Der Unfallchirurg
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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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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.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
[Fixed angle carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite plate for treatment of distal radius fractures : Pilot study on clinical applications].
The clinical implementation of a new carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketon (PEEK) plate for distal radius fractures might offer advantageous properties over the conventional metallic devices. This includes similar elastic modulus to cortical bone, radiolucency, low artifacts on MRI scans and the lack of metal allergies. ⋯ First experience with PEEK plate osteosynthesis demonstrate quick clinical implementation with good clinical outcome and the advantage of excellent postoperative radiological assessment. At early follow-up PEEK even showed a trend for improved functional results.
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The German diagnosis-related groups remuneration system (G-DRG) was implemented in 2004 and patient-related diagnoses and procedures lead to allocation to specific DRGs. This system includes several codes, such as case mix (CM), case mix index (CMI) and number of cases. Seasonal distribution of these codes as well as distribution of diagnoses and DRGs may lead to logistical consequences for clinical management. ⋯ The significant clustering of injuries in specific months and seasons should lead to logistic consequences (e.g. operating room slots, availability of nursing and anesthesia staff). For a needs assessment the analysis of main diagnoses is more appropriate than DRGs.
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An approximately 25-year-old skier collided in a ski-run intersection. At high speed, he first hit another skier and then smashed into a snow cannon. He died from his injuries a short time later in hospital. ⋯ The detailed analysis was the result of the combination of the two methods of investigation, CT scan and autopsy. The methods complemented each other effectively and allowed for a detailed presentation of the injury pattern. In conjunction with the additional analytical accident report, this combination of CT scan and autopsy contributes towards a reconstruction of accidents and the development of prevention measures and related protective systems.