European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2019
Review Meta AnalysisFixation of flail chest or multiple rib fractures: current evidence and how to proceed. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to present current evidence on rib fixation and to compare effect estimates obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. ⋯ Rib fixation for flail chest improves short-term outcome, although the indication and patient subgroup who would benefit most remain unclear. There is insufficient data regarding treatment for multiple rib fractures. Observational studies show similar results compared with RCTs.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialTreatment of proximal phalanx fractures: transarticular pinning the metacarpophalangeal joint or cross pinning from the base of the proximal phalanx-a prospective study.
For extraarticular proximal phalanx fractures, two methods are employed, transarticular fixation in which the metacarpophalangeal joint is crossed and the extraarticular method in which the pins are introduced through the base of the proximal Phalanx. ⋯ The results of treatment in proximal phalangeal fractures with both methods were comparable and so the surgeon may select each based on the experience and training.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2019
Observational Study"Second-look" laparotomy: warranted, or contributor to excessive open abdomens?
The overuse of temporary abdominal closure and second look (SL) laparotomy in emergency general surgery (EGS) cases has been questioned in the recent literature. In an effort to hopefully decrease the number of open abdomen (OA) patients, we hypothesize that reviewing our cases, many of these SL patients could be managed with single-stage operative therapy and thus decrease the number of OA patients. ⋯ Almost one-fifth of the patients undergoing SL laparotomy for open abdomen required bowel resections, with 6.8% of those having normal appearing bowel at index operation, therefore in select EGS patients, SL laparotomy is a reasonable strategy.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2019
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyRib fixation versus non-operative treatment for flail chest and multiple rib fractures after blunt thoracic trauma: a multicenter cohort study.
Over the years, a trend has evolved towards operative treatment of flail chest although evidence is limited. Furthermore, little is known about operative treatment for patients with multiple rib fractures without a flail chest. The aim of this study was to compare rib fixation based on a clinical treatment algorithm with nonoperative treatment for both patients with a flail chest or multiple rib fractures. ⋯ No advantage could be demonstrated for operative fixation of rib fractures. Future studies are needed before rib fixation is embedded or abandoned in clinical practice.