RESUMEN
The subscapularis is the strongest muscle among the rotator cuff muscles, and it provides a coupled balanced force across the glenohumeral joint by resisting the infraspinatus in axial plane and the shearing force of deltoid in the coronal plane. It is important to repair subscapularis tears to maintain the coupled balanced force. Subscapularis tendon tears are difficult to diagnose and treat. Only a small portion of the subscapularis tendon is visualized during routine arthroscopy, as it is largely covered by the middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments. Various repair techniques have been described in the literature. Here, we describe the anterolateral viewing portal for better visualization of subscapularis and our preferred technique, the lasso-loop technique, which provides better tissue grip and improved functional outcome.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Spinal injuries following an air crash can be fatal, and recognizing the patients who need immediate attention and early management could save those patients from ending up with lifelong disabilities and other consequences. However, taking appropriate actions in a pandemic situation presents additional challenges. We present our report of air crash victims with spinal injuries, along with their patterns, morphology, management, and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An analysis was performed on the spinal injuries of victims of the Boeing 737 crash landing at the Karipur Airport (Calicut International Airport, Kerala, India) who were treated at a tertiary care referral hospital in August 2020. Details of the initial triage, patterns of injury, morphologies, mechanisms, management principles, and outcomes at 9 months postinjury were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 47 patients received at our center, 44 survivors were triaged and 13 patients (29.5%) were identified to have spinal injuries of varying severities. The majority of the injuries were chance fractures at the lumbar level, followed by burst and compression fractures. A total of 6 patients underwent surgery, following all COVID-19 guidelines based on priority. All survivors had positive outcomes with our management. No complications such as secondary infections, worsening of neurological deficits, or implant failures were recorded. CONCLUSION: A high incidence of spinal injuries is seen in air crash victims. Early prioritized surgical management in selected patients provides excellent outcomes. Disaster management during a pandemic situation is a difficult task, where proper planning and execution is necessary to provide optimal results.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The survival rate of a Flight crash is quite low and this makes the Calicut incident unique. Management of flight crash victims is itself a herculean task and during COVID-19 pandemic it poses another challenge to the treating team since all the patients are under quarantine and the treatment protocols are not well defined. METHODS: On 7/8/2020 at around 7.41 pm, Air India Express aircraft from Dubai to Calicut, while landing on the runway lost its control and skidded off the runway and broke into three parts. We report a detailed analysis of orthopaedic injury patterns and difficulties encountered in the management of these patients with full personal protective equipment (PPE) kit during COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: 47 patients from the crash site were brought to our hospital and 38 of them were admitted under the orthopaedic department. 74 doctors and 76 trained nurses along with 58 supporting staff were involved in the management of the mass casualty during that night. Most of the patients suffered injuries to lower extremity and spine which included 11 femur, 13 tibial and 12 spine fractures. Average union time was around 3 months for fractures. Delayed union of fracture femur, avascular necrosis of talus and nonunion of 5th metatarsal base fracture were the reported complications. Surgical site infection was observed in two patients. CONCLUSION: Trauma management team should be prepared to manage difficulties encountered during identification, communication, and treatment of the disaster victims during this COVID-19 era.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the efficacy of ATLS in low- and middle-income countries are limited. We followed up ATLS providers certified by the ATLS India program over a decade (2009 to 2019), aiming to measure the benefits in knowledge, skills, attitude and their attrition over time. METHODS: The survey instrument was developed taking a cue from published literature on ATLS and improvised using the Delphi method. Randomly selected ATLS providers were sent the survey instrument via email as a Google form, along with a statement of purpose. Results are presented descriptively. RESULTS: ATLS India trained 7,847 providers over the study period. 2500 providers were selected for the survery using computer-generated random number table. One thousand and thirty doctors (41.2%) responded. Improvement in knowledge (n = 1,013 [98.3%]), psychomotor skills (n = 986 [95.7%]), organizational skills (n = 998 [96.9%]), overall trauma management (n = 1,013 [98.7%]) and self-confidence (n = 939 [91%]) were reported. Majority (904 [87.8%]) started ATLS promulgation at workplace in personal capacity. These benefits lasted beyond 2 years in majority (>60%) of respondents. More than 40% reported cognitive (n = 492 [47.8%]), psychomotor (n = 433 [42%]), and organizational benefits (n = 499 [48.4%]) lasting beyond 3 years. Improvement in self-confidence, ATLS promulgation at the workplace, and retention of organizational skills were more pronounced in ATLS faculties than providers. All other benefits were found to be comparable in both sub-groups. Lack of trained staff (n = 660 [64.1%]) and attitude issues (n = 495 [48.1%]) were the major impediments in implementing ATLS at the workplace. More than a third of respondents (n = 373 [36.2%]) could enumerate one or more incidents where ATLS principles were life- or limb- saving. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive, psychomotor, organizational, and affective impact of ATLS is overwhelmingly positive in the Indian scenario. Until formal trauma systems are established, ATLS remains the best hope for critically injured patients in resource-contrained settings.
