J Trauma
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Optimizing patient outcomes has promoted a protocol-driven environment within the trauma bay. No standardized laboratory panel exists during the initial evaluation of injured children. ⋯ The implementation of a standard laboratory panel increased the uniformity of care without compromising quality. We limited the volume and initial cost of blood drawn which is advantageous in small children.
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Miami-Dade County, FL, has one of the highest numbers of pediatric pedestrian injuries in the country. To respond to this problem, WalkSafe an elementary school-based pedestrian injury prevention program was created. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the 3-day WalkSafe educational curriculum in a high-risk district. ⋯ The 3-day WalkSafe educational curriculum implemented in a high-risk district was shown to increase the pedestrian safety knowledge of elementary school age children. From recommendations made by teachers and multiple agencies, the modified 3-day program was approved to implement on a yearly basis in all public elementary schools in Miami-Dade County. Further studies will investigate the transfer of knowledge gain to behavioral change among elementary school-aged children.
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Comparative Study
Fixation of extra-articular distal humerus fractures using one locking plate versus two reconstruction plates: a laboratory study.
To compare the strength and stiffness of standard double-plate fixation with that of a single-locking plate for comminuted extra-articular distal humeral fractures. ⋯ Double-plating provides a more rigid fixation than a single-locked plate for fixation of extra-articular comminuted distal humeral fractures. This could be clinically relevant in situations with 100% comminution as seen in gun shot injuries.
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The Heimlich maneuver is a well-described emergency procedure for management of foreign body airway obstructions. Although rare, complications of the Heimlich maneuver do exist. ⋯ Additionally, we present a rare case of acute pancreatitis with associated pseudocyst formation after the administration of the Heimlich maneuver on a healthy 3-year-old boy. Although life saving, the Heimlich maneuver may be associated with significant complications; thus, symptomatic patients after this maneuver should be thoroughly evaluated with appropriate laboratory and radiographic studies.
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This report deals with the advantages and disadvantages associated with the most commonly used methods of stabilization after a pathologic fracture of the humerus shaft. ⋯ Intramedullary stabilization is a reliable method for fixation of pathologic fractures of the humerus diaphysis for patients in the advanced stage of metastatic disease. ORIF are preferable to IM fixations for the treatment of metaphyseal fractures and for those patients with a solitary metastasis in the humerus or those with a better prognosis.