Browsing by Author "Dunn, Robert N"

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    Open Access
    Anterior-posterior view by full-body digital X-ray to rule out severe spinal injuries in Polytraumatized patients
    (2021-03-05) Häckel, Sonja; Hofmann, Elena; Anwander, Helen; Albers, Christoph E; Basedow, Jasmin; Bigdon, Sebastian F.; Exadaktylos, Aristomenis K; Keel, Marius J B; Dunn, Robert N; Maqungo, Sithombo; Benneker, Lorin M; Held, Michael; Hoppe, Sven
    Background Spinal injuries are present in 16–31% of polytraumatized patients. Rapid identification of spinal injuries requiring immobilization or operative treatment is essential. The Lodox-Statscan (LS) has evolved into a promising time-saving diagnostic tool to diagnose life-threatening injuries with an anterior-posterior (AP)-full-body digital X-ray. Methods We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy and the interrater reliability of AP-LS to detect spinal injuries in polytraumatized patients. Therefore, within 3 years, AP-LS of polytraumatized patients (ISS ≥ 16) were retrospectively analyzed by three independent observers. The sensitivity and specificity of correct diagnosis with AP-LS compared to CT scan were calculated. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by using the area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) for sensitivity and specificity. Interrater reliability between the three observers was calculated using Fleiss’ Kappa. The sensitivity of AP-LS was further analyzed by the severity of spinal injuries. Results The study group included 320 patients (48.5 years ±19.5, 89 women). On CT scan, 207 patients presented with a spinal injury (65%, total of 332 injuries). AP-LS had a low sensitivity of 9% (31 of 332, range 0–24%) and high specificity of 99% (range 98–100%). The sensitivity was highest for thoracic spinal injuries (14%). The interrater reliability was slight (κ = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.03). Potentially unstable spinal injuries were more likely to be detected than stable injuries (sensitivity 18 and 6%, respectively). Conclusion This study demonstrated high specificity with low sensitivity of AP-LS in detecting spinal injuries compared to CT scan. In polytraumatized patients, AP-LS, implemented in the Advanced Trauma Life Support-algorithm, is a helpful tool to diagnose life-threatening injuries. However, if spinal injuries are suspected, performing a full-body CT scan is necessary for correct diagnosis.
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    BokSmart : medical management of suspected serious acute spinal cord injuries in rugby players
    (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2012) Dunn, Robert N
    Injury to the spinal cord with paralysis during rugby is rare but remains an emotionally charged issue, especially at schoolboy level. The game has evolved over the years with rule changes to reduce injury risk. Scrums were originally perceived as the high-risk phase of play and rule changes in the early 1990s have reduced the number of scrums per game by as much as 40%. Over time the ferocity of play has also increased with bigger, fitter players and possibly more at stake with professionalism. Catastrophic injury rates are low but still occur. Although risk and injury cannot be totally avoided in a contact sport, it does appear that there are deficits in the management of this risk and subsequent injury. SA Rugby has introduced an educational programme (BokSmart) to increase the level of understanding by players and support staff. This article was prepared for the BokSmart programme in an effort to highlight the deficits and provide a basic understanding of spinal injury. Terminology, diagnosis and appropriate investigations are dealt with. The early emergency management is discussed as would occur at the first medical point of contact. This allows standardisation of injury assessment so communication between personnel is clear. An algorithm has been suggested to provide an appropriate management strategy should an injury occur.
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    BokSmart:medical management of suspected serious acute spinal cord injuries in rugby players
    (2009) Dunn, Robert N
    Injury to the spinal cord with paralysis during rugby is rare but remains an emotionally charged issue, especially at schoolboy level. The game has evolved over the years with rule changes to reduce injury risk. Scrums were originally perceived as the high-risk phase of play and rule changes in the early 1990s have reduced the number of scrums per game by as much as 40%. Over time the ferocity of play has also increased with bigger, fitter players and possibly more at stake with professionalism. Catastrophic injury rates are low but still occur. Although risk and injury cannot be totally avoided in a contact sport, it does appear that there are deficits in the management of this risk and subsequent injury. SA Rugby has introduced an educational programme (BokSmart) to increase the level of understanding by players and support staff. This article was prepared for the BokSmart programme in an effort to highlight the deficits and provide a basic understanding of spinal injury. Terminology, diagnosis and appropriate investigations are dealt with. The early emergency management is discussed as would occur at the first medical point of contact. This allows standardisation of injury assessment so communication between personnel is clear. An algorithm has been suggested to provide an appropriate management strategy should an injury occur.
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    “Out with the old and in with the new” - A retrospective review of paediatric craniocervical junction fixation: indications, techniques and outcomes
    (2019) Swan, Adrian Kenneth; Dunn, Robert N
    Background: The paediatric craniocervical junction has anatomical, physiological and biomechanical properties that make this region unique to that of the adult spine, vulnerable to injury, and contribute to the complexity of management. Traditionally, on-lay fusion with external Halo immobilisation has been used. Instrumented fusion offers intra-operative reduction and immediate stability. Methods: A retrospective review of a single surgeon’s prospectively maintained database was conducted for all cases of paediatric patients that had undergone a fusion involving the occipito-atlanto-axial region. Case notes were reviewed and a radiological analysis was done. Results: Sixteen patients were managed with on-lay fusion and external immobilisation and twentyseven patients were managed with internal fixation using screw-rod constructs. The fusion rates were 80% and 90.5% respectively. Allograft bone grafting was found to be a significant risk factor for non-union. Conclusion: The screws can be safely and predictably placed as confirmed on radiological follow-up with a high fusion rate and an acceptable complication rate. Uninstrumented onlay fusion with Halo immobilization remains an acceptable alternative. Allograft in the form of bone croutons or demineralised bone matrix is a significant risk factor for non-union and posterior iliac crest graft should be used preferentially.
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    Relationship between the lateral acromion angle and postoperative persistent pain of distal clavicle fracture treated with clavicle hook plate
    (2020-06-11) Wu, Kailun; Su, Xinlin; Roche, Stephen J L; Held, Michael F G; Yang, Huilin; Dunn, Robert N; Guo, Jiong J
    Background The clavicular hook plate is an accepted surgical procedure for distal clavicle fractures. The relationship of the characteristics of the hook plate, acromioclavicular joint and acromion morphology, and clinical outcome has remained poorly understood. We reviewed the clinical records of patients who had distal clavicle fractures with different lateral acromion angles treated using a clavicle hook plate and evaluated their clinical outcomes with respect to shoulder pain and acromial morphology. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 102 patients with distal clavicle fractures treated with hook plates at our institution from 2010 to 2017. They were divided into four groups according to lateral acromion angle on shoulder AP view X-rays. The angle was defined as the incline angle between the superior surface of distal clavicle and the inferior facet of acromion on coronal plane. We reviewed their clinical features, including Neer’s impingement sign, MRI findings, and outcomes using Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores. The mean follow-up was 25.5 months (range, 24 to 28 months). Results All patients in group D (large lateral acromion angle (α) > 40°, acromion coronal angle (β) < 60°) complained of postoperative symptoms. Compared to those with common lateral acromion angle, the incidence of postoperative impingement in group D was undoubtedly much higher (100%). Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores in group D were worse at 3 months post-surgery, 3 months post plate removal, and at the last follow-up despite a slightly earlier removal in this group. Conclusion Lateral acromion angle appears to be an important factor in the development of postoperative pain and worse outcomes (JOA scores) in patients treated with the hook plate. The incidence of subacromial impingement and rotator cuff lesion (RCL) increased with the α angle. Early limited mobility and removal of the implant may improve the prognosis and resolve the postoperative shoulder pain. Study design Retrospective review, level of evidence IV.