DORIS study: domestic violence in orthopaedics, a prospective cohort study at a Swedish hospital on the annual prevalence of domestic violence in orthopaedic emergency care.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence (DV) is a major problem which despite many efforts persists globally. Victims of DV can present with various injuries, whereof musculoskeletal presentation is common. OBJECTIVES: The DORIS study (Domestic violence in ORthopaedIcS) aimed to establish the annual prevalence of DV at an orthopaedic emergency department (ED) in Sweden. DESIGN: Female adult patients with orthopaedic injuries seeking treatment at a tertiary orthopaedic centre between September 2021 and 2022 were screened during their ED visit. SETTING: This is a single-centre study at a tertiary hospital in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Adult female patients seeking care for acute orthopaedic injuries were eligible for the study. During the study period, 4192 female patients were provided with study forms and 1366 responded (32.5%). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was to establish the annual prevalence of injuries due to DV and second, to establish the rate of current experience of any type of DV. RESULTS: One in 14 had experience of current DV (n=100, 7.5%) and 1 in 65 (n=21, 1.5%) had an injury due to DV. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DV found in the current study is comparable to international findings and adds to the growing body of evidence that it needs to be considered in clinical practice. It is important to raise awareness of DV, and frame strategies, as healthcare staff have a unique position to identify and offer intervention to DV victims.

Long-term outcome after surgical management of symptomatic non-union rib fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic chest wall injuries are common however the incidence of non-union rib fractures is unknown. Previous studies have suggested that surgical management of symptomatic non-union rib fractures could be beneficial in selected patients, although many experience persisting pain despite surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term outcome after surgical management of symptomatic non-union rib fractures. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including adults (≥18 years) managed surgically for symptomatic non-union rib fractures with plate fixation during the period 2010-2020 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Patients operated for acute chest wall injury or injury due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation were excluded. Patients answered standardized questionnaires concerning remaining symptoms and satisfaction with surgery, quality of life (QoL, EQ-5D-5 L) and disability (Disability Rating Index, DRI). Lung function, movement of chest wall and thoracic spine, and shoulder function (Boström index) were assessed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients, 12 men and four women, with mean age 61.6± 11.1 were included in the study. The mechanism of injury was trauma in 10 patients and cough-induced injuries in five patients. Lung disease was significantly more prevalent in cough-induced injuries compared to traumatic injuries, 5 vs 1 (p = 0.008). The mean follow-up time was 3.5 years. Ninety-four percent were satisfied with the surgery and reported that their symptoms had decreased, although 69 % had remaining symptoms, especially pain, from the chest wall. Quality of Life was decreased with EQ-5D-5 L index 0.819 (0.477-0.976) and EQ-VAS 69 (10-100). Disability Rating Index was 31.5 (1.3-76.7) with problems running, lifting heavy objects, and performing heavy work. Predicted lung function was decreased with Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) 86.2 ± 14.2 %, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) 79.1 ± 10.7 % and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) 89.7 ± 14.5 %. Patients with cough-induced injuries had full shoulder mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Chest wall surgery for symptomatic non-union rib fractures results in decreased symptoms and patient satisfaction in most cases despite remaining symptoms, reduced lung function, chest wall movement, and QoL and persistent disability.

On Scene Injury Severity Prediction (OSISP) model for trauma developed using the Swedish Trauma Registry.

BACKGROUND: Providing optimal care for trauma, the leading cause of death for young adults, remains a challenge e.g., due to field triage limitations in assessing a patient's condition and deciding on transport destination. Data-driven On Scene Injury Severity Prediction (OSISP) models for motor vehicle crashes have shown potential for providing real-time decision support. The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate if an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based clinical decision support system can identify severely injured trauma patients in the prehospital setting. METHODS: The Swedish Trauma Registry was used to train and validate five models - Logistic Regression, Random Forest, XGBoost, Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Network - in a stratified 10-fold cross validation setting and hold-out analysis. The models performed binary classification of the New Injury Severity Score and were evaluated using accuracy metrics, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Precision-Recall curve (AUCPR), and under- and overtriage rates. RESULTS: There were 75,602 registrations between 2013-2020 and 47,357 (62.6%) remained after eligibility criteria were applied. Models were based on 21 predictors, including injury location. From the clinical outcome, about 40% of patients were undertriaged and 46% were overtriaged. Models demonstrated potential for improved triaging and yielded AUC between 0.80-0.89 and AUCPR between 0.43-0.62. CONCLUSIONS: AI based OSISP models have potential to provide support during assessment of injury severity. The findings may be used for developing tools to complement field triage protocols, with potential to improve prehospital trauma care and thereby reduce morbidity and mortality for a large patient population.

Injury pattern and clinical outcome in patients with and without chest wall injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), although lifesaving may cause chest wall injury (CWI) because of the physical force exerted on the thorax. The impact of CWI on clinical outcome in this patient group is unclear. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of CPR-related CWI and the secondary aim to study injury pattern, length of stay (LOS), and mortality in patients with and without CWI. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of adult patients who were admitted to our hospital due to cardiac arrest (CA) during 2012 to 2020. Patients were identified in the Swedish CPR Registry and those undergoing CT of the thorax within 2 weeks after CPR were included. Patients with traumatic CA, chest wall surgery prior or after CA were excluded. Demographic data, type and length of CPR, type of CWI, LOS on mechanical ventilator (MV), in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital (H), and mortality were studied. RESULTS: Of 1,715 CA patients, 245 met the criteria for inclusion. The majority (79%) of the patients suffered from CWI. Chondral injuries and rib fractures were more common than sternum fractures (95% vs. 57%), and 14% had a radiological flail segment. Patients with CWI were older (66.5 ± 15.4 vs. 52.5 ± 15.2, p < 0.001). No difference was seen in MV-LOS (3 [0-43] vs. 3 [0-22]; p = 0.430), ICU-LOS (3 [0-48] vs. 3 [0-24]; p = 0.427), and H-LOS (5.5 [0-85] vs. 9.0 [1-53]; p = 0.306) in patients with or without CWI. Overall mortality within 30 days was higher with CWI (68% vs. 47%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Chest wall injuries are common after CPR and 14% of patients had a flail segment on CT. Elderly patients have an increased risk of CWI, and a higher overall mortality is seen in patients with CWI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Management and outcomes of firearm-related vascular injuries.

BACKGROUND: Violence due to firearms is a major global public health issue and vascular injuries from firearms are particularly lethal. The aim of this study was to analyse population-based epidemiology of firearm-related vascular injuries. METHODS: This was a retrospective nationwide epidemiological study including all patients with firearm injuries from the national Swedish Trauma Registry (SweTrau) from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2019. There were 71,879 trauma patients registered during the study period, of which 1010 patients were identified with firearm injuries (1.4%), and 162 (16.0%) patients with at least one firearm-related vascular injury. RESULTS: There were 162 patients admitted with 238 firearm-related vascular injuries, 96.9% men (n = 157), median age 26.0 years [IQR 22-33]. There was an increase in vascular firearm injuries over time (P < 0.005). The most common anatomical vascular injury location was lower extremity (41.7%) followed by abdomen (18.9%) and chest (18.9%). The dominating vascular injuries were common femoral artery (17.6%, 42/238), superficial femoral artery (7.1%, 17/238), and iliac artery (7.1%, 17/238). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg or no palpable radial pulse in the emergency department was seen in 37.7% (58/154) of patients. The most common vascular injuries in this cohort with hemodynamic instability were thoracic aorta 16.5% (16/97), femoral artery 10.3% (10/97), inferior vena cava 7.2% (7/97), lung vessels 6.2% (6/97) and iliac vessels 5.2% (5/97). There were 156 registered vascular surgery procedures including vascular suturing (22%, 34/156) and bypass/interposition graft (21%, 32/156). Endovascular stent was placed in five patients (3.2%). The 30-day and 90-day mortality was 29.9% (50/162) and 33.3% (54/162), respectively. Most deaths (79.6%; 43/54) were within 24-h of injury. In the multivariate regression analysis, vascular injury to chest (P < 0.001) or abdomen (P = 0.002) and injury specifically to thoracic aorta (P < 0.001) or femoral artery (P = 0.022) were associated with 24-h mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Firearm-related vascular injuries caused significant morbidity and mortality. The lower extremity was the most common injury location but vascular injuries to chest and abdomen were most lethal. Improved early hemorrhage control strategies seem critical for better outcome.

Retrospective comparison of operative technique for chest wall injuries.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of chest wall injuries is a common procedure. However, operative techniques are diverse, and no universal guidelines exist. There is a lack of studies comparing the outcome with different operative techniques for chest wall surgery. The aim of this study was to compare hospital outcomes between patients operated for chest wall injuries with a conventional method with large incisions and often a thoracotomy or a minimally invasive, muscle sparing method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out including patients ≥18 years operated for chest wall injuries 2010-2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgery performed: conventional surgery (C-group) and minimally invasive surgery (M-group). Data on demographics, trauma, surgery, and outcomes were extracted from patient records. Primary outcome was length of stay on mechanical ventilator (MV-LOS). Secondary outcomes were length of stay in intensive care (ICU-LOS) and in hospital (H-LOS), and complications such as re-operation, incidence of empyema, tracheostomy, pneumonia, and mortality. RESULTS: Of 311 included patients, 220 were in the C-group and 91 in the M-group. The groups were similar in demographics and injury pattern. MV-LOS was 0 (0-65) in the C-group vs 0 (0-34) in the M-group (p < 0.001). ICU-LOS and H-LOS were significantly shorter in the M-group as compared to the C-group (p < 0.001), however with a large overlap. Tracheostomy was performed in 22.3% of patients in the C-group vs 5.4% in the M-group (p < 0.001). Pneumonia was diagnosed in 32.3% of patients in the C-group vs 16.1% in the M-group (p = 0.004). In-hospital mortality was lower in the M-group compared to the C-group but there was no difference in mortality within 30 days or a year. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that a minimally invasive technique was favorable regarding clinical outcomes for patients operated for chest wall injuries.

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures versus nonoperative treatment in patients with multiple rib fractures following cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An international, retrospective matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of six or more rib fractures or a displaced rib fracture due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been associated with longer hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Evidence on the effect of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) following CPR is limited. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes after SSRF versus nonoperative management in patients with multiple rib fractures after CPR. METHODS: An international, retrospective study was performed in patients who underwent SSRF or nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2020. Patients who underwent SSRF were matched to nonoperative controls by cardiac arrest location and cause, rib fracture pattern, and age. The primary outcome was ICU LOS. RESULTS: Thirty-nine operatively treated patient were matched to 66 nonoperatively managed controls with comparable CPR-related characteristics. Patients who underwent SSRF more often had displaced rib fractures (n = 28 [72%] vs. n = 31 [47%]; p = 0.015) and a higher median number of displaced ribs (2 [P 25 -P 75 , 0-3] vs. 0 [P 25 -P 75 , 0-3]; p = 0.014). Surgical stabilization of rib fractures was performed at a median of 5 days (P 25 -P 75 , 3-8 days) after CPR. In the nonoperative group, a rib fixation specialist was consulted in 14 patients (21%). The ICU LOS was longer in the SSRF group (13 days [P 25 -P 75 , 9-23 days] vs. 9 days [P 25 -P 75 , 5-15 days]; p = 0.004). Mechanical ventilator-free days, hospital LOS, thoracic complications, and mortality were similar. CONCLUSION: Despite matching, those who underwent SSRF over nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR had more severe consequential chest wall injury and a longer ICU LOS. A benefit of SSRF on in-hospital outcomes could not be demonstrated. A low consultation rate for rib fixation in the nonoperative group indicates that the consideration to perform SSRF in this population might be associated with other nonradiographic or injury-related variables. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Surgical stabilization versus nonoperative treatment for flail and non-flail rib fracture patterns in patients with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: Literature on outcomes after SSRF, stratified for rib fracture pattern is scarce in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI; Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12). We hypothesized that SSRF is associated with improved outcomes as compared to nonoperative management without hampering neurological recovery in these patients. METHODS: A post hoc subgroup analysis of the multicenter, retrospective CWIS-TBI study was performed in patients with TBI and stratified by having sustained a non-flail fracture pattern or flail chest between January 1, 2012 and July 31, 2019. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation-free days and secondary outcomes were in-hospital outcomes. In multivariable analysis, outcomes were assessed, stratified for rib fracture pattern. RESULTS: In total, 449 patients were analyzed. In patients with a non-flail fracture pattern, 25 of 228 (11.0%) underwent SSRF and in patients with a flail chest, 86 of 221 (38.9%). In multivariable analysis, ventilator-free days were similar in both treatment groups. For patients with a non-flail fracture pattern, the odds of pneumonia were significantly lower after SSRF (odds ratio 0.29; 95% CI 0.11-0.77; p = 0.013). In patients with a flail chest, the ICU LOS was significantly shorter in the SSRF group (beta, - 2.96 days; 95% CI - 5.70 to - 0.23; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: In patients with TBI and a non-flail fracture pattern, SSRF was associated with a reduced pneumonia risk. In patients with TBI and a flail chest, a shorter ICU LOS was observed in the SSRF group. In both groups, SSRF was safe and did not hamper neurological recovery.

Mortality of trauma patients treated at trauma centers compared to non-trauma centers in Sweden: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to compare the 30-day mortality rate of trauma patients treated at trauma centers as compared to non-trauma centers in Sweden. The secondary objective was to evaluate how injury severity influences the potential survival benefit of specialized care. METHODS: This retrospective study included 29,864 patients from the national Swedish Trauma Registry (SweTrau) during the period 2013-2017. Three sampling exclusion criteria were applied: (1) Injury Severity Score (ISS) of zero; (2) missing data in any variable of interest; (3) data falling outside realistic values and duplicate registrations. University hospitals were classified as trauma centers; other hospitals as non-trauma centers. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of trauma center care on mortality rate, while adjusting for other factors potentially affecting the risk of death. RESULTS: Treatment at a trauma center in Sweden was associated with a 41% lower adjusted 30-day mortality (odds ratio 0.59 [0.50-0.70], p < 0.0001) compared to non-trauma center care, considering all injured patients (ISS ≥ 1). The potential survival benefit increased substantially with higher injury severity, with up to > 70% mortality decrease for the most critically injured group (ISS ≥ 50). CONCLUSIONS: There exists a potentially substantial survival benefit for trauma patients treated at trauma centers in Sweden, especially for the most severely injured. This study motivates a critical review and possible reorganization of the national trauma system, and further research to identify the characteristics of patients in most need of specialized care.

Epidemiology of firearm injuries in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Gun violence is a global health problem. Population-based research on firearm-related injuries has been relatively limited considering the burden of disease. The aim of this study was to analyze nationwide epidemiological trends of firearm injuries. METHODS: This is a retrospective nationwide epidemiological study including all patients with firearm injuries from the Swedish Trauma Registry (SweTrau) during the period 2011 and 2019. Registry data were merged with data from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention and the Swedish Police Authority. RESULTS: There were 1010 patients admitted with firearm injuries, 96.6% men and 3.4% women, median age 26.0 years [IQR 22.0-36.3]. The overall number of firearm injuries increased on a yearly basis (P < 0.001). The most common anatomical injury location was lower extremity (29.7%) followed by upper extremity (13.8%), abdomen (13.8%), and chest (12.5%). The head was the most severely injured body region with a median abbreviated injury scale (AIS) of 5 [IQR 3.2-5]. Vascular injuries were mainly located to the lower extremity (42%; 74/175). Majority of patients (51.3%) had more than one anatomic injury location. The median hospital length of stay was 3 days [IQR 2-8]. 154 patients (15.2%) died within 24 h of admission. The 30-day and 90-day mortality was 16.7% (169/1010) and 17.5% (177/1010), respectively. There was an association between 24-h mortality and emergency department systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg [OR 30.3, 95% CI 16.1-56.9] as well as the following injuries with AIS ≥ 3; head [OR 11.8, 95% CI 7.5-18.5], chest [OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.1], and upper extremity [OR 3.6, CI 1.3-10.1]. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study shows an annual increase of firearm-related injuries and fatalities. Firearm injuries affect people of all ages but more frequently young males in major cities. One in six patients succumbed from their injuries within 30 days with most deaths occurring within 24 h of hospital admission. Given the impact of firearm-related injuries on society additional research on a national level is critical.

Mechanism of injury, injury patterns and associated injuries in patients operated for chest wall trauma.

PURPOSE: Chest wall injuries are common in blunt trauma and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the most common mechanisms of injury (MOI), injury patterns, and associated injuries in patients who undergo surgery for chest wall trauma. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of trauma patients with multiple rib fractures and unstable thoracic cage injuries who were managed surgically at Sahlgrenska University Hospital during the period September 2010-September 2017. The MOI, injury severity score (ISS), new injury severity score (NISS), thoracic and associated injuries were recorded. Patients were categorized according to age (years): groups I (15‒44), II (45‒64) and III ( > 64). Unstable thoracic cage injuries were classified as sternal, anterior, lateral and posterior flail chest. RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven trauma patients with a mean age (years) of 58.2 ± 15.6, mean ISS 23.6 ± 11.0, and mean NISS 34.1 ± 10.6 were included in the study. Traffic accidents were the most common MOI in Group I (62%) and falls in Group III (59%). The most common flail segments were lateral and posterior. Sternal and anterior flail segments were more common with bilateral injuries and traffic accidents, particularly frontal collisions. Injuries in at least three body regions were also more associated with traffic accidents. Diaphragmatic injury was seen in 18% of patients who underwent thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The MOI associated with multiple rib fractures differs according to the age of the patient and is associated with different chest wall injury patterns and extra-thoracic injuries.

Outcome after surgical stabilization of rib fractures versus nonoperative treatment in patients with multiple rib fractures and moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (CWIS-TBI).

BACKGROUND: Outcomes after surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) have not been studied in patients with multiple rib fractures and traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that SSRF, as compared with nonoperative management, is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with TBI. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with rib fractures and TBI between January 2012 and July 2019. Patients who underwent SSRF were compared to those managed nonoperatively. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation-free days. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit length of stay and hospital length of stay, tracheostomy, occurrence of complications, neurologic outcome, and mortality. Patients were further stratified into moderate (GCS score, 9-12) and severe (GCS score, ≤8) TBI. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 456 patients of which 111 (24.3%) underwent SSRF. The SSRF was performed at a median of 3 days, and SSRF-related complication rate was 3.6%. In multivariable analyses, there was no difference in mechanical ventilation-free days between the SSRF and nonoperative groups. The odds of developing pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.38-0.98; p = 0.043) and 30-day mortality (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.91; p = 0.032) were significantly lower in the SSRF group. Patients with moderate TBI had similar outcome in both groups. In patients with severe TBI, the odds of 30-day mortality was significantly lower after SSRF (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.88; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: In patients with multiple rib fractures and TBI, the mechanical ventilation-free days did not differ between the two treatment groups. In addition, SSRF was associated with a significantly lower risk of pneumonia and 30-day mortality. In patients with moderate TBI, outcome was similar. In patients with severe TBI a lower 30-day mortality was observed. There was a low SSRF-related complication risk. These data suggest a potential role for SSRF in select patients with TBI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level IV.

Aortic balloon occlusion (REBOA) in pelvic ring injuries: preliminary results of the ABO Trauma Registry.

EndoVascular and Hybrid Trauma Management (EVTM) has been recently introduced in the treatment of severe pelvic ring injuries. This multimodal method of hemorrhage management counts on several strategies such as the REBOA (resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta). Few data exist on the use of REBOA in patients with a severely injured pelvic ring. The ABO (aortic balloon occlusion) Trauma Registry is designed to capture data for all trauma patients in hemorrhagic shock where management includes REBOA placement. Among all patients included in the ABO registry, 72 patients presented with severe pelvic injuries and were the population under exam. 66.7% were male. Mean and median ISS were respectively 43 and 41 (SD ± 13). Isolated pelvic injuries were observed in 12 patients (16.7%). Blunt trauma occurred in 68 patients (94.4%), penetrating in 2 (2.8%) and combined in 2 (2.8%). Type of injury: fall from height in 15 patients (23.1%), traffic accident in 49 patients (75.4%), and unspecified impact in 1 patient (1.5%). Femoral access was gained pre-hospital in 1 patient, in emergency room in 43, in operating room in 12 and in angio-suite in 16. REBOA was positioned in zone 1 in 59 patients (81,9%), in zone 2 in 1 (1,4%) and in zone 3 in 12 (16,7%). Aortic occlusion was partial/periodical in 35 patients (48,6%) and total occlusion in 37 patients (51,4%). REBOA associated morbidity rate: 11.1%. Overall mortality rate was 54.2% and early mortality rate (≤ 24 h) was 44.4%. In the univariate analysis, factors related to early mortality (≤ 24 h) are lower pH values (p = 0.03), higher base deficit (p = 0.021), longer INR (p = 0.012), minor increase in systolic blood pressure after the REBOA inflation (p = 0.03) and total aortic occlusion (p = 0.008). None of these values resulted significant in the multivariate analysis. In severe hemodynamically unstable pelvic trauma management, REBOA is a viable option when utilized in experienced centers as a bridge to other treatments; its use might be, however, accompanied with severe-to-lethal complications.

Feasibility and Clinical Outcome of Reboa in Patients with Impending Traumatic Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) may improve Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in hypovolemic shock. It has, however, not been studied in patients with impending traumatic cardiac arrest (ITCA). We aimed to study the feasibility and clinical outcome of REBOA in patients with ITCA using data from the ABOTrauma Registry. METHODS: Retrospective and prospective data on the use of REBOA from 16 centers globally were collected. SBP was measured both at pre- and post-REBOA inflation. Data collected included patients' demography, vascular access technique, number of attempts, catheter size, operator, zone and duration of occlusion, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: There were 74 patients in this high-risk patient group. REBOA was performed on all patients. A 7-10Fr catheter was used in 66.7% and 58.5% were placed on the first attempt, 52.1% through blind insertion and 93.2% inflated in Zone I, 64.8% for a period of 30 to 60 min, 82.1% by ER doctors, trauma surgeons, or vascular surgeons. SBP significantly improved to 90 mm Hg following the inflation of REBOA. 36.6% of the patients survived. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that REBOA may be performed in patients with ITCA, SBP can be elevated, and 36.6% of the patients survived if REBOA placement is successful.

CT-lung volume estimates in trauma patients undergoing stabilizing surgery for flail chest.

AIM: To estimate and compare lung volumes from pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) images and correlate findings with post-operative lung function tests in trauma patients with flail chest undergoing stabilizing surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pre- and post-operative CT images of the thorax were used to estimate lung volumes in 37 patients who had undergone rib plate fixation at least 6 months before inclusion for flail chest due to blunt thoracic trauma. Computed tomography lung volumes were estimated from airway distal to each lung hilum by outlining air-filled lung tissue either manually in images of 5 mm slice thickness or automatically in images of 0.6 mm slice thickness. Demographics, pain, range of motion in the thorax, breathing movements and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) were assessed. Total Lung Capacity (TLC) measurements were also made in a subgroup of patients (n = 17) who had not been intubated at time of the initial CT. Post-operative CT lung volumes were correlated to FVC and TLC. RESULTS: Patients with a median age of 62 (19-90) years, a median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 20 (9-54), and a median New Injury Severity Score (NISS) of 27 (17-66) were enrolled in the study. Median follow-up time was 3.9 (0.5-5.6) years. Two patients complained of pain at rest and when breathing. Pre-operative CT lung volumes were significantly different (p < 0.0001) from post-operative CT lung volumes, 3.51 l (1.50-6.05) vs. 5.59 l (2.18-7.78), respectively. At follow-up, median FVC was 3.76 l (1.48-5.84) and median TLC was 6.93 l (4.21-8.42). Post-operative CT lung volumes correlated highly with both FVC [rs = 0.75 (95% CI 0.57‒0.87, p < 0.0001)] and TLC [rs = 0.90 (95% CI 0.73‒0.96, p < 0.0001)]. The operated thoracic side showed decreased breathing movements. Range of motion in the lower thorax showed a low correlation with FVC [rs = 0.48 (95% CI 0.19‒0.70, p = 0.002)] and a high correlation with TLC [rs = 0.80 (95% CI 0.51‒0.92, p < 0.0001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Post-operative CT-lung volume estimates improve compared to pre-operative values in trauma patients undergoing stabilizing surgery for flail chest, and can be used as a marker for lung function when deciding which patient with chest wall injuries can benefit from surgery.

Bioimpedance technology for detection of thoracic injury.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic trauma is one of the most common and lethal types of injury, causing over a quarter of traumatic deaths. Severe thoracic injuries are often occult and difficult to diagnose in the field. There is a need for a point-of-care diagnostic device for severe thoracic injuries in the prehospital setting. Electrical bioimpedance (EBI) is non-invasive, portable, rapid and easy to use technology that can provide objective and quantitative diagnostic information for the prehospital environment. Here, we evaluated the performance of EBI to detect thoracic injuries. APPROACH: In this open study, EBI resistance (R), reactance (X) and phase angle (PA) of both sides of the thorax were measured at 50 kHz on patients suffering from thoracic injuries (n = 20). In parallel, a control group consisting of healthy subjects (n = 20) was recruited. A diagnostic mathematical algorithm, fed with input parameters derived from EBI data, was designed to differentiate patients from healthy controls. MAIN RESULTS: Ratios between the X and PA measurements of both sides of the thorax were significantly different (p < 0.05) between healthy volunteers and patients with left- and right-sided injuries. The diagnostic algorithm achieved a performance evaluated by leave-one-out cross-validation analysis and derived area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88. SIGNIFICANCE: A diagnostic algorithm that accurately discriminates between patients suffering thoracic injuries and healthy subjects was designed using EBI technology. A larger, prospective and blinded study is thus warranted to validate the feasibility of EBI technology as a prehospital tool.

Physical function and pain after surgical or conservative management of multiple rib fractures - a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce knowledge of physical function and pain due to multiple rib fractures following trauma. The purpose of this follow-up was to assess respiratory and physical function, pain, range of movement and kinesiophobia in patients with multiple rib fractures who had undergone stabilizing surgery and compare with conservatively managed patients. METHODS: A consecutive series of 31 patients with multiple rib fractures who had undergone stabilizing surgery were assessed >1 year after the trauma concerning respiratory and physical function, pain, range of movement in the shoulders and thorax, shoulder function and kinesiophobia. For comparison, 30 patients who were treated conservatively were evaluated with the same outcome measures. RESULTS: The results concerning pain, lung function, shoulder function and level of physical activity were similar in the two groups. The patients who had undergone surgery had a significantly larger range of motion in the thorax (p < 0.01) and less deterioration in two items in Disability Rating Index (sitting and standing bent over a sink) (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: It is questionable whether the control group is representative since the majority of patients were invited but refused to participate in the follow-up. In addition, this study is too small to make a definitive conclusion if surgery is better than conservative treatment. But we see some indications, such as a tendency for decreased pain, better thoracic range of motion and physical function which would indicate that surgery is preferable. If operation technique could improve in the future with a less invasive approach, it would presumably decrease post-operative pain and the benefit of surgery would be greater than the morbidity of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing surgery have a similar long-term recovery to those who are treated conservatively except for a better range of motion in the thorax and fewer limitations in physical function. Surgery seems to be beneficial for some patients, the question remains which patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: FoU i Sverige (R&D in Sweden), No 106121.

Prehospital transportation decisions for patients sustaining major trauma in road traffic crashes in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion and characteristics of patients sustaining major trauma in road traffic crashes (RTCs) who could benefit from direct transportation to a trauma center (TC). METHODS: Currently, there is no national classification of TC in Sweden. In this study, 7 university hospitals (UHs) in Sweden were selected to represent a TC level I or level II. These UHs have similar capabilities as the definition for level I and level II TC in the United States. Major trauma was defined as Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15. A total of 117,730 patients who were transported by road or air ambulance were selected from the Swedish TRaffic Accident Data Acquisition (STRADA) database between 2007 to 2014. An analysis of the patient characteristics sustaining major trauma in comparison with patients sustaining minor trauma (ISS < 15) was conducted. Major trauma patients transported to a TC versus non-TC were further analysed with respect to injured body region and road user type. RESULTS: Approximately 3% (n = 3, 411) of patients sustained major trauma. Thirty-eight percent of major trauma patients were transported to a TC, and 62% were transported to a non-TC. This results in large proportions of patients with Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 3+ injuries being transported to a non-TC. The number of AIS 3+ head injuries for major trauma patients transported to a TC versus non-TC were similar, whereas a larger number of AIS 3+ thorax injuries were present in the non-TC group. The non-TC major trauma patients had a higher probability of traveling in a car, truck, or bus and to be involved in a crash in a rural location. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the majority of RTC major trauma patients are transported to a non-TC. This may cause unnecessary morbidity and mortality. These findings can guide the development of improved prehospital treatment guidelines, protocols and decision support systems.

Surgical treatment of multiple rib fractures and flail chest in trauma: a one-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple rib fractures and unstable thoracic cage injuries are common in blunt trauma. Surgical management of rib fractures has received increasing attention in recent years and the aim of this 1-year, prospective study was to assess the long-term effects of surgery. METHODS: Fifty-four trauma patients with median Injury Severity Score 20 (9-66) and median New Injury Severity Score 34 (16-66) who presented with multiple rib fractures and flail chest, and underwent surgical stabilization with plate fixation were recruited. Patients responded to a standardized questionnaire concerning pain, local discomfort, breathlessness and use of analgesics and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3 L) questionnaire at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Lung function, breathing movements, range of motion and physical function were measured at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: Symptoms associated with pain, breathlessness and use of analgesics significantly decreased from 6 weeks to 1 year following surgery. After 1 year, 13 % of patients complained of pain at rest, 47 % had local discomfort and 9 % used analgesics. The EQ-5D-3 L index increased from 0.78 to 0.93 and perceived overall health state increased from 60 to 90 % (p < 0.0001) after 6 weeks to 1 year. Lung function improved significantly with predicted Forced vital capacity and Peak expiratory flow increasing from 86 to 106 % (p = 0.0002) and 81 to 110 % (p < 0.0001), respectively, from 3 months to 1 year after surgery. Breathing movements and range of motion tended to improve over time. Physical function improved significantly over time and the median Disability rating index was 0 after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with multiple rib fractures and flail chest show a gradual improvement in symptoms associated with pain, quality of life, mobility, disability and lung function over 1 year post surgery. Therefore, the final outcome of surgery cannot be assessed before 1 year post-operatively.