Der Unfallchirurg
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The earthquake in Haiti in January 2010 resulted in more than 220,000 deaths and over 300,000 injured and was one of the greatest mass casualties in recent history. "Doctors Without Borders" started a medical relief response immediately after the earthquake, building up to the biggest disaster relief activity in the organization's history. Roughly 173,000 medical consultations and more than 11,700 surgical interventions were performed in 26 medical facilities during the first 4 months. ⋯ Crucial for effective patient care is an ability to act early and employ surgical techniques which are adapted to the overall situation. The following article is a personal report of the early emergency response from the viewpoint of two orthopedic trauma surgeons, who have surgical careers in Germany and also frequently volunteer for "Doctors Without Borders".
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The biceps muscle of the arm is even well known to laymen because of its partially prominent appearance. It fulfills a very important function in the arm due to its capacity for flexion and supination. Lesions of the short proximal biceps tendon are a rare occurrence. ⋯ Loss of strength after conservative therapy is extensive (30-40% for flexion and >50% for supination). Fixation of the tendon at the radial tuberosity holds out the prospect of good functional outcome. Chronic partial lesions of the distal biceps tendon can be particularly painful and have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of elbow pain.