Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Acute rupture of the fibular ligament complex is one of the commonest injuries in sports. Prospective randomized trials in the 1980s led to a paradigm shift from primary surgical repair to conservative functional treatment. ⋯ Conservative functional treatment is now the standard treatment in acute fibular ligament rupture of the ankle because it is low-risk, low-cost, and safe. Primary surgery is indicated in only 0.5% to 4% of cases. Physical examination for tenderness to palpation and for stability, as well as stress ultrasonography, can be used to differentiate sprains from ligamentous tears. MRI is superior only for the detection of additional injuries. Stable sprains can be successfully treated with an elastic ankle support for a few days, and unstable ligamentous ruptures with an orthosis for 5 to 6 weeks. Subsequent physiotherapy with proprioceptive exercises is the best way to prevent recurrent injury.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of death around the world. The affected patients suffer not only from impaired lung function, but also from a wide variety of comorbidities. Their cardiac comorbidities, in particular, lead to increased mortality. ⋯ As patients with COPD are often multimorbid, the early diagnosis and adequate treatment not only of their lung disease, but also of their extrapulmonary comorbidities are very important. Well-established diagnostic instruments and well-tested treatments are available and are described in detail in the guidelines concerning the comorbidities. Preliminary observations suggest that more attention should be paid to the potential positive effects of treating comorbidities on the lung disease itself, and vice versa.
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Review Meta Analysis
Lung Cancer Screening With Low-Dose Computed Tomography: Current Status in Germany.
Approximately 21 900 women and 35 300 men developed lung cancer in Germany in 2018, and 16 514 women and 28 365 men died of it. The outcome mainly depends on the tumor stage. In early stages (stage I or II), treatment can be curative; unfortunately, because early-stage lung cancers are generally asymptomatic, 74% of women and 77% of men already have advanced-stage disease (stage III or IV) at the time of diagnosis. Screening with low-dose computed tomography is an option enabling early diagnosis and curative treatment. ⋯ Systematic lung cancer screening with low-dose CT lowers mortality from lung cancer in (current or former) heavy smokers. This benefit must be weighed against the high rate of false-positive findings and overdiagnoses.
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Medial sclerosis (MeS) is a chronic systemic vascular disease that mainly affects the arteries of the lower limb. Its prevalence in the general population is approximately 2.5% (range: 1.6% to 10.0%). It is more common in men than in women. ⋯ MeS is an important risk factor for chronic critical lower limb ischemia, amputation, morbidity, and complications, particularly after endovascular and surgical procedures.
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Opacification of the lens of the eye (cataract) is usually due to aging. It is a painless, progressive condition that affects contrast and color perception and alters refraction, leading to visual loss that may be total. In cataract surgery, the turbid lens is replaced by an artificial lens. An estimated 600 000 to 800 000 such procedures are performed in Germany each year. ⋯ In Germany, cataract surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Artificial lenses with various additional functions are available nowadays; the choice of lens depends on the needs of the individual patient. Patients must be adequately informed about the advantages and disadvantages of the different lens systems.