Der Unfallchirurg
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The officially appointed external expert needs a precise documentation of the initial clinical findings and the findings at follow-up of the patient with craniocerebral trauma. The next step in preparation of the expert report consists in a pathophysiological and a neurological examination, including CT scan and EEG repeated at intervals; a stable condition can be expected after 1-2 years. In the case of reversible closed head syndrome (brain concussion) the expert should certify a disability for about 6 months; a degree of 20% for over 3 months should not be certified unless there are massive vegetative signs and symptoms. ⋯ Adults who are unconscious for up to 5 days can be expected to make a complete recovery, while a longer duration of coma and more advanced age are associated with a worse outcome. The degree of functional impairment is thus important in the expert's decision on the level of disability. A flow chart is presented for guidance in the preparation of expert reports.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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This article summarizes the present knowledge on the diagnosis of and treatment rationales for ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. There is an increasing incidence of this injury due to the high number of persons involved in dynamic sports. The most significant diagnostic criterion is a positive pivot shift associated with a pathological anterior translation of the tibia in slight flexion of the knee. ⋯ The rehabilitation program after implantation of a patellar tendon graft can be accelerated markedly without endangering joint stability. Crutches are necessary only for the first 2-3 weeks. The success rate in terms of objective stability with an autologous patellar tendon graft is high, although specific disadvantages such as chronic patellar pain and a risk for loss of motion must be considered.
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1566 patients with fractures of the pelvis were treated at the Department of Traumatology of the Hannover Medical School between 1972 and 1990: 1350 patients had fractures of the pelvic ring, 216 isolated acetabulum fractures, 398 combinations of pelvic ring fractures and acetabular involvement; 718 of these patients were admitted with severe polytrauma. For 1254 patients a complete file was available for clinical and radiological evaluation of fracture distribution, classification (Tile and anatomical location) and concomitant injuries. During the observation period, significant increase in the severity of the trauma, the severity of the pelvic fractures and the rate of internal stabilization, especially of the posterior pelvic ring was observed. ⋯ Adapted small fragment implants ("local osteosyntheses") can be applied, with an unilateral longitudinal dorsal incision providing an excellent overview over the fracture line. For internal fixation of sacral fractures, involvement (penetration by screws, transfixation) of the sacroiliac joint is avoided whenever possible. In our experience early open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic fractures facilitates the management of these severely injured patients.
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The presence of soft tissue defects in the hand indicates serious traumatic damage that may compromise the systems involved in movement, circulation or touch and therefore jeopardize functional rehabilitation. This overview highlights the significance and the various causes of soft tissue defects. ⋯ The characteristics required of flap tissue are described, such as surface characteristics, ability to restore sense of touch, cosmetic appearance, ability to close deep volume defects, and potential for revascularization of adjacent tissue. Finally, commonly used, selected flaps are presented with notes on their advantages, disadvantages, and modifications, the techniques required and the indications for each.
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Some of the peculiarities of the anatomy of the talus are of special interest: the lack of muscle insertions, the vulnerability of the blood supply, and the fact that about 60% of the surface is covered by hyaline cartilage. This implies that most of the fractures are intra-articular. In 1983, the results of 262 talus fractures were published. ⋯ Absence of subchondral atrophy in the early months and then later density of the dead bone and atrophy of the surrounding bones imply avascular necrosis. Dislocations around the talus without fractures are classified into three types: talocrural dislocation (i.e., luxatio pedis cum talo), subtalar dislocation (i.e., luxatio pedis sub talo), and the extremely unusual total dislocation of the talar body. The dislocations should be reduced promptly to avoid breakdown of the skin and distal circulatory compromise.