Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 1983
Experiences in the management of chest injuries and a review of current management.
Eleven cases of chest trauma managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Alexandra Hospital were reviewed. Common manifestations were: rib fractures, haemothorax, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion and flail chest. Nine patients had fractures on other sites of the body and three patients had associated abdominal injuries requiring laparotomy. ⋯ Respiratory failure in chest trauma is often the result of damage to the parenchyma, atelectasis and infection. Whilst the extent of parenchyma lung damage is dependent upon the severity of the injury and therefore not medically preventable, atelectasis and infection can be avoided. Patients with significant chest trauma should therefore be admitted directly to the Intensive Care Unit and the 'Expectant Therapy' instituted.
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The authors wish to document the experience of the Burns Unit, Singapore General Hospital in the management of burns of the upper limb. Fifty-six patients with post-burn deformity of the upper limb seen during a five year period (July 1978-July 1983) were reviewed. The cases were analysed and there were no significant differences in age, sex and race distribution. ⋯ When both surfaces were burned the prognosis depended upon the burns depth. Digital burns treated surgically had fewer residual contractures. The role of occupational therapy, scar control, splinting and secondary surgery in relation to the rehabilitation of the burned upper limb is discussed in some detail.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)