Der Unfallchirurg
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Since the publication of the first mass casualty triage protocol approximately 30 years ago, numerous adaptions and alternatives have been introduced and are currently in use throughout the world. This variety may represent a challenge for the cooperation between emergency medical providers and the interoperability of emergency medical services often required during mass casualty incidents. To enhance cooperation and interoperability a standardization of triage protocols is required. ⋯ There is not sufficient evidence to declare one of the triage protocols superior in all aspects to the others and no triage protocol has been implemented on a comprehensive level in Germany. In order to initialize a national or regional convergence process towards an interoperability of emergency medical services, the model uniform core criteria for mass casualty triage approach has been identified as being appropriate.
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A precise medical history and specific symptom-oriented clinical tests of the wrist joint should always precede any radiological, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostics. In many cases, specific clinical tests of the wrist joint allow at least a preliminary diagnosis, which can be supported by standard radiography using correct projections. ⋯ Exact identification of the palpable anatomic landmarks is mandatory for correct application and interpretation of the various clinical tests. The results of the clinical tests in combination with radiological imaging can often detect precisely ruptures of distinct wrist joint ligaments and localized arthritis.
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Classical Article
[Nerve injuries after elbow luxation fractures in childhood : Indication and timing for surgical revision].
Supracondylar humerus fractures are very common in pediatric populations. In cases of dislocated fractures, closed reduction and percutaneous K‑wire fixation is recommended. Initially, 10-16 % of the patients also present lesion of the ulnar nerve as well as median nerve palsy in 6.4% and radial nerve palsy in 2.6 % of cases, respectively. ⋯ With the help of the presented case we discuss the indication and the point of surgical revision. Clinical assessment and neurosonography are essential for an exact diagnosis.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
[Delayed indications for additive ventral treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures : What correction loss is to be expected].
There is a general consensus that unstable vertebral body fractures of the thoracolumbar junction with a B type fracture or a high load shear index need to be surgically stabilized, primarily by a dorsal approach. The authors believe that there are indications for an additional ventral spondylodesis in cases of reduction loss or a relevant intervertebral disc lesion in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 6 weeks after dorsal stabilization. However, in cases of unstable vertebral fractures it remains unclear if a delayed anterior spondylodesis will lead to unacceptable loss of initial reduction. ⋯ Delayed indications for an additional ventral spondylodesis in patients with unstable thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and initial dorsal stabilization will cause no relevant reduction loss if monoaxial implants are used and laminectomy can be avoided. Additionally, cement augmentation of the pedicle screws seems to be beneficial in patients 60 years of age or older.
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Limiting the morbidity of open fractures requires highly specific initial treatment. In addition to a stringent surgical strategy, correct antibiotic prophylaxis seems to be associated with an improved outcome. In the current literature, the duration and type of antibiotic prophylaxis are under discussion. The aim of the study was to survey the current initial treatment regimes for open fractures in German emergency departments. ⋯ The early initiation of antibiotic prophylaxis seems to be the standard practice in German emergency departments as well as early surgery. Strategies to improve the communication between prehospital and in-hospital teams, as well as graded antibiotic prophylaxis depending on the severity of soft tissue damage are needed.