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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The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and outcomes after traumatic amputation of the upper (UEA) and lower (LEA) extremities. ⋯ Traumatic limb amputation is a rare consequence of civilian trauma. Amputation is rarely the primary cause of death; however, these devastating injuries are associated with significant intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay. Although no mortality difference was detected, when compared with patients with upper extremity amputations, patients with lower extremity amputations were more severely injured, required revision extremity surgery more often, had a higher complication rate, and more frequently required discharge to a long-term facility.
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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
Toward a new definition of 'refugee': is the 1951 convention out of date?
Definitions, by necessity, may change or need to be changed to accommodate situations that arise. The United Nations recognized that the emergence of new refugee situations required changes in the Convention. These changes were codified in the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees. ⋯ As new classifications of refugees develop, there needs to be changes in the definition of what is a refugee. There has been a growing consensus in the international arena to recognize those displaced by environmental causes. We need to take steps to develop an inclusive definition of refugee that includes those displaced by environmental causes.
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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.