Injury
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Comparative Study
Operative management of unstable ankle fractures in the elderly: our institutional experience.
Ankle fractures represent an exceptionally common injury within the elderly population. The total incidence of ankle fractures has been reported to be up to 184 fractures per 100,000 persons per year, of which 20 to 30 percent occur in the elderly. This study reports the results of operative management of ankle fractures in the elderly, with regard to functional outcome and complication rates. ⋯ We didn't observe any serious complications such as skin necrosis, deep infection, osteomyelitis and failure of metalwork. Our study suggests that the operative management of Weber B2 and B3 injuries can result in a favorable outcome. It is however of great importance that there are no delays in treatment, that the reduction is anatomical, that the fracture fixation is satisfactory and that the rehabilitation is commenced early.
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Multicenter Study
Blunt traumatic aortic injuries of the ascending aorta and aortic arch: a clinical multicentre study.
To report the clinical and radiological characteristics, management and outcomes of traumatic ascending aorta and aortic arch injuries. ⋯ Traumatic aortic injuries of the ascending aorta/arch should be considered in any major thoracic trauma patient presenting cardiac tamponade, aortic valve regurgitation and/or myocardial contusion. These aortic injuries are also associated with a high incidence of neurological injuries, which can be just as lethal as the aortic injury, so treatment priorities should be modulated on an individual basis.
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The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of a novel tibial external bone fracture fixator with a circular locking mechanism with standard dynamic axial external fixator. ⋯ The novel fixator is expectedly faster applicable and offers greater extent of external fixation flexibility. Further developments of this model thus seems justified in both construction improvement and on clinical application.
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Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a life-saving measure for traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, survivors may remain in a vegetative or minimally conscious state and require tracheostomy to facilitate airway management. In this cross-sectional analytical study, we investigated the predictors for tracheostomy requirement and influence of tracheostomy timing on outcomes in craniectomised survivors after TBI. ⋯ Age and admission GCS were independent predictors of the need for tracheostomy in craniectomised survivors after TBI. If tracheostomy is necessary, an earlier procedure may assist in patient care.
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Comparative Study
Diagnostic value of US, MR and MR arthrography in shoulder instability.
The aim of our study was to compare US, conventional MRI and MR arthrography findings in patients with anterior shoulder instability and with a clinical diagnosis of labral capsular ligamentous complex lesion. At the same time we evaluated the accuracy of MR arthrography in the diagnosis of this lesion. ⋯ The US scan is a valuable diagnostic technique for rotator cuff complete or incomplete ruptures. For evaluating Hill-Sachs lesions or bony Bankart lesions, MRI is more accurate. In the case of labral capsular ligamentous complex lesions, MR arthrography is superior.