Topical Tranexamic Acid to Control Vaginal Laceration Bleeding after Sexual Assault.

BACKGROUND: Sexual assault survivors may sustain vaginal trauma that requires intervention in the emergency department, or operating room. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 16-year-old female who was referred to the emergency department for evaluation of continued bleeding from a vaginal laceration following sexual assault 38 h prior. The bleeding limited the medical forensic medical examination, but she was hemodynamically stable. After the application of tranexamic acid (TXA)-soaked gauze, the patient's bleeding was controlled and the wound was able to be evaluated and the examination completed. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature that describes the use of topical TXA in a patient to achieve hemostasis in a vaginal laceration sustained from sexual violence.

Chimney Stenting vs BASILICA for Prevention of Acute Coronary Obstruction During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Coronary obstruction (CO) is a potentially life-threatening complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Chimney stenting or leaflet laceration with transcatheter electrosurgery (Bioprosthetic or Native Aortic Scallop Intentional Laceration to Prevent Iatrogenic Coronary Artery Obstruction [BASILICA]) are 2 techniques developed to prevent CO. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare periprocedural and 1-year outcomes of chimney and BASILICA in TAVR patients at high risk of CO. METHODS: This multicenter observational registry enrolled consecutive TAVR patients at high risk of CO, undergoing either preventive chimney stenting or BASILICA. Clinical success was defined as successful performance of the chimney or BASILICA technique without clinically relevant ostial CO. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events, a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unplanned target lesion coronary revascularization at 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were included: 71 (42.3%) received chimney stenting, and 97 (57.7%) underwent BASILICA. Patients undergoing BASILICA had higher preprocedural risk of CO, as indicated by lower sinotubular junction height (18.2 ± 4.8 mm vs 14.8 ± 3.4 mm; P < 0.001) and diameter (28.2 ± 4.5 vs 26.8 ± 3.4; P = 0.029). Rates of periprocedural complications were similar between the 2 groups. Clinical success was 97.2% and 96.9% in chimney and BASILICA, respectively (P = 0.92). At 1-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was 18.7% (95% CI: 11%-30.6%) in the chimney group and 19.9% (95% CI: 12.1%-31.5%) in the BASILICA group (log-rank P = 0.848), whereas chimney was associated with a numerically higher cardiovascular mortality than BASILICA (6.7% vs 1.3%; log-rank P = 0.168). CONCLUSIONS: Chimney stenting and BASILICA effectively prevent TAVR-induced acute CO. Both techniques seem to have comparable acceptable periprocedural and 1-year outcomes.

Comprehensive analysis of power tool injuries: implications for safety and injury prevention.

BACKGROUND: Power tools are essential for productivity but carry significant injury risks. Addressing power tool injuries across diverse age groups is vital, as existing research predominantly focuses on specific occupational or non-occupational groups, leaving a gap in understanding various age cohorts within the diverse American population. This study aims to comprehend power tool injury epidemiology, raising awareness about the importance of targeted safety measures for enhancing public health. METHODS: Using a ten-year retrospective approach, this study analyzed National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data from US hospital emergency departments (2013-2022). Demographic and temporal trends were examined, and associations between injury occurrence and categorical variables, including injured body parts, gender, and race, were explored. RESULTS: In 2013, power tool injuries were highest in the "51-60″ age group (23.70 %), followed by "41-50″ (17.31 %) and "61-70″ (19.38 %). Injury rates varied across age groups over the years. Notably, the "41-50″ age group showed a significant decrease in injuries over time (χ² = 17.12, p < .05), indicating a notable temporal trend. Hand injuries were predominant (39.08 %), followed by finger (19.19 %), lower arm (11.25 %), upper arm (8.79 %), and face (4.04 %). Lacerations constituted the most frequent injury type (60.89 %), alongside fractures, amputations, foreign body insertions, and contusions/abrasions. Significant associations emerged between injury occurrence and gender (χ² = 6.19, p < .001), as well as race (χ² = 7.42, p < .001). Males accounted for the majority of injuries (95.97 %), while white individuals constituted the largest proportion (91.84 %). Females and domestic settings exhibited increasing proportions of power tool injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The higher incidence among middle-aged individuals in domestic settings, coupled with evolving gender dynamics, underscores the need for targeted safety measures. Our findings contribute crucial novel insights, emphasizing tailored preventive strategies to enhance safety outcomes in the multifaceted landscape of power tool use.

The severity of second-degree perineal tears and perineal pain during three months postpartum: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Second-degree perineal tears are common and can vary widely in the extent of tissue trauma. Therefore, a better understanding of perineal pain based on tissue trauma severity in second-degree tears is needed. AIM: The primary aim of this study was to assess differences in perineal pain according to the severity of perineal tears, with a focus on subcategories of second-degree tears, during the first three months postpartum. The secondary aim was to assess the use of pain medication and breastfeeding patterns according to the severity of the second-degree tears. METHODS: In this observational cohort study, nulli- and multiparous women with singleton pregnancies were included during pregnancy. After birth, perineal tears were classified using the latest international classification system. In addition, second-degree tears were subcategorised according to percentage of damage to the perineum (<50 %=2A,>50 % but less than entire perineum=2B, affecting entire perineum, anal sphincter not involved=2C). Perineal pain, use of pain medication and breastfeeding patterns were assessed during a phone interview seven to ten days postpartum and through an electronic questionnaire three months postpartum. FINDINGS: Out of 880 vaginal births, 852 participants completed the phone interview and 715 answered the electronic questionnaire. During the first three months postpartum, women with 2C-tears reported statistically significantly higher pain scores and more frequent use of pain medication compared to women with 2A-tears. There was no statistically significant difference between the number of participants not breastfeeding between second-degree tear subcategories. CONCLUSION: Women with 2C-tears reported higher perineal pain scores and more use of pain medication compared to those with less severe tears during three months postpartum.

The prevention of perineal trauma during vaginal birth.

Perineal trauma after vaginal birth is common, with approximately 9 of 10 women being affected. Second-degree perineal tears are twice as likely to occur in primiparous births, with a incidence of 40%. The incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury is approximately 3%, with a significantly higher rate in primiparous than in multiparous women (6% vs 2%). Obstetrical anal sphincter injury is a significant risk factor for the development of anal incontinence, with approximately 10% of women developing symptoms within a year following vaginal birth. Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries have significant medicolegal implications and contribute greatly to healthcare costs. For example, in 2013 and 2014, the economic burden of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in the United Kingdom ranged between £3.7 million (with assisted vaginal birth) and £9.8 million (with spontaneous vaginal birth). In the United States, complications associated with trauma to the perineum incurred costs of approximately $83 million between 2007 and 2011. It is therefore crucial to focus on improvements in clinical care to reduce this risk and minimize the development of perineal trauma, particularly obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. Identification of risk factors allows modification of obstetrical practice with the aim of reducing the rate of perineal trauma and its attendant associated morbidity. Risk factors associated with second-degree perineal trauma include increased fetal birthweight, operative vaginal birth, prolonged second stage of labor, maternal birth position, and advanced maternal age. With obstetrical anal sphincter injury, risk factors include induction of labor, augmentation of labor, epidural, increased fetal birthweight, fetal malposition (occiput posterior), midline episiotomy, operative vaginal birth, Asian ethnicity, and primiparity. Obstetrical practice can be modified both antenatally and intrapartum. The evidence suggests that in the antenatal period, perineal massage can be commenced in the third trimester of pregnancy to increase muscle elasticity and allow stretching of the perineum during birth, thereby reducing the risk of tearing or need for episiotomy. With regard to the intrapartum period, there is a growing body of evidence from the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark suggesting that the implementation of quality improvement initiatives including the training of clinicians in manual perineal protection and mediolateral episiotomy can reduce the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury. With episiotomy, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics recommends restrictive rather than routine use of episiotomy. This is particularly the case with unassisted vaginal births. However, there is a role for episiotomy, specifically mediolateral or lateral, with assisted vaginal births. This is specifically the case with nulliparous vacuum and forceps births, given that the use of mediolateral or lateral episiotomy has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury in these groups by 43% and 68%, respectively. However, the complications associated with episiotomy including perineal pain, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction should be acknowledged. Despite considerable research, interventions for reducing the risk of perineal trauma remain a subject of controversy. In this review article, we present the available data on the prevention of perineal trauma by describing the risk factors associated with perineal trauma and interventions that can be implemented to prevent perineal trauma, in particular obstetrical anal sphincter injury.

Applying Topical Anesthetic on Pediatric Lacerations in the Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project.

OBJECTIVES: Caring for pediatric lacerations in the emergency department (ED) is typically painful because of irrigation and suturing. To improve this painful experience, we aimed to increase the use of a topical anesthetic, Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) on eligible pediatric lacerations with an attainable, sustainable, and measurable goal of 60%. The baseline rate of applying topical anesthetic to eligible lacerations was 23% in our ED. We aimed to increase the use of topical anesthetics on eligible pediatric lacerations to a measurable goal of 60% within 3 months of implementing our intervention. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center, interrupted time series, ED quality improvement project from November 2019 to July 2020. A multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses performed a cause-and-effect analysis identifying 2 key drivers: early placement of EMLA and physician buy-in on which we built our Plan, Do, Study, and Act (PDSA) cycles. We collected data on number of eligible patients receiving EMLA, as well as patient and physician feedback via phone calls within 2 days after encounter. Balancing measures included ED length of stay (LOS), patient and physician satisfaction with EMLA, and adverse effects of EMLA. RESULTS: We needed 3 PDSA cycles to reach our goal of 60% in 3 months, which was also maintained for 5 months. The PDSA cycles used educational interventions, direct provider feedback about noncompliance, and patient satisfaction results obtained via phone calls. Balancing measures were minimally impacted: 75% good patient satisfaction, no adverse events but an increase in LOS of patients who received EMLA compared with those who did not (1.79 ± 0.66 vs 1.41 ± 0.83 hours, P < 0.001). The main reasons for dissatisfaction for physicians were the increased LOS and the preference for procedural sedation or intranasal medications. CONCLUSIONS: With a few simple interventions, our aim of applying EMLA to 60% of eligible pediatric lacerations was attained and maintained.

Arthroscopy with partial meniscectomy for degenerative tear does not increase the risk of total knee arthroplasty at five year follow up; however, this population undergoes total knee arthroplasty with a lower threshold of osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Degenerative meniscus tears can cause discomfort in some patients, and when medical treatments fail to provide relief, arthroscopy may be considered before resorting to knee prosthesis. However, the benefits of arthroscopy over nonsurgical treatments in patients over 60 years old are limited, and the evidence regarding its overall efficiency and drawbacks remains scarce. Furthermore, there has been no investigation into whether those patients treated with partial meniscectomy, undergo the knee operation at an earlier stage of osteoarthritis. METHODS: This study focused on data from a single Belgian hospital, involving patients over 60 years old with internal meniscal tears. The participants were categorized into two groups based on the treatment they received: arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) or conservative management. The primary outcome assessed was the occurrence of knee arthroplasty within a five year period. Secondary outcomes included evaluating the ICRS cartilage grade and the time taken until total knee arthroplasty (TKA). RESULTS: A total of 194 patients with internal meniscal tears were included in the study. At the 5-year mark, the overall rate of knee arthroplasty was found to be 16.5%, with 11.9% of cases occurring within two years. After the 5-year follow-up, it was observed that 19.2% (24 patients) of the APM group and 11.6% (8 patients) of the conservative management group underwent knee arthroplasty. Notably, patients over 70 years old who underwent APM had a higher risk of eventually requiring TKA compared to those who received conservative management. Additionally, patients who underwent meniscectomy and later underwent TKA showed less wear in the internal compartment of the knee compared to patients in the conservative treatment group who underwent TKA. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that patients who underwent arthroscopy faced a similar risk of knee arthroplasty compared to those who underwent conservative management, excepted for patients over 70 years old. Despite this similar risk of arthroplasty for the whole population, they exhibited lower osteoarthritis severity when compared to the conservative group.

Prevention of obstetric anal sphincter injuries with perineal support and lateral episiotomy: A historical cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: There are many risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) and the interaction between these risk factors is complex and understudied. The many observational studies that have shown a reduction of OASIS rates after implementation of perineal support have short follow-up time. We aimed to study the effect of integration of active perineal support and lateral episiotomy on OASIS rates over a 15-year period and to study interactions between risk factors known before delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a historical cohort study over the periods 1999-2006 and 2007-2021 at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. The main outcome was OASIS rates. Women without a previous cesarean section and a live singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at term were eligible. The department implemented in 2007 the Finnish concept of active perineal protection, which includes support of perineum, control of fetal expulsion, good communication with the mother and observation of perineal stretching. The practice of mediolateral episiotomy was replaced with lateral episiotomy when indicated. We analyzed the OASIS rates in groups with and without episiotomy stratified for delivery mode, fetal position at delivery and for parity, and adjusted for possible confounders (maternal age, gestational age, oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia). RESULTS: We observed a long-lasting reduction in OASIS rates from 4.9% to 1.9% and an increase in episiotomy rates from 14.4% to 21.8%. Lateral episiotomy was associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with instrumental vaginal deliveries and occiput anterior (OA) position; 3.4% vs 10.1% (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.24-0.40) and 6.1 vs 13.9% (OR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.82) in women with occiput posterior (OP) position. Lateral episiotomy was also associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with spontaneous deliveries and OA position; 2.1% vs 3.2% (OR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.49-0.80). The possible confounders had little confounding effects on the risk of OASIS in groups with and without episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a long-lasting reduction in OASIS rates after implementation of preventive procedures. Lateral episiotomy was associated with lower OASIS rates in nulliparous women with an instrumental delivery. Special attention should be paid to deliveries with persistent OP position.

Effect of Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses Technique in Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. A Secondary Analysis from a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is common to be associated with pregnancy and birth. To date, no research has been done to understand whether the perineal massage and warm compresses technique has an impact on pelvic floor dysfunction. To assess the impact of perineal massage and warm compresses technique during the second stage of labor in pelvic floor dysfunction at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Of the 800 women recruited to randomised controlled trial to prevent perineal trauma, 496 were included in the study, with 242 (48.8%) assigned to the Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses (PeMWaC) group and 254 (51.2%) to the control group (hands-on). Used the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20). The questionnaire is divided into three subscales: Urinary (UDI), Colorectal-Anal (CRADI), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI). The PeMWaC group had a significantly higher frequency of intact perineum (p < 0.001) and low-severity vaginal tears (tears without any other degree of perineal trauma) (p = 0.031) compared to the control group, while the control group had significantly more patients who suffered high-severity vaginal/perineal trauma (second degree perineal tears) (p = 0.031) and patients without spontaneous perineal trauma or vaginal tears who underwent episiotomy (p < 0.001). In addition, at 3 months postpartum, women in the control group had a higher Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) score and global score, compared to the PeMWaC group, and after controlling for confounding variables, the perineal massage and warm compresses technique was associated with lower UDI scores at 3 months postpartum compared to control group. At 6 months postpartum, there were no differences in the UDI or global scores, indicating general recovery from perineal trauma. In addition to reducing perineal trauma during birth, the perineal massage and warm compresses technique was associated with a lower prevalence of early PFD symptoms, mainly urinary distress, at 3 months.Trial registration http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05854888, retrospectively registered.

Management of postpartum perineal wound complications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Perineal wound complications occur in up to 25% of postpartum patients. Wound complications are most common after obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) but can occur after any laceration. It is imperative that any provider caring for postpartum patients understand the best evidence-based practices to recognize and manage these complications. We present a review of the available literature on the management of postpartum perineal wound complications. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a paucity of new publications on the management of postpartum perineal wound complications, despite an increased emphasis on postpartum recovery in women's health. The role of topical estrogen in healing of perineal wounds was investigated in a pilot study, demonstrating that granulation tissue does express estrogen receptors, and the use of estrogen increases cell proliferation. Progression of perineal wound healing by secondary intention was evaluated in an observational study. Wound healing was delayed in 30% of women, with the initial wound area, perimeter, bacterial colonization, and OASIS being associated with delayed healing. SUMMARY: Evidence based practices on timing of follow-up, addressing wound care and analgesia, administrating antibiotics, timing secondary repair, and surgical technique all play a role in optimizing recovery and reducing morbidity in patients with postpartum perineal wound complications.

[Posterior laceration of the abdominal aorta on vertebral fracture]. / Lacération postérieure de l'aorte abdominale sur fracture vertébrale.

Abdominal aortic lacerations are very rare in closed trauma and are usually caused by high energy trauma. Aortic injuries should be assessed as a priority as they present an immediate life-threatening risk in the event of major haemorrhage. However, the clinical presentations are highly variable and often misleading. We -present a case of traumatic blunt abdominal aortic laceration following a fall down the stairs. The laceration involved the posterior part of the abdominal aorta secondary to a lumbar fracture with L1-L2 disc tear.

Les lacérations de l'aorte abdominale sont très rares dans les traumatismes fermés et sont généralement causées par des traumatismes à haute énergie. Les lésions aortiques doivent être évaluées en priorité car elles présentent un risque vital immédiat en cas d'hémorragie majeure. Cependant, les présentations cliniques sont très variables et souvent trompeuses. Nous présentons un cas de lacération aortique abdominale traumatique suite à une chute dans les escaliers. La lacération intéresse la partie postérieure de l'aorte abdominale sur une fracture lombaire avec déchirure du disque L1-L2.

Partial Hepatectomy of a VA-ECMO Patient After Mechanical CPR by LUCAS Device Due to a Catastrophic Liver Laceration: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Many patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) present in cardiac arrest. Mechanical chest compressions are a common tool in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and have their benefits as well as disadvantages and reported complications. In recent years, veno-arterial extracorporeal oxygenation membrane (VA-ECMO) has proven to be a promising tool in these circumstances and is now considered part of the treatment algorithm in emergent and refractory cases. The combination of mechanical compressions and the ECMO lead to "new" complicated situations in the patients. We discuss such a patient, who required emergent surgery due to complications from his resuscitation, while under ECMO. CASE REPORT A 56-year-old man, with medical history of cardiovascular risk factors, presented to our facility due to ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. During his catheterization, he went into cardiac arrest and needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using a LUCAS3™ device. Because no rhythm was restored, he was promptly placed on VA-ECMO support with immediate, albeit transient, stabilization. After transportation to our Intensive Care Unit (ICU), he quickly deteriorated again hemodynamically and after imaging workup it was discovered he had a major laceration to his liver and was rushed emergently to the operating room where he underwent partial hepatectomy, while on full anticoagulation due to the ECMO support. CONCLUSIONS Complications from mechanical CPR are common, including liver laceration. Patients who are placed on ECMO following such measures should be carefully evaluated for such complications as they might affect the treatment and prognosis.

Risk Factors and Countermeasures of Stress Urinary Incontinence after Mesh Implantation for Patients with Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the risk factors and countermeasures of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after mesh implantation for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: A total of 224 POP patients undergoing mesh implantation from January 2018 to December 2021 were divided into group A (n = 68, postoperative new-onset SUI) and group B (n = 156, without postoperative new-onset SUI). Their clinical data were collected, and the treatment outcomes were analyzed. The independent risk factors for postoperative new-onset SUI were determined through multivariate logistic regression analysis. A risk-scoring model was established and assessed. The patients with postoperative new-onset SUI were divided into low-, moderate- and high-risk groups using this model. RESULTS: Mesh implantation significantly improved the pelvic floor muscle strength and function of patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥50 years old, gravidity ≥3 times, parity ≥3 times, history of macrosomia delivery, history of chronic respiratory diseases, vaginal delivery, and perineal laceration were independent risk factors for postoperative new-onset SUI, and pelvic floor muscle training by biofeedback electrical stimulation was a protective factor (p < 0.05). The risk-scoring model was safe, reliable and practical, with high discrimination, accuracy and efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Age ≥50 years old, gravidity ≥3 times, parity ≥3 times, history of macrosomia delivery, history of chronic respiratory diseases, vaginal delivery, and perineal laceration are independent risk factors for postoperative new-onset SUI, and pelvic floor muscle training by biofeedback electrical stimulation is a protective factor. Therefore, POP patients with new-onset SUI following mesh implantation should receive more pelvic floor muscle training.

Sonographic postpartum anal sphincter defects and the association with pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia are both important entities of postpartum pelvic pain, often concomitant and associated with perineal tears during vaginal delivery. The association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia has not been fully established. We aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum anal sphincter defects using three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) and evaluate their association with symptoms of pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study followed 239 primiparas from birth to 12 months post delivery. Anal sphincters were assessed with 3D-EAUS 3 months postpartum, and self-reported pelvic floor function data were obtained using a web-based questionnaire distributed 1 year after delivery. Descriptive statistics were compared between the patients with and without sonographic defects, and the association between sonographic sphincter defects and outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: At 3 months postpartum, 48/239 (20%) patients had anal sphincter defects on 3D-EAUS, of which 43 (18%) were not clinically diagnosed with obstetric anal sphincter injury at the time of delivery. Patients with sonographic defects had higher fetal weight than those without defects, and a perineum <2 cm before the suture was a risk factor for defects (odds ratio [OR], 6.9). Patients with sonographic defects had a higher frequency of dyspareunia (OR, 2.4), and pelvic floor pain (OR, 2.3) than those without defects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia. A perineal height <2 cm, measured by bidigital palpation immediately postdelivery, was a risk factor for sonographic anal sphincter defect. We suggest offering pelvic floor sonography around 3 months postpartum to high- risk women to optimize diagnosis and treatment of perineal tears and include perineum <2 cm prior to primary repair as a proposed indication for postpartum follow-up sonography.

Sudden death after fatal percussion of the cervical neurovascular bundle.

Background: Atypical compression of the neck may be classified as asphyxia in which the external compression on the cervical anatomical structures occurs in a peculiar manner. In such cases, death occurs due to the combination of several pathophysiological phenomena, such as respiratory, vascular, and nervous. When the mechanical action on the neck is violent and rapid, it is more correct to use the word percussion rather than compression. Usually there are no skin lesions of special significance in this type of neck percussion, unlike the cases of choking, strangulation, and hanging, and the diagnosis is challenging. It is important to carefully evaluate the body during the autopsy to identify which pathophysiological mechanism caused the death. Case report: A young woman died immediately after being struck by a concrete beam at the level of her neck. The woman was on vacation with her boyfriend and decided to hang from a concrete beam suspended between two columns to take a souvenir photo when the beam suddenly broke and fell on her. The autopsy revealed multiple abrasions, swelling, and lacerations to the face, neck, and chest. Internal examination revealed primarily the presence of hemorrhagic infiltration in the anterior cervical compartments and lacerations of various organs, including the trachea. Conclusion: Based on all the obtained data, including toxicological and histological, the cause of death was atypical ab extrinsic percussion of the neck, directed particularly at the right cervical neurovascular bundle.

[MCL tear with intra-articular dislocation]. / MCL-Ruptur mit intraartikulärer Dislokation.

A 48-year-old male patient presented with inner skin retraction after a sports accident involving the knee. In a multi-ligament injury it must be assumed that knee dislocation has occurred. Inner skin retraction after knee distortion can result from an intra-articular dislocation of the ruptured medial collateral ligament. Prompt reduction and exclusion of concomitant neurovascular injuries is thus obligatory. After surgical reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament, instability was no longer apparent 3 months postoperatively.

Effect of leaflet laceration on transcatheter aortic valve replacement fluid mechanics and comparison with surgical aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Leaflet thrombosis after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be caused by blood flow stagnation in the native and neosinus regions. To date, aortic leaflet laceration has been used to mitigate coronary obstruction following TAVR; however, its influence on the fluid mechanics of the native and neosinus regions is poorly understood. This in vitro study compared the flow velocities and flow patterns in the setting of SAVR vs TAVR with and without aortic leaflet lacerations. METHODS: Two valves, (23-mm Perimount and 26-mm SAPIEN 3; Edwards Lifesciences) were studied in a validated mock flow loop under physiologic conditions. Neosinus and native sinus fluid mechanics were quantified using particle image velocimetry in the left and noncoronary cusp, with an increasing number of aortic leaflets lacerated or removed. RESULTS: Across all conditions, SAVR had the highest average sinus and neosinus velocities, and this value was used as a reference to compare against the TAVR conditions. With an increasing number of leaflets lacerated or removed with TAVR, the average sinus and neosinus velocities increased from 25% to 70% of SAVR flow (100%). Diastolic velocities were substantially augmented by leaflet laceration. Also, the shorter frame of the SAVR led to higher flow velocities compared with the longer frame of the TAVR, even after complete leaflet removal. CONCLUSIONS: Leaflet laceration augmented TAVR native and neosinus flow fields, approaching that of SAVR. These findings may have potential clinical implications for the use of single or multiple leaflet lacerations to reduce leaflet thrombosis and thus potentially improve TAVR durability.

Factors Associated With Stress Urinary Incontinence and Diastasis of Rectus Abdominis in Women at 6-8 Weeks Postpartum.

IMPORTANCE: In recent years, pelvic-abdominal dynamics has become a research topic in the field of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and the relationship between diastasis of the rectus abdominis (DRA) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been controversial. The study is helpful to further strengthen perinatal education, accurately identify the risk factors of SUI and DRA, and improve the quality of life of puerperae. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association of SUI and DRA in women with PFD as measured by vaginal palpation or pelvic floor biofeedback machine testing. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 301 patients diagnosed with female PFD who were 6-8 weeks postpartum at The Fifth People's Hospital of Zhuhai between May 2018 and April 2021 were enrolled. The prevalence rates and potential influencing factors of SUI and DRA were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 29.5% (89 of 301) of the patients were diagnosed with SUI, and 31.9% (96 of 301) were diagnosed with DRA. Binary logistic regression showed that a history of delivery ( P = 0.012; odds ratio [OR], 1.982) and vaginal delivery with perineal lacerations or episiotomy ( P = 0.016; OR, 2.187) were risk factors for SUI. High birth weight (weight>4.0 kg, P < 0.001; OR, 14.507) was a risk factor for DRA. CONCLUSIONS: A history of delivery and vaginal delivery with perineal lacerations or episiotomy increased the risk of SUI, and high birth weight was an independent risk factor for DRA. Early intervention, including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, may be important for patients with PFD having these risk factors.