J Trauma
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Comparative Study
Early appropriate care: definitive stabilization of femoral fractures within 24 hours of injury is safe in most patients with multiple injuries.
Type and timing of treatment of femur fractures is controversial. Although reported as safe and effective in many reports, others have suggested that early definitive stabilization may cause complications, particularly in patients with chest and head injuries. Damage control orthopedics was proposed as an alternative in unstable patients. This study examines the effects of timing of fixation and investigates risk factors for complications. ⋯ Early definitive stabilization is associated with acceptably low rates of complications and is safe in most patients with multiple injuries, including some with severe abdominal, chest, or head injuries with attention to resuscitation before surgery. More complications and longer hospital stay were noted with delayed fixation after adjusting for age and ISS. Chest injury was associated with pulmonary complications; however, the presence of severe abdominal injury was the greatest risk factor for complications. Expediting access to definitive care may reduce complications and expenses.
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Comparative Study
Long-term outcome in patients with mild traumatic brain injury: a prospective observational study.
Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is common; up to 37% of adult men have a history of MTBI. Complaints after MTBI are persistent headaches, memory impairment, depressive mood disorders, and disability. The reported short- and long-term outcomes of patients with MTBI have been inconsistent. We have now investigated long-term clinical and neurocognitive outcomes in patients with MTBI (at admission, and after 1 and 10 years). ⋯ BeSc deteriorates over time; our data suggest a decline in general health and QoL in a substantial proportion of patients (37.2%) 10 years after MTBI. Patients without ICI appear to have a better long-term outcome with regard to subjective complaints and QoL.
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Comparative Study
Combat musculoskeletal wounds in a US Army Brigade Combat Team during operation Iraqi Freedom.
A prospective, longitudinal analysis of musculoskeletal combat injuries sustained by a large combat-deployed maneuver unit has not previously been performed. ⋯ A large burden of complex orthopedic injuries has resulted from the combat experience in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is because of increased enemy reliance on explosive devices, the use of individual and vehicular body armor, and improved survivability of combat-injured soldiers.
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Comparative Study
Risk factors associated with early reintubation in trauma patients: a prospective observational study.
After mechanical ventilation, extubation failure is associated with poor outcomes and prolonged hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays. We hypothesize that specific and unique risk factors exist for failed extubation in trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors in trauma patients. ⋯ Independent risk factors for trauma patients to fail extubation include spine fracture, initial intubation for airway, GCS at extubation, and delirium tremens. Trauma patients with these four risk factors should be observed for 24 hours after extubation, because the mean time to failure was 15 hours. In addition, increased complications, extended need for mechanical ventilation, and prolonged ICU and hospital stays should be expected for trauma patients who fail extubation.