Injury
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Burns are a significant burden of pediatric injuries, particularly in low and middle-income countries, were more than 90% of burn-related pediatric deaths occur. This study explores pediatric burn-related injuries over a fifteen year time period in South Africa through an analysis of a pediatric trauma surveillance system. ⋯ Pediatric burn injuries are a significant contributor to the burden of child diseases in developing county hospitals. Pediatric surveillance systems, such as Childsafe South Africa's, are important to study epidemiologic changes in burn injuries. Findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to address the prevention of specific burn-related injuries.
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Following the introduction of changes to the trauma system there would be a period of time during which the impact on mortality would be minimal. A decrease in mortality rates would be noted as the TS matured and would continue over time. ⋯ A steady significant reduction in the inpatient mortality rate for severe trauma patients hospitalized at all level I trauma centres in Israel between 2000 and 2010 was observed. Although a single factor that explains the reduction was not identified, evidently the establishment of the trauma system brought about a significant decrease in hospital mortality. Integrated cooperation between components of the national trauma system in Israel over the years may explain the reduction.
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This article describes reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the finger using the heterodigital neurocutaneous island flap and reports the results of the use of the flap. ⋯ The neurocutaneous island flap of the dorsal branch of the digital nerve is useful, reliable, and technically easy for reconstructing a defect in the adjacent fingers, especially when sensory reconstruction is needed.
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Trauma remains a substantial cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality. Femur fractures are common in children, and frequently are the result of high-energy mechanisms of injury. A complete description of missed injuries in this population has not previously been described. ⋯ There is a risk of missed injuries in the paediatric patient presenting with a femoral shaft fracture. Paediatric trauma teams and paediatric orthopaedic teams must be aware of this risk to help reduce the incidence of missed injuries. A tertiary trauma survey on children with paediatric femoral shaft fractures may help diagnose missed injuries.