J Trauma
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Serial computed tomography (CT) imaging of blunt splenic injury can identify the latent formation of splenic artery pseudoaneurysms (PSAs), potentially contributing to improved success in nonoperative management. However, it remains unclear whether the delayed appearance of such PSAs is truly pathophysiologic or attributable to imaging quality and timing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of recent advancements in imaging technology on the incidence of the latent PSA. ⋯ The incidences of both early and latent PSA have remained remarkably stable despite advances in CT technology. This suggests that latent PSA is not a result of imaging technique but perhaps a true pathophysiologic phenomenon. Injury grade is unhelpful concerning the prediction of latent PSA formation.
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In an acute care setting, evaluation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often complicated by alcohol intoxication. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical utility of the protein S100B as a biochemical marker for identifying brain injury in patients who are intoxicated at the time of injury. ⋯ Although there seems to be a strong association between S100B levels and TBI, further research is required to establish the clinical role of S100B in patients with suspected TBI, particularly in patients whose clinical presentation is complicated by alcohol intoxication.
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Head Computerized Tomography (CT) has significant risks, especially in children. To reduce this burden, we sought to develop a biomarker panel that predicts the absence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on head CT. ⋯ In children who meet clinical criteria for a head CT scan after trauma, low plasma d-dimer suggests the absence of significant brain injury.
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The management strategies for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the lower leg and the foot remain disputed. To date, no comprehensive studies have been reported on the saphenous perforator flaps in reconstructive surgery in patients with posttraumatic osteomyelitis. ⋯ The saphenous perforator flap is a sturdy flap with low short-term failure rates, also in high-risk patients. The success rate compares well with results of free flap transfers in the management of posttraumatic osteomyelitis. The saphenous flap is a feasible option for posttraumatic reconstructions of osteomyelitis, especially in low-resource settings.
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The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma guidelines for trauma center verification stipulate that the responsible surgeon be present within 15 minutes of the arrival of a critically injured patient. Recently, these guidelines were liberalized, extending the response time to 30 minutes in level III trauma centers. This study evaluated the potential impact of this guideline change on the delivery of care at Ohio's level III trauma centers. We hypothesized that there would be no measurable difference in the emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), ED disposition, and facility mortality after enactment of this mandate, which extended the surgeon response time from 15 minutes to 30 minutes at level III trauma centers. ⋯ The extension of the surgeon response time from 15 minutes to 30 minutes did not adversely affect the outcomes of trauma patients at Ohio's level III trauma centers. Furthermore, the surgeon response time was similar before and after the rule change.