J Trauma
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This study was performed to determine the role of duplex scanning in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE), the correlation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk score with the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and patients who may benefit from surveillance duplex scanning. ⋯ Adherence to an evidence-based VTE prophylaxis protocol is more important than surveillance duplex scanning in preventing VTE in trauma patients.
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The clinical significance of myocardial contusion (MC) following blunt thoracic trauma is still unknown. Accordingly, in this prospective study in a regional trauma center we investigated the acute and long-term clinical significance of MC. ⋯ The incidence of 19.7% of MC in our patients with blunt chest injury requiring intensive care treatment indicates that this condition is frequent in polytraumatized patients. Outcome and prognosis in patients with MC is favorable and, thus, routine cardiac work-up is not indicated. Specific diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be limited to cases where cardiac complications develop.
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To study the impact of helmet nonuse in motorcycle crashes after the repeal of a mandatory helmet law in the state of Florida. ⋯ The repeal of a motorcycle helmet law significantly increased the number and severity of brain injuries admitted to our trauma center.