Emergency Treatment of Multiply Injured Patients with Unstable Disruption of the Posterior Pelvic Ring by Using the “C–Clamp”

Abstract Purpose: Evaluation of the therapeutic usefulness of the “pelvic C–clamp” (PCC) during emergency treatment of multiply injured patients with unstable disruption of the posterior pelvic ring. Patients and Methods: The data of 28 patients with polytrauma in combination with an unstable fracture of the posterior pelvic ring (average Injury Severity Score [ISS]: 49 points; average Polytrauma Score [PTS]: 41 points) were retrospectively analyzed from the moment they were admitted to the emergency room until 48 h after admittance. The PCC was used immediately for primary stabilization of the pelvis after clinical diagnosis of the unstable pelvic fracture. Main outcome measurements: development of mean blood pressure, development of oxygenation level, period of time until the PCC was placed, number of blood units needed, period of time until circulatory stabilization occurred. Results: The PCC was applied in all cases within an average of 64.7 min after trauma. Seven patients (25%) died within the first 45 min after admission. The surviving patients showed:• an increase in mean blood pressure of 25% 20 min after application of the PCC,• a hemodynamic stabilization 6 h after application of the PCC,• a stabilization of the oxygenation level 6 h after application of the PCC,• a decrease in the number of required blood units 6 h after application of the PCC. Conclusion: The present study shows, that the application of the PCC to critically injured patients with unstable pelvic fractures leads to stabilization of the vital parameters within a short period of time.     

Prof. Dr. Dr. Elmar Esser zum 65. Geburtstag

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Antegrade interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures

The results of 39 humeral shaft fractures (37 patients) treated with antegrade locked nailing using a Russell–Taylor nail were reviewed. There were 30 acute fractures, 6 fractures malaligned in a hanging cast or brace, and 3 pathological fractures. Patient age ranged from 26 to 80 years (average, 59.7 years) and average follow-up was 25.7 months (range, 6–48 months). Fracture union was achieved in 92.3% of our cases, while shoulder function was excellent or good in 87.2% of cases. Antegrade locked nailing offers a dependable solution for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures, especially in polytrauma patients and cases of segmental or pathological fractures. Far less satisfactory results were obtained in comminuted fractures of the proximal third in the humerus, especially in osteoporotic patients, and we therefore advocate caution with the use of intramedullary nailing in this type of fracture. Certain technical aspects such as avoiding nailing the fracture in distraction, properly countersinking the tip of the nail, and achieving adequate fixation stability have been found to be of paramount importance to reduce the incidence of delayed union/non-union rate and to obtain better functional results from the shoulder joint.     

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch vs. gastric bypass for severe obesity

Conclusion In the year 2003 there is no “one best bariatric operation” for every severely obese patient. The choice of operation must be tailored to each individual patient’s needs and wishes. For the superobese patient, the patient diagnosed with intestinal metaplasia of the stomach, and for those patients who do not wish to undergo the severe dietary restrictions imposed by the RNY-GB, the BPD-DS is a valuable surgical option.     

Anaphylaxis to isosulfan blue and cross-reactivity to patent blue V: case report and review of the nomenclature of vital blue dyes.

BACKGROUND: Blue dyes used for lymphatic mapping in sentinel lymph node biopsy cause intraoperative anaphylactic reactions in up to 2.7% of patients. With increasing implementation of this technique, the incidence of anaphylaxis to these dyes can be expected to increase. In the literature, the chemically often unrelated and inconsistently designated dyes have been confused, adding to other inconsistencies in the nomenclature. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the nomenclature, chemical and physiologic differences, and allergenicity of the various blue dyes used in a medical context. METHODS: We describe a patient with an intraoperative grade IV anaphylactic reaction to isosulfan blue. Immediate-type hypersensitivity was proved by positive skin test reactions and CD63 expression to isosulfan blue and cross-reactivity to patent blue V. RESULTS: A review of the literature clarified the exact nomenclature of the blue dyes and the possible pitfalls of confusing nomenclature in the context of structurally closely related dyes with different allergenic properties. For the detection of type I hypersensitivity, intracutaneous tests are valuable tools. An IgE-mediated mechanism has been shown recently. In most cases, sensitization exists without known previous exposure in a medical context. This may be due to the widespread use of such dyes in objects of everyday life. Preoperative antiallergic medication use does not prevent anaphylactic reactions but apparently reduces their severity. CONCLUSION: For better comparison and precision, the Chemical Abstracts Service number of the respective dye should always be given.