The journal of trauma and acute care surgery
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Feb 2012
Multicenter StudyPhysical effects of trauma and the psychological consequences of preexisting diseases account for a significant portion of the health-related quality of life patterns of former trauma patients.
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is known to be significantly affected in former trauma patients. However, the underlying factors that lead to this outcome are largely unknown. In former intensive care unit (ICU) patients, it has been recognized that preexisting disease is the most important factor for the long-term HRQoL. The aim of this study was to investigate HRQoL up to2 years after trauma and to examine the contribution of the trauma-specific, ICU-related, sociodemographic factors together with the effects of preexisting disease, and further to make a comparison with a large general population. ⋯ The new and important finding in this study is that the trauma population seems to have a trauma-specific HRQoL outcome pattern.First, there is a large and significant decrease in the physical dimensions of the SF-36, which is due to musculoskeletal effects and pain secondary to the trauma. This normalizes within 2 years, whereas the overall decrease in HRQoL remains and most importantly it is seen mainly in the psychologic dimensions and it is due to preexisting diseases.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Feb 2012
ReviewPercutaneous locking plates for fractures of the distal tibia: our experience and a review of the literature.
Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures pose many complexities. This study assessed the outcomes of distal tibial fractures treated with medial locking plates. ⋯ Distal tibial locking plates have high fracture union rates, minimum soft tissue complications, and good functional outcomes. The literature shows similar fracture union and complication rates in locking and nonlocking plates.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Feb 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA comparison of absorbable screws and metallic plates in treating calcaneal fractures: a prospective randomized trial.
Intra-articular calcaneal fractures are more likely to suffer consequences in terms of pain and disability. Many studies have suggested that operative treatment for these fractures may result in better outcomes than nonoperative treatment. The metallic screws and plates are among the most common alternatives to stabilize calcaneal fractures. However, the complications of plating of calcaneal fractures are not uncommon. Complications such as infection, poor wound healing, and soft tissue irritation exist. With the advent of bioabsorbable screws, many reports have demonstrated favorable results in treating intra-articular fractures with these screws. The comparative outcomes of operative treatment of calcaneal fractures stabilized with plates and absorbable screws are rarely reported. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and complications related to fracture stabilization with plates and absorbable screws. ⋯ In this report, the outcomes of operative treatment with absorbable screws are comparable with the outcomes of operative treatment with plates. Both plates and absorbable screws showed favorable results in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures. However,the metallic plates were associated with increased complications. The stabilizations of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with bioabsorbable screws are reasonable with advantages of fewer complications and without the need for screw removal.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Feb 2012
Multicenter StudyHealth-related quality of life after burns: a prospective multicenter cohort study with 18 months follow-up.
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important parameter after medical treatments. Knowledge of (predictors of) diminished quality of life can help improve medical outcome. The aim of this study was to quantify health loss in patients with burns and to assess the contribution of injury extent, age, gender, and psychologic factors to HRQOL and speed of recovery. A multicenter prospective cohort design was used to address these aims. ⋯ Both injury severity and psychologic problems play a pivotal role in reduced HRQOL and the speed of recovery. The number of surgeries seems to give a practically useful indication of the expected recovery speed that could aid in decision making and provides adequate information for patients in the aftermath of their initial surgical treatment. Screening for traumatic stress is recommended.
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Because of the increased number of bicycle riders and governmental promotions, a recent increase in the construction of bicycle lanes has occurred. We aimed to characterize injuries specific to bicycle lane accidents by comparing them with injuries that occurred on regular roadways. On the basis of our findings, we provide suggestions on proper preventive strategies. ⋯ III.