Diagnostic and therapeutic approach in adult patients with traumatic brain injury receiving oral anticoagulant therapy: an Austrian interdisciplinary consensus statement.

There is a high degree of uncertainty regarding optimum care of patients with potential or known intake of oral anticoagulants and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Anticoagulation therapy aggravates the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage but, on the other hand, patients take anticoagulants because of an underlying prothrombotic risk, and this could be increased following trauma. Treatment decisions must be taken with due consideration of both these risks. An interdisciplinary group of Austrian experts was convened to develop recommendations for best clinical practice. The aim was to provide pragmatic, clear, and easy-to-follow clinical guidance for coagulation management in adult patients with TBI and potential or known intake of platelet inhibitors, vitamin K antagonists, or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. Diagnosis, coagulation testing, and reversal of anticoagulation were considered as key steps upon presentation. Post-trauma management (prophylaxis for thromboembolism and resumption of long-term anticoagulation therapy) was also explored. The lack of robust evidence on which to base treatment recommendations highlights the need for randomized controlled trials in this setting.

Fatal traumatic brain injury in older adults in Austria 1980-2012: an analysis of 33 years.

BACKGROUND: traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health problem. Developed countries report a significant increase of TBI in older adults in the past decades. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in TBI-related mortality in older Austrians (65 years or older) between 1980 and 2012 (33 years) and to identify possible causes for these changes. METHODS: data from Statistics Austria on mortality in Austria between 1980 and 2012 were screened and data on TBI-related mortality in adults aged 65 and older were extracted and analysed, based on the diagnostic codes of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th and 9th revision. Mortality rates were calculated for 5-year age groups; standardized mortality rates were calculated for the total. Mechanism of injury was analysed for all events, both sexes and individual age groups. RESULTS: between 1980 and 2012, 16,204 people aged 65 or older died from TBI in Austria; 61% of these were male. Fatal TBI cases and mortality rates increased in the oldest age groups (80 years or older). Half of the fatal TBI cases were caused by falls, 22% by traffic accidents and 17% by suicides. Rate of fall-related fatal TBI increased and rate of traffic accident-related fatal TBI decreased with age. CONCLUSION: preventive measures introduced in the past decades in the developed countries have contributed to a decrease in traffic injuries. However, falls in the older population are on the rise, mainly due to ageing of the population, throughout the reported period. It is important to take preventive measures to stop the epidemics of fall-related TBIs and fatalities in older adults.

Antibacterial activity of a sterile antimicrobial polyisoprene surgical glove against transient flora following a 2-hours simulated use.

BACKGROUND: A surgical glove will protect surgeons and patients only if the glove's integrity remains intact. However, several studies have demonstrated that undetected micro-perforations of surgical gloves are common. Because of the possibility of surgical glove puncture, an antimicrobial surgical glove was developed. The aim of this laboratory based experimental study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of the interior chlorhexidine-gluconate (CHG)-coat of an antimicrobial synthetic polyisoprene surgical glove by using a standardized microbiological challenge. METHODS: Sixteen healthy adult participants donned one antimicrobial surgical glove and one non-antimicrobial surgical glove randomly allocated to their dominant and non-dominant hand following a crossover design. During a 2-h wear time, participants performed standardized finger and hand movements. Thereafter, the interior surface of excised fingers of the removed gloves was challenged with 8.00 log10 cfu/mL S. aureus (ATCC 6538) or K. pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), respectively. The main outcome measure was the viable mean log10 cfu counts of the two glove groups after 5 min contact with the interior glove's surface. RESULTS: When comparing an antimicrobial glove against an untreated reference glove after 2-h simulated use wear-time, a mean reduction factor of 6.24 log10 (S. aureus) and 6.22 log10 (K. pneumoniae) was achieved after 5 min contact. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that wearing antibacterial gloves on hands does not negatively impact their antibacterial activity after 2-h of wear. This may have a potential benefit for patient safety in case of glove puncture during surgical procedures.

Hospital admissions for traumatic brain injury of Austrian residents vs. of visitors to Austria.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to compare epidemiology of hospital admissions for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Austrian residents vs. visitors to Austria. METHODS: Data on all hospital admissions due to TBI (ICD-10 codes S06.0-S06.9; years 2009-2011) was provided by the Austrian Statistical Office. Data on Austrian population and on tourism (visitor numbers, nights spent) was retrieved from www.statistik.at . Age, sex, mechanism of injury, season and mortality was analysed for Austrian residents vs. visitors. RESULTS: Visitors contributed 3.9% to the total population and 9.2% of all TBI cases. Incidence of hospital admissions was 292/100,000/year in Austrian residents and was 727/100,000/year in visitors. Male:female ratio was 1.39:1 in Austrian residents and 1.55:1 in visitors. Austrian cases were older than visitors' cases (mean age 41 vs. 28 years). Austrian cases were distributed evenly over the seasons, while 75% of the visitors' cases happened during winter and spring. The most frequently observed causes of TBI in Austrian residents were private accidents, while sports caused almost half of the visitors' cases. Hospital mortality was lower in visitors than in Austrian residents (0.8 vs. 2.1%). CONCLUSION: Sports-related TBI of visitors causes a significant workload for Austrian hospitals. Better prevention is warranted.

Deaths due to traumatic brain injury in Austria between 1980 and 2012.

BACKGROUND: To investigate changes in TBI mortality in Austria during 1980-2012 and to identify causes for these changes. METHODS: Statistik Austria provided data (from death certificates) on all TBI deaths from January 1980-December 2012. Data included year/month of death, age, sex, residency of the cases and mechanism of accident. Data regarding the size of the age groups was obtained from Statistik Austria. Mortality rates (MR; deaths/10(5) population/year) were calculated for male vs. female patients and for different age groups. Changes in mechanisms of TBI were evaluated. RESULTS: The MR decreased from 28.1 to 11.8 deaths/10(5) population/year. Traffic-related TBI deaths decreased from 62% to 9%. This caused a significant decrease in TBI deaths in younger age groups. Fall-related TBI deaths (mostly geriatric cases) remained unchanged. Falls became the leading cause; its rate increased from 22% to 64% of all TBI deaths. Thus, the mean age of fatal TBI cases increased by 20 years and the rate of cases aged <60 years decreased from 71% to 28%. Another important cause was suicide by firearms; its rate increased from 10% to 23% of all TBI deaths. CONCLUSIONS: These findings warrant better prevention of falls in the elderly and of suicides.

The optimal window for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with respect to quadriceps atrophies lies within 21 to 100 days.

PURPOSE: The study's objective was to determine the optimal window for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with respect to quadriceps atrophies and clinical outcome. METHODS: For this retrospective, comparative study, 115 patients aged under 35 were included, who received an ACL reconstruction between 2011 and 2016. They were divided into four groups, depending on the time to surgery, to determine the optimal window for reconstruction: (group 1: ≤21 d, group 2: <21d-56d≥, group 3: >56d-100d≥, group 4: >100d). Follow-up was performed one month postoperatively, after a mean of 4.9 (±5.3) months, and after a mean of 3.5 (±1.4) years. Primary endpoints included quadriceps muscle status, range of motion (ROM), pain, swelling, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), the Lysholm-Score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Tegner-Activity-Scale (TAS). RESULTS: Significantly more quadriceps atrophies were observed in group 1 and group 4, representing reconstructions earlier than 21 and later than 100 days (29% and 41% vs. 9%; p = 0.032). The measurements of knee extension (p = 0.082) and ROM (p = 0.123) were comparable in all groups. Group 1 showed the least pain (0% vs. 15%; p = 0.285) and swelling (0% vs. 23%; p = 0.077) compared to all other groups one month postoperatively. A comparison of postoperative clinical scores revealed no significant differences, with group 1 exhibiting the lowest TAS levels. CONCLUSION: In patients who underwent ACL reconstruction within three weeks or after more than 100 days, a significantly higher incidence of quadriceps atrophy was observed, possibly attributable to the initial inflammatory phase or the delayed reconstruction affecting quadriceps function. However, this impairment may not be observable in elite athletes who undergo reconstruction within hours of the injury.

Traumatic brain injuries caused by traffic accidents in five European countries: outcome and public health consequences.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have been identified by public health organizations as being of major global concern. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe injuries and are in a large part caused by RTA. The objective of this article is to analyse the severity and outcome of TBI caused by RTA in different types of road users in five European countries. METHODS: The demographic, severity and outcome measures of 683 individuals with RTA-related TBI from Austria, Slovakia, Bosnia, Croatia and Macedonia were analysed. Five types of road users (car drivers, car passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians) were compared using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Short-term outcome [intensive care unit (ICU) survival] and last available long-term outcome of patients were analysed. RESULTS: In our data set, 44% of TBI were traffic related. The median age of patients was 32.5 years, being the lowest (25 years) in car passengers. The most severe and extensive injuries were reported in pedestrians. Pedestrians had the lowest rate of ICU survival (60%) and favourable long-term outcome (46%). Drivers had the highest ICU survival (73%) and car passengers had the best long-term outcome (59% favourable). No differences in the outcome were found between countries with different economy levels. CONCLUSION: TBI are significantly associated with RTA and thus, tackling them together could be more effective. The population at highest risk of RTA-related TBI are young males (in our sample median age: 32.5 years). Pedestrians have the most severe TBI with the worst outcome. Both groups should be a priority for public health action.

Bacterial growth kinetics under a novel flexible methacrylate dressing serving as a drug delivery vehicle for antiseptics.

A flexible methacrylate powder dressing (Altrazeal®) transforms into a wound contour conforming matrix once in contact with wound exudate. We hypothesised that it may also serve as a drug delivery vehicle for antiseptics. The antimicrobial efficacy and influence on bacterial growth kinetics in combination with three antiseptics was investigated in an in vitro porcine wound model. Standardized in vitro wounds were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; ATCC 33591) and divided into six groups: no dressing (negative control), methacrylate dressing alone, and combinations with application of 0.02% Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB), 0.4% PHMB, 0.1% PHMB + 0.1% betaine, 7.7 mg/mL Povidone-iodine (PVP-iodine), and 0.1% Octenidine-dihydrochloride (OCT) + 2% phenoxyethanol. Bacterial load per gram tissue was measured over five days. The highest reduction was observed with PVP-iodine at 24 h to log10 1.43 cfu/g, followed by OCT at 48 h to log10 2.41 cfu/g. Whilst 0.02% PHMB resulted in a stable bacterial load over 120 h to log10 4.00 cfu/g over 120 h, 0.1% PHMB + 0.1% betaine inhibited growth during the first 48 h, with slightly increasing bacterial numbers up to log10 5.38 cfu/g at 120 h. These results indicate that this flexible methacrylate dressing can be loaded with various antiseptics serving as drug delivery system. Depending on the selected combination, an individually shaped and controlled antibacterial effect may be achieved using the same type of wound dressing.

Outcome after severe brain trauma associated with epidural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to outcomes after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated with epidural hematoma (EDH). METHODS: Between 02/2002 and 4/2010 17 Austrian centers prospectively enrolled 863 patients with moderate and severe TBI into observational studies. Data on accident, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Data sets from patients who had severe TBI (=Glasgow Coma Scale score <9) and EDH were selected. Six-month outcomes were classified as "favorable" if Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were 5 or 4, and were classified as "unfavorable" if GOS scores were 3 or less. The Rotterdam score was used to classify computed tomography (CT) findings; the scores published by Hukkelhoven et al. (J Neurotrauma 22:1025-1039, 2005) were used to estimate predicted rates of death and of unfavorable outcomes. Univariate (Fisher's exact test, t test, Chi(2)-test) and multivariate (logistic regression) statistics were used to identify factors associated with hospital mortality and favorable outcome. RESULTS: Of the 738 patients with severe TBI 159 (21.5 %) had EDH. Of these, 49 (30.8 %) died in the hospital, 21 (13.2 %) survived with unfavorable outcome, 82 (51.6 %) with favorable outcome; long-term outcome was unknown in 7 survivors (4.4 %). Mortality rates predicted by the Rotterdam score showed good correlation with observed mortality rates. According to the Hukkelhoven scores, observed/predicted ratios for mortality and unfavorable outcome were 0.94 and 0.97, respectively. Age, severity of TBI, and neurological status were the main factors influencing outcomes after severe TBI associated with EDH. We were unable to demonstrate significant effects of treatment factors.

Impact of concomitant injuries on outcomes after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently have concomitant injuries; we aimed to investigate their impact on outcomes. METHODS: Between February 2002 and April 2010, 17 Austrian centers prospectively enrolled 863 patients with moderate and severe TBI into observational studies. Data on accident, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Patients who survived until intensive care unit (ICU) admission and had survivable TBI were selected, and were assigned to "isolated TBI" or "TBI + injury" groups. Six-month outcomes were classified as "favorable" if Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were five or four, and were classified as "unfavorable" if GOS scores were three or less. Univariate statistics (Fisher's exact test, t test, χ(2)-test) and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with hospital mortality and unfavorable outcome. RESULTS: Of the 767 patients, 403 (52.5 %) had isolated TBI, 364 (47.5 %) had concomitant injuries. Patients with isolated TBI had higher mean age (53 vs. 44 years, P = 0.001); hospital mortality (30.0 vs. 27.2 %, P = 0.42) and rate of unfavorable outcome (50.4 vs. 41.8 %, P = 0.02) were higher, too. There were no significant mortality differences for factors like age groups, trauma mechanisms, neurologic status, CT findings, or treatment factors. Concomitant injuries were associated with higher mortality (33.3 vs. 12.5 %, P = 0.05) in patients with moderate TBI, and were significantly associated with more ventilation, ICU, and hospitals days. Logistic regression revealed that age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, pupillary reactivity, severity of TBI and CT score were the main factors that influenced outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant injuries have a significant effect upon the mortality of patients with moderate TBI. They do not affect the mortality in patients with severe TBI.

Fixation of supracondylar femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty: is there any difference comparing angular stable plate fixation versus rigid interlocking nail fixation?

INTRODUCTION: Literature does not provide any reliable comparison between angular stable plate fixation and rigid nail fixation for stabilization of supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare these two implants in clinical practice relating to fracture healing, functional results and treatment-related complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study (level IV), clinical and radiographic records of 86 patients (62 female and 24 male, average age: 75.6) with supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures between 1996 and 2010 were analyzed. 48 patients underwent lateral plate fixation by an angular stable plate system (LISS), whereas 38 patients were stabilized by a rigid interlocking nail device. RESULTS: Sixty-four (76 %) patients returned to their pre-injury activity level and were satisfied with their clinical outcome. We had an overall Oxford outcome score of 2.21, with patients following angular stable plate fixation of 2.22, and patients after rigid nail fixation of 2.20. Successful fracture healing within 6 months was achieved in 74 (88 %) patients. Comparing between plate fixation and nail fixation, statistical analysis did not reveal any significant differences. Overall, we had a relatively high rate of fracture healing and a satisfactory functional outcome with both implants. Both methods of fixation showed similar results relating to the functional outcome and individual satisfaction of the patients. However, with regards to fracture healing and treatment-related complications, intramedullary nail fixation showed slight advantages.

Intracranial pressure monitoring following traumatic brain injury: evaluation of indications, complications, and significance of follow-up imaging-an exploratory, retrospective study of consecutive patients at a level I trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) is an essential part of clinical management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, clinical utility and impact on clinical outcome of ICP monitoring remain controversial. Follow-up imaging using cranial computed tomography (CCT) is commonly performed in these patients. This retrospective cohort study reports on complication rates of ICP measurement in severe TBI patients, as well as on findings and clinical consequences of follow-up CCT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective clinical chart review of severe TBI patients with invasive ICP measurement treated at an urban level I trauma center between January 2007 and September 2017. RESULTS: Clinical records of 213 patients were analyzed. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission was 6 with an intra-hospital mortality of 20.7%. Overall, complications in 12 patients (5.6%) related to the invasive ICP-measurement were recorded of which 5 necessitated surgical intervention. Follow-up CCT scans were performed in 192 patients (89.7%). Indications for follow-up CCTs included routine imaging without clinical deterioration (n = 137, 64.3%), and increased ICP values and/or clinical deterioration (n = 55, 25.8%). Follow-up imaging based on clinical deterioration and increased ICP values were associated with significantly increased likelihoods of worsening of CCT findings compared to routinely performed CCT scans with an odds ratio of 5.524 (95% CI 1.625-18.773) and 6.977 (95% CI 3.262-14.926), respectively. Readings of follow-up CCT imaging resulted in subsequent surgical intervention in six patients (3.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Invasive ICP-monitoring in severe TBI patients was safe in our study population with an acceptable complication rate. We found a high number of follow-up CCT. Our results indicate that CCT imaging in patients with invasive ICP monitoring should only be considered in patients with elevated ICP values and/or clinical deterioration.

Management of Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients with DOAC Therapy-Are the "New" Oral Anticoagulants Really Safer?

(1) Background: In recent years, "new" direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have gradually replaced other antithrombotic therapies. The international literature agrees on the increased mortality for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients using vitamin K antagonists (VKA), but thus far, there are insufficient data on the influence of DOAC on the outcome of TBI. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from all patients who presented with head trauma using antithrombotic therapy. Outcome parameters were the presence of pathologies on the initial CT, occurrence of delayed intracranial hemorrhage, surgical intervention, and death. (3) Results: In total, data of 1169 patients were reviewed. Of those, 1084 (92.7%) had a mild TBI, 67 (5.7%) moderate TBI, and 17 (1.5%) severe TBI. In total, 456 patients (39%) used DOAC and 713 patients (61%) used VKA, antiplatelet therapy, or prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparin at the time of trauma. The groups showed no significant differences in age, injury mechanisms, or GCS at presentation. Overall, the initial cranial CT showed pathologies in 85 patients (7.3%). Twenty-five patients with head trauma and DOAC therapy had pathological findings on CT (5.5%), 11 patients with VKA (4.8%), and 48 patients with antiplatelet therapy (10.6%). There was a statistically significant difference in occurrence of CT pathologies between DOAC alone compared to acetylsalicylic acid (4.9 vs. 10.5%, p = 0.04). Delayed intracranial hemorrhage after an initially negative CT during in-hospital observation occurred in one patient (0.2%) in the DOAC group, two patients (0.9%) in the VKA group, and four patients (0.9%) in the antiplatelet group without statistical significance. Head trauma related surgery was performed in three patients (0.7%) in the DOAC group, two patients (0.9%) in the VKA group, and six patients (1.3%) in the antiplatelet group without statistical significance. Death due to head trauma occurred in four patients (0.9%) of the DOAC group compared to one patient (0.4%) of the VKA group and five patients (1.1%) of the antiplatelet group without statistical significance. (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest a comparable risk of pathological CT findings, delayed intracranial hemorrhage, surgical interventions, and death after blunt head trauma for patients with DOAC compared to VKA, but a lower risk for pathological CT findings compared to platelet inhibitors. As VKA are known to increase mortality, our data suggest that similar caution should be used when treating patients with head trauma and DOAC, but the overall numbers of serious or severe courses after simple falls remain low. We recommend routine CT for all head trauma patients with antithrombotic therapy but the role of in-hospital observation for patients with mild TBI remains a matter of debate.

Effects of gender on outcomes after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that female gender may be an independent risk factor for poor outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goal of this study was to investigate gender differences in outcome after TBI. METHODS: Between February 2002 and April 2010, 17 Austrian centers prospectively enrolled 863 patients with moderate and severe TBI into observational studies. Data on crash, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Data sets from patients who had isolated TBI were selected. Six-month outcomes were classified as "favorable" if Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were 5 or 4 and were classified as "unfavorable" if Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were 3 or less. The Rotterdam score was used to classify computed tomography (CT) findings. Univariate statistics (Fisher's exact test, t test, χ2 test) and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with hospital mortality and favorable outcome. RESULTS: There were 134 female and 305 male patients. Hospital mortality was 39.6% for females and 32.5% for males (p = 0.16). Rates of unfavorable outcome were 58.7% for females and 53.4% for males (p = 0.09). There were no significant mortality differences between females and males for factors such as age groups, trauma mechanisms, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, lesions on the CT scan, or treatment factors. Logistic regression revealed that gender had no significant influence on mortality of unfavorable outcome. The differences in outcome were due to the higher mean age of females (61.4 vs. 50.4, p < 0.001) and possibly because of small differences in Glasgow Coma Scale scores and in CT scores. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender is not an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality after TBI.

Severity and outcome of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with different causes of injury.

INTRODUCTION: Most epidemiological studies and reports have reached a consensus on the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the fact that the area of TBI is relatively well studied, reports on differences in severity and outcome of TBI with different causes are lacking. GOAL: This paper analyses the differences in severity and in short- and long-term outcome of TBIs with different causes. METHOD: This study analysed data on 1109 patients with severe TBI by dividing them into three injury-cause groups: 'traffic-related', 'falls' and 'other causes'. Severity and outcome was evaluated using chosen direct and indirect indicators. RESULTS: The most severe trauma occurred in the traffic-related group followed by falls and injuries with other causes. On the other hand, patients with traffic-related TBI had the best outcome. Age improves the outcome in the traffic-related group significantly. However, in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for age (and other important predictors including level of care) the odds for favourable long-term outcome stayed significantly higher in the traffic-related group. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the causes of TBI should be considered by both clinicians and public health professionals as a lead in prognosis of outcome and policy planning.

Biomechanical comparison of odontoid plate fixation versus odontoid screw fixation.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with statistically significant difference or statistically no significant difference (Level I). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the mechanical stability of odontoid plate fixation, using a specially designed plate construct and to compare the results with those after odontoid single-screw and double-screw fixation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Plate fixation of the odontoid process without C1-C2 is a possible option for the management of odontoid fractures that are not suitable for conventional screw fixation. Although earlier biomechanical works have evaluated the effectiveness of different odontoid screw fixation techniques, no study has quantified the mechanical stability of odontoid fixation by a plate device. METHODS: The second cervical vertebra was removed from 15 fresh human spinal columns. The specimens were fixed to the experimental apparatus with the load cell at the articular surface of the odontoid process. In the first test series, stiffness and failure load of the intact odontoid were measured. Type II odontoid fractures were created by a 45 degree oblique extension loading at the articular surface of the odontoid process. Afterward, the specimens were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 3 groups: in group I (n=5), the fractures were stabilized, using a specially designed plate construct, in group II, the fractures were fixed, using two 3.5 mm cortical screws, and in group III, we used 1 regular 4.5 mm cortical screw. In the second test series, stiffness and failure load of the stabilized odontoid fractures were assessed for comparison and statistical analysis. RESULTS: Group I (plate device) showed a significantly higher mean failure load than group II and group III. The mean failure load of group I, after fixation of the odontoid fracture, was 84% of the mean failure load that was necessary to create a type II odontoid fracture initially. Comparing group II (double screw technique) and group III (single screw technique), there was no significant difference regarding the mean failure load. In both groups, the mean failure load after odontoid fixation was approximately 50% of the mean failure load of the intact odontoid. Statistical analysis also revealed a significantly higher stiffness of the stabilized odontoid after plate fixation than after single- or double-screw fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation of the odontoid process for certain type II odontoid fracture patterns provided a significantly higher biomechanical stability than the technique of odontoid screw fixation. Using a specially designed plate construct fixed with 2 cancellous screws into the body of C2 and an additional cortical screw inserted in the odontoid process, 84% of the original stability of the intact odontoid was restored. Single- or double-screw fixation of the odontoid only restored approximately 50% of the original strength.

Management and Outcome of Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage in 79 Infants and Children from a Single Level 1 Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury is a leading form of pediatric trauma and a frequent cause of mortality and acquired neurological impairment in children. The aim of this study was to present the severity and outcomes of traumatic intracerebral bleeding in children and adolescence. METHODS: Seventy-nine infants and children with intracerebral bleedings were treated between 1992 and 2020 at a single level 1 trauma center. Data regarding accident, treatment and outcomes were collected retrospectively. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to classify the outcome at hospital discharge and at follow-up visits. CT scans of the brain were classified according to the Rotterdam score. RESULTS: In total, 41 (52%) patients with intracerebral bleedings were treated surgically, and 38 (48%) patients were treated conservatively; in 15% of the included patients, delayed surgery was necessary. Patients presenting multiple trauma (p < 0.04), higher ISS (p < 0.01), poor initial neurological status (p < 0.001) and a higher Rotterdamscore (p = 0.038) were significantly more often treated surgically. Eighty-three percent of patients were able to leave the hospital, and out of these patients, about 60% showed good recovery at the latest follow-up visit. Overall, 11 patients (14%) died. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study verified intracerebral bleeding as a rare but serious condition. Patients presenting with multiple traumas, higher initial ISS, poor initial neurological status and a higher Rotterdamscore were more likely treated by surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (researchregistry 2686).

Characteristics and outcome of severe traumatic brain injuries based on occupational status.

PURPOSE: The association of TBI with socioeconomic characteristics of patients has not been studied extensively. The objective of this study was to analyse the differences in injury characteristics and outcome in TBI patients based on their occupational status. METHODS: Data on patients from 13 centres based in Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, injury characteristics, treatment and outcome at various post-injury stages were compared according to occupational status. Logistic regression was used to adjust for the effect of co-variates. ICU mortality, hospital mortality, 6 months mortality, and outcome at 6 months were used as dependent variables. RESULTS: Overall, 886 patients were analysed with a mean age of 45.5 years. High-level falls were most prevalent in the blue-collar group (19%), most low-level falls occurred in the retired group. Traffic accidents were most common in students. The injuries were most severe in the blue-collar group and students. Highest mortalities and unfavourable outcomes were in the retired, students and white-collar workers had the best outcomes. Compared to retired patients, all groups had higher odds of favourable outcome at 6 months after adjusting for co-variates-OR from 2.2 (95% CI 1.1-4.6) for entrepreneurs to 3.6 (95% CI 1.8-7.2) for the blue-collar group. CONCLUSION: Our paper provides clues pertaining specifically to variations in patterns and outcomes of TBI according to occupational status which can inform prevention and planning of services and can serve to plan priorities for further research.

Management and outcome of traumatic subdural hematoma in 47 infants and children from a single center.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent cause of mortality and acquired neurological impairment in children. It is hypothesized, that with the adequate treatment of SDH in children and adolescence, excellent clinical and functional outcomes can be achieved. The aim of this study was to present the severity and outcome of traumatic SDH in children and adolescence as well as to analyze differences between patients treated surgically and conservatively. METHODS: In this study 47 infants and children with a subdural hematoma (SDH) were treated between 1992 and 2010 at a single level-one trauma center. Data regarding accident, treatment and outcomes were collected retrospectively. To classify the outcomes the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) scores at hospital discharge and at follow-up visits were used. Severity of SDH was classified according to the Rotterdam score. RESULTS: In total, 47 cases were treated (21 surgically, 26 conservatively), with 10 patients needing delayed surgery. Overall, 89% of the patients were able to leave hospital, 5 patients died, 2 patients (5%) within 24 h, another 2 (5%) after 48 h and 1 (2%) within 7 days. In 25 patients (53%) a good recovery was recorded at the last follow-up visit. Outcome was mainly influenced by the following factors: age, severity of TBI, and neurological status. Overall, in 70% good clinical and neurological outcomes could be achieved. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed that pediatric SDH is a rare, but serious condition. Despite a poor prognosis, most patients could be treated with good outcomes, given that the choice of treatment is correct. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Research registry 2686.

Epidemiology, treatment and outcome of patients after severe traumatic brain injury in European regions with different economic status.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that the economic status of a region might influence quality of care and outcome of patients with severe brain trauma. METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2005, 13 centres enrolled patients with severe brain trauma. Data on accident, treatment and outcomes were collected prospectively. The regions were classified as 'high income' (Austria, five centres), 'upper middle income' (UMI) (Croatia, Slovakia, six centres) or 'lower middle income' (LMI) (Bosnia, Macedonia, two centres). Data on epidemiology, treatment and outcomes were compared according to this classification. Quality of care was assessed using a new scoring system. RESULTS: A total of 1172 data sets were analysed. Patients from the wealthier regions were significantly older. Low-level falls and traffic accidents contributed to more than two-third of all cases. Violence-related trauma was significantly more frequent in 'middle income' regions. Treatment quality was significantly different; treatment according to guidelines for brain trauma management was provided most frequently for patients from high-income regions. Compared with expected mortality rates, mortality was 6.5% lower in the 'high-income' centres, 2.4% lower in the 'UMI' centres and 13% higher in the 'LMI' centres. Advanced age, poor neurological status, high trauma severity and poor quality of care were associated with significantly lower odds for survival. CONCLUSIONS: The association between the economic status and outcome of brain trauma patients was due to the quality of care. Successful implementation of guidelines for brain trauma management requires a well-funded health care system.