J Trauma
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Wound infections after minor limb lacerations: risk factors and the role of antimicrobial agents.
The requirement for antimicrobial agents in patients with minor limb lacerations was prospectively studied. ⋯ The use of antimicrobial agents in minor limb injuries was not associated with a significant reduction of infection rate. Routine antimicrobial treatment is discouraged.
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Comparative Study
Snowboarding injuries of the chest: comparison with skiing injuries.
Snowboarding injuries have become more common with the remarkable increase in the sport's popularity. However, although there are many reports of orthopedic injuries caused by snowboarding, there are few reports on injuries to the chest. In this study, we attempted to identify the characteristics of snowboarding injuries of the chest in comparison with alpine skiing injuries. ⋯ A riding mistake during improper jumping may be the primary cause of chest snowboarding injuries. Furthermore, snowboarders are much more likely to injure the chest, particularly by rib fractures, than skiers.
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To determine the ability of an externally applied continuous negative abdominal pressure device (CNAP) to reverse the effects of elevated intra-abdominal pressure on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. ⋯ Acutely elevated IAP causes a significant increase in ICP and impaired cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Abdominal decompression remains the standard of care for abdominal compartment syndrome. However, in patients in whom an increased IAP does not require surgical decompression, the results of this study suggest that externally applied CNAP may be of value.
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Early detection of vascular impairments after free tissue transfers are essential to prevent flap failure. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed good promise to monitor flaps at deep levels successfully without being invasive. The purpose of this study was to test whether the INVOS 3100 cerebral oxymeter is capable of detecting circulatory impairments. ⋯ This study, designed to test less-expensive equipment, was able to measure absolute values, and was not prone to interference caused by probe movement, providing information on the oxygenation profile accurately and noninvasively, and distinguishing between arterial and venous occlusion.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Treatment of occult pneumothoraces from blunt trauma.
Occult pneumothoraces (OPTXs) are seen on abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans but not on routine chest x-ray films. Optimal treatment for blunt trauma OPTXs has not been defined. We hypothesized that OPTXs could be safely observed without need for a chest tube (CT). ⋯ Observation of OPTX is not associated with an increased incidence of pneumothorax progression or respiratory distress. These pneumothoraces can be safely observed in patients with blunt trauma injury regardless of the need for positive pressure ventilation.