Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Severe lower limb trauma with significant soft tissue injury can be managed with reconstruction or, if this is impossible, amputation. If amputation is considered, below-knee amputation preserving limb length is optimal for long-term functional outcome. ⋯ The procedure was technically challenging and required follow-up debulking operations. However, the technique provided the significant advantage of immediate sensation of robust glabrous distal stump cover and optimising leg length to enhance functional outcome.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2013
Influence of vagal injury on acute traumatic reaction after blast injury.
A prospectively randomised, controlled animal study was conducted to analyse the influence of vagal injury on acute cardio-respiratory responses to blast injury. ⋯ A vagally mediated reflex, such as a cardio-respiratory system defensive reflex that caused shock, was observed immediately after blast pressure wave injury. These observations may have important implications for the emergency management of blast injury cases.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2013
Pain and quality of life 1 year after admission to the emergency department: factors associated with pain.
This study describes the prevalence of pain in trauma patients 1 year after hospital admission and investigates separately health-related quality of life (QoL) for patients suffering severe pain and for those without pain. Moreover, psychosocial factors are examined for their impact on pain. ⋯ Pain is strongly associated with psychosocial complaints 1 year after trauma. For the treatment of pain following a traumatic event, social reintegration and emotional regulation by means of occupational rehabilitation and psychotherapy should receive more attention.
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A quarter of trauma-related deaths are attributable to traumatic chest injury (TCI). ⋯ TCI is an alarming problem in Qatar, with a bimodal mortality curve. The highest mortality peak occurred in children, followed by old age. However, young males are the most exposed population. Regulatory efforts and strict enforcement of traffic laws would likely reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2013
Indications for implant removal after fracture healing: a review of the literature.
The aim of this review was to collect and summarize published data on the indications for implant removal after fracture healing, since these are not well defined and guidelines hardly exist. ⋯ This review illustrates the great variety of view points in the literature, with large differences in opinions and practices about the indications for implant removal after fracture healing. Since some studies have described asymptomatic patients developing complaints after removal, the general advice nowadays is to remove implants after fracture healing only in symptomatic patients and after a proper informed consent. Well-designed prospective studies on this subject are urgently needed in order to form guidelines based on scientific evidence.