Transcriptomic and Proteomic Characterization of the Immune Response to Elective Spinal Reconstructive Surgery: Impact of Aging and Comparison with Traumatic Injury Response.

BACKGROUND: Major surgery triggers trauma-like stress responses linked to age, surgery duration, and blood loss, resembling polytrauma. This similarity suggests elective surgery as a surrogate model for studying polytrauma immune responses. We investigated stress responses across age groups and compared them with those of polytrauma patients. STUDY DESIGN: Patients undergoing major spinal reconstruction surgery were divided into older (age >65 years, n = 5) and young (age 18 to 39 years, n = 6) groups. A comparison group consisted of matched trauma patients (n = 8). Blood samples were collected before, during, and after surgery. Bone marrow mononuclear cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed using cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes sequencing or single-cell RNA sequencing. Plasma was subjected to dual-platform proteomic analysis (SomaLogic and O-link). RESULTS: Response to polytrauma was highest within 4 hours. By comparison, the response to surgery was highest at 24 hours. Both insults triggered significant changes in cluster of differentiation 14 monocytes, with increased inflammation and lower major histocompatibility complex-class 2 expression. Older patient's cluster of differentiation 14 monocytes displayed higher inflammation and less major histocompatibility complex-class 2 suppression; a trend was also seen in bone marrow mononuclear cells. Although natural killer cells were markedly activated after polytrauma, they were suppressed after surgery, especially in older patients. In plasma, innate immunity proteins dominated at 24 hours, shifting to adaptive immunity proteins by 6 weeks with heightened inflammation in older patients. Senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins were higher in older patients at baseline and further elevated during and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although both major surgery and polytrauma initiate immune and stress responses, substantial differences exist in timing and cellular profiles, suggesting major elective surgery is not a suitable surrogate for the polytrauma response. Nonetheless, distinct responses in young vs older patients highlight the utility of elective spinal in studying patient-specific factors affecting outcomes after major elective surgery.

Manejo anestésico en paciente politraumatizado con corazón univentricular y síndrome de Eisenmenger secundario / Anesthetic management In a poly-trauma patient with a univentricular heart and secondary Eisenmenger syndrome

We present the case of a 26 year old polytrauma patient with a left intra-articular distal radial fracture, with an uncorrected late univentricular heart with severe pulmonary hypertension, subsequent Eisenmenger syndrome and supraventricular tachycardia managed with metoprolol. We find this case particularly interesting given the need for osteosynthesis with the obstacle of a non-palliated congenital heart disease in an adult; whose anesthetic implications required particular considerations in order to avoid fatal outcomes in the perioperative setting. Ultimately the patient underwent regional anesthesia with careful hemodynamics monitoring, leading to a satisfactory outcome.

Presentamos el caso de un paciente politraumatizado de 26 años con fractura de radio distal intraarticular izquierda, corazón univentricular tardío no corregido con hipertensión pulmonar severa, posterior síndrome de Eisenmenger y taquicardia supraventricular manejado con metoprolol. Este caso nos parece especialmente interesante dada la necesidad de osteosíntesis con el obstáculo de una cardiopatía congénita no paliada en un adulto; cuyas implicaciones anestésicas requirieron consideraciones particulares para evitar desenlaces fatales en el perioperatorio. Finalmente, el paciente se sometió a anestesia regional con un control hemodinámico cuidadoso, lo que llevó a un resultado satisfactorio.

Combined ACL-PCL-Medial and Lateral Side Injuries (Global Laxity).

The multiple ligament injured knee is a complex problem in orthopedic surgery. These injuries may or may not present as acute knee dislocations, and careful assessment of the extremity vascular and neurological status is essential because of the possibility of arterial and/or venous compromise, and nerve injury. These complex injuries require a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment. Physical examination and imaging studies enable the surgeon to make a correct diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. Knee stability is improved postoperatively when evaluated with knee ligament rating scales, arthrometer testing, and stress radiographic analysis. Surgical timing depends upon the injured ligaments, vascular status of the extremity, reduction stability, and the overall health of the patient. The use of allograft tissue is preferred because of the strength of these large grafts, and the absence of donor site morbidity.

Factor tiempo en la atención inicial del paciente politraumatizado / Factor time in the initial attention of the poly-traumatized patient

RESUMEN Introducción: el politraumatismo por si solo constituye uno de los problemas más grandes de la sociedad moderna. Las lesiones traumáticas en Cuba aparecen en el quinto lugar entre las causas globales de muerte para todas las edades. Objetivo: determinar cómo incidió el factor tiempo en la organización de las acciones para la atención de urgencia al paciente politraumatizado. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio observacional, conformado por 183 pacientes politraumatizados, atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes del Hospital Provincial". José R. López Tabrane " de Matanzas, durante el año 2014. Las variables a considerar fueron: edad, sexo, tiempo en que recibieron las primeras acciones, tiempo de llegada al Hospital, factores asociados que influyeron en la aparición de injuria secundaria. Se utilizó la técnica estadística de análisis de distribución de frecuencias. Resultados: el mayor porcentaje de los pacientes (82,6 %) acudieron 4-6 h después de sufrido el traumatismo. Aparecieron factores como la hipotensión, la hipoxia (66,1 y 50,2 %) respectivamente, que tuvieron lesiones asociadas y fueron valoradas en la primera hora del traumatismo. Conclusiones: el trauma severo es una de las entidades prevenibles que más vida cobra en la sociedad. El sexo masculino y edades más productivas de la vida fueron los que más morbimortalidad presentaron. El hecho de que la mayor cantidad de estos pacientes arribaron al Hospital después de la hora dorada, propició un mayor número de complicaciones por el no control a tiempo de los elementos que forman la injuria secundaria (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: polytrauma, by itself, is one of the biggest problems of the modern society. Trauma lesions in Cuba are in the fifth place among the death global causes for all age groups. Objective: to determine how time factor had an impact in the actions organization for the emergency care to polytrauma patient. Materials and method: an observational study was performed in 183 poly-trauma patients who attended the Intensive Care Unit of the Provincial Hospital "Jose Ramón López Tabrane" of Matanzas during 2014. The considered variables were: age; sex; time of receiving the first actions; time of arrival to the hospital; associated factors influencing in the appearance of secondary injury. The authors used the statistic technique of analysis of frequency distribution. Results: the highest percent of patients (82.6 %) assisted the consultation 4-6 hours after suffering the trauma. There were found factors like hypotension and hypoxia (66.1 and 50.2 % respectively that had associated lesions and were assessed in the first hour of the trauma. Conclusions: acute trauma is one of the preventable entities taking more lives in the society. Male sex predominated and the more productive ages of life were the ones presenting more morbid-mortality. The fact that the biggest quantity of these patients arrived to the hospital after the golden hour favored a higher number of complications due to the untimely control of the elements forming the secondary injury (AU).

Is Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Relevant to Pulmonary Complications and Mortality in Multiply Injured Children?

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a well-recognized phenomenon in adult trauma populations. The "initial hit" of the traumatic event is often coupled with a systemic immune response characterized by changes in vital signs and laboratory indicators. A "second hit" from surgery during this time frame often results in acute lung injury, along with deterioration of the patient's clinical condition. We hypothesized that children and adolescents would experience SIRS physiology, but would not experience adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or "second hit" related death to the extent seen in the adult populations. METHODS: We queried the trauma database of our level 1 pediatric trauma center from January 2005 to December 2015 for patients with injury severity scores of >16. We used the electronic medical record to track SIRS criteria in patients days 1 to 4 posttrauma. Trends were examined in patients with an orthopaedic injury (OI) and with no orthopaedic injury. Patients were further subcategorized and analyzed by age group based on the convention for definition of pediatric SIRS. Patients in the orthopaedic cohort were further examined for pulmonary complications and death. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for SIRS physiology in the first 4 days of hospitalization. RESULTS: 81.4% (OI) and 69.1% no orthopaedic injury reached the threshold for SIRS within their first 4 days of hospitalization. Nine patients died in the hospital. Only 3 OI patients developed the criteria for ARDS, and only 3 patients with orthopaedic injuries died, 2 died within 24 hours of presentation and 1 within 48 hours, all had severe brain trauma. Increasing age groups showed increasing proportion of patients with SIRS. Increasing injury severity score and increasing age were independent predictors of SIRS during days 1 to 4. DISCUSSION: SIRS seems to be as common in children as the reported rates for adults, and the proportion of SIRS in children increases with increasing age and injury severity. The high mortality rate and rate of ARDS observed in adults was not observed in our cohort. The presence or absence of major orthopaedic injuries was not a significant predictor. The SIRS response in polytraumatized children is poorly understood. The clinical phenomenon of acute lung injury/ARDS is observed less often in children, but the exact mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-case control.

Perfil epidemiológico de crianças de 0-18 anos vítimas de queimaduras atendidas no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica e Queimados de um Hospital Universitário no Sul do Brasil / Epidemiological profile of 0­18-year-old child victims of burns treated at the Plastic Surgery and Burns Service of a University Hospital in Southern Brazil

Introdução: Lesões geradas por queimaduras representam um importante problema de saúde pública, constituindo a quarta causa de morte na infância no Brasil e Estados Unidos. Além disso, poucas são as doenças que trazem prejuízos tão importantes, com considerável morbidade pelo desenvolvimento de sequelas físicas e psicossociais. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo é traçar o perfil epidemiológico de crianças de 0-18 anos atendidas em um hospital escola de Curitiba, Paraná. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo realizado através da análise de 625 prontuários de internação de crianças de 0-18 anos vítimas de queimaduras, entre janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2017. Foram coletadas informações sobre idade, sexo, tempo de internação, óbito, região corporal atingida, extensão da superfície corporal, grau de profundidade, agente etiológico e abordagem terapêutica. Resultados: A maior parte da amostra era composta por lactentes (43%), com média de idade de 12,6 anos. O sexo mais afetado foi o masculino e os pacientes permaneceram cerca de 14,5 dias internados. No estudo, 98% das queimaduras apresentaram como etiologia o agente térmico, principalmente por líquido quente. Em relação ao grau de profundidade, a maioria das queimaduras foram de 2º grau (61,3%), atingindo até 25% de superfície corporal queimada (SCQ), sendo o tronco o mais afetado. Dentre as modalidades de tratamento, 44% dos pacientes necessitaram de intervenção cirúrgica com debridamento e enxertia. Conclusão: Crianças mais novas são mais propensas a sofrerem queimaduras principalmente no ambiente domiciliar e, além disso, uma equipe preparada e capacitada é de crucial importância no prognóstico destes doentes.

Introduction: Injuries caused by burns represent a significant public health problem, constituting the fourth leading cause of childhood death in Brazil and the United States. In addition, few diseases carry such substantial losses as burns, with considerable morbidity due to the development of physical and psychosocial sequelae. This study aimed to outline the epidemiological profile of 0­18-year-old children treated for burns at a teaching hospital in Curitiba, Paraná. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective study involved analysis of 625 medical records of 0­18-year-old children who were victims of burns from January 2010 to December 2017. Information was collected on age, sex, length of hospitalization, death, body region affected, burned body surface area (BSA), depth, etiologic agent, and therapeutic approach. Results: A plurality of the sample were infants (43%), and the average age of the sample was 12.6 years. Most of the sample was comprised males, and the patients remained hospitalized for an average of 14.5 days. Of the burns, 98% were caused by thermal agents, particularly hot liquids. Most burns were second-degree burns (61.3%), reaching up to 25% of the BSA, and the most affected region was the trunk. Among the treatment modalities, 44% of the patients needed surgical intervention with debridement and grafting. Conclusion: Younger children are more prone to burns, especially in the home environment. A prepared and qualified team is of crucial importance for optimizing outcomes in these patients.

Traumatic Complex Hawkins Type IV Talar Fracture: A Case Report.

Fracture-dislocations of the talus are one of the most complex injuries involving the foot and ankle. These injuries are often accompanied by additional traumatic orthopedic injuries, avascular necrosis, and infection. When approaching limb reconstruction and salvage, the overall prognosis and functionality of the limb are key factors to consider. In the present report, we draw attention to the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach for formulating a treatment plan that incorporates the talar injury and associated injuries or pathologic features. We also reviewed the published data related to avascular necrosis of the talus, open talar fracture management, and treatment outcomes.

Tracheobronchial injuries in chest trauma: a 17-year experience.

Objective: to discuss the clinical and therapeutic aspects of tracheobronchial lesions in victims of thoracic trauma. Methods: we analyzed the medical records of patients with tracheobronchial lesions treated at the São Paulo Holy Home from April 1991 to June 2008. We established patients' severity through physiological (RTS) and anatomical trauma indices (ISS, PTTI). We used TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) to evaluate the probability of survival. Results: nine patients had tracheobronchial lesions, all males, aged between 17 and 38 years. The mean values ​​of the trauma indices were: RTS - 6.8; ISS - 38; PTTI - 20.0; and TRISS - 0.78. Regarding the clinical picture, six patients displayed only emphysema of the thoracic wall or the mediastinum and three presented with hemodynamic or respiratory instability. The time interval from patient admission to diagnosis ranged from one hour to three days. Cervicotomy was performed in two patients and thoracotomy, in seven (77.7%), being bilateral in one case. Length of hospitalization ranged from nine to 60 days, mean of 21. Complications appeared in four patients (44%) and mortality was nil. Conclusion: tracheobronchial tree trauma is rare, it can evolve with few symptoms, which makes immediate diagnosis difficult, and presents a high rate of complications, although with low mortality.

Objetivo: discutir os aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos de lesões traqueobrônquicas em vítimas de trauma torácico. Métodos: análise de dados dos prontuários de pacientes com lesões traqueobrônquicas atendidas na Santa Casa de São Paulo no período de abril de 1991 a junho de 2008. A caracterização da gravidade dos doentes foi feita por meio de índices de trauma fisiológico (RTS) e anatômicos (ISS, PTTI). O TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) foi utilizado para avaliar a probabilidade de sobrevida. Resultados: nove doentes tinham lesões traqueobrônquicas, todos do sexo masculino, com idades entre 17 e 38 anos. Os valores médios dos índices de trauma foram: RTS- 6,8; ISS- 38; PTTI-20,0; TRISS-0,78. Com relação ao quadro clínico, seis apresentaram apenas enfisema de parede torácica ou do mediastino e três doentes se apresentaram com instabilidade hemodinâmica ou respiratória. O intervalo de tempo necessário para se firmar o diagnóstico, desde a admissão do doente, variou de uma hora a três dias. Cervicotomia foi realizada em dois pacientes e toracotomia foi realizada em sete (77,7%), sendo bilateral em um caso. O tempo de internação variou de nove a 60 dias, média de 21 dias. Complicações apareceram em quatro pacientes (44%) e a mortalidade foi nula. Conclusão: o trauma da árvore traqueobrônquica é raro, pode evoluir com poucos sintomas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico imediato, e apresenta alto índice de complicações embora com baixa mortalidade.

Tracheobronchial injuries in chest trauma: a 17-year experience / Lesões traqueobrônquicas no trauma torácico: experiência de 17 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: to discuss the clinical and therapeutic aspects of tracheobronchial lesions in victims of thoracic trauma. Methods: we analyzed the medical records of patients with tracheobronchial lesions treated at the São Paulo Holy Home from April 1991 to June 2008. We established patients' severity through physiological (RTS) and anatomical trauma indices (ISS, PTTI). We used TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) to evaluate the probability of survival. Results: nine patients had tracheobronchial lesions, all males, aged between 17 and 38 years. The mean values ​​of the trauma indices were: RTS - 6.8; ISS - 38; PTTI - 20.0; and TRISS - 0.78. Regarding the clinical picture, six patients displayed only emphysema of the thoracic wall or the mediastinum and three presented with hemodynamic or respiratory instability. The time interval from patient admission to diagnosis ranged from one hour to three days. Cervicotomy was performed in two patients and thoracotomy, in seven (77.7%), being bilateral in one case. Length of hospitalization ranged from nine to 60 days, mean of 21. Complications appeared in four patients (44%) and mortality was nil. Conclusion: tracheobronchial tree trauma is rare, it can evolve with few symptoms, which makes immediate diagnosis difficult, and presents a high rate of complications, although with low mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: discutir os aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos de lesões traqueobrônquicas em vítimas de trauma torácico. Métodos: análise de dados dos prontuários de pacientes com lesões traqueobrônquicas atendidas na Santa Casa de São Paulo no período de abril de 1991 a junho de 2008. A caracterização da gravidade dos doentes foi feita por meio de índices de trauma fisiológico (RTS) e anatômicos (ISS, PTTI). O TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) foi utilizado para avaliar a probabilidade de sobrevida. Resultados: nove doentes tinham lesões traqueobrônquicas, todos do sexo masculino, com idades entre 17 e 38 anos. Os valores médios dos índices de trauma foram: RTS- 6,8; ISS- 38; PTTI-20,0; TRISS-0,78. Com relação ao quadro clínico, seis apresentaram apenas enfisema de parede torácica ou do mediastino e três doentes se apresentaram com instabilidade hemodinâmica ou respiratória. O intervalo de tempo necessário para se firmar o diagnóstico, desde a admissão do doente, variou de uma hora a três dias. Cervicotomia foi realizada em dois pacientes e toracotomia foi realizada em sete (77,7%), sendo bilateral em um caso. O tempo de internação variou de nove a 60 dias, média de 21 dias. Complicações apareceram em quatro pacientes (44%) e a mortalidade foi nula. Conclusão: o trauma da árvore traqueobrônquica é raro, pode evoluir com poucos sintomas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico imediato, e apresenta alto índice de complicações embora com baixa mortalidade.

[Epidemiology of gunshot wounds in the University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González" of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León]. / Epidemiología de las lesiones por proyectil de arma de fuego en el Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of deaths and injuries associated with gunshot wounds deserves special attention, mainly because of its repercussions on hospital resources and the diagnosis and treatment protocols. OBJECTIVE: To perform an analysis on the epidemiological factors associated with gunshot wounds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis was made of multiple variables of all patients diagnosed with gunshot wounds during the period between 2005 and 2015. RESULTS: A total of 605 cases were found, and an additional sub-group of 314 cases was obtained for a deeper analysis. The overall mortality rate was 7.9%. The main anatomical region was the abdomen, with 44%. A total of 324 laparotomies were performed, 124 incisions of the thoracic wall, and 72 vascular examinations. In the sub-group of 314 cases, a 16.9% and 42% of laparotomies and vascular examinations, respectably, were reported without evidence of injury to internal organs. DISCUSSION: Morbidity and mortality increases when 2 or more wounds are present with multiple organ injuries, in patients with multiple transfusions, or in those transferred to the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of a physical evaluation format by all the departments involved is suggested for patients that are attended with gunshot wounds, in order to obtain more epidemiological information of these injuries for further studies.

Thoracic damage control surgery.

The damage control surgery came up with the philosophy of applying essential maneuvers to control bleeding and abdominal contamination in trauma patients who are within the limits of their physiological reserves. This concept was extended to thoracic injuries, where relatively simple maneuvers can shorten operative time of in extremis patients. This article aims to revise the various damage control techniques in thoracic organs that must be known to the surgeon engaged in emergency care. RESUMO A cirurgia de controle de danos surgiu com a filosofia de se aplicar manobras essenciais para controle de sangramento e contaminação abdominal, em doentes traumatizados, nos limites de suas reservas fisiológicas. Este conceito se estendeu para as lesões torácicas, onde manobras relativamente simples, podem abreviar o tempo operatório de doentes in extremis. Este artigo tem como objetivo, revisar as diversas técnicas de controle de dano em órgãos torácicos, que devem ser de conhecimento do cirurgião que atua na emergência.

Thoracic damage control surgery / Cirurgia de controle de danos torácico

ABSTRACT The damage control surgery came up with the philosophy of applying essential maneuvers to control bleeding and abdominal contamination in trauma patients who are within the limits of their physiological reserves. This concept was extended to thoracic injuries, where relatively simple maneuvers can shorten operative time of in extremis patients. This article aims to revise the various damage control techniques in thoracic organs that must be known to the surgeon engaged in emergency care.

RESUMO A cirurgia de controle de danos surgiu com a filosofia de se aplicar manobras essenciais para controle de sangramento e contaminação abdominal, em doentes traumatizados, nos limites de suas reservas fisiológicas. Este conceito se estendeu para as lesões torácicas, onde manobras relativamente simples, podem abreviar o tempo operatório de doentes in extremis. Este artigo tem como objetivo, revisar as diversas técnicas de controle de dano em órgãos torácicos, que devem ser de conhecimento do cirurgião que atua na emergência.

La cirugía de control de daños como paradigma de actuación para la actividad quirúrgica en los lesionados severos / Damage Control Surgery as an Intervention Paradigm for Surgical Activity in the Severely Injured

El presente trabajo recopila las publicaciones que con respecto al desarrollo de la técnica denominada Cirugía de Control de Daños han sido publicadas en la Base de Datos Academic Search Premier utilizando los beneficios de la Plataforma de Servicios de Información EBSCO. El abordaje de esta temática resulta pertinente en los momentos actuales en el contexto de la práctica quirúrgica en escenarios de acciones combativas en Medio Oriente y África a propósito de los conflictos bélicos regionales que ahí se desarrollan. En el contenido del trabajo se señalan las experiencias reportadas en la cirugía ortopédica, cirugía abdominal con especial referencia a las lesiones hepáticas, cirugía del tórax, cirugía vascular intra abdominal, así como algunas peculiaridades de empleo en otras contingencias condicionadas por el empleo cada vez más frecuente de esta modalidad de intervención quirúrgica, la cual se extiende en los momentos actuales a otros campos no relacionados con el trauma, tal como la cirugía del páncreas. Por último, se reportan las consideraciones acerca del empleo rutinario de esta técnica habida cuenta del desarrollo tecnológico de la determinación de parámetros clínicos y humorales disponibles actualmente(AU)

This paper compiles the papers that have been published in the Academic Search Premier Database using the benefits of EBSCO Information Services Platform. The approach of this topic is pertinent in the current moments of the context of the surgical practice in scenarios of combat actions in Middle East and Africa in relation to the regional warlike conflicts occuring there. This paper points out the experiences reported in orthopedic surgery, abdominal surgery with special reference to hepatic lesions, thoracic surgery, intra-abdominal vascular surgery, as well as some peculiarities its use in other contingencies conditioned by the increasingly frequent use of this modality of surgical intervention, which extends at present to other fields not related to trauma, such as pancreatic surgery. Finally, we report the considerations on the routine use of this technique taking into account the technological development in the decision of clinical and humoral parameters currently available(AU)

Epidemiological analysis of polytrauma patients with kidney injuries in a university hospital / Análise epidemiológica de politraumatizados com lesões renais em um hospital universitário

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of trauma patients with renal lesions treated at a university hospital in Curitiba. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study guided by review of medical records of trauma victims who underwent surgical treatment. The variables analyzed were age, gender, mechanism of injury, degree of kidney damage, conduct individualized according to the degree of renal injury, associated injuries, complications and deaths. We classified lesions according to the American Association of Trauma Surgery (TSAA). Results: We analyzed 794 records and found renal lesions in 33 patients, with mean age 29.8 years, most (87.8%) being male. Penetrating trauma accounted for 84.8% of cases. The most common renal injuries were grade II (33.3%), followed by grade I (18.1%), III, IV and V. Nephrectomy treated 45.4% of injuries, 73.3% being total nephrectomy, and 45.4% by nephrorraphy. In 9% treatment was non-surgical. Only 12.1% of patients had isolated renal lesions. Complications ensued in 15.1% and mortality was 6.06%. Conclusion: The surgical approach was preferred due to penetrating trauma mechanism. We achieved low rates of complications and deaths, and neither case could be directly related to kidney damage, and there were patients with multiple lesions. In this sample, we could not observe a direct relationship between kidney damage and complications, deaths or the type of conduct employed.

Objetivo: analisar as características de pacientes vítimas de trauma, com lesões renais atendidos em um hospital universitário de Curitiba. Métodos: estudo transversal retrospectivo guiado por revisão de prontuários de vítimas de trauma submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico. As variáveis analisadas foram idade, sexo, mecanismo de trauma, grau das lesões renais, conduta individualizada de acordo com o grau da lesão renal, lesões associadas, complicações e óbitos. As lesões foram classificadas de acordo com a Associação Americana de Cirurgia do Trauma (AAST). Resultados: foram analisados 794 prontuários, a lesão renal foi encontrada em 33 pacientes, a média de idade foi 29,8 anos, a maioria dos pacientes era (87,8%) do sexo masculino. O trauma penetrante foi responsável por 84,8% dos casos. As lesões mais frequentes foram as de grau II (33,3%), seguidas pelas lesões de grau I (18,1%) e pelas lesões de grau III, IV e V. Foram tratadas com nefrectomia, 45,4% das lesões, 73,3% por nefrectomia total e 45,4%, por nefrorrafia. Em 9% o tratamento não foi cirúrgico. Apenas 12,1% dos pacientes apresentaram lesões renais isoladas. Complicações foram observadas em 15,1% e a taxa de óbito foi 6,06%. Conclusão: a abordagem cirúrgica foi a preferencial devido ao mecanismo de trauma penetrante. Obtivemos baixos índices de óbitos e complicações, sendo que nenhum dos casos pôde ser relacionado diretamente à lesão renal, e ocorreram em pacientes com múltiplas lesões. Nesta amostra, não foi possível provar relação direta entre lesão renal e complicações, óbitos ou com o tipo de conduta empregada.

[Unstable thorax fixation with bioabsorbable plates and screws. Presentation of some cases]. / Fijación de tórax inestable con placas y tornillos bioabsorbibles. Presentación de serie de casos.

BACKGROUND: Flail chest is managed with mechanical ventilation or inhalation therapy, and analgesia. Mechanical ventilations carry risks by themselves and disengage with the external fixators so they must be operated to improve lung ventilatory mechanics and cleaning. Little has been published on the use of bioabsorbable material and its evolution in the setting of flail chest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A material that did had to be retired, that presented the malleability of titanium and its inflammatory reaction was minimal and could be handled in both adults and children was investigated. Here is shown a descriptive study of patients with flail chest under rib fixation with plates and bioabsorbable screws. RESULTS: 18 cases are presented, aged 33-74 years, three with bilateral flail chest; fixation was performed between days 1-21 of the accident. In cases that showed no fractures pelvic limbs, gait next day restarted fi ng in all cases improved mechanical ventilation, pain decreased, none has so far presented reaction material. CONCLUSIONS: Flail chest has a high (16.3%) mortality when no management provides the pathophysiology of the condition (pain, poor mechanical ventilation, alveolar edema-pulmonary contusion). The use of bioabsorbable material has no side effects attributable to material which is another option for rib fixation.

[Traumatic occipitocervical and atlantoaxial dislocation with clivus fracture in a child. Case report]. / Luxación traumática occipitocervical y atlantoaxial con fractura del clivus en un paciente pediátrico. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Cranieovertebral junction lesions in the paediatric population are associated with a low survival rate, which has declined in recent years. Neurological disability is a major concern due to the high economical cost it represents. Paediatric patients are more susceptible to this lesion because of hyperextension capacity, flat articulation, and increased ligamentous laxity. Survival after these kinds of injuries has been more often reported in adults, but are limited in the paediatric population. CLINICAL CASE: A case is reported of an 8-year-old male with occipitocervical and atlantoaxial dislocation associated with clivus fracture, brain oedema, and post-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). A halo vest system was placed with no traction. One month after the trauma the patient was surgically treated with C1 and C2 trans-articular screws, occipitocervical fixation with plate and screws, and C1- C2 fixation with tricortical bone graft and wires without complication. He has now returned to school and is self-sufficient. CONCLUSIONS: With better pre-hospital medical care and with improved surgical techniques the mortality rate has declined in this kind of lesion.

Epidemiological analysis of polytrauma patients with kidney injuries in a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of trauma patients with renal lesions treated at a university hospital in Curitiba. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study guided by review of medical records of trauma victims who underwent surgical treatment. The variables analyzed were age, gender, mechanism of injury, degree of kidney damage, conduct individualized according to the degree of renal injury, associated injuries, complications and deaths. We classified lesions according to the American Association of Trauma Surgery (TSAA). RESULTS: We analyzed 794 records and found renal lesions in 33 patients, with mean age 29.8 years, most (87.8%) being male. Penetrating trauma accounted for 84.8% of cases. The most common renal injuries were grade II (33.3%), followed by grade I (18.1%), III, IV and V. Nephrectomy treated 45.4% of injuries, 73.3% being total nephrectomy, and 45.4% by nephrorraphy. In 9% treatment was non-surgical. Only 12.1% of patients had isolated renal lesions. Complications ensued in 15.1% and mortality was 6.06%. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach was preferred due to penetrating trauma mechanism. We achieved low rates of complications and deaths, and neither case could be directly related to kidney damage, and there were patients with multiple lesions. In this sample, we could not observe a direct relationship between kidney damage and complications, deaths or the type of conduct employed.

Fracturas múltiples de la columna cervical: Reporte de un caso / Multiple cervical spine fractures: Case report

Introducción: Las fracturas múltiples en la columna cervical son una entidad relativamente infrecuente, acerca de la cual la información disponible a nivel mundial es escasa. Existe una tendencia en los casos reportados a manejar dicha entidad de manera conservadora, con combinación de tracciones esqueléticas y diversas órtesis, con resultados variables. Existen pocos reportes de fracturas múltiples manejadas quirúrgicamente. Objetivo: Reportar un caso clínico de fractura múltiple cervical manejado quirúrgicamente en dos tiempos y su seguimiento, en el Centro de Atención a Lesionados Raquimedulares de la Ciudad de México, en el Hospital General "La Villa" de los SSDF. Material y métodos: Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 46 años de edad quien sufre accidente automovilístico con trauma raquimedular con fracturas de C2 a C6, ASIA C. Se decide su tratamiento quirúrgico a dos tiempos con instrumentación posterior y anterior sucesivamente. Se reporta el seguimiento clínico y radiológico a casi dos años de evolución. Resultados: A 19 meses de seguimiento el paciente se encuentra neurológicamente en ASIA D, con un leve déficit motor en el miembro torácico izquierdo. Reincorporado a su trabajo habitual y con movilidad aceptable en la columna cervical. Conclusiones: La evolución satisfactoria presentada por el paciente, tanto en su recuperación neurológica como en la reincorporación a sus labores cotidianas permite recomendar el manejo quirúrgico de fracturas múltiples, individualizando cada caso e interviniendo de acuerdo con la personalidad de cada fractura, con lo cual se puede esperar la obtención de resultados favorables.

Introduction: Multiple cervical spine fractures are a relatively infrequent entity and thus the available information on them is scarce worldwide. The cases reported are usually managed conservatively, with a combination of skeletal traction and various braces, with variable results. There are only a few reports of multiple fractures treated surgically. Objective: This is a report of a clinical case of a multiple cervical fracture treated surgically in 2 stages at the Mexico City Center for Patients with Spine and Spinal Cord Injury (Centro de Atención a Lesionados Raquimedulares de la Ciudad de México), located at "La Villa" General Hospital, SSDF. Material and methods: We report the clinical case of a male, 46 year-old patient involved in a motor vehicle accident who sustained spine and spinal cord injuries consisting of ASIA C C2-C6 fractures. It was decided to perform two-stage surgery with posterior and anterior instrumentation. We report the 19-month clinical and radiological follow-up. Results: In the 19-month follow-up visit, the patient was found to be ASIA D according to the neurological assessment, with mild motor deficit of the left thoracic limb. The patient had returned to his usual job and had acceptable cervical spine mobility. Conclusions: The patient's appropriate course from the neurological perspective and his return to his daily activities leads to recommending the surgical management of multiple fractures, customizing it in each case according to the fractures' characteristics. Favorable results may be expected from this approach.

The importance of empiric abdominal computed tomography after urgent laparotomy for trauma: do they reveal unexpected injuries?

BACKGROUND: Many institutions now use empiric full-body computed tomography (CT) as a standard step in the initial workup of stable trauma patients. Recent data suggest that these scans may reveal unexpected injuries and improve survival in patients with polytrauma. However, patients who are unstable on presentation are often taken to the operating room (OR) without CT. Many of these patients undergo empiric full-body CTs after being stabilized in the OR, yet few data exist regarding how often early postoperative CT reveals unexpected injuries within compartments that have been explored surgically. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if empiric abdominal/pelvic (ABD) CT after emergent trauma laparotomies are likely to reveal missed injuries requiring urgent management and improve patient management compared with clinical judgment alone. METHODS: We review retrospectively 496 trauma patients who required urgent exploratory laparotomy at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital from 2007 to 2011. Patients were included if they went to the OR for exploratory laparotomy directly from the emergency department within 2 hours of arrival. Patients were excluded if they received any preoperative ABD CT imaging. Patients who expired in the OR were similarly excluded. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on whether or not they received an empiric ABD CT in the 24 hours immediately after laparotomy. Medical records were reviewed to look for differences in missed injuries, urgent reexplorations, nontherapeutic interventions, and time to urgent reexploration. RESULTS: There were 278 patients who met inclusion at exclusion criteria and constituted the study cohort. Of these patients, 124 underwent early empiric postoperative ABD CT imaging (45%). The remaining 154 patients did not undergo early ABD imaging (no CT group). The overall cohort had a 45% incidence of damage control procedures and a 9% rate of negative laparotomy. The 2 groups were statistically similar in age, presenting vitals, and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scores. When the ABD CT group was compared with the no CT group, there was no difference in the overall rate of urgent reexplorations (7.3 vs 7.1%; P = .956), nontherapeutic urgent reexplorations (22 vs 18%; P = .822), or time to urgent reexploration (14 ± 10 vs 12 ± 10 hours; P = .686). Out of the 124 ABD CT patients, only 5 (4.0%) were diagnosed with injuries that were not identified at the time of the initial operation or caused by operative technique. When controlling for demographics, mechanism of injury, and injury severity, a logistic regression analysis revealed that early postoperative ABD CT was not associated with any differential risk of the need for further intervention (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.37-1.9; P = .691). CONCLUSION: The use of ABD CT soon after trauma laparotomy did not provide meaningful improvements in patient care in the cohort studied. Further higher level research is needed to clarify what role empiric ABD CT should play in the early postoperative period.