Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2009
Minimal Invasive Fixation of Hamate Hook Fractures Through a Dorsal Percutaneous Approach Using a Mini Compression Screw: An Experimental Feasibility Study.
Isolated fractures of the hamate hook can be treated by conservative or surgical means. Because nonoperative treatment is associated with high nonunion rates, surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation through a palmar approach is often preferred. The aim of this study was to refine surgical treatment of hamate hook fractures using a cannulated mini compression screw through a dorsal percutaneous approach. ⋯ Minimal invasive repair of isolated hamate hook fractures through a dorsal percutaneous approach is feasible. The special properties of the cannulated mini compression screw allow optimal screw positioning and stable fixation without risk of diplacement or disruption of the hook fragment.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2009
Healing of Blunt Liver Injury After Non-Operative Management: Role of Ultrasonography Follow-Up.
Non-operative management of patients with blunt liver trauma has become the standard of care. Usually after initial computed tomography (CT) evaluation and a short-term intra-hospital instrumental and clinical monitoring, no other imaging assessment is routinely requested. A restriction of physical activities for a few (unfixed number of) months is the most common recommendation. A few studies investigated the re-establishment of normal hepatic parenchymal architecture, but there is no evidence of the correct length of time for a certain resumption to normal life. To understand the progression of traumatic liver damage and the time course of healing, and to indicate the correct spontaneous recovery time, a long-term sonographic followup was done. ⋯ In our experience, a long time variability for spontaneous liver repair after blunt trauma and non-operative treatment was found, but a parenchymal US normalization was evidenced in a median time shorter than that usually reported in the literature.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2009
Independent Predictors of Treatment Modality for Penetrating Colon Injury.
We aimed to evaluate the independent factors of the treatment of penetrating colon injuries in a teaching and research hospital in light of some of the most commonly cited considerations affecting the decision as to whether to perform primary repair or divert. ⋯ Despite the fact that CIS, fecal contamination, transfusion, PATI and delayed operation affect the decision about the procedure, primary repair can be performed safely on patients with penetrating colon injuries.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2009
Prehospital and Emergency Department Ultrasound in Blunt Abdominal Trauma.
Blunt abdominal trauma is a challenging aspect of trauma management. Early detection has a major impact on patient outcome. In contrast to physical examination, computed tomography is known to be a sensitive and specific test for blunt abdominal injuries. ⋯ The development of hand-held ultrasound devices facilitated the introduction of FAST into prehospital trauma management. It was demonstrated that prehospital FAST (p-FAST) can be performed with high sensitivity and specificity, and can lead to significant changes in prehospital trauma therapy and management. Standardized training with both theoretical and hands-on modules is mandatory in order to gain the skills required to perform FAST or p-FAST well.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2009
A New Injectable Brushite Cement: First Results in Distal Radius and Proximal Tibia Fractures.
The restoration of metaphyseal defects remains a challenge for the treating surgeon. Although injectable brushite cements may help to refill bone defects stabilized with internal fixation, human data remains unavailable. The main goal of this prospective multicenter study was to observe the performance of this material in a clinical setting. ⋯ The tested material showed good outcome in the majority of patients and adequate resorption characteristics, even in the case of extravasation. Stable internal fixation, sufficient bone quality, and no contact between the cement and joint are essential requirements for chronOS Inject, which can be considered as an alternative to existing augmentation materials.