J Trauma
-
We report a patient who developed pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ten cases have been reported in the literature. Despite the patient's serious condition, celiotomy was performed to rule out perforation of a hollow viscus and none was found. The likelihood of visceral perforation in this setting is high and despite increasing recognition of pneumoperitoneum that does not require surgical intervention, nonoperative management should not be entertained in this setting unless visceral perforation can be excluded.
-
Case Reports Comparative Study
Computed tomography of the pelvis in patients with multiple injuries.
The extent of osseous pelvic injury in patients suffering multiple organ trauma is difficult to assess. However, accurate information is essential in order to determine an acceptable treatment regimen, either operative (external or internal fixation), or nonoperative (bed rest and early ambulation). Twenty consecutive patients were treated for pelvic fractures from January 1981 through February 1982. ⋯ X-rays was demonstrated in these 13 patients. Six patients underwent operative intervention, four with Hoffmann frames (external fixation), and two with reduction and internal fixation. CT examination of the pelvis provides a rapid and thorough evaluation which is extremely useful in demonstrating all the fractures of the pelvis on the single examination, thereby allowing the early determination of the best treatment plan for patients with such major injuries.
-
A fracture-dislocation of the ankle with fixed anterior displacement of the proximal fibular fragment is reported. The mechanism of this injury was likely eversion of the foot which produced rupture of the deltoid ligament and distal tibiofibular diastasis, and lateral dislocation of the talus. ⋯ This injury was extremely unstable and required open reduction with internal fixation, not only to reduce the anterior displacement of the fibula but also to repair the associated disruption of the syndesmotic ligament and anterior capsule. The key radiographic finding was anterior displacement of the distal fibula seen on the lateral view.
-
A three-part clavicle fracture not previously described is presented. Treatment of distal clavicle fractures is reviewed, and operative treatment for this type of fracture is recommended. ⋯ The acromioclavicular joint is not entered, and the wire is bent 90 degrees at its distal tip and removed once the fracture has united. In the case reported full use was possible in 6 months.