Der Unfallchirurg
-
The objective of this article is to summarize the history of the German Spine Society (DWG). This society resulted in the year 2006 after several attempts from the fusion of two established German societies, which were dealing with topics around the spine, der "German Society for Spine Research" founded in the year 1958 and the "German Society for Spine Surgery" founded in the year 1987. This fusion was the beginning of a success story, as from this time on the annual membership increased so much that the DWG became the largest spine society in Europe and one of all spine societies worldwide.
-
Osteoporosis-associated fractures are of increasing importance in trauma surgery. The implementation of systematic diagnostics and treatment of osteoporosis during hospitalization, however, remains insufficient; therefore, a specific algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in trauma surgery patients was developed based on the German Osteology Society (Dachverband Osteologie, DVO) guidelines for osteoporosis from 2014. In a first step, the individual patient age and risk profile for osteoporosis are identified considering specific fractures indicative of osteoporosis. ⋯ The treatment algorithm for diagnostics and treatment of osteoporosis in hospitalized trauma surgery patients can systematically and efficiently improve the identification of patients at risk. Thus, further fractures associated with osteoporosis or failure of internal fixation could be reduced in future. A prospective validation of the algorithm has already be initiated.
-
Vertebral body replacement after corpectomy is nowadays a standard procedure in spinal surgery. ⋯ Many different expandable and non-expandable implants are now available and both types of implant can still be justified. This article describes the historical development of these implants and shows how this innovational process has significantly increased the therapy options for surgeons.
-
Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries of the lower extremities. Depending on the fracture pattern, the age of the patient, the range of activity and the bone quality there is a broad variation in adequate treatment. ⋯ Using the balloon technique a precise and safe fracture reduction can be achieved. This internal osteoplasty combines a minimally invasive percutaneous approach with a gentle raising of the depressed area and the associated protection of the regenerative layer below the articular cartilage surface. Fracture reduction by use of a tamper results in high peak forces over small areas, whereas by using the balloon the forces are distributed over a larger area causing less secondary stress to the cartilage tissue. This less invasive approach might help to achieve a better long-term outcome with decreased secondary osteoarthritis due to the precise and chondroprotective reduction technique.