[Management of polytrauma. Preclinical handling and shock unit management].
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Nerlich.
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The growing complexity of the performance processes in medicine makes it mandatory that the flow of information is faster and more consistent, especially when the sites of health care are far away from each other. The Regensburg model, a realization of lean telemedicine from a low-cost domain, using PC-based standard videoconferencing systems shows the use of modern telecommunications, especially in trauma surgery. In 203 prospectively evaluated teleconsultations between 15 participants a total of 697 images were transmitted via videoconferencing. In 95% of the trauma cases the transmitted material was judged as at least sufficient. In project-attending evaluations the efficacy of these systems and their use were clearly demonstrated. Savings in transportation costs of up to 4,400 DM per case were achieved. Through quicker flow of information quality improvements for all participants resulted; to some extent considerable costs for health care were avoided or reduced. Based on these thoughts, a new platform of communication will be established in Regensburg as a closed medical intranet for the region of eastern Bavaria.
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Growing complexity of performance processes in medicine require a quicker and more consistent flow of information, even between distant sites of health care. The Regensburg model, a realisation of lean telemedicine from a low-cost domain, using PC-based standard videoconferencing--systems shows the use of modern telecommunications especially in medical spheres. In project-related evaluations, the efficacy of these systems as well as their use can clearly be proven. Through a quicker flow of information, quality improvements for all participants resulted, and to some extent considerable costs for health care were avoided or lowered.
In eight patients with delayed union or nonunion after 3 degrees open fracture of the tibia, a minimally invasive technique of autologous bone grafting was performed. Bone harvesting from the iliac crest and debridement of the fracture side were done percutaneous by using a 5.5 mm acromionizer without complications. In seven of eight patients complete fracture healing could be achieved (88%). Percutaneous autologous bone grafting can be recommended on limited bone defects in patients with nonunion or delayed union of the tibia and severe soft tissue damage in the lower leg.
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The successful management of pelvic fractures depends upon proper diagnosis and timely treatment. Severe pelvic fractures are life-threatening injuries in which a clear-cut treatment strategy is required to make decisions within the shortest possible time. An algorithm is presented in the form of a flow chart that has proven useful in facing difficult situations in the initial management of pelvic fractures. Decision-making is based on progressive clinical examination and a series of key questions. The sequence starts with the arrival of the patient, followed by the resuscitation phase, proceding through the initial examination and assessment of the patient to the final diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A safe approach to pelvic fractures is gained by following the proposed algorithm. The algorithm is an excellent teaching tool, but no guarantee can be given since every case is different and requires a specific approach.
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The TRISS method offers a standard approach for evaluating the outcome of trauma care. Based on the data of more than 150,000 patients, TRISS offers a method of calculating the individual probability of survival of trauma patients. The calculation is based on anatomical, physiological data and the age of the patient. The basic scores for using TRISS are the Revised Trauma Score and the Injury Severity Score. Recent analyses demonstrate for blunt trauma patients a sensitivity of 60.9% and a specificity of 99.2%. What does TRISS offer in comparison to other trauma scores? TRISS offers a valid approach for the screening of trauma patients regarding unexpected survival/death. Based on the largest database of trauma patients, TRISS represents a method of maintaining quality assurance for prehospital and hospital trauma patient care; it also allows comparison with international standards of trauma care.
Hospital-based helicopter services from German and American university-affiliated trauma centers were reviewed. All multitrauma patients transported via helicopter from the scene of the accident to the trauma center during a 1-year period were included. The patients were comparable regarding mechanism of injury, age, flight times, mean ISS, ISS distribution, and number of severe injuries per body region (patients with AIS > 3 for head, thorax and abdomen). Overall mortality for the German system was 21/221 (9.5%) and 21/186 (11.3%) for the American system (not significant). Survivor-based TRISS analysis yielded Z-statistics of +2.459 for the German, and +1.049 for the American system. There were 9 unexpected survivors (Ps < 0.5) in the German, 6 in the American system. There was a significant higher (P < 0.01) number of early deaths (< 6 h) in the American population (12, ISS 56) than in the German (4, ISS 64). Analysis of the prehospital data demonstrated significant differences in the mean volume of IV fluids infused: 1800 cc German, 825 cc American (P < 0.05); rate of intubation: 82/221 (37.1%) German, 24/186 (13.4%) American (P < 0.001); and thoracic decompressions: 20/221 (9.1%) German, 1/186 (0.5%) American (P < 0.001). Pre-hospital care in the German system is directed on-scene by a trauma surgeon member of the flight crew, compared to a nurse/paramedic team with remote medical control in the American system. Compared to an American trauma system, the German system demonstrates improved overall outcome as measured by survivor-based TRISS Z-statistics. More favorable German Z-statistics are in part related to fewer early deaths.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Early recognition of blunt abdominal trauma in patients with multiple injuries and in shock is of utmost importance and calls for a rapid screening method. The reliability of diagnostic ultrasonography in detecting hemoperitoneum in patients with multiple trauma was evaluated prospectively. From 1986 to 1990, 291 patients with severe multiple injuries (ISS greater than 20, mean ISS 31.2) were included in the study. Laparotomy was performed on 117 patients (40%). Initial ultrasound (US) findings showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 89%, 97%, and 94%, respectively, in detecting intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical repair. The positive and negative predictive values were 94% and 95%, respectively. A standardized management of frequent repeat US studies can even improve on these numbers. In our department ultrasonography has replaced diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) as the diagnostic study of first choice. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is reserved for selected cases only.
Only a small number of cases of compartment syndrome in the upper arm has been reported in the literature. The authors have reviewed 14 patients with 14 cases of compartment syndrome treated at their institution from 1980 to 1988. In the majority of cases in this series, compartment syndrome was caused by blunt, high-energy trauma. There were 9 patients with multiple trauma, 7 of whom were motor cyclists, and fracture of the upper arm was present in most of these. In 5 patients scapulothoracic dissociation with disruption of the neurovascular bundle of the upper extremity concerned was present. In this series, 2 patients died of their injuries and three arms had to be amputated. At final follow-up after an average of 45 months (range 11-91 months) the functional result was dependent mainly on the severity of the associated injuries. Patients with isolated compartment syndrome had full recovery of upper limb function.
This paper reviews the etiology, clinical picture, treatment and follow-up in 25 patients treated for a forearm compartment syndrome at the medical school in Hanover. A volar-ulnar and, when indicated, a straight dorsal incision gave adequate decompression in all operatively treated patients. Follow-up examination revealed no damage or deficit that could be related to fasciotomy. Therefore, these results support the concept that operative treatment is widely indicated for forearm compartment syndrome.
Compartment syndrome in the thigh is an uncommon condition. Most of the patients have multiple injuries. The main etiological factors are ipsilateral fractures of the femur and isolated severe soft-tissue injuries following blunt trauma. If the diagnosis is made clinically, compartment syndrome is treated by lateral incision of the thigh with incision of the fascia lata and the lateral intermuscular septum. Dermatofasciotomy does not lead to severe complications. In the follow-up there is no functional loss or neurological deficit. The indications for decompressive fasciotomy should be broad.
An analysis of 134 surgically treated compartment syndromes of the lower leg was combined with a long-term follow-up concerning late sequelae. Direct trauma including simple closed as well as severely comminuted open fractures of the tibia and fibula were predisposing factors for the development of a compartment syndrome. Clinical symptoms led to the correct diagnosis, supported by intracompartmental pressure measurements. A unilateral parafibular dermatofasciotomy involving opening all four compartments was the therapy of choice. Fifty-nine per cent of the patients had no late sequelae at the 4.2 year follow-up. 12% poor results were characterized by loss of function and neurological deficits. This group included 8 amputations above the knee due to ischemic/infectious muscle necrosis. The time interval between trauma and operation was found to be the main contributing factor to the poor results, with a delay of 23 h due to secondary referral of the patients. Fasciotomy per se showed only minimal morbidity and is strongly recommended as an emergency procedure.