Pelvic Binder Utilization in Combat Casualties: Does It Matter?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of pelvic binders, the proper placement of binders, and to determine any differences in blood product transfusions between combat casualties with and without a pelvic binder identified on initial imaging immediately after the injury. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all combat-injured patients who arrived at our military treatment hospital between 2010 and 2012 with a documented pelvic fracture. Initial imaging (X-ray or computed tomography) immediately after injury were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists. Young-Burgess (YB) classification, pelvic diastasis, correct binder placement over the greater trochanters, and the presence of a pelvic external fixator (ex-fix) was recorded. Injury severity score (ISS), whole blood, and blood component therapy administered within the first 24-hours after injury were compared between casualties with and without a pelvic binder. RESULTS: 39 casualties had overseas imaging to confirm and radiographically classify a YB pelvic ring injury. The most common fracture patterns were anteroposterior (53%) and lateral compression (28%). 49% (19/39) did not have a binder or ex-fix identified on initial imaging or in any documentation after injury. Ten patients had a binder, with 30% positioned incorrectly over the iliac crest. ISS (34 ± 1.6) was not statistically different between the binder and the no-binder group. Pubic symphysis diastasis was significantly lower in the binder group (1.4 ± 0.2 vs 3.7 ± 0.5, P < .001). There was a trend toward decreased 24-hour total blood products between the binder and no-binder groups (75 ± 11 vs 82 ± 13, P = .67). This was due to less cryoprecipitate in the binder group (6 ± 2 vs 19 ± 5, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic binder placement in combat trauma may be inconsistent and an important area for continued training. While 24-hour total transfusions do not appear to be different, no-binder patients received significantly more cryoprecipitate.

Perforated Hemocholecyst: An Unintended Consequence of Endoscopic Variceal Ligation?

Ectopic varices are a rare sequelae of portal hypertension and present in unique ways, which may not always prompt consideration. Furthermore, endoscopic interventions on venous collaterals in the setting of portal hypertension affect the portal system hemodynamics, which may further complicate the clinical picture. We report a man with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis who developed hemocholecyst complicated by perforation with hemoperitoneum soon after endoscopic variceal ligation of the esophageal varices in the setting of retrospectively discovered gallbladder varices.

Primary Pulmonary Thrombus in Combat Casualties: Is Treatment Necessary?

The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of primary pulmonary thrombus (PPT) in combat casualties. This was a retrospective study of casualties treated at a major military treatment facility from 2010 to 2012. Patients with a downrange chest CT were included. CTs were reviewed by two independent, blinded radiologists to confirm PPT on initial imaging. Follow-up CTs, if obtained, were also independently reviewed to determine the extent of clot burden. Two hundred and forty-nine casualties with a downrange, acceptable quality chest CT were included. 9 per cent (23/249) of patients sustained PPT. Thirty nine per cent (9/23) were initially treated with therapeutic anticoagulation (AC). Conversely, 61 per cent (14/23) arrived to our military treatment facility without AC. Seven arriving without AC-developed pulmonary symptoms during their hospitalization and had interval chest CTs. Of those, three had no evidence of pulmonary thrombus. The other four had subsegmental filling defects and three were started AC whereas one had an IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) filter inserted. In total, 11/23 (48%) PPT patients were managed without AC and discharged without complications. This is the first study attempting to look at PPT natural history. There were no adverse sequelae from managing PPT without AC. Further studies are warranted to further characterize PPT.