Eur J Trauma Emerg S
-
Upper extremity composite tissue defects may result from trauma, tumor resection, infection, or congenital malformations. When reconstructing these defects the ultimate objectives are to provide adequate soft tissue protection of vital structures, and to provide optimal functional and esthetic outcomes. The development of clinical microsurgery has added a large number of treatment options to the trauma surgeon's armamentarium - primarily replantation of amputated tissues and transplantation of vascularized tissues from distant donor sites. Since the early 1970s, considerable refinement in microsurgical tools and techniques together with a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of microcirculatory tissue perfusion led to the introduction of a variety of thin, pliable and versatile-free flap designs. ⋯ Where possible, the best results may be achieved by reattaching the amputated original tissues (microsurgical replantation). In noninfected, uncontaminated traumatic injuries resulting in composite soft tissue defects, Early free flap reconstruction of the upper extremities has important advantages over delayed (72 h-3 months) or late wound closure (3 months-2 years). In recent years, thin, pliable, and versatile fasciocutaneous flaps such as the anterolateral thigh (ALT) and lateral arm (LA) free flaps have been increasingly used with great success to reconstruct the upper extremity. The use of "spare parts" and functional reconstructions using osteomyocutaneous free flaps or toe to thumb transfers complete the armamentarium of the upper limb reconstructive microsurgeon.
-
Restoration of the intra- and extraarticular anatomy of the distal radius. Stable internal fixation of fragments, with the possibility of early functional rehabilitation. ⋯ 25 consecutive patients were monitored following a double-plate fixation, with a minimum follow- up of 12 months. In all cases the reduction, in accordance with the Stewart Score, was very good, a loss of reduction was not observed. The range of motion was between 100° and 160° for flexion/extension and between 160° und 180° for pronation/supination. The average DASH Score was 7.2 points, the PRWE Score 8.0 points. No relevant loss of strength (JAMAR dynamometer) was found in any of the patients in comparison with the healthy side. Complications noted were a muscle adhesion in the region of the first extensor compartment as well as a mild reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which healed without consequences. Implants were removed from six of the patients.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Predictors of Death in Trauma Patients who are Alive on Arrival at Hospital.
To determine which factors predict death occurring in trauma patients who are alive on arrival at hospital Design Prospective cohort study Method Data were collected from 507 trauma patients with multiple injuries, with a Hospital Trauma Index-Injury Severity Score of 16 or more, who were initially delivered by the Emergency Medical Services to the Emergency Department of the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) during the period 1999-2000. ⋯ The risk of severely injured accident patients dying after arriving in hospital is mainly determined by the T-RTS, age, presence of isolated neurological damage, BE and Hb level. Skull/brain damage and hemorrhage appear to be the most important causes of death in the first 24 h after the accident. The time interval between the accident and arrival at the hospital does not appear to affect the risk of death.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2007
Mid-Anterior Tibial Stress Fracture in a Female Elite Athlete : A Case Report.
We report the case of an unusual tibial stress fracture and its successful surgical treatment in a female elite sprinter 2 years after complete consolidation of the same tibia following resection of an osteoid osteoma.
-
According to the World Health Organization "Global burden of disease study", future demographics of trauma are expected to show an increase in morbidity and mortality. In the past few decades, the field of trauma surgery has evolved to provide global and comprehensive care of the injured. While the modern day trauma surgeon is well trained to deal with multitrauma patients with injuries involving several systems, the ever-increasing nature and variety of multitrauma has left lacuna in certain areas. ⋯ In considering reconstruction of the abdominal wall in multitrauma patients proper evaluation, scrupulous planning, appropriate, and meticulous technique improve the chances for success with minimal complications. In the present article, we provide a brief description of the most commonly used procedures, and more importantly we outline the principles and guidelines applied to abdominal wall reconstruction in order to inform the trauma surgeon of different available treatment options. In doing so, we hope that this review will assist trauma surgeons in their overall care of patients that present with abdominal injuries.