Eur J Trauma Emerg S
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Reconstruction of Lower Extremity Fractures with Soft Tissue Defects.
Reconstruction of osseous and soft tissue defects after high-energy lower extremity trauma remains a challenge in trauma surgery. An initial planning of the reconstruction management is crucial in the therapeutic concept of these severe injuries. In Gustilo type II and IIIa fractures with minimal contamination a primary definite osseous stabilization by internal fixation along with primary soft tissue reconstruction is preferable. ⋯ Early secondary osseous reconstruction of larger osseous defects can be performed either by distraction lengthening technique or by a free vascularized bone graft. Early secondary soft tissue reconstruction necessitates a wide therapeutic repertoire in order to plan the optimal individual strategy. With a modern therapeutic strategy limb salvage with an adequate function after reconstruction of lower extremity fractures with soft tissue defects can be achieved in the majority of patients.
-
Restoration of the intra- and extraarticular anatomy of the distal radius. Stable internal fixation of fragments, with the possibility of early functional rehabilitation. ⋯ 25 consecutive patients were monitored following a double-plate fixation, with a minimum follow- up of 12 months. In all cases the reduction, in accordance with the Stewart Score, was very good, a loss of reduction was not observed. The range of motion was between 100° and 160° for flexion/extension and between 160° und 180° for pronation/supination. The average DASH Score was 7.2 points, the PRWE Score 8.0 points. No relevant loss of strength (JAMAR dynamometer) was found in any of the patients in comparison with the healthy side. Complications noted were a muscle adhesion in the region of the first extensor compartment as well as a mild reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which healed without consequences. Implants were removed from six of the patients.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Predictors of Death in Trauma Patients who are Alive on Arrival at Hospital.
To determine which factors predict death occurring in trauma patients who are alive on arrival at hospital Design Prospective cohort study Method Data were collected from 507 trauma patients with multiple injuries, with a Hospital Trauma Index-Injury Severity Score of 16 or more, who were initially delivered by the Emergency Medical Services to the Emergency Department of the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) during the period 1999-2000. ⋯ The risk of severely injured accident patients dying after arriving in hospital is mainly determined by the T-RTS, age, presence of isolated neurological damage, BE and Hb level. Skull/brain damage and hemorrhage appear to be the most important causes of death in the first 24 h after the accident. The time interval between the accident and arrival at the hospital does not appear to affect the risk of death.
-
On October 8, 2005, a major earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Around 90,000 people died in the mass disaster. The Bone and Joint Hospital in Kashmir found itself in a relatively unique situation of having to deal with the orthopedic morbidity generated by this quake. ⋯ Due to the unprecedented admission in terms of numbers the hospital utilized outreach methods to streamline admission by sending out specialists to the affected areas. Manpower was judiciously utilized to concentrate specialist advise where required. Besides documenting the pattern of trauma, this paper throws light on some unforeseen problems faced in dealing with a large number of patients far exceeding the normal capacity of the hospital.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Anatomical Course of the Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve and Clinical Significance for Surgical Approaches in the Distal Forearm.
10 embalmed cadaver forearms and wrists were dissected to determine the anatomical course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve in the distal forearm. The superficial radial nerve bifurcated in two branches at a mean of 54,7 mm proximal to the radial styloid. From the styloid process of the radius, the mean distance to the closest dorsal branch of the superficial radial nerve was 3,5 mm and the mean distance to the closest volar branch was 9,8 mm. ⋯ Because of great variations in the course of the superficial radial nerve we could not define an absolute safe zone for surgical procedures on the distal forearm. Iatrogenic lesions of the superficial radial nerve are described complications of percutaneous procedures. Therefore open surgical approaches are recommended.