Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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A dramatic reduction of penetrating trauma is not to be expected in the near future, especially in some regions of the world. In order to identify the body structures damaged after stab or firearm wounds, complementary diagnostic studies play an essential role in assessing the severity of the case. The inclusion of ultrasound among the diagnostic tests for assessing abdominal injuries after blunt trauma because of its confident, repetitive, non-invasive, communicable, and low-cost means to obtain the relevant information is derived from rapidly widespread use of the method for other injury mechanisms, such as penetrating trauma. ⋯ Regarding free fluid, it is possible to determine its presence and composition through the peritoneal aspiration after a sonoguided puncture. On the other hand, ultrasound is able to detect morphologic changes in solid organs after penetrating trauma. In order to reach these possibilities which are offered by the ultrasound technology, a planifying training and education program must be developed.
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When using intramedullary nailing of femur fractures false axis alignment or malrotation is the greatest deterrent to successful reduction often causing extended x-ray exposure and the need to revert to an open procedure. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the advantages of using a trauma navigation system during intramedullary nailing of femur fractures. ⋯ Based on these findings we conclude that the use of a trauma navigation system during fracture reduction has clear advantages. These are based primarily on its ability to provide 3-dimensional viewing of the fracture during the reduction procedure. This eliminates the need for multiple positioning adjustments of the x-ray C-arm from horizontal to vertical for better viewing and in doing so reduced radiation time and needs for open reduction.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Apr 2010
A Prospective Study of Blunt Abdominal Trauma at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) usually results from motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and recreational accidents or falls. This communication is a 3-year report of an ongoing study aimed at providing the current BAT prevalence in our center. It is hoped that this would assist in a better design of prevention and emergency trauma response systems to cope with this epidemic. ⋯ Trauma was mainly due to road traffic injuries. Hemodynamic stability and ultrasonography effectively selected patients for NOM. The establishment of trauma systems, provision of ancillary diagnostic and monitoring facilities, well-designed roads and traffic infrastructure, and health education on road safety would reduce injury, morbidity, and mortality.