Damage-control orthopedics or early total care: What you need to know.

ABSTRACT: Patients with multisystem injuries are defined as multiply injured patients and may need multiple surgical procedures from more than one specialty. The importance of evaluating and understanding the resuscitation status of a multiple-injury patient is critical. Orthopedic strategies when caring for these patients include temporary stabilization or definitive early fixation of fractures while preventing further insult to other organ systems. This article will define multiple injuries and discuss specific markers used in assessing patients' hemodynamic and resuscitation status. The decision to use damage-control orthopedics or early total care for treatment of the patient are based on these factors, and an algorithm is presented to guide treatment. We will also discuss principles of external fixation and the management of pelvic trauma in a multiple-injury patient.

Bony Facial Trauma Score Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Facial Trauma.

Background: The bony facial trauma score (BFTS) is a rubric used to assess the severity of facial trauma. Objectives: To compare the BFTS with relevant clinical outcomes while controlling for medical comorbidities and polytrauma. Methods: A retrospective review of facial trauma patients evaluated between 2017 and 2022 was conducted. While controlling for medical comorbidities and polytrauma, multivariate regression models were used to assess the relationship between BFTS and outcome variables such as length of stay (LOS) and malocclusion. Results: In total, 176 patients were included in the analysis. The average age was 36.5 years (standard deviation [SD] of 16.8), and 68.8% were male. The most common mechanism of injury was blunt force (92.6%) and the mean BFTS was 10.73 (SD of 11.05). BFTS was found to correlate with the following (p < 0.05): total LOS and ICU LOS, malocclusion, likelihood of requiring multiple surgeries, and diplopia. Conclusion: The BFTS is significantly correlated with multiple outcome variables while controlling for medical comorbidities and polytrauma.

[Initial Treatment of Multiple Trauma].

Head trauma is a common neurosurgical complication. It is encountered daily at neurosurgical outpatient departments or after-hour emergency outpatient departments. In addition, most cases of patients with trauma transported by ambulance involve those with head trauma. Head trauma is a common and unavoidable neurosurgical injury. In case of a head injury, the neurosurgeon should verify the level of consciousness and perform a proper neurological examination. A head computed tomography should be performed immediately for any abnormalities. However, currently, severe trauma is often complicated by head trauma and various other injuries. When medical examinations and treatments focus only on head trauma, preventable trauma death cannot be avoided. Functional prognosis due to secondary brain injury may be exacerbated. This article presents a standardized procedure for the initial care of patients with multiple trauma and head injuries.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential of Exosomal Cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 in Polytrauma Patients.

Trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Polytraumatized patients need a precise, early diagnosis to avoid complications such as multiorgan failure or sepsis. Inflammatory cytokines, commonly used for diagnosis, have a short half-life, which limits their efficacy as a diagnostic or prognostic marker. In this study, we hypothesized that cytokines in exosomes could have a longer half-life, and therefore could be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers in polytrauma patients. Plasma samples from polytraumatized patients (ISS ≥ 16, n = 18) were collected in the emergency room (ER) 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after trauma. Plasma-exosomes were isolated via size exclusion chromatography from polytraumatized patients and healthy volunteers (n = 10). The systemic and exosomal concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1ß and TNF were measured using high-sensitive ELISAs. To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of exosomal cytokines, data were correlated with clinical outcome parameters (injury severity, ventilation time, time in ICU and survival) documented in the patients' electronic records. Despite the use of high-sensitive ELISAs, IL-1ß and TNF alpha were not detected in exosomes. IL-6 and IL-10 were detectable in polytraumatized patient exosomes at all time points. A decrease over time of both systemic and exosomal IL-6 concentrations was observed. Furthermore, exosomal and systemic IL-6 concentrations moderately correlated (r = 0.63). Exosomal IL-6 in the ER moderately correlated with the Injury Severity Score (ISS) (mean 35.5 ± 11.5) (r = 0.45) and was associated with non-survival in polytrauma patients (p < 0.05). In contrast to IL-6, no correlation between systemic and exosomal IL-10 concentrations was found. Exosomal IL-10 concentrations remained unchanged throughout the observation time, whereas systemic IL-10 concentrations peaked in the ER and were significantly reduced after 24 h. Data from this study support our hypothesis that some cytokines (IL-10), but not all (IL-6), are detectable in exosomes significantly longer than they are in plasma. This might indicate that they are protected from degradation. Although we did not find a correlation between IL-10 exosomal concentration and patient outcome, our data confirm that exosomal cytokines are of interest as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in polytrauma patients, and require further detailed research.

Mortality With and Without Whole-Body CT in Severely Injured Children.

BACKGROUND: The choice of imaging modality-the use of whole-body computed tomography (WB-CT) versus a step-wise diagnostic procedure-in injured children is controversial. In this study we availed ourselves of data from the TR-DGU, the trauma registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie), to investigate whether the use of WB-CT improves the outcome. METHODS: The TR-DGU data from the period 2012-2021 were evaluated. A three-stage analysis began with comparison of children with adults aged ≤ 50 years. As a second step, the observed and expected mortality in children with WB-CT was compared with the mortality in children without WB-CT. Finally, predictors of the use of WB-CT were identified so that a propensity score analysis of matched pairs could be performed. RESULTS: A total of 65 092 patients were included, 4573 children (7%) and 60 519 adults (93%), with differences in accident type and injury pattern. Comparison of the ratio of observed to expected mortality revealed no difference between the two groups of children (standardized mortality ratio 0.97 with WB-CT, 0.95 without WB-CT). In adults, however, there was an advantage for the WB-CT group. The propensity score analysis of 1101 matched pairs showed identical mortality in the two groups (3.9% with WB-CT, 4.0% without WB-CT). CONCLUSION: The TR-DGU data show no benefit of WB-CT compared with step-wise diagnosis in the care of severely injured children. In view of the radiation exposure involved, with the danger of inducing malignancy, the benefits and risks of the use of WB-CT in children should be weighed up carefully in team discussions.

[Pathophysiology, Diagnostics and Therapy of Pulmonary Contusion - Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Group on Thoracic Trauma of the Section NIS of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) and the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT)]. / Pathophysiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie der Lungenkontusion ­ Empfehlungen der interdisziplinären Arbeitsgruppe der Sektion NIS der DGU und DGT zur Thoraxtraumaversorgung.

Pulmonary contusion usually occurs in combination with other injuries and is indicative of a high level of force. Especially in multiply injured patients, pulmonary contusions are frequently detected. The injury is characterised by dynamic development, which might result in difficulties in recognising the actual extent of the injury at an early stage. Subsequently, correct classification of the extent of injury and appropriate initiation of therapeutic steps are essential to achieve the best possible outcome. The main goal of all therapeutic measures is to preserve lung function as best as possible and to avoid associated complications such as the development of pneumonia or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).The present report from the interdisciplinary working group "Chest Trauma" of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) and the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT) includes an extensive literature review on the background, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary contusion. Without exception, papers with a low level of evidence were included due to the lack of studies with large cohorts of patients or randomised controlled studies. Thus, the recommendations given in the present article correspond to a consensus of the aforementioned interdisciplinary working group.Computed tomography (CT) of the chest is recommended for initial diagnosis; the extent of pulmonary contusion correlates with the incidence and severity of complications. A conventional chest X-ray may initially underestimate the injury, but is useful during short-term follow-up.Therapy for pulmonary contusion is multimodal and symptom-based. In particular, intensive care therapy with lung-protective ventilation and patient positioning are key factors of treatment. In addition to invasive ventilation, non-invasive ventilation should be considered if the patient's comorbidities and compliance allows this. Furthermore, depending on the extent of the lung injury and the general patient's condition, ECMO therapy may be considered as an ultima ratio. In particular, this should only be performed at specialised hospitals, which is why patient assignment or anticipation of early transfer of the patient should be anticipated at an early time during the course.

[Occult and Retained Haemothorax - Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Thoracic Trauma Task Group of the German Trauma Society (DGU - Section NIS) and the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT)]. / Okkulter und residueller Hämatothorax nach Thoraxtrauma ­ Empfehlungen der interdisziplinären Arbeitsgruppe Thoraxtrauma der Sektion NIS der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie (DGT).

The management of occult and retained haemothorax is challenging for all involved in the care of polytrauma patients in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The focus of decision making is preventing sequelae such as pleural empyema and avoiding a trapped lung. An interdisciplinary task force of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT) and the German Trauma Society (DGU) on thoracic trauma offers recommendations for post-trauma care of patients with occult and/or retained haemothorax, as based on a comprehensive literature review.

Accurate completion of tertiary trauma survey for inpatients at a non-trauma centre following significant trauma.

INTRODUCTION: A tertiary trauma survey (TTS) is a structured, comprehensive top-to-toe examination following major trauma [1]. Literature suggests that the ideal time frame for the initial TTS should be completed within 24-hours of a patient's admission and repeated at important moments [2-4]. Evidence suggests that formal TTS reduces the rate of missed injuries by up to 38% [2]. AIMS: To determine the rate of TTS being conducted in trauma patients in a tertiary hospital without an admitting trauma service. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of adult trauma patients admitted to Middlemore Hospital (MMH) over six months. To be included, patients were either deemed to have a significant mechanism of injury or triggered a trauma call when arriving in the Emergency Department. RESULTS: We identified 246 patients who met our criteria for requiring a TTS. 74 (30%) had a TTS completed. Of those completed, 22 (30%) were documented using a standardised form. 35 (47%) were done within the ideal timeframe (24 h); a further 21 (28%) were done within 48 h. House Officers (Junior Medical Officers) conducted the majority (80%), with the remainder being done by final-year medical students (12%), Registrars (Residents) (4%) and Consultants (Attendings) (4%). Of the 74 TTS that were completed, 21 (28%) detected a possible new injury, with 22% leading to further investigations being ordered. 14 (19%) were found to have a previously undetected, clinically significant injury on TTS (defined as 'injuries requiring further clinical intervention'). Most patients (90%) were admitted to either General Surgery or Orthopaedics. Sixty-two (54%) of patients admitted to General Surgery received a TTS; compared to just 11 (10%) admitted under Orthopaedics and 1 of 24 (4%) admitted to other specialities (including Hands, Plastics, Maxillo-Facial, Gynaecology and Medicine). CONCLUSION: 30% of patients requiring a TTS received one. 19% of TTS conducted detected clinically significant injuries.

Serum levels of copeptin predict adverse outcomes and improve risk prediction of TRISS and MGAP scores in patients with multiple trauma: A single-center prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple trauma deserves early prognostication and stratification. Copeptin, a precursor of vasopressin, is produced in response to stress. We examined the association between serum levels of copeptin and mortality risk in patients with multiple trauma. We aimed to also enhance the previously established Trauma-Related Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and Mechanism, GCS, Age, and Arterial Pressure (MGAP) score with the additional consideration of copeptin levels. METHODS: This single-center prospective cohort study enrolled patients who presented to the emergency department with potential major injuries. The serum levels of copeptin were measured, and the correlation to clinical severity in terms of 30-day mortality and requirement of intensive care management was analyzed. By combining copeptin levels with TRISS or MGAP, comparison between performance of the original models with the copeptin-enhanced models was performed via discrimination, calibration, and reclassification analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in copeptin levels in patients who died within 30 days (median 644.4 pg/L, interquartile range [472.5, 785.9]) or were admitted to intensive care units (233.8 pg/L, [105.7, 366.4]), compared with those who survived (37.49 pg/L, [17.88, 77.68]). Adding the natural log of copeptin levels to the established TRISS and MGAP models improved the AUC of TRISS from 0.89 to 0.96, and that of MGAP from 0.82 to 0.95. Both calibrations as measured by Brier's scores and reclassification as measured by net reclassification improvement or integrated discrimination improvement demonstrated significant improvements. A Web-based calculator was built to generate predicted mortality rates of various models for convenient clinical use. CONCLUSION: Admission serum copeptin levels were correlated with clinical severity in multiple trauma. Coupling copeptin with preexisting trauma severity scores improved prediction accuracy. Copeptin shows promise as a novel biomarker for the prediction of trauma outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level III.

Predictive Values of sTREM-1, PCT and CRP for Multiple Trauma-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Complicated with Pulmonary Infection.

BACKGROUND: The aim is to investigate the predictive values of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for multiple trauma-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated with pulmonary infection. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients with multiple trauma-induced ARDS admitted from April 2019 to April 2021 were selected and divided into infection group (n = 49) and non-infection group (n = 63). Their general data and laboratory test indicators were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the influencing factors for concurrent pulmonary infection. Pearson's analysis was employed to analyze the correlations of sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP with other influencing factors. The predictive values of sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP for pulmonary infection in ARDS patients were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Based on the cutoff values, the patients were assigned to low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. Survival curves were plotted by Kaplan-Meier method to compare the 28-day survival. RESULTS: The infection group had significantly higher injury severity score (ISS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, sTREM-1, PCT, CRP, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, longer tracheal intubation time and intensive care unit (ICU) stay time, and lower oxygenation index than those of the non-infection group (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increased ISS, APACHE II score, as well as elevated blood concentrations of sTREM-1, PCT, CRP and MIP-1α were risk factors for concurrent pulmonary infection (p < 0.05). sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP were positively correlated with ISS, APACHE II score, and MIP-1α (p < 0.05). The areas under ROC curves of sTREM-1, PCT, CRP, and their combination were 0.795, 0.784, 0.756, and 0.860, respectively (p < 0.001), indicating high predictive values. The survival rate of the high-risk group (46.43%) was significantly lower than those of the low-risk group (89.58%) and medium-risk group (75.00%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP are highly expressed in serum of patients with multiple trauma-induced ARDS complicated with pulmonary infection. The combined detection of three markers is of high predictive value.

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: epidemiology, associated injuries, and outcome-an analysis based on the TraumaRegister DGU®.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a rare injury in the severely injured patient and is most commonly caused by blunt mechanisms. However, penetrating mechanisms can also dominate depending on regional and local factors. Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is difficult to diagnose and can be missed by primary diagnostic procedures in the resuscitation room. Initially not life-threatening, diaphragmatic ruptures can cause severe sequelae in the patient's long-term course if untreated. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiology, associated injuries, and outcome of traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures based on a multicenter registry-based analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from all patients enrolled in the TraumaRegister DGU® between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. That multicenter database collects data on prehospital, intra-hospital emergency, intensive care therapy, and discharge. Included were all patients with a Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) score of 3 or above and patients with a MAIS score of 2 who died or were treated in the intensive care unit, for whom standard documentation forms had been completed and who had sustained a diaphragmatic rupture (AIS score of 3 or 4). The data has been analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Of the 199,933 patients included in the study population, 687 patients (0.3%) had a diaphragmatic rupture. Of these, 71.9% were male. The mean patient age was 46.1 years. Blunt trauma accounted for 73.5% of the injuries. Primary diagnosis was established in the resuscitation room in 93.1% of the patients. Multislice helical computed tomography (MSCT) was performed in 82.7% of the cases. Rib fractures were detected in 60.7% of the patients with a diaphragmatic injury. Patients with diaphragmatic rupture had a higher mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) than patients without a diaphragmatic injury (32.9 vs. 18.6) and a higher mortality rate (13.2% vs. 9.0%). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the literature, primary diagnostic procedures in the resuscitation room detected relevant diaphragmatic ruptures (AIS ≥ 3) in more than 90% of the patients in our study population. In addition, complex associated serial rib fractures are an important diagnostic indicator.

Cellular microRNAs correlate with clinical parameters in multiple injury patients.

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of the inflammatory response after major trauma is complex, and the magnitude correlates with severity of tissue injury and outcomes. Study of infection-mediated immune pathways has demonstrated that cellular microRNAs may modulate the inflammatory response. The authors hypothesize that the expression of microRNAs would correlate to complicated recoveries in polytrauma patients (PtPs). METHODS: Polytrauma patients enrolled in the prospective observational Tissue and Data Acquisition Protocol with Injury Severity Score of >15 were selected for this study. Polytrauma patients were divided into complicated recoveries and uncomplicated recovery groups. Polytrauma patients' blood samples were obtained at the time of admission (T0). Established biomarkers of systemic inflammation, including cytokines and chemokines, were measured using multiplexed Luminex-based methods, and novel microRNAs were measured in plasma samples using multiplex RNA hybridization. RESULTS: Polytrauma patients (n = 180) had high Injury Severity Score (26 [20-34]) and complicated recovery rate of 33%. MicroRNAs were lower in PtPs at T0 compared with healthy controls, and bivariate analysis demonstrated that variations of microRNAs correlated with age, race, comorbidities, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary complications, complicated recovery, and mortality. Positive correlations were noted between microRNAs and interleukin 10, vascular endothelial growth factor, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. Multivariable Lasso regression analysis of predictors of complicated recovery based on microRNAs, cytokines, and chemokines revealed that miR-21-3p and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were predictive of complicated recovery with an area under the curve of 0.78. CONCLUSION: Systemic microRNAs were associated with poor outcomes in PtPs, and results are consistent with previously described trends in critically ill patients. These early biomarkers of inflammation might provide predictive utility in early complicated recovery diagnosis and prognosis. Because of their potential to regulate immune responses, microRNAs may provide therapeutic targets for immunomodulation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Tests/Criteria; Level II.

Prevalence and patterns of maxillofacial trauma: a retrospective descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to describe the prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial trauma in Qatar. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of trauma registry data at Hamad General Hospital during the period from January 2011 to December 2014. The study included all traumatic maxillofacial patients who underwent CT scan and were admitted during the study period. RESULTS: A total of 1187 patients with maxillofacial injuries were included in the study and 18.5% of all trauma admissions were related to maxillofacial injuries. Young age and males were predominantly affected. Mechanisms of injury were mainly traffic-related and fall. Orbital injuries were the commonest followed by maxillary injuries. The median and range face abbreviated injury score (AIS) was 2 [1-3] with 66% had a score of 2. Maxillofacial fractures were frequently associated with traumatic brain injuries. One out of five patients was managed with surgery and had median length of stays in ICU and hospital 5 and 7 days, respectively. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 8.3%. Mortality in isolated maxillofacial was low (0.3%) in comparison to 15% in polytrauma patients (p = 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that Injury Severity Score, face AIS and Glasgow Coma Scale were predictors of mortality with age-adjusted odd ratio of 1.15, 2.48 and 0.82; respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillofacial trauma requiring admission is not uncommon in our trauma center and mostly it is mild to moderate in severity. Associated injuries are present in most of the maxillofacial injured patients and further diagnostic investigations should be part of the assessment in maxillofacial injuries.

Epidemiology and predictors of traumatic spine injury in severely injured patients: implications for emergency procedures.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of spinal injuries that are suitable for immobilization. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study drawing from the multi-center database of the TraumaRegister DGU®, spinal injury patients ≥ 16 years of age who scored ≥ 3 on the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) between 2009 and 2016 were enrolled. RESULTS: The mean age of the 145,833 patients enrolled was 52.7 ± 21.1 years. The hospital mortality rate was 13.9%, and the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 21.8 ± 11.8. Seventy percent of patients had no spine injury, 25.9% scored 2-3 on the AIS, and 4.1% scored 4-6 on the AIS. Among patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI), 26.8% had spinal injuries with an AIS score of 4-6. Among patients with multi-system trauma and TBI, 44.7% had spinal injuries that scored 4-6 on the AIS. Regression analysis predicted a serious spine injury (SI; AIS 3-6) with a prevalence of 10.6% and cervical spine injury (CSI; AIS 3-6) with a prevalence of 5.1%. Blunt trauma was a predictor for SI and CSI (OR 4.066 and OR 3.640, respectively; both p < 0.001) and fall > 3 m for SI (OR 2.243; p < 0.001) but not CSI (OR 0.636; p < 0.001). Pre-hospital shock was predictive for SI and CSI (OR 1.87 and OR 2.342, respectively; both p < 0.001), and diminished or absent motor response was also predictive for SI (OR 3.171) and CSI (OR 7.462; both p < 0.001). Patients over 65 years of age were more frequently affected by CSI. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the clinical symptoms of pain, we identify '4S' [spill (fall) > 3 m, seniority (age > 65 years), seriously injured, skull/traumatic brain injury] as an indication for increased attention for CSIs or indication for spinal motion restriction.

Timing is everything: Impact of combined long bone fracture and major arterial injury on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Timing of extremity fracture fixation in patients with an associated major vascular injury remains controversial. Some favor temporary fracture fixation before definitive vascular repair to limit potential graft complications. Others advocate immediate revascularization to minimize ischemic time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the timing of fracture fixation on outcomes in patients with concomitant long bone fracture and major arterial injury. METHODS: Patients with a combined long bone fracture and major arterial injury in the same extremity requiring operative repair over 11 years were identified and stratified by timing of fracture fixation. Vascular-related morbidity (rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, graft failure, extremity amputation) and mortality were compared between patients who underwent fracture fixation prerevascularization (PRE) or postrevascularization (POST). RESULTS: One hundred four patients were identified: 19 PRE and 85 POST. Both groups were similar with respect to age, sex, Injury Severity Score, admission base excess, 24-hour packed red blood cells, and concomitant venous injury. The PRE group had fewer penetrating injuries (32% vs. 60%, p = 0.024) and a longer time to revascularization (9.5 vs. 5.8 hours, p = 0.0002). Although there was no difference in mortality (0% vs. 2%, p > 0.99), there were more vascular-related complications in the PRE group (58% vs. 32%, p = 0.03): specifically, rhabdomyolysis (42% vs. 19%, p = 0.029), graft failure (26% vs. 8%, p = 0.026), and extremity amputation (37% vs. 13%, p = 0.013). Multivariable logistic regression identified fracture fixation PRE as the only independent predictor of graft failure (odds ratio, 3.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-14.33; p = 0.03) and extremity amputation (odds ratio, 3.924; 95% confidence interval, 1.272-12.111; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Fracture fixation before revascularization contributes to increased vascular-related morbidity and was consistently identified as the only modifiable risk factor for both graft failure and extremity amputation in patients with a combined long bone fracture and major arterial injury. For these patients, delaying temporary or definitive fracture fixation until POST should be the preferred approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level IV.

A retrospective cohort study of 27,049 polytraumatized patients age 60 and above: identifying changes over 16 years.

PURPOSE: The number of severely injured patients exceeding the age of 60 has shown a steep increase within the last decades. These patients present with numerous co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and increased frailty requiring an adjusted treatment approach. In this study, we establish an overview of changes we observed in demographics of older severe trauma patients from 2002 to 2017. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of the data from the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) was performed. Patients admitted to a level one trauma center in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2002 and 2017, aged 60 years or older and with an injury severity score (ISS) over 15 were included. Patients were stratified into subgroups based on the admission: 2002-2005 (1), 2006-2009 (2), 2010-2013 (3) and 2014-2017 (4). Trauma and patient characteristics, diagnostics, treatment and outcome were compared. RESULTS: In total 27,049 patients with an average age of 73.9 years met the inclusion criteria. The majority were males (64%), and the mean ISS was 27.4. The proportion of patients 60 years or older [(23% (1) to 40% (4)] rose considerably over time. Trauma mechanisms changed over time and more specifically low falls (< 3 m) rose from 17.6% (1) to 40.1% (4). Altered injury patterns were also identified. Length-of-stay decreased from 28.9 (1) to 19.5 days (4) and the length-of-stay on ICU decreased from 17.1 (1) to 12.7 days (4). Mortality decreased from 40.5% (1) to 31.8% (4). CONCLUSION: Length of stay and mortality decreased despite an increase in patient age. We ascribe this observation mainly to increased use of diagnostic tools, improved treatment algorithms, and the implementation of specialized trauma centers for older patients allowing interdisciplinary care.

Delayed diagnosed trauma in severely injured patients despite guidelines-oriented emergency room treatment: there is still a risk.

PURPOSE: Emergency trauma room treatment follows established algorithms such as ATLS®. Nevertheless, there are injuries that are not immediately recognized here. The aim of this study was to evaluate the residual risk for manifesting life-threatening injuries despite strict adherence to trauma room guidelines, which is different to missed injuries that describe recognizable injuries. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we included 2694 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency trauma room of one single level I trauma center between 2016 and 2019. In accordance with the trauma room algorithm, primary and secondary survey, trauma whole-body CT scan, eFAST, and tertiary survey were performed. Patients who needed emergency surgery during their hospital stay for additional injury found after guidelines-oriented emergency trauma room treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: In seven patients (0.26%; mean age 50.4 years, range 18-90; mean ISS 39.7, range 34-50), a life-threatening injury occurred in the further course: one epidural bleeding (13 h after tertiary survey) and six abdominal hollow organ injuries (range 5.5 h-4 days after tertiary survey). Two patients (0.07% overall) with abdominal injury died. The "number needed to fail" was 385 (95%-CI 0.0010-0.0053). CONCLUSION: Our study reveals a remaining risk for delayed diagnosis of potentially lethal injuries despite accurate emergency trauma room algorithms. In other words, there were missed injuries that could have been identified using this algorithm but were missed due to other reasons. Continuous clinical and instrument-based examinations should, therefore, not be neglected after completion of the tertiary survey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II: Development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of consecutive patients (with universally applied reference "gold" standard).

Extracellular vesicles as mediators and markers of acute organ injury: current concepts.

Due to the continued high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, there is a need to develop new strategies for the quick, precise, and valuable recognition of presenting injury pattern in traumatized and poly-traumatized patients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to facilitate intercellular communication processes between cells in close proximity as well as distant cells in healthy and disease organisms. miRNAs and proteins transferred by EVs play biological roles in maintaining normal organ structure and function under physiological conditions. In pathological conditions, EVs change the miRNAs and protein cargo composition, mediating or suppressing the injury consequences. Therefore, incorporating EVs with their unique protein and miRNAs signature into the list of promising new biomarkers is a logical next step. In this review, we discuss the general characteristics and technical aspects of EVs isolation and characterization. We discuss results of recent in vitro, in vivo, and patients study describing the role of EVs in different inflammatory diseases and traumatic organ injuries. miRNAs and protein signature of EVs found in patients with acute organ injury are also debated.

[Atypical blast injury of the left hand : Multiple trauma with severe injury especially of the left hand]. / Atypische Explosionsverletzung der linken Hand : Polytrauma mit schwerer Verletzung insbesondere der linken Hand.

There is an accumulation of blast injuries on New Year's Eve due to fireworks.During an attempt to manufacture a firework the substances being mixed in a mortar exploded. The left hand of the patient was severely injured.During the operative treatment with radical débridement and generous amputation without osteosynthesis, a basic hand function according to Entin could initially be preserved; however, at a later stage the fourth finger could not be preserved, so that a prosthesis became necessary.This case report shows the importance of expertise in hand surgery in the treatment of such severe injuries. A toe-to-hand transplantation represents an additional treatment option.