[Angle-fixed plate fixation or double-plate osteosynthesis in fractures of the proximal humerus: a biomechanical study].

Internal fixation of fractures of the proximal humerus needs a high stability of fixation to avoid secondary loss of fixation. This is especially important in osteoporotic bone. In an experimental study, the biomechanical properties of the angle-fixed Philos plate (internal fixator) and a double-plate osteosynthesis using two one-third tubular plates were assessed.

Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Extremity.

Acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity is a limb-threatening emergency that requires prompt surgical treatment. Early detection and decompression are necessary in order to avoid irreversible damage. In the lower extremity, compartment syndrome may occur around the pelvis, in the thigh, the lower leg or the foot.

The benefit of multislice CT in the emergency room management of polytraumatized patients.

The early treatment of polytraumatized patients needs an effective and standardized approach. Reducing time requirements for the primary diagnostic evaluation is a major concern in the early phase of polytrauma management. Multislice-CT (MSCT) is a quick and reliable method for the initial diagnostic evaluation.

Locked plate fixation and intramedullary nailing for proximal humerus fractures: a biomechanical evaluation.

Background: Internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures is associated with a considerable secondary malalignment rate. Fixed-angle implants have been suggested to increase the stability of fixation.

Methods: The biomechanical properties of four different implants were tested.

[Are angle-fixed implants with elastic properties advantageous for the internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures?].

There is a recent interest for the use of angle-fixed plates in the management of proximal humerus fractures. Rigid implants might be associated with an increased risk of cutting-out. In order to analyse the potential beneficial effects of the implant elasticity on fracture fixation, the biomechanical properties of a rigid and an elastic angle-fixed plating system were assessed in an experimental study.

[Internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures].

Background: Intramedullary nails and angle-fixed plates have recently been used in proximal humerus fractures. Rigid implants might be associated with an increased risk of failure in osteoporotic conditions.

Methods: Unstable fractures of the surgical neck were created in 24 pairs of human humeri.

[Acetabular fractures in the elderly. Results of a sophisticated treatment concept].

Acetabular fractures in elderly patients are rare injuries, but their incidence is increasing. Poor bone quality due to osteoporosis and an increased operative risk due to concomitant disease are factors complicating surgical therapy. Literature does not provide generally accepted treatment protocols.

Transverse fracture-dislocation of the sacrum: a diagnostic pitfall and a surgical challenge.

Transverse fracture-dislocations of the sacrum are rare. Associated lesions of the lumbosacral spine as well as neurological injuries are common. Conventional radiographs of the pelvis often fail to clearly visualize the fracture.

[Osteosynthesis techniques in proximal humeral fractures].

Although proximal humeral fractures are common injuries, there is no generally accepted strategy as to how unstable and displaced two- to four-part fractures should be managed. Surgical therapy is in a conflicting situation between the requirement for anatomical fracture reduction and stable fixation, on the one hand, and the necessity for minimal intraoperative damage to the soft tissue and arterial vascularization of the humeral head in order to avoid avascular necrosis on the other. Whereas minimally invasive procedures using closed or percutaneous reduction and fixation techniques are advantageous for protection of the arterial blood supply of the proximal humerus, plate fixation provides superior fixation stability.