J Trauma
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Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important parameter after medical treatments. Knowledge of (predictors of) diminished quality of life can help improve medical outcome. The aim of this study was to quantify health loss in patients with burns and to assess the contribution of injury extent, age, gender, and psychologic factors to HRQOL and speed of recovery. A multicenter prospective cohort design was used to address these aims. ⋯ Both injury severity and psychologic problems play a pivotal role in reduced HRQOL and the speed of recovery. The number of surgeries seems to give a practically useful indication of the expected recovery speed that could aid in decision making and provides adequate information for patients in the aftermath of their initial surgical treatment. Screening for traumatic stress is recommended.
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The current available literature related to scaphoid fracture epidemiology is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of true scaphoid fractures in a defined adult population. ⋯ We have reported the epidemiology of true scaphoid fractures, with young males at risk of sustaining a fracture. Knowledge of the true incidence of scaphoid fractures and an understanding of the demographic risk factors are essential when assessing the suspected scaphoid fracture, particularly when considering further imaging modalities.
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A helmet mandatory for people younger than 16 years was implemented in most Austrian provinces in the winter season 2009/2010. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a ski helmet mandatory on age-dependent helmet use. ⋯ A helmet mandatory for people aged 15 years or less may increase helmet use in involved age groups when helmet use is relatively low. However, public discussions and preventive helmet campaigns based on sound theories of health behavior change may also induce increases in helmet use in skiers aged older than 15 years without helmet mandatory.