Eur J Trauma Emerg S
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Dec 2011
Implant removal associated complications in children with limb fractures due to trauma.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the number and type of complications that occurred after fracture implant removal and to investigate whether implant removal should be performed routinely in children. ⋯ The removal of K-wires, ESIN, and screws is considered to be a safe procedure in children and is, by definition, indicated for K-wires and ESIN after fracture healing.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Dec 2011
Physiological assessment of the polytrauma patient: initial and secondary surgeries.
The timing of fracture fixation in polytrauma patients has been debated for a long time. The decision between DCO (damage control orthopaedics) and ETC (early total care) is a difficult dilemma. Overzealous ETC in haemodynamically compromised patients with significant chest and head injuries can be detrimental. ⋯ The literature shows equivocal evidence for both settings. This article will summarize the historical background and controversies regarding patient assessment and decision making during the treatment of polytrauma patients. It will also give guidance for choosing DCO versus ETC in the clinical setting.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Dec 2011
The treatment of traumatic shock: recent advances and unresolved questions.
Uncontrolled bleeding remains a leading cause of potentially preventable death after trauma. Timely, adequate resuscitation in traumatic shock is an essential, lifesaving aspect of polytrauma care. ⋯ The increase in knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of trauma, the availability of adjuncts, and the array of resuscitation monitoring options available have all contributed to a potentially improved approach to resuscitation. The purpose of this report is to review the most important advances in traumatic shock therapy in the last five years.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Dec 2011
Effective teaching modifies medical student attitudes toward pain symptoms.
Recent studies have raised the question of whether last year medical students and first year residents show an adequate attitude toward their patient's pain as reflected by prescribed pain medication. Underuse of analgetics could be demonstrated in several studies even after a correct diagnosis of pain was made and has led to the term "oligoanalgesia." Our study was aimed at evaluating the potential of improving student attitudes toward pain by changing the curriculum during the last year of medical education. ⋯ Our results confirm the importance of humanistic attitudes in future doctors in addition to the traditional implementation of knowledge and skills. Changes in the medical curriculum can positively influence these attitudes.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Dec 2011
Introduction of guidelines to facilitate enteral nutrition in a surgical intensive care unit is associated with earlier enteral feeding.
Patients treated postoperatively in surgical intensive care units often receive delayed enteral nutrition. We hypothesized that the introduction of guidelines promoting early enteral nutrition is associated with earlier enteral feeding. ⋯ Introduction of guidelines to facilitate enteral nutrition in a surgical intensive care unit was associated with earlier enteral feeding.