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Rotator cuff tears (rct) subsequent to glenohumeral dislocation are relevant concomitant injuries, can lead to impaired shoulder function and increase risk of recurrent dislocation. The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome, recurrent dislocation rate and tendon integrity after rotator cuff repair after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation. In this retrospective case series, 23 patients (age 56.4 years ± 6.3) who underwent a rotator cuff reconstruction after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation with confirmed combination of full-thickness RCT and Bankart lesion were enrolled after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcome (age and gender adjusted Constant Murley Score (CMS), DASH, Rowe Score) (n = 23) and sonographic tendon integrity (n = 19) were studied. After a mean follow-up of 58 ± 32 months, a CMS of 85.1% ± 14.7, DASH of 14.2 ± 20.5, and Rowe Score of 82.4 ± 15.2 indicated good functional outcome. In 4 of 19 patients (21.1%) a re-tear was found during sonographic evaluation. In 3 cases (13%), a revision was performed (2 × stiff shoulder, 1 × postoperative infection). One patient had a single traumatic re-dislocation (4.3%). Patients undergone reconstruction of the rotator cuff following a primary traumatic shoulder dislocation can achieve good functional results and a low rate of recurrent dislocation. Postoperative tendon integrity is comparable with known data about non traumatic tears.

The purpose of this study was to compare adverse events and clinical outcomes of geriatric proximal humerus fractures (PHF) involving the anatomical neck (type C according to AO classification) treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using locking plate vs. arthroplasty. In this retrospective cohort study, geriatric patients (&gt, 64 years) who underwent operative treatment using ORIF or arthroplasty for type C PHFs were included. Complications, revisions and clinical outcomes using Constant Murley Score (CMS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score were assessed and compared between groups. At a mean follow up of 2.7 ± 1.7 years, 59 patients (mean age 75.3 ± 5.5 years) were included. In 31 patients ORIF was performed and 29 patients underwent arthroplasty. Complications and revision surgeries were significantly more frequent after ORIF (32.6% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.023 and 29.0% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.045). In contrast, clinical outcomes showed no significant differences (DASH 39.9 ± 25.7 vs. 39.25 ± 24.5, p = 0.922, CMS 49.7 ± 29.2 vs. 49.4 ± 25.2, p = 0.731). ORIF of type C PHFs in geriatric patients results in significantly more complications and revision surgery when compared to arthroplasty. Therefore, osteosynthesis of geriatric intraarticular fractures of the proximal humerus must be critically evaluated.

Objective: To examine whether robotic-assisted training as a supplement to usual therapy is safe, acceptable and improves function and patient reported outcome after proximal humeral fractures (PHF). Design: Multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled prospective trial. Setting: Three different rehabilitation hospitals in Germany. Subjects: In total 928 PHF patients between 35 and 70 years were screened. Forty-eight participants were included in the study (intervention group n = 23; control group n = 25). Intervention: The control group received usual occupational and physiotherapy over three weeks, and the intervention group received additional 12 robot-assisted training sessions at the ARMEO®-Spring. Main measures: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), the Wolf Motor Function Test-Orthopaedic, active range of motion and grip strength were determined before and after intervention period. The DASH was additionally obtained postal 6 and 13 months following surgery. Results: The mean age of participants was 55 ± 10 years and was similar in both groups ( p > 0.05). The change in DASH as the primary endpoint in the intervention group after intervention was −15 (CI = 8–22), at follow-up six month −7 (CI = −2 to 16) at follow up 13 month −9 (CI = 1–16); in control group −14 (CI = 11–18), at follow-up six month −13 (CI = 7–19) at follow up 13 month −6 (CI = −3 to 14). No difference in the change was found between groups ( p > 0.05). None of the follow-up time points demonstrated an additional benefit of the robotic therapy. Conclusion: The additional robot-assisted therapy was safe, acceptable but showed no improvement in functional shoulder outcome compared to usual therapy only.

The aim of this retrospective study was to undertake a comparative evaluation of the Evolve® modular metallic radial head implant prosthesis and the MoPyC® pyrocarbon prosthesis in acute care. Seventyfive patients having a comminuted radial head fracture with an Evolve® prosthesis (=G1) and 11 with a MoPyC® prosthesis (=G2) were available for a follow-up. Postoperative patient outcomes were evaluated according to a standardized follow-up protocol which included the Morrey rating system. Assessment criteria were range of motion (ROM), functional scores, and rate of complications. G1 showed a mean Morrey score of 86 points. Four direct prosthesis complications were observed in this group (n=75). The average achieved Morrey score in G2 was 84 points. In this group (n=11), 2 direct prosthesis complications were diagnosed. The average range of motion did not differ greatly between both groups. Radial head replacement with either prosthesis yielded sufficient to satisfactory results in a mid-term perspective regarding the range of motion and function of the elbow joint when performed in carefully selected patients. The Evolve® Prothesis appears to show a slightly lower rate of complication by way of a similar functional outcome.

The current study investigated the clinical outcome of open elbow dislocations, focusing on the influence of associated soft tissue and bone injury.From October 2008 to August 2015, 230 patients with elbow dislocations were treated at the study center. Our retrospective study comprised 21 cases of open elbow dislocations. The mean age of patients was 49 years (20-83 years); there were six (29%) female and 15 (71%) male patients. The range of motion (ROM) of the injured and uninjured elbow was measured, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were assessed. Complications and revision surgeries were recorded. The influence of the severity of soft tissue injury (I°/II° open vs. III° open) and type of dislocation (simple vs. complex) was evaluated.After a 57-month follow-up (range, 24-98 months), the mean DASH score was 20 ± 15, the MEPS was 82 ± 11, and the MWS was 74 ± 22. The ROM of the injured elbow was significantly decreased compared with the uninjured one (arc of ulnohumeral motion: 104° vs. 137°;Favorable clinical outcomes can be achieved after treatment of open elbow dislocations. These injuries are prone to neurovascular damage and complex dislocations are linked to high rates of complications and revision surgeries.Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Studie sollte der Einfluss des Weichteilschadens auf das klinische Ergebnis nach offener Ellenbogenluxation untersucht werden.Von Oktober 2008 bis August 2015 wurden insgesamt 230 Patienten mit Ellenbogenluxation behandelt. Diese retrospektive Studie umfasst 21 Fälle von offenen Ellenbogenluxationen. Das Durchschnittsalter der Patienten betrug 49 Jahre alt (20–83 Jahre), 6 Patienten waren weiblich (29%), 15 männlich (71%). Das Bewegungsausmaß des verletzten und unverletzten Ellenbogens wurde erhoben und das funktionelle Ergebnis u. a. mittels Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) und dem Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score erfasst. Zusätzlich wurden Komplikationen und Revisionsoperationen aufgezeichnet. Der Einfluss des Weichteilschadens (I°/II° offen vs. III° offen) und des Luxationstyps (einfach vs. komplex) auf das klinische Ergebnis wurde analysiert.Nach einem durchschnittlichen Nachuntersuchungszeitraum von 57 Monaten (24–98 Monate) betrug der DASH-Score 20 ± 15 Punkte, der MEPS 82 ± 11 Punkte und der MWS 75 ± 23 Punkte. Die Beweglichkeit am betroffenen Ellenbogengelenk war im Vergleich zur gesunden Gegenseite signifikant schlechter (Extension/Flexion: 104° vs. 137°;Offene Ellenbogenluxationen können mit einem zufriedenstellenden klinischen Ergebnis einhergehen. Insbesondere komplexe offene Ellenbogenluxationen sind jedoch sehr komplikationsbehaftet, wobei neurovaskuläre Komplikationen am häufigsten auftreten.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is a severe complication after proximal humerus fracture dislocations, and leads to a poorer clinical outcome and subsequent revision surgeries. The aim of the current study was to analyze the influence of time to surgery on the AVN rate after locked plating of dislocation fractures of the proximal humerus. This retrospective study included 30 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 14 years with dislocation fractures of the proximal humerus type B3 or C3 according the AO/OTA classification. The rates of AVN of the humeral head were determined clinically and radiographically. In addition, the clinical outcome was determined using the Constant score (CS), the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS%), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the range of motion, and complication and revision rates. Patients were subdivided into groups of subjects operated on early (≤48 h after trauma) and those with late surgery (>48 h after trauma), and the relative risk (RR) for complications and revisions was determined for both groups. After a mean follow-up of 37 months (range: 12–66 month) the mean CS% was 60 ± 24 and the mean DASH score was 32 ± 24 points. Ten patients (33%) developed a symptomatic AVN, and ten patients underwent revision surgery. Early surgery was performed on 25 patients while five patients underwent late surgery. After late surgery, all five patients developed AVN, and patients had a fivefold increased RR for AVN (p = 0.002) and subsequent associated surgical revision (RR = 3.3, p = 0.031). In fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus, early surgery within 48 h of trauma significantly decreases the risk of AVN and subsequent surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes in a large series of Essex-Lopresti injuries (ELIs) and to compare patients with early and late diagnoses.Thirty-one patients with an ELI (average age and standard deviation [SD], 46 ± 10 years) who were followed for a minimum of 2 years were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to whether the ELI had been diagnosed early (on the day of the injury) or late (4 weeks after the radial head injury). Acute treatment of early-diagnosed ELI included temporary stabilization of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) by Kirschner wires with the forearm in supination for 6 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed on the basis of the range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for wrist and elbow pain, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.The ELI was diagnosed on the day of the injury in 16 patients (52%; the early group) and late (at a mean of 7 ± 7 months; range, 1 to 24 months) in 15 (48%; the late group). After a mean duration of follow-up of 5.3 ± 3.0 years (range, 2.0 to 13.1 years), patients with an early diagnosed ELI had significantly better clinical outcomes, compared with those with a late diagnosis, with regard to the MEPS (91.3 ± 8.7 versus 74.7 ± 15.3, p = 0.003), MWS (81.3 ± 16.5 versus 66.3 ± 17.6, p = 0.019), DASH score (12.5 ± 8.7 versus 45.3 ± 23.5, p = 0.001), VAS elbow pain score (0.7 ± 1.1 versus 3.3 ± 2.1, p = 0.001), and VAS wrist pain score (0.9 ± 1.2 versus 3.9 ± 1.7, p0.001). The ranges of motion of the elbow and wrist did not differ significantly between the early and late groups (p0.05). A significantly lower percentage of patients had complications or subsequent surgical procedures in the early than in the late group (38% [6 of 16] versus 93% [14 of 15], p0.001).Early diagnosis of an ELI with temporary stabilization of the DRUJ leads to satisfactory clinical mid-term results, whereas late diagnosis of an ELI is associated with a deteriorated outcome.Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Wolf motor function test (WMFT) evaluates the upper extremity performance of patients with neurological disorders and traumatic brain injuries by assessing time and functional capacity. It was later modified to also measure the quality of the performed movements. This study aimed to adapt the WMFT for patients with shoulder injuries and to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of this adapted version. A total of 20 individuals with a median age of 80.5 years were assessed using a test-retest design after surgical or conservative treatment of shoulder injuries. Two raters rated performance to determine inter-rater reliability. One rater rated the performance again to determine intra-rater reliability. Both inter-rater and intra-rater agreement were determined by weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics with corresponding confidence intervals. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency. The inter-rater Cohen’s kappa values ranged from 0.84–1.00 for functional capacity and from 0.79–1.00 for quality of movement. For intra-rater reliability the Cohen’s kappa ranged from 0.71–1.00. Cronbach’s alpha was >0.94 for functional capacity and >0.96 for quality of movement. The adapted version of the WMFT shows high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for patients with shoulder injuries.

Tendon mobility is highly relevant in rotator cuff surgery. Objective data about rotator cuff mobility is rare. Tendon mobility still needs to be evaluated subjectively by the surgeon. This study aims to establish a porcine animal model for mobility analysis of the supraspinatus. In this context, we introduce a sensor-enhanced, arthroscopic grasper (SEAG) suitable for objective intraoperative measurements of tendon mobility in clinical praxis. Tendon mobility of 15 fresh porcine cadaver shoulders with artificial rotator cuff tears was evaluated using the SEAG. Mobility characteristics (load–displacement curves, maximum load, stiffness) were studied and inter- and intraobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) were tested. Factors with a potential adverse effect (plastic deformation and rigor mortis) were also evaluated. All shoulders showed characteristic reproducible load–displacement curves with a nonlinear part at the start, followed by a linear part. Mean maximum load was 28.6 N ± 12.5. Mean stiffness was 6.0 N/mm ± 2.6. We found substantial interobserver agreement (ICC 0.672) and nearly perfect intraobserver agreement (0.944) for maximum load measurement. Inter- (0.021) and intraobserver (0.774) agreement for stiffness was lower. Plastic deformation and rigor mortis were excluded. The animal model demonstrates reliable and in vivo-like measurements of tendon mobility. The SEAG is a reliable tool for tendon mobility assessment.

Background: Considering the epidemiology of acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation related to young and active patients, the impact on working capacity is highly relevant. The purpose of this study was to determine the capacity of work and time to return to work (RTW) after AC joint stabilization. We hypothesized that manual working patients show more restrictions returning to work. Methods: In this retrospective case series, pre- and posttraumatic working capacity of 54 patients (FU-rate 80.1%, FU time 23, range 18–45 month) stabilized in single TightRope technique was analyzed. Clinical outcome (DASH, Constant-Murley score) and complications were evaluated in addition. Results: Fifty one of 54 patients (94.5%) were returned to work at final follow-up. The median time to return was 13 (5–143) weeks. Manual working patients showed lower RTW-rates (91.2% vs. 100%; p = .151), longer RTW-time (15.5 vs. 6 weeks; p = .008), and more often persistent shoulder symptoms at work (55.9% vs. 5%; p

Sports activity after surgical AC joint stabilisation has not been comprehensively evaluated to date. The aim of this study was to determine rate, level and time to return to sports after AC joint stabilisation and to identify the influence of overhead sports on post-operative sports activity. In this retrospective case series, a total of 68 patients with a high-grade AC joint dislocation (Rockwood type V) were stabilised using a single TightRope technique. Fifty-five patients (80.9 %) with median age of 42.0 (range, 18–65) years completed questionnaires regarding sports activity before and after surgery. Clinical outcome and complications were also evaluated. Forty-three patients participated in sports regularly before injury. Their sports activity was rated according to Allain, and non-overhead and overhead sports were differentiated. At median follow-up of 24 (18–45) months, 41 of 43 patients (95.3 %) had returned to sports. 63 % returned to the same sports activity as before injury. 16.3 % needed to adapt the type of sports to reduce demanding activities. 11.6 % reduced the frequency and 32.5 % the intensity of sports. The median time to return to sports was 9.5 (3–18) months. Overhead athletes (Allain Type III and IV) had to reduce their sports activity significantly more often (11.8 vs. 53.8 %; p = 0.011) and needed more time to return to sports (9.5 vs. 4.5 months; p = 0.009). After stabilisation of AC joint dislocation, the majority of patients returned to sports after a substantial period of time. Overhead athletes, in particular, required more time and had to considerably reduce their sports activity. The findings impact therapeutic decision-making after AC joint injury and help with the prognosis and assessment of rehabilitation progress. IV.

Methods Between 2005 and 2012, 50 patients (23 female, 27 male) with nonunion of the humeral shaft were included in this retrospective study. The mean age was 51.3 years (14 to 88). The patients had a mean of 1.5 prior operations (sd 1.2;1 to 8). All patients were assessed according to a specific risk score in order to devise an optimal and individual therapy plan consistent with the Diamond Concept. In 32 cases (64%), a change in the osteosynthesis to an angular stable locking compression plate was performed. According to the individual risk an additional bone graft and/or bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) were applied. Results A successful consolidation of the nonunion was observed in 37 cases (80.4%) with a median healing time of six months (IQR 6). Younger patients showed significantly better consolidation. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Revision was necessary in a total of eight (16%) cases. In the initial treatment, intramedullary nailing was most common. Discussion The use of locking compression plates in combination with autologous cancellous bone graft has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment. In more complex cases, the use of the Masquelet technique and BMP-7 may be indicated at the first revision operation. Take home message: Our results suggest the Diamond Concept is a successful treatment strategy for nonunions of the humeral shaft. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:81–7.

Background The incidence of proximal humeral fractures increases with age. The functional recovery of the upper arm after such fractures is slow, and results are often disappointing. Treatment is associated with long immobilisation periods. Evidence-based exercise guidelines are missing. Loss of muscle mass as well as reduced range of motion and motor performance are common consequences. These losses could be partly counteracted by training interventions using robot-assisted arm support of the affected arm derived from neurorehabilitation. Thus, shorter immobilisation could be reached. Thus far, this approach has been tested in only a few small studies. The aim of the present study is to examine whether assistive robotic training augmenting conventional occupational and physical therapy can improve functional shoulder outcomes. Methods/design Patients aged between 35 and 66 years with proximal humeral fracture and surgical treatment will be recruited at three different clinics in Germany and randomised into an intervention group and a control group. Participants will be assessed before randomisation and followed after completing an intervention period of 3 weeks and additionally after 3, 6 and 12 months. The baseline assessment will include cognition (Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test); level of pain in the affected arm; ability to work; gait speed (10-m walk); disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure [DASH]); range of motion of the affected arm (goniometer measurement); visual acuity; and motor function of orthopaedic patients (Wolf Motor Function Test–Orthopaedic version [WMFT-O]). Clinical follow-up directly after the intervention will include assessment of disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) as well as range of motion and motor function (WMFT-O). The primary outcome parameter will be the DASH, and the secondary outcome parameter will be the WMFT-O. The long-term results will be assessed prospectively by postal follow-up. All patients will receive conventional occupational and physical therapy. The intervention group will receive additional robot-assisted training using the Armeo®Spring robot for 3 weeks. Discussion This study protocol describes a phase II, randomised, controlled, single-blind, multicentre intervention study. The results will guide and possibly improve methods of rehabilitation after proximal humeral fracture. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03100201. Registered on 28 March 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2274-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine if fracture reduction, fracture pattern, and patient-related factors influence clinical outcome after locked-plate fixation of displaced proximal humeral fractures. Methods: Ninety-eight patients (mean age, 61.1 ± 11.2 years) with a proximal humeral fracture involving the anatomical neck (type C according to the OTA/AO classification system) were included. Clinical outcome was determined by age and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS%) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Fracture reduction was quantitatively determined by 3 parameters (head-shaft displacement, head-shaft alignment, and cranialization of the greater tuberosity), and patients were divided into groups according to anatomical reduction, acceptable reduction, or malreduction. Relative risk (RR) for complications, revision surgery, and inferior clinical outcome (CS of 5 mm (n = 25), head-shaft displacement of >5 mm (n = 50), and valgus head-shaft alignment (n = 12) all increased the RR for inferior clinical outcome by twofold to threefold. Conversely, a patient age of >65 years (n = 31) and an OTA/AO type-C3 fracture pattern (n = 38) were not significantly associated with complications and inferior clinical outcome (RR, 0.9 to 1.8). Conclusions: Anatomical fracture reduction with a locked plate significantly improved the clinical outcome of unstable and displaced proximal humeral fractures involving the anatomical neck. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Comminuted radial head fractures are often associated with secondary injuries and elbow instability. Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate how well the modular metallic radial head implant EVOLVE® prosthesis restores functional range of motion (ROM) and stability of the elbow in acute care. Patients and Methods: Eighty-five patients with comminuted radial head fractures and associated injuries received treatment with an EVOLVE® prosthesis between May 2001 and November 2009. Seventy-five patients were available for follow-up. On average, patients were followed for 41.5 months (33.0: 4.0 - 93.0). Outcome assessment was done on the basis of pain, ROM, strength, radiographic findings, and functional rating scores such as Broberg and Morrey, the Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH). Our study is currently the largest analysis of clinical outcome of a modular radial head replacement in the literature. Results: Overall, there were 2 (2.7%) Mason II fractures, 21 (28%) Mason III fractures, and 52 (69.3%) Mason IV fractures. Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification was also determined. Of the 85 patients in our study, 75 were available for follow-up. Follow-up averaged 41.5 months (range, 4 - 93 months). Average scores for the cohort were as follows: Morrey, 85.7 (median 90.2; range 44.4 - 100); MEPI, 83.3 (85.0; 40.0 - 100); and DASH 26.1 points (22.5; 0.0 - 75.8). Mean flexion/extension in the affected joint was 125.7°/16.5°/0° in comparison to the noninjured side 138.5°/0°/1.2°. Mean pronation/supination was 70.5°/0°/67.1° in comparison to the noninjured side 83.6°/0°/84.3°. Handgrip strength of the injured compared to the non-injured arm was 78.8%. The following complications were also documented: 58 patients had periprosthetic radioluceny shown to be neither clinically significant nor relevant according to evaluated scores; 26 patients had moderate or severe periarticular ossification, and scored substantially worse according to MEPI and Morrey. Four patients required revisional surgery due to loosening of the prosthesis and chronic pain. In addition, one patient required a neurolysis of the ulnaris nerve, one developed a neobursa, and one had extensive swelling and blistering. The time interval between injury and treatment appeared to have an effect on results. Thirty-five patients were treated within the first 5 days after accident and showed better results than the 40 patients who were treated after 5 days. Conclusions: Comminuted radial head fractures with elbow instability can be treated well with a modular radial head prosthesis, which restores stability in acute treatment. The modular radial head arthroplasty used in this study showed promising findings in short to midterm results.

Radiuskopfchentrummerfrakturen sind haufig mit Begleitverletzungen vergesellschaftet, die zu einer Beeintrachtigung der Ellenbogenfunktion und -stabilitat fuhren konnen. Prothesen neuerer Generation sollen eine Verbesserung der Ergebnisse liefern. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Ergebnisse der modularen EVOLVE®-Prothese zu evaluieren. Von Juni 2001 bis Januar 2005 wurde bei 30 Patienten mit komplexen Radiuskopfchenfrakturen eine Prothese implantiert; 28 Patienten wurden nachuntersucht. Die mittlere Nachuntersuchungszeit betrug 29 Monate. Insgesamt lag 7-mal (25%) eine Mason-III- und 21-mal (75%) eine Mason-IV-Fraktur vor. Nach den Kriterien des Morrey-Scores wurden 19 Patienten mit sehr gut und gut beurteilt, 8 Patienten wurden mit ausreichend eingestuft und 1 Ergebnis wurde als mangelhaft bewertet. Es wurde keine Instabilitat des Ellenbogengelenks festgestellt. Radiuskopfchentrummerfrakturen mit ligamentaren Begleitverletzungen konnen durch die primare Radiuskopfchenprothese und ligamentare Rekonstruktion mit einem guten funktionellen Ergebnis behandelt werden. Langzeitergebnisse sind zwar noch nicht verfugbar; aus mittelfristiger Sicht ist dies eine effektive Methode zur Wiederherstellung der Gelenkgeometrie bei einer ubungsstabilen Versorgung des Ellenbogengelenks.

Operative Korrekturen posttraumatischer Veranderungen des Humerus bergen nicht unerhebliche Risiken. Die Ursachen posttraumatischer Oberarmdeformitaten sind jedoch uberwiegend iatrogen und somit vermeidbar. Grundsatzlich sind Korrektureingriffe in jedem Alter moglich. Sie hangen von den Beschwerden des Patienten, der weiteren Wachstumserwartung sowie der Lokalisation der Deformitat ab. Eine operative Korrektur erfordert eine umfangreiche praoperative Analyse des Ist- und Sollzustands; eine praoperative Planung ist daher in jedem Fall erforderlich. Die Korrekturtechnik sollte eine Beseitigung samtlicher Komponenten der Deformitat erlauben. Das Korrekturergebnis muss sicher bis zur Heilung retiniert werden konnen und sollte dem Patienten eine schmerzarme Bewegungsstabilitat gewahren. Im Gegensatz zu Fehlstellungen durch schicksalhafte Wachstumsstorungen konnen iatrogene Deformitaten durch korrekte Repositionen beim Primareingriff vermieden werden. Eine Korrektur bedeutet stets einen zur Primarbehandlung hinzukommenden Mehraufwand.

Determination of the appropriate treatment of unstable simple elbow dislocations is difficult and a topic of ongoing discussion. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome and complications after surgery and conservative treatment, with special focus on post-traumatic joint laxity. In this retrospective study, 118 consecutive patients with simple elbow dislocations underwent stability testing by fluoroscopy after joint reduction and were assigned to groups 1 (slight), 2 (moderate) or 3 (gross) depending on post-traumatic joint laxity. All patients of group 1 underwent conservative treatment, and of group 3 primary ligament repair. In patients with moderate elbow laxity, the treatment was decided individually. All patients underwent a similar functional rehabilitation programme during treatment. Clinical outcome was determined after an average of 3.4 ± 1.5 years using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and treatment-associated complications and revisions were recorded. Forty-nine patients (41.5 %) were assigned to group 1, 41 patients (34.7 %) to group 2 and 28 patients (23.7 %) to group 3. In group 2, 22 patients underwent ligament repair, while 19 patients were treated conservatively. On average, an excellent MEPS was achieved in group 1 after conservative treatment (MEPS 95.8 ± 9.0), similar to results after ligament repair of grossly unstable elbows in group 3 (91.6 ± 11.7). Interestingly, in group 2 conservative treatment was associated with a slightly lower MEPS (90.0 vs. 95.7), and significantly fewer patients achieved an excellent MEPS (81.8 vs. 52.6 %, p = 0.045). Similarly, conservative treatment in group 2 was associated with a fivefold to sixfold risk of complications (p = 0.032) and revision surgery (p = 0.023). This study supports the notion that patients with slight elbow laxity can be treated non-operatively, while primary surgical treatment should be performed in patients with moderate and gross laxity to avoid post-traumatic sequelae and decrease revision rates. Retrospective Cohort Study, Level III.

Elbow dislocations with complex elbow instability (CEI) and unstable radial head fractures require reconstruction by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) if possible or alternatively by a radial head prosthesis. The aim of this study was to determine the differential outcome of both strategies and to investigate the contribution of prosthesis-related radiographic factors such as oversizing on clinical outcome. A total of 53 patients underwent ligament and coronoid refixation, and radial head reconstruction by ORIF (n = 18; group 1) or by monopolar modular prosthesis (n = 35; group 2). Patients were followed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and a radiological score including prosthesis oversizing, joint subluxation, ossifications, capitellar erosions, implant loosening and ulno-humeral osteoarthritis. To investigate the effect of oversizing, group 2 was subdivided by prosthesis overlenghtening ≥ 2 mm. A total of 42 patients (79.2 %) could be followed for 3.0 ± 1.3 years with an average MEPS of 76.8 ± 17.2. Patients with ORIF had slightly better MEPS (82.1 ± 9.9) as compared with group 2 (74.7 ± 19.1) though three ORIF patients required an early conversion to prosthesis. In group 2, oversizing occurred frequently and 50 % showed an overlenghtening ≥ 2 mm. Oversizing significantly decreased MEPS (63.2 ± 21.3 vs 84.7 ± 9.0; p = 0.001) and elbow range of motion and increased the occurrence of other radiological abnormalities and the risk for surgical revisions. The radiological score and prosthesis overlenghtening but not prosthesis diameter showed an inverse correlation with MEPS. In CEI a radial head reconstruction with a prosthesis demonstrates similarly good clinical results as compared to ORIF in anatomically sized prosthesis, but prosthesis oversizing could induce other radiographic abnormalities with then deteriorated outcome.

Die westlichen Gesellschaften stehen vor masgeblichen Herausforderungen: der Anteil der Patienten im Rentenalter wird trotz Ruckgang der Gesamtbevolkerungszahl zu einer Zunahme stationarer orthopadisch-unfallchirurgischer Akutfalle fuhren. Parallel dazu muss das Gesundheitswesen vom schrumpfenden Teil der arbeitenden Bevolkerung finanziert werden. Den politischen Wunsch zur flachendeckenden Patientenversorgung trotz Einsparungen will man durch Verweildauerkurzung und Bettenreduktion erreichen. Das Nadelohr der operativen Facher wird bei optimaler Ausnutzung der Bettenkapazitat dann die zur Verfugung stehende Belegungszeit der OPs. Separate ambulante Operationseinheiten an Krankenhausern zur Entlastung des Zentral-OPs konnten uber die Schaffung relevanter Operationskapazitaten damit ein Instrument zur Belegungssteuerung werden. Gerade vor dem soziodemographischen Hintergrund muss daher eine adaquate Diskussion uber die sozialen Rahmenbedingungen und den Wandel unserer Gesellschaft einsetzen.

Seit 2005 finden schriftliche Anfragen und Vor-Ort-Prufungen durch den Medizinischen Dienst der Krankenversicherungen (MDK) statt. Diese spiegeln in ihren Veranderungen sowohl die Erfahrung der Kassen mit dem G-DRG-System (G-DRG German Diagnosis Related Groups) als auch der zustandigen arztlichen Mitarbeiter und des Krankenhauscontrollings wider. Wir wollten aufarbeiten, welche Entwicklung die MDK-Prufungen seit 2005 genommen haben. Hierfur wurden samtliche Prufberichte seit Einfuhrung der Prufungen ausgewertet. Wahrend anfangs hauptsachlich Fragen zur Kodier- und Dokumentationsqualitat erfolgten, werden jetzt uberwiegend Fehlbelegungsprufungen durchgefuhrt. Zwischenzeitlich wurden konsequent die unterschiedlichen Klinikbereiche gepruft. Die Anfragen sind mittlerweile spezifischer und beziehen sich auf aktuelle Veranderungen im Abrechnungssystem. Bei grosem zeitlichem und personellem Aufwand sind die Abschlage gleich geblieben. Anderungen des Abrechnungssystems erfordern Flexibilitat seitens der Leistungserbringer. Erfahrungen mit den MDK-Prufungen konnen dabei hilfreich bei der Organisation klinikinterner Strukturen sein.

Hat der Patient nach einem angeschuldigten Ereignis persistierende Beschwerden an der Schulter, ist seine Eigenanamnese zu erfragen. Befunde der Gegenseite, der Halswirbelsaule (HWS) und der angrenzenden Gelenke sind zu dokumentieren. Der Unfallhergang ist fur die Begutachtung und die Bewertung elementar. Es ist zwingend festzuhalten, ob uberhaupt ein Unfall vorliegt oder ob nicht eine willentliche Bewegung erfolgte. Die Richtung der einwirkenden Kraft und Hinweise auf stattgehabte Luxationen sind in jedem Fall bereits im ersten, dem so genannten Durchgangsarztbericht aufzufuhren. Eine entsprechende Diagnostik ist okonomisch einzusetzen und, falls erforderlich, zu wiederholen. 4 Wochen nach dem „Unfall“ sollten die Diagnose feststehen und nach Bedarf eine entsprechende Therapie eingeleitet werden konnen.