Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2008
Lateral Radiograph of the Hip in Fracture Neck of Femur: Is it a Ritual?
Historically routine work up of a patient with a fracture neck of femur has always included an antero-posterior (AP) and a lateral view of the hip. The aim of the study was to know whether a lateral view of hip influenced the decision of an Orthopedic Surgeon regarding management at a District General Hospital. ⋯ We can conclude that unless required for management a lateral X-ray of hip should be avoided routinely in all patients with fracture neck of femur as it would not only be cost effective but will also reduce radiation exposure to patient and relieve work pressure on radiographers, nursing and portering staff.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2008
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Caused by a Pseudoaneurysm After Pseudarthrosis of the Clavicle.
Clavicle fractures are common, with the majority treated conservatively. If treated conservatively, pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is reported in up to 3% of the cases. In rare cases, pseudarthrosis of the clavicle may cause pseudoaneurysm formation, resulting in compression of the brachial plexus and the adjoining vessels, which may produce neurological symptoms and circulatory disorders. ⋯ Patient's history and radiological findings are the keys to diagnosis. Without treatment, the prognosis is poor with spontaneous development of bleeding or gangrene. Therefore, surgical treatment has to be performed, especially when neurological symptoms occur.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2008
Overall Asessment of the Response to Terrorist Bombings in Trains, Madrid, 11 March 2004.
To provide an overall assessment of the response to the terrorist bombings in Madrid, 11 March 2004, which were considered the deadliest terrorist attack on European soil in modern times. ⋯ There was a rapid EMS response and evacuation, but also overtriage, uneven distribution of casualties and difficulties in communication. The sizes and resources of the closest hospitals, as well as the early hour, were probably decisive in the adequacy of the overall response.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2008
Brachial Artery Injuries: A Seven-year Experience with a Prospective Database.
A Trauma Vascular Registry was established in 1998. The aim of the study was to review brachial artery injuries. ⋯ Brachial artery injuries are the commonest vascular injuries to the limbs, with a good prognosis, provided early repair is undertaken. Arteriography is usually unnecessary and limb loss is low, provided appropriate decompression of a compartment syndrome is performed, however in this group the limb loss rate is 25% compared to the overall of 2%. The repair of a brachial artery is a good training procedure for surgical trainees, associated with a low morbidity.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Oct 2008
Vacuum-Assisted Closure for Successful Treatment of a Major Contaminated Gunshot Chest-Wound: A Case Report.
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a well-established treatment for complicated wound infections and chronic wounds, including poststernotomy mediastinitis. The use of VAC in treating high-energy trauma has been more limited. We present a case where VAC was successfully used to treat a contaminated self-inflicted gunshot-wound of the chest and abdomen.