Der Unfallchirurg
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The femur is the largest, longest and strongest bone in the human skeleton. Fractures of the shaft of the femur can result from high energy as well as low energy trauma and 30% of patients have multiple injuries. In the clinical diagnostic special attention must be paid to the peripheral neurovascular status as well as the possibility of a compartment syndrome. ⋯ Full weight bearing is possible immediately following the operation depending on the type of fracture and method of treatment. Uncomplicated fracture healing does not result in a reduction in the ability to work. Despite the generally good prognosis and improvement in design and technology of implants, fractures of the femur shaft still represent a special challenge for the treating casualty surgeon.
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In the coming years, our approach to the bleeding patient will have to change radically. The inevitable knowledge from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan permits the prediction that conventional crystalloids will sooner or later disappear from volume replacement therapy. The dogma that fluids must always be given will be abandoned, to be replaced by the practice of careful and goal-directed resuscitation. In the near future, we would rely on designer fluids and sophisticated pharmacological agents to deliver personalized resuscitation based upon the specific needs of the individual patient.
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When operating unstable spine fractures by an open dorsal approach, detachment of paravertebral muscles results in bleeding and later functional disturbances. Long incisions over spinous processes cause pain and later cosmetic issues. With the sextant of Medtronic a system is at our disposal which permits a percutaneous approach with pedicle screws and longitudinal supports by a target device via six small incisions. ⋯ Percutaneous instrumentation with cannulation of pedicles with a guide wire under X-ray control permits a safe application while preserving soft tissues without relevant blood loss. Operating times can be drastically reduced compared with the open technique. The implants are more expensive but pay for themselves by shorter stays in the OR and hospital.
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Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent mesenchymal malignant tumour of the bone. Classification of this kind of tumour is made by clinical, radiological und pathological means. ⋯ Due to the primary assumption of bone metastasis of the oropharynx tumour, marginal extralesional tumour resection was performed followed by composite osteosynthesis. Considerations on differential diagnosis and their implications for further therapy are discussed.
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The pelvic subcutaneous cross-over internal fixator is a minimally invasive technique for the fixation of instable anterior pelvic ring fractures. A USS-II-VAS screw is anchored bilaterally in the supra-acetabular region of the os ileum by a mini-incision approach. An angled fixation rod is inserted subcutaneously and after successful closed reduction attached to the screws forming a locking internal fixation. ⋯ The main benefits are a simple surgical technique preventing damage to soft tissue, a low risk of neurovascular lesions and the avoidance of pin infections. Moreover patients with multiple trauma profit from a shorter time of surgery and greater comfort allowing a prone position. The new procedure combines the advantages of internal osteosynthesis and a minimally invasive technique, providing early mobilization under full-weight bearing for instable pelvic fractures.