Der Unfallchirurg
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The indications for stabilization of the posterior malleolus (Volkmann triangle) while fixing ankle fractures are controversially discussed. Detailed descriptions of possible obstacles to reduction are scarce. ⋯ The fracture line of the posterior malleolus passed in an atypical manner vertically to the posterior-medial tibial margin with direct contact to the anatomical pathway of the tendon. The impaction of the tendon was already present in the computed tomography (CT) scan taken preoperatively but the tendon hindering malleolar reduction was first realized during surgery after several unsuccessful attempts at repositioning.
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Occult fractures in children and adults cannot by definition be diagnosed by conventional radiographs. These injuries are usually recognized as bone marrow edema by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There are no randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies concerning the correct management of occult fractures and, therefore, no evidence-based treatment guidelines can be drafted. ⋯ The clinical prognosis of occult fractures is generally good and there is no evidence that these lesions need specific treatment. Besides forensic applications and problems pursuant to insurance law, MRI examination is only indicated when conventional radiographs are unremarkable, pain persists for an unusually long period of time and when a relevant therapeutic consequence can be expected from the MRI results. Classical pitfalls are combinations of occult fractures with potentially unstable ligamentous injuries and patients with disordered pain perception as in cases of diabetic polyneuropathy, as the common therapeutic concept of weight bearing according to pain is not suitable for these patients and can lead to severe complications.
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In the late 1960s, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) were established because of the increasing number of severely injured in road traffic accidents. It was initially thought to bring the doctor to the patient quickly. ⋯ The results showed that around 30 % of severely injured are allocated to hospitals by HEMS. In addition to regional differences, the level of the hospital also plays a particularly important role. The combination of the transfer by HEMS and treatment in a level I trauma center has a significantly positive effect on the survival rate of the patient, especially in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
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The incidence of femoral neck fractures increases exponentially with rising age. Young patients are rarely affected but when they are it is mostly due to high energy accidents, whereas older patients suffer from femoral neck fractures by low energy trauma due to osteoporotic changes of the bone mineral density. Treatment options have not essentially changed over the last few years. ⋯ Osteosynthetic fracture stabilization with cannulated screws or angle stable sliding screws, is usually applied in non-displaced fractures and fractures in younger patients. Older patients need rapid mobilization after surgery; therefore, total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty are commonly used with a low incidence of secondary complications. In addition to sufficient operative treatment a guideline conform osteoprosis therapy should be initiated for the prophylaxis of further fractures and patients should undertake a suitable rehabilitation.