Der Unfallchirurg
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The German Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) System was further developed into its 2007 version. For orthopedic and trauma surgery, significant changes were made in terms of the coding of diagnoses and medical procedures, as well as in the DRG structure itself. The German Societies for Trauma Surgery and for Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery (Deutsch Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie, DGU; and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, DGOOC) once again cooperated constructively with the German DRG Institute InEK. ⋯ DRG developments for 2007 have improved appropriate case allocation, but once again increased the system's complexity. Clinicians need an ever growing amount of specific coding know-how. Still, further adjustments to the German DRG system are required to allow for a correct allocation of cases and funds.
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Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the main reasons for a lethal outcome of severe trauma. Loss, consumption and dilution of clotting factors and platelets induce a complex acquired coagulopathy. ⋯ We report on a patient whose life-threatening bleeding and perioperative coagulopathy after a knife injury to the aorta was successfully treated by surgical control of the bleeding and subsequent targeted coagulation therapy with factor concentrates and fresh-frozen plasma. The coagulopathy was diagnosed and managed by means of bed-side thrombelastography.
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Operative treatment of distal tibial fractures remains a challenge for the surgeon even today. The soft tissues demand atraumatic operative techniques, although an anatomical reduction of the articular fracture component is mandatory. The nonunion rate increases with disturbed local blood supply, widened fracture gap, unstable fixation. If a nonunion occurs, an individual treatment concept is required, so that even difficult situations can be successfully managed, as described in our case with bilateral tibial nonunions.
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The use of conventional implants for intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures is associated with specific difficulties. During antegrade implantation structures of the rotator cuff can be affected leading to a reduced functional result of the shoulder. If the nail is implanted in a retrograde manner problems arise due to a relatively large hole close to or within the olecranon fossa, which is necessary for insertion of the nail. Supracondylar fractures as well as persistent elbow pain and loss of function are reported in the literature. To overcome these disadvantages a flexible nail has been developed that can be stiffened and locked after implantation. ⋯ We conclude that the flexible humeral nail is an excellent treatment option for humeral shaft fractures. Damage to the rotator cuff and the distal humerus can be avoided due to its unique flexible construction, improving the functional outcome of intramedullary nailing for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures.