Accuracy between prehospital and hospital diagnosis in helicopter emergency medical services and its consequences for trauma care.

PURPOSE: For optimal prehospital trauma care, it is essential to adequately recognize potential life-threatening injuries in order to correctly triage patients and to initiate life-saving measures. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of prehospital diagnoses suspected by helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included patients from the Swiss Trauma Registry with ISS ≥ 16 or AIS head ≥ 3 transported by Switzerland's largest HEMS and subsequently admitted to one of twelve Swiss trauma centers from 01/2020 to 12/2020. The primary outcome was the comparison of injuries suspected prehospital with the final diagnoses obtained at the hospital using the abbreviated injury scale (AIS) per body region. As secondary outcomes, prehospital interventions were compared to corresponding relevant diagnoses. RESULTS: Relevant head trauma was the most commonly injured body region and was identified in 96.3% (95% CI: 92.1%; 98.6%) of the cases prehospital. Relevant injuries to the chest, abdomen, and pelvis were also common but less often identified prehospital [62.7% (95% CI: 54.2%; 70.6%), 45.5% (95% CI: 30.4%; 61.2%), and 61.5% (95% CI: 44.6%; 76.6%)]. Overall, 7 of 95 (7.4%) patients with pneumothorax received a chest decompression and in 22 of 39 (56.4%) patients with an instable pelvic fracture a pelvic binder was applied prehospital. CONCLUSION: Approximately half of severe chest, abdominal, and pelvic diagnoses made in hospital went undetected in the challenging prehospital environment. This underlines the difficult circumstances faced by the rescue teams. Potentially life-saving interventions such as prehospital chest decompression and increased use of a pelvic binder were identified as potential improvements to prehospital care.

Are the rib fracture score and different computed tomography measures of obesity predictors for mortality in patients with rib fractures? A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is missing knowledge about the association of obesity and mortality in patients with rib fractures. Since the global measure of obesity (body mass index [BMI]) is often unknown in trauma patients, it would be convenient to use local computed tomography (CT)-based measures (e.g., umbilical outer abdominal fat) as a surrogate. The purpose of this study was to assess (1) whether local measures of obesity and rib fractures are associated with mortality and abdominal injuries and to evaluate (2) the correlation between local and global measures of obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included all inpatients with rib fractures in 2013. The main exposure variable was the rib fracture score (RFS) (number of rib fractures, uni- or bilateral, age). Other exposure variables were CT-based measures of obesity and BMI. The primary outcome (endpoint) was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome consisted of abdominal injuries. Sex and comorbidities were adjusted for with logistic regression. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-nine patients (median age 55.0 [IQR 44.0-72.0] years) were analyzed. Mortality was 8.5%. RFS > 4 was associated with 490% increased mortality (ORadjusted = 5.9, 95% CI 1.9-16.6, p = 0.002). CT-based measures and BMI were not associated with mortality, rib fractures or injury of the liver. CT-based measures of obesity showed moderate correlations with BMI (e.g., umbilical outer abdominal fat: r = 0.59, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RFS > 4 was an independent risk factors for increased mortality. Local and global measures of obesity were not associated with mortality, rib fractures or liver injuries. If the BMI is not available in trauma patients, CT-based measures of obesity may be considered as a surrogate.

Prevalence and outcome of contrast-induced nephropathy in major trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been well investigated in patients undergoing coronary angiography, but not in trauma patients. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and to investigate independent risk factors for the development of CIN. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2014, all pre-hospital intubated major trauma patients with documented serum creatinine levels (SCr) undergoing a contrast-enhanced whole-body CT at admission were retrospectively analyzed. CIN was defined as a relative increase in SCr > 25% over the baseline value or an absolute SCr increase of > 44 µmol/l within 72 h. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors. A p value of < 0.01 was considered statistically significant and a p value of 0.01-0.049 suggested evidence. RESULTS: Of 284 analyzed patients, 41 (14%) met the criteria for CIN. There is suggestive evidence that age and lactate level influenced the development of CIN. Six patients (15%) had hemodialysis in the CIN-group and eight (3.3%) in the group without CIN. Complication and mortality rate was higher in patients with CIN (71% vs. 56% and 32% vs. 23%, respectively). CIN was not an independent risk factor for complications or mortality while controlling for age, gender, injury severity score, and lactate level. The length of stay was not affected by CIN. CONCLUSION: CIN occurs frequently in trauma patients, but is not an independent risk factor for complications or mortality. Therefore, contrast enhanced whole-body CT can safely be performed in trauma patients.

Anatomical Injury Clusters in Polytrauma Patients.

Polytrauma is a major cause of death in young adults. The trial was to identify clusters of interlinked anatomical regions to improve strategical operational planning in the acute situation. A total of 2219 polytrauma patients with an ISS (Injury Severity Score) ≥ 16 and an age ≥ 16 years was included into this retrospective cohort study. Pearson's correlation was performed amongst the AIS (Abbreviated Injury Scale) groups. The predictive quality was tested by ROC (Receiver Operating Curve) and their area under the curve. Independency was tested by the binary logistic regression, AIS ≥3 was taken as a significant injury. The analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS® 24.0. The highest predictive value was reached in the combination of thorax, abdomen, pelvis and spine injuries (ROC: abdomen for thorax 0.647, thorax for abdomen 0.621, pelvis for thorax 0.608, pelvis for abdomen 0.651, spine for thorax 0.617). The binary logistic regression revealed the anatomical regions thorax, abdomen pelvis and spine as per-mutative independent predictors for each other when a particular injury exceeded the AIS ≥3. The documented clusters of injuries in truncal trauma are crucial to define priorities in the polytrauma management.

Pre-hospital trauma care in Switzerland and Germany: do they speak the same language?

PURPOSE: Swiss and German (pre-)hospital systems, distribution and organization of trauma centres differ from each other. It is unclear if outcome in trauma patients differs as well. Therefore, this study aims to determine differences in characteristics, therapy and outcome of trauma patients between both German-speaking countries. METHODS: The TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) was used. Patients with Injury Severity Score ≥ 9 admitted to a level 1 trauma centre between 01/2009 and 12/2017 were included if they required ICU care or died. Trauma pattern, pre-hospital procedures and outcome were compared between Swiss (CH, n = 4768) and German (DE, n = 66,908) groups. RESULTS: Swiss patients were older than German patients (53 vs. 50 years). ISS did not differ between groups (CH 23.8 vs. DE 23.0 points). There were more low falls < 3 m (34% vs. 21%) at the expense of less traffic accidents (37% vs. 52%) in the Swiss population. In Switzerland 30% of allocations were done without physician involvement, whereas this occurred in 4% of German cases. Despite a comparable number of patients with a GCS ≤ 8 (CH 29.6%; DE 26.4%), differences in pre-hospital intubation rates occurred (CH 31% vs. DE 40%). Severe traumatic brain injuries were diagnosed most frequently in Switzerland (CH 62% vs. DE 49%). Admission vital signs were similar, and standardized mortality ratios were close to one in both countries. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that patients' age, trauma patterns and pre-hospital care differ between Germany and Switzerland. However, adjusted mortality was almost similar. Further benchmarking studies are indicated to optimize trauma care in both German-speaking countries.

Survey on structural preparedness for treatment of thoracic and abdominal trauma in German-speaking level 1 trauma centers.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing sub-specialization has reduced the number of general surgeons involved in the care of trauma patients in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) over the past decades. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess, to what extent level 1 trauma centers are still prepared to provide immediate emergency surgery in patients with thoracic or abdominal trauma. METHODS: Web-based and paper questionnaires were sent to all level 1 trauma centers participating in the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland from Feb 2017 to Sep 2017. The centers were asked about the presence or availability of surgeons who were able to perform an emergency laparotomy or thoracotomy. RESULTS: Of all 117 level 1 trauma centers participating in the TR-DGU in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 97 (83%) gave a response. A board-certified surgeon who is able to perform an emergency laparotomy is present 24 h/7 days a week in 72% of the centers (emergency thoracotomy: 57%). In centers where no such surgeon was present the whole time, the mean maximum time of arrival of the surgeon on call was 18.9 min (SD 7.0, range 10-40 min) regarding the ability to perform an emergency laparotomy and 19.9 min (SD 7.0, range 10-40 min) regarding the emergency thoracotomy. CONCLUSION: The majority of level 1 trauma centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in the TR-DGU seem to be well prepared to treat severe injuries of the abdominal and thoracic cavities. In some centers, however, a surgeon able to perform an emergency laparotomy or thoracotomy is not available within 30 min.

Outcomes after spinal stenosis surgery by type of surgery in adults aged 60 years and older.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: Mobility disability due to spinal stenosis is common in the senior population and often surgery is warranted for patients with severe symptoms and neurological dysfunction. However, although current clinical guidelines recommend stabilisation surgery in addition to decompression in patients with spinal stenosis and instability due to degenerative spondylolisthesis, the relationship between outcomes and the specific type of surgery have not been well studied. We therefore assessed the postoperative recovery timeline for 12 months and compared patient-reported outcomes dependent on the extent of decompression and additional stabilisation among seniors undergoing spinal stenosis surgery. METHODS: We investigated 457 patients (mean age 76.0 ± 10.7 years, 58% women) from a consecutive cohort prior to spinal stenosis surgery. Follow-up was at 3 or 6months and at 12 months postoperatively. At each visit, pain, neurological dysfunction and disability were assessed using the North American Spine Society questionnaire. Repeated-measures analysis compared outcomes by type of surgery adjusting for baseline symptoms, gender, age, number of comorbidities, centre and year of surgery. RESULTS: Most improvement occurred within the first 3 to 6 months with little or no further improvement at 12 months. Over 12 months and in adjusted models, patients receiving one-segment versus multi-segment decompression experienced significantly greater reduction of pain (−49.2% vs −41.9%, p = 0.013) and neurological dysfunction (−37.1% vs −25.9%, p <0.0001), but only borderline greater reduction of disability (−32.7% vs −28.2%, p = 0.051). Moreover, reduction in pain and neurological function did not differ with or without additional stabilisation and extend of decompression. However, patients who received one-segment (−28.9%) or multi-segment (−28.3%) stabilisation experienced significantly less reduction in disability after surgery compared with those who were not stabilised (−34.1%, p <0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Among senior patients undergoing spinal stenosis surgery, recovery was largely complete by 3 to 6 months after surgery and differed little by type of surgery independently of symptoms prior to surgery and other covariates. However we could document a trend toward more improvement in particularly neurological dysfunction and disability with less invasive surgery.

Biomechanical in vitro examination of a standardized low-volume tubular femoroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is associated with the risk of fractures near the hip. Age and comorbidities increase the perioperative risk. Due to the ageing population, fracture of the proximal femur also proves to be a socio-economic problem. Preventive surgical measures have hardly been used so far. METHODS: 10 pairs of human femora from fresh cadavers were divided into control and low-volume femoroplasty groups and subjected to a Hayes fall-loading fracture test. The results of the respective localization and classification of the fracture site, the Singh index determined by computed tomography (CT) examination and the parameters in terms of fracture force, work to fracture and stiffness were evaluated statistically and with the finite element method. In addition, a finite element parametric study with different position angles and variants of the tubular geometry of the femoroplasty was performed. FINDINGS: Compared to the control group, the work to fracture could be increased by 33.2%. The fracture force increased by 19.9%. The used technique and instrumentation proved to be standardized and reproducible with an average poly(methyl methacrylate) volume of 10.5 ml. The parametric study showed the best results for the selected angle and geometry. INTERPRETATION: The cadaver studies demonstrated the biomechanical efficacy of the low-volume tubular femoroplasty. The numerical calculations confirmed the optimal choice of positioning as well as the inner and outer diameter of the tube in this setting. The standardized minimally invasive technique with the instruments developed for it could be used in further comparative studies to confirm the measured biomechanical results.

[Avulsion of the extensor carpi radialis longus et brevis tendons with avulsion fracture at the base of the third metacarpal bone : A rare case]. / Avulsion der Sehnen der Mm. extensor carpi radialis longus et brevis mit Ausrissfraktur an der Basis des Os metacarpale III : Ein seltener Fall.

This article presents the case of a traumatic avulsion of the extensor carpi radialis longus et brevis tendons with avulsion fracture at the base of the third metacarpal bone. Surgery as soon as possible is recommended in order to avoid retraction of the tendon.

Implementation of new standard operating procedures for geriatric trauma patients with multiple injuries: a single level I trauma centre study.

BACKGROUND: The demographic changes towards ageing of the populations in developed countries impose a challenge to trauma centres, as geriatric trauma patients require specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This study investigated whether the integration of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the resuscitation room (ER) has an impact on the clinical course in geriatric patients. The new SOPs were designed for severely injured adult trauma patients, based on the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and imply early whole-body computed tomography (CT), damage control surgery, and the use of goal-directed coagulation management. METHODS: Single-centre cohort study. We included all patients ≥65 years of age with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 9 who were admitted to our hospital primarily via ER. A historic cohort was compared to a cohort after the implementation of the new SOPs. RESULTS: We enrolled 311 patients who met the inclusion criteria between 2000 and 2006 (group PreSOP) and 2010-2012 (group SOP). There was a significant reduction in the mortality rate after the implementation of the new SOPs (P = .001). This benefit was seen only for severely injured patients (ISS ≥ 16), but not for moderately injured patients (ISS 9-15). There were no differences with regard to infection rates or rate of palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between implementation of new ER SOPs, and a lower mortality rate in severely injured geriatric trauma patients, whereas moderately injured patients did not obtain the same benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03319381, retrospectively registered 24 October 2017.

If there is smoke, there must be fire - Isolated distal, non-displaced, intraarticular ulna fracture: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Falling on the outstretched arm is a frequent trauma. The consequences can be isolated fractures of the distal radius, combined fractures of the distal radius and distal ulna - whereas the isolated fracture of the distal ulna is an uncommon trauma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report on a 20- year- old male who presented at the emergency department after a motorcycle accident, suffering pain at his left forearm and left wrist. After an unremarkable x-ray in two planes, a CT- scan of the left wrist was performed and detected an isolated distal ulna fracture. The patient was treated with a forearm cast which led to a satisfying long term outcome. DISCUSSION: Based on the presented case the anatomical peculiarities of the distal radioulnar joint and the different trauma mechanisms as well as the resulting lesions, the diagnostic modalities and the treatment options are discussed. CONCLUSION: We recommend performing an additional CT scan of the wrist in case of credible complaints after trauma to avoid baulking this very rare type of fracture.

Rate of intraoperative problems during sacroiliac screw removal: expect the unexpected.

BACKGROUND: The indications for sacroiliac screw (SI) removal have been under debate. Data on complication rates of SI screw removal is missing in the current literature. The objective of this study was to compare the rate of intra- and perioperative problems and complications during SI screw removal to those with SI screw fixation. METHODS: A retrospective observational study with two interventions in the same cohort was performed. Consecutive patients who underwent both sacroiliac screw fixation for an isolated fracture of the pelvic ring and removal of the same implants between November 2008 and September 2015 (n = 19; age 57.3, SD 16.1 years) were included. Intraoperative technical problems, postoperative complications, duration of surgery, and radiation dose were analysed. RESULTS: Intraoperative technical problems occurred in 1/19 patients (5%) during SI screw fixation and in 7/19 cases (37%) during SI screw removal (p = .021). Postoperative complications were seen in 3/19 patients after SI screw fixation and in 1/19 patients after SI screw removal (p = 0.128). The surgical time needed per screw was longer for screw removal than for implantation (p = .005). The amount of radiation used for the whole intervention (p = .845) and per screw (p = .845) did not differ among the two interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative technical problems were more frequent with SI screw removal than with SI screw fixation. Most of the intraoperative technical problems in this study were implant-related. They resulted in more surgical time needed per screw removed but similar radiation time.

Anterior Rectus Sheath Autograft in WRAP-Augmentation of Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Achilles tendon ruptures can be counted as the most common traumatic ankle injuries. As such, there is a comparatively large set of treatment options including surgical and nonsurgical approaches. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate a new technique for a specific subgroup of Achilles tendon ruptures that present with a large tendinous gap. We used a 2-step procedure designed to grant additional stability through an autograft from the anterior rectus sheath of the patient. Two patients were treated after suffering traumatic Achilles tendon ruptures on the left side with a gap of >3.5 cm and a high demand in daily activities. The reconstruction was performed using an upper quadrant recuts sheath as a WRAP-augmentation. After securing the transplant tissue, the abdominal wall was reconstructed using a Vicryl™-Prolene™ mesh (VYPRO®, Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, Ethicon Deutschland, Norderstedt, Germany). After, a standard approach to the Achilles tendon was performed with a Kirchmayr-Kessler suture. The end result was then stabilized with a rectus sheath WRAP over a length of 14 to 15 cm. On the cases reported here, multiple clinical follow-ups were performed over a 5-year period. We can report highly satisfying results, with a return to sports activity after 6 months and no complications. As such we believe the rectus sheath autograft an effective solution for Achilles tendon ruptures with large gaps in healthy patients that demonstrate a high demand in daily activities.

Higher age is a major driver of in-hospital adverse events independent of comorbid diseases among patients with isolated mild traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate if and to what extent age, independent of comorbid diseases, is a risk factor for negative in-hospital outcome with mTBI. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, we identified 1589 adult patients treated for isolated mTBI in our level-1 trauma center between 2008 and 2015. We used logistic regression analyses to assess the odds of any adverse event by age group (< 65, 65-75, 76-85, and 85+), adjusting for gender and chronic diseases. RESULTS: The prevalence of any adverse event during in-hospital care among mTBI patients was 3.2% overall, 1.8% among those younger than age 65 years, 2.1% among those age 65-75 years, 8% among those age 75-85 years, and 19% among those age 85+ years. The odds of any adverse event were similar in patients aged 65-75 years, but increased among senior patients 4.4-fold for age 75-85 years (OR 4.4, 95%CI 2.0-9.8, p < 0.001), and 18-fold for age 85+ years (OR 18.0, 95%CI 8.7-37, p < 0.001). Additionally, chronic alcohol abuse (OR 7.0, 95%CI 3.2-15, p < 0.001), diseases of the musculoskeletal system (OR 4.3, 95%CI 1.5-13, p = 0.008), and diabetes mellitus (OR 2.7, 95%CI 1.2-6.5, p = 0.023) increased the odds of any adverse events independent of age and all other covariates. CONCLUSIONS: The odds of sustaining an adverse event increased exponentially after age 75 independent of gender and any comorbid diseases. Our data support international efforts to manage senior patients in interdisciplinary geriatric trauma units.

[Posttraumatic Osteomyelitis: Improvement in Outcome by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation Technique]. / Posttraumatische Osteomyelitis: bessere Behandlungsergebnisse durch innovative Vakuumversiege­lungstechnik mit Instillationstherapie.

Posttraumatic Osteomyelitis: Improvement in Outcome by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation Technique Abstract. Surgical treatment of post-traumatic (fistula) osteomyelitis can be difficult and is associated with an increased risk of later recurrence. Very often osteomyelitis is accompanied by a soft tissue (defective) wound. After surgical debridement, the use of the vacuum sealing technique can stimulate wound healing and improve local blood circulation. In particular, the introduction of the innovative instillation technique for wound sponges can increase the effectiveness of the treatment of the infection. By regularly rinsing the sponges with an antiseptic polyhexanide solution, the duration of treatment, the number of operations, the in-patient stay and the recurrence rate in this patient group can be statistically significantly reduced.