European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyProximal femoral nail antirotation against dynamic hip screw for unstable trochanteric fractures; a prospective randomized comparison.
We sought to determine whether intramedullary fixation with proximal femoral nail antirotation produces comparable outcomes to dynamic hip screw in the treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures. ⋯ Proximal femoral nail antirotation technique offers better recovery than dynamic hip screw, whereas both techniques possess the same risk of postoperative complications.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2015
ReviewFragility fractures of the sacrum: how to identify and when to treat surgically?
The increasing prevalence of fragility fractures of the sacrum (FFS) occurring predominantly in osteoporotic individuals poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The clinical presentation varies from longstanding low back pain without the patient remembering a traumatic event to immobilized patients after suffering a low-energy trauma. ⋯ Surgical options include minimal invasive sacro-iliac screws, trans-sacral bar osteosynthesis, open reduction and internal fixation, or spinopelvic stabilization. In the light of the high complication rate associated with immobilized patients, an operative approach often is indicated to accelerate the patient's mobility.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2015
Comparative Study30-Day and 1-year mortality in emergency general surgery laparotomies: an area of concern and need for improvement?
Emergency surgery is associated with poorer outcomes and higher mortality with recent studies suggesting the 30-day mortality to be 14-15%. The aim of this study was to analyse the 30-day mortality, age-related 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality following emergency laparotomy. We hope this will encourage prospective data collection, improvement of care and initiate strategies to establish best practice in this area. ⋯ Emergency laparotomy carries a high rate of mortality, especially in those over the age of 70 years, and more needs to be done to improve outcomes, particularly in this group. This could involve increasing acute surgical care manpower, early recognition of patients requiring emergency surgery, development of clear management protocols for such patients or perhaps even considering centralisation of emergency surgical services to specialist centres with multidisciplinary teams involving emergency surgeons and care of the elderly physicians in hospital and related community outreach services for post-discharge care.