Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Infection of the spinal column is rare, and often recognized and treated too late. Spondylodiscitis is osteomyelitis of the spine and can cause severe symptoms. Hospital mortality is in the region of 2% to 17%. ⋯ Spondylodiscitis should be borne in mind in cases of diffuse back pain and non-specific symptoms. MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice for detecting spondylodiscitis. Thanks to precise monitoring of conservative treatments and primarily stable surgical techniques, prolonged immobilization of the patient is no longer necessary nowadays.
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The trauma registry of the German Society of Trauma Surgery is a multicentric prospective record of the treatment of severely injured patients. ⋯ The German Trauma Registry records processes and treatment results in severely injured patients. This information is fed back to participating hospitals. The continuous data feedback is associated with a continuous improvement of process and outcome quality in the treatment of severely injured patients.