Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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A compartment syndrome is an increased tissue pressure within a closed osteofascial compartment. This compromises blood flow to the muscles and nerves within that compartment, which -if not treated adequately in an early stage-results in permanent tissue and nerve damage. It most frequently occurs in the lower leg, but can also occur elsewhere when muscles are enclosed in tight fascial compartments, such as the forearm and hand. ⋯ Possibly a wet-suit or dry-suit offers some protection. However, the duration of strangulation determines much of the damage. Although diagnosis of a compartment syndrome can be difficult, a high index of suspicion combined with fast and adequate treatment with a fasciotomy improve outcome and prognosis.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
Clinical Risk Factors for Hip Fracture in Young Adults Under 50 Years Old.
Established risk factors for hip fracture exist for older individuals. Young adults (less than 50 years old) presenting with hip fractures have received little attention. ⋯ Our data suggest that intravenous drug abusers under 50 are a particular group that we should be targeting for intervention strategies.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
Cost-Drivers in Acute Treatment of Severe Trauma in Europe: A Systematic Review of Literature.
Throughout the world, trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the young and most active group of society. While specialist trauma centers play a critical role in the survival after severe trauma, the assessment of trauma-related costs, budgeting for adequate trauma capacity, and determining the cost-effectiveness of interventions in critical care are fraught with difficulties. Through a systematic review of the European literature on severe trauma, we aimed to identify the key elements that drive the costs of acute trauma care. ⋯ Irrespective of the idiosyncrasies of the national healthcare systems in Europe, severity of injury, length of stay in ICU, surgical interventions and transfusion requirements represent the key drivers of acute trauma care for severe injury.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
Is Routine Spiral CT-Chest Justified in Evaluation of the Major Blunt Trauma Patients?
New generation spiral CT scanners permit multiple consecutive CT examinations on the same trauma patient in a short period of time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic role and therapeutic impact of routine spiral CT chest in multiply injured patients or patients with a suspicious mechanism of injury. ⋯ Although the incidence of significant injuries identified by the chest CT scan was low, it did prompt immediate intervention in a significant number of patients; some of them had potentially life-threatening injuries. Routine use of CT scanning is warranted in early evaluation of polytrauma patients or patients with severe blunt chest trauma.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
Simultaneous, Bilateral Pathological Displaced Intracapsular Hip Fractures Occurring Spontaneously Secondary to Osteomalacia of Hypomagnesemic Origin: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Spontaneous fractures involving both of the femoral necks simultaneously are exceedingly rare events. We report a case of an elderly female who presented after breaking both femoral necks following a trivial fall, initially diagnosed as age-related osteoporosis. Both the hips were treated by hemiarthroplasty. ⋯ We examine the different etiological factors and mechanisms operating in the causation of this rare injury and explore the possible role of magnesium in the pathogenesis of osteomalacia. Fractures may remain occult until late, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The value of an early MRI is recapitulated, with emphasis placed on prevention and early fixation.