Injury
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Unstable pelvic fractures can be life-threatening due to catastrophic haemorrhage. Non-invasive methods of reducing and stabilising these injuries include pelvic binder application and also lower limb bandaging over a knee-flexion bolster. Both of these methods help close the pelvic ring and should tamponade bleeding. This study aimed to quantify the intra-pelvic pressure changes that occurred with 3 different manoeuvres: lower limb bandaging over a bolster; a Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device (T-POD) pelvic binder, and a combination of both. ⋯ Lower-limb bandaging over a bolster, and pelvic binder application, both significantly increased intra-pelvic pressures, and were greatest in combination. These findings support the use of these techniques to facilitate non-surgical haemorrhage control.
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This retrospective cohort study characterized injury patterns, treatment practices, and identified the return to duty (RTD) rate following combat-related multi-ligament knee injuries (MLKI). ⋯ MLKIs sustained in a combat setting have a high incidence of associated lower extremity injuries. Certain associated injuries, such as intra-articular femur fracture, knee arthrotomy, neurovascular injury, and compartment syndrome may be more important than the severity of the knee ligamentous injury in determining RTD outcome.
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Comparative Study
Visually guided tube thoracostomy insertion comparison to standard of care in a large animal model.
Tube thoracostomy (TT) is a lifesaving procedure for a variety of thoracic pathologies. The most commonly utilized method for placement involves open dissection and blind insertion. Image guided placement is commonly utilized but is limited by an inability to see distal placement location. Unfortunately, TT is not without complications. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of a disposable device to allow for visually directed TT placement compared to the standard of care in a large animal model. ⋯ Therapeutic Level II.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Nadroparin or fondaparinux versus no thromboprophylaxis in patients immobilised in a below-knee plaster cast (PROTECT): A randomised controlled trial.
The immobilisation of the lower leg is associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, thromboprophylaxis in patients with a below-knee plaster cast remains controversial. We examined the efficacy and safety of nadroparin and fondaparinux to ascertain the need for thromboprophylaxis in these patients. ⋯ Thromboprophylaxis with nadroparin or fondaparinux significantly reduces the risk of DVT in patients with an ankle or foot fracture who were treated in a below-knee cast without any major adverse events.
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Patient feedback is increasingly important to inform and develop effective healthcare within the United Kingdom. In order to optimise patient experience of ankle fracture care in our unit, we sought to identify elements of practice associated with poor patient experience and low levels of satisfaction. ⋯ Efforts to improve the healthcare experience of patients with ankle fractures should be focused on improving processes that minimise cancellation of surgery and the communication around delay management.