Pelvic fractures in blunt trauma patients: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic fractures (PF) with concomitant injuries are on the rise due to an increase of high-energy trauma. Increase of the elderly population with age related comorbidities further complicates the management. Abdominal organ injuries are kindred with PF due to the proximity to pelvic bones. Presence of contrast blush (CB) on computed tomography in patients with PF is considered a sign of active bleeding, however, its clinical significance and association with outcomes is debatable. AIM: To analyze polytrauma patients with PF with a focus on the geriatric population, co-injuries and the value of contrast blush. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 558 patients with PF admitted to level 1 trauma center (01/2017-01/2023). Analyzed variables included: Age, sex, mechanism of injury (MOI), injury severity score (ISS), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), abbreviated injury scale (AIS), co-injuries, transfusion requirements, pelvic angiography, embolization, laparotomy, orthopedic pelvic surgery, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, discharge disposition and mortality. The study compared geriatric and non-geriatric patients, patients with and without CB and abdominal co-injuries. Propensity score matching was implemented in comparison groups. RESULTS: PF comprised 4% of all trauma admissions. 89 patients had CB. 286 (52%) patients had concomitant injuries including 93 (17%) patients with abdominal co-injuries. Geriatric patients compared to non-geriatric had more falls as MOI, lower ISS and AIS pelvis, higher GCS, less abdominal co-injuries, similar CB and angio-embolization rates, less orthopedic pelvic surgeries, shorter lengths of stay and higher mortality. After propensity matching, orthopedic pelvic surgery rates remained lower (8% vs 19%, P < 0.001), hospital length of stay shorter, and mortality higher (13% vs 4%, P < 0.001) in geriatric patients. Out of 89 patients with CB, 45 (51%) were embolized. After propensity matching, patients with CB compared to without CB had more pelvic angiography (71% vs 12%, P < 0.001), higher embolization rates (64% vs 22%, P = 0.02) and comparable mortality. CONCLUSION: Half of the patients with PF had concomitant co-injuries, including abdominal co-injuries in 17%. Similarly injured geriatric patients had higher mortality. Half of the patients with CB required an embolization.

Are geriatric transfer patients with traumatic brain injury at risk for worse outcomes compared to non-geriatric? Propensity-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes between geriatric and non-geriatric patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) transferred to trauma center and effects of anticoagulants/antiplatelets (AC/AP) and reversal therapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,118 patients with TBI transferred from acute care facilities to level 1 trauma center compared in groups: geriatric versus non-geriatric, geriatric with AC/AP therapy versus without, and geriatric AC/AP with AC/AP reversal therapy versus without. RESULTS: Patients with TBI constituted 54.4% of trauma transfers. Mean transfer time was 3.9 h. Propensity matched by Injury Severity Score and Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) head geriatric compared to non-geriatric patients had more AC/AP use (53.9% vs 8.8%), repeat head computed tomography (93.7% vs 86.1%), intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (57.4% vs 45.7%) and mortality (9.8% vs 3.2%), all p < 0.004. Patients on AC/AP versus without had more ICU admissions (69.1% vs 51.8%, p < 0.001). Patients with AC/AP reversals compared to without reversals had more AIS head 5 (32.0% vs 13.1%), brain surgeries (17.8% vs 3.5%) and ICU admissions (84.8% vs 57.1%), all p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: TBI constituted half of trauma transfers and 10% required surgery. Based on higher ICU admissions, mortality, and prevalence of AC/AP therapy requiring reversal, geriatric patients with TBI on anticoagulants/antiplatelets should be considered for direct trauma center admission.

Stop exsanguination by inflation: management of aorta-esophageal fistula bleeding.

Aortoesophageal fistula is rare and typically presents itself to the emergency department as Chiari's Triad of mid-thoracic pain, sentinel arterial hemorrhage, and exsanguination after a symptom-free interval. However, fatal bleeding may be the first and last presentation of an aortoesophageal fistula. When a patient experiences massive hematemesis without witnesses, EMS may assume that bleed is of a traumatic mechanism. We present a case of a 59-year-old male with no previous medical history who was transported to a trauma center unconscious and with massive bleeding of unknown origin. Computed tomography revealed a thoracic aortic aneurysm and an aortoesophageal fistula. Bleeding was not controlled and the patient expired. Trauma bay personnel should follow an algorithm which includes a prompt tamponade of the bleed using a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube or esophageal balloon paralleled by massive transfusion and obtaining an early computed tomography scan to manage patients with massive gastroesophageal bleeding until appropriate surgical interventions can be initiated.

Two surgical pathways for isolated hip fractures: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures (HF) are common among the aging population, and surgery within 48 h is recommended. Patients can be hospitalized for surgery through different pathways, either trauma or medicine admitting services. AIM: To compare management and outcomes among patients admitted through the trauma pathway (TP) vs medical pathway (MP). METHODS: This Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective study included 2094 patients with proximal femur fractures (AO/Orthopedic Trauma Association Type 31) who underwent surgery at a level 1 trauma center between 2016-2021. There were 69 patients admitted through the TP and 2025 admitted through the MP. To ensure comparability between groups, 66 of the 2025 MP patients were propensity matched to 66 TP patients by age, sex, HF type, HF surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiology score. The statistical analyses included multivariable analysis, group characteristics, and bivariate correlation comparisons with the χ² test and t-test. RESULTS: After propensity matching, the mean age in both groups was 75-years-old, 62% of both groups were females, the main HF type was intertrochanteric (TP 52% vs MP 62%), open reduction internal fixation was the most common surgery (TP 68% vs MP 71%), and the mean American Society of Anesthesiology score was 2.8 for TP and 2.7 for MP. The majority of patients in TP and MP (71% vs 74%) were geriatric (≥ 65-years-old). Falls were the main mechanism of injury in both groups (77% vs 97%, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in pre-surgery anticoagulation use (49% vs 41%), admission day of the week, or insurance status. The incidence of comorbidities was equal (94% for both) with cardiac comorbidities being dominant in both groups (71% vs 73%). The number of preoperative consultations was similar for TP and MP, with the most common consultation being cardiology in both (44% and 36%). HF displacement occurred more among TP patients (76% vs 39%, P = 0.000). Time to surgery was not statistically different (23 h in both), but length of surgery was significantly longer for TP (59 min vs 41 min, P = 0.000). Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were not statistically different (5 d vs 8 d and 6 d for both). There were no statistical differences in discharge disposition and mortality (3% vs 0%). CONCLUSION: There were no differences in outcomes of surgeries between admission through TP vs MP. The focus should be on the patient's health condition and on prompt surgical intervention.

Diagnostic nightmare: intra-intestinal bleed masks intra-abdominal bleed after colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is a widely used method of screening, diagnosis and intervention. Complications are infrequent and generally present as colonic perforation or colonic hemorrhage. A rare and life-threatening complication of colonoscopy is splenic injury or rupture. We present a case report of an 81-year-old female who was admitted with hemodynamic instability and tachycardia due to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and developed hemoperitoneum within 24 hours following colonoscopy. The initial computed tomography (CT) scan was misdiagnosed due to the patient history of GI bleed, and the iatrogenic splenic injury was recognized only during a second CT after continued hemodynamic instability. The patient's initial diagnosis of a GI bleed masked the intraperitoneal bleed and led to a delayed diagnosis of splenic rupture and increased morbidity. This patient required an emergent laparotomy with a total splenectomy with lysis of adhesions.

The timing and value of early postoperative computed tomography after head surgery in traumatic brain injury patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the timing of the early postoperative computed tomography (CT) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, and compare CT and neurological examination (NE) findings. METHODS: Retrospective analysis included 353 TBI patients admitted to two level 1 trauma centers (2016-2020) who underwent head surgery and postoperative CT within 24 h. Analyzed variables: age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), Abbreviated Injury Scale head (AISh), comorbidities, CT and NE findings and timing, head surgery type, and mortality. RESULTS: Patients mean age was 61.9 years, ISS 25.1, GCS 11.0, AISh 4.7. Postoperatively, mean time to first positive CT was 6.1 h and to first positive NE was 13.2 h. Positive CT alone was more accurate in identifying need for 2nd head surgery than positive NE alone (21.8 % vs 6.0 %, p = 0.04). There was no difference between patients with CT done earlier than 6 h compared to patients with CT done after 6 h in mortality (26.1 % vs 22.0 %, p = 0.4) or 2nd surgery rate (12.2 % vs 12.2 %, p = 1.0). Reversal of postoperative CT findings occurred in 1/6 of patients and was more common when CT was done earlier than 6 h compared to CT done later (25.7 % vs 0.8 %, p < 0.001). Early CT within 1 h rarely leads to the change of management but often is followed by another CT within 12 h. CONCLUSION: In TBI patients postoperative CT was more effective than NE in predicting a need for 2nd head surgery. Postoperative head CT at 6 h is recommended to allow timely detection of intracranial deterioration, reduce the number of CTs and reversal findings as it does not increase 2nd surgery rates and mortality.

Blunt Cardiac Injury in Patients With Sternal Fractures.

Background Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) is a possible consequence of sternal fractures (SF). There is a scarcity of studies addressing BCI in patients with different types of SF and with pre-existing cardiac conditions. The goal of this study was to delineate diagnostic patterns of BCI in different cohorts of SF patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 380 blunt trauma patients admitted to two level 1 trauma centers between January 2015 and March 2020 with radiologically confirmed SF. Electrocardiography, cardiac enzymes and echocardiography were evaluated for BCI diagnosis. Analyzed variables included: age, comorbidities, injury severity score, Glasgow coma score, type of SF (isolated, combined, displaced), incidence of traumatic brain injury, co-injuries, retrosternal hematoma, intensive care unit admissions, hospital lengths of stay, and mortality. Results In 380 SF patients there were 250 (66%) females and 130 (34%) males and the mean age was 63 years old. Electrocardiography was done in all patients, cardiac enzymes in 234 (62%) and echocardiography in 181 (48%). BCI was diagnosed in 19 (5%) of patients, all having combined SF. BCI patients had higher injury severity score (mean 18.4) and 14 (74%) had pulmonary co-injuries. Multivariable analysis confirmed pulmonary co-injuries as a statistically significant predictor of BCI (p<0.001). BCI patients compared to no BCI patients had all three tests (electrocardiography, cardiac enzymes and echocardiography) performed statistically more often (90% vs 36%, p<0.001). SF patients with pre-injury cardiac comorbidities had similar incidence of BCI as without cardiac comorbidities (5% vs 6%, p=0.6). In SF patients with traumatic brain injury, cardiac enzymes (troponin, creatine kinase) were elevated significantly more often compared to patients without traumatic brain injury (58% vs 38%, p=0.02). SF displacement or retrosternal hematoma presence were not associated with BCI. Mortality in SF patients with BCI versus without was not statistically different (16 vs 9%, p=0.4). Conclusions Blunt cardiac injury is rare in patients with SF. Higher degree of BCI suspicion must be applied in combined SF patients, especially those with pulmonary co-injuries. Cardiac comorbidities did not affect the rate of BCI. Echocardiography for BCI diagnosis is essential in SF patients with traumatic brain injury, as cardiac enzymes may be less informative, however is less important in isolated SF patients. Performing all three diagnostic tests in combined SF patients improves the accuracy of BCI diagnosis.

Sternal fractures in blunt trauma patients.

PURPOSE: Sternal fractures (SF) are commonly associated with other injuries and their incidence is on the rise. The aim was to evaluate injury characteristics and outcomes in patients with all types of SF after blunt trauma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 380 SF patients from two Level 1 trauma centers was performed. Patients were compared in various combinations: geriatric versus non-geriatric, isolated sternal fractures (ISF) versus combined sternal fractures (CSF), sternal body versus manubrium, displaced versus non-displaced, and with retrosternal hematoma versus without. Analyzed variables included: age, gender, race, comorbidities, mechanism of injury (MOI), injury severity score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), type and location of SF, concomitant fractures of ribs, vertebrae, clavicles and scapulae, co-injuries, rates of surgical stabilization, mechanical ventilation requirements, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU length of stay (ICULOS), hospital LOS (HLOS), complications, and mortality. RESULTS: ISF constituted 17.9% of all patients with no mortality. CSF patients constituted 82.1%, had more ICU admissions, longer ICULOS/HLOS and 9.3% mortality (all p < 0.001). Geriatric SF had more concomitant rib fractures and 12.9% mortality. Concomitant fractures of ribs were present in 56.7% and had higher ICU admissions, ICULOS and complications compared to SF patients with concomitant vertebrae fractures diagnosed in 38.2%. CONCLUSION: SF are present in 2.1% of admissions to trauma centers. Geriatric patients account for half of SF patients and have higher mortality. Concomitant fractures of ribs are present in half and vertebrae fractures in one-third of the SF patients. CSF portend higher mortality and pulmonary co-injuries. The high incidence of concomitant rib and vertebra fractures requires additional diagnostic and treatment considerations.

Comparison of Geriatric Versus Non-geriatric Trauma Patients With Palliative Care Consultations.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care in trauma patients is still evolving. The goal was to compare characteristics, outcomes, triggers and timing for palliative care consultations (PCC) in geriatric (≥65 y.o.) and non-geriatric trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study included 432 patients from two level 1 trauma centers who received PCC between December 2012 and January 2019. Non-geriatric (n = 61) and geriatric (n = 371) groups were compared for: mechanism of injury (MOI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders, futile interventions (FI), duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), ICU admissions, ICU and hospital lengths of stay (ICULOS; HLOS), timing to PCC, and mortality. Further propensity matching (PM) analysis compared 59 non-geriatric to 59 Geriatric patients matched by ISS, GCS, and DNR. RESULTS: Geriatric patients were older (85.2 versus 49.7), with falls as predominant MOI. Non-geriatric patients comprised 14.1% of all patients with PCC and were more severely injured than Geriatrics: with statistically higher ISS (24.1 versus 18.5), lower RTS (5.4 versus 7.0), GCS (7.1 versus 11.5), with predominant MOI being traffic accidents, all P < 0.01. Non-Geriatrics had more ICU admissions (96.7% versus 88.1%), longer ICULOS (10.2 versus 4.7 days), DMV (11.1 versus 4.1 days), less DNR (57.4% versus 73.9%), higher in-hospital mortality (12.5% versus 2.6%), but double the time admission-PCC (11.3 versus 4.3 days) compared to Geriatrics, all P < 0.04. In PM comparison, despite same injury severity, Non-geriatrics had triple the time to PCC, five times the HLOS of geriatrics, and more FI (25.4% versus 3.4%), all P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: PCC remains underutilized in non-geriatric trauma patients. Despite higher injury severity, non-geriatrics received more aggressive treatment, and had three times longer time to PCC, resulting in higher rate of FI than in Geriatrics.

Reduction in Potentially Inappropriate Interventions in Trauma Patients following a Palliative Care Consultation.

Background: Palliative care is expanding as part of treatment, but remains underutilized in trauma settings. Palliative care consultations (PCC) have shown to reduce nonbeneficial, potentially inappropriate interventions (PII), as decision for their use should always be made in the context of both the patient's prognosis and the patient's goals of care. Objective: To characterize trauma patients who received PCC and to analyze the effect of PCC and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders on PII in severely injured patients. Setting/Subjects: Retrospective cohort study of 864 patients admitted to two level 1 trauma centers: 432 patients who received PCC (PCC group) were compared with 432 propensity score match-controlled (MC group) patients who did not receive PCC. Measurements: PCC in a consultative palliative care model, PII (including tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) rate and timing, DNR orders. Results: PCC rate in trauma patients was 4.3%, with a 5.3-day average time to PCC. PII were done in 9.0% of PCC and 6.0% of MC patients (p = 0.09). In the PCC group, 74.1% of PII were done before PCC, and 25.9% after. PCC compared with MC patients had significantly higher mechanical ventilation (60.4% vs. 18.1%, p < 0.001) and assisted feeding requirements (14.1% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001). We observed a statistically significant reduction in PII after PCC (p = 0.002). Significantly less PCC than MC patients had PII following DNR (26.3% vs. 100.0%, p = 0.035). Conclusions: PCC reduced PII in severely injured trauma patients by factor of two. Since the majority of PII in PCC patients occurred before PCC, a more timely administration of PCC is recommended. To streamline goals of care, PCC should supplement or precede a DNR discussion.

Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures: Indications, Techniques, and Pitfalls.

Rib fractures are a common thoracic injury that is encountered in 20% to 39% of patients with blunt chest trauma and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality1,2. Traditionally, the majority of patient with rib fractures have been managed nonoperatively. Recently, the utilization of surgical stabilization of rib fractures has increased considerably because the procedure has shown improved outcomes3-5. DESCRIPTION: Surgical stabilization should be considered in cases of multiple bicortically displaced rib fractures, especially in those with a flail chest and/or a concomitant ipsilateral displaced midshaft clavicular fracture or sternal fracture, as such cases may result in thoracic wall instability. For surgical stabilization of rib fractures, we classify rib fractures by location, type of fracture, and degree of displacement after obtaining thin-sliced chest computed tomography (CT) scans. The incision is selected depending on the fracture location, and the surgical technique is chosen relevant to the type of fracture. Single-lung intubation is preferred if there is no severe contralateral pulmonary contusion. We favor performing video-assisted thoracoscopy if possible to control bleeding, evacuate hematomas, repair a lung, and perform cryoablation of the intercostal nerves. A lateral approach is considered to be the main surgical approach because it allows access to the majority of rib fractures. A curvilinear skin incision is made overlying the fractured ribs. Posterior rib fractures are exposed through a vertical incision within the triangle of auscultation, and anterior fractures, through a transverse inframammary incision. The muscle-sparing technique, splitting alongside fibers without transection, should be utilized if possible and supplemented by muscle retraction. For surgical stabilization of rib fractures, we currently prefer precontoured side and rib-specific plates with threaded holes and self-tapping locking screws. Polymer cable cerclage is used to enhance plating of longitudinal fractures, rib fractures near the spine, osteoporotic ribs, and injuries of rib cartilage. The third to eighth ribs are plated most often. Intercostal muscle deficit, if present, is repaired with a xenograft patch. In comminuted rib fractures, the bone gap is bridged with bone graft. Surgical stabilization of rib fractures is recommended within the first 7 days after trauma, preferably within the first 3 days6-8. ALTERNATIVES: Nonoperative treatment alternatives include (1) epidural analgesia when not contraindicated because of anticoagulant venous thromboembolism prophylaxis9,10; (2) thoracic paravertebral blockage, e.g., serratus anterior or erector spinae plane nerve block11,12; (3) intercostal nerve block; (4) intravenous or enteral analgesics, e.g., opioids, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); (5) intrapleural analgesia, e.g., bupivacaine infusion; and (6) multimodal analgesia that incorporates regional techniques, systemic analgesics, and analgesic adjuncts9. RATIONALE: Surgical stabilization of rib fractures is a safe and effective method to treat displaced rib fractures. The procedure provides definitive stabilization of fractures, improves pulmonary function, lessens pain medication requirements, prevents deformity formation, and results in reduced morbidity and mortality.

Palliative Care Consultations in Trauma Patients and Role of Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders: Propensity-Matched Study.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate characteristics of trauma patients associated with a palliative care consultation (PCC) and to analyze the role of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and related outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective study included 864 patients from 2 level one trauma centers admitted between 2012 and 2019.  Level 1 trauma centers are designated for admission of the most severe injured patients. Palliative care consultation group of 432 patients who received PCC and were compared to matched control (MC) group of 432 patients without PCC. Propensity matching covariates included Injury Severity Score, mechanism of injury, gender, and hospital length of stay (HLOS). Analysis included patient demographics, injury parameters, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ICU length of stay (ICULOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, timing of PCC and DNR, and mortality. Palliative care consultation patients were further analyzed based on DNR status: prehospital DNR, in-hospital DNR, and no DNR (NODNR). RESULTS: Palliative care consultation compared to MC patients were older, predominantly Caucasian, with more frequent traumatic brain injury (TBI), ICU admissions, and mechanical ventilation. The average time to PCC was 5.3 days. Do-not-resuscitate orders were significantly more common in PCC compared to MC group (71.5% vs 11.1%, P < .001). Overall mortality was 90.7% in PCC and 6.0% in MC (P < .001). In patients with DNR, mortality was 94.2% in PCC and 18.8% in MC. In-hospital DNR-PCC compared to NODNR-PCC patients had shorter ICULOS (5.0 vs 7.3 days, P = .04), HLOS (6.2 vs 13.2 days, P = .006), and time to discharge (1.0 vs 6.3 days, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, DNR order, and TBI were associated with a PCC in trauma patients and resulted in significantly higher mortality in PCC than in MC patients. Combination of DNR and PCC was associated with shorter ICULOS, HLOS, and time from PCC to discharge.

Intravenous Ibuprofen Reduces Opioid Consumption During the Initial 48 Hours After Injury in Orthopedic Trauma Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) ibuprofen (Caldolor) administration in the management of acute pain in orthopedic trauma patients and to minimize opioid use. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled. SETTING: Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENTS: A total of 99 consecutive orthopedic trauma patients with fractures of the ribs, face, extremities, and/or pelvis were randomized to receive either 800 mg IV ibuprofen (53 patients) or placebo (44 patients) administered every 6 hours for a total of 8 doses within 48 hours of admission and the same PRN medications along with 20-mg IV/PO Pepcid twice a day. To establish pain reduction efficacy, the analysis was consequently performed in the modified intent-to-treat group that included 74 randomized subjects with a baseline pain score greater than 2. The primary outcomes were reduction in opioid consumption and decrease in pain intensity (PI). INTERVENTION: Administration of study medications. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: PI measured by Numerical Rating Scale, opioid consumption adjusted to morphine equivalent dose, and time to first narcotic administration. RESULTS: The 2 groups had comparable baseline characteristics: age, sex distribution, mechanism of injury, type of injury, injury severity score, and PI. IV ibuprofen statistically significantly reduced opioid consumption compared with placebo during the initial 48-hour period (P = 0.017). PI calculated as PI differences was statistically different only at 8-hour interval after Caldolor administration. Time to first narcotic medication was significantly longer in the Caldolor group (hazard ratio: 1.640; 95% confidence interval, 1.009-2.665; P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: IV ibuprofen provided adequate analgesia, prolonged time to first narcotic administration, and was opioid-sparing for the treatment of pain in orthopedic trauma patients, which makes Caldolor a recommended candidate for managing acute pain in the diverse orthopaedic trauma population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Versus Late Tracheostomy in Trauma Patients With Rib Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Patients with blunt chest trauma with multiple rib fractures (RF) may require tracheostomy. The goal was to compare early (≤7 d) versus late (>7 d) tracheostomy patients and to analyze clinical outcomes, to determine which timing is more beneficial. METHODS: This retrospective review included 124 patients with RF admitted to trauma ICU at two level 1 trauma centers who underwent tracheostomy. Analyzed variables included age, gender, injury severity score, Glasgow Coma Scale, number of ribs fractured, total fractures of the ribs, prevalence of bilateral RF, flail chest, maxillofacial injuries, cervical vertebrae trauma, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), coinjuries, epidural analgesia, surgical stabilization of RF, failure to extubate, hospital LOS, intensive care unit LOS (ICULOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, and timing and type of tracheostomy. RESULTS: Mean number of RF in all tracheostomized patients with blunt chest trauma was 5.2 and 85% of patients had pulmonary co-injuries. Mean tracheostomy timing was 9.9 d. Early tracheostomy (ET) was correlated with statistically significant reduction in ICULOS and duration of mechanical ventilation. The dominant cause of mortality in all groups was TBI and it was more pronounced in the ET patients. Most deaths were encountered between 3 and 5 wk after admission. ET was more often performed in the operating room with an open technique, whereas late tracheostomy was more often implemented with percutaneous technique at bedside. CONCLUSIONS: ET could be beneficial in chest trauma patients with multiple RF as it reduces ICULOS and ventilation requirements. Mortality benefits are not correlated with tracheostomy timing.

Outcome Analysis of Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures in Trauma Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes in patients with rib fractures (RFX) who underwent surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) to those treated nonoperatively. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Two Level 1 Trauma Centers. PATIENTS: One hundred seventy-four patients with multiple RFX divided into 2 groups: patients with surgically stabilized RFX (n = 87) were compared with nonoperatively managed patients in the matched control group (MCG) (n = 87). INTERVENTION: SSRF. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Age, sex, injury severity score, RFX, mortality, hospital length of stay (HLOS) and intensive care unit length of stay (ICULOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), co-injuries, and time to surgery. Patients were further stratified by presence or absence of flail chest and pulmonary contusion (PC). RESULTS: Flail chest, displaced RFX, and PC were present significantly more often in SSRF patients compared with the MCG. Mortality was lower in SSRF group. HLOS and ICULOS were longer in SSRF group compared with the corresponding MCG patients regardless of timing to surgery (P < 0.01 for all). SSRF patients with flail chest had comparable HLOS, ICULOS, and DMV to MCG patients with flail chest (P > 0.3 for all). SSRF patients without flail chest had significantly longer HLOS and ICULOS than MCG patients without flail chest (P < 0.001 for both). Presence of PC did not affect lengths of stay. CONCLUSIONS: SSRF patients had reduced mortality compared with nonoperatively managed patients. HLOS, ICULOS, and DMV were longer in SSRF patients than in MCG. When flail chest was present, lengths of stay were comparable. PC did not seem to affect the surgical outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Extracellular Matrix Applications in the Treatment of Open Fractures With Complex Wounds and Large Soft Tissue Defects.

Use of biologic scaffolds such as extracellular matrix (ECM) is a promising trend in the treatment of complex wounds in orthopedic trauma patients. In this clinical series we describe the technique of the successful application of porcine urinary bladder ECM products in the treatment of open fractures of the extremities with complex wounds and large soft tissue defects. The clinical outcomes demonstrated that even in challenging cases where local flap coverage of bone or neurovascular structures is not possible, sequential xenograft implantation allowed us to achieve a stable soft tissue envelope. Different forms of ECM products are easy to apply in the presence of orthopedic hardware. In certain wounds, complete closure can be achieved even without subsequent skin grafting. We recommend relatively earlier application of xenograft.

Mini-midvastus versus mini-medial parapatellar approach for minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty: outcomes pendulum is at equilibrium.

Comparisons between mini-midvastus (mMV) and mini-medial parapatellar approach (mMPP) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have reported variable results. We compared two approaches with minimum two year follow up. Forty consecutive patients who underwent staged bilateral TKA were prospectively randomized for mMPP approach in one knee and mMV approach in the other. Clinical parameters (muscle strength, pain, ROM, Knee Society Score) and surgic.l parameters (duration of surgery, blood loss, lateral releases) were assessed at 2, 6, 12 weeks and 6, 12, 24 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes revealed inconsistent pattern of differences at various intervals. Surgical outcomes were not different. There were no major differences in outcomes between the two approaches. We recommend someone use surgical approach with which they are most familiar.

Incidence of bicompartmental osteoarthritis in patients undergoing total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: is the time ripe for a less radical treatment?

We sought to determine the incidence of bicompartmental osteoarthritis among knee replacement patients for possible bone-sparing procedures. In 259 consecutive Knee Registry subjects undergoing total or unicondylar knee arthroplasty, all three compartments of the knee joint were evaluated. Radiographic images and preoperative cruciate ligaments assessment combined with intraoperative cartilage grading using Outerbridge classification was implemented for patients' evaluations. Among the candidates for knee replacement arthroplasty, 59% had osteoarthritis in all three compartments, 28% had bicompartmental disease, and 4% had unicompartmental disease. Nine percent of patients exhibited inconclusive osteoarthritis pattern. Only 5% of the patients were found to have cruciate ligaments impairment. Older patients ( > 65 years) were significantly more likely to have bi- and tricompartmental disease. We had found that 28% of our registry population had bicompartmental disease and infrequent impairment of cruciate ligaments, indicating that between one-fourth and one-third of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty could be considered for bone preserving bicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Anterior referencing versus posterior referencing in total knee arthroplasty.

Appropriate femoral component positioning and sizing is essential for proper kinematic function in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Anterior or posterior referencing (AR or PR) are two major techniques for setting center of rotation and for balancing the sagittal plane of the arthroplasty. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages. Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) TKA has added yet another aspect to intraoperative techniques and postoperative outcomes. A total of 100 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral MIS TKA were prospectively randomized to either AR or PR. Knee Society Scores, range of motion, SF-12, and strength testing by Cybex dynamometer were evaluated at standardized intervals postoperatively for 2 years. There were no statistically significant differences in surgical (incision length, surgical release, blood loss, surgical time, and length of stay) or clinical outcomes between two groups at all postoperative intervals (2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 and 2 years). Results demonstrate that both AR and PR are effective and can be used successfully during MIS TKA.

Function related specifications for total knee arthroplasty implant devices.

Current specifications for total knee implant devices reflect components' properties separate from each other and often in noncomparable units. We can recognize the tibial base plate thickness, size of femoral component, etc. How does it reflect the functional capabilities of the whole assembly, particularly in relation to wear and survivorship? Such approach does not take into account the fact that the individual components interact with each other, which in turn defines the final evaluation. We suggest a new function related approach to specifications which will help to develop clinically relevant standardization methodology. We propose an Index of Congruence to be added in the future as a required specification for implants of all designs. This universal standardization will help surgeons in preoperative planning and may also serve as a common denominator to enable comparative studies between diverse designs and different manufacturers.