Trauma-related Injuries Research Articles

Can an Integrative Care Approach Improve Physical Function Trajectories after Orthopaedic Trauma? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Orthopaedic trauma patients frequently experience mobility impairment, fear-related issues, self-care difficulties, and work-related disability []. Recovery from trauma-related injuries is dependent upon injury severity as well as psychosocial factors []. However, traditional treatments do not integrate psychosocial and early mobilization to promote improved function, and they fail to provide a satisfying patient experience. We sought to determine (1) whether an early psychosocial intervention (integrative care with movement) among patients with orthopaedic trauma improved objective physical function outcomes during recovery compared with usual care, and (2) whether an integrative care approach with orthopaedic trauma patients improved patient-reported physical function outcomes during recovery compared with usual care. Between November 2015 and February 2017, 1133 patients were admitted to one hospital as orthopaedic trauma alerts to the care of the three orthopaedic trauma surgeons involved in the study. Patients with severe or multiple orthopaedic trauma requiring one or more surgical procedures were identified by our orthopaedic trauma surgeons and approached by study staff for enrollment in the study. Patients were between 18 years and 85 years of age. We excluded individuals outside of the age range; those with diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury []; those who were unable to communicate effectively (for example, at a level where self-report measures could not be answered completely); patients currently using psychotropic medications; or those who had psychotic, suicidal, or homicidal ideations at time of study enrollment. A total of 112 orthopaedic trauma patients were randomized to treatment groups (integrative and usual care), with 13 withdrawn (n = 99; 58% men; mean age 44 years ± 17 years). Data was collected at the following time points: baseline (acute hospitalization), 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and at 1 year. By 1-year follow-up, we had a 75% loss to follow-up. Because our data showed no difference in the trajectories of these outcomes during the first few months of recovery, it is highly unlikely that any differences would appear months after 6 months. Therefore, analyses are presented for the 6-month follow-up time window. Integrative care consisted of usual trauma care plus additional resources, connections to services, as well as psychosocial and movement strategies to help patients recover. Physical function was measured objectively (handgrip strength, active joint ROM, and Lower Extremity Gain Scale) and subjectively (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Physical Function [PROMIS®-PF] and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia). Higher values for hand grip, Lower Extremity Gain Scale (score range 0-27), and PROMIS®-PF (population norm = 50) are indicative of higher functional ability. Lower Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (score range 11-44) scores indicate less fear of movement. Trajectories of these measures were determined across time points. We found no differences at 6 months follow-up between usual care and integrative care in terms of handgrip strength (right handgrip strength β = -0.0792 [95% confidence interval -0.292 to 0.133]; p = 0.46; left handgrip strength β = -0.133 [95% CI -0.384 to 0.119]; p = 0.30), or Lower Extremity Gain Scale score (β = -0.0303 [95% CI -0.191 to 0.131]; p = 0.71). The only differences between usual care and integrative care in active ROM achieved by final follow-up within the involved extremity was noted in elbow flexion, with usual care group 20° ± 10° less than integrative care (t [27] = -2.06; p = 0.05). Patients treated with usual care and integrative care showed the same Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia score trajectories (β = 0.0155 [95% CI -0.123 to 0.154]; p = 0.83). Our early psychosocial intervention did not change the trajectory of physical function recovery compared with usual care. Although this specific intervention did not alter recovery trajectories, these interventions should not be abandoned because the greatest gains in function occur early in recovery after trauma, which is the key time in transition to home. More work is needed to identify ways to capitalize on improvements earlier within the recovery process to facilitate functional gains and combat psychosocial barriers to recovery. Level II, therapeutic study.

The Neuroprotective and Biomarker Potential of PACAP in Human Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury remains a growing public health concern and represents the greatest contributor to death and disability globally among all trauma-related injuries. There are limited clinical data regarding biomarkers in the diagnosis and outcome prediction of TBI. The lack of real effective treatment for recovery calls for research of TBI to be shifted into the area of prevention, treatment of secondary brain injury and neurorehabilitation. The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been reported to act as a hormone, a neuromodulator, a neurotransmitter and a trophic factor, and has been implicated in a variety of developmental and regenerative processes. The importance of PACAP in neuronal regeneration lies in the upregulation of endogenous PACAP and its receptors and the protective effect of exogenous PACAP after different central nervous system injury. The aim of this minireview is to summarize both the therapeutic and biomarker potential of the neuropeptide PACAP, as a novel possible target molecule presently being investigated in several human conditions including TBI, and with encouraging results in animal models of TBI.

An examination of forensic autopsy cases with pulmonary embolism

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency, origin, histopathology, and risk factors of PE, the vascular characteristics causing obstruction and the direct or indirect effect on mortality. A retrospective examination was made of autopsies conducted between 2013 and 2016 in the Malatya Forensic Medicine Group Directorate. Cases determined with PE were evaluated in respect of age, gender, event origin, risk factors, history of hospitalization, size of the vessels obstructed by the thromboembolism and histopathological examination. Pulmonary embolism is a frequently seen complication during hospitalization and is one of the leading causes of preventable hospital deaths. When advanced diagnostic methods are used, deep vein thrombosis is determined in 79% of PE patients. The annual incidence in Turkey is approximately 15/10,000 cases, which is comparable to rates in western populations. Although PE is seen more at advanced ages, attention must be paid to young cases with trauma-related injuries. Histopathological examination is of the greatest importance as the mortality rate associated with large vessel obstruction is high and obstructions in small vessels alone also contribute to mortality.

A comparison of trauma scoring systems for trauma-related injuries presenting to a district-level urban public hospital in Western Cape, South Africa

A comparison of trauma scoring systems for trauma-related injuries presenting to a district-level urban public hospital in Western Cape, South Africa

Study on functional outcome of the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) for displaced proximal humeral fractures in adults

Background: The Incidence of trauma related skeletal injuries have been on the rise in recent years and proximal humerus fractures are one of the most common fractures occurring in the human body. Hence the present study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) technology.The present study was undertaken to assess the functional and radiological outcome of the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) for displaced proximal humeral fractures in adults. Method:The present prospective observational study was conducted in adults with proximal humerus fractures admitted to department of orthopedics, GSL Medical College and General hospital Rajahmundry during study period from 1st October 2015 to 31st March 2017. The study was approved by the institute’s ethical committee. Patients were undergo Open reduction internal fixation with philos locking plating for the sustained fracture under general anaesthesia. Post-operative physiotherapy followed according to protocol, to evaluate the functional outcome. Result: The average age of patients was 44 years. Males were 16 and females were 09. Most common mechanism of injury observed was Road traffic accident in 72%. The Constant- Murley score was significantly improved (p=.000) over the successive follow-up period. 01 (04%) patient had excellent Constant-Murley scores, 11 (44%) patients had good scores, as like 11 (44%) had moderate scores and only 2 (08%) patients had a poor functional outcome. Conclusion:In conclusion, the proximal humeral locking plate seems to be an adequate device for the fixation of displaced two-part, three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures. Due to stable fixation, early functional aftercare is possible and allows the patient to regain good shoulder function and resume normal activities much earlier.

Demographics in trauma: a prospective observational study in a tertiary care zonal hospital

Background: Trauma represents a major challenge worldwide and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young population. There is significant change in trauma related injuries due to urbanization, motorization, industrialization and the socioeconomic changes in India. Road traffic accidents (RTA) pose the largest threat to human lives and have become the number one public hazard all across the world causing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to find out the demographics and to determine the injury pattern of surgical trauma cases presenting to this tertiary care zonal hospital.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care zonal hospital from June 2018 to December 2018. Data was collected for 105 patients presented with trauma in surgical emergency centre of this hospital were included in the study which excluded only orthopaedic trauma cases. The data collected was analysed.Results: Out of 105, 76 (72.38%) were male and 29 (27.61%) were female with 21 (20%) in the 31-40 age group. The average age of cases was 40.2 years. RTA was the major cause of trauma i.e. (77.14%) followed by accidental fall and slips (18.09%) and assaults (4.76%). Contusion was the common injury sustained (45.71%) followed by laceration (38.09%), abrasion (35.23%) and fracture (17.14%).Conclusions: There is a need for trauma registries which can help to formulate strategies towards decreasing the burden of trauma and improved outcomes at hospital as well as in public health.

Tendencia de los años perdidos de vida potencial por trauma en Colombia: análisis de un periodo de nueve años

Introducción. El trauma es reconocido como una epidemia global que varía según las regiones donde se presenta. Una parte de la carga de la enfermedad está determinada por los años perdidos de vida potencial, la cual es una estimación de amplio uso para la vigilancia en salud pública; sin embargo, existe poca información disponible en relación a esto. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la tendencia de los años perdidos de vida potencial por el trauma en un período de nueve años. Métodos. La información se obtuvo del Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses en un período de nueve años (2007-2015). La población de referencia se determinó con base en las proyecciones del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística, que indicaron una expectativa de vida de 75 años. Resultados. En el 2015, a las lesiones por traumatismos en Colombia les correspondieron 1.920,7 años perdidos de vida potencial por cada 100.000 personas. Durante el período de estudio, las principales causas fueron los homicidios (rango, 51 a 68 %) y los accidentes de tránsito (rango, 19 a 28 %); la relación entre hombres y mujeres fue de 7:1, y la tendencia estadística fue hacia la disminución de los años perdidos de vida potencial. Conclusiones. Los homicidios siguen aportando el mayor número de lesiones por trauma y años perdidos de vida potencial. Los hombres jóvenes continuaron siendo la población mayormente afectada. Se conceptúa la necesidad de incrementar los esfuerzos para mejorar la vigilancia en salud pública y ahondar en las intervenciones oportunas relacionadas con el trauma.

Evaluation of trauma patients admitted to the emergency department of in Mogadishu Training and Research Hospital, Somalia: Cross-sectional study of 1106 patients

Aim: Trauma-related injuries are among the most pressing issues today, causing economic, social, and healthcare burdens. The aim of this study is to better manage and approach trauma patients by comparing our results with the literature, and reach standards set by developed countries.

Geospatial Analysis of Trauma Burden and Surgical Care Capacity in Teso Sub-region of Eastern Uganda.

Over 90% of injury-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Relating spatial distribution of injury burden and trauma care capacity is crucial for effective resource allocation. Our study assesses trauma burden and emergency and essential surgical care (EESC) quality in Teso Sub-region Eastern Uganda through a spatial analysis of trauma burden in relation to surgical capacity at the district level. In this study, we surveyed trauma patients presenting at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH) and assessed EESC capacity of district hospitals. We used geospatial techniques to relate trauma burden and capacity and characterized delay using the three-delay framework. We surveyed 131 trauma patients presenting to SRRH for trauma-related injuries from June 1 to July 15, 2017. Almost all trauma incidents (n = 129, 98.4%) occurred within a 2-h ideal drive time to SRRH. From time of injury to receiving care, median time totaled to approximately 9.25h. District hospital exhibited decreased EESC capacity (personnel, infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and supplies (PIPES) score range 2.2-5.5, mean 4.2) compared to SRRH (PIPES score 8.1). Trauma patients face delays in each step of the care-seeking process from deciding to seek care, arriving at care site, and receiving treatment. Synergistic effects of a poor prehospital care, EESC deficiencies on district and regional levels, cost of seeking care contribute to delays that likely result in increased morbidity and mortality. Improved resource allocation, training at the district level, and strengthening system-level organization of emergency medical services could avert preventable death and disability.

U.S. Military Medical Evacuation and Prehospital Care of Pediatric Trauma Casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan

Background: Traumatic injuries were the most common reason for pediatric admission to military hospitals during the recent wars in the Middle East. We describe injury characteristics and prehospital interventions performed on wartime pediatric trauma casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq, stratified by medical evacuation platform. Methods: We queried the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DODTR) for all pediatric (age < 18 years) encounters from January 2007 to January 2016. The DODTR is the data repository for all trauma-related injuries managed by deployed US military medical treatment facilities with surgical capabilities. We requested all documented prehospital care, which may have been delivered anywhere from the point-of-injury until a fixed-facility with surgical capabilities. We stratified subjects according to Centers for Disease Control age groupings: <1 year, 1–4 years, 5–9 years, 10–14 years, and 15–17 years. Results: Of the 3,493 pediatric encounters in the DODTR, 1,004 underwent military evacuation from the point of injury: 911 (90.7%) by standard medical evacuation platforms and 93 (9.3%) by nonstandard, improvised evacuation assets. Six hundred seventy-five of the 1004 pediatric trauma casualties were between 5 and 14 years of age. Over 75% were male, over 80% were in Afghanistan, and most were injured by explosives. Across all age groups, serious injuries to the head/neck and extremities were most common. Subjects transported by standard evacuation platforms underwent tourniquet application (12.2% vs 5.3%, p < 0.05) and intraosseous access (12.2% vs 4.3%; p = 0.02) more frequently than those on nonstandard platforms. Casualties evacuated by nonstandard platforms underwent airway adjunct emplacement more frequently those on standard evacuation assets (3.2% vs 0.3%; p = 0.01). IV access and opiate administration were the most commonly performed interventions on both standard and nonstandard assets. Subject survival to hospital discharge was 88.1% on standard platforms and 89.2% on nonstandard platforms (p = 0.75). Conclusions: Approximately 30% of pediatric trauma casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq underwent medical evacuation from the point of injury directly to a military treatment facility with surgical capabilities. Most of those children did not undergo the prehospital interventions studied. Future investigations evaluating pediatric medical evacuation and prehospital care, medical staffing, pediatric-specific training, and equipping of pediatric-specific materials may be beneficial.

Role of cervical spine MRI in the setting of negative cervical spine CT in blunt trauma: Critical additional information in the setting of clinical findings suggestive of occult injury

Background and purposeCervical spine injury is common in the setting of blunt trauma and there is consensus that cervical spine CT (CSCT) is the image modality of choice for initial evaluation for blunt trauma related injuries of the cervical spine. However, there is disagreement in the literature with regards to further evaluation of blunt trauma patients with cervical spine MRI (CSMRI) after negative CSCT when there is persistent clinical concern for occult trauma related injury. The purpose of this study is to examine the utility of CSMRI for detection of occult injury in blunt trauma patients after negative CSCT. Materials and methodsWe reviewed records for 7,301 patients admitted for blunt trauma (November 2007–December 2013) and identified 259 who underwent CSMRI after a negative CSCT. These CSMRIs were reviewed to determine the number and type of significant CT occult injuries identified and clinical indications that led to CSMRI acquisition. Results and conclusionsCSMRI detected significant injuries following negative CSCT in 31% (81/259) of patients. There were 15 cord contusions/infarcts, 9 bone contusions/fractures, 7 spinal canal hemorrhages and 66 soft tissue injuries. Upper extremity neurological deficit had greatest positive predictive value (PPV) for detection of CT-occult injury on CSMRI of 43% (23/53), followed by equivocal CSCT findings (38%, 18/47), presence of extra-cervical injuries (34%, 20/58), midline cervical tenderness (20%, 17/85), and isolated lower extremity neurological deficit (0%, 0/16). CSMRI is recommended following negative CSCT in the evaluation of blunt cervical spine trauma when appropriate clinical concerns are present.

Study of splenic trauma and its management in adult trauma

Background: Abdominal trauma continues to account for a large number of trauma-related injuries and deaths. Motor vehicle accidents and urban violence, respectively, are the leading causes of blunt and penetrating trauma to this area of the body. So the aim of the study is to find out the incidence of splenic injury in adult abdominal trauma from March 2017 to August 2018. And to assess the efficacy of abdominal USG in grading splenic injury.Materials and Methods: This prospective and observational based clinical study was carried out on patients admitted in Hamidia Hospital associated with Gandhi Medical College Bhopal. After admission, data for the study were collected by detailed history, thorough clinical examination, and relevant diagnostic investigations performed over the patient. Results: In our study, 107 victims of abdominal trauma (blunt or penetrating) were observed. Out of them 13 patients suffered splenic trauma. USG grading splenic injury to be grade 1, 2, 3 were managed conservatively and higher grade were operated. There were 3 splenectomies and 1 splenorrhaphy done. Incidence of splenic injury was 13% and USG efficacy in grading splenic injuy was 100%. Patient who died in the study were due to associated trauma and no death occurred primarily due to splenic injury when mortality was 4.5% in the study. Also most common cause of abdominal trauma was road traffic accidents (RTA) 72% with 81% patients being males.Conclusion: RTAs form the most common mode of injury; hence, measures should be taken to prevent these accidents and measures should be taken for immediate referral to the hospital and urgent USG and CT scan of the patient and appropriate management, to avoid any mortality of the patient.

Mapping and prediction of organ procurement in cases resulting in mortality due to traumatic injuries: A matched cohort analysis.

The prediction of posttraumatic potential organ donors is a complex process. The aim of this study is to evaluate the organ procurement process in trauma-related injuries and determine the medical markers in organ donors and posttraumatic mortal patients at the first level emergency, in emergency surgical service, and surgical intensive care departments. In this retrospective study, after the approval of the ethics committee, the records of the patients in the emergency surgery unit, the operating room, and the organ donors in surgical intensive care unit between the years 2000 January-2011 December were examined. Patient demographics, distribution of donated organs, intubation area, transfer to the hospital, patient's service, trauma type, injury mechanism, and severity of the injury were examined. Continuous variables were evaluated with independent samples by the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test and binary variables with the Pearson Chi-Square test. The patients who lost their lives and survived in the emergency department (ED) were compared with an age ratio of 1: 3. Final results were evaluated by multiple logistic regression. The patients with ≤90 mmHg systolic blood pressure (SBP) or penetrant serious injuries were more likely to be candidates for organ donation in ED, respectively; 68.2% vs. 15.2% [AOR: 4.59 (1.14, 18.40), p<0.031] and 63.6% vs. 37.9% (AOR: 6.25 [1.27-30.49] [p<0.024]). Patients with AIS head ≥3 and in-hospital blood replacement of 1500 cc or more, were more likely to be organ donors after ED: 54.5% vs. 97% (AOR: 0.074 [0.014 kan0.548], [p<0.01]) and 10% vs. 58.1% (AOR: 0.098 [0.016-0.591], p<0.01]). In terms of predictive traits for organ procurement, a SBP of ≤90 mmHg and presence of serious penetrant injuries were found to be more predictive for organ transplantation than other factors such as AIS Head ≥3 or 1500 cc or more replacement of blood and blood products.

Essential Neurosurgical Workforce Needed to Address Neurotrauma in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Among all trauma-related injuries globally, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and traumatic spine injury (TSI) account for the largest proportion of cases. Where previously data was lacking, recent efforts have been initiated to better quantify the extent of neurotrauma in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This information is vital to understand the current neurosurgical deficit so that resources and efforts can be focused on where they are needed most. The purpose of this study is to determine the minimum number of neurosurgeons to address the neurotrauma demand in LMICs and evaluate current evidence to support facility needs so that policy-based recommendations can be made to prioritize development initiatives to scale up neurosurgical services. Using existing data regarding the incidence of TBI and TSI in LMICs and current neurosurgical workforce and estimates of case load capacity, the minimum number of neurosurgeons needed to address neurotrauma per population was calculated. Evidence was gathered regarding necessary hospital facilities and disbursement patterns based on time needed to intervene effectively for neurotrauma. There are 4,897,139 total operative cases of TBI and TSI combined in LMICs annually. At minimum, there needs to be 1 neurosurgeon only performing neurotrauma cases per approximately 212,000 people. Evidence suggests that patients should be within 4 hours of a neurosurgical facility at the very least. The development of neurotrauma systems is essential to address the large burden of neurotrauma in LMICs. The minimum requirements for neurosurgical workforce is 1 neurotrauma surgeon per 212,000 people.

Rectal trauma injuries: outcomes from the U.S. National Trauma Data Bank.

There is a lack of general consensus and a littlepublished data regarding the management of trauma-related rectal injuries and outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the surgical management and corresponding outcomes for this patient cohort, using a nationwide trauma database. Rectal injuries and procedures performed over a 2-year period (2013 and 2014) were identified through ICD-9 clinical modification codes, from the United States National Trauma Data Bank. Patient factors, management variables, and outcomes were evaluated. Of 1.7million patients, 1472 (0.1%) sustained a rectal injury; 81% male, median age 30years (range 16-89years) and 60% due to penetrating trauma. Seven hundred and seventy-eight (52.8%) had an isolated extraperitoneal injury and 694 (47.2%) had isolated Intraperitoneal or combined intra- and extraperitoneal injuries. Overall, 726 patients (49.3%) underwent fecal diversion. Injuries following blunt trauma were associated with higher injury severity scores (ISS), lower stoma rates, longer hospital and intensive-care unit (ICU) stay, and higher mortality rates than penetrating trauma (all p ≤ 0.001). Patients with stoma formation had lower mortality than undiverted patients (8.6 vs. 4.0%, p < 0.001) despite a higher ISS and more intraperitoneal injuries, but longer hospital and ICU stay (all p ≤ 0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, older age, higher ISS, intraperitoneal injury, and return to the ICU were independently associated with higher rates of mortality, while stoma formation was associated with a lower mortality rate. For isolated extraperitoneal rectal injuries, 494 patients (63.5%) were managed by resection/repair without stoma and had significantly lower overall postoperative morbidity rates (12.7 vs. 30.2%, p = 0.009) and shorter hospital stay (14 vs. 23 days, p < 0.001), than those who underwent resection/repair + stoma (n = 284; 36.5%), despite no significant difference in ISS (29 vs. 27, p = 0.780). There was no significant difference in mortality. Our results showed that trauma-related rectal injuries are rare and there iswide variation in their management. These data support a low threshold for stoma formation in patients with intraperitoneal or combined injuries, while suggesting that isolated extraperitoneal defects may be safely managed without fecal diversion.

Characteristics of Children Cared for by a Physician-Staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

The effectiveness of Japanese helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and interventions at the scene is not clear as regard children. For effective use of HEMS at the clinical scene, we need to clarify the characteristics of pediatric patients cared for by HEMS. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of pediatric scene flights and to describe the procedures performed on the patients. This was a retrospective cohort study based on the database for children aged younger than 18 years who were cared for by physician-staffed HEMS of Ibaraki prefecture, in Japan. We reviewed the database for air medical transports conducted at our institution from July 2010 to December 2016. During the 6.5-year period, the Ibaraki HEMS attended to 288 children. The median age of the children was 11 (interquartile range, 5-14) years. Of the total, 196 (68.1%) of the children had trauma-related injuries. The head was the most common site of significant injuries (12.4%). The most common cause of nontrauma incidents was seizure (9.0%). In 65.9% of the patients, the injury or illness was of mild or moderate severity at the scene. An intervention was applied at the scene in 76.0% of the cases: 75.1%, intravenous route; 6.9%, intubation; and 13.4%, drug administration. Of those patients, 29.1% were discharged from the emergency department. In-hospital mortality accounted for 1.5% (n = 2) of the cases. Although the condition at the scene of most of the pediatric patients transported by the physician-staffed HEMS was not severe, an intervention was frequently applied from the scene. Improving the dispatch criteria and monitoring compliance are needed for appropriate use of HEMS.

Epidemiology of severe traumatic brain injury.

About 5.48 million people are estimated to suffer from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year (73 cases per 100,000 people). The WHO estimates that almost 90% of deaths due to injuries occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the 85% of population live. Of these trauma-related deaths TBI is the main cause of one-third to one-half and represents the greatest cause of death and disability globally among all trauma-related injuries. The primary causes of TBI vary by age, socioeconomic factors, and geographic region, so any planned interventions must take in account this variability. The road traffic injuries (RTI) scenario is still strictly connected to the analysis of the global incidence of TBI, and to the reason why the LMICs experience nearly 3 times as many cases of TBI proportionally than high-income countries (HICs). The proportion of TBIs resulting from road traffic collisions was greatest in Africa and Southeast Asia (both 56%) and lowest in North America (25%). In HICs, falls and RTIs were reported most frequently as cause of TBI, but the traumas attributable to RTIs dropped from 39% in 2003 to 24% in 2012, while those attributable to falls increased from 43% to 54% respectively, with an increase TBI in the elderly (>65 years) due to falls. Differently from HICs, the population with the peak of TBI incidence is younger in LMICs, with an age between 28.8 and 33.1, as extensively reported. The burden of disease is significant; between 1,730,000 and 1,965,000 lives could be saved if global trauma care were improved in LMICs. Clinical practice recommendation should be developed and created in environments where the severe TBI mainly occurs. The applicability of high-income-country clinical research standards in LMICs is an important topic for future international research.

Firearm-related pediatric ocular trauma: analysis of patterns in the United States

Firearms rank second among causes of pediatric trauma-related injuries in the US, resulting in mortality and significant morbidity. We aimed to evaluate pediatric firearms-related ocular injuries (FOI).

Static Rope Evacuation by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Rescue Operations in Southeast Norway

Physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in Norway are an adjunct to existing search and rescue services. Our aims were to study the epidemiological, operational, and medical aspects of HEMS daylight static rope operations performed in the southeastern part of the country and to examine several quality dimensions that are characteristic of this service. We reviewed the static rope operations performed at 3 HEMS bases during a 3-y period and applied a set of quality indicators designed for physician-staffed emergency medical services to evaluate the quality of care. Data are presented as medians with quartiles, except National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) scores, which are presented as mean (SD). Fifty-nine static rope operations were identified, involving 60 patients. Median (quartiles) age was 43 (27-55) y. Median (quartiles) take-off time was 9 (5-13) min. Trauma-related injuries were found in 48 patients. The main conditions were lower limb injuries, found in 32 patients. Ten patients experienced medical conditions. Mean (SD) NACA score was 3.3 (1.3). A potential or actual life-threatening diagnosis (NACA score: 4-6) was reported among 15 patients. The main interventions were intravenous lines (19 patients), analgesics (17), and oxygen treatment (14). Four patients were intubated, and 1 thoracostomy was performed. Static rope operations are rarely performed. The quality indicators suggest that the service is safe, available, and equitable. Its main benefit seems to be evacuation and the maintenance of readiness before rapid transport of the physician to the scene or the patient to the hospital.

Elaborated plan for incoming surgical emergency management in Sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundGlobally, there has been an increase in injuries as a major cause of death. This burden is mainly due to an increase in road traffic injuries, and it poses an enormous burden in low- and middle-income countries. Musculoskeletal and head injuries are the most prevalent ones, which has led to an overcrowding of traumatic surgical emergencies.MethodologyAn unrestricted search was done in different research databases for articles published in English between January 2005 and November 2017 focusing on traumatic surgical emergencies.ResultsThe past several decades on the global health landscape are notable for increases in traumatic surgical emergencies. Although this burden of surgical emergencies is universal, high-income countries have implemented measures including mass casualty incident management, which continuously reduces the mortality and morbidity of trauma-related injuries. Nonindustrialized countries are facing almost the same burden, but there is still a lack of enough sustainable measures for combating this burden. Nevertheless, the Rwandan pre-hospital emergency care service (SAMU) which integrate pre-hospital services, has contributed a lot in the management of emergencies in Rwanda. Limb and head injuries are increasing, and there is a trend that this would continue.ConclusionA global upward shift in traumatic surgical emergencies was noted for the past several decades. This trend will continue, and it poses a significant burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, along with worldwide. The Sub-Saharan African mortality and morbidity rates are increasing in regard to traumatic surgical emergencies. Task shifting, initiation of similar systems such as SAMU, increase in workforce, conducting enough research, mass casualty incident protocols implementation, and zero tolerance in regard to alcohol or psychoactive substances by road users are recommendations from this review.