J Trauma
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For patients sustaining torso gunshot wounds (GSWs) who undergo a trial of nonoperative management (NOM), the optimal observation time required to exclude a hollow viscus injury before discharge is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze a continuous series of patients undergoing NOM after sustaining a GSW to the torso to determine the safe period of observation before discharge. ⋯ For patients undergoing NOM of their torso GSWs, all patients who failed and required a laparotomy did so within 24 hours of admission. Patients undergoing selective NOM required a minimum of 24 hours of close observation before discharge.
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The incidence of periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty is continuously rising because of an increasing number of knee joint replacements and an enhanced survivorship of the elderly population after knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to analyze the practicability and effectiveness of the various treatment methods for management of periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty, and to determine the clinical and radiographic long-term results of patients following surgical and nonoperative treatment of these injuries. ⋯ Compared with current data in literature, we had a satisfactory outcome in following individualized treatment of periprosthetic fractures after knee joint replacement. Referring to the wide field of treatment options and high rates of complications, periprosthetic femoral fractures around the knee commonly constitute a challenging problem for the treating surgeons and require an adequate analysis of fracture etiology and a corresponding transfer into an individual treatment concept.
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There are many complications involved in the immobilization of unconscious patients with potential cervical spine injuries. In February 2005, the Intensive Care Society (ICS), United Kingdom, produced consensus guidelines to evaluate spinal injuries in unconscious victims of blunt multiple injuries to address this important clinical problem. ⋯ A unit policy ensures that current recommendations are followed. Despite the ICS guidelines being published 4 years ago, over half of the individual intensive care units have no policy in place. A lack of adequate guidance for junior doctors can lead to steps in the process of clearance being omitted and potential injuries being missed. We recommend that the national organization do more to facilitate a wider dissemination of these guidelines.
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The lack of knee flexion is an increasingly recognized complication of femoral and periarticular knee fractures. This is a significant challenge for both surgeon and patients. ⋯ Modified Thompson quadricepsplasty is a promising procedure with satisfactory results. It provides significantly results if it is performed earlier and in more severe extension contracture.
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Pulse contour-derived cardiac output for continuous hemodynamic monitoring is becoming popular in critical care. However, the data regarding its reliability during acute hemodynamic instability are inconsistent. This study was conducted to determine whether pulse contour-derived cardiac output truly reflects rapid hemodynamic changes. ⋯ Pulse contour-derived hemodynamic parameters do not accurately reflect rapid hemodynamic changes, and the trend may be misleading in piglets. Physicians are advised to interpret pulse contour-derived hemodynamic parameters with caution or to use invasive monitoring to guide treatment strategy therapy.