Manejo quirúrgico de heridas por mordeduras de perro en pacientes pediátricos: nuestra experiencia en 8 años / Surgical management of dog bite wounds in pediatric patients: our experience in 8 years

Introducción. Hasta un 90% de las mordeduras de animales son producidas por perros. Los niños son la población más vulnerable frente a las mordeduras ya que suelen afectar una mayor proporción de superficie corporal. Objetivo. Analizar la casuística de mordeduras de perro y su repercusión en nuestro entorno. Métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de un período de 8 años, que incluyó a todos los pacientes de 0 a 18 años con diagnóstico de mordedura de perro. Resultados. Se incluyeron 183 pacientes con diagnóstico de mordedura de perro. El promedio de edad fue de 6,1 años, y el grupo etario más afectado fue el de los niños de 3 a 5 años (38,3%). El tratamiento quirúrgico fue dividido en pacientes que requirieron rafia por planos (84,6%), colgajos (11,4%), injertos (3,4%) y puntos de aproximación (1%). Se reportaron 8 pacientes con complicaciones (4,4%). Conclusión. Los niños de 3 a 5 años son los más afectados por mordeduras de perro y la zona de cabeza y cuello es la más común. Un porcentaje importante de pacientes requirieron colgajos e injertos con buenos resultados.

Introduction. Up to 90% of animal bites are produced by dogs. Children are the most vulnerable population because bites tend to affect greater body surface area. Outcome. Analyze dog bites cases and their impact on our environment. Methods. An observational, descriptive, retrospective study during an 8 year period was carried out, which included all patients from 0 to 18 years with a diagnosis of dog bite. Results. A total of 183 patients with a diagnosis of dog bite were found. The average age was 6.1 years, and the age group most affected was children from 3 to 5 years old (38.3%). Surgical treatment was divided into: patients who required suture by planes (84.6%), flaps (11.4%) and grafts (3.4%) and approximation stitches (1%). Complications were reported in 8 patients (4.4%). Conclusion. Children from 3 to 5 years old are the most affected by dog bites, the head and neck area is the most common. A significant percentage of patients required flaps and grafts with good results.

Value of clinical examination in the assessment of penetrating neck injuries: a retrospective study of diagnostic accuracy test.

BACKGROUND: There are many high-volume trauma centers in limited resource environments where a thorough clinical examination of patients may contribute to a more economical, accurate, and widely applicable method of determining the proper management of patients with penetrating neck injuries. The purpose of this study was to validate thorough physical examination as a reliable diagnostic tool in these patients. METHODS: We performed an observational retrospective study of a diagnostic accuracy test where we compared clinical findings (symptoms and soft signs on admission of the patient) with the definitive findings according to the gold standard test for each particular situation (selective studies, clinical observation and surgical exploration). The study was conducted at Hospital Occidente Kennedy (HOK) between August 2009 and June 2010. RESULTS: The sample consisted of the clinical records of 207 (n = 207) patients who went to the emergency room for penetrating neck wounds at Hospital Occidente Kennedy (HOK). Of the total sample, 36.2% (n = 75) of patients were considered "asymptomatic" as they didn't present with any soft signs of injury. Vascular soft signs were present in 57% (n = 118) of the patients, soft signs of the airway and the upper gastrointestinal tract were present in 15.9% (n = 33) and 21.3% (n = 44) of the patients respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of any soft sign to determine injuries which require surgical repair was 97.4% [CI] [86.5-99.5%] and 98.7% [CI] [92.8-99.8%] respectively, with a range of confidence [CI] of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study's main findings suggest that patients with neck injuries and no vascular, airway, or gastrointestinal soft sign can be safely managed with a conservative approach. It is important to emphasize the value of the clinical examination since there are many contexts in the modern world where a considerable amount of the population is afflicted by neck trauma and treated under conditions where technological resources are limited.

Manejo de las lesiones vasculares en zona I del cuello. Presentación de casos / Handling vascular lesions in the zone I of the neck. Case presentation

RESUMEN Se estima que al menos del 5 al 10 % de todas las lesiones traumáticas del organismo afectan el cuello. En el 30 % de los casos se afecta alguna estructura importante de esta zona del cuerpo humano. Las estructuras vasculares aparecen lesionadas en el 20 % mientras que las estructuras aerodigestivas en un 10%. Las lesiones de la zona I por diversas razones anatómicas y los órganos que incluye son de difícil manejo. Se presentan dos pacientes con lesiones vasculares de la zona I del cuello. Se realizó una revisión del tratamiento de las lesiones traumáticas del cuello con especial énfasis en las de la zona I. Se abordan diferentes tendencias actuales en el manejo de estos pacientes (AU).

ABSTRACT It is appraised that at least 5 to 10 % of all the organism trauma lesions involve the neck. In 30 % of the cases, any main structure of this zone is hurt. Vascular structures are damaged in 20 % while airway-digestive structures are injured in 10 %. The zone I lesions are difficult to handle because of several anatomic reasons and the organs they include. The cases of two patients with vascular lesions in the neck zone I are presented. A review of the treatment of neck trauma lesions was carried out, making special emphasis on the ones in zone I. Several current tendencies in these patients handling are dealt with (AU).

Manejo de las lesiones vasculares en zona I del cuello. Presentación de casos / Handling vascular lesions in the zone I of the neck. Case presentation

RESUMEN Se estima que al menos del 5 al 10 % de todas las lesiones traumáticas del organismo afectan el cuello. En el 30 % de los casos se afecta alguna estructura importante de esta zona del cuerpo humano. Las estructuras vasculares aparecen lesionadas en el 20 % mientras que las estructuras aerodigestivas en un 10%. Las lesiones de la zona I por diversas razones anatómicas y los órganos que incluye son de difícil manejo. Se presentan dos pacientes con lesiones vasculares de la zona I del cuello. Se realizó una revisión del tratamiento de las lesiones traumáticas del cuello con especial énfasis en las de la zona I. Se abordan diferentes tendencias actuales en el manejo de estos pacientes (AU).

ABSTRACT It is appraised that at least 5 to 10 % of all the organism trauma lesions involve the neck. In 30 % of the cases, any main structure of this zone is hurt. Vascular structures are damaged in 20 % while airway-digestive structures are injured in 10 %. The zone I lesions are difficult to handle because of several anatomic reasons and the organs they include. The cases of two patients with vascular lesions in the neck zone I are presented. A review of the treatment of neck trauma lesions was carried out, making special emphasis on the ones in zone I. Several current tendencies in these patients handling are dealt with (AU).

Comparison of effectiveness of intubation by way of "Gum Elastic Bougie" and "Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway" in endotracheal intubation of patients with simulated cervical trauma / Comparação da eficácia de intubação por meio de guia introdutor Bougie de tubo endotraqueal e máscara laríngea em intubação traqueal de pacientes com trauma cervical simulado

Abstract Purpose: In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of intubations by way of "Gum Elastic Bougie" and "Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway" in endotracheal intubation of patients with simulated cervical trauma. Method: 134 patients were included in the study. All patients were placed cervical collar for a simulated cervical trauma. Patients were allocated randomly into three groups: Group NI (n = 45) intubation with Macintosh laryngoscopy, Group GEB (n = 45) intubation with Gum Elastic Bougie, and Group ILMA (n = 44) intubation with Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway. The number of intubation attempts, success of intubation, duration of complete visualization of the larynx, duration of intubation, user's performance score, hemodynamic changes and the observed complications were recorded. Results: Success of intubation in the first attempt was highest in Group GEB while it was lowest in Group ILMA. Regarding the intubation success, rates of successful intubation were 95.6%, 84.4% and 65.9% in Groups GEB, NI, and ILMA, respectively. Durations of visualization of larynx and intubation were shorter in Groups NI and GEB than in Group ILMA. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference between Groups NI and GEB. The number of patients with "good" intubation performance was significantly higher in Group GEB while the number of patients with "poor" intubation performance was significantly higher in Group ILMA (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that GEB, which is cheap and easily accessible, should be an advantageous choice in cervical trauma patients for both the easeness of intubation and patient morbidity and mortality.

Resumo Objetivo: Neste estudo avaliamos a eficácia de intubações por meio de guia introdutor Bougie e máscara laríngea em intubação endotraqueal de pacientes com trauma cervical simulado. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 134 pacientes. Colar cervical foi colocado em todos os pacientes para um trauma cervical simulado. Os pacientes foram alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: Grupo NI (n = 45) foi submetido à intubação com laringoscópio Macintosh; Grupo ITE (n = 45) foi submetido à intubação com guia introdutor de tubo endotraqueal e Grupo ML (n = 44) foi submetido à intubação com máscara laríngea. Número de tentativas de intubação, sucesso de intubação, tempo de visualização completa da laringe, tempo de intubação, escore de desempenho do usuário, alterações hemodinâmicas e complicações observadas foram registrados. Resultados: O sucesso da intubação na primeira tentativa foi maior no Grupo ITE e menor no grupo ML. Ainda em relação ao sucesso da intubação, as taxas de sucesso foram 95,6%, 84,4% e 65,9% nos grupos ITE, NI e ML, respectivamente. Os tempos de visualização da laringe e de intubação foram menores nos grupos NI e ITE do que no Grupo ML. Essa diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05), enquanto não houve diferença significativa entre os Grupos NI e ITE. O número de pacientes com bom desempenho na intubação foi significativamente maior no grupo ITE, enquanto o número de pacientes com mau desempenho na intubação foi significativamente maior no grupo ML (p < 0,05). Conclusões: Concluímos que o ITE, que é barato e facilmente acessível, deve ser uma opção vantajosa em pacientes com trauma cervical, tanto pela facilidade de intubação quanto devido à taxa de morbidade e mortalidade dos pacientes.

[Comparison of effectiveness of intubation by way of "Gum Elastic Bougie" and "Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway" in endotracheal intubation of patients with simulated cervical trauma]. / Comparação da eficácia de intubação por meio de guia introdutor Bougie de tubo endotraqueal e máscara laríngea em intubação traqueal de pacientes com trauma cervical simulado.

PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of intubations by way of "Gum Elastic Bougie" and "Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway" in endotracheal intubation of patients with simulated cervical trauma. METHOD: 134 patients were included in the study. All patients were placed cervical collar for a simulated cervical trauma. Patients were allocated randomly into three groups: Group NI (n=45) intubation with Macintosh laryngoscopy, Group GEB (n=45) intubation with Gum Elastic Bougie, and Group ILMA (n=44) intubation with Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway. The number of intubation attempts, success of intubation, duration of complete visualization of the larynx, duration of intubation, user's performance score, hemodynamic changes and the observed complications were recorded. RESULTS: Success of intubation in the first attempt was highest in Group GEB while it was lowest in Group ILMA. Regarding the intubation success, rates of successful intubation were 95.6%, 84.4% and 65.9% in Groups GEB, NI, and ILMA, respectively. Durations of visualization of larynx and intubation were shorter in Groups NI and GEB than in Group ILMA. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) while there was no significant difference between Groups NI and GEB. The number of patients with "good" intubation performance was significantly higher in Group GEB while the number of patients with "poor" intubation performance was significantly higher in Group ILMA (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that GEB, which is cheap and easily accessible, should be an advantageous choice in cervical trauma patients for both the easeness of intubation and patient morbidity and mortality.

Paciente con lesiones por balística terminal / Patient with terminal ballistics lesions

Se presenta un paciente masculino de 25 años de edad que recibe herida por proyectil de arma de fuego de baja velocidad que le ocasionó lesión de estructuras de la boca y el cuello, así como oclusión trombótica de la arteria carótida interna derecha, que se expresó por hemiparesia izquierda. El lesionado recibió tratamiento quirúrgico de urgencia. El paciente egresó vivo con la secuela neurológica ya descrita y fue enviado a centro de rehabilitación. Se realiza una revisión del tema a propósito de este caso(AU)

A 25-year-old male patient is received with a closed vascular lesion caused by a low-speed gunshot to the mouth and neck area, which provoked a stroke 48 hours after the lesion due to the right carotid artery thrombotic occlusion expressed by left hemiparesis. The patient received surgical treatment and was discharged with the previously mentioned neurologic deficit. He continued treatment in a rehabilitation center. This subject was reviewed from the occurrence of this case(AU)

Characteristics of Trauma Patients With Potential Cervical Spine Injuries Underimmobilized by Prehospital Providers.

STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective chart review to determine characteristics of patients under-immobilized by prehospital providers. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to examine the characteristics of patients who met the criteria for spinal immobilization but were inappropriately cleared. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many emergency medical services (EMS) use selective spinal immobilization (SSI) based on the NEXUS criteria. However, there is been research examining patients who are under-immobilized by EMS. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review over 18 months of a single EMS service. We reviewed all charts dispatched as "motor vehicle crash" (MVC) or "fall". We then determined, whether the patient met the criteria for SSI under Pennsylvania protocols, which mirror the NEXUS criteria. RESULTS: Our EMS system responded to 1151 falls and MVCs over the study period. Seventy-six patients were immobilized leaving 1075 patients who had clinical clearance of their cervical spine. Of these patients, 4/1075 (0.3%) were considered to be under-immobilized. All 4 of these patients had intoxication or altered mentation mentioned in their charts. Two of these patients had CT scans of their cervical spine, with both being negative. One patient eloped from the ED before any imaging, and 1 patient was clinically cleared. CONCLUSION: EMTs are very proficient in following the SSI guidelines with an under-immobilization rate of approximately 0.3% in our study. However, all patients who were under-immobilized were under the influence of alcohol. There were no patients who were not immobilized and had cervical spine injuries. This was a limited chart review involving only 2 dispatch categories. EMTs should be cautious while evaluating patients with possible spinal injuries who are under the influence of alcohol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Métodos de valoración del tratamiento de la patología degenerativa cervical / Methods of assessing the treatment of cervical degenerative disease

Los cientificos trataron de elaborar una teoría del origen de la vida. Los cambios climáticos, las distintas divisiones del planeta y los elementos óseos encontrados permitieron elaborar una línea de evolución desde los "Homos" hasta el hombre actual. Con la bipedestación se manifiestan modificaciones en la estructura vertebral; características anatómicas cervicales influyen en la biomecánica. La anatomía comparada nos muestra su importancia y función, como en las apófisis unciformes. La patología degenerativa de dicho segmento no escapa a características comunes a toda columna vertebral, pero por tener una estructura y función diferentes, hay aspectos propios influyentes como: incidencia de la lordosis en el proceso degenerativo, función de las apófisis unciformes en la limitación de la rotación. Diseñamos un método de valoración del tratamiento quirúrgico de la patología degenerativa; creamos criterios de inclusión y exclusión para los 30 pacientes que formaron la muestra; revisamos nuestro trabajo de más de 15 años(AU)

SUMMARY: Scientists sought to develop a theory or the origin of life. Climate change, the various divisions of the globe and the bony elements found allowed to develop a line of evolution from the "Homo" to man today. With the standing manifest changes in the structure vertebral anatomic features affect cervical biomechanics. Comparative anatomy shows us its importance and function, as in the vertebral unciformes. Degenerative disease of the segment is no excrption to features common to all spine, but have a different structure and function, there are some influential themselves as incidence of lordosis in the degenerative process of the vertebral unciformes function in limiting the rotation. We designed a method to evaluate surgical treatment of degenerative disease; create inclusion and exlclusion critiria for the 30 patients who formed the sample, we reviewed our work over 15 years(AU)

Métodos de valoración del tratamiento de la patología degenerativa cervical / Methods of assessing the treatment of cervical degenerative disease

Los cientificos trataron de elaborar una teoría del origen de la vida. Los cambios climáticos, las distintas divisiones del planeta y los elementos óseos encontrados permitieron elaborar una línea de evolución desde los "Homos" hasta el hombre actual. Con la bipedestación se manifiestan modificaciones en la estructura vertebral; características anatómicas cervicales influyen en la biomecánica. La anatomía comparada nos muestra su importancia y función, como en las apófisis unciformes. La patología degenerativa de dicho segmento no escapa a características comunes a toda columna vertebral, pero por tener una estructura y función diferentes, hay aspectos propios influyentes como: incidencia de la lordosis en el proceso degenerativo, función de las apófisis unciformes en la limitación de la rotación. Diseñamos un método de valoración del tratamiento quirúrgico de la patología degenerativa; creamos criterios de inclusión y exclusión para los 30 pacientes que formaron la muestra; revisamos nuestro trabajo de más de 15 años

SUMMARY: Scientists sought to develop a theory or the origin of life. Climate change, the various divisions of the globe and the bony elements found allowed to develop a line of evolution from the "Homo" to man today. With the standing manifest changes in the structure vertebral anatomic features affect cervical biomechanics. Comparative anatomy shows us its importance and function, as in the vertebral unciformes. Degenerative disease of the segment is no excrption to features common to all spine, but have a different structure and function, there are some influential themselves as incidence of lordosis in the degenerative process of the vertebral unciformes function in limiting the rotation. We designed a method to evaluate surgical treatment of degenerative disease; create inclusion and exlclusion critiria for the 30 patients who formed the sample, we reviewed our work over 15 years

Heridas penetrantes del cuello / Penetrating wounds of the neck

This is a revision based in a personal experience of the penetrating wounds of the neck, describing the diagnosis and treatment.

Flexible esophagoscopy as a diagnostic tool for traumatic esophageal injuries.

BACKGROUND: The management and clinical outcome of patients suffering esophageal trauma depends on a prompt diagnosis. The detection of esophageal injuries by clinical examination, esophagography, or computed tomography is limited. This study aimed to assess the yield and clinical utility of flexible esophagoscopy (FE) in the diagnosis of traumatic esophageal injuries. PATIENTS: During 7 years, we conducted a retrospective (1998-2003) and prospective (2003-2005) study of 163 victims admitted to a trauma hospital, and submitted to FE because of suspected esophageal trauma. Esophageal injury was defined as laceration or perforation, hematoma, abrasion, hematin spots, or ecchymosis. The endoscopic diagnosis was compared with surgical findings or clinical follow-up. RESULTS: No traumatic lesion was observed in 139 patients (85.3%), esophageal injuries were detected in 23 (14.1%), and one examination was inconclusive (esophageal stricture, 0.6%). Lacerations were detected in 14 patients and confirmed surgically. Esophageal contusion was observed in nine patients and out of these, five patients underwent surgical exploration and four were managed nonoperatively. The assessment of esophageal injury by FE demonstrated 95.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 99.3% accuracy, 100% positive predictive value, and 99.2% negative predictive value. The likelihood ratio for a negative examination was 0.041 and the Youden J Index was 99.2%. CONCLUSIONS: FE appears to be an accurate diagnostic tool in the assessment of esophageal injuries. Two main lesions were noted: laceration and contusion. Laceration requires surgical repair. Contusion represents a nonperforative injury of the esophageal wall, requires correlation with computed tomography, and may be managed nonoperatively.

Descompresión tras oral de odontoides y fijación posterior en Inestabilidad Atlanto Axial / Transoral decompression and posterior fixation in Atlanto Axial Instability

Objetivo: Hacemos una revisión descriptiva de las cirugías realizadas a nivel del segmento Occipito- Atlanto- Axial para dar a conocer la experiencia de las lesiones diagnosticadas y manejadas a este nivel que requirieron descompresión por vía anterior, realizándose una odontoidectomía por ser lesiones irreductibles y/o por encontrarse el mecanismo de compresión en la parte anterior, que no eran susceptibles de llegar por vía posterior. Método: Reportamos seis casos en los cuales se utilizó una técnica trans oral para poder abordar la porción superior de la columna cervical, correspondiendo a las patologías siguientes: 4 casos de artritis reumatoidea y 2 casos de impresión basilar. Se describe el cuadro clínico presentado y la técnica empleada., completándose el estudio con la descripción de las técnicas empleadas para lograr la estabilización posterior en cada uno de los casos. Resultados: El primer paciente operado y que correspondió a una impresión basilar, presentó dehiscencia de la úvula y 1 paciente (caso 4) falleció al mes de la cirugía por una complicación respiratoria de bronco neumonía y en espera de la fijación posterior. La evolución de los pacientes restantes fue buena con mejoría clínica de sus síntomas y con buena consolidación posterior. Conclusiones: La cirugía descompresiva trans oral debe estar indicada en casos de lesiones irreductibles y en lesiones donde la1, 4, 7,14 compresión es anterior, recomendándose en otras etiologías de anormalidades óseas, de tejidos blandos o vasculares.

Objective: We review a description of the surgeries performed at the occipito- Atlanto-Axial segment in order to present the experience of the lesions diagnosed and managed at this level that required anterior decompression. An odontoidectomía was performed due to the irreducible nature of the lesion and/or because the mechanism of compression in the front, which were not susceptible to posteriorapproach. Methods: We report six cases in which, was used an trans oral technique to deal with the upper cervical spine segment. The cases were: four cases of rheumatoid arthritis and 2 cases of basilar impression. We described the clinical picture and the surgical technique used. Then we described the techniques used for posterior stabilization in each case. Results: The first patient operated corresponded to a basilar impression and had dehiscence of the uvula and 1 patient (case 4) died a month after surgery due to nosocomial pneumonia and one pending fixation. The remaining patients were showed clinical improvement of symptoms and good consolidation later. Conclusions: The trans-oral decompression surgery should be indicated in irreducible injuries and lesions where the compression is 1 4,7,14 above, is recommended in other aetiologies abnormalities of bone, soft tissue or vascular, . Transoral decompression - Atlanto axial instability - posterior fixation.

Un Raro Caso de Completa Anteroposición de C7 sobre T1: Breve Reporte de un Caso Especial - Artículo Original / A Rare Case of Complete Anteroposición of C7 on T1: Brief Report of a Special Case - Original Article

La lesión cervical es común en las colinas al norte de la India. Raros tipos de síndromes clínicos son vistos debido a caídas desde altura con sobrepeso en la cabeza. Reportamos un caso inusual de lesión cervical completacon traslape y antero-posición del segmento C7-T1. Se discutirá las variadas posibilidades de subluxación completa cervical baja con la revisión de la literatura existente.

Fijacion posterior con placas para fracturas cervicales subaxiales. Experiencia Multicéntrica 1992 – 2003 – Hospital Militar Central / Posterior fixation using plates for subaxial cervical fracture. Multicentric Experience 1992-2003 - Hospital Militar Central

DISEÑO DEL ESTUDIO: Descriptivo, serie de casos, prospectivo, multicéntrico. OBJETIVO: Revisar la experiencia con la técnica de fijación mediante placas y tornillos de 3.5mm. MARCO CONCEPTUAL: Los cerclajes de alambre utilizados en el pasado para la estabilización de la columna cervical no controlan fuerzas de carga axial, rotación o extensión; Roy Camille (1970) popularizó la fijación con placas con buenos resultados; en nuestro medio no hay reportes publicados con dicha técnica. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: 50 pacientes fueron intervenidos entre febrero 1992 y junio 2003, promedio edad 32 años (15-66); promedio seguimiento 76 meses (9-145). Se analizaron según diagnóstico, mecanismo, compromiso neurológico, lesiones asociadas, región fijada, implantes utilizados, ortesis y complicaciones. RESULTADOS: Las lesiones más frecuentes fueron luxofracturas 86%, nivel más comprometido C5-C6 42%, mecanismo por accidente de tránsito 42%. En cuanto al estado neurológico prequirúrgico, se encontró déficit completo 46%, incompleto 30% y sin déficit 24%. Todos los pacientes con déficit incompleto mejoraron en el seguimiento. No se presentaron complicaciones relacionadas con la técnica quirúrgica como pseudoartrosis o ruptura del material, lesiones vasculares o neurológicas. RECOMENDACIONES: La técnica descrita se considera segura ya que proporciona estabilidad biomecánica inmediata, facilita la rehabilitación y su incidencia de complicaciones es baja.

Heridas de cuello por arma de fuego en pediatría / Firearms neck injuries in pediatrics

Se presentan 4 pacientes que fueron atendidos e internados en forma consecutiva por presentar heridas de cuello por armas de fuego de baja velocidad(subsónicas)durante los últimos 2 años.Se utilizó como herramienta de ¨triage¨el Indice de trauma pediátrico(ITP)y se categorizó la severidad de las lesiones utilizando el abbreviated injury scale(AIS 85)clasificando las heridas de cuello en 4 grados según la clasificación de Benito Alén González.El criterio inicial de tratamiento se efectuó siguiendo las normas señaladas en el manual ATLS del American College of Surgeons y se siguió un algorritmo de estudios y terapéutica inspirado en el propuesto por Ballesteros,contamplando los recursos en disponibilidas y los criterios pediátricos.Tres niños fueron operados,2 en forma diferida luego de completar estudios y realizar interconsultas para planificar la táctica operatoria.La paciente no operada a 2 años del accidente se encuentra en control y con el proyectil inmóvil alojado en zona prevertebral sin contacto directo con vísceras huecas.La evolución de los 4 pacientes fue favorable quedando como secuela en uno de ellos una parálisis mediofacial,actualmente en tratamiento y recuperación

Intubación traqueal en paciente con luxofractura cervical inestable / Tracheal intubation in patients with unstable cervical luxofractures

Las fracturas alineadas y las luxofracturas cervicales están asociadas a un compromiso medular ya establecido o a un daño potencial de la médula. En el manejo agudo del politraumatizado, con un problema de vía aérea y/o un trastorno ventilatorio, se enfatiza la protección cervical en el momento de establecer una vía aérea definitiva (ya sea con intubación oro o naso-traqueal, o por vía quirúrgica), aún cuando no haya evidencias de fractura cervical o de lesión medular. En los casos de una fractura cervical inestable conocida, con o sin lesión medular asociada, en que existe indicación de una fijación quirúrgica, el manejo de la vía aérea y las alternativas para la intubación traqueal son importantes durante el acto anestésico. Se presenta un caso clínico de Luxofractura C5, con lesión medular parcial, sometido a una fijación por una vía anterior. Se analiza el manejo de la vía aérea y las diferentes técnicas de intubación traqueal en estos pacientes, enfatizando el uso de la intubación vigil, mediante fibra óptica, especialmente en los enfermos que están con inmovilización o tracción cervical