Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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The small fragment AO clavicular hook plate is indicated for certain fractures of the lateral end of clavicle and for symptomatic acromio-clavicular joint dislocations where there is rupture of the stabilizing ligaments. The complex anatomy and biomechanics of the acromio-clavicular joint can lead to complications that result in damage to the joint itself or acromial erosion. In addition, the rotator cuff complex is at risk of injury when inserting the plate. We report three cases where patients who underwent hook plate fixation subsequently required removal of the implant due to complications previously unreported in current literature.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2007
Combined Abdominal and Spine Injuries after High Energy Flexion-Distraction Trauma.
Combined abdominal (AT) and spine (ST) trauma in the multiply traumatized patient (MT) requires optimal clinical management. At the Traumacenter Murnau, Germany all multiply injured patients (injury severity score ≥ 16) are registered in a large prospective database (DGU-Tramaregister). From 1 January 2002 until 31 December 2004, 731 multiply injured patients (ISS ≥ 16) were admitted to the Trauma Center Murnau. ⋯ Mean age of these patients was 37 years in comparison to 47 years in the control group (MT without combined AT and ST). ISS of patients with combined AT and ST was 38 points compared to 26 points in the control group, and mortality was 7% in the combined group compared to 14% in the control group. The present study documents that damage control principles applied to patients sustaining the complex combination of AT and ST can result in low mortality rates despite the severity of this injury.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2007
Distribution of Spinal and Associated Injuries in Multiple Trauma Patients.
Injury to the spinal column and cord are often part of life-threatening multiple trauma. Epidemiological data could help to establish an evidence-based assessment and therapy of these patients. We present a retrospective chart analysis of 590 multiple traumatized patients admitted within a 4-year-period. ⋯ Injuries to the spinal column are frequent in the multiple trauma patients population. Diagnosed injuries to distinct body regions should make the trauma team suspicious of injury to the nearby spinal column. Appropriate treatment includes thorough assessment of all injuries to clarify the damage and carry on special protection of these spinal regions preventing from deterioration.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2007
Intramedullary Stabilization of Periprosthetic Fractures of the Femur Taking Special Account of Bone Defects.
Healing of the periprosthetic fracture and area of defective bone by the bone healing mechanisms of intramedullary stabilization. Reconstruction of the correct length, axial alignment, and rotation of the fractured femoral shaft by anchoring a revision stem in the intact femoral diaphysis. ⋯ 21 patients (13 women, eight men) aged between 43 and 86 years (mean age: 71.2 years) with periprosthetic fracture of the femur, additional loosening of the stem in eight cases (Vancouver B2) and additional bone loss in 13 cases (Vancouver B3). Postoperative complications: two fractures following another fall (repeat operations: one replacement, one plate), four revisions due to subsidence of the stem (three replacements involving change to a standard stem with healed proximal femur, one replacement with another interlocked revision stem). Bone healing occurred for all fractures after a mean 5.6 months (3-11 months). Follow- up examination after a mean 4.5 years: all patients were able to walk, average Harris Score 70.5 points (29- 95 points).
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2007
Diagnosis, Timing and Treatment of Cervical Spine Injuries in Polytraumatized Patients.
Treatment of polytrauma patients has been discussed extensively during the past decades. Management in the prehospital phase, on admission, and in the early postoperative/ICU-period has to refer to injury severity, priority of injuries, and likelihood of development of multi organ failure. Cervical spine injuries are reported in 4-34% of polytrauma cases. ⋯ There was a better outcome concerning length of hospitalization in the "day-onesurgery" group. We consider MSCT as standard approach towards diagnosis of cervical spine injury in polytrauma patients. MRI and flexion/extension fluoroscopy can give additional information in selected cases.