Der Unfallchirurg
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In a limited number of surgically treated patients with blunt trauma to the internal carotid artery (ICA), intimal lesions were found at the intersection of the ICA with the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII). Therefore, these clinical findings were investigated in an anatomic study. In two-thirds of these cases, the congenital "anomalous" relationship of ICA and CN XII caused a strangulation phenomenon during extreme turning manoeuvres of the head and neck. On the basis of our clinical intraoperative findings, anatomic studies und reports in the literature, a further mechanism of vascular injury is suggested in this area.
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We report our experience with 12 patients whose chest wall injuries were treated with stable internal fixation by means of rib plates. Of all patients with chest wall injuries requiring inpatient treatment, only 5.19% were operated for this diagnosis; that is to say this operation is seldom indicated. In 5 patients stabilization was done "on the retreat" when thoracotomy had to be performed for intrathoracic injury anyway; in another 5 patients inadequate recovery from respiratory insufficiency following conservative treatment led to the operation, and in 2 patients extreme dislocation of chest wall fractures with restricted chest volume was the reason for surgical intervention. ⋯ Two aged patients died of non-trauma-related myocardial infarction and myocardial insufficiency, respectively, while in hospital. Complications attributable to the specific surgical intervention were superficial infection of the incision (2 cases) and postoperative haemorrhage from an intercostal artery (1 case). No late complications related to the specific operative procedure occurred.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Fractures and disruptions of the pelvic ring are usually found in multiply injured patients and exacerbate the life-threatening character of the concomitant injuries. The main prognostic factors are haemorrhagic complications, abdominal trauma and associated injuries of the urogenital tract. All patients admitted to the Department of Surgery of the University of Münster between July 1985 to December 1989 were analysed with particular reference to pelvic ring instability and the accompanying pelvic and abdominal lesions. ⋯ The key factor for a favourable outcome is the differentiation between intraabdominal and retroperitoneal bleeding. A treatment algorithm is described. The value of laparotomy, interventional radiology and primary anterior stabilization of the pelvic ring with an external frame is discussed.
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Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens taken from nine patients with lung contusion following multiple trauma were compared with specimens from different control groups. Early interstitial and intra-alveolar reactions are PMN degranulation, mediator release and high protein leakage. The alveolar reactions are similar in extent to the reaction found in post-traumatic ARDS.
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In a retrospective study of 59 patients the results obtained with elbow arthrolysis performed for the treatment of posttraumatic stiffness were analyzed. The intraoperative functional result was classified as excellent in all cases, while an average of 27 months after the operation the range of movement was decreased again to varying extents. This deficit correlated with the type of injury, timing of arthrolysis, duration of metal implants and timing and type of postoperative rehabilitation program. ⋯ The results show that the prognosis of elbow arthrolysis is determined by optimal operative planning and a meticulous rehabilitation program. The time to arthrolysis should be as short as possible, as should the time to removal of metal implants. The aim of the rehabilitation program is immediate postoperative mobilization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)