Traumatic divergent dislocation of the elbow in the adults.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of DDE in adults. METHODS: From September 2010 to March 2020, adult patients with traumatic DDEs admitted to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital and Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were included in this study. Each patient underwent operative or conservative treatment during hospitalization. The clinical and radiological examinations were followed up. The primary outcomes included the Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the Broberg and Morrey functional index, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score that were performed. Post-operative complications and secondary surgery details were also collected. RESULTS: Of the fourteen patients, clinical and radiographic results were reviewed at a mean of 53.2 months (18 to 110 months) postoperatively. There were 11 men and three women with an average age of 31.5 years (17 to 51 years). At the final follow-up, the average MMWS, MEPS, Broberg and Morrey functional index, and DASH scores were 91.4 points, 93.4 points, 92.6 points, and 10.7 points. The mean VAS at rest and during activities was 0.4 and 1.7 points. Two patients required a secondary procedure due to radial malalignment and elbow contracture, respectively. In addition, two patients were found degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Within the context of high-energy DDE combined with simultaneous upper limb injuries, our study recommended obtaining the mechanical benefit of the forearm ring with concentric elbow stability. Despite the various and complicated traumatic patterns of DDE, great clinical results could be acquired based on adequate surgical treatments and early rehabilitation training.

Long-term analysis of chronic pain associated with lower extremity injuries.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study is to examine chronic pain and limping in relation to lower extremity and pelvic fracture location in addition to fracture combinations if multiple fractures are present on the same leg that have not been previously reported. We hypothesize that fracture pattern and location of lower extremity and pelvis fractures of multiple injured patients influence their long-term pain outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Patients with treated multiple lower limb and pelvic fractures at a level 1 trauma center and followed up for at least 10 years postinjury were assessed. Lower leg pain subdivided into persistent, load-dependent and intermittent pain, as well as limping were recorded by using self-administered patient questionnaires and standardized physical examinations performed by a trauma surgeon. Descriptive statistics were used to present comparative measurements between groups. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of patients (n = 301) showed chronic lower limb pain 10 years postinjury. Ten percent of all patients with chronic pain displayed persistent pain, and here the most common fracture combination was tibial shaft fractures in combination with femoral shaft or proximal tibial fractures (13%). One hundred fifty-one patients reported load-dependent pain, with the most common fracture combinations being fractures of the foot in combination with femoral shaft fractures or distal tibial fractures (11%). One hundred twenty patients reported intermittent pain, with the most common fracture combinations involving the shaft of the tibia with either the femoral shaft or distal tibia (9%). Two hundred fifteen patients showed a persistent limp, and here the most common fractures were fractures of the femoral shaft (19%), tibial shaft (17%), and pelvis (15%). CONCLUSIONS: In multiple injured patients with lower extremity injuries, the combination of fractures and their location are critical factors in long-term outcome. Patients with chronic persistent or load-dependent pain often had underlying femoral shaft fractures in combination with joint fractures.

Blast syndrome - pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of blast injuries.

The incidence of explosions in large agglomerations is high even during peacetime and continues rising. Blast syndrome injuries are complex, with shock wave causing severe injuries of multiple organ systems. In situations with large numbers of injured persons, effective triage allows an early diagnosis and treatment of the highest number of victims. Treatment is challenging, and potentially conflicting therapeutic goals may alternate. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology of blast injuries, current diagnostic algorithms and therapeutic procedures.

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.

[Treatment of victims with mine-explosive injuries]. / Rezul'taty lecheniya ranenykh s minno-vzryvnoi travmoi.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence and structure of combat gunshot surgical trauma received during the 2nd Karabakh War and to analyze the results of treatment of these victims. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed surgical treatment of 60 victims with combat gunshot surgical trauma received during the 2nd Karabakh war. In 25 (41.7%) victims, injury occurred as a result of mine-explosive trauma. These victims were divided into 3 groups depending on mechanism of mine-explosive injury. The 1st group included 7 (28%) patients who received mine-explosive injury due to indirect (propelling) effect of blast wave. The 2nd group included 14 (56%) victims in whom mine-explosive injury was caused by non-contact (distant) impact of mine fragments. The 3rd group consisted of 4 (16%) patients whose mine-explosive injuries were caused by direct impact of explosion factors on various anatomical areas. Patients were also ranked into 3 groups depending on the nature and severity of mine-explosive injury: wounded with isolated injuries (n=16, 64%), wounded with concomitant injuries (n=2.8%), wounded with combined and multiple injuries (n=7, 28%). RESULTS: Most patients underwent organ-sparing procedures. Resections were performed only in 4 cases (splenectomy - 3, nephrectomy - 1). Postoperative complications developed in 23 (38.3%) wounded (suppuration of postoperative wounds - 13, post-traumatic pleuritis - 5, clotted hemothorax - 2, subphrenic abscess - 1, phlegmon of perineum and perianal region - 2). Mortality rate was 1.7%. CONCLUSION: Timely sorting and evacuation of victims, early qualified surgical care and correct postoperative management with monitoring of vital functions can improve the results of treatment of victims with mine-explosive trauma. Autologous skin grafting for extensive defects and closure of colostomy with restoration of colon continuity were essential in rehabilitation of these patients.

Clinical predictors of abnormal chest CT scan findings following blunt chest trauma: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Some surgeons believe that chest computed tomography (CT) scan should be used more prudently in management of blunt chest trauma patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical predictors of abnormal chest CT scan findings in trauma patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on blunt chest trauma patients aged ≥18 years who were referred to the emergency departments of two educational hospitals and underwent chest CT scan. These patients were enrolled in the study using a non-probability sampling method. The exclusion criteria included: class III or IV hemodynamic shock, need for immediate surgical or neurosurgical interventions, penetrating trauma, lack of required information, and pregnancy. Demographic factors, accident details, trauma mechanism, vital signs, and level of consciousness in predicting abnormal chest CT scan findings were evaluated. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics 21. RESULTS: A total of 977 patients (male 51.5%, female 48.5%) with the mean age of (41.71 ± 14.24) years, range 18-88 years were studied; 34.2% of them with high energy trauma mechanism. With 334 (34.2%) patients had abnormal findings on chest X-ray (CXR) and 332 (34.0%) cases had an abnormal findings on chest CT scan (agreement rate was 99.4%). There was a significant correlation between male gender (p < 0.0001), GCS<15 (p < 0.0001), high energy trauma mechanism (p < 0.0001), unstable hemodynamics (p < 0.01), and clinical signs and symptoms (p < 0.0001) with chest CT findings. Chest wall deformity (odds = 8; p < 0.0001), generalized tenderness (odds = 6.6, p < 0.0001), and decreased cardiac sound (odds = 3.8, p < 0.0001) were the important and independent clinical predictors of abnormal chest CT scan findings. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, chest wall deformity, generalized tenderness, decreased cardiac sound, distracting pain, chest wall tenderness, high energy trauma mechanism, male gender, respiratory rate > 20 breathes/min, decreased pulmonary sound, and chest wall crepitation were independent clinical predictors of abnormal chest CT scan findings following blunt trauma.

[Future perspective of the TraumaRegister DGU® : Further development, additional modules and potential limits]. / Zukunftsperspektiven des TraumaRegister DGU® : Weiterentwicklung, Zusatzmodule und potenzielle Grenzen.

Since its founding in 1993 the TraumaRegister DGU® has become one of the largest registries especially in terms of data diversity. Since the introduction of the TraumaNetzwerk DGU®, the TraumaRegister DGU® has enabled a quasi-nationwide picture of the quality of care of severely injured patients in Germany. The register is subject to constant development, under the guidance of the working groups of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU). The first modular expansion of special injury entities (craniocerebral trauma and complex hand injuries) is currently taking place. The future developments will involve the extension of the register to certain injury patterns. The existing registry will also be supplemented with other recorded qualities (from the supplementary serum database up to the quality of life). This makes the TraumaRegister DGU® a tool for quality assurance and science which is well prepared for the future.

Controlled blood pressure elevation and limited fluid resuscitation in the treatment of multiple injuries in combination with shock.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of controlled blood pressure elevation and limited fluid resuscitation in treating patients with multiple injuries in combination with shock in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). METHODS: One hundred and sixty-four patients with multiple injuries in combination with shock who were admitted into the ICU of the hospital between June 2014 and November 2017 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group using random number table, 82 each group. Controlled blood pressure elevation was given to both groups. Moreover, the control group was given conventional fluid resuscitation, while the observation group was given limited fluid resuscitation. The treatment effectiveness and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The resuscitation time, post-resuscitation PT and post-resuscitation C-reactive protein level of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The post-resuscitation hemoglobin level of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The lactate clearance rate (LCR) of the observation group was (0.22±0.01) and (0.37±0.06) respectively three and six hours after fluid resuscitation, which was remarkably different with that of the control group ((0.27±0.03) and (0.51±0.08)) (P<0.05), but the difference became insignificant 24 h after fluid resuscitation (P>0.05). The observation group had significantly lower incidences of complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation, respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes of the observation group and death rate than the control group, and the differences had statistical significance (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Controlled blood pressure elevation in combination with limited fluid resuscitation is more effective than conventional fluid resuscitation in the treatment of patients with multiple injuries and shock in ICU as it can shorten recovery time, improve microcirculation perfusion and prognosis, and reduce related complications and fatality rate.

Analysis of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with multiple injuries in the early period after trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Severe trauma causes damage to the protective barriers of the organism, and thus activates immunological reaction. Among substances secreted during this process pro-inflammatory cytokines are of high importance. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Severe trauma causing multiple injuries is more likely to lead to particularly intensive inflammatory reaction, which can sometimes lead to serious complications, even life-threatening. The aim of the study is to determine those parameters which may serve as predictors of infectious complications and to enable estimation of the patient's immunological status before the decision to introduce elective procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population included patients with multiple trauma treated in the Department of Trauma Surgery of the Medical University of Gdansk. The severity of injuries was evaluated with commonly used numerical scales (Revised Trauma Score - RTS, Injury Severity Score - ISS, Glasgow Coma Scale - GCS). Blood samples were collected on the first, second, and fifth day after injury. Evaluated parameters: C-reactive protein (CRP), the level of cytokines: IL-8, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF, IL-12p70, and IL-10. Control population: individuals without injury. RESULTS: Evaluation of IL-6, IL-8, and CRP levels in patients with multiple trauma in the early period after injury (2-3 days) could be considered as a predictor of delayed infection (5-10 days). CRP level, being cheap and commonly accessible, can be used in clinical practice enabling identification of patients at higher risk of infectious complications and introduction of appropriate treatment and prevention. The analysis of the mentioned parameters may contribute to choosing an appropriate management strategy, including "timing" depending on the patient's biological status.

[Prehospital assessment of injury type and severity in severely injured patients by emergency physicians : An analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®]. / Präklinische Einschätzung der Verletzungsart und ­schwere beim Schwerverletzten durch den Notarzt : Eine Auswertung des TraumaRegister DGU®.

BACKGROUND: Prehospital assessment of injury type and severity by emergency medical services physicians impacts treatment including appropriate destination hospital selection, especially in (potentially) life-threatening cases. Injuries which are underestimated or overlooked by the emergency physician can delay adequate therapy and thus significantly influence the overall outcome. The current study used data from the TraumaRegister DGU® to evaluate the reliability of prehospital injury assessments made by emergency physicians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 30,777 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® between 1993 and 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Using the abbreviated injury scale (AIS), subjective prehospital assessments of injury severity by emergency physicians were correlated with objectively identified injuries diagnosed after admission to hospital. For this evaluation, prehospital injury assessments rated moderate or severe by the emergency physician as well as injuries diagnosed in hospital with an AIS score ≥3 points were deemed relevant. RESULTS: The 30,777 patients with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 9 suffered a total of 202,496 injuries and of these 26 % (51,839 out of 202,496) were considered relevant with an AIS ≥3 points. The most frequent relevant injuries were to the head (47 %) and chest (46 %). Of the 51,839 relevant injuries, the prehospital assessment by the emergency physician was accurate for 71 % and in 29 % of the cases relevant injuries were underestimated. Relevant injuries were unrecognized or underestimated in prehospital assessments for almost 1 out of every 7 cases of head trauma, almost 1 out of every 3 thoracic trauma and almost 1 out of every 2 abdominal and pelvic trauma. CONCLUSION: The assessment of injury severity by emergency medical services physicians based on physical examination at the scene of the trauma is not very reliable. Thus, mechanisms of injury and overall presentation as well as identifiable injuries and vital parameters should be recognized by the emergency physician when considering treatment strategies and choice of appropriate destination hospital. The patient should be re-evaluated in a priority-oriented manner at the latest on arrival in the trauma room to avoid the consequences of unrecognized or underestimated injuries.

[Long-term survival after severe trauma]. / Langzeitüberleben nach schwerem Trauma.

Long-term survival after severe trauma is rarely addressed in German trauma journals although knowledge of life expectancy and identification of factors contributing to increased mortality are important for lifetime care management, development of service models, and targeting health promotion and prevention interventions. As reliable data in Germany are lacking, we compiled data mainly from the USA and Australia to describe life expectancy, risk factors, and predictors of outcome in patients experiencing traumatic spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and polytrauma. Two years after trauma, life expectancy in all three categories was significantly lower than that of the general population. It depends strongly on severity of disability, age, and gender and is quantifiable. Whereas improvements in medical care have led to a marked decline in short-term mortality, surprisingly long-term survival in severe trauma has not changed over the past 30 years. Therefore, there is need to intensify long-term trauma patient care and to find new strategies to limit primary damage.

Effect of access to the integrated treatment model for patients with multiple severe injuries in the Chinese population.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to enhance the effectiveness of an integrated treatment model for patients with severe multiple injuries in China. METHODS: In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 110 patients with multiple severe injuries. These patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment model they received. The first group, called the MDTM group, received the integrated treatment model, which involved a multidisciplinary team-based approach. The second group, designated the TSM group, received the traditional specialist-based treatment model. The primary outcome measure was the survival rate of patients after treatment. Secondary outcomes included the time spent on hospital emergency treatment, the length of hospital stay, the mortality rate, and family satisfaction. RESULTS: The survival rate of patients after treatment in the MDTM group (83.93%) was significantly greater than that in the TSM group (70.37%). Consequently, the mortality of patients after treatment in the MDTM group (16.07%) was significantly lower than that in the TSM group (29.63%). Furthermore, the MDTM group demonstrated significantly shorter durations of rescue efforts and shorter hospital stays. Additionally, family satisfaction was significantly greater in the MDTM group. CONCLUSION: The integrated treatment model shows potential for optimizing outcomes for patients with multiple severe injuries and generating higher levels of family satisfaction. This model holds practical applicability in the context of China and may help alleviate the strained relationship between physicians and patients.

An enhanced method for evaluating the effectiveness of protective devices for road safety application.

This paper presents an enhanced probabilistic approach to estimate the real-world safety performance of new device concepts for road safety applications from the perspective of Powered Two-Wheeler (PTW) riders who suffer multiple injuries in different body regions. The proposed method estimates the overall effectiveness of safety devices for PTW riders by correlating computer simulations with various levels of actual injuries collected worldwide from accident databases. The study further develops the methodology initially presented by Johnny Korner in 1989 by introducing a new indicator, Global Potential Damage (GPD), that overcomes the limitations of the original method, encompassing six biomechanical injury indices estimated in five body regions. A Weibull regression model was fit to the field data using the Maximum Likelihood Method with boundaries at the 90% confidence level for the construction of novel injury risk curves for PTW riders. The modified methodology was applied for the holistic evaluation of the effectiveness of a new safety system, the Belted Safety Jacket (BSJ), in head-on collisions across multiple injury indices, body regions, vehicle types, and speed pairs without sub-optimizing it at specific crash severities. A virtual multi-body environment was employed to reproduce a selected set of crashes. The BSJ is a device concept comprising a vest with safety belts to restrict the rider's movements relative to the PTW during crashes. The BSJ exhibited 59% effectiveness, with an undoubted benefit to the head, neck, chest, and lower extremities. The results show that the proposed methodology enables an overall assessment of the injuries, thus improving the protection of PTW users. The novel indicator supports a robust evaluation of safety systems, specifically relevant in the context of PTW accidents.

Influencing factors for delayed diagnosed injuries in multiple trauma patients - introducing the 'Risk for Delayed Diagnoses Score' (RIDD-Score).

PURPOSE: Delayed diagnosed injuries (DDI) in severely injured patients are an essential problem faced by emergency staff. Aim of the current study was to analyse incidence and type of DDI in a large trauma cohort. Furthermore, factors predicting DDI were investigated to create a score to identify patients at risk for DDI. METHODS: Multiply injured patients admitted between 2011 and 2020 and documented in the TraumaRegister DGU® were analysed. Primary admitted patients with severe injuries and/or intensive care who survived at least 24 h were included. The prevalence, type and severity of DDI were described. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, risk factors for DDI were identified. Results were used to create a 'Risk for Delayed Diagnoses' (RIDD) score. RESULTS: Of 99,754 multiply injured patients, 9,175 (9.2%) had 13,226 injuries first diagnosed on ICU. Most common DDI were head injuries (35.8%), extremity injuries (33.3%) and thoracic injuries (19.7%). Patients with DDI had a higher ISS, were more frequently unconscious, in shock, required more blood transfusions, and stayed longer on ICU and in hospital. Multivariate analysis identified seven factors indicating a higher risk for DDI (OR from 1.2 to 1.9). The sum of these factors gives the RIDD score, which expresses the individual risk for a DDI ranging from 3.6% (0 points) to 24.8% (6 + points). CONCLUSION: DDI are present in a sounding number of trauma patients. The reported results highlight the importance of a highly suspicious and thorough physical examination in the trauma room. The introduced RIDD score might help to identify patients at high risk for DDI. A tertiary survey should be implemented to minimise delayed diagnosed or even missed injuries.

Penile traumatic testicular dislocation: a case report.

Traumatic testicular dislocation is rare and usually occurs in patients after a traumatic motor accident. Manual reduction or surgical exploration is the main treatment for this condition. We report a rare case of unilateral traumatic testicular dislocation in a man with an ectopic testis in the middle of the penis after a motorcycle crash injury. On the sixth day of hospitalization, the patient found a lump in the middle of his penis. Doppler ultrasound showed an ectopic testicle in the middle of the penis with good blood flow. After consultation, a manual reduction was successfully performed. A careful physical examination should be performed in patients with multiple injuries from the first medical exam. Early detection and timely reduction are critical to protect testicular function.

Prehospital management of chest injuries in severely injured patients-a systematic review and clinical practice guideline update.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to review and update the existing evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for the management of chest injuries in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries in the prehospital setting. This guideline topic is part of the 2022 update of the German Guideline on the Treatment of Patients with Multiple and/or Severe Injuries. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched to May 2021. Further literature reports were obtained from clinical experts. Randomised controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and comparative registry studies were included if they compared interventions for the detection and management of chest injuries in severely injured patients in the prehospital setting. We considered patient-relevant clinical outcomes such as mortality and diagnostic test accuracy. Risk of bias was assessed using NICE 2012 checklists. The evidence was synthesised narratively, and expert consensus was used to develop recommendations and determine their strength. RESULTS: Two new studies were identified, both investigating the accuracy of in-flight ultrasound in the detection of pneumothorax. Two new recommendations were developed, one recommendation was modified. One of the two new recommendations and the modified recommendation address the use of ultrasound for detecting traumatic pneumothorax. One new good (clinical) practice point (GPP) recommends the use of an appropriate vented dressing in the management of open pneumothorax. Eleven recommendations were confirmed as unchanged because no new high-level evidence was found to support a change. CONCLUSION: Some evidence suggests that ultrasound should be considered to identify pneumothorax in the prehospital setting. Otherwise, the recommendations from 2016 remained unchanged.

The Examination of Prognostic Factors and Treatment Strategies for Traumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage.

Introduction This study aimed to determine the optimal timing for surgical intervention and the prognostic factors of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Methods We identified 25 patients with probable CSF leaks from 472 consecutive patients with head trauma. In addition to baseline characteristics and findings on admission, injury severity score (ISS), abbreviated injury score (AIS), and other factors related to CSF leakage were considered. We analyzed the prognostic factors after setting the primary endpoint as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the time of discharge to determine the appropriate timing for surgical intervention. Results Univariate analysis revealed significantly poorer prognoses for elderly patients (p<0.001) and cases with low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) levels (p=0.039) and high D-dimer levels (p=0.028), which was consistent with findings from the analyses of all patients with head trauma. We found that multiple traumas (AIS≥3 at two or more sites, p=0.047) and high lactate levels (p=0.043) were poor prognostic factors specific to CSF leakage cases, while a longer time to CSF leakage cessation was also associated with a poorer prognosis (median, six days versus 13 days, p=0.014). An evaluation of the time to closure found that spontaneous cessation occurred within 14 days in most cases. Conclusions Conservative medical treatment is the first choice for most cases of traumatic CSF leakage. Surgical intervention should be considered if leakage does not cease after 14 days post injury. Furthermore, severe multiple injuries and high lactate levels were poor prognostic factors specific to patients with CSF leakage.

Exploring the impact of traumatic injury on mortality: An analysis of the certified cause of death within one year of serious injury in the Scottish population.

BACKGROUND: Few studies effectively quantify the long-term incidence of death following injury. The absence of detailed mortality and underlying cause of death data results in limited understanding and a potential underestimation of the consequences at a population level. This study takes a nationwide approach to identify the one-year mortality following injury in Scotland, evaluating survivorship in relation to pre-existing comorbidities and incidental causes of death. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study assessed the one-year mortality of adult trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score ≥ 9 during 2020 using the Scottish Trauma Audit Group (STAG) registry linked to inpatient hospital data and death certificate records. Patients were divided into three groups: trauma death, trauma-contributed death, and non-trauma death. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis to evaluate mortality, and cox proportional hazards regression analysed risk factors linked to death. RESULTS: 4056 patients were analysed with a median age 63 years (58-88) and male predominance (55.2 %). Falls accounted for 73.1 % of injuries followed by motor vehicle accidents (16.3 %) and blunt force (4.9 %). Extremity was the most commonly injured region overall followed by chest and head. However, head injury prevailed in those who died. The registry demonstrated a one-year mortality of 19.3 % with 55 % deaths occurring post-discharge. Of all deaths reported, 35.3 % were trauma deaths, and 47.7 % were trauma-contributed deaths. These groups accounted for over 70 % of mortality within 30 days of hospital admission and continued to represent the majority of deaths up to 6 months post-injury. Patients who died after 6 months were mainly the result of non-traumatic causes, frequently circulatory, neoplastic, and respiratory diseases (37.7 %, 12.3 %, 9.1 %, respectively). Independent risk factors for one-year mortality included a GCS ≤ 8, modified Charlson Comorbidity score >5, Injury Severity Score >25, serious head injury, age and sex. CONCLUSION: With a one-year mortality of 19.3 %, and post-discharge deaths higher than previously appreciated, patients can face an extended period of survival uncertainty. As mortality due to index trauma lasted up to 6 months post-admission, short-term outcomes fail to represent trauma burden and so cogent survival predictions should be avoided in clinical and patient settings.

Navigating the 'Triangle of Death': A Multidisciplinary Approach in Severe Multi-Trauma Management.

This case report details the challenging management of a 45-year-old male construction worker who suffered severe multiple injuries after a fall and subsequent collision with cement mixers. The patient presented with extensive injuries, including amputation, fractures and internal bleeding, leading to a state known as the 'triangle of death'. Despite the initial grim prognosis, evidenced by an ISS score of 28 and a mortality risk coefficient of 89.56%, the patient was successfully resuscitated and managed through a multidisciplinary approach. This included damage control resuscitation, emergency vascular interventions and targeted temperature management for brain protection. The patient's recovery highlights the effectiveness of comprehensive trauma management and the critical role of coordinated care in severe multi-trauma cases.

[Analysis of the results [corrected] of survey on trauma systems: The neglected disease of the modern society]. / Análisis de los resultados de una encuesta sobre los sistemas de trauma en España: la enfermedad abandonada de la sociedad moderna.

BACKGROUND: Trauma injuries are the main cause of death in the world. The aim of this study is to determine how trauma patients are treated in Spain at an organizational level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared consisting of 14 questions regarding aspects of the trauma care organization and trauma education. It was posted on the web site of the Spanish College of Surgeons and all members were encouraged to participate. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety questionnaires from 110 different hospitals were received. More than two-thirds (67.3%) of the centers had protocols for treating trauma patients, with 81% of them based on ATLS guidelines. Almost three-quarters (72.6%) of the doctors had completed the ATLS course, and 38.9% the DSTC course. There was a specific education program in trauma in 24.5% of the centers, and 35.5% had a Trauma Committee. There was a rehabilitation program in 24.5% of the centers. CONCLUSION: Very few of the participating centers would fulfill the requirements of the American College of Surgeons accreditation for trauma centers. Trauma care in Spain has improved a lot in the recent years, but there is still a lot to do to reach the level of that in the United States of America.