Der Unfallchirurg
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Instable pelvic injuries are often associated with a high blood loss, which can effectively be curtailed by rapid external stabilization of the pelvis. The S3 guidelines on the treatment of multiple trauma and the severely injured recommend an initial stability testing in cases of an instable pelvis and hemodynamic instability even though the sensitivity is very low, with subsequent external stabilization. Radiological diagnostic procedures are also becoming more important for early diagnostics. ⋯ In cases of persisting hemorrhage in spite of external stabilization, most participants preferred a pelvic tamponade but angioembolization was also highly rated. Because many of the participants relied on their own findings from stability testing for a decision on external emergency stabilization despite the very low sensitivity, in cases of false negative testing there is a risk of insufficient treatment resulting in life-threatening hemorrhage. From our viewpoint, it therefore makes sense to treat patients with a suspicion of instable pelvic fractures based on the trauma mechanism and clinical examination (without mechanical stability testing) with non-invasive external pelvic stabilization as early as possible.
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Fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients increasingly contribute to the workload in emergency departments worldwide. There is still no consensus about the best treatment option, e. g. closed reduction and cast stabilization, percutaneous pinning, external fixation or open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates (ORIF). In addition, the influence of pharmacological antiosteoporotic treatment (e. g. bisphosphonates) is unclear. ⋯ A clinical or statistical advantage of ORIF over conservative treatment with respect to DASH scores 12 months after the index fracture event could not be demonstrated with a mean difference of 0.25 (95 % confidence interval CI -0.57-1.07). According to current best scientific evidence from preclinical and clinical investigations, antiosteoporotic medication does not have an unfavorable influence on fracture healing and should be continued due to its proven effectiveness in reducing subsequent osteoporotic fractures. Following distal radius fractures in elderly patients with clinical risk factors, an osteoporosis screening should be routine practice and a specific therapy should be initiated if the fracture risk is increased.
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Femoral neck fractures in young patients are rare but of high clinical relevance due to the complexity of risk factors and complications. Early stabilization and accurate reduction are of high priority. Femoral head-preserving stabilization by dynamic hip screws or threefold screw osteosynthesis are the methods of choice. Postoperative results should be closely controlled in every case in order to be able to treat possible complications in time.
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The article "Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't" published in the BMJ in 1996, is regarded as the foundation of the evidence-based medicine (EbM) movement. Approximately 5 years later David L. ⋯ Clinical and methodological developments during recent years have, however, overtaken the original principles of EbM. This review highlights the core concepts of EbM which have remained unchanged and valid for the current practice of trauma and orthopedic surgery and where revision is needed.
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The complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) still represents an incompletely etiologically understood complication following fractures of the distal radius. The incidence of CRPS following fractures of the distal radius varies between 1 % and 37 %. Pathophysiologically, a complex interaction of inflammatory, somatosensory, motor and autonomic changes is suspected, leading to a persistent maladaptive response and sensitization of the central and peripheral nervous systems with development of the corresponding symptoms. ⋯ Among the types of apparatus used for diagnostics, 3‑phase bone scintigraphy and temperature measurement have a certain importance. A multimodal therapy started as early as possible is the most promising approach for successful treatment. As part of a multimodal rehabilitation the main focus of therapy lies on pain relief and functional aspects.