Eur J Trauma Emerg S
-
Polytrauma patients usually suffer from both life-threatening injuries, where early intervention is mandatory in order to prevent mortality from uncontrollable haemorrhage-especially during the "golden hour", and secondary injuries of lower priority which receive delayed referral or treatment. Non-life-threatening injuries can sometimes be overlooked and so remain untreated until a much later stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of eye (ocular and orbital) injuries in polytrauma (injury severity score >15) patients and describe their complexities and outcomes. ⋯ Polytrauma patients are at high risk for vision-threatening injuries, and an early multidisciplinary approach is essential for early detection and treatment.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2011
Accuracy of CT-assisted pedicle screw placement after CT-controlled, presurgical guide wire implantation in traumatic and pathological fractures in the thoracic spine.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement after computed tomography (CT)-assisted positioning of guide wires and subsequent insertion of transpedicular screws in particularly narrow pedicles in the thoracic spine. Transpedicular pedicle screw placement has been commonly used for a number of decades. However, a significant number of malpositioned screws still occur, especially in the thoracic spine, potentially correlating with relevant complications, e.g., neurological deterioration. ⋯ The CT-assisted pedicle screw implantation procedure using guide wires implanted prior to surgery is an accurate, reliable, and safe method for dorsal spondylodesis in the treatment of a variety of spinal instabilities, including fractures, tumors, and infections.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2011
Anterior column reconstruction in thoracolumbar injuries utilizing a computer-assisted navigation system.
Discectomy, corpectomy, and resection of isolated posterior wall fragments are technically demanding steps requiring maximum surgical precision during anterior reconstruction of the unstable thoracolumbar spine. ⋯ Computer-aided guidance in anterior reconstruction of the thoracolumbar spine is a technically feasible option that may aid in the performance of disc- and corpectomy, as well as the resection of isolated posterior wall fragments in cases with initial neurological compromise. However, total time for surgery is significantly prolongated by this technique. There were no differences in the precision of cage positioning between groups. However, during discectomy, the use of computer navigation may aid in the protection of adjacent endplates, as there was a trend towards fewer cases with cage subsidence in the navigated group.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2011
The association between depressive mood and pain amongst individuals with limb amputations.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pain and depressive mood amongst persons with limb amputations, and to examine the relationship between the etiology (work-related trauma or other types) and depressive mood. ⋯ The results of this study revealed the validity of optional approaches such as prescription of antidepressants or psychological counseling to improve mental health of individuals with limb amputations.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2011
Teaching in daily clinical practice: a necessary evil or an opportunity? Doctors as teachers.
Teaching is an important part of our medical role as physicians. Though all doctors are usually well prepared for their clinical roles, few are trained to teach. ⋯ However, clinical teaching faces many challenges and problems. The series "Teaching in daily clinical practice," which commences with this article, will describe basic educational principles that are applicable in all phases of the learning and teaching of students, junior doctors and speciality trainees.