Southern medical journal
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Tree stand falls are a well-known cause of hunting-related injury. Spine and brain injuries associated with these falls result in a significant incidence of permanent disability. Prior studies indicate that hunting tree stand injuries are largely preventable with the proper use of safety belts; however, compliance with safety belt use is variable. The purposes of this study were to determine 1) current compliance with safety belt use, 2) alterations in the spectrum of injury, and 3) causes of the falls. ⋯ Devastating spine and brain injuries continue to occur after falls from tree stands during recreational hunting when safety belts are not used. Our results suggest a continuing need for the education of hunters concerning safe tree stand hunting practices, including proper methods of stand placement, assessment of tree branch strength, avoidance of fatigue and alcohol, anticipation of firearm recoil, and proper methods of stand entrance and exit. Trauma prevention programs directed toward heightened public awareness of these injuries during hunting season are still needed.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Case ReportsThoracic packing for uncontrolled bleeding in penetrating thoracic injuries.
We present a series of three patients who suffered penetrating thoracic injury, and in whom thoracic packing was used as a life-saving procedure. Survival among these patients paralleled the severity and extent of the original injuries. Restriction of cardiac filling and lung expansion are potential deterrents from using this technique; however, its use seems to be a valid adjunct, especially in the setting of chest wall bleeding coming from the intercostal arteries. Damage control surgery in pentrating thoracic trauma, including thoracic packing, is a sound alternative when uncontrollable bleeding, hypothermia and coagulopathy compromises the survival of a patient.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Reptile envenomation 20-year mortality as reported by US medical examiners.
Accurate reptile envenomation mortality data for the United States is unavailable. Using data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), deaths from 1979 through 1998 were analyzed. ⋯ From 1979 through 1998, less than 100 deaths by venomous reptile bite were reported nationwide. White male Southerners appear to be at greatest risk. This finding of a specific high-risk population may require further investigation and public health intervention.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2004
Descriptive epidemiology of cystic hygroma: Hawaii, 1986 to 1999.
Cystic hygroma is associated with chromosomal abnormalities and a low chance of survival. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cystic hygroma and various clinical and demographic factors. ⋯ Cystic hygroma rates were not found to be associated with delivery year or plurality, but were associated with maternal age, race and ethnicity, residence at delivery, and sex.