J Trauma
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Alcohol intoxication is associated with a high incidence of traumatic injury, particularly in the young healthy population. The impact of alcohol intoxication on the immediate pathophysiologic response to injury has not been closely examined. We hypothesized that acute alcohol intoxication would aggravate the immediate outcome from hemorrhagic shock by impairing homeostatic counterregulation to blood loss. ⋯ These results indicate marked alterations in the hemodynamic and metabolic responses to hemorrhagic shock by alcohol intoxication. Furthermore, our findings suggest that alcohol modulates the early proinflammatory responses to hemorrhagic shock. Taken together, these alterations in metabolic and inflammatory responses to hemorrhage are likely to impair immediate outcome and predispose to tissue injury.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, relationship with the ankle diastasis, and effect of treatment of the anterior tibiofibular ligament avulsion fracture (Wagstaffe fracture) combined with the Weber type B lateral malleolar fracture. ⋯ The Wagstaffe fracture can be a good diagnostic clue of ankle diastasis in Weber type B lateral malleolar fracture. The accurate reduction and fixation of the avulsed fragment is important for restoration of the stable distal tibiofibular joint and to prevent the chronic ankle joint pain caused by impingement of the avulsed fragment.
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Major trauma presents major diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Any delay in providing the treatment necessary may lead to increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged length of hospital stay, and increased cost. This study was undertaken to determine the extent, contributing factors, and implication of missed injuries and relate them to the three surveys in a Danish Level I trauma center. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that missed injuries can occur at any stage of the management of patients with major trauma. Repeated assessments, both clinical and radiologic, are mandatory to diminish the problem. In initial assessment, one still has to treat the greatest threat to life before complete diagnosis of all injuries, but alertness to evolving injuries must remain throughout the patient's stay in hospital.
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Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among children older than 1 year. Use of appropriate restraint systems is associated with reductions in morbidity and mortality in this age group. No studies have evaluated the association between specific injury patterns and restraint use among children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in risks of injuries in different body regions according to restraint use among children 0 to 11 years of age. ⋯ Proper restraint use among children is associated with lower risk of injury. Educational initiatives should focus not only on encouraging restraint use but also on ensuring that parents know the appropriate age-dependent restraint method and how to use it properly.