Injury
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Multicenter Study
The association between admission systolic blood pressure and mortality in significant traumatic brain injury: A multi-centre cohort study.
Low systolic blood pressure (SBP) is an important secondary insult following traumatic brain injury (TBI), but its exact relationship with outcome is not well characterised. Although a SBP of <90 mmHg represents the threshold for hypotension in consensus TBI treatment guidelines, recent studies suggest redefining hypotension at higher levels. This study therefore aimed to fully characterise the association between admission SBP and mortality to further inform resuscitation endpoints. ⋯ These findings indicate that TBI studies should model SBP as a continuous variable and may suggest that current TBI treatment guidelines, using a cut-off for hypotension at SBP<90 mmHg, should be reconsidered.
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To report the surgical anatomy of the perforator arteries at the lower leg, analyse clinical outcomes in previous studies, and forward methodological recommendations for future studies of post-traumatic perforator flap reconstructions. ⋯ Fasciocutaneous perforator flaps seem to have high survival rates and represent a feasible approach to post-traumatic reconstructions, especially in low-resource settings. A template for data gathering is recommended for higher accuracy in future comparative studies, and for scientific analysis of success and risk factors. New imaging techniques indicate a promising potential of micro-circular angiogenesis during the first two weeks after flap transpose.
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Volar locking plates are an increasingly popular treatment for distal radius fractures. We reviewed complications observed after volar locking plate fixation in a busy teaching hospital. The purpose of the study was to assess whether complication rates after volar locking plate use in general, routine trauma practice were higher than published literature from expert users. ⋯ This study provides information which can be used to counsel patients about risks, including those of tendon and metalwork problems. This allows patients to make an informed decision. Surgeons must have specific strategies to avoid these complications and remain vigilant so that these can be identified and managed early.
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Total knee arthroplasty is a common orthopaedic procedure in the UK; consequently, revision surgery and periprosthetic fractures are increasing in incidence. Strategies for management of these cases include non-operative strategies, internal plate fixation and revision of the distal femoral component. One under-reported practice is to perform distal femoral replacement in cases with poor distal femoral bone stock. ⋯ IV.
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To identify determinants of limitations in unpaid work (household work, shopping, caring for children and odd jobs around the house) in patients who had suffered major trauma (ISS≥16) and who were in full-time employment (≥80%) at the time of injury. ⋯ Resuming paid work after major trauma is not associated with reductions in unpaid activities. To assess the long-term outcome of rehabilitation programmes, we recommend a measure that combines patient's satisfaction in their post-injury jobs with a satisfactory level of activities in their private lives.