Injury
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Comparative Study
Comparison of circumferential pelvic sheeting versus the T-POD on unstable pelvic injuries: A cadaveric study of stability.
Commercially available binder devices are commonly used in the acute treatment of pelvic fractures, while many advocate simply placing a circumferential sheet for initial stabilization of such injuries. We sought to determine whether or not the T-POD would provide more stability to an unstable pelvic injury as compared to circumferential pelvic sheeting. ⋯ A circumferential pelvic sheet is more readily available, costs less, is more versatile, and is equally as efficacious at immobilizing the unstable pelvis as compared to the T-POD. We advocate the use of circumferential sheeting for temporary stabilization of unstable pelvic injuries.
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Comparative Study
Risk factors for contra-lateral hip fracture in elderly patients with previous hip fracture.
Contra-lateral hip fractures in elderly patients with a previous hip fracture increase the incidence of complications and socioeconomic burden. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of contra-lateral hip fracture in elderly patients. ⋯ Postoperative delirium and underlying visual impairment and respiratory disease could be risk factors of contra-lateral fracture in elderly patients. Early and active rehabilitation after surgery is important to prevent the occurrence of contra-lateral hip fracture in the elderly.
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Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major cause of both morbidity and mortality globally. Relative to countries with similar economic patterns both within and outside of South-East Asia, Cambodia's road traffic fatality rate is high, with motorcyclists accounting for more than half of all fatalities as a result of head injuries. Despite the initiation of national motorcycle helmet legislation for Cambodian drivers in 2009, helmet use among both drivers and passengers remains low. ⋯ Despite awareness of the protective value of helmets, motorcycle helmet use rates remain low in Cambodia. Many misconceptions remain in Cambodia regarding helmet use, including that they are unnecessary for short distance or at low speeds. These serve as an important barrier to helmet use, which, if dispelled and coupled with visible and regular enforcement, may significantly reduce the number of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities.
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Previous studies regarding musculoskeletal injuries sustained during war have been limited by a lack of specificity regarding wounds incurred by combat-specific personnel. This investigation endeavoured to develop a comprehensive catalogue of the extent of musculoskeletal trauma, as well as the frequency of distinct injuries, among soldiers possessing a single combat-specific specialty. ⋯ This effort is among the first to combine complimentary data from the DoDTR and AFMES over a multi-year period in order to comprehensively catalogue musculoskeletal wounds sustained by combat-specific soldiers. This investigation highlights a 49% incidence of injuries involving the spine, pelvis, and/or extremities within a cohort of combat-specific soldiers. Elevated rates of amputations, spinal injuries, and pelvic trauma were also appreciated as compared to earlier reports.
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Pelvic and acetabular fractures are complex injuries requiring specialist treatment. Our institution is the National Centre for Treatment and Management of these injuries. ⋯ Pelvic and acetabular fractures are complex injuries that require specialist referral unit management. However for these units to remain sustainable money needs to "follow the patient".