J Trauma
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Wound infections after minor limb lacerations: risk factors and the role of antimicrobial agents.
The requirement for antimicrobial agents in patients with minor limb lacerations was prospectively studied. ⋯ The use of antimicrobial agents in minor limb injuries was not associated with a significant reduction of infection rate. Routine antimicrobial treatment is discouraged.
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Reconstructive microsurgery has been part of the treatment for severe tibial fractures for over 20 years. ⋯ In the past 5 years, the flap survival rate and the microvascular free flap operation methods were the same as they were in the 1980s, but the methods for enhancing the fracture union or reconstructing the bone defect has changed.
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Early detection of vascular impairments after free tissue transfers are essential to prevent flap failure. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed good promise to monitor flaps at deep levels successfully without being invasive. The purpose of this study was to test whether the INVOS 3100 cerebral oxymeter is capable of detecting circulatory impairments. ⋯ This study, designed to test less-expensive equipment, was able to measure absolute values, and was not prone to interference caused by probe movement, providing information on the oxygenation profile accurately and noninvasively, and distinguishing between arterial and venous occlusion.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Treatment of occult pneumothoraces from blunt trauma.
Occult pneumothoraces (OPTXs) are seen on abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans but not on routine chest x-ray films. Optimal treatment for blunt trauma OPTXs has not been defined. We hypothesized that OPTXs could be safely observed without need for a chest tube (CT). ⋯ Observation of OPTX is not associated with an increased incidence of pneumothorax progression or respiratory distress. These pneumothoraces can be safely observed in patients with blunt trauma injury regardless of the need for positive pressure ventilation.
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Comparative Study
Snowboard head injury: prospective study in Chino, Nagano, for two seasons from 1995 to 1997.
The popularity of snowboarding has been growing rapidly throughout the world. To date, however, the risk of head injury associated with this relatively new winter sport, especially in comparison with alpine skiing, has not been well analyzed. This study was conducted to assess the risk of head injury in snowboarding and to elucidate its features in comparison with skiing head injury. ⋯ These results indicate that snowboarders, particularly beginners, are at higher risk for head injury, frequently involving occipital impact, and could lead to more major head injuries. We propose that measures should be taken to protect the head, especially the occiput, in snowboarding.