European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2023
Is cross-sectional imaging necessary for fractures of the distal lower leg in children and adolescents: results of a nationwide survey.
In childhood and adolescence, cross-sectional imaging, most commonly computed tomography (CT), is often performed for advanced diagnosis of joint injuries of the distal lower leg and upper ankle. Due to radiation exposure, the need for CT remains controversial, as these injuries follow stereotypies and usually have a similar course. Alternatively, the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also discussed. Since radiation sensitivity at this young age is much higher than in adults, an effort must be to minimize radiation exposure according to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principles. The aim of this survey is to evaluate the current procedure in Germany in the diagnosis of pediatric injuries of the distal lower leg and upper ankle. ⋯ The survey showed that the conventional X-ray is still the gold standard. Interestingly, more than half of the respondents regularly use the Ottawa Ankle Rules, and diagnostics using ultrasound are also used by almost a quarter. Awareness of radiation protection in children exists, although a quarter of all participants do not know the extent to which their radiology department has a specific pediatric protocol for CT imaging. Cross-sectional imaging is performed on a regular basis. Regarding the actual extent of imaging, there is a clear divergence between theory and practice.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2023
ReviewPrevention of "bygone futures" due to road traffic injuries in children.
Road traffic injuries remain one of the common and leading causes of death among children and adolescents till the age of 19 years. Road safety is important for children since their physical activity, active travel, independence and development are largely affected by it. ⋯ The future of the children must be safeguarded from these injuries and every effort towards it being converted into "bygone figures" must be done diligently and honestly. The various risk factors and interventions possibly explained in this review article shall help in better understanding of the causes and possible guidelines at a policy level to prevent road traffic injuries in children.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2023
Trends and characteristics of severe road traffic injuries in children: a nationwide cohort study in Japan.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal trends of characteristics of severe road traffic injuries in children and identify factors associated with mortality using a nationwide database in Japan. ⋯ We found decreasing trends in motorcycle crash and in-hospital mortality, increasing trends in rear passenger seats in cars over the 15-year period, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality such as type of mechanisms and concomitant injuries. Strengthening child road safety measures, particularly for rear passenger seats in vehicles, is imperative to enhance our dedication to injury prevention.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2023
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the follow-up of abdominal solid organ trauma: an international survey prior to the PseAn study.
The blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma follow-up relies on contrast CT scan to detect solid organ injuries. CEUS is not widely used worldwide, despite its accuracy and feasibility in identifying parenchymal and vascular lesions. This survey aims to define the current use of CEUS in Trauma Centers and the expectations of Emergency Surgeons regarding its role. ⋯ Our survey shows that CEUS is still underutilized in the follow-up of abdominal trauma, even though many emergency surgeons consider it as a valid alternative to contrast CT scan.