Differences In Mechanism Of Injury Research Articles

Numerical modeling and analysis of neck injury induced by parachute opening shock.

Neck injuries from parachute opening shock (POS) are a concern in skydiving and military operations. This study employs finite element modeling to simulate POS scenarios and assess cervical spine injury risks. Validated against various conditions, including whiplash, the model replicates head/neck kinematics and soft tissue responses. POS simulations capture body/head motions during parachute deployment, indicating minimal risk of severe neck injuries (Abbreviated Injury Score/AIS ≥ 2) and low risk of soft tissue tears. Vertebral stress analysis during a rougher jump highlights high stress at C5/C6 lamina, indicating fracture risk. Comparative analysis with rear impact scenarios reveals distinct strain patterns, with rear impacts showing higher ligament strain, consistent with higher soft tissue damage risk. Though POS simulations exhibit lower strain values, they emphasize similar neck deformation patterns. The model's capability to accurately simulate head and neck movements during parachute openings provides critical validation for its use in assessing injury risks. The study's findings underline the importance of considering specific loading conditions in injury assessments and contribute to refining safety standards for skydiving and military operations. By highlighting the differences in injury mechanisms between POS and rear impacts, this research offers valuable insights into tailored injury mitigation strategies. The results not only enhance our understanding of neck injury mechanisms but also inform the development of protective gear and safety protocols, ultimately aiding in injury prevention for skydivers and military personnel.

Risk factors for dysfunctional elbow stiffness following operative fixation of distal humerus fractures

BackgroundElbow stiffness is one of the most common complications after operative fixation of distal humerus fractures; however, there is relatively limited literature assessing which factors are associated with this problem. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors associated with dysfunctional elbow stiffness in distal humerus fractures after operative fixation. MethodsA retrospective review of all distal humerus fractures that underwent operative fixation (AO/OTA 13A-C) at a single level 1 trauma center from November 2014 to October 2021. A minimum six-month follow-up was required for inclusion or the outcome of interest. Dysfunctional elbow stiffness was defined as a flexion-extension arc of less than 100° at latest follow-up or any patient requiring surgical treatment for limited elbow range of motion. ResultsA total of 110 patients with distal humerus fractures were included in the study: 54 patients comprised the elbow stiffness group and 56 patients were in the control group. Average follow-up of 343 (59 to 2,079) days. Multiple logistic regression showed that orthogonal plate configuration (aOR: 5.70, 95% CI: 1.91-16.99, p=0.002), and longer operative time (aOR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11-3.10, p=0.017) were independently associated with an increased odds of elbow stiffness. OTA/AO 13A type fractures were significantly associated with a decreased odds of stiffness (aOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.80, p=0.026). Among 13C fractures, olecranon osteotomy (aOR: 5.48, 95% CI: 1.08-27.73, p=0.040) was also associated with an increased odds of elbow stiffness. There were no significant differences in injury mechanism, Gustilo-Anderson classification, reduction quality, days to surgery from admission, type of fixation, as well as rates of ipsilateral upper extremity fracture, neurovascular injury, nonunion, or infection between the two groups. ConclusionDysfunctional elbow stiffness was observed in 49.1% of patients who underwent operative fixation of distal humerus fractures in the present study. Orthogonal plate configuration, olecranon osteotomy, and longer operative time were associated with an increased odds of dysfunctional elbow stiffness; however, 13A type fractures were associated with decreased odds of stiffness. Patients with these injuries should be counseled on their risk of stiffness following surgery, and modifiable risk factors like plate positioning and performing an olecranon osteotomy should be considered by surgeons.

Delayed vs Early Admission to Intensive Care: A Retrospective Review of Outcomes and Clinical Indicators of Deterioration Following Trauma.

Unplanned admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is a trauma quality improvement indicator associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and hospital resource usage. We identified demographics, injuries, and other clinical factors between early ICU admission, <72hrs after admission (EAd), and delayed admission, >72hrs (DelAd) from a medical/surgical floor. 146 trauma patients admitted to ICU at a level 1 trauma center from January 2020 to March 2023 met inclusion criteria and were divided into EAd and DelAd. No statistical differences in injury mechanism or severity were observed. Delayed admission demonstrated higher mortality (P = .001), more frequent decline in GCS (P = .045), and initiation of anticoagulation (P = .002). Abnormal EKG, orthopedic surgery during admission, and home anticoagulant and antidepressant use were statistically significant in identifying patients requiring early ICU admission.

Characteristics of Femoral Shaft Fractures That Predict Ipsilateral Femoral Neck Fractures.

This study aims to characterize radiographic features and fracture characteristics in femoral shaft fractures with associated femoral neck fractures, with the goal of establishing predictive indicators for the presence of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures (IFNFs). A retrospective cohort was collected from the electronic medical record of three level I trauma centers over a 5-year period (2017 to 2022) by current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Current CPT codes for combined femoral shaft and IFNFs were identified to generate our study group. CPT codes for isolated femur fractures were identified to generate a control group. One hundred forty patients comprised our IFNF cohort, and 280 comprised the control cohort. On univariate, there were significant differences in mechanism of injury (P < 0.001), Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA)/Arbeitsgemeinshaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification (P = 0.002), and fracture location (P < 0.001) between cohorts. On multivariate, motor vehicle crashes were more commonly associated with IFNFs compared with other mechanism of injuries. OTA/AO 32A fractures were more commonly associated with IFNFs when compared with OTA/AO 32B fractures (adjusted odds ratio = 0.36, P < 0.001). Fractures through the isthmus were significantly more commonly associated with IFNFs than fractures more proximal (adjusted odds ratio = 2.52, P = 0.011). Detecting IFNFs in femoral shaft fractures is challenging. Motor vehicle crashes and motorcycle collisions, OTA/AO type 32A fractures, and isthmus fractures are predictive of IFNFs.

Risk Factors for Pediatric Facial Trauma in an Appalachian Region: An Epidemiological Review at a Single Institution

Rural and low-income pediatric populations are at higher risk for trauma. Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma in this population has not been studied. This study's purpose was to determine if rural populations or low-income populations are at higher risk for pediatric CMF trauma than urban or high-income populations, respectively, and to determine differences in mechanism of injury (MOI). A retrospective cohort study of CMF trauma patients younger than 17 years-old, living in the region served by one institution in Tennessee, and requiring oral and maxillofacial surgery consultation between January 2011 and December 2022 was performed. Exclusion criteria were incomplete medical records. The primary predictor variable was geographic residence of the patient grouped into two categories: rural or urban defined by the state of Tennessee. Secondary variables were postal code (PC) average median household income (MHI) and PC population density. The main outcome variable was pediatric CMF injury rate per 100,000 people. MOI is a secondary outcome variable. Covariates included sex, age, and race. Frequencies and percentages, Fisher's exact test, and Poisson regression models were utilized. Statistical significance was assumed at P-value <.05. Rural or urban county designation was not associated with differing trauma rates (incident risk ratio (IRR)=0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.05; P=.18) by itself. One standard deviation increase in MHI decreased CMF trauma rates in rural designation counties by 24% (IRR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.88) and 6% in urban designation counties (IRR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.02). Lower rates of CMF trauma were associated with residence in higher income PCs (IRR=0.91; 95% (CI) 0.86 to 0.97; P=.004), and higher population density (IRR=0.87; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.94; P<.001). Dog bites and falls were more common in infancy and early childhood. Interpersonal violence was more common in older patients. Patients in PCs with lower population density or incomes were at highest risk for CMF injuries. MOI differences by age were similar to findings in other studies. Tennessee's urban/rural county designation has complex interactions with MHI and pediatric CMF trauma rates.

Racial differences in concussion diagnosis and mechanism of injury among adults presenting to emergency departments across the United States

ABSTRACT Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the association between race and concussion diagnosis as well as the association between race and mechanism of injury (MOI) for concussion diagnoses in adult patients (>19 years old) visiting the emergency department (ED). Methods A retrospective analysis of patient visits to the ED for concussion between 2010 and 2018, using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, was conducted. Outcome measures included concussion diagnosis and MOI. Multivariable and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between race and outcome variables. The results were weighted to reflect population estimates with a significance set at p < 0.05. Results Overall, 714 patient visits for concussions were identified, representing an estimated 4.3 million visits nationwide. Black adults had lower odds of receiving a concussion diagnosis [p < 0.05, Odds Ratio (OR), 0.54; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.38–0.76] compared to White adults in the ED. There were no significant differences in MOI for a concussion diagnosis by race. Conclusion Racial differences were found in the ED for concussion diagnosis. Disparities in concussion diagnosis for Black or other minoritized racial groups could have significant repercussions that may prolong recovery or lead to long-term morbidity.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department attendances for pediatric injuries in Mozambique’s central hospitals: an interrupted time series and a comparison within the restriction periods between 2019 and 2020

ObjectivesHospital-based studies indicate that restriction measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the number and characteristics of pediatric injuries. However, few studies have been conducted in resource-poor countries. This...

Injury Patterns and Hospital Admission After Trauma Among People Experiencing Homelessness

Traumatic injury is a major cause of morbidity for people experiencing homelessness (PEH). However, injury patterns and subsequent hospitalization among PEH have not been studied on a national scale. To evaluate whether differences in mechanisms of injury exist between PEH and housed trauma patients in North America and whether the lack of housing is associated with increased adjusted odds of hospital admission. This was a retrospective observational cohort study of participants in the 2017 to 2018 American College of Surgeons' Trauma Quality Improvement Program. Hospitals across the US and Canada were queried. Participants were patients aged 18 years or older presenting to an emergency department after injury. Data were analyzed from December 2021 to November 2022. PEH were identified using the Trauma Quality Improvement Program's alternate home residence variable. The primary outcome was hospital admission. Subgroup analysis was used to compared PEH with low-income housed patients (defined by Medicaid enrollment). A total of 1 738 992 patients (mean [SD] age, 53.6 [21.2] years; 712 120 [41.0%] female; 97 910 [5.9%] Hispanic, 227 638 [13.7%] non-Hispanic Black, and 1 157 950 [69.6%] non-Hispanic White) presented to 790 hospitals with trauma, including 12 266 PEH (0.7%) and 1 726 726 housed patients (99.3%). Compared with housed patients, PEH were younger (mean [SD] age, 45.2 [13.6] years vs 53.7 [21.3] years), more often male (10 343 patients [84.3%] vs 1 016 310 patients [58.9%]), and had higher rates of behavioral comorbidity (2884 patients [23.5%] vs 191 425 patients [11.1%]). PEH sustained different injury patterns, including higher proportions of injuries due to assault (4417 patients [36.0%] vs 165 666 patients [9.6%]), pedestrian-strike (1891 patients [15.4%] vs 55 533 patients [3.2%]), and head injury (8041 patients [65.6%] vs 851 823 patients [49.3%]), compared with housed patients. On multivariable analysis, PEH experienced increased adjusted odds of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.33; 95% CI, 1.24-1.43) compared with housed patients. The association of lacking housing with hospital admission persisted on subgroup comparison of PEH with low-income housed patients (aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.19). Injured PEH had significantly greater adjusted odds of hospital admission. These findings suggest that tailored programs for PEH are needed to prevent their injury patterns and facilitate safe discharge after injury.

Zone 1 Flexor Tendon Repairs

In contrast to other zones of the hand, zone 1 flexor tendon injuries include laceration as well as avulsion mechanisms. Although zone 1 tendon lacerations are treated similarly to other zones, with various suture configurations and techniques, zone 1 avulsion injuries often require repair of tendon to bone. Proximity of the repair site to the distal interphalangeal joint often results in persistent flexion contracture and stiffness. Despite these differences in injury mechanism and location, zone 1 flexor tendon repairs are well tolerated and often lead to fair-high patient satisfaction.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection after Operative Management of Pilon Fractures

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Pilon fractures are complex injuries that most commonly result from high-energy trauma. The extensive soft tissue damage and high rates of associated infection seen in these injuries remains a challenging concern for surgeons. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) following operative management of pilon fractures. Methods: A retrospective review of all operatively managed pilon fractures at a single level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2019 was performed. Minimum six-month follow-up and skeletal maturity was required for inclusion. Patients with amputation prior to definitive fixation were excluded. SSI consisted of superficial (defined as infection resolving with oral antibiotics) and/or deep infections (defined as return to the operating room for debridement with positive cultures). Patients were grouped based on presence or absence of SSI. Demographics, injury and operative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 279 patients met inclusion criteria for the study, with 40 patients developing SSI (14.3%). Average follow-up was 3.2 years. Patients that developed SSI had a significantly higher proportion of open fractures (47.5% vs 23.4%, p=0.003); however, there were no significant differences in Gustilo-Anderson classification or open wound location compared to controls. The SSI group required significantly higher rates of skin grafts (25.0% vs 4.2%, p&lt;0.001) and muscle flap coverage (20.0% vs 1.7%, p&lt;0.001). Average operative time was significantly longer in the SSI group (283.1 vs. 222.3 minutes, p=0.002). Patients with SSI displayed significantly higher rates of nonunion at six-month follow-up compared to those without SSI (55.0% vs 10.9%, p&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences in mechanism of injury, AO/OTA fracture classification, associated ipsilateral lower extremity injuries, bone grafting, surgical approach, or presence of medial column fixation between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that SSI after pilon fractures can lead to significant morbidity, with 55% of patients having nonunion at six months. Risk factors for SSI in these patients included open fracture, need for soft tissue coverage, and longer operative times. Future multicenter studies are needed to further investigate risk factors for SSI after operative management of pilon fractures.

A traumatic pandemic: High acuity pediatric trauma in the COVID19 era

ObjectiveGaps remain in our understanding on how COVID19 affects trends in pediatric trauma, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity during childhood and adolescence. MethodsWe compared high acuity trauma visits (requiring admission, surgery, or fatality) presenting between March through February 2021 to corresponding months in 2017-2019. We evaluated the differences in mechanisms of injury, age, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a measure of socioeconomic disadvantage, during this time period. Data were analyzed using longitudinal time series analyses and t-tests. ResultsOf 687 traumas presenting from March 2020 through February 2021, 322 were high acuity traumas. High acuity traumas declined significantly to a nadir of 16 in April 2020. High acuity traumas increased and surpassed previous years to a peak of 40 visits in August 2020 and from October through December 2020. There were more visits for high acuity assaults and confirmed or suspected physical child abuse but fewer for falls, drownings, and motor vehicle accidents from March to August 2020 and from October through December 2020 compared to prior years. High acuity assaults and physical child abuse cases on average were from the most disadvantaged areas, and physical child abuse patients were younger during the peak of the Pandemic compared to Pre-Pandemic months. ConclusionThis analysis provides insight into how the COVID19 pandemic has affected high acuity trauma in an inner-city pediatric population. Findings may be used to guide public health measures on safety and injury prevention as the pandemic continues.

Proximal humerus fractures: anatomy, diagnosis and management.

Proximal humeral fractures are common with a bimodal distribution and sex discrepancy, affecting younger men and older women. The presentation of a proximal humeral fracture can vary greatly because of this bimodal distribution and the associated differences in mechanism of injury. Initial management should involve assessment of life- and limb-threatening injuries as outlined by the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma, with particular attention paid to axillary nerve function and vascular status. Initial imaging should involve orthogonal X-rays in three planes to determine fracture characteristics and exclude glenohumeral dislocation. Computed tomography imaging improves interobserver agreement and is the gold standard in determining fracture management. Management depends on fracture pattern, patient functionality and bone stock. Most patients with proximal humeral fractures achieve good functional outcomes via conservative methods (sling support and early, graded mobilisation), although there is a lack of evidence in certain populations, including younger patients. Surgery is required for open fractures and more complex fracture patterns where there is a risk of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, unacceptable impairment of functionality or neurovascular compromise. Surgical techniques can be head-sparing or involve replacement of the humeral head. There are several head-sparing techniques, each with different cost-benefit and complication profiles with no one technique superior to any other. However, improvements in plate technology may render open reduction internal fixation a more suitable technique, particularly in younger patients. Head replacement techniques (hemiarthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty) are indicated when the risk of avascular necrosis is too high or in older patients with osteoporotic bone. In these patients, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is preferred as it achieves better functional results than hemiarthroplasty. Complication rates vary depending on the fracture configuration and the course of management undertaken.

Frontal Sinus Fractures: Evidence and Clinical Reflections.

Background:Despite significant advances in the management of frontal sinus fractures, there is still a paucity of large-cohort data, and a comprehensive synthesis of the current literature is warranted. The purpose of this study was to present an evidence-based overview of frontal sinus fracture management and outcomes.Methods:A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted for studies published between 1992 and 2020 investigating frontal sinus fractures. Data on fracture type, intervention, and outcome measurements were reported.Results:In total, 456 articles were identified, of which 53 met our criteria and were included in our analysis. No statistically significant difference in mechanism of injury, fracture pattern, form of management, or total complication rate was identified. We found a statistically significant increase in complication rates in patients with nasofrontal outflow tract injury compared with those without.Conclusions:Frontal sinus fracture management is a challenging clinical situation, with no widely accepted algorithm to guide appropriate management. Thorough clinical assessment of the fracture pattern and associated injuries can facilitate clinical decision-making.

Penetrating colon trauma-the effect of concomitant small bowel injury on outcome

IntroductionThere is limited evidence to suggest that patients with penetrating colon injury have higher complication rates when there is concomitant small bowel (SB) injury. AimWe performed a retrospective study looking at outcomes of penetrating colonic trauma in patients with- and without concomitant SB injury. MethodsWe interrogated our electronic registry over an eight-year period (2012–2020) for all patients over 18 years who had sustained penetrating colon injury and who had survived beyond 72 h. Demographic data, admission physiology, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were recorded. Two groups of patients were observed: those with colonic injury (no SB injury) and those with combined colon and SB injury. Outcomes observed included leak rates, length of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity and mortality. ResultsA total of 450 patients were eligible for analysis, of which 257 had colon injury without SB injury and 193 had a combination of colon and SB injury. There was no difference in mechanism of injury between groups. Admission physiology was similar between groups but arterial blood gas values were worse in the combined group. Rates of damage control surgery and ICU admission were higher in the combined group. Primary repair was done in equal proportions between groups but anastomosis was more frequently performed in the combined group. There was no difference in complication rates, including gastro-intestinal complications and suture line leaks. Length of ICU stay, LOS, and mortality were similar between groups. Univariable analysis demonstrated that the presence of concomitant small bowel injury was not an independent risk factor for colonic suture line failure or death. ConclusionThere is no evidence from this data that the presence of a combined penetrating colon and SB injury should change management priorities. Each injury should be treated on its own merit, in the context of the patient's physiology.

Mechanisms of Injury Among the Amish Population in Central Pennsylvania.

Individuals presenting with traumatic injury in rural populations have significantly different injury patterns than those in urban environments. With an increasing Amish population, totaling over 33000 in our catchment area, their unique way of life poses additional factors for injury. This study aims to evaluate differences in mechanism of injury, location of injury, and demographic patterns within the Amish population. We hypothesize that there will be an increased incidence of agriculture-related mechanisms of injury. All Amish trauma patients presenting to our level I trauma center over 20years (1/2000-4/2020) were retrospectively analyzed. Mechanism and geographic location of injury were collected. Demographic and clinical variables were compared between the age groups. There were 1740 patients included in the study with 36.4% (n = 634) ≤ 14years. Only 10% (n = 174) were ≥ 65years. The most common mechanism across all ages was falls. However, when separating out the pediatric population ( ≤ 14years), 27.8% (n = 60) fell from a height on average > 8-10 feet. The most common geographic location of injury was at home in all age groups, except for the 15-24year group, which was roadways. The Amish population poses a unique set of mechanisms of injury and thus injury patterns to rural trauma centers. We have found the most common injuries to be falls, buggy accidents, animal-related injuries, and farming accidents across all age groups. Future research and collaboration with other rural trauma centers treating large Amish populations would be beneficial to maximize injury prevention in this population. Level 3a, epidemiological.

Traumatic Brain Injury–Related Hospitalizations and Deaths in Urban and Rural Counties—2017

A better understanding of differences in traumatic brain injury incidence by geography may help inform resource needs for local communities. This paper presents estimates on traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations and deaths by urban and rural county of residence. To estimate the incidence of traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations, data from the 2017 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample were analyzed (n=295,760). To estimate the incidence of traumatic brain injury-related deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System multiple-cause-of-death files were analyzed (n=61,134). Datasets were stratified by residence, sex, principal mechanism of injury, and age group. Traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations were also stratified by insurance status and hospital location. The rate of traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations was significantly higher among urban (70.1 per 100,000 population) than rural residents (61.0), whereas the rate of traumatic brain injury-related deaths was significantly higher among rural (27.5) than urban residents (17.4). These patterns held for both sexes, individuals age 55 and older, and within the leading mechanisms of injury (ie, suicide, unintentional falls). Among patients with Medicare or Medicaid, the rate of traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations was higher among urban residents; there was no urban/rural difference with other types of insurance. Nearly all (99.6%) urban residents who were hospitalized for a traumatic brain injury received care in an urban hospital. Additionally, approximately 80.3% of rural residents were hospitalized in an urban hospital. Urban residents had a higher rate of traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations, whereas rural residents had a higher rate of traumatic brain injury-related deaths. This disparity deserves further study using additional databases that assess differences in mechanisms of injury and strategies to improve access to emergency care among rural residents.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma: Experiences From a National Tertiary Referral Centre.

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on daily life. Restrictions imposed to help minimise virus transmission have limited both population movement and employment, as well as altering the potential mechanisms of high-energy trauma. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pelvic and acetabular trauma.Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study of the incidence, causality, patient profile, fracture morphology, and treatment strategy of pelvic and acetabular trauma managed in a national tertiary referral specialist pelvic and acetabular centre between the 1st of March and 1st of August 2020 was undertaken and compared to corresponding time periods in the two preceding years.ResultsA total of 78 patients were referred for management following pelvic and acetabular trauma during the study period with a mean age of 52 years (SD +/- 24.2). Overall, 45% and 42% of patients were referred following isolated pelvic or acetabular fractures respectively. The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall from height (>1m) (42%), with 53% of patients suffering from concomitant injuries and 32% requiring surgical management. While there was a statistically significant difference in mechanism of injury (P=0.026), there was no significant difference in overall incidence, fracture types, incidence of concomitant injuries, or overall proportion requiring surgical intervention during the study period when compared to previous years.ConclusionWhile some variation in the mechanisms of injury have been observed, the overall incidence, patient, fracture, and injury profiles associated with pelvic and acetabular trauma appear to have remained consistent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the number and proportion of those requiring surgical treatment of these fractures have remained stable. Understanding the continued burden of these potentially severe injuries may help guide injury prevention, treatment, and resource allocation as the pandemic continues.

Association between COVID-19 public health interventions and major trauma presentation in the northern region of New Zealand.

BackgroundThe New Zealand government implemented restrictive public health interventions to eradicate Covid‐19. Early reports suggest that one downstream ramification is a change in trauma presentations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect these public health measures had on major trauma admissions in the Northern Region, New Zealand.MethodsA retrospective comparative cohort study was performed. Two cohorts were identified: 16 March to 8 June 2020 and the same period in 2019. Data was extracted from the New Zealand Major Trauma Registry which prospectively collects data on all major trauma in New Zealand. All patients who presented to a hospital in the Northern Region with major trauma and met the Registry inclusion criteria were included.ResultsThere were 163 major trauma admissions in 2019 and 123 in 2020, a reduction of 25% (rate ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.6–0.95; P = 0.018). There was no significant difference in mechanism of injury (P = 0.442), type of injury (P = 0.062) or intent of injury (P = 0.971). There was a significant difference in place of injury (P = 0.004) with 20% of injuries happening at home in 2019 compared with 35% in 2020.ConclusionThis study has shown that public health interventions to prevent the spread of COVID‐19 reduced major trauma admissions in the Northern Region of New Zealand. There was a variation in effect a between institutions within the region and a change in pattern of injury.

Pathways and factors that influence time to definitive trauma care for injured children in New South Wales, Australia

BackgroundTimely definitive paediatric trauma care influences patient and parental physical and emotional outcomes. New South Wales (NSW) covers a large geographical area with all three NSW paediatric trauma centres (PTC) located in two approximated major cities, meaning it is inevitable that some injured children receive initial treatment locally and then require transfer. Little is known about the factors that then impact timely arrival of injured children to definitive care. MethodsThis included children admitted between July 2015 and September 2016, <16 years with an injury severity (ISS) ≥9; or requiring intensive care admission; or deceased following injury. Children were identified through the three PTCs, NSW Trauma Registry and NSW Medical Retrieval Registry. ResultsThere were 593 children admitted following injury and 46% required transfer to a PTC. There was no significant difference in age, ISS, ICU admission or head injury (AIS >2) between transferred and directly transported cohorts. There were significant differences in mechanism of injury between the two groups (χ2(9) = 45.9, p < 0.001). The median (IQR) time to book a transfer from arrival at the referring facility, was 146.5 (86–238) minutes. Time from injury to arrival at the PTC more than doubled for children transferred, with significant and unwarranted variability between transporting agencies resulting in unwarranted delays to surgical intervention. For example, time spent at the referring facility by Aeromedical Retrieval Service was less than half that of the Newborn & paediatric Emergency Transport Service [53 (IQR:47–61) vs 115 (84–155) minutes (p <0.001)]. ConclusionClinicians caring for paediatric trauma patients in facilities outside trauma centres require the capability and opportunity to identify and notify early those requiring transfer for ongoing management. The provision of a streamlined referral and transfer process for all paediatric trauma patients requiring treatment in NSW PTCs would reduce the burden on the referring facility, reduce variation amongst transport providers and improve time to definitive care.

The ICON Trauma Study: the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on major trauma workload in the UK

BackgroundThe global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has impacted population health and care delivery worldwide. As information emerges regarding the impact of “lockdown measures” and changes to clinical practice worldwide; there is no comparative information emerging from the United Kingdom with regard to major trauma.MethodsThis observational study from a UK Major Trauma Centre matched a cohort of patients admitted during a 10-week period of the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic (09/03/2020–18/05/2020) to a historical cohort of patients admitted during a similar time period in 2019 (11/03/2019–20/05/2019). Differences in demographics, Clinical Frailty Scale, SARS-CoV-2 status, mechanism of injury and injury severity were compared using Fisher’s exact and Chi-squared tests. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined the associated factors that predicted 30-days mortality.ResultsA total of 642 patients were included, with 405 in the 2019 and 237 in the 2020 cohorts, respectively. 4/237(1.69%) of patients in the 2020 cohort tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. There was a 41.5% decrease in the number of trauma admissions in 2020. This cohort was older (median 46 vs 40 years), had more comorbidities and were frail (p < 0.0015). There was a significant difference in mechanism of injury with a decrease in vehicle related trauma, but an increase in falls. There was a twofold increased risk of mortality in the 2020 cohort which in adjusted multivariable models, was explained by injury severity and frailty. A positive SARS-CoV-2 status was not significantly associated with increased mortality when adjusted for other variables.ConclusionPatients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic were older, frailer, more co-morbid and had an associated increased risk of mortality.