Der Unfallchirurg
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Intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia (pilon fractures) are rare injuries and today they occur mostly in traffic accidents and falls from a great height. There are simple fractures in the context of low-energy traumas, as well as complex comminuted fractures in high-energy traumas. ⋯ The systems used to classify the displaced distal pilon fractures are supposed to ensure the three-dimensional assessment of the fracture and provide high inter- and intra-observer agreement. In addition to the classification of Rüedi and Allgöwer, the classification of pilon fractures has been carried out using the AO classification.
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Under optimal conditions, fractures of the tibial pilon can be definitively managed operatively within 6 h after the trauma. Under suboptimal conditions, preoperative antiphlogistic treatment, possibly after approximate correction and external fixation of the alignment, is a reasonable option. Osteosynthesis implies reconstruction of good joint congruency in anatomical orientation. The soft tissue coverage of the distal lower leg is relatively poorly constructed and there is a high risk of devascularization, necrosis and ensuing infection. ⋯ Open reduction and stabilization of pilon fractures enables rapid restoration of joint mobility. After having analyzed the fracture and setting the priorities, the treatment strategy should include a well-thought out selection of possible accesses.
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Proximal femoral fractures are one of the most frequently occurring injuries among elderly people. High rates of inpatient treatment indicate the importance of optimized clinical care. ⋯ Analyzing the data of a trauma registry enables critical reflection upon the clinical outcome of interdisciplinary treatment procedures. The low rate of mortality may be a result of the geriatric co-treatment, starting right from admission. It remains unclear whether the influence of preoperative interdisciplinary treatment outweighs the effect of a timely surgical procedure.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is among the most frequently diagnosed forms of peripheral nerve compression. Carpal tunnel syndrome due to carpal collapse that had progressed over decades, with a palmarly dislocated lunate, is rare. ⋯ Therefore, precise and complete history-taking is mandatory. Conclusions on further diagnostics that can be drawn from the latter must be consistently implemented to enable adequate therapy.
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Injuries to the upper cervical spine represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the treating surgeon due to the complex anatomical relationships and biomechanical features. In this further education article the diagnostic principles, established classifications and therapeutic recommendations as well as injury-specific characteristics of bony and ligamentous injuries to the upper cervical spine (C0-C2) are presented.