Injury
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Comparative Study
The validation of computed tomography derived radiodensity measurements of bone healing using histopathology.
The early identification of delayed bone healing or a non-union is vital for prompt treatment and superior patient outcomes. Current techniques rely heavily on operator skill for interpretation and hence their reliability and repeatability may be inconsistent. This study assessed the application of computed tomography (CT) derived densiometric measurements as a quantitative tool for the assessment of bone healing. ⋯ This study suggests that radiodensity measurements may be a useful diagnostic and management tool for the monitoring of indirect bone healing.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of classical and minimally invasive superolateral approach for reconstruction of proximal humerus fractures with locking plates.
Minimally invasive (MI) approaches are purported to present advantages for osteosynthesis when compared with conventional approaches. This study aimed to compare the medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with proximal humerus fractures treated by plate osteosynthesis with conventional and MI superolateral approaches. ⋯ This study did not demonstrate any significant differences between the 2 approaches. Given the low patient population in our series, the superiority of the MI approach - as indicated in the literature - was not proven.
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Pediatric trauma disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly the pediatric trauma systems, are frequently limited. This study assessed the patterns of pediatric traumatic injuries and treatment at the only free-standing public children's hospital in East Africa as well as the implementation and sustainability of the trauma registry. ⋯ This is the first study to describe the trauma epidemiology from a Kenyan public pediatric hospital. Maintenance of the trauma registry failed due to cost. Streamlining global surgery efforts through implementation science may allow easier development of trauma registries to then identify modifiable risk factors to prevent trauma and long-term outcomes to understand associated disability.
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Multicenter Study
An evaluation of the management of severe open tibial fractures in the United Kingdom's major trauma centres.
To evaluate the management of patients with severe open tibial fractures at major trauma centres (MTCs) in the UK with respect to BOAST 4 guidelines. ⋯ This is the largest cohort of open tibial injuries managed in the UK with wide variation in practice between centres demonstrated and better adherence to BOAST guidelines linked to reduced mortality in those aged 65 and over. The older cohort of patients also had higher rates of infection and amputation. It is unclear whether these poor outcomes are due to the pre-morbid physiological status of the patient or non-compliance to Standards. We present these data to highlight the need for improved adherence to Standards - the adoption of a scoring system provides a simple way to evidence this.
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Observational Study
Transtibial osseointegration following unilateral traumatic amputation: An observational study of patients with at least two years follow-up.
Most patients use a traditional socket prosthesis (TSP) to ambulate independently following transtibial amputation. However, these patients generally require prosthesis repairs more than twice annually and an entirely new prosthesis every two years. Furthermore, transtibial amputation patients have four times the skin ulceration rate of transfemoral patients, prompting more frequent prosthesis refitting and diminished use. Trans-Tibial osseointegration (TTOI) is a promising technique to address the limitations of TSP, but remains understudied with only four cohorts totaling 41 total procedures reported previously. Continued concerns regarding the risk of infection and questions as to functional capacity postoperatively have slowed adoption of TTOI worldwide. ⋯ 2 (Therapeutic investigation, Observational study with dramatic effect).