European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Jun 2015
ReviewThe pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of the acute coagulopathy of trauma and shock: a literature review.
The acute coagulopathy of trauma and shock is associated with significant mortality and, currently, there are no validated laboratory tests which allow for a rapid recognition and treatment of this condition. Therefore, early detection of any clot abnormality in trauma could improve the diagnosis of trauma-associated coagulopathy and subsequent interventions. ⋯ There is enough evidence to demonstrate that we urgently need a robust test, which would determine and quantify both the rate and the extent of coagulation abnormalities. This could help to tailor the treatment of coagulopathy according to the patient's needs.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Jun 2015
Biomechanical properties of different external fixator frame configurations.
External fixators are easy to apply and maximize soft tissue preservation. However, frames need providing an adequate stiffness in order to avoid excessive interfragmentary movement during the healing period. We characterized the stiffness of four different configurations of the newly developed Hoffmann 3 external fixation system. ⋯ The diameter and the amount of used connecting rods as well as the adequate placement of these rods towards the main loading directions determine the construct stiffness. These results could help the surgeons estimating how different frames can potentially affect the interfragmentary motion. This information might help in choosing specific configuration when treating different fracture types on given patients.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Jun 2015
Young adults with mild traumatic brain injury-the influence of alcohol consumption-a retrospective analysis.
Alcohol abuse has been associated with aggressive behavior and interpersonal violence. Aim of the study was to investigate the role of alcohol consumption in a population of young adults with mild traumatic brain injuries and the attendant epidemiological circumstances of the trauma. ⋯ Among young adults men and unemployed men have a higher statistical probability to have consumed alcohol prior to suffering mild traumatic brain injury. The most common trauma mechanism in this age group is interpersonal violence and occurs more often in patients who have consumed alcohol. Alcohol consumption and interpersonal violence increase the odds ratio for concomitant injuries, open wounds, and fractures independently from another.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Jun 2015
Risk associated with traumatic intracranial bleed and outcome in patients following a fall from a standing position.
A fall from a standing position (FFS) is a low impact injury; however, in certain patient populations it can result in serious, complex injuries associated with significant morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Prognostic study investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of the disease, level III.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Jun 2015
The incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism following cast immobilisation and early functional bracing of Tendo Achilles rupture without thromboprophylaxis.
The routine use of thromboprophylaxis during cast immobilisation for lower leg trauma is controversial. The concern involves the perceived increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its sequelae following leg immobilisation. However, immobilisation is used for a spectrum of trauma and for varying duration. This heterogenicity in management is reflected in the current evidence and coupled with the risks of thromboprophylaxis; no clear consensus has been made. ⋯ Although we can conclude that conservative treatment for Tendo Achilles does increase the incidence of symptomatic DVT from the general population, we feel that large randomised control trials are required to evaluate the efficacy, compliance and cost effectiveness of routine DVT thromboprophylaxis in the outpatient setting.