Safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprapubic catheter insertion in spinal cord injury patients.

Study Design: Retrospective chart audit.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion in patients with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) and to attempt to identify risk factors for complications.

Setting: Specialized German centre for spinal cord injuries.

Lag-Screw Osteosynthesis in Thoracolumbar Pincer Fractures.

Study Design: Biomechanical.

Objective: This study evaluates the biomechanical properties of lag-screws used in vertebral pincer fractures at the thoracolumbar junction.

Methods: Pincer fractures were created in 18 bisegmental human specimens.

Discontinuous ventilator weaning of patients with acute SCI.

Study Design: Retrospective, single centre cohort study.

Objectives: To determine factors associated with ventilator weaning success and failure in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI); determine length of time and attempts required to wean from the ventilator successfully and determine the incidence of pneumonia.

Setting: BG Klinikum Hamburg, Level 1 trauma centre, SCI Department, Germany.