Soft tissue micro-circulation in the healthy hindfoot: a cross-sectional study with focus on lateral surgical approaches to the calcaneus.

Purpose: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using an extended lateral approach combined with plate osteosynthesis represents the current gold standard in calcaneal fracture treatment, but it is associated with a wound complication rate of up to 30%. Literature suggests that micro-circulation is one of the key factors for sufficient wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate soft tissue micro-circulation of the hindfoot in healthy volunteers to determine influencing factors and to identify hypoxic or hypoperfused areas in non-trauma situations, with special attention to surgical approaches.

Soft tissue microcirculation around the healthy Achilles tendon: a cross-sectional study focusing on the Achilles tendon and dorsal surgical approaches to the hindfoot.

Background: Dorsal approaches to the hindfoot are frequently used. Furthermore, the vascular supply is discussed as a possible cause for ruptures and degeneration of the Achilles tendon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microperfusion of three possible posterior approaches to the hindfoot and different areas of the Achilles tendon.

Mortality and cardiorespiratory complications in trochanteric femoral fractures: a ten year retrospective analysis.

Purpose: Despite intense research and innovations in peri-operative management, a high mortality rate and frequent systemic complications in trochanteric femoral fractures persist. The aim of the present study was to identify predictive factors for mortality and cardio-respiratory complications after different treatment methods in a ten year period at a level I trauma centre.

Methods: Retrospectively, all patients above 60 years of age with trochanteric femoral fracture between January 2000 and May 2011 were analyzed at a level I trauma centre.

Arthroscopy or ultrasound in undergraduate anatomy education: a randomized cross-over controlled trial.

Background: The exponential growth of image-based diagnostic and minimally invasive interventions requires a detailed three-dimensional anatomical knowledge and increases the demand towards the undergraduate anatomical curriculum. This randomized controlled trial investigates whether musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) or arthroscopic methods can increase the anatomical knowledge uptake.

Methods: Second-year medical students were randomly allocated to three groups.