Der Unfallchirurg
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Intramedullary nailing in tibial osteotomy (TO) can be combined with minimally invasive prophylactic fasciotomy (PF) of the anterior compartment of the lower leg to prevent postoperative acute compartment syndrome (CS). So far no studies are available on the effects of TO or PF on specific functions of the extensor muscles. ⋯ The results indicate a low occurrence of subjectively relevant functional impairment of the extensor muscles. The decrease of strength was not found to be clinically relevant. Subjective impairments appeared to be caused by a decrease of ROM, not strength.
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Sledding is generally considered to be a relatively harmless winter leisure activity. The increased incidence of injuries, some of them severe, in our emergency department in the catchment area of several sledding slopes prompted an analysis of this patient population with respect to frequency and severity of injuries. ⋯ The study demonstrates that sledding has a significantly higher injury potential than generally assumed and that the resulting costs and consequences of accidents are relevant. Especially on the designated sledge slopes, an increase in safety standards could be achieved through appropriate measures and rules.
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Odontoid process fractures are frequent injuries of the cervical spine and usually occur at an advanced age and often due to minor trauma. In younger patients they are mainly observed in the context of high impact trauma. Odontoid fractures are classified according to Anderson and D'Alonzo. ⋯ In particular, spinal cord compression should be considered in patients requiring resuscitation without having an internal medical cause. If the patient with a bone injury on CT, e.g. cannot be adequately assessed clinically by intubation, the indications for magnetic resonance imaging must be generously considered. This is the only way to ensure early detection of a myelopathy and timely treatment.
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Worldwide terrorist activities since "9/11" and subsequently also in the European region have led to a rethinking in the context of the evaluation of critical infrastructure in Germany, also with respect to security at and in hospitals. ⋯ The latent threat of terrorist activities appears to have led German hospitals to address the issue of hospital alarm and response planning in their assessment as critical infrastructure and to have implemented this for the most part; however, the subordinated areas and the consequences that can be derived from alarm planning do not yet show the necessary stringency to ultimately ensure adequate responses in these special scenarios with respect to security in and at German hospitals.
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Open fractures are associated with a higher rate of infections and delayed fracture healing; therefore, in addition to fracture fixation, infection prevention and soft tissue management are also important. Administration of antibiotics should be carried out as early as possible and over 24-72 h depending on the injury. The initial debridement and assessment of the severity of injury determine the treatment strategy. ⋯ With substantial contamination, loss of bone or extensive soft tissue damage, temporary fixation and temporary wound closure are carried out. The definitive treatment with soft tissue coverage should be performed within 72 h in order to reduce the risk of fracture-related infections. For osseous segmental defects, different approaches are available to restore bone continuity, depending on the size and soft tissue situation.