Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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To determine reliable, early indicators of mortality and causes of death in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic ring injuries. ⋯ Predictors of mortality in pelvis fracture patients should be available early in the course of treatment in order to be useful. Death within 24 hours was most often a result of acute blood loss while death after 24 hours was most often caused by MOF. Improved survival will depend upon the evolution of early hemorrhage control and resuscitative strategies in patients at high mortality risk.
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The objective of this study is to establish the relative strength of fixation of a locking distal femoral plate compared with the condylar blade plate. ⋯ The locking screw-plate construct proved stronger than the blade plate in both cyclic loading and ultimate strength in biomechanical testing of a simulated A3 distal femur fracture. Although differences were small, the biomechanical performance of the locking plate construct over the blade plate may lend credence to use of the locking plate versus the blade plate in the fixation of comminuted distal femur fractures.
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To evaluate the utility of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the setting of high-energy open tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective consecutive series in a level 1 university-based trauma center. Forty-nine consecutive patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center between 1996 and 2004 with 50 grade/type III open tibial shaft fractures were assessed. ⋯ Infection and nonunion rates with the use of NPWT for temporary coverage of wounds associated with grade/type III open tibial shaft fractures are similar to those of historical controls, but this technique may be beneficial in decreasing the need for free tissue transfer or rotational muscle flap coverage.