 October 2001 the diagnosis was recorded in four male trauma patients (33, 36, 37 and 62 years old). Among the operatively treated carpal dislocations and carpal fracture dislocations those of the lunate were seen in five per cent. The dislocation was caused in by an acute hyperextension injury resulting of falls from heights in three cases, and of a motorcycle accident in a further case. In two of these cases a complete palmar lunate dislocation was analysed that were produced by fall from seven meters heights of a young craftsman and by accident of a motorcyclist. First using a longitudinal palmar approach in both cases a revision of the hemorrhagic carpal canal was performed urgently, the largely denuded lunate was reduced and the repair of identified ligamentous structures was performed by means of sutures respectively suture anchors. Reduction was stabilized with Kirschner wires. Afterwards performed computed tomography identified the result of reduction and associated defects (subluxation distal radioulnar joint). In one patient a soft tissue infection prevented the dorsal ligamentous repair. In spite of a consequent after-treatment and a good functional result a scapho-lunate dissociation was proved. An avascular defect of the lunate could be excluded by magnetic resonance imaging. In case of a secondary performed dorsal repair a persisting carpal stabilization with a satisfactory functional result could achieved. At second hand an advanced carpal collapse was proved. ⋯ If reduction cannot be achieved by closed manipulation or a loss of reduction is shown, open reduction is indicated first by a palmar approach. An additional dorsal ligamentous repair seems to be necessary. Transfixation by Kirschner wires and suture anchors stabilize the restored anatomic relationships. Wrist immobilization in a cast for at least eight weeks is recommended. Although ligamentous insufficiency, osteoarthrosis and avascular necrosis are often proved, functional results are satisfactory.
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In severe motorcyclist accidents unstable injuries of the cervical spine can usually not be excluded before an X-ray has been taken in the hospital. Despite this the helmet has to be taken off at the place of the accident in order to provide adequate treatment and airway management of the injured driver. There are no data in the current literature showing what happens to unstable lesions of the cervical spine during helmet removal. ⋯ The average motion of C1-2 recorded during helmet removal was 19.0 degrees (2-25 degrees ), median 18.0 degrees. In order to avoid fracture dislocations and motion in the unstable upper cervical spine the helmet should better be cut in pieces at the place of the accident. There is a need for discussions with helmet producers to develop a new generation of helmets that can be removed easily without manipulating the head.
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The sublabral foramen is considered to be a clinically asymptomatic, isolated variant of the anterior-superior capsulo-labral-complex. It may be observed during shoulder arthroscopy and may implicate problems in differential diagnosis of traumatic lesions. In an anatomic study on 89 macroscopically healthy shoulder specimens the age distribution and the incidence in relation to the varying shape of the glenoid as feasible factors of influence for a sublabral foramen (SF) were analyzed in order to elucidate the unknown pathogenesis of SF. ⋯ Mean age of the specimens with a sublabral foramen [n=20; 69 (37-84) years] was significantly higher (p=0.04) compared to samples without a sublabral foramen [n=69; 59 (18-94) years]. An increased incidence of a sublabral foramen in relation to a distinct shape of the glenoid could not be established although a prevalence of a glenoid with anterior notch was observed. The results indicate an age-related development of the sublabral foramen,thus in younger patients with an anterior-superior capsulolabral displacement local signs of trauma and involvement of the biceps anchor should be controlled before definitive diagnosis.