J Trauma
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High-energy tibial plateau fractures may present with an acute or impending compartment syndrome requiring emergent fasciotomy. There is little information regarding the optimal management of the fasciotomy wound with respect to the subsequent definitive internal fixation of the tibial plateau fracture. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of infection complication after internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures in patients requiring fasciotomy for compartment syndrome with patients in whom a fasciotomy was not required. ⋯ Definitive internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures in the presence of open fasciotomy wounds does not seem to be associated with an increased infection risk.
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This study examined the effect of proximal humeral fractures on the age- and shoulder-specific prevalence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) as well as the association with fracture severity, patient age, and clinical outcome. ⋯ RCTs may need special attention in initial diagnostics, management, and follow-up especially in severe proximal humeral fractures.
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The challenge of closing extremity fasciotomy wounds is well known to every trauma and orthopedic surgeon. We developed a new, easy, and inexpensive dermatotraction technique based on the simple use of Ty-Raps and report on the first pilot study using this novel technique for the closure of 23 extremity fasciotomy wounds. The Ty-Rap system consists of several combinations of two Ty-Raps and four surgical staples. ⋯ We regard the use of Ty-Raps a good alternative for the current closing techniques of extremity fasciotomy wounds. We value its low cost, general availability, effectiveness, and the fact that, in this pilot study, both the application and the tightening of the Ty-Raps were well tolerated by our patients with a minimal need for secondary procedures. Knowledge of this technique is a useful adjunct to the existing surgical array for every trauma and orthopedic surgeon for the closure of extremity fasciotomy wounds, especially in austere or military environments.
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Lodox/Statscan is a new digital X-ray machine with a low dose of radiation exposure that provides rapid, whole-body scans. In the setting of acute trauma management, the importance of image study is well recognized. Here, we report the accuracy of diagnoses made using Lodox/Statscan in patients with multiple injuries. We analyze the cost effectiveness, biohazard safety, and detection rate for treatment using the Lodox/Statscan and evaluate whether it is a viable alternative to the conventional trauma X-ray. ⋯ In our series, the Lodox/Statscan provided similar quality images and conventional series to the CT scans. Although the Lodox/Statscan missed some injuries, most of the subsequent treatments were not changed. Overall, there were several advantages to using this system, including the short interval of study, low-radiation exposure, and low cost. The Lodox/Statscan could therefore be used as an alternative to the traditional trauma X-ray for evaluation of acute trauma patients.
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Comparative Study
Scientific publications in critical care medicine journals from Chinese authors: a 10-year survey of the literature.
People of Chinese ethnicity are the largest population in the world. Critical care medicine in China is developing rapidly and has achieved great advances in recent 20 years. The research contribution in critical care medicine among Chinese individuals in the three major regions of China--Mainland (ML), Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW)--is unknown. ⋯ The total numbers of articles in China increased markedly from 1999 to 2008. TW published the most number of articles, clinical trials, and randomised controlled trials among the three regions. The Journal of Trauma was the most popular journal in the three regions.