Zeitschrift für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie
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Precise placement of the sustentaculum tali screw is essential for fixation of calcaneus fractures to achieve the best fixation strength. In the clinical practice, this procedure is demanding due to the complex anatomic configuration of the calcaneus and the limited visualisation in the intraoperative fluoroscopic images. The aim of this study was an evaluation of the accuracy for the sustentaculum tali screw placement by using different navigation procedures compared to the standard procedure. The different navigation specific workflows were evaluated and the feasibility of each procedure proven in clinical applications. ⋯ Navigation procedures seem to be helpful for the precise placement of sustentaculum tali screws in cases of operative calcaneus fracture fixation. The kind of application to be used depends on the infrastructure of the department and the navigation-experience of the operating room team. Whereas the fluoro-free procedure is intuitive in use, the 2D-navigation does not justify the extra efforts. The 3D-procedure is the recommended application for surgeons familiar with navigation, providing the best orientation due to the slice image visualisation in all three dimensions.
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Successful four-corner fusion after scaphoid excision provides pain relief und preserves an acceptable movability of the wrist. However, this treatment option for advanced carpal collapse is not without complications, such as malunion, hardware impingement or incomplete correction of lunate extension. K-wires, staples, Herbert screws or, recently, locking plates are all possible fixation techniques after scaphoid excision. Only a few studies including mid-term results using K-wires are available. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical and radiological mid-term results after scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis using K-wires for stage II and III scapholunate and scaphoid non-union advanced collapse. ⋯ Scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis for advanced collapse of the wrist enjoy great satisfaction by the patients, with a high degree of pain reduction. This method shows persistent strength and movability in mid-term-results. Compared to alternative fixation techniques, the use of K-wires is a low-risk and low-cost treatment option, although removal of the K-wires is commonly necessary.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results and determine/record the complications after treating distal humerus fractures with an anatomically precontoured and angular-stable double plate system (LCP Distal Humerus Plates, Synthes GmbH, Umkirch). ⋯ By using the anatomically precontoured and angular-stable LCP distal humerus plates system a stable osteosynthesis allowing early physiotherapy is achieved in the majority of patients. Due to early initiation of physical therapy the functional results might be improved. Despite using the LCP system complications at the distal humerus fracture side were seen frequently, emphasising the challenging surgical procedure and demonstrating the need for further implant and surgical procedure improvement.
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Academic careers often place the burden of research on top of clinical work. This conflict denotes a demanding task especially in surgical disciplines, such as orthopaedics and traumatology. Driven by changes in the social system, concerning, e.g., leisure and parentship, the future organisation of the academic workplace needs to address these individual issues. With the aim to evaluate individual motivation towards combining research, clinical work and private life and to receive suggestions for improvement we conducted a survey addressing residents employed in the orthopaedic and traumatological departments of German university hospitals. ⋯ Individual solutions seem to be necessary to achieve a scheduled efficiency of clinical and research careers. This includes structural developments (like a professionally headed lab) and the establishment of dynamic clinical structures. It seems possible that the clinical organisation of physicians in teams might offer solutions to cope with the demands of surgical training and clinical care on the one hand and research on the other hand.