European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2020
Terrorist attacks: common injuries and initial surgical management.
Terrorism-related incidents and shootings that involve the use of war weapons and explosives are associated with gunshot and blast injuries. Despite the perceived threat of terrorism, these incidents and injuries are rare in Germany. For this reason, healthcare providers are unlikely to have a full understanding of the special aspects of managing these types of injuries. ⋯ Unlike damage control surgery, which is tailored to the patient's condition, tactical abbreviated surgical care (TASC) is first and foremost adapted to the overall situation. Once the patients are stabilised and all information on the situation is available, the surgical management and reconstruction of gunshot and blast injuries can follow the principles of damage control (DC) and definitive early total care (ETC). The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the pathophysiology of gunshot and blast injuries, wound ballistics, and the approach and procedures of successful surgical management.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2020
Early cranioplasty associated with a lower rate of post-traumatic hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury.
Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is one of the primary complications during the course of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to define factors associated with the development of PTH in patients who underwent unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC) for TBI. ⋯ Our results show that early cranioplasty within 2 months after DC was associated with a lower rate of PTH development after TBI.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2020
Validity of the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale for predicting 30-day mortality due to severe trauma: a retrospective single-center study.
Since January 2016, emergency medical centers in South Korea have used the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) as the initial triage tool for all patients, including trauma patients, who visited the emergency department (ED). This present study aimed to assess the validity of the KTAS for predicting 30-day mortality due to severe trauma. ⋯ Lower KTAS levels were associated with higher 30-day mortality due to severe trauma. KTAS shows adequate validity for predicting 30-day mortality from severe trauma.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2020
Novel coronavirus and trauma surgery: successful infection control from a level I trauma centre.
In the absence of effective treatment options, the recent SARS-CoV2 pandemic poses a great challenge to the health and social sectors worldwide. Hereby, we would like to share our proposals in the hope that it will prove helpful for our colleagues in this difficult time. ⋯ Reasonably adjusted patient care protocols in every medical field are key to contain the spread of infection and to avoid public health crisis. Sharing experience can be an important element of a successful fight against the recent pandemic.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2020
Ankle torque-related fractures and its echo-fast diagnosis protocol.
Ankle torque is the most frequent injury mechanism encountered in traumatology. It usually develops as an ankle sprain, and often produces an ankle fracture. Signs and symptoms are very unspecific on the differential diagnosis, and conventional radiographs must be obtained to confirm it. ⋯ An ultrasound is at least as effective as conventional X-ray images when used in diagnosing ankle sprain-related fractures, regardless of age or sex and could in fact be better. The use of echography could reduce the number of radiographies performed when diagnosing these kinds of fractures, thereby reducing the amount of radiation exposure and expediting the diagnostic process as well as the "in situ diagnosis". Level of clinical evidence 2 [prospective cohort (N > 30 patients) study].