J Trauma
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Multiple rib fracture causes severe pain that can seriously compromise respiratory mechanics and exacerbate underlying lung injury and pre-existing respiratory disease, predisposing to respiratory failure. The cornerstone of management is early institution of effective pain relief, the subject of this review. ⋯ Based on current evidence it is difficult to recommend a single method that can be safely and effectively used for analgesia in all circumstances in patients with multiple fractured ribs. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each analgesic technique, the clinician can weigh the risks and benefits and individualize pain management based on the clinical setting and the extent of trauma.
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Traumatic dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the hip is an absolute orthopedic emergency that is steadily increasing in incidence. Early recognition and prompt, stable reduction is the essence of successful management. A delay in recognition and reduction leads to preventable complications and morbidity. The purpose of this retrospective study is to identify prognostic factors that predict long-term outcome after hip dislocation. ⋯ We believe that good results were obtained in patients with early, stable, and accurate reductions by either closed or open methods. Concentric reduction absolutely should be confirmed by radiographs of the pelvis and, if necessary, by computed tomographic scan. The routine use of seat belts could have prevented many of these injuries.
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Bleeding pelvic fractures (BPF) carry mortality as high as 60%, yet controversy remains over optimal initial management. Some base initial intervention on fracture pattern, with immediate external fixation (EX FIX) in amenable fractures aimed at controlling venous bleeding. Others feel ongoing hemodynamic instability indicates arterial bleeding, and prefer early angiography (ANGIO) before EX-FIX. Our aim was to evaluate markers of arterial bleeding in patients with BPF, thus identifying patients requiring early ANGIO regardless of fracture pattern. ⋯ In patients with hypotension and pelvic fracture, therapy selection based on initial response to resuscitation in BPF yields a 73% positive ANGIO rate in NR patients. Delay in ANGIO for EX FIX in patients with amenable fractures would have delayed embolization in the face of ongoing arterial bleeding in 44% of patients. In stable patients with pelvic fracture, contrast blush also indicates a high likelihood of arterial injury and ANGIO is indicated. Optimal therapy in the face of BPF requires early determination of the presence of arterial bleeding so that ANGIO can be rapidly obtained, and response to initial resuscitation as well as the presence of contrast blush aid in this decision.
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To evaluate the effect of paramedic rapid sequence intubation (RSI) on outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Paramedic RSI protocols to facilitate intubation of head-injured patients were associated with an increase in mortality and decrease in good outcomes versus matched historical controls.
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Several studies have reported a null association between gender and mortality after traumatic injury, whereas others found an age-specific association between male gender and increased mortality. Relatively small sample sizes may have contributed to the heterogeneity among existing studies; therefore, a large-sample-size study was undertaken. ⋯ This study found an association between gender and mortality among blunt trauma patients, particularly those aged > or = 50 years. Animal studies demonstrate that the sex hormones influence the inflammatory response to injury. These results may highlight the importance of sex hormones in traumatic injury outcomes.