Vehicle Trauma Research Articles

Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury After Small-Wheeled Vehicle Trauma in Utah.

Recreational use of small-wheeled vehicles (SWVs), which include skateboards, longboards, nonmotorized scooters, ice skates, and roller skates or rollerblades, results in numerous injuries in the United States. To describe the nature and severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that result from the use of SWVs in Utah. Patients who were admitted to any Utah hospital after a SWV-related injury from 2001 through 2010 were identified from the Utah State Trauma Registry. Patients who sustained TBI were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes. Of 907 patients admitted with SWV injury, 392 (43%) had a TBI (85% male). Their mean age was 19.8 ± 0.5 years, including 234 (60%) aged ≤18 and 119 (30%) aged 19 to 29. Most patients sustained TBI while using a skate- or longboard (87%). Mean Glasgow Coma Scale score in the emergency department was 12.8 ± 0.2. Thirty-nine percent were admitted to an intensive care unit, and 6% (23) underwent emergent neurosurgical intervention. Thirty-three (8.4%) patients had a concussion; the rest had nonoperative intracranial hemorrhage. Among patients for whom helmet use data were available, 8 out of 291 (2.7%) patients with TBI were wearing a helmet, whereas 24 out of 190 (12.6%) non-TBI patients were wearing helmets (P < .001). Overall mortality was higher in TBI patients than in non-TBI patients (2.3% vs 0.2%, P = .003). Young people, especially males, who ride SWVs in Utah are at risk for serious TBI, admission to the intensive care unit, neurosurgical intervention, and death. Helmet use in these patients is likely rare, but may reduce the risk of TBI and death. ED, emergency departmentSWV, small-wheeled vehicleTBI, traumatic brain injury.

Leaving Nepal After the Earthquake: Sometimes Stepping Away May be the Best Disaster Response.

Leaving Nepal After the Earthquake: Sometimes Stepping Away May be the Best Disaster Response.

Implementation of an electronic medical record for HIV programs in resource-limited settings: A Nigerian case study

involved in motor vehicle and motorcycle trauma. Delayed presentation and a low rate of ambulance delivery indicate a lack of options for trauma care and poor infrastructure for coordinated care from field to hospital. The point of care perioperative data collection tool utilized by anesthesia personnel can provide detailed information that guides interventions for the development of a trauma system within a country in East Africa. Future directions will include utilizing this tool in more rural hospitals to define where interventions in the trauma care pre-referral hospital transfer are needed. Funding: GE Foundation. Abstract #: 01ITIS022

The neuropathological foundations for the restorative neurology of spinal cord injury

An appreciation of the neuropathology of human spinal cord injury (SCI) is a basic requirement for all concerned with the medical treatment of patients with SCI as well as for the many neuroscientists devoted to finding a "cure". An understanding of the neuropathology of SCI is a necessary guide to those concerned at all levels of treatment, whether they are doctors or other health professionals. The underlying changes in the spinal cord are especially relevant to the restorative neurology (RN) of SCI. The new discipline of RN seeks to enhance the function of residual spinal cord elements which have survived the injury and so improve the patient's rehabilitative status. This is in contrast to the conventional approach in rehabilitation which works around the clinical neurological deficiencies. Following the injury a series of changes take place in the spinal cord and surrounding tissues which continue to evolve throughout the life of the patient. In flexion and extension injuries resulting from motor vehicle trauma, diving and sporting accidents the spinal cord is compressed and disrupted but usually with some continuity remaining in the white matter columns. The brunt of the injury is usually centrally placed where there is bleeding into the disrupted grey matter involving one two segments, usually cervical. The loss of central grey matter is nowhere near as important as is the tearing apart of the white matter tracts in determining the patient's clinical state. The central grey matter supplies one two overlapping segmental myotomes and sensory fields. In contrast loss of continuity in the long white matter tracts is catastrophic because all functions below the level of injury are affected, autonomic or voluntary either by paralysis or anaesthesia, usually both. It is important to determine the exact nature of the injury in every patient as a preliminary to treatment by RN. This assessment is both clinical and neurophysiological with special attention given to any part of the long white matter tracts which may have escaped the initial injury. It is these residual nerve fibres which provide the opportunity to improve the patient's neurological state by being re-activated, modulated and enhanced by stimulation or by other RN methods. The conversion of a clinically complete SCI patient to being incomplete and ambulant is a tremendous improvement in the patient's status. It is the purpose of this article to provide the reader with the essential neuropathology of SCI as a beginning point in planning treatment whether it is medical or ancillary, as well as to inform the neuroscientist about the condition being addressed in his or her research.

The association of injury with substance use disorder among women of reproductive age: an opportunity to address a major contributor to recurrent preventable emergency department visits?

Substance use disorder (SUD) among women of reproductive age is a complex public health problem affecting a diverse spectrum of women and their families, with potential consequences across generations. The goals of this study were 1) to describe and compare the prevalence of patterns of injury requiring emergency department (ED) visits among SUD-positive and SUD-negative women and 2) among SUD-positive women, to investigate the association of specific categories of injury with type of substance used. This study was a secondary analysis of a large, multisource health care utilization data set developed to analyze SUD prevalence, and health and substance abuse treatment outcomes, for women of reproductive age in Massachusetts, 2002 through 2008. Sources for this linked data set included diagnostic codes for ED, inpatient, and outpatient stay discharges; SUD facility treatment records; and vital records for women and for their neonates. Injury data (ICD-9-CM E-codes) were available for 127,227 SUD-positive women. Almost two-thirds of SUD-positive women had any type of injury, compared to 44.8% of SUD-negative women. The mean (±SD) number of events also differed (2.27 ± 4.1 for SUD-positive women vs. 0.73 ± 1.3 for SUD-negative women, p < 0.0001). For four specific injury types, the proportion injured was almost double for SUD-positive women (49.3% vs 23.4%), and the mean (±SD) number of events was more than double (0.72 ± 0.9 vs. 0.26 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001). The numbers and proportions of motor vehicle incidents and falls were significantly higher in SUD-positive women (22.5% vs. 12.5% and 26.6% vs. 11.0%, respectively), but the greatest differences were in self-inflicted injury (11.5% vs. 0.8%; mean ± SD events = 0.19 ± 0.9 vs. 0.009 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001) and purposefully inflicted injury (11.5% vs 1.9%, mean ± SD events = 0.18 ± 0.1 vs. 0.02 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001). In each of the injury categories that we examined, injury rates among SUD-positive women were lowest for alcohol disorders only and highest for alcohol and drug disorders combined. Among 33,600 women identified as using opioids, 2,132 (6.3%) presented to the ED with overdose. Multiple overdose visits were common (mean ± SD = 3.67 ± 6.70 visits). After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric history, and complex/chronic illness, SUD remained a significant risk factor for all types of injury, but for the suicide/self-inflicted injury category, psychiatric history was by far the stronger predictor. The presence of SUD increases the likelihood that women in the 15- to 49-year age group will present to the ED with injury. Conversely, women with injury may be more likely to be involved in alcohol abuse or other substance use. The high rates of injury that we identified among women with SUD suggest the utility of including a brief, validated screen for substance use as part of an ED injury treatment protocol and referring injured women for assessment and/or treatment when scores indicate the likelihood of SUD.

Gender differences in care-seeking behavior and health care consumption after work-related whiplash injuries

Background The aim was to study gender differences in care-seeking behaviour regarding type of facility, time span and type of treatment after work-related motor vehicle trauma (WRMVT) and to investigate the incidence of WRMVT. Methods Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study. Setting: A population-based register in a Swedish county from 1999 to 2008. Participants: A cohort of 820 persons, 18-65 …

Development of Road Safety Performance Indicators for the European Countries

Purpose Safety performance indicators (SPIs) are measures reflecting the operational conditions of the road traffic system that influence the system’s safety performance. Within the EU funded SafetyNet project, SPIs were developed for seven road safety-related areas: alcohol and drugs; speed; protective systems; daytime running lights; vehicles (passive safety); roads and trauma management. The purpose was to develop meaningful SPIs that, given the available data, could be applied in Europe. Method A common procedure for the development of SPIs in each area was applied, starting with a definition of unsafe operational conditions of the traffic system and continuing with a conversion of this information into a measurable variable. Based on a literature survey, a relationship between the problem area and road safety was ascertained. Characteristics of the system's performance were analyzed aiming to select those which can be quantified. Examples of SPIs in use by different bodies and research studies were examined. Using the SPIs' concept suggested in each area, the data were collected in cooperation with national experts from 29 European countries, aiming to verify the applicability of the SPIs developed and to conduct country comparisons. Results The rationale behind the SPIs in each safety area was detailed, and the application of the developed SPIs to the European countries' comparisons was shown. For some areas, i.e. protective systems' use, sufficiently good data appeared to be available in Europe, while for other areas, i.e. speed and alcohol, data quantity and quality varied strongly. For passive vehicle safety, trauma management and roads, completely new approaches were developed for the SPIs' estimation. Conclusion Given the data are collected on a common basis, SPIs can become valuable tools in future knowledge- and data-driven policy-making in Europe.

CT scan-guided percutaneous osteosynthesis of a complex, multifocal fracture of the pelvic girdle in a 14-year-old adolescent

We report on a 14-year-old girl with minimally displaced pelvic girdle and acetabular roof fracture following motor vehicle trauma, treated percutaneously under CT and C-arm fluoroscopic guidance by an interventional radiologist. After informed consent from the patient's parents, under surgical aseptic conditions and under general anesthesia, three screws were positioned adequately under dual guidance by a radiologist and without immediate or long-term complication. The patient was mobilized 48 h after the procedure and resumed normal activities after 1 month. Even though the technique has been described before on adults, to our knowledge this is the first time it has been described on a pediatric patient.

Blunt traumatic injury in the Arab Middle Eastern populations.

Background:Trauma represents a global public health concern with an estimated 5 million deaths annually. Moreover, the incidence of blunt traumatic injuries (BTI) particularly road traffic accidents (RTAs) and workplace-related injuries are rising throughout the world-wide. Objectives: We aimed to review the epidemiology and prevention of BTI, in the Arab Middle East.Materials and Methods:A traditional narrative literature review was carried out using PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE search engines. We used the keywords “traumatic injuries”, “blunt” “epidemiology”, “Arab Middle East” between December 1972 and March 2013.Results:The most common mechanisms of BTI in our region are RTAs, falls from height, struck by heavy objects and pedestrian motor vehicle trauma crashes. The rate of RTA and occupational injuries are markedly increased in the region due to rapid industrial development, extreme climatic conditions and unfamiliar working environment. However, lack of reliable information on these unintentional injuries is mainly responsible for the underestimation of this trauma burden. This knowledge deficit shields the extent of the problem from policy makers, leading to continued fatalities. These preventable injuries in turn add to the overall financial burden on the society through loss of productivity and greater need of medical and welfare services.Conclusion:In the Arab Middle East, population-based studies on the incidence, mechanism of injury, prevention and outcome of BTI are not well-documented. Therefore, region-specific BTI studies would strengthen surveillance to better understand the burden of these injuries in the region.

The full spectrum of handlebar injuries in children: A decade of experience

BackgroundTraumatic paediatric handlebar injury (HBI) is known to occur with different vehicles, affect different body regions, and have substantial associated morbidity. However, previous handlebar injury research has focused on the specific combination of abdominal injury and bicycle riding. Our aim was to fully describe the epidemiology and resultant spectrum of injuries caused by a HBI. MethodsRetrospective data analysis of all paediatric patients (<18 years) in a prospectively identified trauma registry over a 10-year period. Primary outcome was the HBI, its location and management. The effects of patient age, vehicle type, the impact region, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were also evaluated. HBI patients were compared against a cohort injured while riding similar vehicles, but not having sustained a HBI. Results1990 patients were admitted with a handlebar-equipped vehicle trauma; 236 (11.9%) having sustained a HBI. HBI patients were twice as likely to be aged between 6 and 14 years old compared with non-HBI patients (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.5–3.2). 88.6% of the HBI patients sustained an isolated injury, and 45.3% had non-abdominal handlebar impact. There were no significant differences in median ISS (p=0.4) or need for operative intervention (OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.9–1.5) between HBI and non-HBI patients. HBI patients had a significantly longer LOS (1.8 days vs. 1.2 days; p=0.001), and more frequently required a major operation (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.2–5.4). The majority of splenic, renal and hepatic injuries were managed conservatively. ConclusionsAlthough the majority of paediatric HBI is associated with both intra-abdominal injury and bicycle riding, it produces a spectrum of potentially serious injuries and patients are more likely to undergo major surgery. Therefore these patients should always be treated with a high degree of suspicion.

A Method for Linking Motor Vehicle Victim and Collision Data Collected by Multiple County Agencies

Objective: This study assessed roadside and bedside factors associated with early mortality following motor vehicle trauma. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated motor vehicle crashes in Orange County Florida in 2009 that became medical examiner cases. Data from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), emergency medical services (EMS), a level I trauma center, and the medical examiner were integrated for the analysis. The primary outcome measure was early death, defined by death within 48 hours of a motor vehicle trauma. Both traditional and nontraditional predictors of early mortality were assessed. Results: The most significant factors associated with early mortality were as follows: (1) From autopsy: hemothorax (odds ratio [OR] = 8.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.83–37.3) and liver injury (OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 1.70–15.6); (2) from hospital data: systolic blood pressure (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99) and having cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed in the emergency department (OR = 13.4, 95% CI: 1.51–118.72); and (3) from DHSMV: involvement of drugs and/or alcohol (OR = 4.27, 95% CI: 1.33–13.6), total fatalities (OR = 6.07, 95% CI: 1.57–23.5), speed of vehicle (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.09), and number of lanes at the crash scene (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.13–2.20). Conclusion: These results were made possible by integrating 4 distinct data sources. As future research in traffic-related injury moves toward prevention, it will be critical to evaluate new preventative strategies quickly and effectively. A unique number that is both patient and event specific that could be incorporated into each of these databases would make such integration seamless. Successful methods for linking data collected by the multiple agencies involved in motor vehicle collisions will ultimately provide invaluable information for medical personnel, researchers, engineers, planners, and policy makers at the local, state, and national levels to identify safety priorities to reduce crash-related injuries and fatalities.

Properties of the Driving Behavior Survey among individuals with motor vehicle accident-related posttraumatic stress disorder

Data suggest anxious drivers may engage in problematic behaviors that place themselves and others at increased risk of negative traffic events. Three domains of problematic behavior – exaggerated safety/caution, performance deficits, and hostile/aggressive behaviors – previously were identified during development of the Driving Behavior Survey (DBS), a novel measure of anxiety-related behavior. Extending this research, the current study examined the psychometric properties of DBS scores among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) subsequent to motor vehicle trauma (N=40). Internal consistencies and 12-week test–retest reliabilities for DBS scales ranged from good to excellent. Comparison of scores to normative student data indicated dose–response relationships for safety/caution and performance deficit subscales, with increased frequency of anxious behavior occurring within the PTSD sample. Associations with standard clinical measures provide additional evidence for anxiety-related driving behavior as a unique marker of functional impairment, distinct from both avoidance and disorder-specific symptoms.

Evaluation of geriatric patients with trauma scores after motor vehicle trauma

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting in-hospital mortality among geriatric trauma patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) following a motor vehicle collision. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out in a high-volume tertiary care facility in the central Anatolian Region. Clinical data were extracted from hospital databases for all eligible geriatric patients (either driver, passenger or pedestrian) with entries dated between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the in-hospital mortality effects of variables including demographic characteristics, trauma mechanisms, injured body parts and various trauma scores. ResultsThere were 395 geriatric motor vehicle trauma presentations to the ED during the 3-year period. Of these patients, 371 (93.9%) survived, and 24 (6.1%) died in the ED, operating room or intensive care unit. The multivariate logistic regression model included the following variables: heart failure, cranial trauma, abdominal trauma, thoracic trauma, pelvic trauma, Glasgow Coma Score and Injury Severity Score (ISS). These variables were chosen because univariate analysis indicated that they were potential predictors of mortality. The multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of heart failure (OR: 20.2), cranial trauma (OR: 3.6), abdominal trauma (OR: 26.9), pelvic trauma (OR: 9.9) and ISS (OR: 1.2) were predictors of in-hospital mortality in the study population. ConclusionIn our study, heart failure, cranial trauma, abdominal trauma, pelvic trauma, and ISS were found to be the most important predictors of in-hospital mortality among geriatric motor vehicle trauma patients.

Fatal Pediatric Head Injuries

Inflicted pediatric head injury is a significant issue in New Zealand, fatal cases receiving extensive media attention. The primary aims of this article were to analyze injury patterns and reported mechanisms against both age and cause (accidental or inflicted). The secondary aims were to quantify these deaths and identify trends over time. We retrospectively reviewed pediatric deaths due to head injury in children younger than 15 years referred to the Coronial Service of Auckland, New Zealand, from January 1, 1991, to December 31, 2010. One hundred sixty-seven cases were identified. Overall incidence was stable over time; however, the rate of inflicted head injury increased significantly (from 0.1 to 0.4/100,000 per year). Evidence of impact was seen in 90% of cases. In children younger than 2 years, in the absence of motor vehicle or pedestrian trauma, subdural hemorrhage and diffuse axonal injury were both highly suggestive of inflicted injury. The absence of a history of trauma or a history of a fall less than 1 m was also highly suggestive of inflicted injury. Retinal hemorrhages in these fatal head injuries were severe in 77% of cases and moderate in the remainder.

Older Adult Golf Cart and All‐Terrain Vehicle (ATV)–Related Craniofacial Injuries

Objectives: Analyze the etiologies of craniofacial and temporal bone injury in older adults involved in recreational vehicle trauma. Methods: A chart review at a level one trauma center from 2000-2012 included 58 patients over 50 years old. Data obtained include the following variables: age, gender, race, mechanism of injury, intoxication, hospital stay, vehicle type, Glasgow coma score (GCS), injury severity score (ISS), and helmet use. Results: Of the 58 patients identified, the mean age was 60.5, and the majority were white (90%) and male (78%). Eleven patients (19.3%) had a craniofacial injury (CFI), and two patients (3%) had a temporal bone fracture. The most common CFI was an orbital wall fracture (64%), followed by maxilla (27%) and nasal bone fracture (27%). Patients with a closed head injury are nearly ten times as likely to incur a CFI ( P = 0.0346), and those injured while intoxicated are over seven times more likely to have CFI ( P = 0.0084). Patients with a temporal bone fracture are more likely to suffer concurrent additional CFI ( P = 0.035). There were no statistical differences in the incidence of CFI in relation to age, race, sex, ISS, GCS, or vehicle type. CFI was not a predictor of the length of hospital stay or mortality. Helmet use and mechanism of injury are not related to the incidence of CFI. Conclusions: Recreational vehicle trauma is a risk to older patients. Alcohol is a strong risk factor for CFI. For patients with close head injuries and/or a temporal bone fracture, concurrent CFI should be anticipated.

Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle Trauma

Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle Trauma

Analysis of pediatric all-terrain vehicle trauma data in Middle Tennessee

Trauma registries capture data about injuries that can be used to objectively guide injury prevention initiatives. This article analyzes trauma registry data to describe the nature and distribution of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries in Middle Tennessee. A community injury prevention effort, based on this analysis, is also presented. A retrospective analysis of data (2007-2009) from the trauma registry of a Level I pediatric trauma center in Middle Tennessee was conducted. Patients younger than 16 years with ATV-related injuries were included in the analysis (n = 163). The key variables examined were demographics, injury severity, helmet use, injury mechanism, length of stay, and patient's county of residence. In addition, Geographic Information Systems software was used to examine the distribution of injuries and graphically represent counties with highest injury rates in the youth population. ATV injuries were more prevalent among boys than girls (66% vs. 34%; p < 0.001). Approximately 64% of the ATV injuries were in the age group 10 years to 15 years. Most injuries were either moderately severe (44%) or severe (30%). Injury mechanism varied by age; younger children experienced more rollovers while older children tended to be injured from ejections (p < 0.05). Helmet use was low (33%). Data from this study suggest that helmet use resulted in fewer injuries to the head, neck, and face. Counties with high rates of ATV injuries were targeted for ATV training programs. 4-H agents trained by the ATV Safety Institute provided ATV training classes. Rural youth are clearly at greater risk for ATV injuries than urban populations. Young ATV riders are often self-taught and lack the knowledge to ride ATVs safely. Organizations such as the 4-H, provide effective injury prevention outreach. Epidemiologic study, level III.

The mortality risk from motor vehicle injuries in California has increased during the last decade

Organized trauma systems and trauma centers are thought to improve trauma outcomes. It is clear that injured patients who receive care in trauma centers have survival advantages. However, large regions of California still do not have access to trauma centers. Many injured patients in California continue to receive their care in nontrauma center hospitals. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes in California counties with and without trauma centers. In addition, we wished to query the efficacy of the current statewide trauma system by asking whether mortality after motor vehicle trauma in California has improved during the last decade. We performed a retrospective outcome study. The California highway patrol provided data from all motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) and mortality during the years 1999 to 2008 for the 58 counties in California. Percent fatality was calculated as the number of motor vehicle fatalities divided by the number of injuries. Data were analyzed to compare outcomes in counties with and without trauma centers. Furthermore, demographic data were studied to analyze the relationship of population and hospital density on mortality. Mortality was significantly lower in counties with trauma centers. Low population and hospital density independently correlated with increased mortality. Injury mortality rates after MVCs increased during the decade both in counties with and without trauma centers. Overall, the presence of a trauma center improved the chances of survival after an MVC in California counties. However, mortality rates after injuries increased during the decade both in counties with and without trauma centers. Future efforts to improve outcomes for injured patients in California will require new approaches, which must include improving both access to trauma centers and the care provided in nontrauma center hospitals. Epidemiologic study, level III.

Experimental mechanical characterization of abdominal organs: liver, kidney & spleen

Abdominal organs are the most vulnerable body parts during vehicle trauma, leading to high mortality rate due to acute injuries of liver, kidney, spleen and other abdominal organs. Accurate mechanical properties and FE models of these organs are required for simulating the traumas, so that better designing of the accident environment can be done and the organs can be protected from severe damage. Also from biomedical aspect, accurate mechanical properties of organs are required for better designing of surgical tools and virtual surgery environments. In this study porcine liver, kidney and spleen tissues are studied in vitro and hyper-elastic material laws are provided for each. 12 porcine kidneys are used to perform 40 elongation tests on renal capsule and 60 compression tests on renal cortex, 5 porcine livers are used to perform 45 static compression tests on liver parenchyma and 5 porcine spleens are used to carry out 20 compression tests. All the tests are carried out at a static speed of 0.05mm/s. A comparative analysis of all the results is done with the literature and though the results are of same order of magnitude, a slight dissonance is observed for the renal capsule. It is also observed that the spleen is the least stiff organ in the abdomen whereas the kidney is the stiffest. The results of this study would be essential to develop the FE models of liver, kidney and spleen which can be further used for impact biomechanical and biomedical applications.

Betwixt Scylla and Charybdis

Betwixt Scylla and Charybdis