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Hallux extensus is a persistent dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Apart from many other causes, it can also be caused by contracture of the extensor hallucis longus muscle, in our case resulting from surgical treatment of crural fracture. The authors present the case of a 17-year-old soccer player who sustained a fracture of both shin and calf bone during a soccer match and underwent surgical treatment with intramedullary nailing. While compartment syndrome wasn't observed, a postoperative complication in the form of progressive development of a dynamic type of hallux extensus was reported. The reason behind this complication was later found to be the interaction of the osteosynthesis material with the extensor hallucis longus muscle, which led to its scarring and shortening. A Z-lengthening of the musculus extensor hallucis longus tendon was indicated and performed with a good clinical outcome. During surgery, an anatomical variation in the course of the extensor hallucis longus was observed, which had to be taken into account to achieve a successful surgical outcome. Key words: cock-up big toe deformity, musculus extensor hallucis longus contracture, Z-lengthening tenotomy, crural fracture complication.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study aims to analyse a subpopulation of patients with severe haemorrhagic shock and a concurrent unstable pelvic ring fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS This manuscript is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data on trauma patients over a period of 10 years, namely between 2010 and 2019. These patients, primarily (after injury) referred to the trauma centre of the University Hospital Hradec Králové, were diagnosed with an unstable pelvic ring fracture as a part of multiple injuries. RESULTS The total number of patients with a pelvic ring fracture and concurrent acute phase of decompensated haemorrhagic shock in the period from 2010 to 2019 was 112. After excluding 25 patients with AIS 4 and 5 (Abbreviated Injury Scale) severe head trauma and another two patients who died of late-stage SIRS (systemic infl ammatory response syndrome) complications, the group consisted of 85 patients. Subsequently, the subpopulation of patients "in extremis" evaluated by the study included a total of 22 patients with the baseline systolic pressure below 70 mm Hg and/or baseline haemoglobin level below 80 g/l. CONCLUSIONS Prior to the evaluation of this study population, our department had no single algorithm developed to treat such patients. Slow blood circulation stabilisation or death were usually associated with inadequate haemostatic algorithm. The patients leaving the operating room and being handed over to the ICU presented the signs of a decompensated shock. Oftentimes, the pelvis was merely stabilised, with no further intervention to stop the bleeding. The extraperitoneal pelvic packing was performed in very few cases only. The extravasation of contrast media during the initial CT scan does not necessarily have to be detected due to vasospasm or hypotension with reduced blood fl ow. In such cases, only the size of haematoma is a sign of arterial bleeding. It is also risky to rely solely on vasography when stopping the bleeding which will certainly fail to stop venous bleeding. However, venous bleeding always accompanies arterial bleeding. Stabilisation of both segments of the pelvis is essential to stop bleeding in haemodynamically unstable patients with a pelvic ring injury. It is followed by extraperitoneal pelvic packing and in the case of continuing haemodynamic instability also vasography, namely even if there is a negative fi nding of the initial CT scan or if no initial CT scan was performed. This procedure has become the core of our single haemostatic algorithm. Key words: pelvic ring injury, patients in extremis, haemostatic algorithm.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the subjective evaluation of treatment by patients with respect to their return to work and recreational sport following the fracture of clavicle diaphysis with posttraumatic shortening of 1.5 cm, or more, treated non-operatively and surgically. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our group of patients consisted of 51 patients (14 females, 37 males) aged between 18 and 89 years (average age 46 years). We concentrated on the parameters of sex, age, side of injury, extent of posttraumatic shortening, method of treatment, return to work or recreational sport, DASH score at one year post non-operative or surgical treatment. Patients who sustained a pathological fracture, fractures of the clavicle combined with an injury of the acromioclavicular joint or simultaneous fracture of the humerus or the ribs were excluded from the study. Patients with open fractures or re-fractures were excluded as well. The indication for treatment selection was based on pre-operative discussion of the doctor with the patient and the Informed Consent was signed. The patient was informed about different treatment options. A shorter period of fixation of the arm and post-operative physiotherapy was mentioned in connection with surgical treatment as well as potential surgical complications. A statistical analysis comparing the data in both groups was conducted using the Fisher exact test. The p-value of 0.05 or less was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The right side was affected 26 times, the left side 25 times. The shortening ranged from 1.5 to 3.7 cm. 24 patients (8 females, 16 males) aged 21 to 89 years (average 54 years) were treated non-operatively. 27 patients (6 females, 21 males) aged 18 to 74 years (average 38 years) underwent surgery. The difference in sex distribution in both groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.5311). According to the Robinson classification, there were 17 patients with type 2A2 fractures, of whom 8 underwent surgery and 9 were treated non-operatively, 19 patients with type 2B1 fractures, of whom 9 underwent surgery and 10 were treated non-operatively, and 15 patients with type 2B2, of whom 10 underwent surgery and 5 were treated non-operatively. The surgically treated patients prevailed in type 2B2 only, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2350). In the non-operatively treated group, 23 out of 24 patients returned to pre-injury activities in 3 months on average. Ten patients (48%) reported reaching the same function as on the other side. In the DASH score evaluation, 11 patients reached the value of 0-3.3, five patients 3.4-10, six patients 10.1-30.0 and two reached the score of more than 30. In the evaluation of capacity to work, 15 out of 24 patients were able to work, 11 of them without any restrictions or difficulties. In the evaluation of the sport and playing musical instrument module, 9 out of 24 patients did not engage in sports activities or do not play any musical instruments. In the surgically treated group, 26 out of 27 patients returned to pre-injury activities within 6 weeks. 19 (70%) patients reported reaching the same function as on the other side. In the DASH score evaluation, 19 patients reached the value of 0-3.3, two patients 3.4-10, 5 patients 10.1-30.0 and one patient with nonunion 72.5. Comparison of the average values of the DASH score demonstrated slightly better results achieved by surgical treatment (9.03 vs 6.77). When assessing the work module, 24 out of 27 patients returned to work, 20 of them without any restrictions or difficulties. Out of 27 patients, 4 patients were no longer able to engage in sports activities or to play a musical instrument. Of the 23 remaining patients, 18 did not have any problems, 5 suffered from minimal problems. The group of patients treated non-operatively included one case of non-union and the same applies to the surgically treated group. In 3 patients the removal of hardware was performed, 3 patients underwent revision of the surgical wound because of infection. DISCUSSION The recommendation of the weight-bearing of the upper extremity was similar in both groups, 12 weeks post injury/surgery on average. It is clear that sooner return to work or sports activities in the surgically treated group was preferred by younger patients who expected quicker recovery. Younger patients were less patient and more eager to return to work and sports, while the older patients, on the other hand, were more cautious about possible complications of surgery. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study did not identify any correlation between the clavicle shortening and the indication for surgical treatment. Surgical treatment was preferred by younger patients, more frequently by males. The rationale was supported by the perspective of sooner return to work and favourite sports activities. Their decision was not affected by the known risks of surgical treatment. Evaluation of the DASH score at one year after injury/surgery showed similar results. A higher incidence of complications in the surgically treated group did not lead to negative evaluation of the selected treatment modality by the highly motivated group of patients either. Key words: fractures of the clavicle diaphysis, non-operative treatment, surgical treatment, return to work, return to sports activities, functional results at 1 year.

The author presents a case study of the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion (REBOA) as a suitable alternative to thoracotomy and clamping of the descending aorta to control retroperitoneal bleeding in a patient with a pelvic injury. The patient who suffered multiple trauma after car accident, type C pelvic injury and retroperitoneal bleeding among other things, was following the pre-hospital ambulance care transported to the department of emergency medicine, with catecholamine infusion to support the blood flow. After the primary survey following the ATLS principles, the patient was taken for a CT scan. The CT examination revealed also multiple sources of retroperitoneal bleeding. Subsequently, the patient was brought to the operating room, where endovascular balloon occlusion of the descending aorta was performed to temporarily control retroperitoneal bleeding, which provided more time to treat the patient in line with the damage control surgery principles. In bleeding patients who suffered blunt torso traumas and serious haemorrhagic shock, or patients "in extremis", the survival after emergency thoracotomy ranges only around 1%. The to date results of REBOA technique applied in same indications are very promising globally. The survival rate increases multiple times especially in hypotensive patients, without the necessity of their immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Key words:resuscitative balloon occlusion of the aorta, REBOA, haemorrhagic shock, retroperitoneal bleeding.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The prevalence of nerve structure injuries accompanying pelvic and acetabular fractures is stated to be 5-25 %, with most frequent injuries to motor nerve structures associated with fractures of the posterior wall of the acetabulum. Prognostically worse outcomes of regeneration are documented mainly in iatrogenic, intraoperative injuries to nerve structures. This study aims to document the functional effect of muscle transfers restoring the movement of lower extremities with irreversible nerve lesion caused by the pelvic and acetabular fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 18 patients with irreversible palsy of lower extremities in L4-S1 segments underwent a reconstruction surgery in the period 2006-2016, of whom 13 patients with the mean age of 42 (21-79) years arrived for a follow-up. The group included 10 patients with the loss of function of peroneal portion of the sciatic nerve, one patient sustained femoral nerve lesion and two patients suffered complete sciatic nerve lesion (both the peroneal and tibial portion). The patients were evaluated at the average follow-up of 77 (24-129) months after the reconstruction surgery. The average time interval from pelvic fracture to reconstruction by muscle transfer was 47 (18-151) months. Due to a wide spectrum of functional damage, the patients were evaluated in terms of the overall effect of the reconstruction surgery on the activities of daily living using the LEFS (The Lower Extremity Functional Scale). The surgical techniques used transposition of tensor fascie latae for femoral nerve lesion, transposition of tibialis posteriormuscle for palsy of the peroneal division of the sciatic nerve and tenodesis of tibialis anterior tendon and peroneus longustendon for the palsy of the peroneal and tibial portion of sciatic nerve. RESULTS The effect of movement restoration on daily living evaluated using the LEFS achieved 65 points (53-79) which is 85% of the average value of LEFS in healthy population. The transposition of active muscles tibialis posterior and tensor fasciae latae resulted in all the patients in active movement restoration. A loss of correction of foot position following the performed tenodesis of the paralysed tibialis anterior muscle was observed in one patient, with no significant impact on function. No infection complication was reported in the group. In 78% of patients the intervention was performed as day surgery. DISCUSSION There is a better prognosis for restoration in incomplete nerve lesion than in complete lesions and also in the loss of sensation than in the loss of motor function. The mini-invasive stabilisation of pelvic ring according to literature does not increase the risk of nerve lesions, while on the other hand a higher incidence of femoral nerve damage by INFIX fixator is documented. The type of muscle transfer is selected based on the availability of active muscles suitable for transposition and also with respect to functional requirements of the patient. CONCLUSIONS Irreversible palsy of lower extremity after the pelvic fracture is easily manageable as to the restoration of function. Surgical interventions using the preserved active muscles to restore the lost movement should be a component part of comprehensive surgical care for patients who sustained a pelvic fracture and should be performed centrally at a centre availing of comprehensive expertise. Key words: nerve lesion, tendon transfer, acetabulum, pelvis, fracture.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Non-operative and operative treatment of acetabular fractures is associated with a risk of development of posttraumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head or with the development of posttraumatic coxarthrosis. The purpose of the study was to identify the occurrence of these two complications in patients in our group and to determine the risk factors for the development of these complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS The retrospective study was conducted in two Level I trauma centres in the period from 2009 to 2014. The group included patients with an acetabular fracture. The inclusion criteria were the following: outpatient follow-up for the period of 3 years after the injury, full radiology and CT documentation. The exclusion criteria were the following: pathological fractures, missing documentation after the union, insufficient follow-up period or dissent of the patient. The inclusion criteria were met by 192 patients, 48 women and 144 men, with the mean age of 48.9 years. The following basic epidemiological data were monitored: age, sex, cause of injury, type of fracture according to the Letournel classification, occurrence of associated injuries and type of therapy. The patients undergoing non-operative treatment as well as patients undergoing operative treatment underwent clinical and radiological examinations at 3 and 6 weeks after the injury, then at 3, 6 and 12 months after the injury, subsequent follow-up checks were done at a year-interval up to 3 years after the injury. RESULTS The posttraumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head developed in 22 patients (11.7%, 17 men, 5 women, p = 0.1159), with the mean age of 55.3 years (STDEVP 15.5, range from 22 to 82). The average time to the development of femoral head necrosis was 13.1 months (STDEVP 17.0, range from 1 to 80), median 6 months, 95% percentile 34 months. In a total of 16 patients necrosis developed within 18 months after injury, while in 6 patients after a longer period of time. Progression of coxarthrosis was observed in 63 patients (33.5%, 44 men and 19 women, p = 0.0447). Within 24 months progression was seen in 55 patients, beyond 2 years in 8 patients. Confirmed as risk factors for the development of posttraumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head and progression of posttraumatic coxarthrosis were the age 60 years and above (p = 0.0023), posttraumatic medialisation of the femoral head greater than 2 mm (p < 0.0001), displacement in the weight bearing area within the acetabulum greater than 2 mm (p < 0.0001), operative treatment (p = 0.0014), combined surgical approach (p = 0.0044), and higher caput-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) angle of proximal femur (p = 0.0142). At risk for the development of avascular necrosis were the A5 type fractures (p = 0.0214) and B2 type fractures (p = 0.0218), at risk for the development of coxarthrosis were the C1 type fractures (p = 0.0122). The isolated fractures of the anterior column were by contrast associated with a significantly lower risk for development of both the AVN (p = 0.0052) and posttraumatic coxarthrosis (p = 0.0006), the isolated fractures of the posterior wall were associated only with a higher risk for AVN and coxarthrosis summation (p = 0.0399), and the same applies to the T fractures (B3, p = 0.0200). DISCUSSION Majority of current studies regarding acetabular fractures focuses on operative treatment, short-term complications and comparison of outcomes of operative and non-operative treatment. Only a few studies are dedicated to epidemiological data, or risk factors for the development of medium-term and long-term complications. In the presented study attention was paid to two main complications arising from these fractures and requiring subsequent operative treatment: posttraumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head and posttraumatic coxarthrosis. The limitations of the study are its retrospective nature, summation of groups from two trauma centres (potential bias in patient enrolment or in assessing radiographs), lower frequency of clinical surveillance in non-operatively treated patients after healing, a fairly low number of non-operatively treated patients - especially those with osteoporosis-related insufficiency fractures. Ranking among the relative limitations is also the Letournel classification which, though most commonly used at present, shows a low level of correlation in comparisons by more evaluators. CONCLUSIONS Confirmed as significant risk factors for the development of posttraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head and posttraumatic coxarthrosis progression were the age of 60 and above, posttraumatic medialisation of the femoral head greater than 2 mm, displacement involving the weight bearing area of the acetabulum greater than 2 mm, operative treatment, combined operative approach. At risk are also the transverse fractures (A5 according to the Letournel classification), transverse posterior wall fractures (B2 according to the Letournel classification) and at risk for the development of coxarthrosis are both-column fractures with the high fracture line of the anterior column (C1 according to the Letournel classification). Femoral neck valgosity was a risk factor for the development of femoral head necrosis. Conversely, sex and instability of osteosynthesis detected on the radiograph within 3 months postoperatively were not confirmed as the risk factors for the development of aforementioned complications. To verify the results of this retrospective study other multicentric and prospective studies should be conducted. Key words: complications of treatment of acetabular fractures, risk factors for avascular necrosis of femoral head, risk factors for coxarthrosis.

The case of a 63-year-old man diagnosed with Collet-Sicard syndrome due to a fracture of the right occipital condyle is presented. The cause of injury was falling off a bicycle. Dysphonia and dysphagia were present from the moment of injury, with the gradual development of light atrophy of the tongue muscles and right trapezius muscle. The diagnosis was based on examination by CT and MRI methods, the act of swallowing and physical examination by an otorhinolaryngology specialist and a neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis of injury to cranial nerves IX, X and XI on the right side. The patient was treated conservatively with application of a Philadelphia collar. Dysphagia required PEG tube insertion. Skull fracture healing was evident on a CT scan at 3-month follow-up. However, dysphonia with dysphagia and muscle atrophy remained persistent.

Purpose of the Study: The study was designed to investigate whether anatomical variations of the anterior and posterior divisions of the internal iliac artery and their branches are associated with different risks of bleeding resulting from injury to the posterior pelvic segment., Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 19 cadavers. The dissected area included the internal iliac artery from the common iliac artery bifurcation to the origins of the superior gluteal artery, the inferior gluteal artery and the internal pudendal artery. Using an electronic slide rule, distances between the bifurcation and the origin of each branch from either the anterior or the posterior division were measured. The diameter of each vessel was also determined. Findings of the study were compared with variations described in the literature. The degree of risk for bleeding related to different anatomical variations of the internal iliac artery and its branches was evaluated based on the proximity to the bone., Results: There are six anatomical variations of internal iliac artery branches. Four of them were found: type A1 was recorded in 10 specimens, type A2 in six, type B1 in two and type C in one specimen. Types B2 and D were not seen., Discussion: The type B2 and C anatomical variations were considered to carry higher risks of bleeding due to injury to the posterior pelvic segment. These variations are characterized by vessels larger in diameter and a longer course of the posterior division along the posterior part of the greater sciatic notch (area often involved in unstable pelvic ring fractures). On the other hand, the type C variation showed a longer internal iliac artery separated from the bone with a thick layer of soft tissue, which suggested lower risk than was attributed to the dominant type A1 variation. It was not possible to evaluate type B2 variation because it is very rare and was not found in study material. In type A2 and B1 variations, the branches were separated from bony structures similarly to the dominant type A1 variation., Conclusions: The cadaver study designed to assess the risk of bleeding associated with different morphological variations of the branching pattern of the internal iliac artery did not identify any anatomical arrangement that might carry a higher risk of injury to the vessels by free bone fragments of the posterior segment in unstable pelvic fractures. It can be concluded that less common branching patterns of the internal iliac artery are not associated with higher risk of bleeding than the dominant type A1 variation.

Purpose of the Study: To present the results of a three-year study on micturition, defecation, gynecological and sexual disorders in middle-aged women who sustained pelvic fractures., Material and Methods: A group of 33 female patients who were treated for unstable pelvic fractures (AO types B or C) in the 2004-2009 period were evaluated (treated group) and compared with 31 women who had given vaginal birth at least once and went to see a urologist because of urinary problems in the period from 2009 to 2010 (control group). The questionnaires used in the study included ICIQ, UIQ, UDI and PISQ12 instruments. Urodynamic tests included flow cystometry, urethral pressure profile at rest and under stress and uroflowmetry. For a comparison of continuous variables of normal distribution, the t-test for independent samples was used. In the questionnaire study when responses were classified as nominal-ordinal variables, the Mann-Whitney U-test was used. Differences between the two patient groups in qualitative variables were tested by Pearson s 2 test. When the expected number of answers in contingency table was lower than 5, Fisher s exact test was used; when the number of answers was 0, Haldane s correction was employed. The results in all tests were considered significant when the level of significance was lower than 5%, i.e. p-value < 0.05., Results: The age of patients in the treated group ranged from 17 to 55 years (average, 32 years), the age in the control group was between 30 and 78 years (average, 58 years). The difference was significant (p<0.001). The control group patients had significantly more serious urination disorders than the treated group patients. Some micturition problems were reported by 25 patients (75%) of the treated group and by all patients of the control group (p<0.001). Intestinal disorders were more frequent in the treated group, in which 19 (61%) patients reported problems as against seven (21%) in the control group. Gynaecological problems involving feelings of genital prolapse had 13 (39%) control patients (p = 0.041). Sexual disorders were markedly worse in the treated group, with 16 (52%) of the patients having problems in comparison with only seven (21%) in the control group., Discussion: A comparison of patient groups composed using the method described here is disputable. The first difficulty lay with a low compliance of the treated patients, of whom only 33 underwent examination out of 52 originally enrolled. The other problem was the necessity of having an exactly defined control group of patients willing to undergo urological and gynaecological examination including urodynamic testing. The groups composed by our method were comparable only in the micturition disorder characteristic. A significantly higher age of the control group affected the comparison of defecation, gynaecological and sexual problems., Conclusions: The results of this study showed a high occurrence of micturition, defecation and sexual disorders in middle-aged women after pelvic injury. However, the problems are usually not serious enough to make the patients seek help of a specialist. The authors recommend that these problems should be looked for by disorder-directed inquiry in the final period of pelvic fracture treatment and help of a specialist in urology, gynaecology, sexuology or proctology should be offered to the patients in whom disorders have been identified. Key words: urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, stool incontinence, obstipation, unstable pelvic fracture.

Joint dislocation after total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication. It is described as the result of ligamentous instability. Here we report the case of an 82-year-old women who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for advanced primary grade III gonarthrosis. At 3 post-operative months the joint was stable and painless, with radiographic evidence of good TKA alignment and integration. At 4 months the patient suffered injury to the ankle involving a bimalleolar fracture and damage to knee soft tissues. The fracture was surgically treated. Subsequently, dorsal tibial dislocation was manifested. This was managed by individual intramedullary nail arthrodesis. At 8 months following the operation, the knee condition was satisfactory, with rigid arthrodesis and leg shortening of 4 cm. The patient was satisfied because she was free of pain and able to walk. Arthrodesis of the knee joint with an individual nail is an option for a definitive treatment of TKA instability. When other joints, such as ankle or hip joints, are injured, it is recommended to pay attention also to any TKA implanted previously because of potential development of instability or infection.

We present the case report of a 21-year-old man with a late diagnosis of retrosternal dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint with a fractured sternal end of the clavicle. The first symptom leading to the diagnosis was dysphagia associated with physical activity. The diagnosis was based on computed tomography examination. In the first place, the fragment of the medial clavicular end was fixed with two screws. During surgery the sternoclavicular joint was wrongly identified; this fact was revealed by the following radiographic examination. On revision surgery, the sternoclaviculr ligament was reconstructed using a semitendinosus tendon graft. The reconstructed ligament was augmented with two Orthocord sutures running between the clavicle and the first rib. At 2 years after surgery the functional outcome and sternoclavicular joint stability were excellent.

Introduction: The objective of this work is to present results obtained in a three-year study focussed on micturition, defecation and sexual disorders in women of active age., Methods: The monitored set consisted of 33 female patients treated in 2004-2009 for unstable pelvic fracture (B-type or C-type according to AO classification). Out of them 25 patients suffered B-type fracture and 8 patients suffered C-type fracture. Their age ranged between 17 and 55 years (the average age was 32 years). Anamnestic data were obtained based on UIQ, UDI and PISQ12 questionnaires. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used for answers to individual questions representing nominal/ordinal variables. After finding a statistically significant difference in answers between both groups of patients, it was investigated by means of Pearson Chi2-test which answers are behind this statistically significant difference. If the number of answers to any question was less than 5, the exact Fisher test was used. In the event the rate equalled 0, Haldane correction was applied. All tests were considered statistically significant if the significance level was below 5%., Results: The occurrence of urologic problems was higher in the B-type fracture patients (84% vs. 50%), however, afflictions were more severe in the C-type fracture patients. Intestinal problems were more frequent in the C-type fracture patients (75% vs. 52%) and they were also more severe. Also sexual problems were more frequent in the C-type fracture patients (75% vs. 40%), although according to individual answers it was not possible to state that their sexual life was unequivocally worse., Conclusion: The analysis of comparison of micturition, sexual and defecation problems in patients one year after the unstable pelvic fracture showed in some respects higher problems in the patients who had suffered the C-type fracture. However, more important are the following observations, generally related to unstable pelvic fracture patients: 1. The occurrence of micturition, sexual and defecation problems was unexpectedly high; 2. Without active examination by a traumatologist during the after-treatment "minor" problems may escape his/her attention and may negatively affect life of each individual patient in the longer run; 3. A targeted method of detection of problems by means of questionnaires could lead to their disclosure; 4. A urologist, urogynaecologist, sexologist and proctologist have an indisputable place in the treatment of women who suffered a severe pelvic trauma.

The authors are presenting a case of 42-year-old polytraumatized man with pelvic fracture associated with extraperitoneal urinary bladder rupture. This was verified by intraoperative retrograde cystography and treated with suture without making suprapubic tube drainage. Urinary draining was assured with a transurethral permanent urinary catheter. Conversion from external fixation to internal osteosynthesis of pelvic fracture was performed as far as 26 days after admission for significantly poor overall condition of the patient. Injury of the bladder and pelvic fracture healed without any complications. This case review points to the possibility of surgical repair of bladder rupture without epicystostomy, which is an obstacle or an increased risk of infection for internal fixation of anterior part of the pelvic ring. Suprapubic tube is not beneficial in surgical repair of urinary bladder rupture. However, it is normal practice that the suprapubic tube associated with bladder suture is indicated according to urology department tradition or by an individual physician - urologist himself. In the choice of surgical treatment tactics in these types of injuries proper communication between the urologist and the surgeon dealing with complex pelvic trauma is important.

Pelvic ring injuries occur at any age. Most injuries to the pelvis are due to high-energy trauma, these injuries are therefore associated with abdominal, thoracic and head injuries. Unstable disruption of the pelvic ring has been often coupled with massive or life-threatening haemorrhage. The goal of the prehospital management is to keep airway open, start oxygen therapy, fluid replacement therapy and apply appropriate immobilization device. On admission of hemodynamically stable patients CT is preferred, for hemodynamically unstable the plain antero-posterior pelvis radiograph and ultrasound. To achieve hemodynamic stability, the pelvic C-clamp or external fixator should be applied. Pelvic packing or ligation of internal iliac artery is performed in the presence of arterial bleeding. In the acute period minimally invasive internal fixation with closed reduction should be used (transiliacal internal fixator, iliosacral screws). The open reduction with internal fixation can be performed after stabilization of the general state of health (after about 5 days), pelvic plates and spinopelvic fixation are appropriate for this approach. To recover the patient into normal life, bed rest and rehabilitation follows after surgical treatment.

Purpose of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcomes and permanent sequelae of pelvic fractures at one year after injury and to identify factors that influenced these results., Material and Methods: The group evaluated consisted of 151 patients older than 15 years treated for pelvic fractures in 2007 at seven hospitals in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This one-year descriptive prospective study included all basic epidemiological data concerning the patients and the evaluation of their clinical results using the Majeed score. The obtained data were statistically analysed by the 2% test of independence and contingency tables at a 5% level of significance. For data obtained at a low frequency, only descriptive statistical methods were used., Results: From the original group of 237 patients (101 women and 136 men), 16 died (7 women and 9 men) and 70 were lost for follow-up (28 women and 42 men), leaving 151 patients (64%) for evaluation. This final group comprised 66 women (44%) and 85 men (56%) with the age range of 16 to 82 and an average age of 42.7 years (women, 45.3 years; men, 40.7 years). Age distribution, causes of injury, types of pelvic fracture, associated injuries and methods of treatment in this group were similar to those in the original group. The clinical outcomes evaluated using the pelvic Majeed score were excellent and good in 85%, fair in 12% and poor in 3% of the patients. The prediction of clinical outcome was more accurate when based on the extent of dislocation of the dorsal segment after fracture healing than on the type of pelvic fracture The permanent sequelae were recorded in 22 patients (15%) and a total of 43 specific complaints were identified; some patients had multiple sequelae involving neurological, urological and sexual problems. Neurological deficit was related to the type of pelvic injury and its highest occurrence was associated with type C pelvic fractures. Permanent neurological deficits were found in 15 patients (10% of patients in the final group), of whom 10 were diagnosed early after injury as having neurological lesions (7% of the final group) and in five the diagnosis was made after surgery (8 %of surgically treated patients). Fifteen permanent urological disorders were recorded in 13 patients and they also were most frequent in type C fractures. However, they were more strongly associated with primary urethral injury and primary or post-operative neu-rogenic lesions. Sexual sequelae were also found in association with type C fractures; almost all patients with these problems had injury to the lower urinary tract or neurogenic lesions. Permanent gastrointestinal sequelae were in three patients; all of them sustained unstable pelvic fractures and were diagnosed with post-operative neurogenic lesions., Discussion: Based on the evaluation of basic patient data, the patient group described here can be regarded as a representative sample of the originally treated patients. Therefore, in the authors' view, the results presented here can be taken as valid. In agreement with other authors, the study recorded poorer clinical outcomes in the patients with more serious types of pelvic injury, and dramatically worse results in relation to the extent of dislocation of the dorsal segment after the pelvic fracture had healed. The authors confirmed that permanent neurological and urological sequelae occur more frequently in patients with a more serious pelvic injury. Urological and sexual problems were more often associated with the presence of neurologi- cal deficit than with the type of pelvic fracture and injury to the lower urinary tract., Conclusions: The evaluation of patient data at one year after pelvic injury in this prospective longitudinal study justify the authors to draw the following conclusions: clinical outcomes were worse in unstable pelvic fractures; worse clinical results were related to the extent of residual dislocation of the dorsal pelvic segment; permanent neurological sequelae were most frequent and were perceived by the patients with strong negative feelings particularly when they manifested clinically after surgery; permanent urological, sexual and gastrointestinal problems were more closely associated with neurological deficits than with the severity of primary injury to the pelvic skeleton, lower urinary tract, sexual organs or digestive system.

The study analyses associated injuries in a group of 23 patients (20 men, 3 women) operated on for a dislocated scapula fracture. The group included 16 cases of isolated fractures of the body and 7 cases a fracture of the body combined with a fracture of the scapular neck or intraarticular fracture of the glenoid fossa. The most frequent cause of the trauma was traffic accident or fall from bike. The condition of patients with scapula fractures at admission ranged between mild injury and polytrauma and was influenced mainly by additional injuries. Associated injuries were diagnosed in 19 (83%) patients, the most frequent of which were fractures of the ribs, in 15 (65%) cases. In 9 (39%) of cases they were combined with pneumothorax, hemothorax or lung contusion. Injuries to the shoulder girdle were diagnosed in 6 (26%) patients and injuries of the head also in 6 patients (26%). Fractures of long bones involved lower extremities in 7 cases and upper extremity in 3 cases. In addition, a fracture of the acetabulum or 3rd lumbar vertebra, kidney contusion and injury to the brachial plexus were diagnosed in individual cases.

Purpose of the Study: To evaluate, in a retrospective study, injuries to the urogenital tract in patients with pelvic ring fractures. MATERIAL In the years 1998-2007, a total of 308 patients with pelvic ring fractures were treated. The study did not comprise patients with low-energy fractures, such as apophyseolysis in children, osteoporotic bone fractures or pathologic fractures. It also did not include patients with multiple injuries who died within 6 hours of admission to the hospital. The group consisted of 186 men and 122 women with an average age of 34 (range, 6 to 76) years., Results: The fractures sustained were classified as type A in 5 %, type B in 57 % and type C in 38 % of the patients. The average follow-up was 71 (range, 13 to 121) months. A primary injury to the urogenital tract was recorded in 50 (16 %) patients. Injury to the urethra was found in 23 (7.5%) and urinary bladder trauma in 18 (6%) patients, vaginal injury was in four women (1%), and penis injury in three (1%) and lacerated testicles in two men (1%). Injury to the urogenital tract was associated with a pelvic ring fracture type A in 5 %, type B in 34 % and type C in 61 % of the patients. Out of the 23 patients with urethral trauma, only six (26 %) were free from functional and subjective complaints; eight (35 %) continued to receive therapy for urethral stenosis seven (30 %) reported urinary incontinence, and seven men (30 %) had erection problems. In six patients (26%) the lasting sequelae were combined. The 18 patients with injury to the bladder reported no subjective complaints at a one-year follow-up. Two patients with penis root injury had erectile dysfunction. Two patients with the loss of both testicles were in the care of a psychiatrist. The patients' satisfaction was evaluated on a 0-to10-point scale. The average value for the whole group was 4.1 points. In the patients with erectile dysfunction, the value was 0.8, and in those with isolated injury to the urinary bladder it was 9.4 points., Discussion: The increasing number of injuries to the urogenital tract associated with permanent sequelae is caused by a growing number of pelvic ring fractures as well as, and this is more important, by decreasing mortality in patients with severe trauma to the pelvic ring The extent of urogenital injury is related to the degree of dislocation of the pelvic skeleton. Injury to the male urethra is the most frequent urogenital trauma because of the male anatomy. It occurs most often in unstable C type fractures when the pelvic ring is disrupted with bone displacement due to shear force at the site of urethra attachment. The consequences are related to the quality of treatment of urogenital tract injury as well as to how the skeletal injury is managed. The lasting effects of the primary injury to nerve structures are beyond repair by therapy., Conclusions: Injury to the urethra results in erectile dysfunction in 50 % of the injured patients it is often associated with urinary incontinence that has a strong effect on the patient's life quality. Isolated trauma to the urinary bladder has a good prognosis. The incidence of post-traumatic incontinence is not high, but reduces the patient's personal and social comfort. A prerequisite for a successful therapeutic outcome is a good cooperation of the orthopaedic surgeon and urologist. Key words: pelvic ring fractures, urogenital injury.

The authors present the case of 36 years old woman, who suffered from unstable fracture of pelvis after she fell from the 5th floor. The spongiosa bleeding from both massae laterales sacri caused significant blood circuit destabilisation not only immediately after the injury but also in hours following the external fixation of pelvis. Due to persistent blood losses it was necessary to apply 38 RBC units, 48 FFP units, 1500 IU of antithrombin III, 1000 mg of fibrinogen and 6 platelet units within first 12 hospitalisation hours. With respect to ongoing bleeding and lack of accessible blood products it was decided to stop intensive hemotherapy and rationalize the treatment. The rationalization led to the hypotension (systolic blood pressure was 40-60 mm Hg), which along with gradual increase of body temperature caused unexpectable patient stabilisation. The systolic blood pressure was stabilized on 80 mm Hg and heart rate about 100/min. After 4 hours another 3 RBC units and 4 FFP units brought from the nearest reachable hospital were applied. The following blood pressure measurement was 120/80 and heart rate about 90/min. In the course of following 2 days it was possible to stop the catecholamine treatment. The authors are of opinion, that uncovered spongiosa caused by expresive dislocation of fragments may lead to massive bleeding that is difficult to stop by accessible means. The bleeding may be an essential risk for patients life and neither targeted intensive postoperative care can settle the matter.

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries. For the diagnosis and treatment of unstable pelvic ring fracture in a haemodynamically unstable patient, it is necessary to use standard procedures with the objective to stabilise both blood circulation and the pelvic ring. According to the state of the patient, the choice is between life-saving surgery, damage control surgery and procedures of early or delayed stabilisation of the pelvic ring. The survival of injured patients as well as their further health condition will depend on the method of treatment used in the first hours after injury.

Purpose of the Study: A group of 49 patients treated by total hip arthroplasty after previous surgery for an acetabular fracture are evaluated in this retrospective study., Material: In the period from 1997 to 2004, 49 patients, 35 men and 14 women, with posttraumatic arthritis following acetabular fracture were treated in our department. The average age was 42 years, with 67 % of the patients being younger than 40 years. The average follow-up was 42 montsh (range, 18 to 92). The acetabular fractures evaluated by the AO classification included type A1 in 17 patients, type A2 in seven, type B1 in nine, type B2 in six, type B3 in seven, type C1 in three and type C2 in two patients., Methods: In 11 patients with aseptic necrosis of the femoral head without acetabular deformity, cementless Zweymüller Bicon or Spotorno CLS acetabular components were used. Twenty-nine patients with acetabular defects of type I and II, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) classification, underwent acetabular reconstruction with the bone impaction grafting technique, using allogenic grafts and cementless Zweymüller Bicon acetabular components. Four patients with AAOS type III acetabular defects were treated with impacted morsellized bone allografts, using titanium mesh and cemented polyethylene acetabular cups. Three patients were treated with solid bone grafts fixed with osteosynthetic material. In two patients with type IV defects, osteosynthesis using a plate completed with allogenic bone graft, a mesh and a cemented cup were used., Results: The patients were evaluated with the use of Harris hip scores. In 20 patients (43 %) the outcomes were excellent, and very good in 18 (37 %), satisfactory in six (12 %) and poor in four (8 %) patients., Discussion: Hip joint arthroplasty following the surgical treatment of acetabular fracture is indicated in patients with post-traumatic hip arthritis. This frequently occurs due to complications associated with surgery for acetabular fractures, or the cause remains unknown. Some types of these fractures show a high proportion of poor results. The group can be divided into two different subgroups: the patients with a spherical, healed acetabulum and the patients with acetabular deformity or defect, of which the most serious condition is pseudoarthrosis of one or both columns. In the first subgroup, the surgical technique of acetabulum replacement is the same as in cases with arthritis due to degenerative disease. In the other subgroup, the procedure for cup implantation resembles revision arthroplasty for acetabular loosening. The options for treating defects or deformities and the implants used are identical in both situations. Therefore the results should be compared with those of revision arthroplasty and not primary implantation. Scars, fibrotic changes in muscles, para-articular ossification, bone defects, residual deformities of the acetabulum, devitalized bone fragments or hindering previous implants make the surgical procedure more difficult and interfere with good results., Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty carried out after acetabular fracture is technically demanding. The prerequisite for a good result is to achieve primary stability of the acetabulum. Acetabular reconstruction is based, in the first place, on replacement of the missing bony tissue, and on providing conditions for correct alignment of the acetabulum and reliable primary and early secondary osteointegration. THA after acetabular fracture achieves poorer results than when it is indicated for degenerative disease. Key words: acetabular fracture, post-traumatic hip arthritis, total hip replacement.

Complex injuries of the shoulder are comparatively rare. Within the field of complex shoulder injuries this article particularly deals with the diagnosis and therapy of the "floating shoulder injury" as a review article. This term describes a discontinuation of the osseus and soft tissue suspension of the upper extremity from the axial skeleton. By literature review and involvement of recent biomechanical studies this article will show the injury patterns that lead to instability of the shoulder girdle and the therapeutic to be employed in respective cases. Key words: shoulder, floating shoulder, clavicle fracture, scapula fracture.

Fractures of the bones of elderly people occur more often and have a more important effect because of a generally diminished ability to coordinate stance and walking. These fractures occur at a lower level of load because of lack of strength of the porotic bone. Prompt recovery of skeletal support function is essential to avoid respiratory and circulatory complications in the elderly. To prevent elderly people from the risks of being bedridden, demanding internal fixation of fractures is required. The weak porotic bone and the high level of uncontrolled loading after internal fixation pose complex problems. A combination of several technical elements of design, application and aftercare in internal fixation are proposed. Internal fixators with locked screws improve the biology and the mechanics of internal fixation. When such fixators are used as elevated splints they may stimulate early callus formation because of their flexibility, the limit of flexibility being set by the demands of resistance and function of the limb. Our own studies of triangulation of locked screws have demonstrated their beneficial effects and unexpected limitations.

Objective: Urological complications of pelvic fractures include in particular rupture of the urinary bladder (RUB), injury of the posterior urethra (IPU) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The authors present their own group of patients and in particular the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in IPU., Material and Methods: In the Plzen Faculty Hospital in 1/1998 to 8/2002 a total of 19 patients were treated with serious urological complications of pelvic fractures--9x RUB, 11x IPU (once with RUB). RUB was in one instance intraperitoneal, in the remainder extraperitoneal., Results: IPU was without dislocation 6x, with dislocation 5x. Primary "realignment" of the urethra was made in 6 patients (in dislocations and in concurrent rupture of the bladder). In the remaining 5 an epicystostomy was established. In 4 after an interval of 3 months a posterior resection urethroplasty was made because of a distraction defect. One patient with a distraction defect was referred to the urological department of the catchment area and in another patient after-treatment is planned. Severe ED developed in 6 IPU of 10, always in dislocations of the urethra. In one patient we lack information on erections., Conclusion: When IPU is suspected (urethrorhagia), dislocation of the prostate on examination p.r.) ascendent urethrography and IVU are essential. Do not catheterize before completed examination. Then needle epicystostomy is performed, in major dislocations of the urinary bladder or in associated injuries primary "realignment" of the urethra open on a catheter or endoscopically. In distraction defects after 12 weeks a posterior resection plastic operation follows.

The authors describe an atypical case of the so called Bosworth fracture of ankle. A woman, 26 years suffered a fracture of fibula in the proximal third of the shaft, the distal fibular fragment was displaced from the fibular insicure of distal tibia posteromedially where it remained locked behind posterior tibial tubercle, and a fracture of medial malleolus and fracture of the posterolateral fragment of distal tibia. Thus it was a fracture-dislocation of ankle of Weber C type. The primary examination showed an evident external rotation deformity of the foot with regard to tibia. Conservative reduction was performed with a subsequent surgical revision, fixation of medial malleolus, suture of anterior tibiofibular ligament and stabilization of the reduced fibula in the fibular insicure of distal tibia by a suprasyndesmal screw. At present, four years after the surgery the patient is fully satisfied. Objectively there occurred only a limitation of dorsiflexion in ankle by 10 degrees as compared to the contralateral joint. Radiograph shows healing of the fracture in the anatomical position, without sings of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Analysis of literature has showed that only approximately 40 cases with various sub-types of this fracture have been so far described. Typical of all fractures is a marked external rotation of the foot with regard to tibia, radiograph shows posterior subluxation of talus with regard to distal tibia and posteromedial dislocation of distal fibula from the fibula insicure of distal tibia and its locking behind its posterior tubercle. Apart from the above mentioned, associated with the injury is always a rupture of anterior tibiofibular ligament and partial rupture or distension of posterior tibiofibular ligament. In a typical Bosworth fracture it is associated with fracture of lateral malleolus of Weber B fracture. Very frequent is also a minor avulsion of the posterolateral fragment of distal tibia. In atypical cases fibula breaks in its proximal third (this Weber C type of fracture is described only by Hamilton) or there is no fracture of fibula. In children or young adults fibula does not break, it only dislocates and in adolescents there may simultaneously occur epiphysiolysis of distal tibia. On the medial side there usually occurs a fracture of medial malleolus or rupture of deltoid ligament or there is no lesion on the medial side. Conservative reduction is successful only exceptionally, i.e. only in case of intact fibula or its high fracture (Weber C), the method of choice is open reduction and internal fixation.

Purpose of the Study: Assessment of the authors' group of patients with a fracture of sternum and comparison with available literary findings., Material and Methods: In a group of 188 patients with a blunt injury of chest who were hospitalised in the Faculty Hospital in Olomouc in the period of 1996-1999 there were 7 cases with the diagnosis of the fracture of sternum. In this group of patients we observed the cause of injury, occurrence of associated injuries, the potential of diagnostic methods, method of treatment and duration of hospitalization., Results: Mostly they were patients with an isolated fracture of the sternum or with an associated injury requiring only a short-term hospitalization. One patient with a rupture of v. azygos died from the sequelae of other multiple injuries. Another patient sustained a fracture of sternum together with a massive hemothorax and hemomediastinum. On the basis of circulation stability this patient was treated conservatively. For details see the case report. Six patients were subsequently transferred to out-patient department and are now without complaints., Discussion: The most beneficial examination for the diagnosis of the fracture of sternum remains lateral radiograph of the chest. With regard to potential injuries of mediastinal organs it is necessary to perform ap radiograph of the chest and ECG, in indicated cases also CT of the chest, angiography and echocardiography, if need be. In patients treated for a fracture of sternum the duration of hospitalization and mortality is determined by the severity of the associated injuries. Surgical treatment is considered rarely in fractures with a greater dislocation or in injuries or mediastinal organs., Conclusion: The incidence of the fracture of sternum has recently increased. Isolated injuries of the chest do not pose any diagnostic or therapeutic problem. Of much greater severity are associated injuries of lungs and mediastinal organs which require a precise diagnosis and careful observation of the patient.

Purpose of the Study: The aim of the study is an assessment of short-term results after the implantation of cementless Zweymüller Bicon cup in patients with a complicated anatomy after acetabular fractures., Material: The group of 10 patients indicated for Zweymüller cementless THR in post-traumatic osteoarthritis after acetabular fracture was selected of the total number of 703 primary implantations performed in 1998 and 1999 at the authors' Orthopaedic Department. The group includes patients treated conservatively as well as by means of open reduction and fixation., Methods: For the evaluation we used Harris Hip Score and radiographic assessment based on radiographs in two projections on which signs of implant loosening and incidence of particular ossifications were monitored., Results: Harris Hip Score was in 6 cases higher than 90 points, in 2 cases its value was 80 points. The low score in another 2 patients related to the limitation of the function resulting from the trauma and in one case from the injury of sciatic nerve during open reduction and fixation with a subsequent common peroneal nerve palsy. Radiographic check did not reveal any signs of loosening of the implant. Within the evaluation of particular ossifications the finding was 3 times classified in Group 1 and twice in Group 2., Discussion: The number of patients of the authors' group corresponds with the numbers of patients presented in literature, however, due to a short time of the follow-up both clinical and radiographic results in our group are better. In all cases a good primary stability and position of the acetabular cup in the complicated anatomical conditions was obtained. Structural bone grafting was not necessary in any of the cases. Peroperative complications were not encountered., Conclusion: Short-term results of our small group of patients are very good. Both in the clinical and radiographic evaluation they correspond with the results of Zweymüller THR performed in patients with dysplastic acetabulum.

Purpose of the Study: The authors concentrate on the use of enzyme therapy in traumatology. They monitored SET efficiency in the treatment and prophylazis of swelling in the postoperative period after the internal fixation of fractures of long bones and compared it with the effect of standard antiswelling seu antioedematous drugs on the basis of aescin., Material: A group of 60 patients was followed after the fixation of long bones. The average age was 42 years (range, 12-79 years). Fractures were treated by intrameduilary fixation or by external fixators. The patients were split into two groups. In 30 patients only Phlogenzym was administered for the treatment and prevention of posttraumatic and postoperative swelling. Another 30 patients--the control group--were treated by standard antioedematic drugs on the basis of aescin. The same analgesics were applied in both groups., Methods: The group of patients with systemic enzyme therapy were treated by Phlogenzym in the dosage 3 times 3 tablets in the first three days after operation and subsequently 3 times 2 tablets in the remaining follow-up period. In the postoperative period the changes of operated limb volume was monitored. The circumference of a limb was measured in the area of the largest oedema and 10 cm distally. Then the volume of this part of limb was calculated as the volume of conical frustum. The measurements were performed on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14. The volume value of the 1st day was used as starting value (100%). The values of subsequent measurements were then compared to this starting value in both group of patients. Evaluation of the resorption of traumatic and postoperative haematoma and analgesis effect of Phlogenzym was also made., Results: In the group of patients who were administered with Phlogenzym after operation the reduction of the posttraumatic and postoperative swelling was continuous and significantly faster in compared with patients of the control group. A remarkable difference was revealed by the measurement on 5th postoperative day--in patients treated by Phlogenzym the starting value of the volume of the operated in limb was reduced on average by almost 8%. In contrast, in the control group treated by standard drugs this value slightly increased above 100%. At the end of the first postoperative week the monitored volume was on average reduced by 12% in the SET group compared with 1.45% in the control group. At the end of the follow-up--on 14th postoperative day the volume was reduced in the SET group by almost 17% compared with 9% in the control group. There was also an evidently good analgesic effect of the drug. The total consumption of analgesics of patients in the SET group was significantly lower, particularly in the early postoperative period. In the course of the follow-up of both groups no marked differences were recorded in the changes of the volume of operated limbs in dependence on the method of fixation applied (intramedullary or external), sex of the patient or on the affected limb (lower or upper). The patients tolerated Phlogenzym very well, only one female patient suffered temporarily from poor digestion which, however, did not require to interrupt the administration of the drug. No other undesirable effects occurred., Discussion: Fixation of long bones belongs to the most frequent operations in traumatological and orthopaedic departments of all levels. One of the factors which may have an unfavourable effect on the final result of fixation is a prolonged post-trauma or postoperative swelling. The results of the study prove a clearly positive effect of system enzymotherapy on the reduction of oedema accompanying the trauma and inflammation. The study proved a statistical significance of the acceleration of the reduction of oedema in patients treated by Phlogenzym as compared to the control group treated by a standard antioedematous drugs., Conclusion: The authors verified that systemic enzyme therapy could influence significantly the results of traumatological surgery. Simple administration per os, efficient oedema reduction and thus accelerated healing, antiophlogistic and analgesic effect--all these advantages justify the application of this therapeutic method what can be recommended as a part of the complex treatment in traumatology with both conservative and surgical approaches.

The authors analyze a group of 7 patients transferred to their hospital for instable fractures of the pelvic circle and lumbar spine. The pelvic compartment was manifested 24-48 hours after injury. Early diagnostics are based on the use of new imaging techniques, spiral CT examination is preferred, and angiography in stabilized patients. Early surgical intervention is aimed at evacuation of haematomas, revision of vessels, release of the ureters and temporary nephrostomy.

In last three years 27 injured patients were operated in Traumatological hospital Brno for associated pelvic trauma. This trauma was associated with injury of urinary tract in 8 patients, with traumatic lesion in area of the colon in 6 cases and with injured big vessels of the retroperitoneum in 8 patients. The urgent operation was performed in 44%. Authors put stress in diagnostic analysis and early indication of surgical operation on careful anamnestic clinical examination, they utilize the contribution of the sonographic and CT examination with contrast, in indicated cases the selective angiography and retrograde urethrocystography, too. Authors prefer early reconstructional operations.

The submitted retrospective investigation analyzes a group of 108 casualties with injuries of the skeleton of the foot who were hospitalized in the years 1985-90. Excluded was the group of patients with fractures of the talus and calcaneus because they consider problems of these fractures specific. The structure of the group is influenced by the specialty of the authors' workplace--i.e. treatment of multiple injuries. The characteristic of the group, the mechanism of the injury, data concerning time, a summary of the diagnoses, primary treatment and complications are summarized in tables. Twenty-eight of the patients were checked after a time interval of 24-89 months (mean 51.5 months) following injury. X-ray revealed in all cases consolidation of the fracture, however, frequently in a dislocated position. The basis for evaluation was therefore the clinical examination: in 20 patients the finding was evaluated as normal (physiological); permanent sequelae recorded in eight patients are listed. Subjective evaluation was in most instances more favourable than the objective finding, in particular in patients with multiple injuries. The authors recommend to pay appropriate attention even to so-called "minor" injuries which must be also properly treated at the right time.

Urgent top standard provisions implemented as soon as possible after serious injuries with the aim to prevent the development of shock or treat incipient and developing shock are among the most important aspects of prophylaxis of the traumatic fat embolism syndrome (FE). These provisions comprise quantitative and qualitative replacement of blood losses, prevention of spasms of the peripheral blood vessels, restoration of the microcirculation, maintenance of the acid-base equilibrium and a normal state of coagulation, normalization of fluctuations of the post-traumatic metabolic and humoral response, blocking of pathological impulses from the site of the fracture incl. settling of the long bones; suppression of hypoxia, in particular also by artificial pulmonary ventilation; a high caloric intake to prevent excessive development of lipolysis. Surgical operations with the exception of urgent ones which form part of urgent intensive care must be postponed to the time when clinical manifestations of traumatic shock have completely subsided. The group of comprehensive prophylactic provisions comprises also pharmacological measures/drugs and substances which influence the pathogenetic basis associated with the genesis and development of the FE syndrome and the more general syndrome of post-traumatic dyslipidaemic coagulopathy resp.

The clinical and laboratory retrospective and prospective study orientated to the observation of total posttraumatic response of the organisms to serious injuries (fractures of long bones of lower extremities, fractures of bones of pelvis, serious multiple injuries of body cavities associated with fractures) has concentrated hyperglobulaemia and at the same time also of disorders of blood coagulation. These in all three institutes on the verification of the significance of hyperglobulaemia, disorders of blood coagulation and persistent tachycardia. The analysis of the relations between the findings of fat hyperglobulaemia, disorders of coagulation and persistent tachycardia has made it possible to present a thesis which is very important from the practical viewpoint, and namely that the persistent tachycardia in case of in-patients is in fact a clinical reflection or manifestation, an equivalent, even of the incidence of fat studies concentrated on the syndrome of traumatic fat embolism (F. E.) were carried out within a uniform concept of "post-traumatic dyslipidemic coagulopathy - PDC". A statistically significant relation has been proved between the incidence of fat hyperglobulaemia and the incidence of persistent tachycardia. When identifying the relations between individual laboratory and clinical findings the authors have proceeded from a pre-requisite we have objectified before, and namely that fat hyperglobulaemia and disorders in blood coagulation contribute significantly to the development of the syndrome of post-traumatic fat embolism. The origin of persistent tachycardia which is motivated in patients with fractures of bones neither by the increase of temperature nor by any other pathophysiological circumstances, represents a turning point or a time limit between PDC as a latent pathological condition and PDC with clinical manifestations, being associated in the subclinical form only with persistent tachycardia or in the manifest form with other evident symptoms (including persistent tachycardia). It is then possible to use the symptom of an early and persistent tachycardia in the clinical practice for the prognostication of possibilities of unfavourable pathophysiological development of the subclinical form of fat embolism into the clinically manifest form of fat embolism.

The authors have made evaluation of the surgical treatment of luxation fractures of the ankle in the period 1979-1987 in 105 patients (60 female, 45 male patients) in the age range from seventeen to eighty-one years, with the most frequent representation of the age group ranging from thirty-five to forty-five years. The group comprised 2,70 percent of fractures of type Weber A, 31.53 percent of fractures of type Weber B and 65.77 percent of fractures of type Weber C. 53 percent of patients were operated on the day of injury, 24.8 percent of patients were transferred with a delay from other clinics and in the rest of the patients the timely operation was contraindicated because of the poor local or general condition. The results were processed according to a uniform worksheet by the computer. On the basis of the evaluation there were found out 87.62 percent of successful and 12.38 percent of poor results. 93.3 percent of patients resumed their original jobs and there was no patient eligible for a full disability pension. The main cause of failure was the osteoarthritis of the ankle joint found out in connection with the inaffestable factors (such as defects of cartilage, nature of the bone lesion, luxation of talus, age and sex of the patient) and affectable factors (infection, failure of osteosynthesis, pseudoarthrosis of medial malleolus, non-anatomical position in the area of tibiofibular syndesmosis). The incidence of these negative factors may be reduced by a timely operation, precise surgical strategy and technique and proper post-operative treatment.