Der Unfallchirurg
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The number of elderly and old patients with fractures is steadily increasing. Identification of relevant functional deficits and comorbidities is crucial for an efficient treatment strategy and outcome assessment in this patient group. ⋯ A combination of disease and body region-specific scores with generic scores seems to be reasonable. It can also be sensible to include instruments for health economic analyses.
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Road traffic crashes pose a major threat to individuals and national health systems. Developing countries account for 48% of motorized vehicles, but for 91% of the 1.3 million fatalities per annum. ⋯ This article reviews current prognoses of deaths and disabilities, the characteristics of crashes in low and middle income countries and evidence-based road safety interventions. This article is considered a wake-up call for trauma, orthopaedic, and emergency surgeons in high-income countries to join the global community in fighting the neglected yet potentially curable epidemic named road traffic injuries.
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The purpose of this investigation was the retrospective analysis of patients with delayed infections, chronic posttraumatic osteitis of the lower extremities and free-flap coverage after radical debridement of bone and soft tissue. ⋯ According to the results of this study the quality of life of patients with chronic osteitis of the lower leg is in general satisfying. In order to improve quality management and cost reduction in public health an interdisciplinary treatment concept of plastic and orthopedic surgeons should be established for complex fracture management as this is the most effective tool in treating chronic osteitis.