Der Unfallchirurg
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The aim of this study was to assess whether the time interval between accident and neurosurgical intervention has an influence on functional neurological outcome and mortality in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) or whether the further clinical course has already been determined by the initial severity of the injury. ⋯ We could not substantiate that reducing the time between accident and neurosurgical decompression could decrease mortality. It rather seems that the initial magnitude of brain damage determines prognosis and outcome after sTBI. The interval between the appearance of neurological symptoms (e.g. anisocoria) and neurosurgical intervention plays an important role and should be kept as short as possible.
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Up to 32.2% of patients in a burn center suffer from electrical injuries. Of these patients, 2-4% present with lightning injuries. In Germany, approximately 50 people per year are injured by a lightning strike and 3-7 fatally. ⋯ Patients with lightning injuries should be transported to a regional or supraregional trauma center. In 15% of all cases multiple people may be injured. Therefore, it is of outstanding importance to create emergency plans and evacuation plans in good time for mass gatherings endangered by possible lightning.
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Case Reports
[Legal considerations regarding radiological examinations of bodypackers ordered by police officers].
A 28-year-old woman was arrested for body packing. One pack was removed from her vagina by the forensic pathologist. She was referred by the police to an emergency surgical department to obtain a radiological examination of the abdomen in order to rule out the presence of further packs in the intestines. ⋯ The surgeon in the emergency department refused to perform an examination involving radiation exposure to a young woman without any medical indications according to the German X-Ray Ordinance § 23 subsection I. Generally a physician can refuse to perform examinations ordered by state authorities; however, the provision of expert testimony in legal proceedings by a judge, a state attorney or a high ranking police officer makes collaboration mandatory in accordance with § 75 of the German penal code of procedures. However, any relevant harm caused by the examination must be excluded with a very high degree of certainty.
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Because of globalization, we are increasingly confronted with the treatment of patients from other cultures. Using the example of a 23-year-old Chinese patient, we explain the origin of the intercultural differences which developed into a conflict. Due to a bicycle accident the patient incurred an extremely severe traumatic brain injury with multiple midface fractures. ⋯ An intensive examination might have avoided, or at least mitigated, a conflict. To summarize, it could be useful to address cultural peculiarities at an early stage when treating patients from different cultures to prevent conflicts or to be better prepared for them. Also, an Ethics Commission may be involved early for preventing or resolving a potential conflict.
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Clinical Trial
[Pertrochanteric fractures. What impact do surgical timing and implant choice have on the outcome?].
Pertrochanteric fractures are grouped together with femoral neck fractures to represent the most frequent femur fractures in the region of the hip joint and usually occur in elderly people with preexisting conditions. Analysis of the data from the 2004/2005 quality assurance program of North Rhine-Westphalia shows, just as is the case for medial femoral neck fractures, that not only does delayed management increase risk-adjusted general and surgical complications but also mortality.