Level-1 Trauma Center Research Articles

Incidental Findings Protocol Implementation at a Level-I Trauma Center: A Review of Patient Follow-Up.

Pan scanning in trauma patients has become routine, resulting in increased identification of incidental findings (IF), findings unrelated to the reason for the scan. This has posed a conundrum of ensuring patients have appropriate follow-up for these findings. We sought to evaluate our compliance and follow-up for patients after implementation of an IF protocol at our level-I trauma center. We performed a retrospective review from 9/2020 to 4/2021, to encompass before and after protocol implementation. Patients were separated into PRE and POST groups. Charts were reviewed evaluating several factors including three- and six-month follow-ups on IF. Data were analyzed comparing PRE and POST groups. A total of 1989 patients were identified, 31.22% (n = 621) with an IF. 612 patients were included in our study. Compared to PRE, POST showed a significant increase in PCP notification (35% vs 22%, P < .001) and patient notification (82% vs 65%, P < .001). As a result, patient follow-up regarding IF at six months was significantly higher in POST (44%) v. PRE (29%), (P < .001). There was no difference in follow-up based on insurance carrier. There was no difference in patient age for PRE (63y) and POST (66y) overall, (P = .089); nor in age of patients who followed up; 68.8 PRE vs 68.2 years POST (P = .819). Implementation of an IF protocol with patient and PCP notification was significantly improved in overall patient follow-up for category one and two IF. Utilizing the results of this study, the protocol will be further revised to improve patient follow-up.

Clinic follow-up of orthopaedic trauma patients during and after the post-surgical global period: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundInsurance status is important as medical expenses may decrease the likelihood of follow-up after musculoskeletal trauma, especially for low-income populations. However, it is unknown what insurance factors are associated with follow-up care. In this study, we assessed the association between insurance plan benefits, the end of the post-surgical global period, and follow-up after musculoskeletal injury.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of 394 patients with isolated extremity fractures who were treated at three level-I trauma centers over four months in 2018. Paired t-tests were utilized to assess the likelihood of follow-up in relation to the 90-day post-surgical global period. Regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with the likelihood of follow-up. Supervised machine learning algorithms were used to develop predictive models of follow-up after the post-surgical global period.ResultsOur final analysis included 328 patients. Likelihood of follow-up did not significantly change while within the post-surgical global period. When comparing follow-up within and outside of the post-surgical global period, there was a 20.1% decrease in follow-up between the 6-weeks and 6-month time points (68.3% versus 48.2%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Medicaid insurance compared to Medicare (OR 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.09, 0.84], p = 0.02) was a predictor of decreased likelihood of follow-up at 6-months post-operatively.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in follow-up for orthopaedic trauma patients after the post-surgical global period, particularly for patients with Medicaid or Private insurance.

Distal femur nonunion: Risk factors and validation of RUST scores

Abstract Objectives: (1) The purpose of this study was to investigate immediate postoperative weight-bearing status and other potential risk factors for nonunion after locked plating of distal femur fractures and (2) to compare clinical and radiographic union using the previously validated Radiographic Union Scale for Tibia (RUST) and modified RUST scores. Design: This is a retrospective cohort analysis. Setting: Academic Level-1 trauma center. Patients/Participants: Ninety patients with distal femur fractures (OTA/AO 33-A, including periprosthetic) treated with lateral locked plating over a 10-year period. Intervention: Distal femur fracture fixation with lateral locked plating; surgical intervention to facilitate bone healing in cases of nonunion. Main Outcome Measurements: Nonunion rate, construct rigidity scores, RUST, and modified RUST scores. Results: Seventy-eight of 90 patients (87%) achieved clinical union (13% nonunion rate). Rigidity score was significantly associated with risk of nonunion (P = 0.003). No significant association was detected between nonunion and postoperative weight-bearing status (P = 0.77) or other previously identified risk factors. Patients who achieved fracture union had significantly higher mean (SD) RUST (10.67 [1.37] vs. 6.53 [1.48], P &lt; 0.001) and modified RUST (13.47 [2.20] vs. 6.94 [1.79], P &lt; 0.001) scores than patients who developed nonunion. Sensitivity (Sn) analyses identified a RUST score threshold of 9 for diagnosing clinical union (Sn 93.6% and specificity [Sp] 91.7%) and a modified RUST score threshold of 8 (Sn 93.6%, Sp 91.7%). Conclusions: Immediate postoperative weight-bearing status does not seem to affect nonunion rates. We observed a statistically significant association between rigidity score and nonunion. This study supports the utility of the RUST and modified RUST scores in distal femur metaphyseal fractures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV.

Prevalence of Missed Injuries in Multiple Trauma Patients at a Level-1 Trauma Center in Saudi Arabia.

Background Missed injuries are defined as injuries neither detected in the emergency department (ED) nor after admission to the hospital. The objective of this research was to identify missed injury rates, contributing factors, and clinical outcomes. Methods A total of 657 trauma patients' records were retrospectively reviewed after admission to King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) during the period from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients' demographic characteristics, presence of a missed injury, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were assessed. Results Among 657 patients who were admitted to our emergency department, only 11 (1.7%) patients were reported to have a missed injury during the hospital stay. None of those missed injuries contributed to the overall mortality. Higher GCS is a protective factor for missed injury with OR=0.12-0.81 and p-value=0.01. RTS and intensive care unit (ICU) stays were borderline although p-value=0.05 and OR=9 for RTS. Both longer ICU stays and high RTS were related to a higher risk of missed injury. Conclusion In our study, the prevalence of missed injuries was on the lower end of the spectrum in comparison to multiple published data. The most common missed injuries were fractures and joint dislocations of extremities. None of those missed injuries were life-threatening or contributed to overall mortality. Higher GCS was a protective factor against missed injurieswhile high RTS and longer ICU stays were related to a higher likelihood of developing missed injuries during the hospital course.

Is routine re-imaging for high-grade renal injury needed? Retrospective analysis of 1500 abdominal trauma patients from a tertiary care trauma center over 11years.

The AUA and EAU guidelines recommend re-imaging in high-grade renal trauma, regardless of the clinical findings. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of re-imaging on the overall management and outcomes in these patients. The trauma registry of our tertiary care Level-1 trauma center was reviewed from January 2007 till October 2018. Out of 1536 patients with abdominal trauma, 174 patients with isolated renal injury were identified. Renal injuries were classified based on the AAST classification. Variables retrieved were demographics, renal injury grade, presence of urinoma, repeated imaging findings, and intervention after initial and repeated imaging. Low-grade injury was found in 78.7% (137/174) compared to 21.3% (37/174) with high-grade injury. The majority (n = 136) of low-grade patients were managed conservatively except one patient with Grade III injury required angioembolization after initial imaging. Of the high-grade patients, 31/37 were treated conservatively except 6/37 patients required surgical intervention after initial imaging. Following re-imaging, only one patient required surgical intervention in the form of insertion of a drainage tube for a hematoma, which was possibly infected. The existence of urinoma (5 patients) or hematoma (47 patients) was not associated with significantly higher rate of intervention (p values: 0.717 and 0.138, respectively). No significant association was noted between hematoma size and rate of intervention (p value = 0.055). Re-imaging for high-grade renal injuries could be limited to the presence of urinary extravasation in initial imaging or the presence of clinical deterioration such as pain, fever or decrease in hemoglobin level.

Variation in hospice use among trauma centers may impact analysis of geriatric trauma outcomes: An analysis of 1,961,228 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services hospitalizations from 2,317 facilities.

Defining discharges to hospice as "deaths" is vital for properly assessing trauma center outcomes. This is critical with older patients as a higher proportion is discharged to hospice. The goals of this study were to measure rates of hospice use, evaluate hospice discharge rates by trauma center level, and identify variables affecting hospice use in geriatric trauma. Patients from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Inpatient Standard Analytical Files for 2017 to 2019, 65 years or older, with ≥1 injury International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision , code, at hospitals with ≥50 trauma patients per year were selected. Total deaths was defined as inpatient deaths plus hospice discharges. Dominance analysis identified the most important contributors to a model of hospice use. A total of 1.96 million hospitalizations from 2,317 hospitals (Level I, 10%; II, 14%; III, 18%; IV, 7%; none, 51%) were included. Level I's had significantly lower raw hospice discharge values compared with Levels II and III (I, 0.030; II, 0.035; III, 0.035; p < 0.05) but not Level IV (0.032) or nontrauma centers (0.030) ( p > 0.05). Adjusted Level I hospice discharge rates were lower than all other facility types (Level I, 0.026; II, 0.031; III, 0.034; IV, 0.033; nontrauma, 0.030; p < 0.05). Hospice discharges as a proportion of total deaths varied by level and were lowest (0.38) at Level I centers. Dominance analysis showed that proportion of patients with Injury Severity Score of >15 contributed most to explaining hospice utilization rates (3.2%) followed by trauma center level (2.3%), proportion White (1.9%), proportion female (1.5%), and urban/rural setting (1.4%). In this near population-based geriatric trauma analysis, Level I centers had the lowest hospice discharge rate, but hospice discharge rates varied significantly by trauma level and should be included in mortality assessments of hospital outcomes. As the population ages, accurate assessment of geriatric trauma outcomes becomes more critical. Further studies are needed to evaluate the optimal utilization of hospice in end-of-life decision making for geriatric trauma. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level II.

A recalibrated prediction model can identify level-1 trauma patients at risk of nosocomial pneumonia

IntroductionNosocomial pneumonia has poor prognosis in hospitalized trauma patients. Croce et al. published a model to predict post-traumatic ventilator-associated pneumonia, which achieved high discrimination and reasonable sensitivity. We aimed to externally validate Croce’s model to predict nosocomial pneumonia in patients admitted to a Dutch level-1 trauma center.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included all trauma patients (≥ 16y) admitted for > 24 h to our level-1 trauma center in 2017. Exclusion criteria were pneumonia or antibiotic treatment upon hospital admission, treatment elsewhere > 24 h, or death < 48 h. Croce’s model used eight clinical variables—on trauma severity and treatment, available in the emergency department—to predict nosocomial pneumonia risk. The model’s predictive performance was assessed through discrimination and calibration before and after re-estimating the model’s coefficients. In sensitivity analysis, the model was updated using Ridge regression.Results809 Patients were included (median age 51y, 67% male, 97% blunt trauma), of whom 86 (11%) developed nosocomial pneumonia. Pneumonia patients were older, more severely injured, and underwent more emergent interventions. Croce’s model showed good discrimination (AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.87), yet predicted probabilities were too low (mean predicted risk 6.4%), and calibration was suboptimal (calibration slope 0.63). After full model recalibration, discrimination (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.88) and calibration improved. Adding age to the model increased the AUC to 0.87 (95% CI 0.84–0.91). Prediction parameters were similar after the models were updated using Ridge regression.ConclusionThe externally validated and intercept-recalibrated models show good discrimination and have the potential to predict nosocomial pneumonia. At this time, clinicians could apply these models to identify high-risk patients, increase patient monitoring, and initiate preventative measures. Recalibration of Croce’s model improved the predictive performance (discrimination and calibration). The recalibrated model provides a further basis for nosocomial pneumonia prediction in level-1 trauma patients. Several models are accessible via an online tool.Level of evidenceLevel III, Prognostic/Epidemiological Study.

Substance use in rural trauma patients admitted for motor vehicle injuries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundUrban trauma centers reported increased substance use among individuals injured in motor vehicle collisions (MVC) after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about individuals admitted to rural trauma centers during this time. This study’s purpose was to describe substance use trends before and during the pandemic among individuals injured in MVC and treated at a rural Level-1 trauma center in West Virginia.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed using patients’ medical records. The study population included individuals ≥ 18 years of age who received treatment for a motor vehicle-related injury between September 1, 2018, and September 30, 2021, and were tested for drugs and alcohol upon admittance. The pre-COVID-19 period was defined as September 1, 2018–March 15, 2020. The COVID-19 period was March 16, 2020–September 30, 2021. The primary dependent variable was the patients’ drug test results. The primary independent variable was the time period. The data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and proportional odds models.ResultsDuring this time, 1465 patients received treatment. On average, patients were 45 years ± 20 of age and male (57%). During COVID-19, 17% of patients tested positive for alcohol and 58% tested positive for non-alcohol drugs. After adjusting for patients’ sex and age, the number of drugs that patients tested positive for was 31% higher during COVID-19 (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08, 1.58). The proportion of patients testing positive for cannabinoids (p = 0.05), opioids (p = 0.001), and stimulants (p = 0.010) increased from pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 periods.ConclusionsDrug and alcohol use increased among trauma patients admitted to a rural trauma center during COVID-19. Significant increases were seen in the number of drugs and for cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants.

Illuminating the Use of Trauma Whole-Body CT Scan During the Global Contrast Shortage.

Use of whole-body CT scan (WBCT) is widespread in the evaluation of traumatically injured patients and may be associated with improved survival. WBCT protocols include the use of IV contrast unless there is a contraindication. This study tests the hypothesis that using plain WBCT scan during the global contrast shortage would result in greater need for repeat contrast-enhanced CT, but would not impact mortality, missed injuries, or rates of acute kidney injury (AKI). All trauma encounters at an academic level-I trauma center between March 1, 2022 and June 24, 2022, excluding burns and prehospital cardiac arrests, were reviewed. Imaging practices and outcomes before and during contrast shortage (beginning May 3, 2022) were compared. The study population included 1,109 consecutive patients (72% male), with 890 (80%) blunt and 219 (20%) penetrating traumas. Overall, 53% of patients underwent WBCT and contrast was administered to 73%. The overall rate of AKI was 6% and the rate of renal replacement therapy (RRT) was 1%. Contrast usage in WBCT was 99% before and 40% during the shortage (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of repeat CT scans, missed injuries, AKI, RRT, or mortality. Trauma imaging practices at our center changed during the global contrast shortage; the use of contrast decreased despite the frequency of trauma WBCT scans remaining the same. The rates of AKI and RRT did not change, suggesting that WBCT with contrast is insufficient to cause AKI. The missed injury rate was equivalent. Our data suggest similar outcomes can be achieved with selective IV contrast use during WBCT.

Socioeconomic Impact of Injury-Related Amputations In Terms of Disability-Adjusted Life Year: Observational Study from a level-1 Trauma Center in Hilly Terrain

Abstract Background: Trauma has been attributed as a major cause of amputation in developing countries. It has considerable effects on the emotional and psychological states of individuals. In this study, we used disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and SF-12 score to analyze the impact of amputation on disability status and wellbeing of patients undergoing amputation. Our hypothesis was that victims of traumatic amputation, often being from the younger age groups, may exhibit specific patterns in these indicators. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2022 at a level-1 trauma center. Data were collected retrospectively from the hospital records and by telephonic conversation with patients. Patients who underwent amputation due to accidental causes were included in the study. DALY and SF-12 scores were calculated at 1-year follow-up. Results: The total number of amputations performed during the specified period was 161. After considering the exclusion criteria, 104 patients were included for data analysis. The mean age of patients was 38.26 ± 17.9 years. The mean of DALY among amputation cases as a result of accidents was 9.16 ± 4.9. The mean SF-12 score was 79.6 ± 7.1. Conclusion: Amputation due to accidents including road traffic injury results in considerable loss of years with disability (DALY), as most of the cases belong to the productive age group. It also has adverse effects on physical as well as mental aspects of health. Hence, holistic preventive and rehabilitative measures are the need of the hour.

Patients of Obese Representation Require Longer Operative Times: An Evaluation of Acetabular and Pelvic Ring Operative Duration.

Recent literature has determined that operative times for the obese population are greater for both elective and nonelective orthopedic procedures. If time allotted for a given surgical procedure is used as a measure of procedural difficulty, then consideration can be given for using an additional coding modifier (i.e., Modifier 22) for the increased skill and effort associated with longer procedures. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent surgical treatment for an acute fracture about the pelvis at an urban level-1 trauma center from October 1, 2010 through October 31, 2018. After allowing for both inclusion and exclusion criteria, 102 patients with acetabular fractures and 55 patients with pelvic ring injuries were included in this investigation. The obese population within the acetabular fracture cohort demonstrated significantly longer mean times for the duration of surgery, total time in spent in the operating room, and duration under anesthesia (P values of 0.038, 0.05 and 0.035, respectively). Similar results were observed with the pelvic ring injury cohort, with significantly longer procedural times (P = 0.019), total time in the operating room (P = 0.034), and total duration under anesthesia (P = 0.0395). A trend towards a greater risk of infection was found in obese patients (7%) when compared with nonobese patients (1.6%) within the acetabular fracture subset (P = 0.093). Operative duration for acetabular fractures and pelvic ring injuries is significantly longer in the obese population. Furthermore, this indicates that a Modifier 22 may be justified for the surgical treatment of these injuries in the obese and morbidly obese patient populations.

Modifying effects of alcohol use and age on the predictive performance of prehospital shock index for functional and survival outcomes in severe trauma patients

This study investigated whether the prehospital shock index (SI) could predict clinical outcomes in trauma patients, with or without pre-injury alcohol consumption, and whether this predictive capacity varied by age. We conducted a retrospective study on severe trauma patients transported to a level-1 trauma center by emergency medical services from 2015 to 2021. Our primary exposure was abnormal SI, defined as an SI ≥0.9, with in-hospital mortality and poor functional outcomes as study outcomes of interest. Multivariable logistic regression analysis estimated the effect of SI on clinical outcomes. Our findings indicated a significant association between abnormal SI and poor functional outcomes in all trauma patients (adjusted odds ratio: 2.15; 95%confidence interval: 1.41–3.28), notably pronounced in the older age group (adjusted odds ratio: 3.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.55–8.30). However, no association was found with in-hospital mortality. Importantly, among severe trauma patients who did not consume alcohol, abnormal SI was significantly associated with poor functional outcomes, irrespective of age, and with increased in-hospital mortality exclusively in the older age group. Thus, abnormal SI significantly predicted clinical outcomes in non-alcohol-consuming severe trauma patients, with the predictive power for in-hospital mortality being specifically significant in older, non-alcohol-consuming patients.

Open Reduction Internal Fixation Versus Distal Femoral Replacement (DFR) for Treatment of OTA/AO 33C Fractures in the Elderly: A Review of Functional Outcomes and Cost Analysis.

To determine the economic cost associated with the treatment of OTA/AO 33C fractures in patients older than 65 years of age using open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or DFR and to assess the perioperative outcomes of elderly patients treated surgically following OTA/AO 33C fractures. Retrospective cohort over a 10-year period. A single level-1 trauma center. Thirty-nine patients 65 or older with OTA/AO 33C fractures who underwent treatment with ORIF (n = 27) or DFR (n = 12) were included. Direct cost associated with surgical treatment along with LOS, functional outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and all-cause reoperation. Index procedure costs were as follows: DFR: $ 61,259 vs. ORIF: $44,490 (P = 0.056). Five (20%) ORIF patients required revision versus one (8%) in the DFR group. Total cost when including reoperation resulted in DFR being $14,805 more costly, which was not significant. Hospital LOS was similar between groups; however, convalescent LOS was longer in ORIF patients (43.2 vs. 23.1 days, P = 0.02). This study demonstrates that there is no significant difference in overall cost between ORIF and DFR when all costs are considered. A larger portion of DFR patients were able to mobilize postoperatively, with subacute length of stay being longer in ORIF patients. A multicenter trial is warranted to determine optimal treatment for this complex problem. Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Use of Shape-Memory Alloy Staples (Nitinol) in the Treatment of Pubic Symphyseal Disruptions: Clinical Results and Radiographic Outcomes.

Nitinol is a shape-memory alloy that has many diverse applications in the field of orthopedics. There have been no previous investigations reporting clinical or radiographic outcomes of the use of nitinol staples in the definitive stabilization of the pubic symphysis. A retrospective chart review was completed on 42 patients who underwent operative stabilization of pubic symphyseal disruption at an urban level-1 trauma center. Patients treated with pelvic staples alone, or in conjunction with traditional plates and screws, were compared with those treated without the use of a shape memory alloys. Thirty-four patients were included for final analysis (8 staples and 26 controls) in this investigation. Three of eight patients in the pelvic staple group had implant failures, with two having a loss of reduction (25%); this was not significantly different from the seven hardware failures (P = 0.61) seen in the control group without any loss of reduction (P = 0.17). Failures in the nitinol staple group occurred earlier at 17.3 days compared with the control group at 101.7 days (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between groups with regards to any of the other pre- or postoperative variables investigated. The use of nitinol staples vs. traditional plate and screw constructs for stabilizing the pubic symphysis did not result in more clinical failures. The hardware failures identified in the nitinol staple group occurred significantly earlier in the postoperative period, and were associated with a loss of reduction of the pubic symphysis.

Specific types of femoral head fractures: be alert for pre-, intra-, and post-operative ipsilateral femoral neck fractures following fracture-dislocation of the femoral head

PurposeIpsilateral femoral head and neck fractures (iFHNFs) are rare types of fractures that confer extremely poor prognosis among femoral head fractures (FHFs). Owing to the rarity of FHFs, it is challenging to diagnose iFHNFs. In addition, the clinical features of iFHNF have not yet been comprehensively elucidated. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of iFHNF using a clinical diagnostic simulation based on a prospectively maintained database.MethodsClinical data of consecutive patients with FHFs, including gender, age, injury side, and associated injuries, were collected and analyzed from a prospectively maintained orthopedic database at a large level-I trauma center for a clinical diagnostic simulation. Patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of iFHNF. Moreover, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to create 1:1 age- and gender-matched couples. Lastly, clinical factors were compared and identified between the two groups before and after matching.ResultsA total of 218 FHF patients were included. Fifteen patients were diagnosed with ipsilateral femoral neck fractures (iFNFs), including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative types. There were 177 male and 41 female patients, with a mean age of 40.0 ± 16.5 years. The incidence of two factors, namely acetabular fracture and posterior hip dislocation, were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Following PSM, 15 pairs of patients were generated. Comparisons revealed that the incidence of posterior hip dislocation was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThere were three types of iFHNFs. In the context of FHFs, posterior hip dislocation was associated with iFNFs. Thus, surgeons should remain vigilant, not only intraoperatively but also postoperatively, for iFNFs following FHF and concomitant posterior hip dislocation.Level of EvidenceDiagnostic level IV

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on fracture epidemiology exemplified by tibial plateau fractures

During the COVID-19 pandemic interventions, such as contact restrictions, lockdowns and postponement of elective surgeries were taken to ease the burden on the healthcare system. Among the population, these interventions led to changes in recreational behavior as well as personal transportation. This paper examines the epidemiological data of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) before and during the pandemic and to what extent pandemic control measures had an impact. In this retrospective monocentric study of aGerman level1trauma center, the intra-articular tibial plateau fractures of the years 2019 and 2020 were compared regarding incidence, demographics, cause of the accident, and treatment strategy. Fracture classification was according to Schatzker, AO/OTA, and Moore. Incidence showed adecrease of -8.5% as well as ashift in the age incidence curves. There was adecrease in incidence during lockdown periods but also an increase in late summer 2020 compared to 2019. Tripping accidents (+12.4%) and bicycle accidents (+6.6%) increased in the pandemic year, whereas motorized traffic accidents (-7%) and skiing accidents (-10%) decreased. In terms of fracture morphology, 2020 showed an increase in impression fractures and a decrease in complex fractures. The number of surgically treated patients decreased by 7.3%. The 12months of pandemic resulted in only aslight incidence decrease of intra-articular tibial plateau fractures. The pandemic control measures showed effects within the calendar year and led directly and indirectly to achange in incidence, cause of the accident, fracture entities and care strategy.

Catastrophic Health Expenditure in Patients with Lower-Extremity Orthopaedic Trauma.

Health-care expenditures are a leading contributor to financial hardship in the United States. Traumatic orthopaedic injuries are unpredictable and result in substantial expense. Our objectives were to quantify the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) risk of patients with orthopaedic trauma and to examine the impact of insurance status, socioeconomic status, sex, and race on CHE. We identified all isolated lower-extremity orthopaedic trauma cases at a safety-net, Level-1 trauma center from 2018 to 2020. We queried an institutional charge database to obtain total hospital charges, insurance status, and ZIP Code to determine out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures. To evaluate financial hardship, we calculated the CHE risk as defined by the World Health Organization's threshold of OOP expenditures, ≥40% of estimated household post-subsistence income. In our cohort of 2,535 patients, 33% experienced a risk of CHE. A risk of CHE was experienced by 99% of patients who were uninsured, 35% of patients with private insurance, 2% of patients with Medicare, and 0% of patients with Medicaid. Multivariable regression modeling showed that patients who were uninsured were significantly more likely to experience a risk of CHE compared with patients with private insurance (odds ratio, 107.68 [95% confidence interval, 37.20 to 311.68]; p < 0.001). One-third of patients with lower-extremity orthopaedic trauma experience a risk of CHE, with patients who are uninsured facing a disproportionately higher risk of CHE compared with patients who are insured. Our results suggest that the expansion of public insurance options may provide substantial financial protection for those at the greatest risk for CHE. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Civilian vascular trauma, treatment and outcome at a level 1-trauma centre

BackgroundOutcomes after vascular injuries in wartime are well documented, but studies on vascular injuries in a civilian European populations are scarce.MethodsA retrospective study on all adults admitted to a North-European level 1-trauma centre 2009–2018 with The Abbreviated Injury Scale-codes for non-iatrogenic vascular trauma (VT). Data were extracted from both national and regional trauma-registries, as well as patient charts. Patient demographics, mechanism, and location of vascular injury were registered as well as its treatment. Incidence and injury scores (ISS, NISS and TRISS) were calculated and overall survival (Kaplan–Meier) estimated.ResultsOf 4042 trauma-patients, 68 (1.7%) (median age 44 years, 76% males) sustained 81 vascular injuries (69 arterial; 12 venous); 46 blunt and 22 (32%) penetrating injuries. The total incidence of vascular injuries was 1.45/100,000 inhabitants and did not change over the study-period (95% confidence interval 1.13–1.82). The injuries were located in thorax (n = 17), neck (n = 16) and abdominal region (n = 15); most of the blunt injuries followed traffic (n = 31) or falling accidents (n = 10), and with 17 of the 22 penetrating injuries due to stabbing. The median ISS and NISS-scores were 22 and 33, with 50 (74%) and 55 (81%) patients having scores > 15, respectively. Forty-three (63%) patients had open surgical repair and 8 (12%) received endovascular treatment. Twenty-one patients died within 30-days (31%), 33% and 27% after blunt and penetrating injuries, respectively. Half of the patients that died within 24 h sustained aortic injury.ConclusionsTraumatic vascular injuries are rare in civilian settings and are less than 2% of major trauma admissions. These patients are often seriously injured and their treatment can be challenging with high 30-day mortality.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.

Trends in polytrauma incidence among major trauma admissions

PurposePolytrauma is increasingly recognized as a disease beyond anatomical injuries. Due to population growth, centralization, and slow uptake of preventive measures, major trauma presentations in most trauma systems show a slow but steady increase. The proportional contribution of polytrauma patients to this increase is unknown.MethodsA 13-year retrospective analysis ending 31/12/2021 of all major trauma admissions (ISS > 15) to a level-1 trauma center were included. Polytrauma was classified using the Newcastle definition. Linear regression analysis was used to compare the rates of patient presentation over time. Logistic regression was used to measure for change in proportion of polytrauma. Data are presented as median (IQR), with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals as appropriate.Results5897 (age: 49 ± 43 years, sex: 71.3% male, ISS: 20 ± 9, mortality: 10.7%) major trauma presentations were included, 1,616 (27%) were polytrauma (age: 45 ± 37 years, 72.0% male, ISS: 29 ± 14, mortality: 12.7%). Major trauma presentations increased significantly over the study period (+ 8 patients per year (3–14), p < 0.01), aged significantly (0.42 years/year (0.25–0.59, p < 0.001). The number of polytrauma presentations per year did not change significantly (+ 1 patients/year (– 1 to 4, p > 0.2). Overall unadjusted mortality did not change (OR 0.99 (0.97–1.02). Polytrauma mortality fell significantly (OR 0.96 (0.92–0.99)) over the study period.ConclusionsPolytrauma patients represent about 25% of the major trauma admissions, with higher injury severity, static incidence and higher but improving mortality in comparison to all major trauma patients. Separate reporting and focused research on this group are warranted as monitoring the entire major trauma cohort does not identify these specifics of this high acuity subgroup.

Feasibility and Acceptance of a Teletrauma Surgery Consult Service to Rural and Community Hospitals: A Pilot Study.

Many trauma patients currently transferred from rural and community hospitals (RCH) to Level I trauma centers (LITC) for trauma surgery evaluation may instead be appropriate for immediate discharge or admission to the local facility after evaluation by a trauma and acute care surgery (TACS) surgeon. Unnecessary use of resources occurs with current practice. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptance of a teletrauma surgery consultation service between LITC and RCH. LITC TACS surgeons provided telehealth consults on trauma patients from 3 local RCHs. After consultation, appropriate patients were transferred to LITC; selected patients remained at or were discharged from RCH. Participating TACS surgeons and RCH physicians were surveyed. A total of 28 patients met inclusion criteria during the 5-month pilot phase, with 7 excluded due to workflow issues. The mean ± SD age was 63 ± 17 years. Of 21 patients, 7 had intracranial hemorrhage; 12 had rib fractures. The mean ± SD Injury Severity Score was 8.1 ± 4.0). A total of 6 patients were discharged from RCH, 4 admitted to RCH hospitalist service, 2 transferred to a LITC emergency room, and 9 transferred to LITC as direct admission. There was one 30-day readmission and no missed injuries or complications, or deaths. RCH providers were highly satisfied with the teletrauma surgery consultation service, TACS surgeons, and equipment used. Mental demand and effort of consulting TACS surgeons decreased significantly as the consult number increased. Teletrauma surgery consultation involving 3 RCH within our system is feasible and acceptable. A total of 10 transfers and 19 emergency department visits were avoided. There was favorable acceptance by RCH providers and TACS surgeons.