J Trauma
-
Use of Greenfield filters (GFs) to prevent fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) in trauma patients is generally well accepted. Nonetheless, a surprisingly small number of trauma surgeons insert filters in their patients. Among the reasons cited is fear of complications. ⋯ Our data indicate that complications of GF insertion for prophylaxis against PE from DVT complicating trauma patients continue to be negligible. In addition, the incidence of insertion-site thrombosis may be lower than expected. Moreover, femoral AVF is a rare complication of this procedure.
-
Systematic reviews of controlled clinical trials in the form of meta-analyses can serve as an important guide to direct clinical practice. This study identifies the most important research questions pertaining to the acute care of the injured patient using a Web-based Delphi technique to achieve consensus of expert opinion. ⋯ This study identifies the areas of trauma care in which research efforts might best be directed. In the absence of sufficient data for systematic reviews, these research topics represent important areas for the design and implementation of clinical trials.
-
The purpose of this study was to show that elderly patients admitted with rib fractures after blunt trauma have increased mortality. ⋯ Despite lower indices of injury severity, even after taking account of comorbidities, mortality was significantly increased in elderly patients admitted to a trauma center with rib fractures.