Rate Of Operative Intervention Research Articles

THE NUMBER OF DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES IN THE ELDERLY WILL INCREASE BY MORE THAN HALF BY 2040: PREDICTION MODELLING USING NATIONAL DATA

The aim was to predict the number and incidence of distal radius fractures in Scotland over the next two decades according to age group, categorised into under 65yrs(65) and 65yrs and older (65), and estimate the potential increased operative burden.The number of distal radius fractures in Scotland was isolated from the Global Burden of Disease database and this was used, in addition to historic population data and published population estimates, to create a multivariable model allowing incorporation of age group, sex and time. A Negative Binomial distribution was used to predict incidence in 2030 and 2040 and calculate projected number of fractures. A 20.4% operative intervention rate was assumed (local data).In terms of number of fractures, there was a projected 61% rise in the 65 group with an overall increase of 2099 fractures per year from 3417 in 2020 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2960 – 3463) to 5516 in 2040 (95% CI 4155 – 5675). This was associated with 428 additional operative interventions per year for those 65yrs. The projected increase between 2020 and 2040 was similar in both sexes (60% in females, 63% in males), however the absolute increase in fracture number was higher in females. There was a 4% projected fall in the number of fractures in those 65.Incidence of distal radius fractures is expected to considerably increase over the next two decades due to a projected increase in the number of fractures in the elderly. This has implications for associated morbidity and healthcare resource use.

A clinical observation algorithm for anterior abdominal stab wound is safe in an Australian setting.

We previously published the outcomes associated with the use of diagnostic laparoscopy to determine peritoneal breach for AASW patients without an immediate indication for laparotomy. Although this pathway was 100% sensitive there was a 54% non-therapeutic laparotomy rate. Another option that has been extensively reported is the clinical observation algorithm (COA) however, majority of the data originate from high-volume centres. We hypothesized that a COA would also be a safe option in an Australian setting, and reduce the rate of non-therapeutic operative intervention in managing AASW. This was a prospective cohort study examining patients with AASW admitted to a level 1 trauma centre in Sydney, Australia, between June 2021 and August 2023. Patient, injury, management and outcome data were collected from electronic medical records and the hospital trauma registry. Data were then analysed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the COA, complication rates and median hospital length-of-stay (LOS). A total of 48 patients presented with AASW. Of these patients, 11 (22.9%) proceeded to immediate laparotomy. Seven patients had a contraindication to COA and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Thirty patients were managed with the COA, with three (10%) patients subsequently requiring a laparotomy. Only one patient (3.3%) underwent a non-therapeutic laparotomy. There were no missed injuries. The COA sensitivity was 100%, specificity 92.7%, PPV 50% and NPV 100%. Patients managed with COA had no complications. Overall median hospital LOS was 1 day (1.0-2.3). A COA is a safe approach for evaluating patients with AASW in an Australian setting with adequate resources. It reduces the rate of non-therapeutic operative intervention and has acceptable outcomes compared with a diagnostic laparoscopy pathway.

The changing epidemiology of traumatic spine injuries: a trends analysis of 26 years of patients at a major level 1 trauma center in the United States

BACKGROUND CONTEXTTraumatic spinal injuries (TSI) are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. The epidemiology of TSI varies greatly across different countries and regions and is impacted by national income levels, infrastructure, and cultural factors. Further, there may be changes over time. It is essential to investigate TSI to gain useful epidemiologic information. However, there have been no recent studies on trends for TSI in the US, despite the changing population demographics, healthcare policy, and technology. As a result, reexamination is warranted to reflect how the modern era has affected the epidemiology of US spine trauma patients and their management. PURPOSETo determine epidemiologic trends in traumatic spine injuries over time. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective analysis; level 1 trauma center in the United States. PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 21,811 patients, between the years of 1996 and 2022, who presented with traumatic spine injury. OUTCOME MEASURESAge, sex, race, Injury Severity Score, mechanism of injury, injury diagnosis, injury level, rate of operative intervention, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, discharge disposition, in-hospital mortality. METHODSData was collected from our institutional trauma registry over a 26-year period. Inclusion criteria involved at least one diagnosis of vertebral fracture, spinal cord injury, spinal subluxation, or intervertebral disc injury. Exclusion criteria consisted of patients with no diagnosed spine injury or a diagnosis of strain only. A total of 21,811 patients were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and ordinary least squares linear regression was conducted for trends analysis. RESULTSRegression analysis showed a significant upward trend in patient age (+13.83 years, β=+0.65/year, p<.001), female sex (+2.7%, β=+0.18%/year, p=.004), falls (+10.5%, β=+0.82%/year, p<.001), subluxations (+12.8%, β=+0.35%/year, p<.001), thoracic injuries (+1.5%, β=+0.28%/year, p<.001), and discharges to subacute rehab (+15.9%, β=+0.68%/year, p<.001). There was a significant downward trend in motor vehicle crashes (-7.8%, β=-0.47%/year, p=.016), firearms injuries (-3.4%, β=-0.19%/year, p<.001), sports/recreation injuries (-2.9%, β=-0.18%/year, p<.001), spinal cord injuries (-11.25%, β=-0.37%, p<.001), complete spinal cord injuries (-7.6%, β=-0.24%/year, p<.001), and discharges to home (+4.5%, β=-0.27%/year, p=.011). CONCLUSIONSAt our institution, the average spine trauma patient has trended toward older females. Falls represent an increasing proportion of the mechanism of injury, on a trajectory to become the most common cause. With time, there have been fewer spinal cord injuries and a lower proportion of complete injuries. At discharge, there has been a surge in the utilization of subacute rehabilitation facilities. Overall, there has been no significant change in injury severity, rate of operative intervention, length of stay, or mortality.

Lack of Concordance Between Abbreviated Injury Scale and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale in Patients with High-Grade Solid Organ Injury.

The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) is widely used for body region-specific injury severity. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS) provides organ-specific injury severity but is not included in trauma databases. Previous researchers have used AIS as a surrogate for OIS. This study aims to assess AIS-abdomen concordance with AAST-OIS grade for liver and spleen injuries, hypothesizing concordance in terms of severity (grade of OIS and AIS) and patient outcomes. This retrospective study (July 2020 to June 2022) was performed at 3 trauma centers. Adult trauma patients with AAST-OIS grade III to V liver and spleen injury were included. AAST-OIS grade for each organ was compared with AIS-abdomen by evaluating the percentage of AAST-OIS grade correlating with each AIS score as well as rates of operative intervention for these injuries. Analysis was performed with chi-square tests and univariate analysis. Of 472 patients, 274 had liver injuries and 205 had spleen injuries grades III to V. AAST-OIS grade III to V liver injuries had concordances rates of 85.5%, 71%, and 90.9% with corresponding AIS 3 to 5 scores. AAST-OIS grade III to V spleen injuries had concordances rates of 89.7%, 87.8%, and 87.3%, respectively. There was a statistical lack of concordance for both liver and spleen injuries (both p < 0.001). Additionally, there were higher rates of operative intervention for AAST-OIS grade IV and V liver injuries and grade III and V spleen injuries vs corresponding AIS scores (p < 0.05). AIS should not be used interchangeably with OIS due to lack of concordance. AAST-OIS should be included in trauma databases to facilitate improved organ injury research and quality improvement projects.

Rates of operative intervention and in-hospital mortality following subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 had massive effects on the healthcare system and multifactorial implications for the management of intensive care unit and cerebrovascular patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify patients with nontraumatic SAH (ICD-10 code I60.x). Patients with nonaneurysmal cerebrovascular malformations or traumatic intracranial injuries were excluded. Only patients managed from April to December 2020 were included in the study given the availability of an ICD-10 code for COVID-19. Data on sociodemographic factors, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, NIS SAH Severity Score (NIS-SSS), surgical treatment, and death were acquired. Multivariable analysis was used to assess predictors of both surgical intervention and in-hospital mortality. In total, 6984 patients met the study criteria, 359 (5.1%) of whom had COVID-19. Those with COVID-19 were more likely to be younger and male and had a higher All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups illness severity subclass, and NIS-SSS. Moreover, patients with COVID-19 were less likely to undergo surgery (10.0% vs 23.6%, OR 0.35, p < 0.0001) and had significantly higher mortality rates (48.2% vs 22.7%, p < 0.0001). When controlling for other variables, COVID-19 was an independent predictor of death (OR 1.67, p = 0.0002). Aneurysm surgery was performed in 1597 patients (317 open and 1280 endovascular procedures). There was no difference between the cohorts positive and negative for COVID-19 in terms of time to surgery or type of surgery. COVID-19 had significant impacts on patients with nontraumatic SAH. Specifically, patients with COVID-19 were significantly less likely to undergo surgery and had higher in-hospital mortality rates; however, for patients who did undergo procedural intervention, there was no significant difference in the type of intervention. Multiple factors, from medical acuity to healthcare system limitations, may contribute to these findings. Further retrospective research is needed to identify both specific causes of lower intervention rates and other potential nonaneurysmal causes of SAH in patients with COVID-19.

The Current Pattern of Pediatric Burn Injuries in an Australian Major Burns Center.

Burns are a common mechanism of pediatric injury worldwide and a notable cause of disability-adjusted life-years. Burns in children represent a unique challenge due to the differences from adults regarding physical characteristics, physiology, and psychology. This retrospective cohort study examined trends of pediatric burns in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, from 2010 to 2022. It specifically focused on the changes in burn etiology and patient characteristics, body area affected, TBSA, first aid, location, and management. It also compared a "Pre-COVID-19" and "Peri-COVID-19" era to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the pattern of pediatric burns, as children are at higher risk of injury during times of social disruption. The study found that burns in children continue to be concentrated in the toddler and preschooler age group, and the main mechanisms of injury remain as scald and contact burns. In recent years, there has been a rising trend of friction burns, alongside a fall in flame burns and severe burns. Management of pediatric burns has also evolved, with predominant use of ambulatory care and low rates of admission and operative intervention. Trends in burn injury continue to evolve with time, and over the last decade in NSW, key changes in the pattern of pediatric burns have been observed, with evolving mechanisms of injury, reduced severity of burns, and a shift toward ambulatory care.

Utility of Enteral Contrast Protocols in Pediatric Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

Our objective was to determine the utility of enteral contrast-based protocols in the diagnosis and management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) for children. Enteral contrast-based protocols for adults with ASBO are associated with decreased need for surgery and shorter hospitalization. Pediatric-specific data are limited. We conducted a prospective observational study between October 2020 and December 2022 at nine children's hospitals who are members of the Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium. Inclusion criteria were children aged 1-20 years diagnosed with ASBO who underwent a trial of nonoperative management (NOM) at hospital admission. Comparisons were made between those children who received an enteral contrast challenge and those who did not. The primary outcome was need for surgery. We enrolled 136 children (71% male; median age: 12y); 84 (62%) received an enteral contrast challenge. There was no difference in rate of operative intervention between the no contrast (34.6%) and contrast groups (36.9%; P=0.93). Eighty-seven (64%) were successfully managed nonoperatively with no difference in median length of stay (P=0.10) or rate of unplanned readmission (P=0.14). Among the 49 children who required an operation, there was no significant difference in time from admission to surgery or rate of small bowel resection based on prior contrast administration. The addition of enteral contrast-based protocols for management of pediatric ASBO does not decrease the likelihood of surgery or shorten hospitalization. Larger randomized studies may be needed to further define the role of radiologic contrast in the management of ASBO in children.

Outcomes in Patients with Bilateral Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract Background Fractures of the distal radius that occur bilaterally are comparatively uncommon, with the incidence of these injuries and patient outcomes following different modes of treatment being unknown. Questions/Purposes This article evaluates the demographics, management, and functional outcomes of patients that sustain bilateral distal radius fractures (DRFs). Patients and Methods We retrospectively identified 85 patients that sustained bilateral DRF and were treated at a single institution from 2016 to 2019. Thirty-four patients were treated operatively, 41 patients were treated nonoperatively, and 10 patients were treated operatively in one extremity and nonoperatively in the other. Fractures were classified by a single fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand surgeon. Range of motion (ROM) data and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were collected. Differences between the three groups with regards to demographics, mechanism of injury (MOI), and complications were recorded. Results The pediatric population had significantly higher energy MOIs compared to the adult population. There was no difference between the groups with regard to associated injuries or complications. The pediatric population had significantly more AO type A fractures compared to the adult population, which had a bimodal distribution of AO type A and C fractures. The pediatric population saw significantly more patients undergo nonoperative treatment. Both populations had a higher rate of operative intervention for bilateral DRF than noted in the literature for unilateral. In the adult population there were no significant differences in DASH scores between the operative and nonoperative groups. Conclusion Bilateral DRFs appear to have a similar bimodal age distribution to unilateral DRF. Younger patients undergo nonoperative management more commonly than operative or mixed management. Postoperative ROM and complications appear to be equivalent across all three groups regardless of age. Level of Evidence Level IV, Prognostic study.

Neurosurgery compared to orthopedic spine consultation: A single level I trauma center experience

IntroductionBoth Orthopedic Surgery (OS) and Neurosurgery (NS) perform spine surgery in the setting of trauma. However, it is unknown whether outcomes differ between these specialties. This study compares management and outcomes for vertebral fractures between NS and OS, hypothesizing similar operation rate, length of stay (LOS), and readmission. Research questionDo outcomes differ between NS and OS in the management of vertebral fractures following trauma? MethodsA retrospective single-center study was conducted on adult patients with cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral fractures treated at a single trauma center, where no standardized pathway exists across NS and OS. Patients were compared for injury profile, diagnostic imaging, and operative techniques as well as LOS, mortality, and complications. ResultsA total of 630 vertebral fracture patients (OS:350 (55.6%); NS:280 (44.4%)) were included. NS utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more commonly (36.4% vs. 22.6%, p < 0.001). NS patients more often underwent operation (13.2% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.016) despite similar fracture number and severity (p > 0.05). Post-operative complications, LOS, and readmission rates were similar between cohorts (p > 0.05). Discussion and conclusionDespite similar injury profiles, NS had higher rates of MRI usage and operative interventions in the context of traumatic spine fractures. Despite differences in management, major clinical outcomes were similar between NS and OS. However, we do call for further standardization of evaluation and treatment of patients based on established algorithms from such as the AOSpine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification System (ATLICS).

Safety/booster seats in pediatric motor vehicle crashes: Public health concern

IntroductionThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines recommend that children ≤12-years-old with height < 145 cm should use safety/booster seats. However, national adherence and clinical outcomes for eligible children involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are unknown. We hypothesized that children recommended to use safety/booster seats involved in MVCs have a lower rate of serious injuries if a safety/booster seat is used, compared to children without safety/booster seat. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study queried the 2017–2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database for patients ≤12-years-old and <145 cm (recommendation for use of safety/booster seat per American Academy of Pediatrics) presenting after MVC. Serious injury was defined by abbreviated injury scale grade ≥3 for any body-region. High-risk MVC was defined by authors in conjunction with definitions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. ResultsFrom 8259 cases, 41% used a safety/booster seat. There was no difference in overall rate of serious traumatic injuries or mortality (both p > 0.05) between the safety/booster seat and no safety/booster seat groups. In a subset analysis of high-risk MVCs, the overall use of safety/booster seats was 56%. The rate of serious traumatic injury (53.6% vs. 62.1%, p = 0.017) and operative intervention (15.8% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.039) was lower in the safety/booster seat group compared to the no safety/booster seat group. ConclusionsDespite AAP guidelines, less than half of recommended children in our study population presenting to a trauma center after MVC used safety/booster seats. Pediatric patients involved in a high-risk MVC suffered more serious injuries and were more likely to require surgical intervention without a safety/booster seat. A public health program to increase adherence to safety/booster seat use within this population appears warranted.

NUMBER OF DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES IN THE ELDERLY WILL INCREASE BY MORE THAN HALF BY 2040: PREDICTION MODELLING USING NATIONAL DATA

The aim was to predict the number and incidence of distal radius fractures in Scotland over the next two decades according to age group, categorised into under 65yrs(&lt;65) and 65yrs and older (≥65), and estimate the potential increased operative burden of this.The number of distal radius fracture in Scotland was isolated from the Global Burden of Disease database and this was used, in addition to historic population data and population estimates, to create a multivariable model allowing incorporation of age group, sex and time. A Negative Binomial distribution was used to predict incidence in 2030 and 2040 and calculate projected number of fractures according to the population at risk. A 20.4% operative intervention rate was assumed in the ≥65 group (local data).In terms of number of fractures, there was a projected 61% rise in the ≥65 group with an overall increase of 2099 fractures per year from 3417 in 2020 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2960 – 3463) to 5516 in 2040 (95% CI 4155–5675). This was associated with 428 additional operative interventions per year for those ≥65yrs. The projected increase between 2020 and 2040 was similar in both sexes (60% in females, 63% in males), however the absolute increase in fracture number was higher in females (2256 in 2020 [95% CI 1954–2287] to 3620 in 2040 [95% CI 2727–3721]) compared to males (1160 [95% CI 1005–1176] to 1895 [95% CI 1427–1950]). There was a 4% projected fall in the number of fractures in those &lt;65.Incidence of distal radius fractures is expected to considerably increase over the next two decades due to a projected increase in the number of fractures in the elderly. This has implications for the associated morbidity and healthcare resource use.

The success of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction in managing delayed presentation of childhood intussusception: A single center experience

BackgroundChildhood intussusception is a common surgical emergency. The current practice for non-operative management in Sri Lanka is ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (USGHR). This retrospective study aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this procedure even in a setting of delayed presentation. MethodWe explore outcomes of USGHR in the management of intussusception in children presenting to a single tertiary care center in Sri Lanka, between November 2019 and March 2021. Hydrostatic reduction was performed in patients with radiologically confirmed intussusception in the absence of contraindications. In failed attempts or early recurrences, USGHR was repeated for a maximum of 2 more attempts. ResultsOur study included 135 participants. Of the patients for which data on symptom duration was available 31.5% (n = 41) presented delayed (t>48 hrs). Hydrostatic reduction showed an overall success rate of 86.4%. No association was seen between time since onset of symptoms and success of USGHR (p<0.05). In 19 patients (14.1%) operative intervention was required. The rates of operative intervention were comparable between those presenting within (12.4%) and after 48 h (12.2%). One case (0.7%) of bowel perforation and 1 case of peritonitis (0.7%) occurred in those presenting within and after 48 h respectively. ConclusionThe success rate of USGHR was high despite delays in patient presentation. Thus, hydrostatic reduction is a safe, effective procedure to be performed as the first-line management option in childhood intussusception even in a setting of delayed presentation. Overall success increases with repeat reduction. Level of evidenceRetrospective study comparative – level III

Surgical Management in Isolated Squamosal Craniosynostosis: A Systematic Review.

Although craniosynostoses involving the major sutures have been well described, the frequency of isolated minor suture craniosynostoses is much lower. Squamosal craniosynostosis (SQS) is a rare form of cranial synostosis, and the paucity of literature has made the creation of a standardized treatment plan difficult. We present a systematic review of the literature on isolated SQS to identify disease characteristics that lead to a need for operative intervention and to delineate patterns in surgical management. A systematic literature review was performed using the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE and the key words "squamosal AND craniosynostosis," "squamous AND craniosynostosis," "squamosal craniosynostosis, "squamosal suture craniosynostosis," and "isolated squamosal craniosynostosis." Only human studies that described presentation and management of SQS were included. A blinded, 2-reviewer analysis of the articles was performed. Data collected included patient and disease characteristics, imaging workup, and treatment specifics, which were analyzed by descriptive statistics. A total of 19 studies examining 119 patients with SQS were reviewed, with 97 (82%) multisutural cases and 22 isolated cases (18%). Of the isolated cases, 6 (27%) required surgical craniosynostosis repair, of which 1 (17%) had unilateral sutural involvement and 5 (83%) had bilateral involvement. Of the patients with isolated SQS, 7 (32%) had a congenital syndrome and comprised 33% of patients who required surgical intervention. The nonsyndromic patients with isolated SQS who required surgery presented with a wide array of phenotypic findings; 3 patients underwent some form of cranial vault remodeling, whereas 1 patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt only. Of the 4 nonsyndromic patients with isolated SQS who underwent surgical repair, half required operative intervention because of elevated intracranial pressure and the other half because of dysmorphic head shape. The findings of this updated systematic review suggest a trend toward surgical management in bilateral SQS versus unilateral SQS, and that patients with isolated SQS, previously considered to be a nonsurgical finding, should be carefully monitored, as there remains risk of increased intracranial pressure. Pooled systematic review data suggest isolated SQS has a 27% operative intervention rate, with the presence of coexisting syndromic diagnoses increasing that risk.

Treatment of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage with nebulized tranexamic acid: A retrospective study.

To evaluate the association of treatment with nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) with rates of operative intervention in post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH). Single tertiary-referral center and satellite hospitals, retrospective cohort of adult and pediatric patients who were diagnosed with PTH in 2015-2022 and treated with nebulized TXA and standard care, compared with an age- and gender-matched control cohort treated with standard care. Patients were typically treated in the emergency department with a single dose of 500mg/5mL TXA delivered via nebulizer. 1110 total cases of PTH were observed, and 83 were treated with nebulized TXA. Compared to 249 age- and gender-matched PTH controls, TXA-treated patients had a rate of operating room (OR) intervention of 36.1% versus 60.2% (p<0.0001) and a rate of repeat bleeding of 4.9% versus 14.2% (p<0.02). The odds ratio for OR intervention with TXA treatment was 0.37 (95% CI 0.22, 0.63). There were no adverse effects identified with an average follow-up time of 586 days. Treatment of PTH with nebulized TXA is associated with lower rates of operative intervention and lower rates of repeat bleeding events. Prospective studies are needed to further characterize efficacy and optimal treatment protocols.

Diverticulitis in Older Adults: Is Cognitive Impairment Associated With Outcomes?

IntroductionOlder age is associated with increased prevalence of both diverticulitis and cognitive impairment. The association between cognitive impairment and outcomes among older adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) for diverticulitis is unknown. MethodsAdults aged ≥65 y presenting to an ED with a primary diagnosis of colonic diverticulitis were identified using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (2016-2019) and stratified by cognitive impairment status in this retrospective cohort study. Multivariable Poisson regression models adjusted for patient age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, primary payer status, and presence of complicated diverticulitis quantified relative risk of a) inpatient admission, b) operative intervention, and c) in-hospital mortality comparing patients with or without a diagnosis code suggestive of cognitive impairment. ResultsAmong 683,444 older adults with an ED encounter for diverticulitis from 2016 to 2019, there were 468,226 patients with isolated colonic diverticulitis and 26,388 (5.6%) with comorbid cognitive impairment. After adjustment, the risk of inpatient admission for those with cognitive impairment was 18% higher than for those without cognitive impairment (adjusted relative risks [aRR]: 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-1.20). Those with cognitive impairment were 34% more likely to undergo colectomy than those without cognitive impairment (aRR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.24-1.44). Older adults with cognitive impairment had a 32% greater mortality than those without cognitive impairment (aRR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.67). ConclusionsAmong older adults presenting for ED care with a primary diagnosis of colonic diverticulitis, individuals with cognitive impairment had higher rates of hospitalization, operative intervention, and in-hospital mortality than those without cognitive impairment.

Reoperative aortic root replacement for prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis: impact of aortic graft.

Existing aortic graft complicates the surgical management of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE); yet, its impact has not been well studied. We compared outcomes of patients with prior aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus aortic surgery plus AVR, who underwent reoperative aortic root replacement (ARR) for PVE of the aortic valve. All patients who underwent reoperative ARR for PVE between 2004 and 2021 from 2 aortic centres were included. Two groups were formed based on the presence/absence of aortic graft: prior aortic surgery (AO) and prior AVR (AV) alone. Inverse propensity treatment weighting matched the groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyse long-term survival, and Fine and Gray model was used to compare the cumulative incidence of reoperation. A total of 130 patients were included (AO n = 59; AV n = 71). After matching, AO patients had increased stroke incidence (12.4% vs 0.9%) and renal failure requiring dialysis (11.5% vs 2.5%). In-hospital mortality was comparable (21.5% AO and 18.6% AV). Survival over 5 years was 68.9% (56.6-83.8%) in AO and 62.7% (48.1-81.7%) in AV (P = 0.70). The cumulative incidence of reoperation was similar [AO 6.3% (0.0-13.2%) vs AV 6.1% (0.0-15.1%), P = 0.69]. Reoperative ARRs for prosthetic valve/graft endocarditis are high-risk procedures. AO patients had higher incidence of postoperative morbidity versus AV patients. For all patients surviving operative intervention, survival and reoperation rates over 5 years were comparable between groups.

Presence of Permanent Pacemakers: Implications for Elderly Patients Presenting with Traumatic Injuries

BackgroundThe presence of permanent pacemakers (PPM) is common among the elderly population. Trauma literature has shown that the inability to augment cardiac output by at least 30% after injury portends...

Single Center Experience of Operative Management in Isolated Mesenteric Artery Dissections

Isolated mesenteric dissection of vessels is a rare occurrence with management strategies dependent on patient presentation. The study aimed to evaluate a single institution's experience on patient characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes on operative vs nonoperative management of mesenteric dissection. Patients from a single institution between January 2017 and November 2022 with diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or celiac artery dissection and its branches were included. Patients with concomitant descending aortic dissection were excluded. Patient demographics, imaging, treatments, and follow-up data was collected and underwent descriptive statistical analysis. All SMA dissections were categorized using the modified Sakamoto classification (types I-VI), with type VI indicating total occlusion of vessel due to dissection. There were 30 patients with diagnosis of isolated mesenteric dissection. Mean age was 61 years, and the majority were male (86%), Asian (60%), and symptomatic (70%). Majority had isolated SMA dissection (n = 19; 63.3%) with the remainder having isolated celiac (n = 9; 30%) or concomitant SMA and celiac dissection (n = 2; 6.7%). Twenty-one patients had involvement of SMA and categorized using the modified Sakamoto Classification (n = 5 type I, n = 0 type II, n = 2 type III, n = 4 type IV, n = 1 type V, n =7 type VI). Nonoperative treatment occurred in 63.3% (n = 19). Operative intervention rate was 33% (n = 10). All patients who underwent an operation were symptomatic with abdominal pain on presentation (P < .01) (Table I). Two patients presented with rupture and five presented with signs of acute mesenteric ischemia necessitating emergent exploration. Two patients required bowel resection for necrosis. Sakamoto classification was also significantly associated with operative intervention (P < .01). Patients presenting with abdominal pain were three times as likely to undergo operative treatment (odds ratio, 3.13; P < .01) (Table II), while patients with a modified Sakamoto classification type V and above were 10 times more likely to undergo an operative intervention (odds ratio, 10.5; P < .02) (Table II). A large majority of operative cases (n = 9; 90%) were diagnosed with involvement of SMA dissection. Unplanned secondary intervention rate was 30% (n = 3). There was 9.5% mortality rate amongst those with SMA vessel involvement (10% overall mortality). Among those patients that followed-up, all were asymptomatic at the time of follow-up (n = 16). Patients with nonoperative interventions had 57% favorable remodeling (n = 4). Symptomatic patient presentation and higher modified Sakamoto classification type (types V and VI) tend to require operative intervention. Although a majority of spontaneous isolated mesenteric dissections may be treated nonoperatively with either medical therapy or observation alone, identifying patient characteristics amongst those that require operative intervention are important considerations for management of this rare disease process.Table IClinical characteristics by operative interventionOverall, n = 30Operative repair, n = 10Nonoperative, n = 20P valueaAge61.00 ± 12.0854.30 ± 13.4164.35 ± 10.11.031Gender.6 Female4 (13)2 (20)2 (10) Male26 (87)8 (80)18 (90)Ethnicity/Race.032 Asian18 (60)5 (50)13 (65) Hispanic5 (17)2 (20)3 (15) Other3 (10)3 (30)0 (0) White4 (13)0 (0)4 (20)Smoking history.7 Yes10 (33)4 (40)6 (30) No20 (67)6 (60)14 (70)Atrial fibrillation.7 Yes7 (23)3 (30)4 (20) No23 (77)7 (70)16 (80)Hypertension.4 Yes10 (33)2 (20)8 (40) No20 (67)8 (80)12 (60)White blood cells.4 >1211 (37)5 (50)6 (30) 4-1219 (63)5 (50)14 (70)Systolic blood pressure groups>.9 High (>140)17 (57)6 (60)11 (55) Normal (100-140)11 (37)3 (30)8 (40) Low (<100)2 (6.7)1 (10)1 (5.0)Modified Sakamoto class (types I-VI).008 Type I5 (24)1 (11)4 (33) Type II0 (0)0 (0)0 (0) Type III2 (9.5)1 (11)1 (8.3) Type IV4 (19)0 (0)4 (33) Type V2 (9.5)0 (0)2 (17) Type VI8 (38)7 (78)1 (8.3)Symptomatic at presentation.011 Yes20 (67)10 (100)10 (50) No10 (33)0 (0)10 (50)Length of stay7.67 ± 8.5614.00 ± 10.424.50 ± 5.35.004Intensive care unit length of stay2.57 ± 4.766.50 ± 6.430.60 ± 1.67<.001Deceased.3 Yes3 (10)2 (20)1 (5) No27 (90)8 (80)19 (95)Values are mean ± SD or number (%).aWilcoxon rank-sum test; Fisher's exact test. Open table in a new tab Table IIOdds ratio analysis of symptomatic presentation and Sakamoto classification with operative interventionOR95% CIP valueSymptomatic at presentation3.131.08-406.55.011Sakamoto class type V-VI10.51.57-105.00.024CI, Confidence interval; OR, odds ratio. Open table in a new tab

If at first you don't succeed, should you try again? The efficacy of repeated closed reductions of distal radius fractures.

A repeated closed reduction ("re-reduction") of a displaced distal radius fracture is a common procedure performed to obtain satisfactory alignment and avoid surgery when the initial reduction is deemed unsatisfactory. However, the efficacy of re-reduction is unclear. Compared to a single closed reduction, does a re-reduction of a displaced distal radius fracture: (1) improve radiographic alignment at the time of fracture union and, (2) decrease the rate of operative intervention? Retrospective cohort analysis of 99 adults aged 20-99years with extra-articular or minimally displaced intra-articular, dorsally angulated, displaced distal radius fracture with or without an associated ulnar styloid fracture who underwent a re-reduction, compared against 99 adults matched for age and sex who were managed with a single reduction. Exclusion criteria were skeletal immaturity, fracture-dislocation and articular displacement greater than 2mm. Outcome measures included radiographic alignment at fracture union and rate of surgical intervention. At 6-8weeks follow-up, the single reduction group had greater radial height (p = 0.045, CI 0.04to3.57), and less ulnar variance (p < 0.001, CI -3.08 to -1.00) compared to the re-reduction group. Immediately following re-reduction, 49.5% of patients met radiographic non-operative criteria, but by 6-8weeks follow-up, only 17.5% of patients continued to meet these criteria. Patients in the re-reduction group were treated with surgery 34.3% of the time, compared to 14.1% of the time for patients in the single reduction group (p = 0.001). In patients aged under 65years, 49.0% of those who underwent a re-reduction were managed with surgery, compared to 21.0% of those who had a single reduction (p = 0.004). A re-reduction performed to improve radiographic alignment and avoid surgical management in this subset of distal radius fractures had minimal value. Alternative treatment options should be considered before attempting a re-reduction.

Relationship of Obesity and Severe Penetrating Thoracic and Abdominal Injuries in Adolescent Patients.

Over 20% of United States adolescents are obese. A thicker layer of subcutaneous adiposity might provide a protective "armor" layer against penetrating wounds. We hypothesized that adolescents with obesity presenting after isolated thoracic and abdominal penetrating trauma have lower rates of severe injury and mortality than adolescents without obesity. The 2017-2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients between 12 and 17 years old presenting with knife or gunshot wounds. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 (obese) were compared to patients with BMI <30. Sub-analyses were performed for adolescents with isolated abdominal trauma and isolated thoracic trauma. Severe injury was defined as an abbreviated injury scale grade >3. Bivariate analyses were performed. 12,181 patients were identified; 1603 (13.2%) had obesity. In isolated abdominal gunshot or knife wounds, rates of severe intra-abdominal injuries and mortality were similar (all P > .05) between groups. In isolated thoracic gunshot wounds, adolescents with obesity had a lower rate of severe thoracic injury (5.1% vs 13.4%, P = .005) but statistically similar mortality (2.2% vs 6.3%, P = .053) compared to adolescents without obesity. In isolated thoracic knife wounds, rates of severe thoracic injuries and mortality were similar (all P > .05) between groups. Adolescent trauma patients with and without obesity presenting after isolated abdominal or thoracic knife wounds had similar rates of severe injury, operative intervention, and mortality. However, adolescents with obesity presenting after an isolated thoracic gunshot wound had a lower rate of severe injury. This may impact the future work-up and management of adolescents sustaining isolated thoracic gunshot wounds.