Der Unfallchirurg
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The so-called transitional fractures describe articular fractures in adolescents with partial closure of the epiphyseal growth plate. This shows a specific stereotype fracture pattern, which can be differentiated into biplane, triplane I and triplane II fractures depending on the involvement of the metaphysis and the number of fragments. The diagnostics and therapy can differ from fractures where the epiphyseal growth plate is still open. The main focus for surgical treatment is the reconstruction of the articular surface whereas relevant growth disturbances no longer need to be feared when the epiphysis has already begun to close.
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The German Trauma Registry DGU® started in 1993 as an initiative of five dedicated trauma centers and has evolved significantly since then. Data were obtained at four points of time from the site of the accident until discharge from hospital. In the first year (1993), the registry collected data of 260 patients from 5 hospitals. ⋯ In the prehospital treatment, this changed the criteria for intubation and led to a reduction of volume replacement. In the hospital setting, the analysis influenced the radiologic work-up and the treatment of coagulopathy of severely injured patients. Moreover, the risk-adjusted mortality of severely injured patients in Germany could be continuously reduced over the past 20 years.
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The register network of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU) consists of 14 registries that cover the various fields of traumatology and elective orthopedics. In addition to registries that focus on implants and types of diseases without age limitations, there are also registries dealing with special diseases in children and adolescents as well as the special needs of elderly patients with fractures. The registries serve as instruments for outcome research and quality assurance and can be used to develop treatment recommendations on a high level of evidence. The objective of the network is to exchange experience that facilitates the establishment of new registers, to pool expertise and to conserve resources.
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In addition to clinical trials, registries and cohort studies are the fundamental basis of patient-orientated research. The importance of registries is increasing because more questions involving patient care under routine conditions (real world data) need to be answered. This article supplies answers to the questions: what can be achieved with registries and what are the limitations? Starting with a consensus definition of a registry from the German Network of Health Services Research (DNVF), the question of existing registries was examined and it was concluded that there was a lack of transparency. ⋯ Criteria are deduced that allow an assessment of the quality of a registry and which comprehensive possibilities registries can provide are discussed in eight different areas of interest to clinicians. The limitations of registries compared to randomized clinical trials and cohort studies are emphasized and discussed in this article. In the future, the use of registry-based randomized clinical trials (RRCT) will allow data related to efficacy as well as to effectiveness to be collated.
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Case Reports
[Bilateral hand salvage of subtotal left hand amputation and complex right wrist destruction].
Complex injuries of the hand and wrist lead to severe loss of function. Complex trauma of the upper extremities may lead to severe disabilities and therefore meticulous reconstruction is of utmost importance to enable good functional outcome and to assure an adequate quality of life. ⋯ Due to the immediate bilateral operation including the unilateral use of an osteocutaneous free fibula flap, both hands could be salvaged in this case. Severe hand and wrist injuries also require intensive postoperative treatment including intensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain therapy and psychological support to achieve a good functional result.