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Background: Due to the demographic development the proportion of older patients has increased. These show at least a higher rate of comorbidities, which affects the length of inpatient hospital stay. Until now no uniform recording exists for such comorbidities within the occupational insurance association system even if the clinical relevance is beyond dispute. Adaptations within the system with increased interdisciplinary treatment are necessary., Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the age distribution and the frequency of comorbidities in patients in the occupational insurance association system., Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of age distribution and comorbidities of all operatively treated occupational insurance association patients in 2005 (n = 631), 2010 (n = 1180) and 2015/2016 (n = 2315). A comparison of the age groups ≤29 years, 30-49 years, 50-65 years and ≥66 years was performed., Results: The proportion of patients aged 50-65 years showed a significant increase: 2005 (26.5%), 2010 (30.5%) and 2015/2016 (37.3%) (p < 0.001) and an increased proportion of patients with at least 1 comorbidity: 2005 (38.7%), 2010 (52.5%) and 2015/2016 (52.9%) (p = 0.01). This was statistically significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.005) within the age group 30-49 years (2005: 31.1%, 2015/2016: 49.0%) and the age group 50-65 years (2005: 55.7%, 2015/2016: 67.1%). Significant changes were found for arterial hypertension, morbid obesity, thyroid and respiratory diseases. In addition, there was an increase in multimorbid patients., Discussion: A changing age distribution with a tendency to an increased number of older patients and an increased frequency of comorbidities could be determined. In the present documentation system of the occupational insurance association treatment procedure these comorbidities are insufficiently recorded and considered, even though their clinical relevance is indisputable. Adaptations with respect to intensified interdisciplinary cooperation are necessary.

Background: Radial head fractures are the most frequent fractures of the elbow joint in adults. For Mason type II fractures without concomitant injuries favorable results have been shown with operative and conservative management. There is insufficient evidence concerning elbow joint stability after conservative treatment compared to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)., Materials and Methods: All patients with isolated Mason type II (two part fracture displaced >2 mm and <5 mm) radial head fractures between 1 January 2003 and 1 April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, associated fractures of the ipsilateral extremity or elbow luxation. A total of 50 patients (mean age 44.2 years, range 19-71 years) who received either ORIF (n = 31) or conservative treatment (n = 19) were included. The mean follow-up was 43.2 months (range 9-61 months). Patients were evaluated using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS), and Oxford Elbow score (OES). Joint stability (varus and valgus stress) was assessed under fluoroscopy and a distinction was made between slight instability (angulation <10°), moderate instability (angulation ≥10°) and gross instability (elbow dislocation)., Results: Residual fracture displacement (conservative: 2.7 mm, ORIF: 1.4 mm, p < 0.042) and varus/valgus joint stability (3% ORIF vs. 26% conservative, p = 0.031) showed significant differences. The stability as tested by a radiological dynamic procedure showed an instability after ORIF in 3% of the joints compared to 26% after conservative treatment; however, this did not influence the short to mid-term clinical outcome: No significant differences were found in the DASH score (conservative 33 points, ORIF 36 points), MEPS (conservative 76 points, ORIF 78 points) and OES (conservative 41 points, ORIF 43 points)., Discussion: Both conservative management and operative treatment had a good functional outcome. Operative treatment showed a positive tendency concerning radiological and functional outcome without statistical significance.

Rim defects of the anterior glenoid cavity are a main reason for residual shoulder instability after traumatic dislocation of the shoulder. These defects can be the result of a glenoid rim fracture or chronic glenoid erosion after repeated shoulder dislocations. Treatment concepts for these entities are entirely different. While in the acute fracture situation glenoid rim fractures can be treated operatively or non-operatively, augmentation of the anterior glenoid for stabilization of the shoulder should be considered if the defect exceeds 15-25% of the anterior glenoid. The purpose of this article is to summarize the diagnostics and indications for treatment of glenoid rim fractures. Radiological assessment and options for augmentation are reviewed for both acute fractures as well as chronic instability following an anterior glenoid rim defect.

Acetabular nonunions are rare, especially after operative treatment of an acetabular fracture. There are only single reports of the reconstruction and therapy of acetabular nonunion. Furthermore, there are fewer reports for treatment of acetabular nonunion with a long follow-up. We report a successful revision of an acetabular nonunion after transversal fracture and previous operative intervention, as well as the long-term follow-up after revision surgery.

Background: Mobile exoskeletons are increasingly being applied in the course of rehabilitation and provision of medical aids to patients with spinal cord injuries., Objectives and Methods: This article gives a description of the currently available exoskeletal systems and the clinical application including scientific and medical evidence, to derive recommendations regarding clinical practice of the various exoskeletons in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries., Results: The different systems represent a useful adjunct to the therapeutic regimen depending on the medical objectives. Posture-controlled exoskeletons in particular enable mobilization of patients with neurological gait disorders via direct motion support. In addition the neurologically controlled exoskeleton HAL® leads to functional improvements in patients with residual muscular functions in the chronic phase of spinal cord injury in terms of improved walking abilities subsequent to training. However, beneficial effects on bone density, bladder function and perfusion are conceivable but not yet adequately supported by evidence. Positive effects on spasticity and neuropathic pain are currently based only on case series or small clinical trials., Conclusion: Although exoskeletons are not yet an established tool in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, the systems will play a more important role in rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries in the future. Neurologically controlled exoskeletons show beneficial effects in the treatment of acute and chronic spinal cord injuries and might therefore evolve to be a useful alternative to conventional locomotion training.

Operative fixation has become treatment of choice for unstable sacral fractures. Osteosynthesis for these fractures results in loss of reduction in up to 15%. Vertical sacral fractures involving the S1 facet joint (Isler 2 and 3) may lead to multidirectional instability. Multidirectional instability of the posterior pelvic ring and lumbopelvic junction may be stabilized and forces balanced by a so-called lumbopelvic triangular fixation. Lumbopelvic triangular fixation combines vertical fixation between the lumbar vertebral pedicle and the ilium, with horizontal fixation, as an iliosacral screw or a transiliacal plate osteosynthesis. The iliac screw is directed from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) to the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS). Thereby, lumbopelvic fixation decreases the load to the sacrum and SI joint and transfers axial loads from the lumbar spine directly onto the ilium. Triangular lumbopelvic fixation allows early full weight bearing and therefore reduces prolonged immobilization. The placement of iliac screws may be a complex surgical procedure. Thus, the technique requires thorough surgical preparation and operative logistics. Wound-related complications may occur. Preexisting Morell-Lavalée lesions increase the risk for infection. Prominent implants cause local irritation and pain. Hardware prominence and pain are markedly reduced with screw head recession into the PSIS.

Spinal and pelvic surgery (as in neuromuscular scoliosis or unilateral highly unstable vertical sacral fractures or unstable H- or U-shaped sacral fractures) relies on lumbopelvic fixation. This technique belongs to the standard procedures for lumbosacral injuries in orthopedic surgery. Preoperatively, a CT scan with 1 mm slices is essential to detect anatomical variants and cortical narrow nesses. For optimal insertion of pedicel screws, knowledge of the pedicle diameter and length is necessary and screws should be placed convergent to each other taking into consideration the pedicle length and angle. For placement of the iliac screws exact knowledge of the anatomy is essential to avoid cortical wall perforation and neurovascular injuries. The safest screw path was determined as the bony canal between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS). Intraoperatively, standard fluoroscopic views allow safe placement of the screws. The aim of the following manuscript is to illustrate anatomical and morphological aspects of the spine and pelvis as well as to describe important bony landmarks and optimal intraoperative C-arm views for optimal screw insertion.

Multiplanar posterior pelvic ring instabilities are severe injuries and typically occur in the os ilium, the sacroiliac joint, the sacrum and/or in a combination of these sites. They pose challenges to the orthopedic trauma surgeon during reconstruction, particularly when these injuries are associated with multiplanar sacral fractures and involvement of the lumbosacral junction. Due to the multidirectional forces affecting the pelvic ring, one has to have basic knowledge about the mechanism of injury, its biomechanics, and the various treatment options. In the following we give an overview on injury classifications, biomechanical aspects of the injuries and various types of operative treatments and osteosynthesis techniques.

Background: Bilateral lumbopelvic instabilities are rare; for the affected patients, however, they mean a severe reduction in quality of life. Optimal results can only be achieved with a well-adapted therapy algorithm that balances surgery and non-surgical procedures., Objectives: The present article addresses the indications, strategy, and techniques of bilateral lumbopelvic fixation in the operative treatment of bilateral lumbopelvic injuries and review of the literature and personal experience., Results: The overall incidence of lumbosacral instabilities is low and mainly caused by high energy trauma, osteoporotic insuffiencies (e.g., primarily or secondary after long segment lumbar instrumentation), and tumors. Dramatic soft tissue injuries can occur in addition to hidden neurological impairments, and therefore it is important to diagnose and evaluate all concomitant comorbidities. The keys to success are gaining stability in the lumbosacral junction possibly combined with neuronal decompression and meaningful coordination of all disciplines, certainly challenged by finding the correct moment for surgery which is between 2 days and 2 weeks. Based on the superficial anatomy of the bony structures in the lumbosacral junction, the surgical approach has to match the pathology and should be tissue saving., Conclusions: Treatment of bilateral lumbopelvic instabilities requires an accurate examination, sophisticated therapy protocol, and a multidisciplinary approach. Surgery with a bilateral lumbopelvic fixation combined with neuronal decompression is an adequate treatment that creates early bony stability, thus, promising functional weight-bearing mobilization.

Septic arthritis due to endocarditis is a rare and life-threatening disease. Endocarditis occurs with an incidence of 30 patients per 1 million citizens/year. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causative pathogens. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can lead to a severe outcome with a high mortality rate, and embolic complications of the kidney, brain, and spleen are seen in one third of all cases. The diagnosis and treatment of endocarditis is a challenge for all health care providers. We report about a patient who was admitted to our hospital with generalized sepsis of unknown origin.

Bipolar dislocation of the clavicle ("floating clavicle") is extremely rare. It exists no standardised treatment for this trauma and the treatment is often conservative. This is mainly an anterior displacement of the sternoclavicular joint (type III according to Allman) and a posterior dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint (type IV according to Rockwood).We report on a 60 year old male who fell onto the right shoulder. He sustained a 'floating clavicle' and had a massive dislocation, impairment of range of motion and pain. Venous congestion was observable. We stabilised the dislocated acromioclavicular joint with a Balser's plate, the sternoclavicular joint was fixed with PDS cord tension band technique around the first rip and the sternum. In addition we resected the anterior part of the distal clavicle to get a better cosmetic result. Post-operatively the patient had an excellent range of motion without any further symptoms after six weeks and one year. Venous congestion was not more observable.In most of the cases dislocations of both ends of the clavicle are treated conservatively. We recommend an operative treatment especially in young and active patients to avoid re-dislocation and to archive better cosmetic results.

The case of a 61-year-old male with posterior dislocation of the right shoulder joint is presented and a new technique for closed reduction of posterior locked shoulder dislocation is described. The technique involves four steps: in step 1 a constant traction is applied on the injured arm, in step 2 the arm is internally rotated and in steps 3 and 4 the second arm of the physician is used as a lever arm to lateralize and ventralize the shoulder. Lateralization and ventralization of the humeral head are essential to engage the humeral head and to pass it around the glenoid during reduction. Steps 3 and 4 are performed simultaneously. In the presented case the patient suffered a traumatic shoulder dislocation with a rim fracture of the glenoid. After reduction the shoulder was stable and conservative treatment was performed. A 2 year follow-up examination revealed a pain-free and stable shoulder with free range of motion and an Oxford instability score of 48 points. The described reduction technique for posterior locked shoulder dislocation is a simple and gentle technique, which can be performed easily by one person.Presentation of a reduction technique for locked posterior shoulder dislocation. Constant traction and internal rotation is performed for engaging the locked humeral head. After disengaging the humeral head the reduction is performed by using the arm of the physician as a lever arm.

Introduction: Blunt force injuries in martial arts occur frequently but isolated hematoma of muscles in the extremities is rare. Even minor trauma of the lower extremities due to throwing techniques in judo and other forms of Asian martial arts can lead to major pathologies., Methods: A 9-year-old girl presented with an unclear swelling and soreness of the calf muscle. The patient could not remember an obvious traumatic event. She was admitted 4 days later because of increased swelling, pain and erythema. The parents reported a minor trauma at judo training 1 week ago. Further investigation was performed with MRI and confirmed a massive hematoma much greater than previously shown by sonography., Results: Histologic and microbiologic evaluation demonstrated florid inflammation and proof of Staphylococcus aureus was found intra-operatively., Discussion: The diagnosis of blunt force injuries due to martial arts is difficult in childhood because often children do not remember a traumatic event. Therefore, it is important to obtain a thorough history from caregivers. Because sonography depends highly on the experience of the investigator MRI is considered to be a better diagnostic modality to diagnose and guide treatment in this age group.

The combination of transiliac screws and lumbopelvic distraction osteosynthesis is usually an appropriate procedure to treat vertical pelvic ring instabilities under the condition of full weight bearing. In this case, due to the extent of septic destruction of the dorsal portion of the iliac bone, the common triangular fixation method using conventional pedicle screws was not possible. Using the transiliac dorsoventral screw position with special long screws, we achieved high mechanical triangular stability sufficient for pelvic ring fusion despite the large bony defect.

Fractures of the lower pole of the patella are rare and occur typically in children. In these types of fractures an extensive sleeve of cartilage is pulled off with a small bony fragment. The so-called sleeve fractures are often overlooked in plain radiographs. We describe the operative treatment and outcomes in two patients with sleeve fractures, one receiving early and one delayed treatment.A 12-year-old boy (case 1) sustained an indirect injury to the left knee while playing ball. Clinical examination showed a lag of active extension of the left knee without decrease in passive range of motion. At 9 years of age, a 12-year-old girl (case 2) sustained a direct blunt trauma to her right knee while playing ball. The lesion of the lower pole of the patella was not diagnosed in time. During the following 3 years a lag of extension of the right knee developed.The sleeve fracture diagnosed early was treated by open reduction and internal fixation with transosseous suturing. At the 6-month follow-up the knee had regained full range of motion. The sleeve fracture diagnosed late showed a nonunion of the patella resulting in a lag of extension. Even after 3 years a shortening osteotomy of the patella resulted in full range of motion of the right knee.