Publications by authors named "Bjorn-Christian Link"

Background: Digitally Enhanced Hands-on Surgical Training (DEHST) platform was introduced to overcome the lack of training capabilities for the challenging task of freehand distal interlocking of intramedullary nails. It demonstrates high perceived realism for surgeons, and novices perform significantly better after DEHST training. However, characterization of how performance improves remained unexplored.

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Introduction: The RM Pressfit vitamys is an uncemented, titanium particle-coated, isoelastic monoblock cup made of vitamin E blended highly cross-linked polyethylene. We addressed the following questions: (1) What are the clinical and (2) radiographic outcomes 10 years after implantation? (3) What is the revision rate?

Methods: In this prospective observational study in a tertiary care centre we investigated all consecutive cases of total hip replacement with the RM Pressfit vitamys cup between September 2009 and November 2011. It was implanted in 162 hips, 49.

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Objective: To maximize local tumor control, stabilize affected bones, and preserve or replace joints with minimal interventional burden, thereby enhancing quality of life for empowered living.

Indications: Suitable for patients with bone metastases, particularly those with severe pain and/or fractures and appropriate life expectancy.

Contraindications: In primary bone tumors, refer to the sarcoma surgery team for evaluation of wide resection.

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Article Synopsis
  • Hip fractures in older adults are common and pose serious risks, such as higher morbidity and mortality, especially when preoperative dehydration is not addressed.
  • A study at a Swiss trauma center evaluated a goal-directed fluid resuscitation protocol (GDT) in geriatric patients with a high p-POSSUM Score to see if it could lower mortality and complications after surgery for proximal femur fractures.
  • Results showed that while the GDT group initially had lower 30-day mortality rates, the trend shifted in later years, and overall, the GDT did not significantly reduce complications compared to standard care.
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Article Synopsis
  • This text discusses a surgical technique using a 3D robot-assisted image-guided navigation system for percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation, aimed at treating pelvic fractures in the posterior region.
  • The procedure is outlined to include careful planning with CT scans, precise guidewire placement, and the use of cannulated screws, with a focus on minimizing complications and ensuring proper screw placement.
  • Results from a study of 141 patients show effective outcomes, such as a median surgery time of 26 minutes and no issues with screw loosening, reinforcing the technique's safety and potential benefits over traditional methods.
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Purpose: Recently, a new dynamic high-strength suture (DC) was introduced, also available in tape form (DT), featuring a salt-infused silicone core attracting water in a fluid environment to preserve tissue approximation. The aims of this study were to (1) assess the influence of securing throw number on knot security of two double-stranded knot configurations (Cow-hitch and Nice-knot) tied with either dynamic (DC and DT) or conventional (FW and ST) high-strength sutures and tapes, and (2) compare the ultimate force and knot slippage of the novel dynamic versus conventional sutures and tapes when used with their minimal number of needed securing throws.

Methods: Seven specimens of each FW, ST, DC and DT were considered for tying with Cow-hitch or Nice-knots.

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: The treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients is not yet fully elucidated. Of all treatment options, reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and non-operative treatment (NOT) appear to provide the best results. Evidence to guide the choice between the two is sparse.

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Background: Distal radius fractures are the most frequently encountered fractures in Western societies, typically affecting patients aged 50 years and older. Although this is a common injury, the best treatment for these fractures in older patients is still under debate.

Objective: This prospective study aims to compare the outcome of operatively and nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures in the older population.

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Purpose: Freehand distal interlocking of intramedullary nails remains a challenging task. Recently, a new training device for digitally enhanced hands-on surgical training (DEHST) was introduced, potentially improving surgical skills needed for distal interlocking.

Aim: To evaluate whether training with DEHST enhances the performance of novices (first-year residents without surgical experience in freehand distal nail interlocking).

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: The surgical treatment of proximal humeral shaft fractures usually considers application of either long straight plates or intramedullary nails. By being able to spare the rotator cuff and avoid the radial nerve distally, the implementation of helical plates might overcome the downsides of common fixation methods. The aims of the current study were (1) to explore the biomechanical competence of different plate designs and (2) to compare their performance versus the alternative treatment option of using intramedullary nails.

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Dual plating of comminuted distal femoral fractures allows for early patient mobilization. An additional helically shaped medial plate avoids the medial vital structures of the thigh. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical competence of an augmented lateral locking compression plate distal femur (LCP-DF) using an additional straight versus a helically shaped medial LCP of the same length.

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Background: Single plate osteosynthesis is commonly employed when performing surgical stabilization of midshaft clavicle fractures. In recent years, a smaller structural low-profile double plating technique has been described as a possible solution for the high removal rates associated with single plating. A previous meta-analysis has demonstrated that low-profile double plating attains the same healing rates as single plating without a higher chance of fracture-related infections.

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Objective: The aim of surgical treatment is fracture healing with restored alignment, rotation, and joint surface. Stable fixation allows for functional postoperative aftercare.

Indications: Displaced intra- and extra-articular fractures which either could not be adequately reduced or in which a secondary displacement is to expected due to instability criteria.

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Background: Clavicle and rib fractures are often sustained concomitantly. The combination of injuries may result in decreased stability of the chest wall, making these patients prone to (respiratory) complications and prolonged hospitalization. This study aimed to assess whether adding chest wall stability by performing clavicle fixation improves clinical outcomes in patients with concurrent clavicle and rib fractures.

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Background: The aim of this single-center randomized controlled trial was to compare primary wound closure using a suture with secondary wound healing of pin sites after removal of temporary external fixation.

Methods: This noninferiority trial included all patients who were treated with a temporary external fixator on an upper or lower extremity at 1 institution. The primary outcome was pin-site infection.

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The ideal surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures remains controversial. When treating these fractures with internal fixation, many fixation constructs exist. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and specific risk factors associated with complication and re-operation following fixation of intracapsular proximal femoral fractures using the Targon-FN system (B.

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Purpose: The primary aim was to describe the population characteristics of patients with combined scapula and rib fractures and outcomes associated with different treatment strategies.

Methods: All adult (≥ 18 years) patients with concurrent ipsilateral scapula and rib fractures admitted to the study hospital between 1st January 2010 and 31st June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: A total of 223 patients were admitted with concurrent ipsilateral rib and scapula fractures.

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Background: Patients with multiple rib fractures without a clinical flail chest are increasingly being treated with rib fixation; however, high-quality evidence to support this development is lacking.

Methods: We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study comparing rib fixation to non-operative treatment in all patients aged 18 years and older with computed tomography confirmed multiple rib fractures without a clinical flail chest. Three centers performed rib fixation as standard of care.

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Objectives: Helical plates are preferably used for proximal humeral shaft fracture fixation and potentially avoid radial nerve irritation.

Aims: Safety of applying four different long plate designs (straight, 45°-, 90°-helical and ALPS) with MIPO technique as well as assessment and comparison of their distances to adjacent anatomical structures.

Methods: MIPO was performed in 16 human cadaveric humeri using either a straight (group 1), a 45°-helical (group 2), a 90°-helical (group 3) plate, or an ALPS (group 4).

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We describe the case of a forest worker with a Gustilo-Anderson III dislocation fracture of the ankle joint. After initial external fixation, round necrotic skin lesions with hyperemic border walls appeared on the entire lower leg. Recurrent débridements worsened the soft tissue instead of improving it.

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Background: Proximal humeral and trochanteric femoral fractures in older patients are typically caused by low-energy trauma and are therefore often associated with osteoporosis. The treatment of such fragility fractures can be difficult as implant purchase is reduced in osteoporotic bone. By augmenting the fixation with cement the contact surface between implant and bone can be increased, which improves the stability of the osteosynthesis.

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Background: Implant removal rates after clavicle plating are high. Recently, low-profile dual mini-fragment plate constructs have revealed lower implant removal rates following fixation of diaphyseal clavicle fractures. However, they have not been subject to a biomechanical investigation.

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Purpose: Helical plates potentially avoid the medial neurovascular structures of the thigh. Two implant designs for additional medial 90° helical plate in double plate constructs for geriatric patients and 180° helical plate for single plating in young patients are potential alternatives to widely used standard straight plates.

Aims: (1) assess the distances to adjacent anatomical structures being at risk when applying medial 90° and 180° helical plates with MIPO technique to the femur, (2) compare these distances with medial straight plates, and (3) correlate measurements performed during surgical dissection with CT angiography.

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Introduction: Low profile dual plate fixation using two mini fragment plates (< 2.7 mm thickness) is a relatively new technique and alternative to single plating for treating midshaft clavicle fractures. To date, no meta-analysis has been performed comparing these two techniques.

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Background: The utility of routine x-rays after the osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures and ankle fractures is questionable. We performed a trial to determine whether such x-rays are justified in patients who have undergone standardized imaging with C-arm fluoroscopy during surgery.

Methods: Patients requiring surgery for a distal radius fracture or an ankle fracture were candidates for inclusion in this prospective, randomized, controlled, non-blinded trial.

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