J Trauma
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Fractures of the tibia and femur are common after automobile versus pedestrian (AVP) injuries. This study evaluates the effect of age on the type of fracture and the incidence and type of associated injuries. ⋯ Age affects the incidence and type of lower extremity fractures after AVP injuries. The presence of lower extremity fracture is associated with a higher incidence of chest, spine, and intra-abdominal injuries. It is advisable that all patients with lower extremity fractures after AVP injuries be evaluated by a surgeon familiar with these injury patterns.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for nonunion after femoral nailing of femoral shaft fractures. A case-control study with two to one matching was conducted. Forty-five patients with 46 femoral nonunions (cases) and 92 patients with healed femoral shaft fractures (controls) were identified from our orthopedic trauma registry. ⋯ The characteristics that were significantly different between the two groups were open fracture, delay to weight bearing, and tobacco use. Fracture classification, gender, direction of nail insertion (antegrade vs. retrograde), and Injury Severity Score were not predictive of nonunion. We conclude that open fracture, tobacco use, and delayed weight bearing are risk factors for femoral nonunion after intramedullary nailing for diaphyseal femur fractures.
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The use of permanent inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) offers protection against pulmonary embolism (PE) but increases the long-term risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and does not affect long-term mortality. The use of retrievable IVCFs in trauma patients offers the dual advantage of protection against PE during the risk period and the option of filter removal thus avoiding complications of DVT. Despite the safety of removal, it is likely that many of these retrievable filters are not removed. ⋯ The use of retrievable IVCFs, when necessary, produced predictable protection against PE and DVT complications. Despite the opportunity for removal, most patients, in fact, did not have their filters removed, even when posthospital care could be tracked. The practices of the surgeon, the transfer to extended-care facilities, near or far, and the reluctance to remove long-standing IVCFs contributed to the high-retention rate.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been shown to increase morbidity but not mortality in trauma patients; however, little is known about the effects of ARDS in nontrauma surgical patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for and outcomes of ARDS in nontrauma surgical patients. ⋯ Unlike trauma patients, ARDS was an independent predictor of ICU mortality in nontrauma surgical patients, independent of age and disease severity. Nontrauma surgical patients who developed ARDS were older, sicker, and had a longer ICU stay. Independent predictors of ARDS included use of pressors, sepsis, and obesity.
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As early as 1979, suggestions were made to establish amputation teams and protocols in major metropolitan areas. It was recognized that preplanning on such calls would be valuable to carrying out rescues of that nature. Since then, questionnaires and collegial conversations reveal the existence of such teams remains the exception in our nation's cities. ⋯ A field amputation team can be an integral part of any emergency medical service system, filling an infrequently used but helpful adjunct to emergency care.