Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2012
Gastrointestinal tract perforation following blunt abdominal trauma: an institution's experience.
Traumatic perforation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) poses numerous challenges for surgeons worldwide. We aimed to review our institution's experience and highlight the pertinent issues in managing this problem. ⋯ Prompt and early surgery for traumatic gastrointestinal perforation is advised. Any abnormal CT scans warrants either surgery or close monitoring. Direct repair of the perforation is preferred, if possible.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2012
Ultrasonographic evaluation of costal cartilage fractures unnoticed by the conventional radiographic study and multidetector computed tomography.
Rib fractures are the most common injuries resulting from blunt chest trauma. However, costal cartilage fractures are almost invisible on chest X-rays unless they involve calcified cartilage. The sensitivity of conventional radiography and computed tomography for detecting rib fractures is limited, especially in cases where rib cartilage is involved. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the sensitivities of chest wall ultrasonography, clinical findings, and radiography in the detection of costal cartilage fractures. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that ultrasonography may be a useful imaging method for detecting costal cartilage fractures overlooked on conventional radiographs and computed tomography in patients with minor blunt chest trauma. Early ultrasonographic evaluation can give more accurate information than clinical and radiologic evaluation in detecting costal cartilage fractures and sternal fractures that are overlooked on conventional radiography and computed tomography after minor blunt chest trauma.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2012
Hip fracture surgery and performance indicators: an analysis of 941 patients operated in a large teaching hospital.
In the Netherlands, two performance indicators for the treatment of hip fracture patients have been recently implemented. Both indicators state that surgery within 24 h after admission improves the outcome with regard to 1-year mortality and the amount of re-operations within 1 year. To determine the value of these performance indicators, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 941 hip fracture patients. ⋯ We conclude that hip fracture surgery within 24 h does not provide significantly better results in terms of 1-year mortality and the amount of re-operations within 1 year.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2012
Biomechanical comparison of two locking plate systems for the distal tibia.
Distal tibia fractures are known to be difficult to stabilize and nonunions often occur because of a relative instability of the fragments. Therefore, it was of interest to ascertain how different locking plates behave regarding stiffness and interfragmentary movement in comminuted distal tibia fractures. ⋯ The treatment of distal tibia fractures with angle-stable medial AxSOS plate showed less interfragmentary movement and higher stiffness than fracture fixation with a locked medial LCP. Even if there are no significant differences in torsional testing, plating of the distal tibia should be performed with a steel plate from the biomechanical view.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2012
Evaluating the effects of immediate application of negative pressure therapy after decompression from abdominal compartment syndrome in an experimental porcine model.
The purpose of this large-animal study was to assess the safety and effects of negative pressure therapy (NPT) when used as temporary abdominal closure in the immediate post-decompression period after abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). ⋯ Early application of NPT in this porcine ACS model is safe and does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of recurrent intra-abdominal hypertension. The results of this animal study suggest that the application of NPT following decompression from ACS results in greater peritoneal fluid removal and may translate into augmented intestinal edema resolution secondary to more favorable fluid flux profiles.