Background We examined the visibility of fractures of hand and forearm in whole-body CT and its influence on delayed diagnosis. This study is based on a prior study on delayed diagnosis of fractures of hand and forearm in patients with suspected polytrauma. Methods Two blinded radiologists examined CT-scans of patients with fractures of hand or forearm that were diagnosed later than 24 h after admission and control cases with unremarkable imaging of those areas. They were provided with clinical information that was documented in the admission report and were asked to examine forearm and hands. After unblinding, the visibility of fractures was determined. We examined if time of admission or slice thickness was a factor for late or missed diagnoses. Results We included 72 known fractures in 36 cases. Of those 65 were visible. Sixteen visible fractures were diagnosed late during hospital stay. Eight more fractures were detected on revision by the radiologists. Both radiologists missed known fractures and found new fractures that were not reported by the other. Missed and late diagnoses of fractures occurred more often around 5 pm and 1 am. Slice thickness was not significantly different between fractures and cases with fractures found within 24 h and those found later. Conclusions The number of late diagnosis or completely missed fractures of the hand and forearm may be reduced by a repeated survey of WBCT with focus on the extremities in patients with suspected polytrauma who are not conscious. Level of evidence III

Verkehrsunfälle und ihre Verletzungsfolgen stellen eine häufige traumatische Ursache für das Versterben und für das Auftreten von irreversiblen Schäden bei Kindern und Jugendlichen dar. Bei Motorradunfällen unterscheiden sich dabei Verletzungsmuster abhängig vom Patientenalter. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die typischen Verletzungsmuster nach Motorradunfällen im Kindes- und Jugendalter vergleichend zu beschreiben, da diese einen ausschlaggebenden Einfluss auf die Prävention sowie die adäquate Behandlung der jeweiligen Patientengruppen bieten können. In die Studie wurden innerhalb der Jahre 2002–2018 22.923 Patienten aus dem TraumaRegister der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU®) eingeschlossen. Die Auswertung erfolgte in 4 Altersgruppen: Gruppe 1 (4 bis 15 Jahre), Gruppe 2 (16 bis 17 Jahre), Gruppe 3 (18 bis 20 Jahre) sowie Gruppe 4 (21 bis 50 Jahre) als Kontrolle. In Gruppe 2 stellten Extremitätenverletzungen das häufigste Verletzungsmuster dar und traten überwiegend im Bereich der unteren Extremität auf. Zudem ergab die Analyse, dass Gruppe 1 häufiger ein schweres Schädel-Hirn-Trauma erleidet, trotz initial schlechtem Zustand aber ein besseres Outcome aufweist. Thorakale, abdominelle sowie Wirbelsäulen- und Beckenverletzungen kommen bei den jüngeren Altersgruppen seltener vor. Insbesondere stellen Rippenfrakturen eine Rarität bei Kindern dar. In der Diagnostik werden Kinder im Vergleich zu Erwachsenen seltener einer Ganzkörper-CT-Diagnostik zugeführt. Die Studie deckt altersabhängige Unterschiede in den Verletzungsmustern von Patienten auf, die als Beifahrer oder Fahrer eines Motorrades in einen Unfall involviert waren. Zudem konnten ebenso Unterschiede in der prä- und innerklinischen Versorgung herausgearbeitet werden.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund In der prähospitalen Versorgungsphase schwer verletzter Patienten steht die Stabilisierung der Vitalparameter im Vordergrund. Die zügige und möglichst genaue Einschätzung des vorliegenden Verletzungsmusters durch den Notarzt ist entscheidend für die Auswahl der Zielklinik und die Initialbehandlung. Ziel der Arbeit Ziel dieser Studie ist es zu eruieren, welchen Einfluss die notärztliche Einschätzung der Verletzungsschwere auf die prähospitale Versorgung und die Schockraumbehandlung hat. Material und Methoden Es erfolgt eine Analyse der Daten des TraumaRegister DGU® im Fünfjahreszeitraum von 2015–2019 innerhalb Deutschlands. Die prähospitale notärztliche Einschätzung des Verletzungsmusters wurde anhand des Notarzteinsatzprotokolls erfasst und mit den innerklinischen dokumentierten Diagnosen gemäß den Abbreviated Injury Scale Codes abgeglichen. Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 47.838 Patienten mit einem durchschnittlichen Injury Severity Score (ISS) von 18,7 Punkten (SA 12,3) eingeschlossen. Zusammenfassend wurden innerklinisch 127.739 verletzte Körperregionen dokumentiert. Von diesen wurden 68,8 % prähospital vom Notarzt richtig vermutet. Somit wurden 31,2 % verletzte Körperregionen nicht detektiert. In insgesamt 42.530 Fällen wurde eine Körperregion als verletzt vermutet, ohne dass sich der Verdacht innerklinisch betätigte. Bei den fehleingeschätzten Verletzungen wurden Schädel-Hirn-Traumata und Gesichtsverletzungen am häufigsten überdiagnostiziert (13,5 % bzw. 14,7 % notärztlich dokumentiert bei nichtvorliegender Diagnose). Thoraxverletzungen wurden am häufigsten unterdokumentiert (17,3 % notärztlich nichtdokumentiert bei abschließend gesicherter Diagnose). Die tatsächliche Gesamtmortalität aller Gruppen entsprach nahezu der erwarteten Mortalität, berechnet mit dem Revised Injury Severity Classification II(RISC II)-Score (12,0 % vs. 11,3 %). Diskussion In der prähospitalen Phase der Versorgung von schwer verletzten Patienten wird die durch den Notarzt erfasste Gesamtverletzungsschwere gut eingeschätzt und korreliert mit den eingeleiteten Therapien, der Auswahl der Zielklinik als auch dem innerklinischen Verlauf sowie dem Outcome des Patienten. Die Erfassung von Verletzungen einzelner Körperregionen scheint prähospital jedoch herausfordernd zu sein.

Our study demonstrates a strong increase in utilization of inpatient health care and clear excess costs in older people in the first year after pelvic fracture, the latter even after adjustment for several confounders. Excess costs were particularly high in the first few months and mainly attributable to inpatient treatment. We aimed to estimate health care utilization and excess costs in patients aged minimum 60 years up to 1 year after pelvic fracture compared to a population without pelvic fracture. In this retrospective population-based observational study, we used routine data from a large statutory health insurance (SHI) in Germany. Patients with a first pelvic fracture between 2008 and 2010 (n=5685, 82% female, mean age 80±9 years) were frequency matched with controls (n=193,159) by sex, age at index date, and index month. We estimated health care utilization and mean total direct costs (SHI perspective) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using BCA bootstrap procedures for 52 weeks before and after the index date. We calculated cost ratios (CRs) in 4-week intervals after the index date by fitting mixed two-part models including adjustment for possible confounders and repeated measurement. All analyses were further stratified for men/women, in-/outpatient-treated, and major/minor pelvic fractures. Health care utilization and mean costs in the year after the index date were higher for cases than for controls, with inpatient treatment being particularly pronounced. CRs (95% CIs) decreased from 10.7 (10.2–11.1) within the first 4 weeks to 1.3 (1.2–1.4) within week 49–52. Excess costs were higher for inpatient than for outpatient-treated persons (CRs of 13.4 (12.9–13.9) and 2.3 (2.0–2.6) in week 1–4). In the first few months, high excess costs were detected for both persons with major and minor pelvic fracture. Pelvic fractures come along with high excess costs and should be considered when planning and allocating health care resources.

BACKGROUND:Traffic accidents and the traumatic injury consequences are frequent causes of mortality and irreversible damage in children and young adults. In motorcycle accidents the injury patterns differ depending on the age of the patient. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to describe the typical injury patterns after motorcycle accidents involving children and adolescents as these can have a decisive influence on the prevention and the adequate treatment in the respective patient groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study included 22,923 patients from the years 2002-2018 which were extracted from the TraumaRegister DGU®. Injury patterns of 4 age categories were analyzed: group 1 (4-15 years), group 2 (16-17 years), group 3 (18-20 years) and group 4 (21-50 years). RESULTS:In both younger age groups, limb injuries mostly of the lower extremities, showed the highest incidence. Moreover, younger patients with traumatic brain injury showed better outcomes despite of initially poor conditions. Ribcage, abdominal, pelvic and spinal injuries are the least frequent in younger patients. In terms of diagnostics, children are less likely to undergo whole-body computed tomography (CT) diagnostics than adults. CONCLUSION:The study revealed age-specific differences with respect to injury patterns in patients involved in motorcycle accidents, either as drivers or co-drivers. Furthermore, the analysis of preclinical and in-hospital treatment elucidated the relevance of preventive and protective measures.

PURPOSE:When revision surgery is needed in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) the most frequent reasons are aseptic loosening (AL) and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However preoperative distinction between AL and PJI remains challenging. Aim of this study is to determine the incidence of PJI in patients with suspected AL after TKA and to evaluate a diagnostic algorithm for reliable differential diagnosis.METHODS:In this study a total of 149 symptomatic patients with radiographic signs of prosthetic loosening and suspected AL were included. Preoperatively all patients underwent a standardized diagnostic algorithm. For each patient demographics, as well as the results of laboratory and microbiological testing were collected from the medical records.RESULTS:Of the included patients 117 (78.5%) were diagnosed with AL and 32 (21.5%) with PJI. The latency period from primary arthroplasty to the presentation with symptomatic implant loosening was significantly shorter for PJI compared to AL (p < 0.05). The initial CRP values were significantly higher in patients with PJI compared to patients with AL (p < 0.05). Elevated count of white blood cells or percentage of neutrophils within the synovial fluid support the diagnosis of PJI. The sensitivity of synovial cell count (CC) count for PJI in patients with radiographic signs of loosening was 0.84 (CI 0.81-0.87) with a specificity of 0.96 (CI 0.92-0.98). The single best measure for the diagnosis of PJI was synovial fluid cultures with a specificity of 1, however this measure provides poor sensitivity.CONCLUSION:Patients with radiographic signs of loosening in TKA need thorough diagnostics. Information about primary TKA, serological testing, and results of joint aspiration can rule out a PJI in most cases.

Fragestellung Die Datenlage zur Inzidenz von distalen Radiusfrakturen (DRF) ist insbesondere bei älteren Menschen begrenzt. Häufig werden nur stationär- oder in der Notaufnahme behandelte DRF berücksichtigt, womit die Inzidenz aller Voraussicht nach unterschätzt wird. In Deutschland fehlen aktuelle populationsbasierte Daten vollständig. Ziel der Studie war die Schätzung der Inzidenz von DRF bei Versicherten ≥ 65 Jahren auf Grundlage von Abrechnungsdaten der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung aus dem stationären und ambulanten Bereich.

Resuscitation rooms in central emergency admissions are the first point of contact for potentially severely or multiply injured patients. Here priority is given to the interdisciplinary treatment of these patients, which includes the structured and standardized hospital admission as well as the appropriate initial diagnostics and treatment of potentially life-threatening conditions. The resuscitation room is a central vital link between the prehospital and internal hospital treatment chain. This article describes the core tasks of the resuscitation room team as well as concepts and strategies of initial treatment of severely injured and polytrauma patients.

PURPOSE:Aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of the patient related factors body mass index (BMI), urinary tract infection, current smoking, gender, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification on the incidence of acute and chronic deep periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS:All patients undergoing revision surgery for a deep PJI of primary TKA between July 2012 and December 2016 were included in this study. All relevant data was collected from the medical records. Acute deep PJI was defined when PJI was diagnosed within the first 6 weeks after primary TKA, chronic PJI was defined when patients demonstrated PJI later than 6 weeks after primary TKA. RESULTS:A total of 57 patients was included in this study with 13 cases of acute PJI and 44 of chronic PJI. Overweight patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2) represent a significantly larger proportion in both PJI groups (p < 0.05). Current smokers had an significantly increased risk for acute and chronic PJI (p < 0.05). In the acute PJI group 46.2% patients had an postoperative urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION:An elevated BMI (>25 kg/m2), current smoking and urinary tract infection are possible risk factors for acute and chronic deep PJI. After primary TKA screening for urinary tract infection is recommendable to prevent predominantly acute deep PJI.

Schockräume in zentralen Notaufnahmen sind die ersten Anlaufstellen für potenziell schwer bzw. mehrfach verletzte Patienten. Hier steht die interdisziplinäre Versorgung dieser Patienten im Vordergrund, die die strukturierte und standardisierte Krankenhausaufnahme sowie die entsprechende Initialdiagnostik und Therapie potenziell lebensbedrohlicher Zustände umfasst. Der Schockraum stellt ein zentrales Bindeglied zwischen der prähospitalen und der innerklinischen Versorgungskette dar. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die Kernaufgaben des Schockraumteams sowie Konzepte und Strategien der Erstversorgung schwer verletzter und polytraumatisierter Patienten.

Zusammenfassung Die distale Radiusfraktur (DRF) repräsentiert den häufigsten Knochenbruch des Menschen. Während die Therapie über Jahrzehnte durch konservative Maßnahmen oder durch geschlossene operative Verfahren wie die perkutane Bohrdrahtosteosynthese oder die Behandlung im Fixateur externe geprägt war, setzte durch die Einführung und rasante Verbreitung der palmaren winkelstabilen Plattenosteosynthese (POS) ein Paradigmenwechsel ein. Das neue Verfahren wurde bald zum „Goldstandard“ ausgerufen und für nahezu alle Frakturformen am distalen Radius angewendet. Neben klinischen Misserfolgen, z. B. die mangelnde Adressierung dorsal gelegener Kantenfragmente oder dem Auftreten von Streck- und Beugesehnenirritationen, führte auch die Veröffentlichung verschiedener prospektiv randomisierter Studien und Metaanalysen zu einer gewissen Ernüchterung. Im Vergleich zwischen perkutaner Drahtosteosynthese und palmarer POS konnte hier kein Unterschied im klinischen Ergebnis ein Jahr postoperativ festgestellt werden, sodass offenbar wurde, dass mit dem innovativen Instrument der winkelstabilen Platte nicht alle Probleme am distalen Radius gelöst werden konnten. Der vorliegende Artikel soll eine Übersicht über aktuelle Erkenntnisse geben und die Expertenmeinung zu gegenwärtigen Konzepten in der Behandlung der DRF widerspiegeln. Veranschaulicht wird dies anhand repräsentativer Falldarstellungen.

ZusammenfassungDie distale Radiusfraktur (DRF) reprasentiert den haufigsten Knochenbruch des Menschen. Wahrend die Therapie uber Jahrzehnte durch konservative Ma ss nahmen oder durch geschlossene operative Verfahren wie die perkutane Bohrdrahtosteosynthese oder die Behandlung im Fixateur externe gepragt war, setzte durch die Einfuhrung und rasante Verbreitung der palmaren winkelstabilen Plattenosteosynthese (POS) ein Paradigmenwechsel ein. Das neue Verfahren wurde bald zum Goldstandard ausgerufen und fur nahezu alle Frakturformen am distalen Radius angewendet. Neben klinischen Misserfolgen, z.B. die mangelnde Adressierung dorsal gelegener Kantenfragmente oder dem Auftreten von Streck- und Beugesehnenirritationen, fuhrte auch die Veroffentlichung verschiedener prospektiv randomisierter Studien und Metaanalysen zu einer gewissen Ernuchterung. Im Vergleich zwischen perkutaner Drahtosteosynthese und palmarer POS konnte hier kein Unterschied im klinischen Ergebnis ein Jahr postoperativ festgestellt werden, sodass offenbar wurde, dass mit dem innovativen Instrument der winkelstabilen Platte nicht alle Probleme am distalen Radius gelost werden konnten. Der vorliegende Artikel soll eine ubersicht uber aktuelle Erkenntnisse geben und die Expertenmeinung zu gegenwartigen Konzepten in der Behandlung der DRF widerspiegeln. Veranschaulicht wird dies anhand reprasentativer Falldarstellungen. AbstractDistal radius fractures represent the most frequent bone fractures in humans. Although the treatment was dominated for decades by conservative measures or closed surgical procedures, such as percutaneous wire osteosynthesis, aparadigm shift was instigated by the introduction and rapid dissemination of volar locking plate osteosynthesis (VLP). The novel procedure was soon proclaimed to be the gold standard and applied for practically all forms of fractures of the distal radius. In addition to clinical mishaps, e.g. failure to address dorsal edge fragments or the occurrence of extensor and flexor tendon irritation, the publication of various prospective randomized studies and meta-analyses led to acertain degree of disillusionment. In comparison to percutaneous wire osteosynthesis, no differences in the clinical result could be established for VLP 1year postoperatively. It was therefore obvious that not all problems of the distal radius could be solved using the innovative instrument of volar locking plates. This article gives an overview on the current insights and reflects the current expert opinion on the present concepts for the treatment of distal radius fractures. This is illustrated by comprehensive case presentations.

Besides the use of autologous bone grafting several osteoconductive and osteoinductive methods have been reported to improve bone healing. However, persistent non‐union occurs in a considerable number of cases and compromised angiogenesis is suspected to impede bone regeneration. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) improves angiogenesis. This study evaluates the effects of HBO on bone defects treated with autologous bone grafting in a bone defect model in rabbits. Twenty‐four New‐Zealand White Rabbits were subjected to a unilateral critical sized diaphyseal radius bone defect and treated with autologous cancellous bone transplantation. The study groups were exposed to an additional HBO treatment regimen. Bone regeneration was evaluated radiologically and histologically at 3 and 6 weeks, angiogenesis was assessed by immunohistochemistry at three and six weeks. The additional administration of HBO resulted in a significantly increased new bone formation and angiogenesis compared to the sole treatment with autologous bone grafting. These results were apparent after three and six weeks of treatment. The addition of HBO therapy to autologous bone grafts leads to significantly improved bone regeneration. The increase in angiogenesis observed could play a crucial role for the results observed. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:513–520, 2015.

Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) contains high densities of progenitor cells. Therefore, in critical size defects BMC may have the potency to support bone healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMC in combination with calcium phosphate granules (CPG) on bone defect healing in a metaphyseal long bone defect in mini-pigs. A metaphyseal critical-size bone defect at the proximal tibia of 24 mini-pigs was filled with CPG combined with BMC, CPG solely (control group) or with an autograft. Radiological and histomorphometrical evaluations after 6 weeks (42 days) showed significantly more bone formation in the BMC group in the central area of the defect zone and the cortical defect zone compared to the CPG group. At the same time the resorption rate of CPG increased significantly in the BMC group. Nevertheless, compared to the BMC group the autograft group showed a significantly higher new bone formation radiologically and histomorphometrically. In BMC the count of mononuclear cells was significantly higher compared to the bone marrow aspirate (3.5-fold). The mesenchymal progenitor cell characteristics of the cells in BMC were confirmed by flow cytometry. Cells from BMC created significantly larger colonies of alkaline phosphatase-positive colony forming units (CFU-ALP) (4.4-fold) compared to cells from bone marrow aspirate. Nevertheless, even in the BMC group complete osseous bridging was only detectable in isolated instances of the bone defects. Within the limitations of this study the BMC+CPG composite promotes bone regeneration in the early phase of bone healing significantly better than the isolated application of CPG. However, the addition of BMC does not lead to a solid fusion of the defect in the early phase of bone healing an still does not represent an equal alternative to autologous bone.

In addition to a stabile osteosynthesis autologous cancellous bone graft remains an essential therapy option in persistent non-union. Despite this therapy regimen persistent non-union can occasionally occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of persistent non-union with a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous cancellous bone.In this prospective study 17 patients with persistent non-union of long bones were treated by a combination of PRP and autologous iliac crest bone. Inclusion criteria were a minimum of one previously failed cancellous bone transplantation and an atrophic non-union persisting for 6-14 months (mean 9 months). The patients were examined clinically and radiologically at intervals of 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively.After an average time of 17 months (range 15-23 months) the patients were treated by a combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone. In all cases the non-union was successfully treated and osseous bridging was found radiologically after an average of 5 months (range 4-7 months) without any complications.The combination of PRP and autologous cancellous bone appears to be a safe and effective method for treatment of persistent non-union. The use of PRP does not result in substantial additional costs. Allergies and graft versus host reactions are not expected because of the autologous origin.

Neben einer stabilen Osteosynthese ist bei bestehender Pseudarthrose die autologe Spongiosaplastik die Therapie der Wahl. Trotz Ausschöpfung dieser Behandlungsoptionen kommt es bei einer nicht zu vernachlässigenden Anzahl von Patienten zu therapierefraktären Pseudarthrosen. Ziel dieser Studie war zu evaluieren, in wieweit der kombinierte Einsatz von Platelet-rich-Plasma (PRP) und autologer Spongiosa zur Therapie refraktärer Pseudarthrosen geeignet ist.

Objective: Modified anterior tension wiring with K-wires and cannulated lag screws with anterior tension wiring are currently the fixation of choice for patellar fractures. Failure of fixation, migration of the wires, postoperative pain and resulting revision surgery, however, are not uncommon. After preliminary biomechanical testing of a new fixed-angle plate system especially designed for fixation of patella fractures the aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical and anatomical feasibility of implanting such a plate-device at the human patella.Methods: In six fresh unfixed female cadavers without history of previous fractures around the knee (average age 88.8 years) a bilateral fixed-angle plate fixation of the patella was carried out after previous placement of a transverse central osteotomy. Operative time, intra-operative problems, degree of retropatellar arthritis (following Outerbridge), quality of reduction and existence of any intraarticular screw placement have been raised. In addition, lateral and anteroposterior radiographs of all specimens were made.Results: Due to the high average age of 88.8 years no patella showed an unimpaired retropatellar articular surface and all were severely osteoporotic, which made a secure fixation of the reduction forceps during surgery difficult. The operation time averaged 49 minutes (range: 36-65). Although in postoperative X-rays the fracture gap between the fragments was still visible, the analysis of the retropatellar surface showed no residual articular step or dehiscence > 0.5 mm. Also in a total of 24 inserted screws not one intraarticular malposition was found. No intraoperative complications were noticed.Conclusions: Osteosynthesis of a medial third patella fracture with a bilateral fixed-angle plate-device is surgically and anatomically feasible without difficulties. Further studies have to depict whether the bilateral fixed-angle plate-osteosynthesis of the patella displays advantages over the established operative procedures.

Background: The goal of this study is carry out a biomechanical evaluation of the stability of a bilateral, polyaxial, fixed-angle 2.7 mm plate system specifically designed for use on the patella. The results of this approach are then compared to the two currently most commonly used surgical techniques for patella fractures: modified anterior tension wiring with K-wires and cannulated lag screws with anterior tension wiring.Methods: A transient biomechanical analysis determining material failure points of all osteosyntheses were conducted on 21 identical left polyurethane foam patellae, which were osteotomized horizontally. Evaluated were load (N), displacement (mm) and run-time (s) as well as elastic modulus (MPa), tensile strength (MPa) and strain at failure (%).Findings: With a maximum load capacity of 2396 (SD 492) N, the fixed-angle plate proved to be significantly stronger than the cannulated lag screws with anterior tension wiring (1015 (SD 246) N) and the modified anterior tension wiring (625 (SD 84.9) N). The fixed-angle plate displayed significantly greater stiffness and lower fracture gap dehiscence than the other osteosyntheses. Additionally, osteosynthesis deformation was found to be lower for the fixed-angle plate.Interpretation: A bilateral fixed-angle plate was the most rigid and stable osteosynthesis for horizontal patella fractures with the least amount of fracture gap dehiscence. Further biomechanical trials performed under cycling loading with fresh cadaver specimen should be done to figure out if a fixed-angle plate may be an alternative in the surgical treatment of patella fractures. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background: With a prevalence from 11.8 to 18% no fracture is as often associated with nerve damage as the humeral shaft fracture. Whether the radial nerve should be surgically explored in association with a palsy in humeral shaft fractures in order to exclude an interposition or discontinuity is being discussed controversially. The aim of this study was to assess the strategies for primary care of radial nerve palsies associated with humeral shaft fractures in Germany.Material and Methods: In a standardised survey 495 traumatological and 134 neurosurgical clinics were interviewed regarding the treatment of primary radial nerve palsies after humeral shaft fractures. The distribution of the survey included all level-one trauma centres. Statistics were based on the supply strategies, the number of observed contusions, discontinuities and inter-position of the N. radialis in the fracture gap. Moreover, the results were recorded after primary neurorrhaphy.Results: The evaluable response rate to the questionnaire was 56% (university hospitals 77%, level-one trauma centres 63%, level-two trauma centres 70%, level-three trauma centres 44%). 6097 humeral shaft fractures have been treated per year, the incidence of primary radial nerve palsy was 8.6%. Regarding the management strategies, 59% of the hospitals advocated exploration of the nerve, while 25% reported that the decision depends on the individual case. 16% reject the exploration in case of a primary nerve palsy. In the case of an exploration, contusions (74%) of the nerve were largely seen, followed by nerve interpositions in the fracture gap (19%) and discontinuity (7%). In the case of neurorrhaphy, a partial or complete remission was found in 87% of cases.Discussion: Although a primary expectant procedure is recommended in the literature due to the high spontaneous remission rate of 90%, an early exploration of the nerve is often preferred in clinical practice. In these cases, the use of an interlocking intramedullary nail as a minimally invasive treatment option does not appear useful due to the direct exposure of the fracture zone and the radial nerve. Interestingly, the feared discontinuity occurs rarely. The impact of nerve interposition in the fracture gap without surgical exploration remains unclear due to the lack of visibility.Conclusion: There is no consensus concerning the treatment of radial nerve palsies after humeral shaft fractures in Germany. Discontinuities are rare, the rate of spontaneous recoveries is high. Whether and when an exploration of the radial nerve is obligatory in primary radial palsy remains unclear and should be clarified by prospective randomised trials.