J Trauma
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During the years 1987-1991, a statewide trauma system was implemented in Oregon (Ore) but not in Washington (Wash). Incidence of hospitalization, frequency of death and risk-adjusted odds of death for injured children (< 19 years) in the two adjacent states were compared for two time periods (1985-1987 and 1991-1993). ⋯ Both states show a similar temporal trend toward a declining frequency of death for children hospitalized with injuries. Injury prevention strategies appear to have reduced the number of serious injuries in both states. However, seriously injured children demonstrated a reduced risk of death in Oregon, consistent with benefit from a statewide trauma system.
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Scapulothoracic dissociation is an infrequent injury with a potentially devastating outcome. The diagnosis has heretofore relied on the radiographic description of the forequarter disruption. Recent experience with four patients at a single trauma center, along with review of 54 injuries adequately described in the literature, indicates a broader spectrum of injury. ⋯ Identification of this injury requires clinical suspicion, based upon the injury mechanism and physical findings, to accurately assess the degree of trauma to musculoskeletal, neurologic, and vascular structures. Based upon these clinical findings, a rational approach to diagnostic techniques, injury classification, and appropriate surgical intervention can be achieved. Outcome is dependent on early recognition of the subset of patients with injuries amenable to surgical treatment and rehabilitation.
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Most prognostic indices for severely injured patients are based on anatomical findings and the vital signs. The posttraumatic organ failure, however, is thought to be triggered by the initial inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the early activation of inflammation and the rate of organ failure and death. ⋯ These data show that the degree of the initial inflammatory response corresponds with the development of posttraumatic organ failure. Besides anatomically and physiologically based trauma scores, these parameters might be used as indicators for the injury severity.
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We describe a unique composite injury of the foot, with concomitant Lisfranc fracture-dislocation, and complex dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. When examining patients with Lisfranc joint injuries, one must keep in mind that the axial compression forces causing the injury may also damage the metatarsophalangeal joints, and direct attention to these structures. ⋯ A medial approach is convenient, affords easy access to the plantar and dorsal aspects of the joint, and repair of the medial joint structures when damaged. The use of screws for fixation of Lisfranc's fracture-dislocation, is well justified by the stability achieved.
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of having attending trauma surgeons with added qualifications in surgical critical care present for the initial resuscitation at a regional trauma center. ⋯ During the initial resuscitation of patients with severely injured during the weekdays, IH significantly reduced the cost, and elapsed time to diagnostic testing, therapeutic intervention, and to the operating room, respectively. IH reduced fatalities compared with CB.