J Trauma
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Comparative Study
Management of external penetrating injuries into the hypopharyngeal-cervical esophageal funnel.
To compare outcomes related to observation versus exploration for the hypopharynx and the cervical esophagus as the site of proven external penetrating injuries. ⋯ Overall, the consequences of an external penetrating injury become more serious in the descending levels of the funnel formed by the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Injuries located in the upper portion of the hypopharynx can be routinely managed without surgical intervention. Neck exploration and adequate drainage of the deep neck spaces are, however, mandatory for all penetrating injuries into the cervical esophagus and most injuries into the lower portion of the hypopharynx.
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Comparative Study
Effects of increasing airway pressure and PEEP on the assessment of cardiac preload.
Cardiac preload is most commonly assessed by pulmonary artery wedge pressure. It was postulated that the right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) derived by thermodilution would be a better predictor of preload in trauma patients with high airway pressures associated with positive pressure ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure. ⋯ Unlike the pulmonary artery wedge pressure, RVEDVI is as reliable indicator of preload in the mechanically ventilated trauma patient. This is especially true when the right ventricular ejection fraction is not severely depressed.
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Pedestrian injury accounts for approximately 14% of all vehicular-associated mortality. We performed a retrospective review of 1,014 injured pedestrians admitted to our statewide trauma center between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1994, to determine the pattern and severity of pelvic injury in injured pedestrians, the types of associated injuries relative to those pelvic injury patterns, and the relationship between pelvic fracture treatment modalities and patient outcome. ⋯ In conclusion, pelvic fracture appears to be a substantial factor in pedestrian morbidity and mortality. Although most pedestrian morbidity and mortality is not caused by the intrinsic nature of the pelvic fracture, the severity of these injuries is correlated with the degree of destructive energy imparted to the body as a whole, as manifested by the number and severity of associated injuries and the mortality rate.
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Although clavicular fractures are common, nonunion of the clavicle is a rare complication. However, it can be disabling, presenting mainly with pain, limitation of shoulder movement, and/or compression of the brachial plexus. The technical difficulty in securing adequate skeletal stabilization and the unique anatomic features of the clavicle pose a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. ⋯ Plating and bone grafting of the clavicle is an effective method of management of painful nonunion, and it has minimal complications.