Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2013
Nailing versus plating for comminuted fractures of the distal femur: a comparative biomechanical in vitro study of three implants.
The purpose of our study was to determine the biomechanical properties of three different implants utilized for internal fixation of a supracondylar femur fracture. The retrograde supracondylar nail (SCN), the less invasive stabilization system plate (LISS) and the distal femoral nail (DFN) were tested and their biomechanical properties compared. ⋯ All implants had sufficient biomechanical stability under physiological torsional and axial loading. All three implants have different mechanisms for distal locking. The SCN nail with the four-screw distal interlocking had the best combined axial and torsional stiffness whereas the LISS plate had the highest torsional stiffness.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2013
Protection of medical personnel in armed conflicts-case study: Afghanistan.
International humanitarian law affords special protection to medical property and personnel whose mission is to save lives and provide health care for civilians and combatants alike. ⋯ Its rules and provisions obligate fighting parties to take all necessary measures to protect and respect medical missions in all circumstances.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2013
The impact of early diagnostic laparoscopy on the prognosis of patients with suspected acute mesenteric ischemia.
To assess the impact of early diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute mesenteric ischemia in whom other diagnostic studies are inconclusive or unavailable. ⋯ Diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe and reliable diagnostic tool that can have a positive impact on the prognosis of patients with suspected acute mesenteric ischemia if carried out in a timely manner when radiological diagnostic studies are inconclusive or unavailable.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2013
Penetrating peripheral vascular injury management in a Sri Lankan military hospital.
Vascular injuries in austere military conflict settings are a challenging problem. The goal of the current study was to analyze the unique features associated with the management and early outcome of penetrating vascular injuries resulting from the conflict in Sri Lanka. ⋯ Vascular reconstruction using vein, combined with a wound management strategy and early fasciotomy, resulted in a high limb salvage rate and remarkably low infection, delayed amputation, and mortality rates. Management of combat vascular injuries based on clinical guidance is feasible and leads to good outcome in a minimally equipped setting during local military conflicts. Surgeons in military hospitals should be trained in vascular injury repair to save the lives and functional limbs of patients.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2013
Rhabdomyolysis: risk factors and incidence in polytrauma patients in the absence of major disasters.
Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome caused by musculoskeletal tissue damage that leads to the release of large amounts of intracellular elements, which particularly affect renal function. The most common causes are severe trauma, ischemia, surgical procedures, and drug abuse. We aimed to determine the incidence of rhabdomyolysis by measuring muscle injury markers (CK, myoglobin), to identify pre/post-admission as well as iatrogenic risk factors for rhabdomyolysis in severe polytrauma, to clarify the relevance of orthopedic injuries and surgical treatment in the onset/worsening of rhabdomyolysis, and to correlate risk factors with its main complication-acute renal failure (ARF). ⋯ We found that a large number of factors are implicated in CK and Mb variations. Rhabdomyolysis is a very frequent complication, but increase in CK marker alone does not seem to be correlated with the incidence of ARF. Therefore, Mb level should be considered in this group of patients.