European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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The calcaneus is the most frequently broken tarsal bone in the setting of trauma. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of calcaneal fractures depend on the location and type determined by the Sanders classification. With the help of measurements on lateral view radiographs like the Böhler's angle, the angle of Gissane, the calcaneal inclination angle and the calcaneal facet height, we can predict the severity of the trauma and prognosis by assessing the collapse of the calcaneus. On computed tomography (CT), calcaneal fractures which reach into the joint space can be classified by the Sanders classification system according to the number of fragments. In this study, we tried to determine whether calcaneal fracture severity determined by angle and facet height measurements on lateral X-ray radiographs correlate with the Sanders classification. ⋯ These findings suggest that measurements obtained from lateral X-rays coincide with the Sanders classification and, therefore, might indicate the prognosis.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2014
Crossover external fixator for acetabular fractures: a cadaver study.
Dislocated acetabular fractures in polytraumatized patients are very challenging cases to deal with. Temporary stabilization by skeletal traction is difficult in these patients. A more effective solution can be an external fixation. ⋯ The stabilization of acetabular fracture C2.2 by a crossover external fixator is as effective as large distractor. The crossover external fixation could be a suitable solution for the temporary stabilization of acetabular fractures in polytraumatized patients. Subsequent studies including clinical trials are necessary to confirm the authors' suggestion.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2014
Mechanism of injury and treatment of trauma-associated acute compartment syndrome of the foot.
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the foot represents a rare complication following trauma of the lower extremity. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent poor outcome. The study was conducted to describe etiology and treatment of foot ACS. ⋯ Superficial infections occurred in 6 feet, while a deep infection only developed in one patient. Acute compartment syndrome of the foot has a low incidence. A thorough clinical examination in patients on risk is required to provide timely diagnosis and adequate surgical decompression.
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Autotransfusion of red cells is common in many surgical specialties. However, this technique is not uniformly used in abdominal trauma. The purpose of this paper is to study the outcomes of patients who were autotransfused during emergency trauma operations in which they sustained full-thickness hollow viscus injury (HVI). ⋯ We found no evidence that emergent autotransfusion worsens clinical outcomes in the setting of concomitant HVI.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2014
A randomized trial comparing two intraosseous access devices in intrahospital healthcare providers with a focus on retention of knowledge, skill, and self-efficacy.
Intraosseous access is recommended in vitally compromised patients if an intravenous access cannot be easily obtained. Intraosseous infusion can be initiated by various healthcare providers. Currently, there are two mechanical intraosseous devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults and children. A comparison is made in this study of the theoretical and practical performance by anesthesiologists and registered nurses of anesthesia (RNAs) in the use of the battery-powered device (device A) versus the spring-loaded needle device (device B). This study entailed a 12-month follow-up of knowledge, skill retention, and self-efficacy measured by standardized testing. ⋯ The use of device A is safer in handling in comparison to device B at 12 months follow-up. The hypothesis that doctors are more qualified in obtaining intraosseous access has been disproven, as anesthesiologists were as successful as RNAs. However, the low self-efficacy of RNAs in the use of intraosseous devices could diminish the chance of them actually using one.