Der Unfallchirurg
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Equestrian sports are one of the most popular forms of sport in Germany, while also being one of the most accident-prone sports. Furthermore, riding accidents are frequently associated with a high degree of severity of injuries and mortality. Nevertheless, there are insufficient data regarding incidences, demographics, mechanisms of accidents, injury severity and patterns and outcome of injured persons in amateur equestrian sports. Accordingly, it was the aim of the present study to retrospectively analyze these aspects. ⋯ Girls and young women could be identified as a group at particular risk. It has been demonstrated in this study that the three most common injury locations after falling from a horse were the head, the upper extremities, the thoracic and lumbar spine. The most frequent injury locations while handling horses were foot injuries, followed by head and mid-facial injuries.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
[Susceptibility to infections and behavior of stainless steel : Comparison with titanium implants in traumatology].
Despite modern treatment options, implant-associated infections (IAI) remain a severe and challenging complication in the treatment of trauma patients. Almost 30 years after the introduction of implants made of titanium alloy into the treatment of trauma patients, there is still no uniform consensus regarding the clinical benefit of titanium alloy in the context of patients with IAI. ⋯ Considerable debate remains concerning the influence of the implant material on the susceptibility to IAI; however, the available literature shows that despite slight tendencies, there is no proof of titanium alloy being favorable in the susceptibility to IAI. Furthermore, the literature shows that the design of plates for osteosynthesis might influence IAI. In particular, plates that cause less soft tissue damage and preserve perfusion of the periosteum proved to be beneficial regarding IAI.
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Review Meta Analysis
[Titanium or steel as osteosynthesis material : Systematic literature search for clinical evidence].
The selection of the appropriate implant material, stainless steel or titanium, is still the decision of the surgeon and/or the affiliated institution. Additionally, remarkable international differences can be found between the different markets, which cannot really be explained. ⋯ This systematic literature search did not provide any clinical evidence for material-related differences between titanium or stainless steel implants for fracture fixation. Based on the current clinical evidence both titanium and steel implants can be considered to be of equal value. The reported difficulties with implant removal are not reflected in the published literature.
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Review Meta Analysis
[Compatibility and allergies of osteosynthesis materials].
Metal implants for osteosynthesis are nowadays standard in orthopedic and trauma surgery. Steel implants, especially cerclages, bands and wires, can show more corrosion due to friction and lead to encapsulation in connective tissue with fluid borders even without loosening. Corrosion and fluid borders are potentially more susceptible to incompatibility and infections. ⋯ Problems may occur in material removal, especially with titanium implants because material fractures occur more frequently. Particularly with fixed angle constructions, the blocking of titanium-titanium bonding and/or screws in bone can occur by adhesion and ingrowth. Apart from single case reports there is no evidence that modern steel implants cause more allergic reactions than titanium; therefore, in the treatment by osteosynthesis the stability, risk of loosening, manifestation of allergies and the possibility of material removal must always be considered.
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In clinical practice, situations continuously occur in which medical professionals and family members are confronted with decisions on whether to extend or limit treatment for severely ill patients in end of life treatment decisions. In these situations, advance directives are helpful tools in decision making according to the wishes of the patient; however, not every patient has made an advance directive and in our experience medical staff as well as patients are often not familiar with these documents. The purpose of this article is therefore to explain the currently available documents (e.g. living will, healthcare power of attorney and care directive) and the possible (legal) applications and limitations in the routine clinical practice.