J Trauma
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This study aimed to determine the impact of warfarin use on the severity of injury among elderly patients presenting with closed head injuries. ⋯ Among patients 55 years of age or older who present with closed head injury, the use of warfarin before trauma appears to be associated with a higher frequency of isolated head trauma, more severe head trauma, and a higher likelihood of death. The findings of this retrospective study support the concern about the adverse effects of anticoagulants in cases of head trauma.
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Topical antimicrobial agents have proven efficacy in preventing life-threatening invasive burn wound infection. Under wartime or mass-casualty conditions, however, there may be an inadequate supply of these agents. This study aimed to identify those patients most likely to benefit therefrom. ⋯ When resources are limited, topical therapy (specifically, MA) is likely to confer the greatest survival benefit for combatants with burns of 40-79% TBSA.
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Major duct injury is the principal determinant of outcome for patients with pancreatic trauma, and there are a number of therapeutic choices available specific to the location of the insult. We report a series of blunt major pancreatic injury cases, with a review of the different procedures used and a discussion of the results. ⋯ The complication rate for our cases of blunt major pancreatic injury was high (62.2%), especially when treatment was delayed more than 24 hours; the same result was also noted for cases transferred from other institutions. Distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation had a lower complication rate (22.2%) compared with other procedures and is suggested for grade III and grade IV injuries. Magnetic resonance pancreatography was unreliable early after injury but was effective in the chronic stage. Although pancreatic duct stenting can be used to treat posttraumatic pancreatic fistula and pseudocyst, the major duct stricture in the chronic stage of recovery and the risk of sepsis in the acute stage must be overcome.
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The lateral trochanteric support plate (LSP) was developed to prevent excessive sliding of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures fixed with a sliding hip screw (SHS). This study compared the fracture stability and screw sliding characteristics of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures fixed with either an SHS and LSP or an Intramedullary Hip Screw (IMHS). ⋯ A sliding hip screw with an attached lateral support plate provides stability and ability to resist medial displacement of the femoral shaft similar to that seen with the IMHS.
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This study aimed to review the need for angiography among patients with traumatic knee dislocations, and to evaluate any adverse consequences associated with the clinical decision to pursue or defer angiography. ⋯ No limb with initial normal vascular examination results was found to have a vascular injury that required treatment. Routine screening angiography may not be necessary for all patients with traumatic knee dislocations.