J Trauma
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Fall incidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence, costs, and quality of life for fall-related injuries in the older Dutch population presenting at the emergency department. ⋯ Fall-related injuries in older adults are age and gender related, leading to high healthcare consumption, costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. Further implementation of falls prevention strategies is needed to control the burden of fall-related injuries in the aging population.
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The purpose of this study was to test the effect of (1) titanium versus stainless steel metal and (2) locked unicortical versus bicortical shaft fixation on stiffness of Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) constructs in a mechanically unstable nonosteoporotic distal femur fracture model. ⋯ Unstable distal femur fracture constructs, created in sawbone specimens, fixed with stainless steel and titanium LISS implants, with or without bicortical locking screws proximally, show similar biomechanical properties under loading. Although there are numerous considerations when selecting implants for these fractures, our results indicate that stiffness is not a significant factor in choosing between the constructs tested.
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The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in casualties of wartime extremity wounds and specifically in casualties with a trauma-associated amputation. ⋯ The cumulative incidence of PE was 5.7%. The incidence of PE is significantly higher with trauma-associated amputation than with extremity long-bone fracture without amputation. Bilateral amputations, multiple long-bone fractures, and pelvic fractures are independent risk factors for the development of PE. The use of aggressive prophylaxis, deep venous thrombosis screening with ultrasound, and use of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters should be considered in this patient population.
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The optimal method for spinal evaluation after penetrating trauma is currently unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a standardized clinical examination for the detection of spinal injuries after penetrating trauma. ⋯ Clinically significant spinal injury, although rare after SWs, is not uncommon after GSWs. A structured clinical examination of the spine in evaluable patients who have sustained a GSW is highly reliable for identifying those with clinically significant injuries.