The Laryngoscope
-
Case Reports Comparative Study
Laryngotracheal injury after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in cadaver specimens.
To evaluate the stoma and surrounding insertion site for common laryngotracheal injury patterns after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy that may contribute to clinically significant tracheal stenosis. ⋯ Laryngotracheal injuries found after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in the study indicated that severe damage to mucosa and cartilage surrounding the intended stoma site occurs at the time of placement. These injuries may contribute to clinically significant tracheal stenosis preventing decannulation in patients undergoing percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. Two case studies that support this hypothesis are also presented.
-
Comparative Study
Facial fractures and concomitant injuries in trauma patients.
Maxillofacial fractures often occur with serious concomitant injury in trauma patients, and knowledge of the type and severity of associated injuries can assist in rapid assessment and treatment. The objective was to identify the most commonly occurring injuries associated with facial fractures in severely injured trauma patients. ⋯ Cerebral and pulmonary injuries are often associated with maxillofacial fractures in severely injured trauma patients. Knowledge of these associated injuries provides useful strategies for patient care and prevention of further complications. A multidisciplinary and coordinated approach is important for optimum stabilization and ongoing treatment of patients with facial fractures.
-
To evaluate a novel technique for the repair of neural deficits using a single fascicle to bridge an injury in the rat sciatic nerve. ⋯ Peripheral nerve repair using a single fascicle graft resulted in better functional recovery and morphometric outcome without a significant difference in electrophysiological status compared with conventional nerve repair. This technique may provide expanded sources of nerve autografts and alleviate the morbidity of harvesting peripheral nerves from multiple sites for individuals with extensive peripheral nerve injuries.