Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Function Versus Position: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Interfocal Kirschner Wiring of Unstable Distal Radial Fractures.
A randomized, prospective study has been carried out to determine if immobilisation in dorsiflexion following K-wire fixation of unstable distal radial fractures improves functional outcome. ⋯ Immobilisation in dorsi-flexion following K-wiring for unstable distal radial fractures does not improve functional outcome. The overall functional results were excellent and we believe that Kwiring still as a place in the treatment of distal radial fractures in the previously defined population.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Predictors of Death in Trauma Patients who are Alive on Arrival at Hospital.
To determine which factors predict death occurring in trauma patients who are alive on arrival at hospital Design Prospective cohort study Method Data were collected from 507 trauma patients with multiple injuries, with a Hospital Trauma Index-Injury Severity Score of 16 or more, who were initially delivered by the Emergency Medical Services to the Emergency Department of the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) during the period 1999-2000. ⋯ The risk of severely injured accident patients dying after arriving in hospital is mainly determined by the T-RTS, age, presence of isolated neurological damage, BE and Hb level. Skull/brain damage and hemorrhage appear to be the most important causes of death in the first 24 h after the accident. The time interval between the accident and arrival at the hospital does not appear to affect the risk of death.
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Upper extremity composite tissue defects may result from trauma, tumor resection, infection, or congenital malformations. When reconstructing these defects the ultimate objectives are to provide adequate soft tissue protection of vital structures, and to provide optimal functional and esthetic outcomes. The development of clinical microsurgery has added a large number of treatment options to the trauma surgeon's armamentarium - primarily replantation of amputated tissues and transplantation of vascularized tissues from distant donor sites. Since the early 1970s, considerable refinement in microsurgical tools and techniques together with a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of microcirculatory tissue perfusion led to the introduction of a variety of thin, pliable and versatile-free flap designs. ⋯ Where possible, the best results may be achieved by reattaching the amputated original tissues (microsurgical replantation). In noninfected, uncontaminated traumatic injuries resulting in composite soft tissue defects, Early free flap reconstruction of the upper extremities has important advantages over delayed (72 h-3 months) or late wound closure (3 months-2 years). In recent years, thin, pliable, and versatile fasciocutaneous flaps such as the anterolateral thigh (ALT) and lateral arm (LA) free flaps have been increasingly used with great success to reconstruct the upper extremity. The use of "spare parts" and functional reconstructions using osteomyocutaneous free flaps or toe to thumb transfers complete the armamentarium of the upper limb reconstructive microsurgeon.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Mid-Anterior Tibial Stress Fracture in a Female Elite Athlete : A Case Report.
We report the case of an unusual tibial stress fracture and its successful surgical treatment in a female elite sprinter 2 years after complete consolidation of the same tibia following resection of an osteoid osteoma.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Magnet Resonance Angiography versus Conventional Angiography for the Planning of Reconstructive Surgeries.
Assessing the vascular status and anatomy of the lower extremity is of crucial importance when planning the coverage of a tissue defect with a free flap. The standard techniques comprise the clinical examination, Doppler ultrasound and Doppler sonography for healthy patients without suspected direct trauma to the vascular system, and conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA), respectively, in case of traumatized vessels or patients with peripheral arterial obstructive disease. ⋯ Taking into account the advantages for the assessment of vessels using MRA, in particular when considering the impact of the frequently varying vascular anatomy of the lower leg on reconstructive surgery, as well as the significantly lower morbidity rate of the examination itself, then the MRA must be regarded as a safe alternative to the DSA.