Carbon footprint in trauma surgery, is there a way to reduce it?

BACKGROUND: Inhaled anaesthetic agents like sevoflurane contribute for approximately 5% to healthcare's carbon footprint. Previous studies suggested that the use of these agents should be minimized. Although multiple trauma surgeries can be performed under regional anaesthesia, most are performed under general anaesthesia. This study aims to evaluate the environmental benefits of using regional anaesthesia over general anaesthesia and to compare the associated complication rates. METHODS: This retrospective study included all trauma patients (≥ 18 years) who underwent surgical intervention for hand, wrist, hip, or ankle fractures from 2017 to 2021. The hypothetical environmental gain was calculated based on the assumption that all surgeries were performed under regional anaesthesia. Complication rates were compared between regional and general anaesthesia. RESULTS: Of the 2,714 surgeries, 15% were hand, 26% wrist, 36% hip, and 23% ankle fractures. General anaesthesia was used in 95%, regional in 5%. Switching this 95% to regional anaesthesia would reduce the sevoflurane use by 92 k, comparable to driving 406,553 km by car. The complication rate was higher with general anaesthesia compared to regional (7.7% vs 6.9%, p = 0.75). CONCLUSION: The potential gain of the reduction of sevoflurane in trauma surgeries which can be performed under regional anaesthesia can be significant.

Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaires: Exploring Responsiveness and Diagnostic Performance in a Sample of Outpatients with and without Hand and Wrist Complaints.

Objective The present study aimed to verify whether, in an adult population with nontraumatic complaints in the upper limbs, (1) the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) are susceptible to a "ceiling effect" when compared with a sample of healthy subjects; and (2) to determine cutoff points for diagnostic performance and the intercorrelation for DASH and MHQ in both samples. Methods This was a prospective, comparative, nonrandomized study. In total, 150 subjects were included, with 75 in the case group (with disease) and 75 in the control group (without disease). This was a sample of patients recently admitted to a hand surgery outpatient clinic. Controls were matched to clinical cases according to inclusion. The ceiling effect was determined by a maximum response rate (> 15%); receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined cutoff points for sickness definition, and DASH and MHQ sensitivity and specificity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The DASH and MHQ questionnaires had no ceiling effect for the case group. In this group, 18 (24%) patients had the maximum DASH score, but none (0%) had the maximum MHQ score. For the control group, 1 (1.33%) subject had the maximum DASH score, but none scored for MHQ. For case determination, DASH scores of 7.1 had 80% sensitivity and 60.3% specificity, whereas MHQ scores of 76.9 had 56.2% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity. Conclusion The DASH and MHQ questionnaires are reliable tools to measure the impact of hand and wrist morbidities on daily activities, and they are not susceptible to ceiling effects. The DASH questionnaire is more sensitive for patient identification, whereas the MHQ is more specific. As such, the MHQ seems more appropriate when a more specific functional increase is expected.

What trauma patients need: the European dilemma.

There is a need for implementation and maturation of an inclusive trauma system in every country in Europe, with patient centered care by dedicated surgeons. This process should be initiated by physicians and medical societies, based on the best available evidence, and supported and subsequently funded by the government and healthcare authorities. A systematic approach to organizing all aspects of trauma will result in health gain in terms of quality of care provided, higher survival rates, better functional outcomes and quality of life. In addition, it will provide reliable data for both research, quality improvement and prevention programs. Severely injured patients need surgeons with broad technical and non-technical competencies to provide holistic, inclusive and compassionate care. Here we describe the philosophy of the surgical approach and define the necessary skills for trauma, both surgical and other, to improve outcome of severely injured patients. As surgery is an essential part of trauma care, surgeons play an important role for the optimal treatment of trauma patients throughout and after their hospital stay, including the intensive care unit (ICU). However, in most European countries, it might not be obvious to either the general public, patients or even the physicians that the surgeon must assume this responsibility in the ICU to optimize outcomes. The aim of this paper is to define key elements in terms of trauma systems, trauma-specific surgical skills and active critical care involvement, to organize and optimize trauma care in Europe.

Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaires: Exploring Responsiveness and Diagnostic Performance in a Sample of Outpatients with and without Hand and Wrist Complaints / Questionários Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand e Michigan Hand: Explorando a responsividade e performance diagnóstica em amostra de pacientes ambulatoriais com e sem queixas nas mãos e punho

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to verify whether, in an adult population with nontraumatic complaints in the upper limbs, (1) the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) are susceptible to a "ceiling effect" when compared with a sample of healthy subjects; and (2) to determine cutoff points for diagnostic performance and the intercorrelation for DASH and MHQ in both samples. Methods This was a prospective, comparative, nonrandomized study. In total, 150 subjects were included, with 75 in the case group (with disease) and 75 in the control group (without disease). This was a sample of patients recently admitted to a hand surgery outpatient clinic. Controls were matched to clinical cases according to inclusion. The ceiling effect was determined by a maximum response rate (> 15%); receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined cutoff points for sickness definition, and DASH and MHQ sensitivity and specificity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The DASH and MHQ questionnaires had no ceiling effect for the case group. In this group, 18 (24%) patients had the maximum DASH score, but none (0%) had the maximum MHQ score. For the control group, 1 (1.33%) subject had the maximum DASH score, but none scored for MHQ. For case determination, DASH scores of 7.1 had 80% sensitivity and 60.3% specificity, whereas MHQ scores of 76.9 had 56.2% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity. Conclusion The DASH and MHQ questionnaires are reliable tools to measure the impact of hand and wrist morbidities on daily activities, and they are not susceptible to ceiling effects. The DASH questionnaire is more sensitive for patient identification, whereas the MHQ is more specific. As such, the MHQ seems more appropriate when a more specific functional increase is expected.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar se, em uma população adulta com queixa não traumática dos membros superiores, (1) os questionários Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH, na sigla em inglês) e Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ, na sigla em inglês) estão suscetíveis ao "efeito de teto", comparando com amostra de não-doentes; (2) determinar pontos de corte de performance diagnóstica e correlação interquestionários para DASH e MHQ em ambas as amostras. Método Estudo prospectivo, comparativo e não randomizado. Incluímos 150 pacientes, 75 no grupo caso (com doença) e 75 no grupo controle (sem doença). Trata-se de amostra de pacientes recém-admitidos em ambulatório de cirurgia da mão. Os controles foram pareados de forma balanceada de acordo com a inclusão dos casos. Determinamos a presença de efeito de teto por meio da taxa de respostas máximas (> 15%) e associamos curvas receiver operating characteristic (ROC, na sigla em inglês) para a determinação de pontos de corte para a determinação de doentes, associados a medidas de sensibilidade e especificidade. Consideramos p < 0.05 para significância estatística. Resultados Os questionários DASH e MHQ não demonstraram o efeito de teto para o grupo com doença. A porcentagem de pacientes do grupo caso com nota máxima foi de n = 18 (24%) no DASH e de 0% no MHQ. Para o grupo sem doença, 1 (1,33%) dos participantes pontuou com nota máxima para DASH, enquanto nenhum pontuou para o MHQ. Na determinação de casos, escores de DASH de 7,1 apresentam sensibilidade de 80% e especificidade de 60,3%. Para o MHQ, um escore de 76,9 apresenta sensibilidade de 56,2% e especificidade de 97,3%. Conclusão Os questionários DASH e MHQ são ferramentas confiáveis na mensuração do impacto das morbidades das mãos e dos punhos nas atividades diárias dos pacientes e não são suscetíveis a efeito de teto. O questionário DASH é mais sensível para a identificação de doentes, enquanto o MHQ é mais específico. Em situações nas quais se espera um incremento funcional mais discreto (ou mais específico), o MHQ parece mais adequado.

Anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: a logical approach.

We describe the surgical approach that we have used over the last years for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, highlighting the importance of arthroscopic viewing through the anteromedial portal (AMP) and femoral tunnel drilling through an accessory anteromedial portal (AMP). The AMP allows direct view of the ACL femoral insertion site on the medial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, does not require guides for anatomic femoral tunnel reaming, prevents an additional lateral incision in the distal third of the thigh (as would be unavoidable when the outside-in technique is used) and also can be used for double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Descrevemos a abordagem cirúrgica que vimos usando nos últimos anos para a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e destacamos a importância da visualização artroscópica pelo portal anteromedial e perfuração do túnel femoral por um portal anteromedial acessório, para que a reconstrução seja realmente anatômica. Essa via permite a observação direta da inserção femoral do LCA na face medial do côndilo femoral lateral, não necessita de guias para a criação do túnel femoral anatômico, dispensa a necessidade de incisão no terço distal e lateral da coxa, como é inevitável quando a perfuração do túnel femoral é feita outside-in, e permite, também, a reconstrução do LCA com dupla banda.

Economic and humanistic burden of post-trauma and post-surgical neuropathic pain among adults in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain (NeP) can be chronic, debilitating, and can interfere with sleep, functioning, and emotional well being. While there are multiple causes of NeP, few studies have examined the disease burden and treatment patterns associated with post-traumatic/post-surgical (PTPS) NeP. OBJECTIVE: To characterize pain, health status, function, health care resource utilization, lost productivity, and costs among subjects with PTPS NeP in the United States. METHODS: This observational study enrolled 100 PTPS NeP subjects recruited during routine visits from general practitioner and specialist sites. Subjects completed a one-time questionnaire with validated measures of pain severity and pain interference, health status, sleep, anxiety and depression, productivity, and study-specific items on demographics, employment status, and out-of-pocket expenses. Investigators completed a case report form based on a 6-month retrospective chart review, recording subjects' clinical characteristics as well as current and previous medications/treatments for NeP. Subjects were stratified into mild, moderate, and severe pain groups. RESULTS: Subjects' demographic characteristics were: mean age of 54.9 years, 53% female, and 22% employed for pay. Mean pain severity score was 5.6 (0-10 scale), with 48% and 35% classified as having moderate and severe pain, respectively. The mean number of comorbidities increased with greater pain severity (P = 0.0009). Patient-reported outcomes were worse among PTPS NeP subjects with more severe pain, including pain interference with function, health state utility, sleep, and depression (P < 0.0001). Eighty-two percent of subjects were prescribed two or more NeP medications. The total mean annualized adjusted direct and indirect costs per subject were $11,846 and $29,617, respectively. Across pain severity levels, differences in annualized adjusted direct and indirect costs were significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: PTPS NeP subjects reported high pain scores, which were associated with poor health utility, sleep, mood, and function, as well as high health care resource utilization and costs. The quality of life impact and costs attributable to PTPS NeP suggest an unmet need for effective and comprehensive management.

Reconstrução anatômica do ligamento cruzado anterior: uma abordagem lógica / Anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: a logical approach

Descrevemos a abordagem cirúrgica que vimos usando nos últimos anos para a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e destacamos a importância da visualização artroscópica pelo portal anteromedial e perfuração do túnel femoral por um portal anteromedial acessório, para que a reconstrução seja realmente anatômica. Essa via permite a observação direta da inserção femoral do LCA na face medial do côndilo femoral lateral, não necessita de guias para a criação do túnel femoral anatômico, dispensa a necessidade de incisão no terço distal e lateral da coxa, como é inevitável quando a perfuração do túnel femoral é feita outside-in, e permite, também, a reconstrução do LCA com dupla banda.

We describe the surgical approach that we have used over the last years for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, highlighting the importance of arthroscopic viewing through the anteromedial portal (AMP) and femoral tunnel drilling through an accessory anteromedial portal (AMP). The AMP allows direct view of the ACL femoral insertion site on the medial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, does not require guides for anatomic femoral tunnel reaming, prevents an additional lateral incision in the distal third of the thigh (as would be unavoidable when the outside-intechnique is used) and also can be used for double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Tratamento das áreas cruentas de perna com retalhos locais / Treatment of open wounds of the leg by using local flaps

INTRODUÇÃO: Até os anos 70, a reparação de perdas de substância na perna representava, quase sempre, um problema de solução muito difícil ou, até, insolúvel. Atualmente, embora ainda constitua um campo para os mais experientes, as áreas cruentas na perna já contam com várias técnicas confiáveis e algumas relativamente simples para sua reparação. Este trabalho visa equacionar condutas reparadoras de feridas de perna, utilizando tecidos locais. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo pela análise de casos de reconstrução de perna com retalhos locais realizados pelos autores. Foram incluídos os retalhos dermoadiposos, fasciocutâneos, fasciossubcutâneos e musculares. RESULTADOS: Foram operados 70 pacientes que possuíam áreas cruentas na perna, em consequência de fratura de tíbia, osteomielite, perda tecidual isquêmica, úlcera crônica e tumoração de pele. Os resultados foram avaliados segundo etiologia, tipo de procedimento cirúrgico e complicações. CONCLUSÕES: A opção do tratamento de áreas cruentas de membros inferiores com retalhos locais é bastante válida. A escolha do retalho vai depender de condições locais da perna e da região anatômica afetada. No terço superior da perna, utilizamos retalhos fasciocutâneos baseados na rede vascular do joelho ou retalho de gastrocnêmio. Já no médio, os principais retalhos foram o solear e o fasciossubcutâneo de panturrilha. E, por fim, no inferior, o principal retalho usado foi o fasciossubcutâneo de panturrilha.

INTRODUCTION: Until the 70s, repairing loss of tissue in the leg was almost always difficult, or even impossible. Currently, only the most experienced surgeons are able to repair open wounds of the leg. Nevertheless, several reliable and simple techniques are currently available. This work aimed to evaluate repair techniques for leg wounds by using local tissues. METHOD: The authors performed a retrospective study of cases of leg reconstruction using local flaps. Dermoadipose, fasciocutaneous, fasciosubcutaneous, and muscle flaps were used. RESULTS: Seventy patients who had open areas in the leg due to tibial fractures, osteomyelitis, ischemic tissue loss, chronic ulcer, or skin tumor underwent surgery. Results were evaluated according to etiology, type of surgical procedure, and complications. CONCLUSIONS: The option of treating open wounds of the lower limbs by using local flaps is very valid. Selection of the flap type depended on local conditions in the leg, and the anatomical region affected. In the upper third of the leg, we used fasciocutaneous flaps, based on the vascular network of the knee, or gastrocnemius flaps. In the middle third of the leg, we used the soleus muscle as the primary flap, and fasciosubcutaneous flaps in the calf region. In the lower third of the leg, a fasciosubcutaneous flap of the calf was primarily used.

Reconstruções complexas de membros superiores e inferiores com retalhos de fluxo reverso: uma série de 32 casos / Complex reconstruction of the upper and lower limbs by using reverse-flow flaps: a series of 32 cases

Introdução: A reconstrução de partes moles após perdas de substância do terço distal dos membros superiores e inferiores, principalmente quando associada à exposição de estruturas nobres (osso, tendão, nervos ou vasos sanguíneos), continua a desafiar a cirurgia plástica. Os retalhos fasciocutâneos de fluxo reverso são uma eficiente opção cirúrgica na cobertura de lesões pequenas e médias nesta localização. Método: Foi realizado um estudo clínico retrospectivo, no período de janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2014, de uma série de 32 casos de traumas complexos em membros superiores e inferiores. Resultados: Foram realizados 24 retalhos de fluxo reverso nos membros inferiores e 8 nos membros superiores, observando-se uma cobertura eficaz dos defeitos. Conclusão: Os retalhos de fluxo reverso são confiáveis e apresentam arcos de rotação que permitem a cobertura de lesões diversas no terço distal de membros superiores e inferiores.

Introduction: Reconstruction of the soft tissues after loss of substance in the distal third of the upper and lower limbs, in particular when associated with the exposure of noble structures (bone, tendon, nerves, or blood vessels), remains a challenge in plastic surgery. Fasciocutaneous reverse flow flaps are an efficient surgical option for covering small and medium lesions in this location. Method: A retrospective clinical study was performed on a series of 32 cases of complex trauma of the upper and lower limbs treated between January 2013 and December 2014. Results: A total of 24 reverse-flow flaps were performed in the lower limbs and eight in the upper limbs, resulting in efficient coverage of the defects. Conclusion: Reverse-flow flaps are reliable and present rotation arcs that allow coverage of a variety of lesions in the distal third of the upper and lower limbs.