J Trauma
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Comparative Study
Comparison of plates versus intramedullary nails for fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.
We compare the use of plate and screws versus intramedullary nails in the operative management of patients with displaced midclavicular fractures. ⋯ Our results demonstrate no significant differences in functional outcome and nonunion rates between nails and plates fixation for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.
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Intraabdominal vascular injury (IAVI) as a result of penetrating and blunt trauma carries a high mortality rate. This study was performed to compare current mortality rates with a previously reported historic control. ⋯ Although over 20 years have passed, no significant changes have occurred in the mortality associated with IAVI. Patients presenting in shock with IAVI continue to have a high mortality rate.
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As utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans in the evaluation of trauma patients increases, pneumothoraces (PTXs) seen on CT but not on chest X-ray (CXR), known as occult PTXs (OPTXs), are becoming more prevalent. The incidence of PTXs simply missed on CXR among OPTXs is unclear. A previous retrospective review of CXRs at our institution generally confirmed the occult versus missed designation, but lower fidelity images may have biased this determination. Thus, we repeated this evaluation using the high-quality images and improved the methodology. ⋯ We estimate that 80% of PTXs considered occult in the trauma room were truly occult. The most common missed sign was subcutaneous emphysema. PTXs are poorly assessed by CXR, and accurate diagnosis should focus on other imaging modalities.
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Delayed splenic hemorrhage after proximal splenic artery embolotherapy (SAE) in patients with blunt splenic injury is a well-known outcome. The hemorrhage is thought to be due to rupture of a splenic parenchymal pseudoaneurysm. This study attempts to explain at least part of the mechanism involved in the delayed hemorrhage event. ⋯ The arterial pressure in the distal splenic artery after SAE is highly variable and may depend on the robustness of pre-SAE collaterals.