Does the use of epicutaneous vacuum-assisted closure after revision surgery on the spine reduce further wound revision surgery?

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of epicutaneous vacuum therapy on the rate of unplanned spinal wound revisions compared with conventional wound dressing.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent unplanned revision spine surgery after primary aseptic spine surgery who were treated at a level I spine centre between December 2011 and December 2019. Patients with revision surgery who required a further unplanned revision surgery during the inpatient stay were considered a treatment failure.

Effect of subsequent vertebral body fractures on the outcome after posterior stabilization of unstable geriatric fractures of the thoracolumbar spine.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was analyzing the effect of subsequent vertebral body fractures on the clinical outcome in geriatric patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated operatively.

Methods: Retrospectively, all patients aged ≥ 60 with a fracture of the thoracolumbar spine included. Further inclusion parameters were acute and unstable fractures that were treated by posterior stabilization with a low to moderate loss of reduction of less than 10°.

Influence of thread design on anchorage of pedicle screws in cancellous bone: an experimental and analytical analysis.

Threads of modern pedicle screws can vary greatly in design. It is difficult to assess which interplay of design features is particularly advantageous for screw anchorage. This study aims to increase the understanding of the anchorage behaviour between screw and cancellous bone.

Midterm outcome after posterior stabilization of unstable Midthoracic spine fractures in the elderly.

Background: The evidence for the treatment of midthoracic fractures in elderly patients is weak. The aim of this study was to evaluate midterm results after posterior stabilization of unstable midthoracic fractures in the elderly.

Methods: Retrospectively, all patients aged ≥65 suffering from an acute unstable midthoracic fracture treated with posterior stabilization were included.

Metaphyseal sleeves in arthroplasty of the knee : A suitable tool in management of major metaphyseal bone loss.

Background: This study examined the clinical outcome following revision arthroplasty of the knee joint and severe arthrosis with metaphyseal bone defects and instability using metaphyseal sleeves. We analyzed the results based on established scores and recorded the complications occurring on revision arthroplasty.

Material And Methods: Patients with revision arthroplasty of the knee and metaphyseal bone defects grade III according to the Anderson Orthopedic Research Institute (AORI) classification were included (16 patients, 9 females and 7 males).

Podcasts as a teaching tool in orthopaedic surgery : Is it beneficial or more an exemption card from attending lectures?

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the introduction of online podcasts as part of the main lecture series in orthopaedics on the number of lecture attendees, the examination results and the assessment of teaching by the students. Additionally, we evaluated the use of other media for examination preparation.

Methodology: At the beginning and end of the lecture series questionnaires were handed out to the students to evaluate their attitudes towards attending lectures, the use of video podcasts and examination preparation.

Acetabular defect classification and management : Revision arthroplasty of the acetabular cup based on 3-point fixation.

Background: The purpose of this study was to provide a practicable and contemporary classification system that is reliable and pragmatic with respect to perioperative evaluation, planning, scientific comparison and analysis.

Material And Methods: This was a retrospective study of 160 patients who underwent acetabular revision surgery after THR due to loosening of the acetabular cup. The assessment of the acetabular defect was based on intraoperative description of the bony configuration of the acetabulum as well as on standardized preoperative planning images (pelvic overview and axial view of the hip joint).

Which anatomic structures are responsible for the reduction loss after hybrid stabilization of osteoporotic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine?

Introduction: Hybrid stabilization is an accepted therapy strategy for unstable osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures. However, a moderate reduction loss has been reported and it remains unclear which anatomic structure is responsible for the reduction loss.

Methods: This retrospective study was performed at a level I trauma center.