Injury
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Vascular surgery for war-related traumatic injuries represents 3 to 17.6 % of all emergency surgical procedures, and around 5 % in French Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs). Most of these lesions are treated by open surgery, but the role of endovascular surgery in French MTFs has not been assessed yet. The aims of this study are to assess the possible role of endovascular surgery by describing vascular surgical management in recent conflicts, and identify potential gaps in vascular surgery training. ⋯ Peripheral vascular lesion requiring emergency surgery are relatively uncommon in French MTFs. However, they require specific surgical training to deal with their complexity. Endovascular surgery does not appear to offer sufficient benefit for systematic deployment in French MTFs, and pre- and post-operative arteriography may be of interest for diagnostic use. The establishment of a French vascular mobile unit for complex cases may be of interest.
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During revision surgery for the management of patients presenting with long-bone upper extremity nonunion, it is crucial to rule out fracture-related infection (FRI). This is especially true if there are clinical signs suggestive of FRI, or if there is a history of prior FRI, open wound fracture, or surgery. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of frozen section analysis (FSA) in providing real-time diagnosis of FRI in patients with upper-limb long-bone nonunion undergoing revision surgery. ⋯ FSA showed high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of active infection during revision surgery for nonunion of the upper limb. Owing to its high negative predictive value, it can reliably rule out active infections during revision surgery. Since the results are obtained immediately during revision surgery, this approach offers the significant advantage of enabling real-time decision-making.
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Intraosseous (IO) access is a commonly used procedure in pediatric emergencies for establishingvascular access when alternative means, such as intravenous access, cannot be obtained. Likealternative routes, IO can be administered quickly and provides a route for medications, blood products,and fluids to be infused in emergency circumstances. While the use of IO is generally considered safewith minimal risks, potential complications can include compartment syndrome, infection, thrombosis, and fracture. ⋯ This review supports the rarity of fracture as a complication following the use of an IO needle in pediatric age group, emphasizing the need for additional research to elucidate the underlying risk factors associated with fracture in these cases. Additionally, it underscores the importance of conducting further pathological investigations to gain insight into bone histology that may be indicative of IO access and/or fracture occurrence.
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Frame configuration for the management of complex tibial fractures is highly variable and is dependent upon both fracture pattern and surgeon preference. The optimal number of rings to use when designing a frame remains uncertain. Traditionally larger, multi-ring-per-segment constructs have been assumed to offer optimal stability and therefore favourable conditions for fracture healing but there is little in-vivo evidence for this and the recent concept of reverse dynamisation challenges this approach. ⋯ No significant differences were found in the rate of malunion or the requirement for secondary surgical intervention to achieve union. The groups were evenly matched for age, co-morbidities, energy of injury mechanism, post-treatment alignment and presence of an open fracture. This study finds that 2-ring frame constructs are a reliable option associated with shorter duration of treatment and no increase in rates of adverse outcomes compared with larger, more complex frame configurations.
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An increasing number of patients with hip fracture are taking oral anticoagulation medication including direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). The management of these patients regarding the timing of surgery and occurrence of complications remains contentious. The aim of this study was to compare treatment and outcomes for hip fracture patients taking anticoagulation. ⋯ Current policies on the timing of surgery and anticoagulation are safe.