Incidence and pattern of traumatic spine injury in a single level I trauma center of southern Iran / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Spine injury is one of the leading causes of death and mortality worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, pattern and outcome of trauma patients with spine injury referred to the largest trauma center in southern Iran during the last 3 years.@*METHODS@#This is a cross-sectional study conducted between March 2018 and June 2021 in the largest trauma center in the southern Iran. The data collection form included the age, sex, injury location (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), cause of injury (traffic accidents, falls, and assaults), length of hospital stay, injured segment of spine injury, severity of injury, and outcome. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS software version 24.@*RESULTS@#Totally 776 cases of spine injury were identified. The spine injury rate was 17.0%, and the mortality rate was 15.5%. Cervical spine injury (20.4%) more often occulted in motorcycle accident, and thoracic spine injury (20.1%) occulted in falls. The highest and lowest rates of spine injurys were related to lumbar spine injury (30.2%) and cervical spine injury (21.5%), respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the mechanism of injury and the location of spine injury (p < 0.001). And patients with lumbar spine injury had the highest mortality rate (16.7%). Injury severity score (OR= 1.041, p < 0.001) and length of stay (OR = 1.018, p < 0.001) were strong predictors of mortality in trauma patients with spine injury.@*CONCLUSION@#The results of the study showed that the incidence of traumatic spine injury rate was approximately 17.0% in southern of Iran. Road traffic injury and falls are the common mechanism of injury to spine. It is important to improve the safety of roads, and passengers, as well as work environment, and improve the quality of cars. Also, paying attention to the pattern of spine injury may assist to prevent the missing diagnosis of spine injury in multiple trauma patients.

The "weekend effect" does not impact on outcome of trauma laparotomy - Experience from a level 1 trauma centre in New Zealand / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Trauma centres have been proven to provide better outcomes in developed countries for overall trauma, but there is limited literature on the systematic factors that describe any discrepancies in outcomes for trauma laparotomies in these centres. This study was conducted to examine and interrogate the effect of systematic factors on patients undergoing a trauma laparotomy in a developed country, intending to identify potential discrepancies in the outcome.@*METHODS@#This was a retrospective study of all laparotomies performed for trauma at a level 1 trauma centre in New Zealand. All adult patients who had undergone an index laparotomy for trauma between February 2012 and November 2020 were identified and laparotomies for both blunt and penetrating trauma were included. Repeat laparotomies and trauma laparotomies in children were excluded. The primary clinical outcomes reviewed included morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality. All statistical analysis was performed using R v.4.0.3.@*RESULTS@#During the 9-year study period, 204 trauma laparotomies were performed at Waikato hospital. The majority (83.3%) were performed during office hours (170/204), and the remaining 16.7% were performed after hours (34/204). And 61.3% were performed on a weekday (125/204), whilst 38.7% were performed on the weekend/public holiday (79/204). Most of the parameters in office hours and after hours groups had no statistically significant difference, except lactate (p = 0.026). Most of the variables in weekday and weekend groups had no statistically significant difference, except pH, lactate, length of stay, and gastrointestinal complications (p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.020, respectively).@*CONCLUSION@#The current trauma system at Waikato hospital is capable of delivering care for trauma laparotomy patients with the same outcome regardless of working hours or after hours, weekday or weekend. This confirms the importance of a robust trauma system capable of responding to the sudden demands placed on it.

Comparing epidemiologic features, outcomes, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of traumatic patients before and during COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the National Trauma Registry of Iran / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#To prepare for future possible communicable disease epidemics/pandemics, health care providers should know how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced injured patients. This study aimed to compare epidemiologic features, outcomes, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of trauma patients admitted to a university-affiliated hospital before and during the pandemic.@*METHODS@#This retrospective study was performed on data from the National Trauma Registry of Iran. All injured patients admitted to the hospital from July 25, 2016 to March 10, 2021 were included in the study. The patients were excluded if they had hospital length of stay less than 24 h. The injury outcomes, trauma mechanisms, and therapeutic and diagnostic procedures of the 2 periods: before (from July 25, 2016 to February 18, 2020) and during (from February 19, 2020 to March 10, 2021) COVID-19 pandemic were compared. All analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0 software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX).@*RESULTS@#Totally, 5014 patients were included in the registry. Of them, 773 (15.4%) were registered after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic on February 19, 2020, while 4241 were registered before that. Gender, education level, and cause of injury were significantly different among the patients before and after the beginning of the pandemic (p < 0.001). In the ≤ 15 years and ≥ 65 years age groups, injuries decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.001). The frequency of intensive care unit (ICU) admission decreased from 694 (16.4%) to 88 (11.4%) (p < 0.001). The mean length of stay at the hospital (days) and at the ICU (days) declined as follow: 8.3 (SD = 17.2) vs. 5.5 (SD = 6.1), p < 0.001 and 7.5 (SD = 11.5) vs. 4.5 (SD = 6.3), p < 0.022. The frequency of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures before and during the pandemic was as follows, respectively: ultrasonography 905 (21.3%) vs. 417 (53.9%) (p < 0.001), echocardiography 313 (7.4%) vs. 107 (13.8%) (p < 0.001), angiography 1597 (37.7%) vs. 534 (69.1%) (p < 0.001), MRI 166 (3.9%) vs. 51 (6.6%) (p < 0.001), surgery 3407 (80.3%) vs. 654 (84.6%) (p < 0.001), and internal/external fixation 1215 (28.6%) vs. 336 (43.5%) (p < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#The pandemic affected the epidemiology of traumatic patients in terms of gender, age, educational level, and trauma mechanism. It changed the outcomes of injured patients: ICU admission, length of stay at the hospital and ICU decreased. The patients received more diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during the pandemic. To be more precise, more research is needed on the details.

Aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques des traumatismes vertébro-médullaires au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Owendo, Gabon / Spinal cord injury at the Owendo teaching hospital, Gabon. Epidemiology, diagnosis and management

Spinal cord injury constitutes a multidisciplinary therapeutic emergency. It occurs usually in a context of polytrauma. The aim of this study was to describe the management of spinal cord injury admitted to the emergency department of a "trauma center". Methods: This is a prospective observational study carried out at the University Hospital of Owendo, Gabon. Patients admitted to the emergency department of any age for spinal cord injury and having performed a radiological examination were included. Socio-demographic parameters, circumstances and times of onset of trauma, mode of transport, state of consciousness, sensory and motor deficit, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Score, hemodynamic and respiratory status were assessed. Results: During the study period, 850 patients were registered at the emergency department. Among them 112 were admitted for spinal cord injury (3.17%). The average age of the patients was 36 ± 3 years. The male gender accounted for 77% of cases. It concerned in 36% of cases the unemployed. The road accident was incriminated in 61%. Pedestrians were involved in 81% of cases. The clinical evaluation on admission found a sensorimotor deficit in 45 patients (40.17%), there were 11 tetraplegias (10%) and 3 paraplegias (3%). The majority of patients (77.7%) were classified as Fränkel stage A. The lesions were dominated by dislocations of the cervical spine (30.4%). Specialized care was essentially orthopedic in 60.7%. No patient was operated. Conclusion: Spinal cord injuries are "time-dependent" medical and surgical emergencies. A codified organization of pre-hospital care and an efficient "trauma center" are essential factors for the management of this type of traumatic pathology

Competência profissional do enfermeiro na unidade de trauma / Professional competence of nurses in the trauma unit

Objetivo: Analizar la competencia profesional del personal de enfermería en la unidad de trauma. Metodología: Investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva y transversal, que fue desarrollada con 47 profesionales de enfermería. Este grupo se desempeñaba en cuatro sectores de riesgo de la unidad de trauma de un hospital público en el noreste de Brasil. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado sobre la competencia profesional del personal de enfermería en emergencias, compuesto por módulos y dominios, entre ellos variables sociodemográficas, formación profesional, caso ficticio y autoevaluación de las acciones diarias correspondientes a la realidad laboral. La recolección de datos se realizó de julio a septiembre de 2019. Para el análisis de datos, se utilizó estadística descriptiva, el software SPSS y la prueba de chi-cuadrado. Para verificar la significancia, se adoptó un valor de p<0.05. Resultados: Se observó que la mayoría de personas participantes eran del sexo femenino, especialistas y tenían más de una relación laboral. En cuanto a los dominios ''relaciones de trabajo'' y ''práctica profesional'', las personas participantes se autoevaluaron como ''muy competentes'' o ''extremadamente competentes'' en todas las acciones que retratan la realidad de trabajo en que están insertas. En el dominio ''excelencia profesional'', la acción ''participa periódicamente en simulación realista en emergencias'' fue la única evaluada como ''poco competente''. En el caso ficticio, en las tres declaraciones, más de la mitad de las personas participantes calificó el comportamiento de la persona profesional en enfermería como ''extremadamente competente'', ''muy competente'' o ''competente''. Conclusión: La mayoría de profesionales en enfermería no juzgaron correctamente las acciones realizadas por la persona enfermera en el caso ficticio, aunque se autoevaluaron como competentes en las acciones que realizan diariamente. Por lo tanto, el estudio plantea la necesidad de que el servicio invierta en educación permanente vinculada al compromiso profesional para garantizar una atención de alta calidad.

Objetivo: Analisar a competência profissional do enfermeiro na unidade de trauma. Metodologia: Pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e transversal, desenvolvida com 47 enfermeiros que atuavam em quatro setores da unidade de trauma do hospital público no nordeste brasileiro. Aplicou-se questionário validado sobre a competência profissional do enfermeiro em emergências composto por variáveis sociodemográficas, de formação profissional, um caso fictício e autoavaliação das ações diárias correspondente à realidade do trabalho. A coleta de dados foi realizada nos meses de julho a setembro de 2019. Para análise dos dados, utilizou estatísticas descritivas, o software SPSS e teste do qui-quadrado, para verificar significância adotou-se valor de p<0,05. Resultados: Observou-se que a maioria dos enfermeiros eram do sexo feminino, especialistas e possuíam mais de um vínculo empregatício. Referente aos domínios ''Relações de Trabalho'' e ''Prática Profissional'', os enfermeiros se autoavaliaram como ''muito competente'' ou ''extremamente competente'' em todas as ações que retratam a realidade de trabalho na qual estavam inseridos. No domínio ''Excelência profissional'' a ação ''Participa de simulação realística em emergências periodicamente'' foi a única avaliada como ''pouco competente''. No caso fictício, nas três afirmativas, mais da metade dos enfermeiros julgaram como ''extremamente competente'', ''muito competente'' ou ''competente'' a conduta do enfermeiro no caso. Conclusão: A maioria dos enfermeiros não julgaram corretamente as ações realizadas pelo enfermeiro no caso fictício, mesmo se autoavaliando como competentes nas ações que desempenham diariamente. Sendo assim, o estudo levanta a necessidade do serviço de investir em educação permanente atrelado ao empenho profissional para garantir cuidados de alta qualidade.

Aim: To analyze the professional competence of nurses in trauma units. Methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study developed with 47 nurses who work in four areas of the trauma unit of a public hospital in the Northeast of Brazil. A validated Likert Scale questionnaire was applied to evaluate the professional competence of nurses during emergencies; this scale included sociodemographic variables, professional training, a fictitious case, and a self-assessment of daily activities related to the reality of work. The data collection was carried out from July to September 2019. To analyze the data, the researchers employed descriptive statistics or the SPSS software and a qui-square test to verify the significance using a p value of <0.05. Results: It was observed that the majority of the nurses were female specialists who had more than one employment relationship. Regarding the domains ''Work Relations'' and ''Professional Practice'', the nurses assessed themselves as ''highly competent'' or ''extremely competent'' in all the actions that portray the reality of work in which they are immersed. In the ''Professional Excellence'' domain, the action ''periodically participates in realistic simulation in emergencies'' was the only one evaluated as ''little competent''. In the fictitious case, across all three statements, more than half of the nurses rated the nurse's behavior in the case as ''extremely competent'', ''very competent'', or ''competent''. Conclusion: Most of the nurses do not correctly judge the actions performed by the nurse in a fictitious case, even when they self-assess themselves as competent in the actions they perform daily. The study also raises the need for the service to invest in permanent professional training endeavor to guarantee competent labor and high-quality care.

De un centro de trauma a un sistema de trauma en el suroccidente colombiano / From a Trauma Center to a Trauma System in Southwest Colombia

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto sobre la mortalidad según el perfil de ingreso a un centro de trauma del suroccidente colombiano, como método para entender las dinámicas de atención del paciente con trauma. Métodos. Se realizó un subanálisis del registro de la Sociedad Panamericana de Trauma asociado a un centro de trauma en el suroccidente colombiano. Se analizaron los pacientes atendidos entre los años 2012 y 2021. Se compararon los pacientes con condición de ingreso directo y aquellos que ingresaron remitidos. Se hicieron análisis de poblaciones de interés como pacientes con trauma severo (ISS > 15) y pacientes con/sin trauma craneoencefálico. Se evaluó el impacto de los pacientes remitidos y su condición al ingreso sobre la mortalidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 10.814 pacientes. La proporción de pacientes remitidos fue del 54,7 %. Los pacientes que ingresaron remitidos presentaron diferencias respecto a la severidad del trauma y compromiso fisiológico al ingreso comparado con los pacientes con ingreso directo. Los pacientes remitidos tienen mayor riesgo de mortalidad (RR: 2,81; IC95% 2,44-3,22); sin embargo, es el estado fisiológico al ingreso lo que impacta en la mortalidad. Conclusión. Los pacientes remitidos de otras instituciones tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad, siendo una inequidad en salud que invita a la articulación de actores institucionales en la atención de trauma. Un centro de trauma debe relacionarse con las instituciones asociadas para crear un sistema de trauma que optimice la atención de los pacientes y la oportunidad

Introduction. This study aims to evaluate the impact on mortality by admission profile to a trauma center in Southwest Colombia between direct and referred patients, as a method to understand the dynamics of trauma care.Methods. A sub-analysis of the Panamerican Trauma Society registry associated with a trauma center in Southwest Colombia was performed. Patients attended between 2012-2021 were analyzed. Patients with direct admission and referred condition were compared. Analyses of populations of interest such as patients with severe trauma (ISS > 15) and patients with/without brain trauma were made. The impact of referred patients and their admission status on mortality was evaluated. Results. A total of 10,814 patients were included. The proportion of referred patients was 54.7%. Patients admitted referred vs. with direct admission have differences regarding trauma severity and physiological compromise on admission. The referred patient has a higher risk of mortality (RR: 2.81; 95% CI 2.44-3.22). There is a high proportion of penetrating trauma by gunshot wounds. However, it is the physiological state at admission that impacts mortality. Conclusion. Patients referred from other institutions have a higher mortality risk, being a health inequity that invites the articulation of institutional actors in trauma care. A trauma center should relate to partner institutions to create a trauma system that optimizes care and timeliness

Trauma cervical penetrante: experiencia de un hospital de enseñanza en México / Penetrating cervical trauma: experience of a teaching hospital in Mexico

Introducción. El trauma cervical penetrante es una entidad poco frecuente, con tendencia al alza, de considerable morbimortalidad. Es fundamental conocer su manejo por cirujanos en entrenamiento, quienes en su mayoría son comúnmente los proveedores del tratamiento en las áreas de urgencias. El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar la experiencia de un centro de trauma en México en el tratamiento de trauma cervical penetrante administrado por cirujanos en entrenamiento. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con diagnóstico de trauma cervical penetrante sometidos a exploración cervical entre los años 2014 y 2019. Se identificaron 110 expedientes, se excluyeron 26 por falta de datos indispensables para la investigación y se analizaron los datos de 84 pacientes. Resultados. El 96,4 % de los pacientes fueron hombres, la mayoría entre 16 y 50 años (83,3 %) y la zona anatómica II fue la más comúnmente lesionada (65,4 %). Las etiologías más frecuentes fueron heridas por arma cortopunzante (67,9 %) y heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego (25 %). El 95 % de los procedimientos fueron realizados por residentes de cuarto y quinto año. La mediana de días de estancia hospitalaria fue de 2 días. La incidencia de complicaciones fue de 9,5 % y la mortalidad de 1,2 %. Conclusiones. Los cirujanos generales en etapa de formación entrenados en centros de trauma tienen la capacidad de tratar de forma óptima el trauma cervical penetrante sin modificación de las tasas de morbimortalidad descritas en la literatura internacional.

Introduction. Penetrating cervical trauma is a rare entity, with an upward trend, of considerable morbidity and mortality. It is essential to acknowledge its management by surgeons in training, who are usually the providers in the emergency areas. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the experience of a trauma center in Mexico in the treatment of penetrating cervical trauma by surgeons in training. Methods. This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with penetrating cervical trauma who underwent cervical examination between 2014 and 2019; 110 records were identified, 26 were excluded due to lack of essential data for the analysis, and the data of 84 patients were included. Results. 96.4% of the patients were men, the majority between 16 and 50 years old (83.3%) and the anatomic zone II was the most frequently injured (65.4%). The most common etiologies were stab wounds (67.9%) and gunshot wounds (25%). Ninety five percent of the procedures were performed by fourth- and fifth-year residents. The median number of days of hospital stay was 2 (2-4) days. The incidence of complications was 9.5% and mortality in 1.2%. Conclusions. General surgeons in the trauma training stage can optimally treat penetrating cervical trauma with the same morbidity and mortality rates described in the international literature.

Performance and outcome of ressucitative thoracotomies in a southern Brazil trauma center: a 7-year retrospective analysis / Desempenho e desfecho das toracotomias de reanimação realizadas em centro de trauma sul-brasileiro: análise retrospectiva de 7 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: the study aims to analyze the performance and outcome of resuscitation thoracotomy (TR) performed in patients victims of penetrating and blunt trauma in a trauma center in southern Brazil during a 7 years period. Methods: retrospective study based on the analysis of medical records of patients undergoing TR, from 2014 to 2020, in the emergency service of the Hospital do Trabalhador, Curitiba - Paraná, Brazil. Results: a total of 46 TR were performed during the study period, of which 89.1% were male. The mean age of patients undergoing TR was 34.1±12.94 years (range 16 and 69 years). Penetrating trauma corresponded to the majority of indications with 80.4%, of these 86.5% victims of gunshot wounds and 13.5% victims of knife wounds. On the other hand, only 19.6% undergoing TR were victims of blunt trauma. Regarding the outcome variables, 84.78% of the patients had declared deaths during the procedure, considered non-responders. 15.22% of patients survived after the procedure. 4.35% of patients undergoing TR were discharged from the hospital, 50% of which were victims of blunt trauma. Conclusion: the data obtained in our study are in accordance with the world literature, reinforcing the need for a continuous effort to perform TR, respecting its indications and limitations in patients victims of severe penetrating or blunt trauma.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o desempenho e o desfecho das toracotomias de reanimação (TR) realizadas nos pacientes vítimas de trauma penetrante e contuso em um hospital de referência em trauma no Sul do Brasil durante um período de sete anos. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo baseado na análise de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a TR, no período de 2014 a 2020, no serviço de emergência do Hospital do Trabalhador, Curitiba - Paraná, Brasil. Resultados: um total de 46 TR foram realizadas durante o período de estudo, dos quais 89.1% eram do sexo masculino. A média de idade dos pacientes submetidos a TR foi de 34.1±12.94 anos (variação de 16 e 69 anos). O trauma penetrante correspondeu pela maioria das indicações de TR com 80.4%, destas 86.5% vítimas de ferimentos por arma de fogo e 13.5% vítimas de ferimento por arma branca. Por outro lado, apenas 19.6% submetidos a TR foram vítimas de trauma contuso. No que se refere as variáveis de desfecho, 84.78% dos pacientes tiveram óbitos declarados durante o procedimento, considerados não respondedores. 15.22% dos pacientes apresentaram sobrevida após o procedimento. 4.35% dos pacientes submetidos à TR tiveram alta hospitalar, sendo 50% pacientes vítimas de trauma contuso. Conclusão: os dados obtidos em nosso estudo estão em conformidade com a literatura mundial, reforçando a necessidade de um esforço contínuo para realização da TR respeitando suas indicações e limitações em pacientes vítimas de trauma grave penetrante ou contuso.

Epidemiological analysis of cardiac trauma victims at a referral trauma hospital: a 5 year case series / Análise epidemiológica das vítimas de trauma cardíaco em um hospital de referência: uma série de casos de 5 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe, analyze, and trace the epidemiological profile for cardiac trauma victims on a referral trauma hospital of a major urban center. Methods: a case series study to review, describe, compile and analyze medical records of all patients sustaining traumatic cardiac injuries, from January 2015 to January 2020 admitted to the referral trauma hospital of Curitiba, Brazil. Patients sustaining traumatic heart injuries were identified using the hospitals database. Patients who died prior to reaching hospital care were excluded. Results: all 22 cases were urban victims, mostly penetrating injuries (12 stab wounds, 9 gunshot wounds); 82% were male; mean age, 37.1 years. 17 cases (77%) occurred during night hours, 15 between Friday and Sunday, and 15 were admitted hemodynamically stable. Only 27% were diagnosed with FAST, the remainder requiring other imaging exams. About incisions, 14 had thoracotomies, 6 median sternotomies and in 2 cases both. Of injuries, 8 affected the right ventricle, 3 right atrium, 9 left ventricle, 1 right coronary sulcus and 1 anterior wall. All had cardiorrhaphy repair. 3 patients died, 17 were discharged and 2 were transferred. 17 received postoperative echocardiograms, revealing ejection fractions ranging 55.1% to 75%. Patients spent a mean of 9.6 days on ICU and a mean of 15.2 days of total hospital stay. The mortality rate was 14%. Conclusions: cardiac traumas predominantly occurred in adult males, due to violent causes, during night hours on weekends. The overall mortality rate found (14%), as well as total hospital stay, accords with the literature.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever, analisar e traçar o perfil epidemiológico das vítimas de trauma cardíaco em hospital de referência em trauma de grande centro urbano. Métodos: uma série de casos para descrever e analisar prontuários de todos os pacientes que sofreram lesões cardíacas traumáticas, entre janeiro, 2015, a janeiro, 2020, admitidos no hospital referência em trauma de Curitiba, Brasil. Pacientes que sofreram lesões cardíacas traumáticas foram identificados no banco de dados do hospital. Pacientes em óbito antes da chegada aos cuidados hospitalares foram excluídos. Resultados: todos os 22 casos foram vítimas urbanas, maioria ferimentos penetrantes (12 por arma branca, 9 por arma de fogo); 82% homens; idade média 37.1 anos. 17 casos (77%) ocorreram no período noturno, 15 entre sexta-feira e domingo. 15 foram admitidos hemodinamicamente estáveis. 27% diagnosticados com FAST; demais demandaram outros exames. Das incisões, 14 receberam toracotomias, 6 esternotomias medianas, 2 casos ambas. Das lesões, 8 afetaram ventrículo direito, 3 átrio direito, 9 ventrículo esquerdo, 1 sulco coronário direito, 1 parede anterior. Todos receberam cardiorrafias. 3 pacientes morreram, 17 tiveram alta e 2 foram transferidos. 17 receberam ecocardiograma pós-operatório, revelando frações de ejeção de 55.1% a 75%. Os pacientes passaram em média 9.6 dias em UTI e 15.2 dias de internamento hospitalar total. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 14%. Conclusões: traumas cardíacos ocorreram predominantemente em homens adultos, devido a causas violentas, durante o período noturno nos finais de semana. A taxa de mortalidade encontrada, assim como o tempo total de internamento hospitalar, esteve em acordo com a literatura.

Impact of the earthquake during COVID-19 lockdown on fracture admission at a tertiary trauma centre in Croatia / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#To determine the impact of an earthquake during COVID-19 lockdown on fracture admission at a tertiary trauma centre in Croatia.@*METHODS@#A case-control study was performed at the tertiary trauma centre registry. Two different periods were studied. The case group included a period during COVID-19 lockdown right after the earthquakes until the end of the confinement period in Croatia. And the control group corresponded to the equivalent period in 2019. We identified all consecutive patients who were admitted due to urgent care requirements for the musculoskeletal trauma. Patient's demographic data and admitting diagnoses were assessed. Data were analyzed by statistical procedures using the program MedCalc statistical software version 16.4.3.@*RESULTS@#We identified 178 emergency admissions due to musculoskeletal trauma. During the COVID-19 lockdown and post-earthquake period, there was a drastic reduction in total admissions (359 vs. 662; p < 0.0001) with an increased proportion of trauma admissions within the emergency admissions (34.9% vs. 26.5%; p = 0.02926, Z = -2.1825). Furthermore, in the case group there was a significant increase in hospital admissions due to ankle/foot trauma (11 vs. 2, p = 0.0126) and a trend towards a decrease in the admissions due to tibia fractures (5 vs. 12, p = 0.0896), however without statistical significance. Also, an increased proportion of women within the group of femoral fractures in both case group (81.6% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.00194, Z = 3.1033) and the control group (82.3% vs. 60.5%, p = 0.0232, Z = 2.2742) was observed. In both analyzed periods, the osteoporotic hip fracture was the most common independent admitting diagnosis.@*CONCLUSION@#It is crucial to understand how natural disasters like earthquakes influence the pattern of trauma admissions during a coexisting pandemic. Accordingly, healthcare systems have to be prepared for an increased influx of certain pathology, like foot and ankle trauma.

Implementación de un código de trauma en un servicio de emergencias de un hospital nacional / Implementation of a trauma code

Resumen Objetivo: Desarrollar una propuesta accesible a la realidad local de un hospital general terciario (Hospital Calderón Guardia) para la implementación de un código de trauma, basada en la mejor evidencia médico científica disponible. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la bibliografía; se buscaron los trabajos de investigación publicados a nivel nacional e internacional sobre la conformación y criterios relativos al código de trauma, su implementación, sus desafíos, y sus limitaciones; mediante 3 buscadores: Scielo, Pubmed y Ovid. Se incluyeron estudios con diversa metodología, disponibles en inglés o español. Resultados: Treinta artículos publicados en revistas indexadas fueron seleccionados y la información se agrupó en las siguientes categorías: Conformación del equipo de trauma en la activación de los códigos para cada hospital, criterios de activación, niveles de activación, experiencia local y limitaciones. Dicha información permitió identificar dos elementos principales para conseguir un beneficio: la conformación de un equipo multidisciplinario de primera respuesta para los pacientes más graves y la estandarización de criterios específicos para la activación de dicho equipo; entonces, se procedió a elaborar y proponer un modelo viable y concordante con las características del servicio hospitalario. Conclusión: La implementación hospitalaria de un modelo de código de trauma supone un impacto positivo en los desenlaces de morbi-mortalidad, a través de dos 2 mecanismo principales: la conformación de un equipo multidisciplinario de primera respuesta para los pacientes más graves y la estandarización de criterios específicos para la activación de dicho equipo; por lo que se elaboró un modelo ajustado a las necesidades y recursos del hospital.

Abstract Objective: To develop a proposal of a trauma code accessible to the local characteristics of a tertiary general hospital (Hospital Calderón Guardia) based on the best clinical evidence available. Methods: A literary search was made of national and international scientific papers regarding several aspects about trauma code, it´s implementation, it´s challenges, main benefits, and it´s limitations in 3 main web search portals: Scielo, PubMed and Ovid. We included paper studies in English and Spanish. Results: Thirty scientific papers from index journals were selected for review and the following data were extracted: Trauma team conformation, trauma team activation criteria, levels for trauma team activation, local experience, and limitations. That information allowed us to identify 2 main beneficial elements: the conformation of the trauma team and the standardization of the specific criteria necessary for its activation. Also, we elaborated a proposal for a viable model in accordance with our resources. Conclusion: According to scientific review, trauma code implementation in any institution associates a positive impact in clinical patient outcomes through 2 main mechanisms: the conformation of a multidisciplinary trauma team response of severe trauma patients, and the standardization of criteria for activation of the trauma teams. With these findings we elaborated a proposal adjusted to the needs and resources of Hospital Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia.

Tentativas de suicídio atendidas em um hospital de trauma em Curitiba-PR / Suicide attempts treated at a trauma hospital in Curitiba-PR

RESUMO Introdução: O objetivo do nosso estudo foi investigar os fatores epidemiológicos envolvidos nas tentativas de suicídio atendidas em um hospital de trauma em Curitiba-PR entre janeiro de 2014 a dezembro de 2017. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo realizado com base na avaliação de fichas de notificação obrigatória e banco de dados do hospital. Foram incluídos pacientes atendidos por tentativas de suicídio, maiores de 18 anos atendidos num período de 48 meses. Foram analisados dados como sexo, idade, estado civil, meio de agressão, natureza da lesão, reincidência da tentativa e desfecho. 283 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo e analisados comparativamente ao perfil característico descrito na literatura. Resultados: Observou-se no período estudado um constante crescimento no número das tentativas, significativamente maior no sexo feminino. Apesar desse aumento em mulheres, houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino 1,3:1 (p < 0,005). A idade média foi de 34,6 ± 13,25 anos e não apresentou diferença significativa entre os sexos. De modo geral, o principal meio utilizado foi objeto perfurocortante (32,8%), seguido por intoxicação (31,8%), homens utilizaram mais objetos cortantes e mulheres envenenamento. Do total de pacientes, 9 (3,2%) foram a óbito obtendo-se uma relação suicídios-tentativas de suicídio de 1:31. Conclusão: O perfil do paciente que tenta suicídio mudou em comparação a estudos anteriores. Embora o número de homens permaneça superior, o número de mulheres está crescendo. O aumento nos índices sugere que há necessidade de melhora das políticas públicas. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Tentativa de suicídio, serviços médicos de emergência, centros de traumatologia

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of our study was to investigate the epidemiological factors involved in suicide attempts seen at a trauma hospital in Curitiba-PR between January 2014 and December 2017. Methods: This is a retrospective study based on the evaluation of hospital mandatory notification forms and database. Patients over 18 years of age who were seen for suicide attempts along a 48-month period were included. Data such as sex, age, marital status, means of aggression, nature of injury, recurrence of attempt, and outcome were analyzed. A total of 283 patients were included in the study and analyzed against the characteristic profile described in the literature. Results: During the study period, there was a constant increase in the number of attempts, significantly higher in females. Despite this increase in women, there was a predominance (1.3:1) of male patients (p < 0.005). The mean age was 34.6 ± 13.25 years and there was no significant gender difference. In general, the main means used was sharp objects (32.8%), followed by intoxication (31.8%), men used more sharp objects, while women, poisoning. Of the total number of patients, 9 (3.2%) died, with a suicides-attempts ratio of 1:31. Conclusion: The profile of the suicide attempt patient has changed compared to previous studies. While the number of men remains higher, the number of women is growing. The increase in indices suggests that public policies should be improved. KEYWORDS: Suicide attempt, emergency medical services, trauma centers

Equipos de trauma: realidad mundial e implementación en un país en desarrollo. Descripción narrativa / Trauma teams: global reality and implementation in a developing country. Narrative description

Introducción. El trauma es una de las entidades con mayor morbimortalidad en el mundo. Los equipos especializados en la atención del paciente traumatizado son llamados «equipos de trauma¼. Dichos equipos surgieron de la necesidad de brindar tratamiento oportuno multidisciplinario a individuos con heridas que condicionan gran severidad en la guerra; sin embargo, con el paso del tiempo se trasladaron al ámbito civil, generando un impacto positivo en términos de tiempos de atención, mortalidad y morbilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el proceso de desarrollo de los equipos de trauma a nivel mundial y la experiencia en nuestra institución en el suroccidente colombiano. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos PUBMED, que incluyó revisiones sistemáticas, metaanálisis, revisiones de Cochrane, ensayos clínicos y series de casos. Resultados. Se incluyeron 41 estudios para esta revisión narrativa, y se observó que el tiempo de permanencia en Emergencias, el tiempo de traslado a cirugía, la mortalidad y las complicaciones asociadas al trauma fueron menores cuando se implementan equipos de trauma. Discusión. El diseño de un sistema de atención y valoración horizontal de un paciente con traumatismos severos produce un impacto positivo en términos de tiempos de atención, mortalidad y morbilidad. Se hace necesario establecer los parámetros operativos necesarios en las instituciones de salud de alta y mediana complejidad en nuestro país para implementar dichos equipos de trabajo

Introduction. Trauma is one of the entities with the highest morbidity and mortality in the world. Teams specialized in trauma patient care are called «trauma teams¼. These teams arose from the need to provide timely multidisciplinary treatment to individuals with severe injuries in war; however, with time they moved to the civilian arena, generating a positive impact in terms of care times, mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to describe the process of development of trauma teams worldwide and the experience in our institution in southwestern Colombia. Methods. A search of the PUBMED database was carried out, which included systematic reviews, metaanalyses, Cochrane reviews, clinical trials, and case series.Results. Forty-one studies were included for this narrative review, and it was observed that the length of stay in the ER, the time of transfer to surgery, mortality and complications associated with trauma were lower when trauma teams are implemented. Discussion. The design of a horizontal care and assessment system for a patient with severe trauma produces a positive impact in terms of care times, mortality and morbidity. It is necessary to establish operational parameters in high and medium complexity health institutions in our country to implement such work teams

Comparison of acute sports injury between recreational skiers and skiers / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare and analyze the difference between the injuries of recreational skiers in public ski resorts and those of skiing athletes in official competitions, and to explore the suggestions of medical insurance for these two types of skiers.@*METHODS@#The injury data of recreational skiers in Chongli District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province during 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 snow seasons, and the injury data of skiers in two official international skiing competitions during 2019-2020 snow season and domestic test events in Chongli District of 2021 Winter Olympic Games were analyzed retrospectively, and the similarities and differences were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 1 187 injuries occurred to recreational skiers in the two public ski resorts during the 2018-2019 snow season, with an injury rate of 0.3%.There were 1 277 injury sites in total, and the most frequent injury sites were head and neck (230 cases, 18.0%), followed by knee joint (204 cases, 16.0%) and lower extremity (131 cases, 10.3%). Thirty-one skiers were injured in the two official international skiing competitions in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 snow season, and in the domestic test competitions in the 2021 Winter Olympic Games, and the injury rates were 11.5%, 17.2% and 12.0%, respectively. There were 37 injury sites in total, among which 11 (29.7%) were in the head and neck, followed by 6 (16.2%) in the knee joint and 5 (13.6%) in the chest, rib and abdomen.@*CONCLUSION@#In order to better guarantee the safety of skiers and timely provide corresponding medical help, safety facilities and technical guidance should be added to the snow resort for leisure skiing, and medical stations should be set up in the snow resort. As the formal ski racing for skiing athletes during the game has 30 to 80 times higher injury ratesthan recreational skiers, and compared with the recreational skiing, head and neck injury rate is higher, and the damage is much heavier, more complete first aid facilities and experienced medical workers are, needed so the field should be equipped with the circuit inside the quantities, track fixed outside the clinic, surrounding referral hospitals set up trauma centers to provide athletes with more timely medical care.

Observational study of patients with occipital condyle fracture at a brazilian referral trauma center / Estudo observacional de pacientes com fratura de côndilo ocipital em centro de referência em trauma no brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, treatment, and evolution of patients with occipital condyle fracture (OCF) at one of the largest referral trauma centers in Latin America. Methods: this was a retrospective observational study of OCF identified from trauma cases admitted between December 2011 and December 2019 by the neurosurgery team at a Type 3 trauma center. Results: a total of twenty-eight occipital condyle fractures were identified in twenty-six patients. The incidence was less than 0.2% per year and more common in male patients (4:1 ratio) involved in traffic accidents. The mean age was 42.08 years. Anderson and Montesano type II and Tuli type 1 were the most frequent (67.9% and 89.3%, respectively) and no case presented C0-C1-C2 instability. All patients were treated with a cervical collar for 3 to 6 months. About 65% of the patients exhibited good progression (Glasgow Outcome Scale equal to 4), and the severity of traumatic brain injury was the main determinant for negative outcomes. Conclusion: the findings of this study are in accordance with available literature data. The use of external stabilization with a cervical collar is reinforced for the treatment of stable lesions, even when these are bilateral. Assessment of the patients' follow-up results in the studied sample may contribute with useful information for the treatment of occipital condyle fractures.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico, o tratamento e a evolução de pacientes com fraturas do côndilo occipital (FCO) em um dos maiores centros especializados em trauma na América Latina. Método: este é um estudo observacional retrospectivo de FCO identificadas em casos de trauma que foram atendidos no período de Dezembro de 2011 a Dezembro de 2019 pela equipe de trauma de centro de trauma Tipo 3. Resultados: um total de vinte e oito fraturas do côndilo occipital foram identificadas em 26 pacientes. A incidência foi inferior a 0.2% ao ano e mais comum em pacientes do sexo masculino (proporção 4:1) envolvidos em acidentes de trânsito. A idade média foi de 42.08 anos. O Tipo II de Anderson e Montesano e o Tipo 1 de Tuli foram os mais frequentes (67.9% e 89.3%, respectivamente) e nenhum caso teve instabilidades C0C1C2. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com colar cervical por período de 3 a 6 meses. Cerca de 65% dos pacientes apresentaram boa evolução (Escala de Resultados de Glasgow maior ou igual a 4), e a gravidade da lesão cerebral foi o principal determinante para os resultados negativos. Conclusão: os achados deste estudo são similares a dados disponíveis na literatura. O uso de colar cervical para estabilização externa é reforçado para o tratamento de lesões estáveis, mesmo quando bilaterais. A avaliação dos resultados do acompanhamento dos pacientes na amostra estudada pode contribuir com informações úteis para o tratamento de fraturas de côndilo occipital.

Barreiras e facilitadores para construção de um ambiente ético em um serviço de traumatologia / Barreras y facilitadores para la construcción de un entorno ético en un servicio de traumatología / Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of an ethical environment in a traumatology service

RESUMO Objetivo identificar as principais barreiras e facilitadores do trabalho multiprofissional, com vistas à construção de um ambiente ético em um serviço de traumatologia. Método estudo exploratório-descritivo com abordagem qualitativa realizado com dez profissionais de uma equipe multiprofissional de uma unidade de traumatologia de um Hospital Universitário localizado no Sul do Brasil. Participaram três médicos, três médicos residentes, dois enfermeiros e dois técnicos em enfermagem. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de setembro a outubro de 2019, por meio de Grupo Focal e foram submetidos à Análise Textual Discursiva. Resultados os dados permitiram a construção de duas categorias principais: as barreiras e os facilitadores encontrados para construção de um ambiente ético em um serviço de traumatologia. Conclusão e implicações para a prática como principais barreiras para a construção de um ambiente ético de trabalho foram identificadas a presença de diferentes vínculos empregatícios, a limitação de espaço físico e a burocracia e como facilitadores, foram destacados a presença de protocolos e comunicação efetiva que juntos podem resultar em uma direção para a construção de um ambiente ético de trabalho, de modo a ir ao encontro com a meta do serviço, no qual se constitui na humanização da assistência e a segurança do paciente.

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar las principales barreras y facilitadores del trabajo multiprofesional, con miras a la construcción de un ambiente ético en un servicio de traumatología. Método estudio exploratorio-descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo, realizado con 10 profesionales de un equipo multidisciplinario de una unidad de traumatología en un Hospital Universitario ubicado en el sur de Brasil. Participaron tres médicos, tres médicos residentes, dos enfermeras y dos técnicos de enfermería. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo de septiembre a octubre de 2019, a través del Focus Group, sometidos al Análisis Textual Discursivo. Resultados Los datos permitieron la construcción de dos categorías principales: barreras y facilitadores encontrados para la construcción de un ambiente ético en un servicio de traumatología. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica Las principales barreras para la construcción de un ambiente de trabajo ético fueron la presencia de diferentes vínculos laborales, la limitación del espacio físico y la burocracia. Como facilitadores, se destacaron la presencia de protocolos y una comunicación efectiva, que en conjunto pueden resultar en un rumbo para la construcción de un ambiente de trabajo ético, a fin de cumplir con el objetivo del servicio, que constituye la humanización del cuidado y la seguridad del paciente.

ABSTRACT Objective Identify the main barriers and facilitators to multi-professional practice to promote an ethical environment in a traumatology service. Method this exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach addressed ten professionals from the multidisciplinary team of a traumatology service at a University Hospital located in southern Brazil. Three doctors, three resident doctors, two nurses, and two nursing technicians participated in the study. Data were collected from September to October 2019 through a Focus Group and analyzed through Discursive Textual Analysis. Results Two main categories emerged: barriers and facilitators to building an ethical environment in a traumatology service. Conclusion and implications for practic e: The main barriers hindering the construction of an ethical workplace environment included the presence of different employment contracts, restricted physical space, and bureaucracy, while facilitators included existing protocols and effective communication, which have the potential to promote an ethical workplace environment to fulfill the service's goals, i.e., the humanization of care and patient safety.

Surgical treatment in hepatic trauma: factors associated with hospitalization time / Trauma hepático com tratamento operatório: fatores associados ao aumento do tempo de hospitalização

ABSTRACT Objective: the aim of this study was to identify associated factors with the increased length of hospital stay for patients undergoing surgical treatment for liver trauma, and predictors of mortality as well as the epidemiology of this trauma. Methods: retrospective study of 191 patients admitted to the Cajuru University Hospital, a reference in the treatment of multiple trauma patients, between 2010 and 2017, with epidemiological, clinicopathological and therapeutic variables analyzed using the STATA version 15.0 program. Results: most of the included patients were men with a mean age of 29 years. Firearm injury represents the most common trauma mechanism. The right hepatic lobe was injured in 51.2% of the cases, and hepatorraphy was the most commonly used surgical correction. The length of hospital stay was an average of 11 (0-78) days and the length of stay in the intensive care unit was 5 (0-52) days. Predictors for longer hospital stay were the mechanisms of trauma, hemodynamic instability at admission, number of associated injuries, degree of liver damage and affected lobe, used surgical technique, presence of complications, need for reoperation and other surgical procedures. Mortality rate was 22.7%. Conclusions: the study corroborated the epidemiology reported by the literature. Greater severity of liver trauma and associated injuries characterize patients undergoing surgical treatment, who have increased hospital stay due to the penetrating trauma, hemodynamic instability, hepatic packaging, complications and reoperations.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar fatores associados ao aumento do tempo de hospitalização de pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico por trauma hepático e descrever preditores de mortalidade, assim como a epidemiologia desse trauma. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de 191 pacientes admitidos no Hospital Universitário Cajuru, referência no atendimento de politraumatizados, no período entre 2010 e 2017, com variáveis epidemiológicas, clinicopatológicas, terapêuticas analisadas por meio do programa STATA versão 15.0. Resultados: maioria dos pacientes incluídos eram homens com média de idade de 29 anos. Ferimento por arma de fogo representou o mecanismo de trauma mais comum. O lobo hepático direito foi lesado em 51,2% dos casos e hepatorrafia foi a correção cirúrgica mais empregada. O tempo de internamento hospitalar foi em média de 11(0-78) dias e o tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva de 5 (0-52) dias. Preditores de maior tempo de hospitalização foram mecanismo de trauma, instabilidade hemodinâmica à admissão, número de lesões associadas, grau da lesão hepática e lobo acometido, técnica cirúrgica empregada, presença de complicações, necessidade de reoperação e outros procedimentos cirúrgicos. Taxa de mortalidade foi de 22,7%. Conclusões: o estudo corroborou a epidemiologia descrita na literatura. Maior gravidade do trauma hepático e das lesões associadas caracterizam os pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico, que apresentam aumento de tempo de hospitalização devido a trauma penetrante, instabilidade hemodinâmica, tamponamento hepático, complicações e reoperações.

What's new in trauma 2020 / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Throughout the past 2020, the pandemic COVID-19 has caused a big global shock, meanwhile it brought a great impact on the public health network. Trauma emergency system faced a giant challenge and how to manage trauma under the pandemic of COVID-19 was widely discussed. However, the trauma treatment of special population (geriatric patients and patients taking anticoagulant drugs) has received inadequate attention. Due to the high mortality following severe traumatic hemorrhage, hemostasis and trauma-induced coagulopathy are the important concerns in trauma treatment. Sepsis is another topic should not be ignored when we talking about trauma. COVID-19 itself is a special kind of sepsis, and it may even be called as serious systemic infection syndrome. Sepsis has been become a serious problem waiting to be solved urgently no matter in the fields of trauma, or in intensive care and infection, etc. This article reviewed the research progress in areas including trauma emergency care, trauma bleeding and coagulation, geriatric trauma and basic research of trauma within 2020.

Analysis of brain death declaration process and its impact on organ donation in a reference trauma center / Análise do processo de declaração de morte encefálica e seu impacto na doação de órgãos em um centro de referência em trauma

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the processes of brain death diagnosis and organ donation in a reference trauma center. Methods Observational and cross-sectional study with patients notified with brain death at a reference trauma center. Data were obtained through the collection of medical records and brain death declaration forms. Results One hundred fity-nine patients were notified with brain death, mostly male (82.6%), young adults (97.61%) and victims of brain traumatic injury (93.7%). Median of the total time interval for the diagnosis of brain death was 20.75 hours, with no difference between organ donors and non-donors. We had excessive time intervals on brain death declaration, but without statistical effect on organ donation numbers. Conclusion We had low efficacy in brain death declaration based on longer time intervals, with no impact on organ donation.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar os processos de diagnóstico de morte encefálica e doação de órgãos em um centro de referência de trauma. Métodos Estudo observacional e transversal com pacientes notificados com morte encefálica em um centro de referência de trauma. Os dados foram obtidos por meio da coleta de prontuários e formulários de declaração de morte encefálica. Resultados Foram notificados com morte encefálica 159 pacientes, com prevalência do sexo masculino (82,6%), adultos jovens (97,61%) e vítimas de traumatismo craniencefálico (93,7%). A mediana do intervalo total de tempo para o diagnóstico de morte encefálica foi de 20,75 horas, sem diferença entre doadores de órgãos e não doadores. Tivemos intervalos de tempo excessivos na declaração de morte encefálica, mas sem efeito estatístico no número de doações de órgãos. Conclusão Foi baixa a eficácia na declaração de morte encefálica com base em intervalos de tempo mais longos, sem impacto na doação de órgãos.

Major interpersonal violence cases seen in a Pretoria academic hospital over a one-year period, with emphasis on community assault cases

Introduction: Interpersonal violence cases make up a significant portion of the trauma cases seen in emergency centres in South Africa. Community assaults are extremely violent attacks on suspected perpetrators by members of the community aimed at inflicting serious injury. The aim of this study was to profile the major interpersonal violence cases at Kalafong Hospital with emphasis on the community assaults and how this group compares with non- community assaults regarding demographics, surgical intervention and mortality. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the major interpersonal violence cases seen over a one-year period (1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016) at Kalafong Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. Data was manually collected and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The Stata 13 statistical program was used for data analysis. Results: During the study period, a total of 578 cases were analysed. Penetrating trauma accounted for 446 (77.2%) cases and blunt trauma for 132 (22.8%) cases. The number of community assault cases was 75 (12.9%). A total of 28 deaths were recorded during this period. Community assaults accounted for 13 (46.4%) of these deaths. Community assault cases had a significantly higher mortality compared to non-community assault cases with 17.3% versus 3%; Odds ratio 6.82 (95% CI 3.04­15.33, p < 0.001). The community assault group also showed a statistically significant difference in the intensive care admission rate with 15.3% compared to 6.9% in the interpersonal violence cases; Odds ratio 2.41 (CI 1.07­5.43, p = 0.028). Conclusion: Community assault cases may present with similar demographics when compared to non-community assault cases, but the difference in disposition and outcome was highlighted in this study with a higher intensive care unit admission rate and a higher mortality rate. A multi-centre follow-up study is recommended to compare demographics across Pretoria and to monitor trends in this subgroup of interpersonal violence cases