Der Unfallchirurg
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The procedure of sacroplasty was introduced recently and involves the percutaneous application of cement to the sacral bone. Currently there are no standardized data available reflecting clinical results such as leakage rates or other complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and results of a balloon-assisted, CT-guided cement application in a controlled experimental approach. ⋯ The CT-guided technique presented in this study enables surgeons to perform sacroplasty with high precision and moderate radiation exposure. Further clinical studies are necessary to show if the balloon-assisted cement application can promote lower leakage rates than the conventional technique in patients with sacral fractures.
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Ankle fractures belong to the most frequent injuries to the human skeleton. Correct treatment requires knowledge of the trauma mechanism and thorough analysis of the injured bony and ligamentous components. ⋯ The most important prognostic factors after operative treatment are exact reconstruction of the articular surfaces and correct position of the distal fibula within the tibial incision after a mechanically relevant syndesmosis rupture. Besides malalignment, negative prognostic factors include delayed reduction, injury of several ankle components and hereditary or acquired neuropathy.
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Clinical Trial
[Results of balloon kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures].
The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of pain, improvement of sagittal alignment, complications and intermediate term results of balloon kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF). The study group consisted of 87 patients with 145 VCFs which were not responsive to non-operative treatment. All data were collected prospectively. ⋯ In two patients an asymptomatic moderate loss of reduction was detected. These intermediate term results indicate that kyphoplasty reduces pain and improves sagittal alignment in patients with VCF. However, in 26% of patients new fractures occurred, predominantly in adjacent levels but approximately 50% of these fractures were clinically asymptomatic.
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Accidents with the risk of exposure to hazardous nuclear, biological, or chemical materials are rare. Most emergency rooms are not familiar with the management of contaminated patients after this kind of incident. There are also ambiguous cases concerning the contamination status of the patient. ⋯ The security arrangements should protect both (medical) personnel and third persons. Early medical treatment combined with decontamination should be the aim. Based on the case of a contaminated patient who was brought to our emergency department after an explosion of a fog grenade with red phosphorus, we discuss our management concept and the current literature.
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Case Reports
[Accidental abdominal needlestick injury incurred while discarding a disposal container].
Needlestick injuries routinely occur in everyday clinical practice. Adequate instruction of employees in health care and correct prophylaxis against exposure could conspicuously reduce the incidence. Successful prevention of chronic infectious diseases comprises strict vaccination plans and substantial knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis. The introduction of self-securing cannulas and injection instruments represents an important technological advance.