Scapulothoracic dissociation and blunt vertebral vascular injury: case report / > Disociación escapulo-torácica y trauma cerrado de arteria vertebral: reporte de un caso

Abstract Case Description: A 24-year-old male suffers from a motor vehicle accident with penetrating neck trauma and concomitant closed left cervicothoracic trauma. Clinical Findings: High impact trauma causing hypovolemic shock, left zone I penetrating neck trauma, ischemia due to blunt trauma to the axillary vessels, and brachial plexus injury. Transection of the vertebral artery on angiotomography. Diagnosed with scapulothoracic dissociation and vertebral artery trauma. Treatment and outcome: Axillary arteriovenous reconstruction, fasciotomies, non-surgical approach of the vertebral artery trauma, and deferred treatment of the brachial plexus trauma were performed. Survival of the patient and his limb, with major neurologic sequelae Clinical Relevance: The case presented here is an example of scapulothoracic dissociation with associated trauma to the vertebral artery, injuries that are uncommon and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the injuries and a multidisciplinary approach for this complex case by surgical board reviews at various levels within the course of care were key determinants in the patient's improved prognosis. This case report presents an analysis of the diagnostics, treatment, and course; considering in-hospital care and the decision-making process as determinants for the prognosis in a polytrauma patient.

Resumen Descripción del caso: Varón de 24 años que sufre accidente automovilístico con trauma penetrante de cuello y trauma cerrado cervico torácico izquierdo concomitante. Hallazgos clínicos: Shock hipovolémico, trauma en zona I cuello izquierdo, isquemia por trauma cerrado de vasos axilares y lesión por trauma cerrado del plexo braquial; producto de trauma de alto impacto. Sección de arteria vertebral por angiotomografia. Se diagnostica disociación escapulo-torácica y trauma de arteria vertebral. Tratamiento y resultado: Reconstrucción vascular arterio-venosa axilar, fasciotomías y abordaje no operatorio del trauma de arteria vertebral, con manejo diferido del trauma del plexo braquial. Sobrevida del paciente y su extremidad, con secuelas neurológicas mayores. Relevancia clínica: Es un caso de disociación escapulotorácica y lesión de arteria vertebral concomitante, siendo esta una asociación infrecuente y de alta morbi-mortalidad. El reconocimiento temprano de las lesiones y un abordaje multidisciplinario de este escenario de complejidad por medio de juntas quirúrgicas en varios niveles del proceso de atención, fueron determinantes para cambiar el pronóstico del paciente. Se presenta un análisis del diagnóstico, manejo y evolución; considerando el proceso de atención hospitalaria, toma consensuada de decisiones y el pronóstico en un paciente politraumatizado.

Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation: A Rare Complication of Craniofacial Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is common in the post-operative period after craniofacial procedures. If patients present with neck pain and torticollis, it could be a manifestation of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxlation (AARS), which describes a rare condition in which there is lateral displacement of C1 relative to C2. When this occurs in the post-operative patient, it is termed Grisel syndrome. In this case series, we report on 3 patients diagnosed with Grisel syndrome after a craniofacial procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a single craniofacial surgeon at a pediatric hospital was conducted over the last 3 decades. Demographics, procedures performed, and management strategies of AARS were included for review. RESULTS: Three patients were identified who were diagnosed with Grisel syndrome after a craniofacial procedure and required inpatient cervical traction. All patients presented with torticollis within 1 week of their operation. Conservative management was ineffective, and all 3 patients were admitted for inpatient cervical traction, for an average of 13 days followed by an average of 47 days of outpatient therapy. No patients showed any signs of recurrence after removal of outpatient traction device. CONCLUSION: Grisel syndrome is a rare, but serious complication of craniofacial procedures. Physicians caring for these patients must have a high degree of suspicion if a patient with a recent craniofacial procedure presents with torticollis. Delaying the initiation of therapy has been shown to lead to higher rates of recurrence and increases the likelihood that patients will require surgical intervention.

Scapulothoracic dissociation and blunt vertebral vascular injury: case report.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old male suffers from a motor vehicle accident with penetrating neck trauma and concomitant closed left cervicothoracic trauma. CLINICAL FINDINGS: High impact trauma causing hypovolemic shock, left zone I penetrating neck trauma, ischemia due to blunt trauma to the axillary vessels, and brachial plexus injury. Transection of the vertebral artery on angiotomography. Diagnosed with scapulothoracic dissociation and vertebral artery trauma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Axillary arteriovenous reconstruction, fasciotomies, non-surgical approach of the vertebral artery trauma, and deferred treatment of the brachial plexus trauma were performed. Survival of the patient and his limb, with major neurologic sequelae. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The case presented here is an example of scapulothoracic dissociation with associated trauma to the vertebral artery, injuries that are uncommon and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the injuries and a multidisciplinary approach for this complex case by surgical board reviews at various levels within the course of care were key determinants in the patient's improved prognosis. This case report presents an analysis of the diagnostics, treatment, and course; considering in-hospital care and the decision-making process as determinants for the prognosis in a polytrauma patient.

DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO: Varón de 24 años que sufre accidente automovilístico con trauma penetrante de cuello y trauma cerrado cervico torácico izquierdo concomitante. HALLAZGOS CLÍNICOS: Shock hipovolémico, trauma en zona I cuello izquierdo, isquemia por trauma cerrado de vasos axilares y lesión por trauma cerrado del plexo braquial; producto de trauma de alto impacto. Sección de arteria vertebral por angiotomografia. Se diagnostica disociación escapulo-torácica y trauma de arteria vertebral. TRATAMIENTO Y RESULTADO: Reconstrucción vascular arterio-venosa axilar, fasciotomías y abordaje no operatorio del trauma de arteria vertebral, con manejo diferido del trauma del plexo braquial. Sobrevida del paciente y su extremidad, con secuelas neurológicas mayores. RELEVANCIA CLÍNICA: Es un caso de disociación escapulotorácica y lesión de arteria vertebral concomitante, siendo esta una asociación infrecuente y de alta morbi-mortalidad. El reconocimiento temprano de las lesiones y un abordaje multidisciplinario de este escenario de complejidad por medio de juntas quirúrgicas en varios niveles del proceso de atención, fueron determinantes para cambiar el pronóstico del paciente. Se presenta un análisis del diagnóstico, manejo y evolución; considerando el proceso de atención hospitalaria, toma consensuada de decisiones y el pronóstico en un paciente politraumatizado.

Correlation between scar assessment scales and orofacial myofunctional disorders in patients with head and neck burns. / Correlação entre escalas de avaliação da cicatrização e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes com queimaduras de cabeça e pescoço.

PURPOSE: Verify the correlation between two scar assessment scales and the presence of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) in patients with head and neck (H&N) burns. METHODS: Participants of this study were 16 adult individuals with H&N full-thickness burns. Data were collected through assessment of mandibular range of movement and application of the following instruments: Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Vancouver Scar Scale, and Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES). RESULTS: Results showed moderate negative correlation between the variables deglutition, breathing, total score of the functions, total score on the OMES and scores on the scar assessment scales, indicating that the higher (more severe) the scores on these scales, the lower the scores on the items of the OMES (indicative of greater OMD severity). No correlations were observed between the items of the OMES and the POSAS Patient scale. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that there is correlation between scar severity in burn patients, measured through clinical scales, and presence of OMD. Patients who present scores indicative of H&N pathological scars should be immediately referred to orofacial myofunctional assessment.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a correlação entre duas escalas para avaliação das cicatrizes pós-queimaduras com as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes queimados. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 16 adultos com sequelas de queimaduras de terceiro grau em cabeça e pescoço. As etapas de coleta de dados envolveram: aplicação das escalas de avaliação da cicatrização Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) e Vancouver Scar Scale, aplicação da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandidos (AMIOFE-E) e avaliação da mobilidade mandibular. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicaram correlação negativa moderada entre os itens de deglutição, respiração, escore total de funções e escore total na AMIOFE-E e as escalas de cicatriz, indicando que, quanto mais grave a pontuação nessas escalas, menor a pontuação nos itens do AMIOFE-E (indicativo de maior alteração). Não foram observadas correlações entre os itens da avaliação clínica da motricidade orofacial e a escala de gravidade da cicatriz preenchida pelos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que existe uma correlação entre a gravidade da cicatriz de pacientes queimados, medida por meio de escalas médicas, e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais. Pacientes que apresentarem pontuação indicativa de cicatrizes patológicas em região de cabeça e pescoço devem ser imediatamente encaminhados para avaliação miofuncional orofacial.

Correlação entre escalas de avaliação da cicatrização e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes com queimaduras de cabeça e pescoço / Correlation between scar assessment scales and orofacial myofunctional disorders in patients with head and neck burns

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a correlação entre duas escalas para avaliação das cicatrizes pós-queimaduras com as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes queimados. Método Participaram do estudo 16 adultos com sequelas de queimaduras de terceiro grau em cabeça e pescoço. As etapas de coleta de dados envolveram: aplicação das escalas de avaliação da cicatrização Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) e Vancouver Scar Scale, aplicação da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandidos (AMIOFE-E) e avaliação da mobilidade mandibular. Resultados Os resultados indicaram correlação negativa moderada entre os itens de deglutição, respiração, escore total de funções e escore total na AMIOFE-E e as escalas de cicatriz, indicando que, quanto mais grave a pontuação nessas escalas, menor a pontuação nos itens do AMIOFE-E (indicativo de maior alteração). Não foram observadas correlações entre os itens da avaliação clínica da motricidade orofacial e a escala de gravidade da cicatriz preenchida pelos pacientes. Conclusão Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que existe uma correlação entre a gravidade da cicatriz de pacientes queimados, medida por meio de escalas médicas, e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais. Pacientes que apresentarem pontuação indicativa de cicatrizes patológicas em região de cabeça e pescoço devem ser imediatamente encaminhados para avaliação miofuncional orofacial.

ABSTRACT Purpose Verify the correlation between two scar assessment scales and the presence of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) in patients with head and neck (H&N) burns. Methods Participants of this study were 16 adult individuals with H&N full-thickness burns. Data were collected through assessment of mandibular range of movement and application of the following instruments: Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Vancouver Scar Scale, and Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES). Results Results showed moderate negative correlation between the variables deglutition, breathing, total score of the functions, total score on the OMES and scores on the scar assessment scales, indicating that the higher (more severe) the scores on these scales, the lower the scores on the items of the OMES (indicative of greater OMD severity). No correlations were observed between the items of the OMES and the POSAS Patient scale. Conclusion Results suggest that there is correlation between scar severity in burn patients, measured through clinical scales, and presence of OMD. Patients who present scores indicative of H&N pathological scars should be immediately referred to orofacial myofunctional assessment.

King Vision video laryngoscope for severe post burn contracture neck: an encouraging experience / Videolaringoscópio King Vision para contratura grave do pescoço após queimadura: uma experiência encorajadora

Abstract Background and objectives Managing the airway of post burn contracture of the neck has always been challenging to anesthesiologists as it limits the alignment of oro-pharyngo-laryngeal axes because of functional and anatomical deformities that occur as a result of long standing contractures. Here the role of the King Vision video laryngoscope which is the latest in the series of video laryngoscope has been evaluated for such patients. Case report A 35 year old male patient with post burn contracture of neck was scheduled for release of the contracture. As the patient had had fixed flexion deformity of the neck we did not attempt the conventional laryngoscopy. Instead we opted for King Vision video laryngoscope. Conclusion We therefore conclude that King Vision videolaryngoscope can be used for difficult airway situations like post burn contracture of neck.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos O manejo de vias aéreas em contratura de pescoço após queimadura sempre foi um desafio para os anestesiologistas, pois a contratura limita o alinhamento do eixo orofaringolaríngeo devido às deformidades funcionais e anatômicas que ocorrem como resultado de contraturas de longa duração. Relato de caso Paciente do sexo masculino, 35 anos de idade, com contratura do pescoço após queimadura foi programado para liberação da contratura. Como estava com deformidade fixa em flexão no pescoço, não tentamos a laringoscopia convencional e optamos por usar o videolaringoscópio King Vision. Conclusão O videolaringoscópio King Vision pode ser usado em situações de via aérea difícil como a contratura de pescoço após queimadura.

Predictors of Intrathoracic Injury after Blunt Torso Trauma in Children Presenting to an Emergency Department as Trauma Activations.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic injuries are a major cause of death associated with blunt trauma in children. Screening for injury with chest x-ray study, compared with chest computed tomography (CT) scan, has been controversial, weighing the benefits of specificity with the detriment of radiation exposure. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of thoracic injury in children presenting as trauma activations to a Level I trauma center after blunt torso trauma, and to compare these predictors with those previously reported in the literature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who presented to the Emergency Department of a Level I trauma center between June 2010 and June 2013 as a trauma activation after sustaining a blunt torso trauma and who received diagnostic imaging of the chest as part of their initial evaluation. RESULTS: Data analysis was performed on 166 patients. There were 33 patients (20%) with 45 abnormalities detected on diagnostic imaging of the chest, with the most common abnormalities being lung contusion (36%), pneumothorax (22%), and rib fracture (13%). Statistically significant predictors of abnormal diagnostic imaging of the chest included Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) < 15 (27% with abnormality vs. 13% without abnormality), hypoxia (22% vs. 5%), syncope/loss of consciousness (55% vs. 35%), cervical spine tenderness (12% vs. 3%), thoraco-lumbar-sacral spine tenderness (41% vs. 17%), and abdominal/pelvic tenderness (12% vs. 3%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data, predictors of thoracic injury in children after blunt torso trauma include GCS < 15, hypoxia, syncope/dizziness, cervical spine tenderness, thoraco-lumbar-sacral spine tenderness, and abdominal/pelvic tenderness.

[King Vision video laryngoscope for severe post burn contracture neck: an encouraging experience]. / Videolaringoscópio King Vision para contratura grave do pescoço após queimadura: uma experiência encorajadora.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Managing the airway of post burn contracture of the neck has always been challenging to anesthesiologists as it limits the alignment of oro-pharyngo-laryngeal axes because of functional and anatomical deformities that occur as a result of long standing contractures. Here the role of the King Vision video laryngoscope which is the latest in the series of video laryngoscope has been evaluated for such patients. CASE REPORT: A 35 year old male patient with post burn contracture of neck was scheduled for release of the contracture. As the patient had had fixed flexion deformity of the neck we did not attempt the conventional laryngoscopy. Instead we opted for King Vision video laryngoscope. CONCLUSION: We therefore conclude that King Vision videolaryngoscope can be used for difficult airway situations like post burn contracture of neck.

Trauma cervical penetrante / Penetrating neck trauma

Aim: The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcomes in a series of patients undergoing to exploratory cervicotomy by penetrating neck trauma (PNT) in emergency department of Barros Luco-Trudeau Hospital (BLTH), between 2003 and 2013, in terms of postoperative morbidity (POM). Matherial and methods: Retrospective case series of patient undergoing exploratory cervicotomy in emergency department of BLTH, between 2003 and 2013. The outcome variable was development of POM. Other variables were age, sex, etiology and kind of injury, hemodynamic status at admission, surgical time, distribution of injuries by anatomic areas, need for re operation and intra and post operative mortality. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: During the study period, 59 exploratory cervicotomies were performed to patients with PNT, with an average age of 32,5 years old. 89,8 percent of patients were male. The POM was 33,4 percent, being the most frequent the neurological ones. The most frequent etiology was the stab with 83 percent. 66 percent of patients were hemodynamically unstable at admission. Mean operative time was 107 minutes. The most injured area was the area II. Conclusion: The PNT is a little prevalent disease. The outcomes of our study are consistent with those reported in the literature.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comunicar los resultados quirúrgicos observados en una serie de pacientes sometidos a cervicotomía exploradora por trauma cervical penetrante (TCP) en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Barros Luco-Trudeau (HBLT), entre los años 2003 y 2013, en términos de morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO). Material y método: Serie de casos retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a cervicotomía exploradora en el servicio de urgencia del HBLT, entre el año 2003 y 2013. La variable resultado fue desarrollo de MPO. Otras variables fueron: edad, sexo, etiología y tipo de lesión, estado hemodinámico al ingreso, tiempo quirúrgico, distribución de la lesión según zona anatómica, necesidad de re operación y mortalidad intra y post operatoria. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: En el período en estudio, se realizaron 59 cervicotomías a pacientes con TCP, con un promedio de edad de 32,5 años, de los cuales el 89,8 por ciento era de sexo masculino. La MPO fue de 33,4 por ciento, siendo las más frecuentes las de tipo neurológico. La etiología más recurrente fue el arma blanca con 83 por ciento. El 66 por ciento de los pacientes se encontraban hemodinámicamente inestables al momento del ingreso. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 107 min. La zona más lesionada fue la zona II. Conclusión: El TCP es una entidad poco prevalente. Los resultados obtenidos en nuestra serie son coincidentes con lo reportado en la literatura.

Retrograde migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to the neck after dental treatment.

The ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is the technique most often employed for the treatment of hydrocephaly, but may present complications after placement. Retrograde migration of the peritoneal catheter to the cervical region is rarely reported. This manuscript to describes a case of migration of the distal portion of the VPS system to the neck after dental treatment in a child and discusses the possible causes for this complication.

Are posture data from simulated tasks representative of field conditions? Case study for overhead electric utility workers.

Many ergonomics studies are conducted in laboratory-simulated work environments to assess risks for the development of musculoskeletal disorders under more controlled conditions. However, the simulated conditions could be of questionable validity with respect to reproduction of field conditions involving risk factors. The objective of this study was to verify whether the postures recorded for neck extension/flexion and upper arm elevation of overhead electric utility workers in a simulated environment were similar to those recorded in a field environment. Of the three frequently performed tasks analysed, two presented similar exposure in both conditions. However, differences were identified for a more complex task (relay replacement). These results suggest that simulated tasks may be more representative for more standardised tasks. This may indicate that researchers investigating risks should avoid simplifying complex tasks when reproducing field posture exposure in laboratories, since omitting extra subtasks may lead to an inaccurate reproduction of field exposure. Practitioner Summary: Studies comparing results from field and simulated environments are necessary to evaluate to what degree postural exposure reproduced in laboratory is representative of the exposure occurring in real work situations. This is particularly relevant for tasks involving training in simulated environment due to safety constraints.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de fractura cervical en el Hospital Regional Rancagua: análisis de un periodo de 4 años / Surgical treatment of cervical fracture in the Rancagua Regional Hospital: analysis of a period of 4 years

Introducción: La gravedad, las implicancias neurológicas y el alto costo del tratamiento de la fractura cervical, hacen de esta lesión un tema de suma importancia. Esta injuria provoca graves limitaciones e invalidez a los afectados, en su mayoría en plena actividad laboral, impactando en lo médico, social y económico. Objetivos: Describir los pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente de fractura cervical traumática en el Hospital Regional Rancagua, por el equipo de Neurocirugía dentro de un periodo de 4 años. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó - 24 pacientes con antecedente de fractura cervical el mecanismo del trauma, el tiempo transcurrido desde el ingreso hospitalario hasta la cirugía, nivel y compromiso de la lesión medular, tipo de abordaje quirúrgico, complicaciones médicas, quirúrgicas y seguimiento post-operatorio, entre otros. Resultados: 5 mujeres y 19 hombres, edad promedio 39 años (rango de edad 14 a 75 años), principales mecanismos de trauma fueron los accidentes automovilísticos-atropello (58 por ciento). El nivel medular más frecuentemente lesionado fue C4-C5 (25 por ciento). En el 50 por ciento de los pacientes se clasificó de entrada como Frankel A, por lo que un 50 por ciento de todos los pacientes ingresaron tetrapléjicos, y de estos, un 33 por ciento egresó tetraparéticos. Del ingreso a cirugía hubo un tiempo de espera promedio 5 días. Dentro de las complicaciones médicas la causa respiratoria (46 por ciento) fue la más frecuente, necesitando 64 por ciento de estos pacientes ventilación mecánica. Se registró 1 infección de herida operatoria donde el abordaje fue posterior. El Índice de Barthel promedio de 14 pacientes fue de 49 puntos. De 6 pacientes con puntaje Cero, 85 por ciento de estos ingresaron como Frankel A y 50 por ciento egresaron tetrapléjicos. Los pacientes se rehabilitaron en promedio de 2.5 meses. Discusión: Logramos objetivar nuestra realidad. La técnica quirúrgica fue prácticamente uniforme entre los pacientes, sin complicaciones...

Introduction: Gravity, neurological implications and high costs of treating cervical fracture, makes of this injury an issue of most importance. This injury causes severe limitations and disability to those affected, mostly in full working activity, impacting on the medical, social and economic. Objectives: To describe patients surgically treated for traumatic cervical fracture at the Rancagua Regional Hospital, by the team of Neurosurgery Department, within a period of 4 years. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 24 patients with an history of cervical fracture mechanism of trauma, the time from hospital admission to surgery, and commitment level of spinal cord injury, type of surgery, medical and surgical complications and follow-up post -operation, among others. Results: 5 women and 19 men, average age 39 years (ranging age from 14 to 75 years), major trauma mechanisms were motor vehicle accidents (58 percent). The most frequently injured spinal level was C4-C5 (25 percent). 50 percent of patients were classified as Frankel A at the admission, so that 50 percent of all patients admitted were quadriplegics, and of these, 33 percent were discharged as tetraparétic. Admission to the surgery were an average of 5 days. Within cause respiratory medical complications (46 percent) was the most frequent, requiring 64 percent of these patients mechanical ventilation. There was only 1 wound infection where the approach was posterior. The average Barthel Index of 14 patients was 49 points. In 6 patients with zero score, 85 percent were admitted as Frankel A and 50 percent egressed as tetraplejic. Patients were rehabilitated an average of 2.5 months. Conclusions: We were able to objectify our reality. The surgical technique was nearly uniform among patients without severe postoperative surgical complications...

[Prognostic factors of penetrating neck trauma]. / Fatores prognósticos nos ferimentos cervicais penetrantes.

UNLABELLED: The neck is vulnerable to trauma because of vital structures and possible major injuries with high morbidity and mortality rates. AIM: To evaluate the outcome in patients with penetrating cervical wounds. METHODS: The medical registries of 39 patients were analyzed retrospectively from 2001 to 2009. Penetrating wounds were defined as injuries that penetrated beyond the platysma muscle. Age, gender, etiology, wound site, injured structures, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. Fisher's exact test was adopted to establish the link between these variables and the outcome (discharge or death). RESULTS: Of 39 patients, 33 (84.62%) were men with a mean age of 28 years. The main cause was firearm projectiles - 19 (48.72%) cases; the most frequently affected zone was zone II - 29 (74.36%). Thirteen (33.3%) cases of hemodynamic instability were observed, and the average hospital stay was 14 (1-99) days. The main indication for surgical intervention was the presence of profuse hemorrhage, in eight (20.5%) cases. The main structures affected were the cervical veins (20.5%). There were eight (20.51%) deaths. Younger patients had a better prognosis. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate was 20.51%. Patients below age 26 years had a better prognosis.

Fatores prognósticos nos ferimentos cervicais penetrantes / Prognostic factors of penetrating neck trauma

O pescoço é vulnerável a traumatismos devido à grande quantidade de estruturas vitais, podendo ocorrer lesões importantes e com alta morbimortalidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar resultados em pacientes vítimas de ferimentos penetrantes cervicais. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente prontuários de 39 pacientes entre 2001 e 2009. Ferimentos penetrantes foram definidos como lesões que penetravam além do músculo platisma. Foram analisados idade, gênero, etiologia, localização dos ferimentos, estruturas lesadas, tratamento e desfecho. Foi verificada a associação entre essas variáveis e o desfecho (alta ou óbito) por meio do teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Dos 39 pacientes analisados, 33 (84,62 por cento) eram homens, com média de 28 anos. A principal causa de ferimento cervical penetrante foi projétil de arma de fogo, com 19 (48,72 por cento) casos e a zona mais acometida foi a zona II, com 29 (74,36 por cento). Foram observados 13 (33,3 por cento) casos de instabilidade hemodinâmica e o tempo médio de internação dos pacientes foi de 14 (1-99) dias. A principal indicação da exploração cirúrgica foi a presença de hemorragia profusa em oito (20,5 por cento) dos casos. As principais estruturas acometidas foram veias cervicais (20,5 por cento). Ocorreram oito (20,51 por cento) óbitos. Pacientes jovens apresentaram melhor prognóstico. CONCLUSÃO: A mortalidade foi de 20,51 por cento. Pacientes com menos de 26 anos apresentaram melhor prognóstico.

The neck is vulnerable to trauma because of vital structures and possible major injuries with high morbidity and mortality rates. AIM: To evaluate the outcome in patients with penetrating cervical wounds. METHODS: The medical registries of 39 patients were analyzed retrospectively from 2001 to 2009. Penetrating wounds were defined as injuries that penetrated beyond the platysma muscle. Age, gender, etiology, wound site, injured structures, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. Fisher's exact test was adopted to establish the link between these variables and the outcome (discharge or death). RESULTS: Of 39 patients, 33 (84.62 percent) were men with a mean age of 28 years. The main cause was firearm projectiles - 19 (48.72 percent) cases; the most frequently affected zone was zone II - 29 (74.36 percent). Thirteen (33.3 percent) cases of hemodynamic instability were observed, and the average hospital stay was 14 (1-99) days. The main indication for surgical intervention was the presence of profuse hemorrhage, in eight (20.5 percent) cases. The main structures affected were the cervical veins (20.5 percent). There were eight (20.51 percent) deaths. Younger patients had a better prognosis. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate was 20.51 percent. Patients below age 26 years had a better prognosis.

Penetrating neck trauma and the aberrant subclavian artery.

Vascular injuries from penetrating trauma to the base of the neck are accompanied by significant morbidity and potential mortality. These injuries require several diagnostic adjuncts in order to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Herein reported is the case of a patient who sustained penetrating injury to the thoracic inlet but had a fortuitous anomaly that prevented vascular injury and its attendant complications.

Penetrating neck trauma and the aberrant subclavian artery

Vascular injuries from penetrating trauma to the base of the neck are accompanied by significant morbidity and potential mortality. These injuries require several diagnostic adjuncts in order to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Herein reported is the case of a patient who sustained penetrating injury to the thoracic inlet but had a fortuitous anomaly that prevented vascular injury and its attendant complications.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de los traumatismos laringotraqueales penetrantes: experiencia en el Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo / Surgical treatment of penetrating larynx and trachea trauma: experience at the Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo

Evaluar el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los traumatismos laringotraqueales penetrantes. Se evaluaron prospectivamente a 20 pacientes quienes presentaron traumatismos cervicales penetrantes y lesiones laringotraqueales entre los años 2000 y 2004, tratados en el Servicio de Cirugía Torácica del Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo. Se determinó el mecanismo de la lesión (arma blanca y arma de fuego) y la localización. Se evaluaron al ingreso las cifras tensionales y la presencia de signos y síntomas, tales como ronquera, enfisema subcutáneo, hematoma, intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas, hallazgos quirúrgicos y complicaciones postoperatorias. En este estudio se evaluaron a 20 pacientes con traumatismos cervicales penetrantes, de los cuales 11 fueron por arma de fuego, 7 por arma blanca, 1 por arpón y 1 por trauma cerrado. La región del cuello donde ocurrieron con más frecuencia las lesiones laríngeas fueron la zona II (60 por ciento), siendo la manifestación clínica más frecuente la ronquera; los hallazgos al examen físico fueron la presencia de enfisema subcutáneo. Veinte pacientes fueron sometidos a cervicotomía y las lesiones más frecuentes se localizaron en tráquea y el cartílago tiroides. Los traumatismos laringotraqueales se han incrementado en los últimos años y requieren un tratamiento especializado debido a la elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. Es importante un diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado con la finalidad de lograr una buena evolución postoperatoria.