Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2011
Injury types of victims in the 12th May 2008 Wenchuan earthquake: analysis of 1,038 patients in Jiangyou City.
On 12th May 2008, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 8.0 struck Wenchuan, Sichuan Province of China, resulting in tremendous loss of lives and property. ⋯ The devastating earthquake resulted in a large number of patients with soft tissue injuries frequently in the head and fractures involving mainly the limbs, especially the upper limbs. The injuries sustained in earthquakes are usually serious and complex, often with such complications as shock, infection, and crush syndrome. Multiple injuries are common in the event of an earthquake.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2011
Functional outcome and quality of life in victims of terrorist explosions as compared to conventional trauma.
Following trauma, the number of preventable deaths is low. Outcome should also be measured in terms of quality of life (QoL). Studies analyzing QoL in trauma patients have been published, but little is known about the long term QoL of victims of terrorist attacks. ⋯ Subjects present more emotional distortions, residual pain in the head region and a tendency towards a worsened perception of their own health and wellness. They also present symptoms associated to PTSD more frequently. The presence of symptoms associated to PTSD, depression or anxiety was an independent variable related to lower QoL in both groups.
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To evaluate the pattern, demographics, circumstances behind events and patient outcome of civilian gunshot wounds (GSWs), we conducted a prospective review in a surgical department in Durban, South Africa over a period of 9 months. ⋯ This study provides evidence that the burden of GSW-related mortality and morbidity poses a substantial threat to the local public health. A national database for reporting all GSWs is recommended for proper assessment of the magnitude of the problem and to facilitate funding for research into injury prevention.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2011
Flexor tendon repair using a new suture technique: a comparative in vitro biomechanical study.
The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of two new four-strand core suture techniques for flexor tendon repair. ⋯ From these experimental results, the new Marburg 1 core suture technique can be considered for flexor tendon repair in a clinical setting with the use of active motion protocols.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2011
Anesthetic management of injuries following the 2008 Wenchuan, China earthquake.
The authors report anesthetic considerations and management of injuries after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, Sichuan, China. ⋯ Epidural anesthesia and peripheral nerve block are the anesthetic techniques of choice for post-earthquake injuries due to limited conditions and appliances. More attention should be paid to preoperative evaluation, anesthetic techniques, anesthetic management, anesthetic application and postoperative recovery according to patient conditions and the limited environment.