Injury
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Long term outcome of the treatment of displaced complex fractures of humeral head is rare in the literature especially in greater cohorts. Main purpose of our study was the assessment of long term results of intramedullary nailing of 3-4 part fractures. ⋯ Long term results confirmed nailing as appropriate treatment strategy for all types of humeral head fractures with limitation of excellent reduction in every age group. Moderate or even poor reduction significantly deteriorates functional results and increases rate of complete necrosis of the humeral head. If good reduction cannot be achieved, treatment strategy should be changed.
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An audit of ambulance service clinical records from 2001 to 2002 in Melbourne, Australia revealed 10 patients with tension pneumothorax on arrival at hospital which had been undetected or untreated by paramedics. The clinical practice guideline for paramedic recognition of tension pneumothorax was subsequently changed to emphasise heightened clinical suspicion of a tension pneumothorax in the setting of chest trauma, especially when patients were managed with positive pressure ventilation. This study was undertaken to determine whether the number of undetected or untreated tension pneumothoraces had decreased after the new clinical practice guideline and associated education program; if there were unintended consequences arising from earlier paramedic intervention; and what effect, if any, this change had on subsequent hospital treatment. ⋯ A small change in clinical practice guidelines, supported by an education and audit program, led to a reduction in unrecognised untreated tension pneumothoraces by paramedics without an increase in complications. Paramedics should be aware that a shorter cannula may fail to reach the pleural space and that both sides of the chest may require decompression.
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Isolated small bowel injury (ISBI) related to abdominal blunt trauma is rare. Timely diagnosis could be difficult, especially in the absence of modern imaging and laparoscopic facilities. The determinants of mortality under such circumstances are unclear. ⋯ ISBI is seldom suspected. This causes delay in diagnosis and most cases present with a diffuse peritonitis. Early diagnosis and management in low income environment is likely to be improved by a greater awareness of clinicians about this injury, serial clinical assessment and repeated erect chest X-ray, rather than sophisticated tools such as CT scan or laparoscopy.
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Limb lengthening and deformity correction with fully implantable systems is becoming more and more widespread. Different actuation techniques are known and every system has its specific limitations in distraction control and/or stability. A new system with magnetic actuation offers outstanding options. ⋯ The shortening option may be helpful for soft tissue problems, joint subluxation and additional stimulation of bone formation. Magnetic forces have to be considered and too much soft tissue around the nail might be a limiting factor. The magnetically actuated Phenix nail offers new therapeutic options in limb lengthening.
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Timely intervention in patients with splenic injury is essential, since delay to treatment is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Transcatheter Arterial Embolisation (TAE) is increasingly used as an adjunct to non-operative management. The aim of this study was to report time intervals between admission to the trauma room and start of intervention (TAE or splenic surgery) in patients with splenic injury. ⋯ Time to intervention did not differ significantly between HD unstable patients treated with TAE and patients treated with splenic surgery. Although no difference was observed with regard to intervention-related complications and the need for a re-intervention, a trend towards lower transfusion requirement was observed in patients treated with TAE compared to patients treated with splenic surgery. We conclude that if 24/7 interventional radiology facilities are available, TAE is not associated with time loss compared to splenic surgery, even in HD unstable patients.