Biofilm formation increases treatment failure in Staphylococcus epidermidis device-related osteomyelitis of the lower extremity in human patients

The ability to form biofilm on the surface of implanted devices is often considered the most critical virulence factor possessed by Staphylococcus epidermidis in its role as an opportunistic pathogen in orthopaedic device-related infection (ODRI). Despite this recognition, there is a lack of clinical evidence linking outcome with biofilm forming ability for S. epidermidis ODRIs. We prospectively collected S. epidermidis isolates cultured from patients presenting with ODRI. Antibiotic resistance patterns and biofilm-forming ability was assessed. Patient information was collected and treatment outcome measures were determined after a mean follow-up period of 26 months. The primary outcome measure was cure at follow-up. Univariate logistic regression models were used to determine the influence of biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance on treatment outcome. A total of 124 patients were included in the study, a majority of whom (n = 90) involved infections of the lower extremity. A clear trend emerged in the lower extremity cohort whereby cure rates decreased as the biofilm-forming ability of the isolates increased (84% cure rate for infections caused by non-biofilm formers, 76% cure rate for weak biofilm-formers, and 60% cure rate for the most marked biofilm formers, p = 0.076). Antibiotic resistance did not influence treatment cure rate. Chronic immunosuppression was associated with a statistically significant decrease in cure rate (p = 0.044).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The trend of increasing biofilm-forming ability resulting in lower cure rates for S. epidermidis ODRI indicates biofilm-forming ability of infecting pathogens does influence treatment outcome of infections of the lower extremity. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1905-1913, 2016.

The unstable thoracic cage injury: The concomitant sternal fracture indicates a severe thoracic spine fracture

INTRODUCTION

The thoracic cage is an anatomical entity composed of the upper thoracic spine, the ribs and the sternum. The aims of this study were primarily to analyse the combined injury pattern of thoracic cage injuries and secondarily to evaluate associated injuries, trauma mechanism, and clinical outcome. We hypothesized that the sternal fracture is frequently associated with an unstable fracture of the thoracic spine and that it may be an indicator for unstable thoracic cage injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria for the study were (a) sternal fracture and concomitant thoracic spine fracture, (b) ISS≥16, (c) age under 50 years, (d) presence of a whole body computed-tomography performed at admission of the patient to the hospital. Inclusion criteria for the control group were as follows: (a) thoracic spine fracture without concomitant sternal fracture, (b)-(d) same as study cohort.

RESULTS

In a 10-year-period, 64 patients treated with a thoracic cage injury met inclusion criteria. 122 patients were included into the control cohort. In patients with a concomitant sternal fracture, a highly unstable fracture (AO/OTA type B or C) of the thoracic spine was detected in 62.5% and therefore, it was significantly more frequent compared to the control group (36.1%). If in patients with a thoracic cage injury sternal fracture and T1-T12 fracture were located in the same segment, a rotationally unstable type C fracture was observed more frequently. The displacement of the sternal fracture did not influence the severity of the concomitant T1-T12 fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant sternal fracture is an indicator for an unstable burst fracture, type B or C fracture of the thoracic spine, which requires surgical stabilization. If sternal and thoracic spine fractures are located in the same segment, a highly rotationally unstable type C fracture has to be expected.

Reamed intramedullary exchange nailing in the operative treatment of aseptic tibial shaft nonunion

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a standardized treatment protocol regarding the rate of secondary bone union, complications, and functional outcome.

METHODS

This study was started as a prospective study in a single Level I Trauma Centre between 2003 and 2012. The study group consisted of 188 patients with the diagnosis of an aseptic tibial shaft nonunion. Exchange nailing was performed following a standardized surgical protocol. Long-term follow-up was analyzed for rate of bone healing and functional outcome.

RESULTS

Osseous healing was achieved in 182 out of 188 patients (97 %). In 165 out of 188 patients (88 %), bone healing was observed timely and uneventfully after a single exchange nailing procedure. An open approach was necessary in 32 patients (17 %). Twenty-three patients (12 %) required additional therapy such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Post-operative complications were observed in seven patients (4 %). Almost all patients demonstrated osseous healing within 12 months, with the majority of osseous healing occurring within six months. A relevant shortening of the fractured tibia was observed in 20 out of 188 patients (11 %). After a median follow-up of 23 months (range 12-45 months), outcome was evaluated using the assessment system of Friedman/Wyman. In summary, 154 out of 188 patients (82 %) had a good functional long-term result.

DISCUSSION

Reamed intramedullary exchange nailing including correction of axis alignment is a safe and effective treatment of aseptic tibial shaft nonunion with a high rate of bone healing and a good radiological and functional long-term outcome.

The missing effect of human recombinant Bone Morphogenetic Proteins BMP-2 and BMP-7 in surgical treatment of aseptic forearm nonunion

INTRODUCTION

In this cohort study, the surgical revision concept of open compression plating and autologous bone grafting with and without additional application of BMP for treatment of aseptic ulna and/or radius shaft nonunion was evaluated. The purpose was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome, and to determine any difference in osseous healing, range of time between revision surgery and bone healing, and postoperative complications between the cohort groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 01/2005 and 03/2015, a prospective, randomised, controlled cohort study was performed in a Level I Trauma Centre. Forty-nine patients were treated with the diagnosis of aseptic diaphyseal ulnar and/or radial shaft nonunion using compression plating and autologous bone grafting. Additional biological augmentation using BMP-2 or BMP-7 was performed in 24 patients. Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed six weeks, three and six months after revision surgery in accordance to the system by Anderson.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 38 men and 11 women with a median age of 44 years (range 19-77). Twenty-four out of 49 patients obtained compression plating either with autologous iliac crest bone grafting (11/24 patients) or cancellous bone grafting (13/24 patients) and additional application of BMP-2 (4/24 patients) or BMP-7 (20/24 patients). The remaining 25 patients did not receive any additional application of BMP, but autologous bone grafting. The median follow-up was 15 months (range 6-54 months). Forty-six out of 49 nonunion healed within 12 months after revision surgery with a median time to union of six months. The clinical outcome, as assessed using the system by Anderson, as well as osseous healing, duration of time interval between revision surgery and bone healing, and postoperative complications did not demonstrate significant differences between the cohort groups.

DISCUSSION

Atrophic/oligotrophic forearm nonunion healed irrespective of additional application of BMP combined with autologous bone grafting. For successful treatment, radical resection of fibrous nonunion tissue and internal compression plate fixation is required with the aim of achieving high degree of rigid stability. Also, correction of angular deformities, restoration of length, and precise axial alignment of the distal radio-ulnar joint are mandatory prerequisites to successfully achieve bone healing.

[Intramedullary nailing of the distal tibia. Does angular stable locking make a difference?]

BACKGROUND

Osteosynthesis of distal tibia fractures relies on stable fixation of the distal fragment. Modern intramedullary implants provide various fixation options for locking screws. These implants expand the indications for intramedullary nailing of tibia fractures towards more distally located fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The most essential options which improve the fixation of the distal fragment include an increase in number, in size and in spacing of the distal locking screws. Further options for nailing of distal tibia fractures include interfragmentary compression and angular stability. Interfragmentary compression considerably increases mechanical stability in axially stable fracture situations. Angular stable fixation of the locking screws has recently become a popular feature in intramedullary nailing; however, the effect of angular stability on the mechanical properties of distal tibia osteosynthesis has been found to be limited.

CONCLUSION

The initial stability to provide sufficient load bearing capacity appears to be provided by the available locking options. With at least two screws, preferably in crossed configuration and spaced over the largest available distance of the distal fragment, secure and stable fixation can be achieved. Insertion of the locking screws in a free hand technique typically results in jamming of the locking screw with the nail and with cortical bone, providing inherent angular stability of the construct. Angular stable locking features of the nail itself do not appear to improve mechanical stability or to affect healing of distal tibia fractures.

[Imitation of an Anderson type II dens fracture by a motion artefact in computed tomography : Four case examples]

Computed tomography (CT) is the method of choice in the diagnosis and classification of odontoid fractures with a sensitivity of more than 99 % and a specificity almost equally as high. In this article we report on four cases where CT-generated motion artefacts exactly mimicked an Anderson type II fracture of the dens axis, initially leading to a wrong diagnosis. Although this seems to be a very rare event, these cases indicate that overlooked CT motion artefacts can lead to severe consequences and attention must be paid to the radiological signs outlined in this report.

Charcot spinal arthropathy: an increasing long-term sequel after spinal cord injury with no straightforward management

Charcot spinal arthropathy (CSA) is most likely increasing in patients suffering from consequences of spinal cord injury. We want to highlight initial symptoms, certain risk factors and perioperative complications of this condition. A single center retrospective case series in a specialized Center for Spinal Cord Injuries, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Germany highlighting the potential obstacles in the management of Charcot spine. We describe four female paraplegic patients (mean age: 50.75 years; range: 42-67), who developed Charcot spinal arthropathies. The mean age at the time of the accident was 21.5 years (3-35), the time lag after the accident before CSA was developed and finally diagnosed was on average 29.5 years (17-39) and the mean follow-up period was 39.5 months (6-73). Patient histories, initial symptoms, risk factors as well as the management and postoperative complications are provided. Charcot spine is an important potential sequel of spinal cord injury, which can lead to significant disability and spinal emergencies in affected individuals. More studies are needed to provide better recommendations for spine surgeons. Conservative treatment is an option. Posterior fixation alone does not seem to be sufficient.

[Rehabilitation in the German statutory accident insurance. Guide to the new outpatient and inpatient structures]

BACKGROUND

The German statutory accident insurance (DGUV) has the statutory mandate to eliminate or to prevent an aggravation of the consequences of accidents by all appropriate means and is based on the principle of rehabilitation before pension. For this, special methods have been developed in recent decades, such as employer's mutual insurance inpatient further treatment (BGSW, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Stationäre Weiterbehandlung) and extended outpatient physiotherapy (EAP, Erweiterte Ambulante Physiotherapie). In 2012 the workplace-related musculoskeletal rehabilitation (ABMR, Arbeitsplatz-bezogene muskuloskelettale Rehabilitation) was added to these complex treatments.

SPECIAL REHABILITATION MEASURES

For complex injuries and delayed healing these methods approach their limits. The accident clinics of the Association of Clinics in Statutory Accident Insurance (KUV, Klinikverbund der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung) provide a number of specialized rehabilitation measures in order to ensure an optimal seamless rehabilitation of the severely injured. In addition to complex inpatient rehabilitation (KSR, Komplexe Stationäre Rehabilitation) integrated special rehabilitation procedures, such as neurorehabilitation for severely traumatic brain injured patients and rehabilitation after spinal cord injury and other special rehabilitation methods, such as occupation-oriented rehabilitation (TOR, Tätigkeitsorientierte Rehabilitation) and pain rehabilitation, ensure that the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) phase model of trauma rehabilitation is implemented. This provides an early start in the context of acute treatment as so-called early rehabilitation. After a specialized post-acute rehabilitation, additional therapeutic options are often required.

CONCLUSION

An appropriate treatment of severely injured patients is important, for example through rehabilitation managers, which must not end with discharge from the rehabilitation hospital. The aim of all efforts is the reintegration into the working and social environment in addition to the best possible quality of life.

Spinal cord injury--incidence, prognosis, and outcome: an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Little is known about the incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) in polytrauma patients.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze incidence, prognosis, and outcome of SCI in polytrauma patients.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This is a retrospective multicenter cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A total of 57,310 patients of TraumaRegister DGU (2002-2012) of the German Trauma Society were included. Aim of this large multicentre database is a standardized documentation of severely injured patients.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures were mortality and Glasgow Outcome 4Scale.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were adult blunt trauma patients (age greater than 16 years) and injury severity score (ISS) greater than 16. The severity of SCI was based on the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), and the outcome of patients was assessed with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Factors with an impact on the outcome were analyzed with a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Four thousand two hundred eighty five (7.5%) of 57,310 patients sustained SCI. Mean age was 48.9±20.7 years, ISS 28.0±12, and 72.7% were men. Two thousand two hundred twenty two (3.9%) SCIs involved the cervical, 1,388 (2.4%) the thoracic, and 791 (1.4%) the lumbar spine. One hundred fifty-nine (7.2%) cervical spine injuries were associated with transient neurologic deficit (TND) (AIS 3), 612 (27.5%) with an incomplete paraplegia (AIS 4), 1,101 (49.6%) with a complete paraplegia (AIS 5), and 350 (15.8%) with a complete lesion above C3 (AIS 6). Lesions of the thoracic spine showed in 93 (6.7%) of the 1,388 lesions a TND (AIS 3), in 332 (23.9%) an incomplete paraplegia (AIS 4), and in 963 (69.4%) a complete lesion (AIS 5). In the lumbar region, lesions were distributed as follows: TND (AIS 3) 145 (18.3%), incomplete paraplegia (AIS 4) 305 (38.6%), and complete lesion 341 (43.1%). Sepsis and multiorgan failure were found more often in patients with AIS 5/6 lesions (p<.001). The hospital length of stay in SCIs was significantly longer. Most of the patients (85.8%) with SCI were treated in Level I trauma centers. Spinal cord injuries had a minor impact in the mortality. Only AIS 6 injuries resulted in a significantly higher mortality (64.6%). Adjusted logistic regression analysis (target variable: GOS 4 or 5, good outcome) showed that the following factors were significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome (p≤.02): AIS greater than or equal to 4, age greater than or equal to 60 years, resuscitation, severe head injury, shock on scene, and severity of injury (ISS per point).

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal cord injury with a neurologic deficit could be found in every 13th patient with polytrauma. Over half of the patients with SCI suffer from complete cord lesion. In polytrauma patients, SCI only has a limited influence on the mortality, with exception of AIS 6 lesions. Complications such as multiorgan failure or sepsis and extended hospital length of stay are more frequent in SCI.

Association between volume of severely injured patients and mortality in German trauma hospitals

BACKGROUND

The issue of patient volume related to trauma outcomes is still under debate. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between number of severely injured patients treated and mortality in German trauma hospitals.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU® (2009-2013). The inclusion criteria were patients in Germany with a severe trauma injury (defined as Injury Severity Score (ISS) of at least 16), and with data available for calculation of Revised Injury Severity Classification (RISC) II score. Patients transferred early were excluded. Outcome analysis (observed versus expected mortality obtained by RISC-II score) was performed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 39,289 patients were included. Mean(s.d.) age was 49.9(21.8) years, 27,824 (71.3 per cent) were male, mean(s.d.) ISS was 27.2(11.6) and 10,826 (29.2 per cent) had a Glasgow Coma Scale score below 8. Of 587 hospitals, 98 were level I, 235 level II and 254 level III trauma centres. There was no significant difference between observed and expected mortality in volume subgroups with 40-59, 60-79 or 80-99 patients treated per year. In the subgroups with 1-19 and 20-39 patients per year, the observed mortality was significantly greater than the predicted mortality (P < 0.050). High-volume hospitals had an absolute difference between observed and predicted mortality, suggesting a survival benefit of about 1 per cent compared with low-volume hospitals. Adjusted logistic regression analysis (including hospital level) identified patient volume as an independent positive predictor of survival (odds ratio 1.001 per patient per year; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

The hospital volume of severely injured patients was identified as an independent predictor of survival. A clear cut-off value for volume could not be established, but at least 40 patients per year per hospital appeared beneficial for survival.

[The Postero-Lateral Approach--An Alternative to Closed Anterior-Posterior Screw Fixation of a Dislocated Postero-Lateral Fragment of the Distal Tibia in Complex Ankle Fractures]

BACKGROUND

The dislocated posterolateral fragment of the distal tibia is considered as a key fragment for the successful reduction of comminuted ankle fractures. The reduction of this fragment can either be achieved indirectly by joint reduction using the technique of closed anterior-posterior screw fixation, or directly using the open posterolateral approach followed by plate fixation. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome after stabilization of the dislocated posterolateral tibia fragment using either closed reduction and screw fixation, or open reduction and plate fixation via the posterolateral approach in complex ankle fractures.

PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a prospective study between 01/2010 and 12/2012, all mono-injured patients with closed ankle fractures and dislocated posterolateral tibia fragments were assessed 12 months after osteosynthesis. Parameters included: size of the posterolateral tibia fragment relative to the tibial joint surface (CT scan, in %) as an indicator of injury severity, unreduced area of tibial joint surface postoperatively, treatment outcome assessed by using the "Ankle Fracture Scoring System" (AFSS), as well as epidemiological data and duration of the initial hospital treatment.

RESULTS

In 11 patients (10 female, 1 male; age 51.6 ± 2.6 years [mean ± SEM], size of tibia fragment 42.1 ± 2.5 %) the fragment fixation was performed using a posterolateral approach. Impaired postoperative wound healing occurred in 2 patients of this group. In the comparison group, 12 patients were treated using the technique of closed anterior-posterior screw fixation (10 female, 2 male; age 59.5 ± 6.7 years, size of tibia fragment 45.9 ± 1.5 %). One patient of this group suffered an incomplete lesion of the superficial peroneal nerve. Radiological evaluation of the joint surface using CT scan imaging demonstrated significantly less dislocation of the tibial joint surface following the open posterolateral approach (0.60 ± 0.20 mm) compared to the closed anterior-posterior screw fixation (1.03 ± 0.08 mm; p < 0.05). Assessment of the treatment outcome using the AFSS demonstrated a significantly higher score of 97.4 ± 6.4 in the group with a posterolateral approach compared to a score of 74.4 ± 12.1 (p < 0.05) in the group with an anterior-posterior screw fixation.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to the anterior-posterior screw fixation, open reduction and fixation of the dislocated, posterolateral key fragment of the distal tibia using a posterolateral approach resulted in a more accurate fracture reduction and significantly better functional outcome 12 months after surgery. In addition, no increased rate of postoperative complications, or extended hospital stay was observed but there was less severe post-traumatic joint arthritis. The results of this study suggest that in complex ankle factures the open fixation of the dislocated posterolateral fragment is recommended as an alternative surgical procedure and may be beneficial for both clinical and radiological long-term outcomes.

Breakage of cephalomedullary nailing in operative treatment of trochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures

INTRODUCTION

Mechanical breakage of cephalomedullary nail osteosynthesis is a rare complication attributed to delayed fracture union or nonunion. This study presents a series of cases of breakage and secondary lag screw dislocation after cephalomedullary nailing. The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to cephalomedullary nail breakage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective case series review between 02/2005 and 12/2013, we analyzed 453 patients with trochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture who had been treated by cephalomedullary nailing. Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA classification. 13 patients with cephalomedullary nail breakage were included (failure rate 2.9 %).

RESULTS

Seven patients were women, and six men with a mean age of 72 years (range 35-94). Implant breakage occurred 6 months postoperatively (range 1-19 months). In ten cases, breakage was secondary to delayed or nonunion, which was thought to be mainly due to insufficient reduction of the fracture, and in two cases due to loss of the lag screw because of missing set screw. In one case, breakage was apparent during elective metal removal following complete fracture healing. Short-term outcome was evaluated 6 months after operative revision using Harris hip score in 11 out of 13 patients showing a mean score of 84 %. Complete radiological fracture healing has been found in 11 patients available for follow-up within 6 months after revision surgery.

DISCUSSION

Breakage of cephalomedullary nail osteosynthesis of trochanteric fractures is a severe complication. The results of our study demonstrate that revision surgery provides good clinical and radiological short-term results. Predominately, failures of trochanteric fractures are related to lack of surgeon performance. Therefore, application of the implant requires accurate preoperative planning, advanced surgical experience to evaluate the patient and the fracture classification, and precise surgical technique including attention to detail and anatomical reduction of the fracture fragments.

Surgical treatment of ipsilateral multi-level femoral fractures

Background

Concurrent ipsilateral fractures of the proximal and shaft of the femur are rare complex fracture combinations. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated clinical and radiological long-term results after operative treatment using several surgical strategies: the so-called “rendezvous” surgical technique, e.g., the combination of retrograde intramedullary nailing and dynamic hip screw (DHS) osteosynthesis, or the all-in-one device technique, e.g., long cephalomedullary nail, compared with two non-overlapping implants (e.g., conventional technique).

Methods

In a 10-year-period from 2004 to 2013, we treated 65 patients with complex ipsilateral multi-level femoral fractures. Median age was 45 years (range 19–90 years). Fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA classification. Four patients died during intensive care unit treatment due to multi-organ failure prior to definitive osteosynthesis. Clinical long-term outcome using the functional system of Friedman/Wyman as well as radiological outcome was evaluated 2 years after trauma (range 13–42 months).

Results

All-in-one device was used in 36 patients, “rendezvous” technique in 9 patients, and the conventional technique in the remaining 16 patients. Two years after trauma, complete fracture healing was found in 57 out of 61 patients (“rendezvous”: 9, all-in-one device: 33, conventional: 15; p-value: 0.66). There was no significant difference regarding the complication rate in the cohort groups (“rendezvous”: 3, all-in-one device: 13, conventional: 5; p-value: 0.94). Using the functional assessment system of Friedman/Wyman 2 years after trauma, a good clinical result was found in 77.7% in the “rendezvous” group, in 77.8% in the all-in-one device group, and in 75% in the conventional group.

Conclusion

The indication for operative stabilization of ipsilateral multi-level femoral fractures is considered an urgent and emergency procedure. Based on the successful long-term results of this study, we prefer the “rendezvous” technique with fracture stabilization from distally to proximally. Both fracture components require stable fixation. It is advisable to stabilize the shaft fracture primarily using external fixation (damage control orthopedics) and the proximal femoral fracture using early definitive internal fixation. In a second and staged operation, the external fixator is removed and the shaft fracture is stabilized using retrograde nail osteosynthesis with overlapping of the DHS and nail implants.

Development of heterotopic ossifications, blood markers and outcome after radiation therapy in spinal cord injured patients

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

This study was implemented to detect risk factors for the developing of heterotopic ossifications (HOs) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.

SETTING

This study was conducted in Murnau, Germany.

METHODS

All patients from 2008-2012 with acute SCI were routinely examined by ultrasound of the hips every 2 weeks. The sub group of SCI patients suffering of HO of the hips were extracted and the incidence of developing an HO was calculated. Parameters like age, level of injury, ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), duration time of accident until diagnosis of HO, Brooker stage, localization of HO (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and symptoms like thrombosis, emboli, decrease of range of motion (ROM), dermal symptoms, swelling, increase in D-Dimere level, were evaluated. Also accompanying injuries of the brain, lung and extremities were recorded.

RESULTS

From January 2008 until January 2012, 575 patients with an acute and traumatic SCI were treated in our Department. During this period 32 HOs were detected in the muscles surrounding the hip. In 10 cases a single side and in 22 cases both sides were affected. A total of 26 patients were detected showing up a Brooker 0, two patients Brooker 1, and five patients a Brooker stage >2. The adductor muscles showed an edema in 19 cases and the quadriceps muscles were affected in 15 cases. 26% of all SCI patients showed AIS A status, but in patients who developed HO, 64% have had an AIS A status. 19% of patients with a HO were AIS B and 9.5% showed an AIS C and D. Regarding the level of injury the distribution of patients suffering of HO was comparable to the distribution of SCI patients without HO. In mean HO were detected 9 weeks after SCI and no new HO were found after the 22nd (n=1) week of injury. Clinical symptoms such as swelling, pain, redness or decrease in ROM or increase in D-Dimere levels were seen in 24 cases. Accompanying injuries like brain injury and lung contusions were found in 83% of patients developing HO. The incidence of thrombosis was comparable to SCI patients without HO. One patient with no accompanying injuries or clinical symptoms was detected by routinely performed ultrasound.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of developing HO in patients with traumatic SCI is 5.5% but increases when accompanying injuries of the brain and lung occur. Patients with a neurological status of AIS A must also be quoted as risk patients. When considering the described risk factors and clinical symptoms, 96% of all HO can be detected.

Scapula fractures in complex shoulder injuries and floating shoulders: a classification based on displacement and instability

Background

Scapula fractures with injuries of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex are often referred to as floating shoulders. However, present studies do not allow comparative evidence on indication for surgical treatment mostly due to the lack of precise definitions and comparable classifications. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze common types of complex shoulder injuries and develop a feasible classification allowing a therapeutic algorithm.

Methods

The study group consisted of 107 patients with scapula fractures combined with ipsilateral injuries of the shoulder girdle treated in a single trauma center between 2003 and 2010. Three-dimensional computed tomography was analyzed for dislocation and instability and assigned to subgroups of a defined classification system. Clinical data was acquired from a previously established database of all patients treated for the diagnosis of a scapula fracture.

Results

Fifty-seven of 107 (53.3%) complex scapula fractures were non-displaced and stable representing Type A fractures. Depending on the fracture pattern, three subgroups were defined. Treatment of Type A injuries should be non-operative. Displaced fractures of the scapula with a stable shoulder girdle were considered Type B injuries and represented 18.7% of all fractures. Thirty fractures (28%) with an unstable shoulder girdle were classified as Type C injuries. Again, subgroups with common injury patterns were identified. For both groups, operative treatment is recommended.

Conclusions

The described classification system is a proposal able to categorize complex shoulder injuries and allows a comparison of injury patterns in further studies.

Reamed intramedullary exchange nailing: treatment of choice of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate a standardized method of treatment of femoral nonunion of the isthmal femur excluding non-united metaphyseal fractures.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2010, 72 consecutive patients with nonunion of the femoral shaft were operated using a standardized protocol in our trauma department and followed up for successful union and functional result.

RESULTS

Osseous healing was observed in 71 patients (98%). Only one patient was lacking bone healing following a time period of 24 months after the first exchange nailing and 5 months after the second exchange nailing. In 59 patients (82%), uneventful and timely bone healing after exchange nailing was detected. In 18% of patients (n = 13), delayed bone healing was observed and required additional therapy. In the majority of patients (61%), bone healing occurred within the first 2 to 5 months, only 18% of patients' duration of bone healing exceeded 8 months. In 62 patients (86%), no relevant or clinically apparent leg-length discrepancy prior to and after exchange nailing was detected as well as no significant axis deviation or malrotation. Functional studies including simple clinical gait and standing analysis, return to activities of daily life, return to sports activities, and return to work were all reached on a satisfying level.

DISCUSSION

Reamed intramedullary exchange nailing as described in this study is the treatment of choice for aseptic femoral shaft nonunion with a high rate of bone healing and a low rate of complications including length discrepancy or malrotation and a good functional outcome.

[Sequelae of severe injuries : consequences for trauma rehabilitation]

Consequences of accidents are found not only in physical but also in psychological and social areas. The quality of life of severely injured patients is significantly reduced compared with the normal population even years after the trauma. Subjective experiences of severely injured patients during and after hospitalization have a major impact on the subsequent quality of life. Knowledge of these factors is essential for the planning, organization and implementation of rehabilitation after severe injury. The phase model of rehabilitation after trauma requires early initiation of therapy even during acute treatment as so-called early rehabilitation. After a specialized post-acute rehabilitation additional therapeutic options are often required. Besides pain management the focus lies especially in work-related rehabilitation and psychological support which is also decisive for the success of rehabilitation of accident victims. For severely injured patients it is important to provide sufficient support, e.g. through a case manager which does not end with discharge from the rehabilitation facility. The aim of all efforts is reintegration into the working and social environment and the best possible quality of life.

Antispastic therapy with botulinum toxin type A in patients with traumatic spinal cord lesion

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of spasticity after traumatic spinal cord injury.

Methods: 9 patients were included in this prospective designed study, with a follow-up of at least 2 years. All patients suffered from a massive spasticity after traumatic spinal cord lesion. Conservative treatment options did not show satisfying results. All patients were injected a maximal dose of 2,000 units of botulinum toxin A in no more than 6 skeletal muscle groups. Clinical control examinations were performed after 2 weeks and after at least 2 years.

Results: 6 patients reported a good or very good result. One patient offered increasing difficulty in walking for a short time after injection. 2 patients showed no beneficial effects. One patient experienced a modest temporary general weakness for 3 days. After 2 years, 3 patients showed improved function with persistent reduction of spasticity. In the other cases, the beneficial effect lasted for an average of 9 months.

Conclusion: Botulinum toxin A injection seems to be an effective complementary therapy option in the treatment of spasticity of paraplegic patients with complete deficit of their motor function (ASIA A and B) and a spastic distribution pattern, effecting only a limited number of muscle groups. Caution has to be recommended for incomplete paretic patients, who are able to walk.