J Trauma
-
Abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans are used in the evaluation of blunt trauma. The purpose of this study was to determine if isolated intraperitoneal fluid seen on CT scan necessitates laparotomy. ⋯ Exploratory laparotomy was therapeutic in 94% of patients. Isolated intraperitoneal fluid on CT scan after blunt trauma mandates laparotomy.
-
A prospective study of predictors of disability at 3 months after non-central nervous system trauma.
To delineate which injury-related, demographic, and psychosocial variables were predictive of severe disability (limitations in the performance of socially defined roles and tasks) at 3 months after discharge from acute hospitalization for non-central nervous system traumatic injury. ⋯ Extremity injuries, lack of high school graduation, and high level of posttraumatic psychological distress with intrusive thoughts are risk factors for severe disability at 3 months after discharge from the hospital.
-
To demonstrate the injury patterns of Alpine skiing and snowboarding in a northeastern state and evaluate potential risk factors. ⋯ Snowboarders and Alpine skiers are equally prone to injury. Snowboarding accidents are typically less severe and show significantly different injury patterns than skiing accidents. Abdominal and chest injuries in this population are generally amenable to nonoperative management. Prevention programs are best targeted at safe skiing and snowboarding practices, not skiing or snowboarding in poor conditions, use of helmets for skiers, and restraint of snowboard use in very young children.
-
To examine the psychosocial adjustment of survivors of massive pediatric burn injuries, the change in adjustment across time, and the impact on parents. ⋯ Children who survive massive burn injuries can achieve positive psychosocial adaptation.
-
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Effect of the Advanced Trauma Life Support program on medical students' performance in simulated trauma patient management.
Part of the senior medical students' examination at the University of Toronto involves testing with simulated patient management. We compared the performance in these simulations of senior medical students who received Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training with those who did not receive ATLS training. ⋯ The ATLS course, both complete and audit status, prepares students more appropriately for managing trauma patients as judged by trauma simulation scenarios. Consideration should be given for including ATLS as an integral part of the senior medical student curriculum.