Injury
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In many low and middle-income countries (LMICs) SIGN nail is commonly used for antegrade femoral intramedullary (IM) nailing, using a start site either at the tip of the greater trochanter or piriformis fossa. While a correct start site is considered an essential technical step; few studies have evaluated the impact of using an erroneous start site. This is particularly relevant in settings with limited access to fluoroscopy to aid in creating a nail entry point. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of antegrade SIGN IM nailing start site on radiographic alignment and health-related quality of life. ⋯ Lateral start site was associated with varus malalignment. Although lateral start site was not significantly associated with reoperation, varus deformity was associated with higher reoperation rates. Surgeons should consider avoiding a start site lateral to the tip of the greater trochanter or allow the nail to rotate to avoid malalignment when using the SIGN nail for proximal femur fractures.
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The predominant cause of preventable trauma death is bleeding, and many of these patients need resuscitation with massive blood transfusion. In resource-constrained environments, early recognition of such patients can improve planning and reduce wastage of blood products. No existing decision rule is sufficiently reliable to predict those patients requiring massive blood transfusion. This study aims to produce a decision rule for use on arrival at hospital for patients sustaining battlefield trauma. ⋯ We have produced a decision tool with improved accuracy compared to any previously described tools that can be used to predict blood transfusion requirements in the military deployed hospital environment.
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Observational Study
The correlation between ATLS and junior doctors' anatomical knowledge of central venous catheter insertion at a major trauma service in South Africa.
To review the ability of junior doctors (JDs) in identifying the correct anatomical site for central venous catheterization (CVC) and whether prior Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training influences this. ⋯ The majority of JDs do not have sufficient anatomical knowledge to identify the correct insertion site CVCs. Those who had undergone ATLS training were more likely to be able to identify the correct insertion site.
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The incidence of pain after flap reconstruction of complex lower limb injury is poorly reported in the literature, and yet represents a significant source of morbidity in these patients. In our centre (Southmead Hospital, Bristol, England) patients who have had flap reconstruction for complex lower limb injury are followed up at a joint ortho-plastics lower limb clinic run weekly. The aim of this study was to report the incidence of pain in such patients at follow-up in the specialist clinic. The impact of the experience of pain upon the quality of life, and the efficacy of analgesia was assessed these cases. ⋯ Pain in a common complication following flap reconstruction for complex lower limb injury reported in 85% of our cohort. This pain does not seem to be correlated with time, gender or age, and responds well to simple analgesia in most cases. This emphasises the importance of asking about pain at follow up, and taking simple measures to improve pain outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Computer-assisted navigation for intramedullary nail fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures: A randomized, controlled trial.
Lag screw cutout is one of the most commonly reported complications following intramedullary nail fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures. However, its occurrence can be minimized by a well-positioned implant, with a short Tip-to-Apex Distance (TAD). Computer-assisted navigation systems provide surgeons with the ability to track screw placement in real-time. This could allow for improved lag screw placement and potentially reduce radiation exposure to the patient and surgeon. ⋯ Computer-assisted navigation consistently produced excellent TADs, however it was not significantly better than conventional methods when done by fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists. Surgeons with a lower volume trauma practice could potentially benefit from computer-assisted navigation to obtain better TAD.