European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Dec 2016
Comparative StudyComparison of MRI, CT and bone scintigraphy for suspected scaphoid fractures.
The best diagnostic modality for confirmation of the diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture that is not visible on the initial radiograph (occult scaphoid fracture) is still subject of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and bone scintigraphy (BS) for the diagnosis of these occult scaphoid fractures. ⋯ This study shows that neither MRI, nor CT and BS are 100 % accurate in diagnosing occult scaphoid fractures. MRI and CT miss fractures, and BS tends to over-diagnose. The specific advantages and limitations of each diagnostic modality should be familiar to the treating physicians and taken into consideration during the diagnostic process.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Dec 2016
Epidemiology and outcome of penetrating injuries in a Western European urban region.
Severe life-threatening injuries in Western Europe are mostly caused by blunt trauma. However, penetrating trauma might be more common in urban regions, but their characteristics have not been fully elucidated. ⋯ Specific characteristics of penetrating trauma in urban regions can be identified. Compared to nationwide data, penetrating trauma was more frequent in our collective (9.3 vs. 5.0 %), which may be due to higher crime rates in urban areas. Especially, self-inflicted penetrating trauma often results in most severe injuries.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Dec 2016
Observational StudyPersistent lymphopenia is an independent predictor of mortality in critically ill emergency general surgical patients.
Lymphopenia has been associated with poor outcome following sepsis, burns and trauma. This study was designed to establish whether lymphocyte count was associated with mortality in emergency general surgery (EGS) patients, and whether persistent lymphopenia was an independent predictor of mortality. ⋯ Lymphopenia is commonly observed in critically ill EGS patients. Patients with persistent lymphopenia are 3.5 times more likely to die and lymphopenia is an independent predictor of increased mortality in this patient group.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Dec 2016
Minimally invasive implantation of a novel flexible intramedullary nail in patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.
We report our initial experiences with use of a new technique we developed for implantation of Sonoma Crx intramedullary rod in patients with displaced clavicle fractures. ⋯ The technique we described herein provided successful procedural outcomes, eliminated the need for deep dissection of the fracture site and reduced the operation time. Further study on larger populations is warranted to confirm these findings.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Dec 2016
Major trauma in winter sports: an international trauma database analysis.
The aim of this study was to compare the demographics, injury patterns, and outcomes following major trauma between Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and sledding winter sports. ⋯ Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and sledding result in different injury patterns and affect various age groups. Our data suggest an increased risk for chest and spinal injuries in Alpine skiers. Due to high-energy injury mechanisms, all three winter sports involve a risk of severe multiple trauma. While all athlete groups required a high rate of emergency surgery procedures, the observed in-hospital mortality from winter sports remains low.