J Trauma
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Burn victims often display psychological symptoms that can impede recovery, but knowledge about risk factors for psychopathology is limited. This study aimed to predict psychological health 3 months after burn injury from coping and trauma-related factors assessed early in hospitalization. ⋯ Coping style, life threat during the accident, and early symptoms are strong predictors of psychopathology after a burn.
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Injured survivors of individual and mass trauma receive their initial evaluation in acute care. Few investigations have comprehensively screened for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and related comorbidities across sites. ⋯ High levels of posttraumatic distress, recurrent trauma, and alcohol abuse/dependence were present in more than half of acute care inpatients. Early mental health screening and intervention procedures that target both PTSD and alcohol use should be developed for acute care settings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures using the less invasive stabilization system plate: clinical experience and a laboratory comparison with double plating.
Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries, historically associated with high complication rates. The purpose of this study was: 1) to evaluate the clinical use L.I.S.S plating system for stabilization of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. 2) To compare the biomechanics of this plating system with a double plate construct. ⋯ The L.I.S.S plating system provides stable fixation of complex bicondylar tibial plateau fractures allowing early range of knee motion with favorable clinical results.
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Seat belts and air bags have been shown to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality following MVCs. Research suggests that restraint use does not protect against lower extremity fracture; however, no population-based studies of this association exist. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of combined seat belt and airbag restraint systems with airbag alone, seat belt alone, and no restraints with respect to incidence and location of lower extremity fractures. ⋯ While airbags may reduce the risk of death when used alone or in combination with seat belts, the results of this study demonstrate that air bags increase the risk of lower extremity fractures when used as the sole method of passenger protection. Also, they may do so differentially according to skeletal region. This data strongly support the consideration of developing accessory knee bolster airbags to prevent the "submarining" or sliding under the airbag that may be responsible for this finding.