Der Unfallchirurg
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Osseointegration has emerged over the past two decades as a dramatically different approach for the treatment of lower limb amputations, which involves direct attachment of the prosthesis to the skeletal residuum. This approach can address many of the socket-interface issues associated with socket prostheses which represent the current standard of care for amputees. The Osseointegrated Prosthetic Limb (OPL) is an osseointegration implant with a new design and improved features compared to other available implant systems. ⋯ The results demonstrate that osseointegration surgery using the OPL is a relatively safe and effective procedure for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of lower limb amputees.
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This article reviews the development of multidisciplinary osseointegration treatment in the Netherlands since its start in 2009. People experiencing limitations due to their socket prosthesis after a leg amputation present to the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre for an osseointegration implant or "bone-anchored" prosthesis. In this article we share our experience with the first 100 patients regarding referral pattern, selection criteria, available osseointegration systems, preoperative planning, surgical treatment, the rehabilitation protocol, outcome measurement, revision surgery, and future developments.
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There is an ongoing discussion about demographic change, a possible lack of young doctors and its impact on the healthcare system in Germany. Up to now, no valid data has been available on the exact numbers of residents in orthopedics and trauma surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the actual number of residents in Germany in 2013/2014. ⋯ Looking at the expected number of doctors who will retire within the next five years, there seems to be enough young doctors to fill the gap. However, by 2040, an increased demand for othopedic and trauma surgeons is experted. Thus, we recommend centrally analyzing and coordinating the demand of residents in orthopedics and trauma surgery in Germany.
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Resuscitation in the event of traumatic cardiac arrest was for a long time considered to be a less than promising technique to employ; however, current data indicate that the prospects of success need not be any poorer than for resuscitation due to cardiac distress. The targeted and rapid remedying of reversible causes can re-establish the circulatory function and the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) algorithm for traumatic cardiac arrest is a helpful guide in this respect. This case report illustrates the resolute implementation of this algorithm in the prehospital environment in the case of an attempted suicide by a thoracic knife wound.
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In the treatment of complex pelvic fractures hemorrhage control is of primary importance; however, studies regarding the localization of bleeding are contradictory so that various treatment approaches are recommended. The primary aim of external pelvic compression applied in the trauma room is to reduce the pelvic volume and counteract blood loss through self-induced tamponade. This study examined the influence of external pelvic compression on mortality and outcome in cases of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures in a larger number of cases. ⋯ External pelvic stabilization seems to be an important instrument for the initial treatment of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures and showed a positive effect on patient mortality.