J Trauma
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Comparative Study
Do pediatric trauma centers have better survival rates than adult trauma centers? An examination of the National Pediatric Trauma Registry.
Pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) were developed to improve the survival of injured children, but it is currently unknown if children admitted to PTCs are more likely to survive than those admitted to adult trauma centers (ATCs). ⋯ Although PTCs have higher overall survival rates than ATCs, this difference disappears when the analysis controls for Injury Severity Score, Pediatric Trauma Score, age, mechanism, and ACS verification status. ACS-verified centers have significantly higher survival rates than do unverified centers.
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A long-term review of metal prosthetic radial head replacement in patients with radial head fractures associated with gross instability of the elbow has been performed. ⋯ We conclude that a metal radial head prosthesis has select indications. We advocate its use when the radial head cannot be reconstructed in the setting of a clinically unstable elbow. Results suggest that it functions well on a long-term basis.
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Falls are a well-known source of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Fall-related injury severity in this group, however, is less clear, particularly as it relates to type of fall. Our purpose is to explore the relationship between mechanism of fall and both pattern and severity of injury in geriatric patients as compared with a younger cohort. ⋯ Falls among the elderly, including same-level falls, are a common source of both high injury severity and mortality, much more so than in younger patients. A different pattern of injury between older and younger fall patients also exists.