J Trauma
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A prospective cohort study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of air transport for major trauma patients when transferred to a trauma center from a rural Emergency Department. The null hypothesis evaluated was that there was no difference in outcome for patients transported by helicopter EMS (HEMS) when compared to patients transported by conventional ground EMS. The dependent variable of outcome was studied using the TRISS method in a group of 872 consecutive trauma patients admitted after long-distance transfer. ⋯ The benefit of HEMS transport was seen only in the patients with a probability of survival of less than 90%. We conclude that the major trauma patients transported by HEMS had a better outcome than those transported by ground EMS. The benefit seen with HEMS was directly related to injury severity and was demonstrated only in the patients with a Ps of less than 0.90.
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This retrospective study of multiple trauma patients requiring SICU admission was undertaken to determine to what extent, if any, head injury affected patient outcome. One hundred seventy such patients with head injuries had further analysis. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) values at approximately 5 hours postinjury were evaluated, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale was determined 1 month postinjury. ⋯ This fell to 71% of the 24 patients with GCS 12-9. Among 59 patients having a GCS below 9, 41% died and an additional 17% had a poor recovery, leaving only 35% with an eventual good outcome. By using both Injury Severity Score and GCS at 6 hours postinjury, physicians will be more accurate in assessing outcome of multiple trauma patients with head injuries.
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A subluxation of an unstable cervical spine injury occurring during swimmer's positioning is described. Based on this experience, it is recommended that the initial radiographs be obtained and reviewed without traction or swimmer's positioning. With clinical or radiographic evidence of cervical injury, bilateral oblique views, plain lateral tomography, or computerized axial tomography may be required to evaluate the C7-T1 junction.
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Review Case Reports
Floating dislocated elbow: case report and review of the literature.
A 59-year-old shrimper sustained ipsilateral fractures of the midshafts of the humerus, ulna, and radius, as well as an ipsilateral posterior dislocation of the elbow. The mechanism of this unusual injury involved the winch system of a shrimpboat. Closed reduction of the dislocation along with open reduction and internal fixation of the fractures allowed early elbow motion. The resulting final range of motion and function were good.