Der Unfallchirurg
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Osteochondral fractures are traumatic shearing injuries to the cartilage and the subchondral bone which lead to defects in the articular surface and potentially lead to further degeneration and arthritis. Early diagnosis and therapy are therefore very important. As the resolving power of conventional X-rays is limited for this situation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is regarded as the gold standard for diagnostics. ⋯ Concerning treatment options for osteochondral fractures, there are two potential strategies that can be applied: the first is removal of small osteochondral fragments with subsequent formation of regeneration tissue and the second is refixation of the dislocated fragment and therefore a 1-stage reconstruction of the joint surface. It is important to also address concomitant injuries. Even though there is no consensus for a standardized or evidence-based therapy in literature, this article gives an overview of the diagnostics and available therapeutic options.
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According to the future demographic trends the incidence of proximal humeral fractures and subsequent posttraumatic malunions and nonunions of the proximal humerus are expected to substantially increase. ⋯ A variety of corrective surgical strategies are available, which are indicated depending on the location and extent of the malunion. The depicted single-cut osteotomy technique represents an elegant therapeutic option for multidimensional deformities of the proximal humerus. Nonunions of the proximal humerus can usually be successfully managed with autologous cancellous bone grafting and locking plate osteosynthesis.
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Arthroplasty of symptomatic sequelae after fractures of the proximal humerus is a demanding procedure for surgeons. Exact preoperative planning is crucial in order to achieve acceptable functional results. ⋯ Each case needs a thorough and individualized preoperative assessment along with exact planning and should therefore be reserved for experienced shoulder surgeons only.
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The management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis in younger patients with high activity levels remains a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The clinical results of joint replacement surgery are commonly unsatisfactory in this particular cohort with the associated problem of limited longevity of the implant. ⋯ Arthroscopic procedures are a good option to treat young, active patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Patient selection and setting a consensus for appropriate preoperative expectations are of particular relevance.
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Trauma-induced coagulopathy is common in patients with major trauma and requires early and appropriate treatment for bleeding control. Even in emergency laboratory, the availability of standard coagulation tests is associated with certain latencies and devices for viscoelastic haemostasis diagnosis (thromboelastometry) are not routinely established in major trauma centres. ⋯ We found a robust correlation of Hb and Quick in a single centre trauma population. These data suggest that especially severely injured trauma patients with persistent bleeding might benefit from an Hb-based algorithm for early correction of coagulation disorders. Further studies with larger trauma populations are required to confirm our findings.