J Trauma
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Multicenter Study
Measuring health status among survivors of burn injury: revisions of the Burn Specific Health Scale.
This study examined the reliability of a revised version of the Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS). Two hundred fifty-four former patients recruited from eight burn centers in the southeastern United States participated in the study. Data were collected via chart review and mailed questionnaire. ⋯ Each subscale exhibited a high level of reliability (Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.82 to 0.94). Each subscale also correlated in a predictable manner with measures used for validation. The revised measure should improve the ability of both researchers and clinicians to assess the impact of non-fatal burn injury accurately and comprehensively.
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We present an uncommon case of traumatic atlantoaxial distractive instability which manifested itself clinically in a respirator-dependent quadriplegic. The initial radiographic finding was anterior atlantoaxial dislocation. The patient was managed initially by halo traction and, 8 weeks later, demonstrated occipitocervical fusion with gratifying results.
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The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with thoracoscopic drainage and decortication as definitive treatment for empyema thoracis following penetrating chest trauma. ⋯ Thoracoscopic drainage and decortication offers an alternative to thoracotomy for definitive therapy of empyema thoracis developing after penetrating chest trauma.