Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
Minimal Invasive PHILOS(®)-Plate Osteosynthesis in Proximal Humeral Fractures.
The anterior delto-pectoral approach is the standard approach for the fixation of proximal humeral fractures with the PHILOS(®)-Plate system. However, this approach can impair the vascular supply and can increase avascular necrosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results and complexity of surgery of proximal humeral fractures with a minimal invasive (MIPO) approach. ⋯ The minimal invasive PHILOS(®) plate osteosynthesis through an antero-lateral delta-split approach proved to be an elegant procedure for selected fractures of the proximal humerus with a low morbidity and good functional outcome.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
The Value of the Trauma Mechanism in the Triage of Severely Injured Elderly.
The triage of trauma patients is currently based on the trauma mechanism. However, it is known that elderly patients can sustain severe injuries due to insignificant trauma mechanisms. As such, triage methods might be questionable. ⋯ In elderly people a low energy trauma may lead to severe consequences. Not only the trauma mechanism, but also age, co-morbidity, and the likelihood of a brain injury should be leading in the triage and subsequent management of severely injured elderly.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
Historical Treatment Results of Pelvic Ring Fractures: A 12-year Cohort Study.
Since the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam was appointed as a level-1 trauma center in July 1997, the number of polytrauma patients who were presented has increased. This stimulated us to perform a retrospective analysis on the treatment results of patients with a pelvic ring fracture and to evaluate our treatment strategies. ⋯ Evaluating two consecutive patient groups shows an increase in the number of fractures. A more aggressive surgical treatment has lead to lower mortality, improved anatomical reduction, and lower rate of complications.
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A compartment syndrome is an increased tissue pressure within a closed osteofascial compartment. This compromises blood flow to the muscles and nerves within that compartment, which -if not treated adequately in an early stage-results in permanent tissue and nerve damage. It most frequently occurs in the lower leg, but can also occur elsewhere when muscles are enclosed in tight fascial compartments, such as the forearm and hand. ⋯ Possibly a wet-suit or dry-suit offers some protection. However, the duration of strangulation determines much of the damage. Although diagnosis of a compartment syndrome can be difficult, a high index of suspicion combined with fast and adequate treatment with a fasciotomy improve outcome and prognosis.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2009
Evaluation of Quality of Trauma Care in a Local Hospital Using a Customization of ASCOT.
Evaluating processes of care and outcomes of injured patients are important if improvements in the quality of care delivered to injured patients are to be accomplished. We applied a customized ASCOT model developed from our database as a tool to criticize the quality of care in a local hospital. ⋯ We believe that a customization of ASCOT model when used for evaluation of quality of care in a local hospital can be useful for detection of defects and improvement of the process of care delivered to the patients.