J Trauma
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The literature on early management of gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the face is scant, with only six series reported in the English-language literature in the last 12 years. In the current study, we present a large series from a busy trauma center in an effort to identify early diagnostic and therapeutic problems and recommend management guidelines. ⋯ Most civilian GSWs can safely be managed nonoperatively. Airway control is required in a significant number of patients and should be established very early. Bleeding from the face is best controlled angiographically. The brain and cervical spine should be aggressively assessed radiologically because of the high incidence of associated trauma.
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Recently, questions have been raised regarding the effectiveness of helicopters in trauma care. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the effect of on-scene helicopter transport on survival after trauma in a statewide trauma system. ⋯ A reappraisal of the cost-effectiveness of helicopter triage and transport criteria, when access to ground ALS squads is available, may be warranted.
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In a prospective follow-up study of 158 consecutive patients 18 to 64 years old with unilateral lower extremity fracture, our aim was to disclose the impairment and disability 6 months after the injury. The patients were interviewed within 1 week after the trauma, and all patients returned to the hospital for an interview and a clinical assessment 6 months later. The disability was measured by administering the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) to all patients by an interview process. ⋯ Major deficits in range of motion was observed, especially in the ankle joint. Additionally, loss of muscle strength was observed in the thigh and calf muscles in one fourth of the patients. Only low levels of residual pain were reported after 6 months.
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The usefulness of clinical pathways for the complex trauma patient is unclear. We analyzed the effect of a clinical pathway for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) on resource utilization. ⋯ The use of a clinical pathway for severe TBI resulted in a significant reduction in resource utilization. This study suggests that clinical pathways may be a useful component of patient care after blunt trauma.
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Despite numerous studies, no clear consensus exists for the optimal use of emergency department thoracotomy (EDT). As such, we have continued to critically review our experience with EDT during the last 23 years to clarify indications for EDT and evaluate its cost-effectiveness. ⋯ EDT is efficacious and cost-effective for select patient populations. We suggest a key clinical pathway for the use of EDT that would reduce the number of procedures by at least 32% without changing the number of neurologically intact survivors.