Journal of Trauma and Injury

Original Articles

Injuries from blank cartridge shots in suicide attempts within the South Korean military: a case series of five patients: Jeong Il Joo, Changsin Lee, Kyungwon Lee; Received June 17, 2024 Accepted September 23, 2024 Published online December 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0037 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Blank cartridges are designed to produce the sound and gas flare of a gunshot without firing a bullet. However, blank cartridge shots (BCS) can still cause injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Within the South Korean military, most BCS-related injuries have occurred during suicide attempts. This study documents a case series of patients who sustained injuries from BCS during such attempts.
Methods
We examined the medical records of Korean soldiers at a military trauma center between April 2022 and April 2024 who had sustained injuries from BCS during suicide attempts. The analyzed data included general characteristics, injury site, surgical and psychiatric interventions, and length of hospitalization.
Results
The case series included five patients between 19 and 20 years old (mean age, 19.6±0.55 years). Four of these patients sustained self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the submandibular area, while one targeted the right temporal area. Although initial vital signs and laboratory findings were unremarkable, computed tomography scans revealed injuries from projectile gas and gunpowder, including burns, subcutaneous emphysema, and major structural damage. Cases 1 and 2 required emergency surgery for foreign body removal and debridement. The average length of hospitalization was 35.2±12.11 days. Patients were first admitted to the trauma surgery department for BCS injury management, and then transferred to the psychiatry department for emotional support. The average stay was 15.6±15.87 days in trauma surgery and 19.6±14.99 days in psychiatry.
Conclusions
This study highlights the consequences of BCS from suicide attempts in the South Korean military and provides valuable insights for medical personnel who may encounter patients with BCS injuries.; Summary

The causes and numbers of hospital admissions and deaths during the Korean War: Kun Hwang, Hun Kim, Chan Yong Park; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):214-219. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0067

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Evaluating chemical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients at a single Australian center: Natalie Quarmby, Minh Tu Vo, Sean Weng Chan; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):209-213. Published online September 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0020

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Trauma patients are at an elevated risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), with the subsequent mortality in patients requiring intensive care unit admission ranging from 25% to 38%. There remains significant variability in clinical practice related to VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients due to the frequent presence of contraindications impacting the timing and consistency of application. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the current practice of chemical VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients at a single Australian center. Methods: A prospective review was conducted on patients admitted to the ACT Trauma Service (Canberra, Australia) from July to November 2022. The included patients were 18 years or older, without a direct contraindication to anticoagulation, who received chemical VTE prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) for at least three doses and underwent subsequent testing of anti-factor Xa (aFXa) levels. Results: During the study period, 187 patients were admitted, of whom 63 were included in the study. Of these, 47 patients achieved therapeutic levels of anticoagulation as determined by their aFXa levels, while 16 were subtherapeutic. The only statistically significant difference between the two groups was in weight, with patients in the subtherapeutic group weighing an average of 91.9 kg compared to 79.1 kg in the therapeutic group (P<0.05). Conclusions: A fixed-dose enoxaparin regimen was utilized, with limited individualization based on patient factors, such as injuries, comorbidities, and other biological factors. Sixteen patients (25%) had subtherapeutic VTE prophylaxis, as measured by aFXa levels. Higher weight was significantly correlated with inadequate VTE prophylaxis dosing. While age, sex, and smoking status might play important roles in clinical decision-making, weight-based dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin may be more effective in achieving adequate VTE prophylaxis.; Summary

Predicting 30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma in Korea using machine learning algorithms: a retrospective study: Jonghee Han, Su Young Yoon, Junepill Seok, Jin Young Lee, Jin Suk Lee, Jin Bong Ye, Younghoon Sul, Se Heon Kim, Hong Rye Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):201-208. Published online August 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0024

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The number of elderly patients with trauma is increasing; therefore, precise models are necessary to estimate the mortality risk of elderly patients with trauma for informed clinical decision-making. This study aimed to develop machine learning based predictive models that predict 30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma and to compare the predictive performance of various machine learning models. Methods: This study targeted patients aged ≥65 years with an Injury Severity Score of ≥15 who visited the regional trauma center at Chungbuk National University Hospital between 2016 and 2022. Four machine learning models—logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were developed to predict 30-day mortality. The models’ performance was compared using metrics such as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, F1 score, as well as Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values and learning curves. Results: The performance evaluation of the machine learning models for predicting mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma showed AUC values for logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and XGBoost of 0.938, 0.863, 0.919, and 0.934, respectively. Among the four models, XGBoost demonstrated superior accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1 score of 0.91, 0.72, 0.86, 0.92, and 0.78, respectively. Analysis of important features of XGBoost using SHAP revealed associations such as a high Glasgow Coma Scale negatively impacting mortality probability, while higher counts of transfused red blood cells were positively correlated with mortality probability. The learning curves indicated increased generalization and robustness as training examples increased. Conclusions: We showed that machine learning models, especially XGBoost, can be used to predict 30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma. Prognostic tools utilizing these models are helpful for physicians to evaluate the risk of mortality in elderly patients with severe trauma.; Summary

Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries in young Korean soldiers: a recent 10-year retrospective study: Chul Jung, Jae-hyun Yun, Eun Jin Kim, Jaechan Park, Jiwoon Yeom, Kyoung-Eun Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):192-200. Published online August 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0001

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Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (PNI), which occurs in up to 3% of trauma patients, is a devastating condition that often leads to permanent disability. However, knowledge of traumatic PNI is limited. We describe epidemiology and clinical characteristics of traumatic PNI in Korea and identify the predictors of traumatic complete PNI. Methods: A list of enlisted soldier patients who were discharged from military service due to PNI over a 10-year period (2012–2021) was obtained, and their medical records were reviewed. Patients were classified according to the causative events (traumatic vs. nontraumatic) and injury severity (complete vs. incomplete). Of traumatic PNIs, we compared the clinical variables between the incomplete and complete PNI groups and identified predictors of complete PNI. Results: Of the 119 young male patients who were discharged from military service due to PNI, 85 (71.4%) were injured by a traumatic event; among them, 22 (25.9%) were assessed as having a complete injury. The most common PNI mechanism (n=49, 57.6%), was adjacent fractures or dislocations. Several injury-related characteristics were significantly associated with complete PNI: laceration or gunshot wound, PNI involving the median nerve, PNI involving multiple individual nerves (multiple PNI), and concomitant muscular or vascular injuries. After adjusting for other possible predictors, multiple PNI was identified as a significant predictor of a complete PNI (odds ratio, 3.583; P=0.017). Conclusions: In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of enlisted Korean soldiers discharged due to traumatic PNI and found that the most common injury mechanism was adjacent fracture or dislocation (57.6%). Patients with multiple PNI had a significantly increased risk of complete injury. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of traumatic PNI, which directly leads to a decline in functioning in patients with trauma.; Summary

Clinical predictors of therapeutic laparotomy in anterior abdominal stab injuries: a multicenter study from low-income institutions in Ethiopia: Segni Kejela, Abel Hedato, Yeabsera Mekonnen Duguma, Meklit Solomon Gebremariam; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):140-146. Published online June 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0009

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Despite the high incidence of abdominal stab injuries, the rate of nontherapeutic laparotomies and the predictors of therapeutic laparotomies have rarely been studied in low-income settings.
Methods
This multicenter retrospective study involved three of the largest academic medical centers in central Ethiopia. All patients who sustained an anterior abdominal stab injury and underwent exploratory laparotomy, regardless of the intraoperative findings, were included over the 3-year course of the study.
Results
Of the 117 patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy, 35 patients (29.9%) underwent nontherapeutic laparotomies. Three factors predicted therapeutic laparotomy: hollow viscus evisceration (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–28.64; P=0.032), localized and generalized peritonitis (AOR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.90–11.93; P=0.001), and white blood cell count ≥11,500/mm3 (AOR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.002–7.650; P=0.049). The overall positive predictive value of the therapeutic predictors was 80.2%, while the negative predictive value of all predictor-negative patients was 58.1%. The predictors would have prevented 51.4% of the nontherapeutic laparotomies.
Conclusions
Close to one-third of the patients had a nontherapeutic laparotomy. The clinical predictors of therapeutic laparotomy were shown to have a high positive predictive value despite a lower negative predictive value. Further prospective studies that involve all patients who sustain anterior abdominal stab injuries are needed to potentially improve on the negative predictive value of the predictors suggested by our study.; Summary

Implementation of structured trauma training for first-year surgical residents in Ethiopia: a novel pilot program in a low income country: Segni Kejela, Meklit Solomon Gebremariam; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):132-139. Published online June 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0010

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Curricula for surgical residents should include training in trauma care; however, such training is absent in many low income countries. At the largest surgical training institution in Ethiopia, a trauma training program was developed, integrated into the existing surgical curriculum, and implemented. This study was conducted to evaluate the trainees’ response to the new program.
Methods
Over a 5-month period, 35 first-year surgical residents participated in weekly trauma care training sessions. The program included journal clubs, practical sessions, didactic sessions, and case-based discussions. Six months after the conclusion of the training, changes in knowledge, attitude, and practices were evaluated through a self-report survey.
Results
For knowledge-based items, the survey data revealed reported improvements in 83.8% to 96.8% of students. Furthermore, 90.3% to 93.5% of participants indicated improvements in practice, while 96.7% exhibited a change in attitude. Respondents reported that attending didactic courses improved their presentation skills and facilitated the acquisition of knowledge. They suggested the inclusion of additional practical sessions.
Conclusions
Training structures that are simple to implement are crucial for residency programs with limited resources. Such programs can be developed using existing academic staff and can aid residents in delivering improved care to trauma patients.; Summary

A predictive nomogram-based model for lower extremity compartment syndrome after trauma in the United States: a retrospective case-control study: Blake Callahan, Darwin Ang, Huazhi Liu; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):124-131. Published online May 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0077

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
The aim of this study was to utilize the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database to identify risk factors associated with developing acute compartment syndrome (ACS) following lower extremity fractures. Specifically, a nomogram of variables was constructed in order to propose a risk calculator for ACS following lower extremity trauma.
Methods
A large retrospective case-control study was conducted using the TQIP database to identify risk factors associated with developing ACS following lower extremity fractures. Multivariable regression was used to identify significant risk factors and subsequently, these variables were implemented in a nomogram to develop a predictive model for developing ACS.
Results
Novel risk factors identified include venous thromboembolism prophylaxis type particularly unfractionated heparin (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33–3.05; P<0.001), blood product transfusions (blood per unit: OR 1.13 [95% CI, 1.09–1.18], P<0.001; platelets per unit: OR 1.16 [95% CI, 1.09–1.24], P<0.001; cryoprecipitate per unit: OR 1.13 [95% CI, 1.04–1.22], P=0.003).
Conclusions
This study provides evidence to believe that heparin use and blood product transfusions may be additional risk factors to evaluate when considering methods of risk stratification of lower extremity ACS. We propose a risk calculator using previously elucidated risk factors, as well as the risk factors demonstrated in this study. Our nomogram-based risk calculator is a tool that will aid in screening for high-risk patients for ACS and help in clinical decision-making.; Summary

Validation of chest trauma scoring systems in polytrauma: a retrospective study with 1,038 patients in Korea: Hongrye Kim, Mou Seop Lee, Su Young Yoon, Jonghee Han, Jin Young Lee, Junepill Seok; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):114-123. Published online May 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0087

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
Appropriate scoring systems can help classify and treat polytrauma patients. This study aimed to validate chest trauma scoring systems in polytrauma patients.
Methods
Data from 1,038 polytrauma patients were analyzed. The primary outcomes were one or more complications: pneumonia, chest complications requiring surgery, and mortality. The Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS), Chest Trauma Score, Rib Fracture Score, and RibScore were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in patients with or without head trauma.
Results
In total, 1,038 patients were divided into two groups: those with complications (822 patients, 79.2%) and those with no complications (216 patients, 20.8%). Sex and body mass index did not significantly differ between the groups. However, age was higher in the complications group (64.1±17.5 years vs. 54.9±17.6 years, P<0.001). The proportion of head trauma patients was higher (58.3% vs. 24.6%, P<0.001) and the Glasgow Coma Scale score was worse (median [interquartile range], 12 [6.5–15] vs. 15 [14–15]; P<0.001) in the complications group. The number of rib fractures, the degree of rib fracture displacement, and the severity of pulmonary contusions were also higher in the complications group. In the area under the ROC curve analysis, the TTSS showed the highest predictive value for the entire group (0.731), head trauma group (0.715), and no head trauma group (0.730), while RibScore had the poorest performance (0.643, 0.622, and 0.622, respectively)
Conclusions
Early injury severity detection and grading are crucial for patients with blunt chest trauma. The chest trauma scoring systems introduced to date, including the TTSS, are not acceptable for clinical use, especially in polytrauma patients with traumatic brain injury. Therefore, further revisions and analyses of chest trauma scoring systems are recommended.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Clinical prediction models for the management of blunt chest trauma in the emergency department: a systematic review
Ceri Battle, Elaine Cole, Kym Carter, Edward Baker
BMC Emergency Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Changes in interpersonal violence and utilization of trauma recovery services at an urban trauma center in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective, comparative study: Kevin Y. Zhu, Kristie J. Sun, Mary A. Breslin, Mark Kalina Jr., Tyler Moon, Ryan Furdock, Heather A. Vallier; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):60-66. Published online February 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0064

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This study investigated changes in interpersonal violence and utilization of trauma recovery services during the COVID-19 pandemic. At an urban level I trauma center, trauma recovery services (TRS) provide education, counseling, peer support, and coordination of rehabilitation and recovery to address social and mental health needs. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted considerable changes in hospital services and increases in interpersonal victimization.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted between September 6, 2018 and December 20, 2020 for 1,908 victim-of-crime patients, including 574 victims of interpersonal violence. Outcomes included length of stay associated with initial TRS presentation, number of subsequent emergency department visits, number of outpatient appointments, and utilization of specific specialties within the year following the initial traumatic event.
Results
Patients were primarily female (59.4%), single (80.1%), non-Hispanic (86.7%), and Black (59.2%). The mean age was 33.0 years, and 247 patients (49.2%) presented due to physical assault, 132 (26.3%) due to gunshot wounds, and 76 (15.1%) due to sexual assault. The perpetrators were primarily partners (27.9%) or strangers (23.3%). During the study period, 266 patients (mean, 14.9 patients per month) presented before the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency on March 13, 2020, while 236 patients (mean, 25.9 patients per month) presented afterward, representing a 74.6% increase in victim-of-crime patients treated. Interactions with TRS decreased during the COVID-19 period, with an average of 3.0 interactions per patient before COVID-19 versus 1.9 after emergency declaration (P<0.01). Similarly, reductions in length of stay were noted; the pre–COVID-19 average was 3.6 days, compared to 2.1 days post–COVID-19 (P=0.01).
Conclusions
While interpersonal violence increased, TRS interactions decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting interruption of services, COVID-19 precautions, and postponement/cancellation of elective visits. Future direction of hospital policy to enable resource and service delivery to this population, despite internal and external challenges, appears warranted.; Summary

The characteristics and clinical outcomes of trauma patients transferred by a physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service in Korea: a retrospective study: Myung Jin Jang, Woo Sung Choi, Jung Nam Lee, Won Bin Park; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):106-113. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0074

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Helicopter transport with medical teams has been proven to be effective, with improvements in patient survival rates. This study compared and analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of trauma patients transported by doctor helicopters according to whether patients were transferred after a clinical evaluation or without a clinical evaluation.
Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed data from the Korean Trauma Data Bank of trauma patients who arrived at a regional trauma center through doctor helicopters from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: doctor helicopter transport before evaluation (DHTBE) and doctor helicopter transport after evaluation (DHTAE). These groups were compared.
Results
The study population included 351 cases. At the time of arrival at the trauma center, the systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the DHTAE group than in the DHTBE group (P=0.018). The Injury Severity Score was significantly higher in the DHTAE group (P<0.001), and the accident to trauma center arrival time was significantly shorter in the DHTBE group (P<0.001). Mortality did not show a statistically significant between-group difference (P=0.094). Surgical cases in the DHTAE group had a longer time from the accident scene to trauma center arrival (P=0.002). The time from the accident to the operation room or from the accident to angioembolization showed no statistically significant differences.
Conclusions
DHTAE was associated with significantly longer transport times to the trauma center, as well as nonstatistically significant trends for delays in receiving surgery and procedures, as well as higher mortality. If severe trauma is suspected, air transport to a trauma center should be requested immediately after a simple screening test (e.g., mechanism of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale, or Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma), which may help reduce the time to definitive treatment.; Summary

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in orthopedic trauma patients and a call to implement the Injured Trauma Survivor Screen as a prospective screening protocol in the United States: Victoria J. Nedder, Mary A. Breslin, Vanessa P. Ho, Heather A. Vallier; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):67-73. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0068

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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent and is associated with protracted recovery and worse outcomes after injury. This study compared PTSD prevalence using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) with the prevalence of PTSD risk using the Injured Trauma Survivor Screen (ITSS).
Methods
Adult trauma patients at a level I trauma center were screened with the PCL-5 (sample 1) at follow-up visits or using the ITSS as inpatients (sample 2).
Results
Sample 1 (n=285) had significantly fewer patients with gunshot wounds than sample 2 (n=45) (8.1% vs. 22.2%, P=0.003), nonsignificantly fewer patients with a fall from a height (17.2% vs. 28.9%, P=0.06), and similar numbers of patients with motor vehicle collision (40.7% vs. 37.8%, P=0.07). Screening was performed at a mean of 153.9 days following injury for sample 1 versus 7.1 days in sample 2. The mean age of the patients in sample 1 was 45.4 years, and the mean age of those in sample 2 was 46.1 years. The two samples had similar proportions of female patients (38.2% vs. 40.0%, P=0.80). The positive screening rate was 18.9% in sample 1 and 40.0% in sample 2 (P=0.001). For specific mechanisms, the positive rates were as follows: motor vehicle collisions, 17.2% in sample 1 and 17.6% in sample 2 (P=1.00); fall from height, 12.2% in sample 1 and 30.8% in sample 2 (P=0.20); and gunshot wounds, 39.1% in sample 1 and 80.0% in sample 2 (P=0.06).
Conclusions
The ITSS was obtained earlier than PCL-5 and may identify PTSD in more orthopedic trauma patients. Differences in the frequency of PTSD may also be related to the screening tool itself, or underlying patient risk factors, such as mechanism of injury, or mental or social health.; Summary

Chest wall injury fracture patterns are associated with different mechanisms of injury: a retrospective review study in the United States: Jennifer M. Brewer, Owen P. Karsmarski, Jeremy Fridling, T. Russell Hill, Chasen J Greig, Sarah Posillico, Carol McGuiness, Erin McLaughlin, Stephanie C. Montgomery, Manuel Moutinho, Ronald Gross, Evert A. Eriksson, Andrew R. Doben; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):48-59. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0065

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Research on rib fracture management has exponentially increased. Predicting fracture patterns based on the mechanism of injury (MOI) and other possible correlations may improve resource allocation and injury prevention strategies. The Chest Injury International Database (CIID) is the largest prospective repository of the operative and nonoperative management of patients with severe chest wall trauma. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the MOI is associated with the resulting rib fracture patterns. We hypothesized that specific MOIs would be associated with distinct rib fracture patterns.
Methods
The CIID was queried to analyze fracture patterns based on the MOI. Patients were stratified by MOI: falls, motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), motorcycle collisions (MCCs), automobile-pedestrian collisions, and bicycle collisions. Fracture locations, associated injuries, and patient-specific variables were recorded. Heat maps were created to display the fracture incidence by rib location.
Results
The study cohort consisted of 1,121 patients with a median RibScore of 2 (0–3) and 9,353 fractures. The average age was 57±20 years, and 64% of patients were male. By MOI, the number of patients and fractures were as follows: falls (474 patients, 3,360 fractures), MVCs (353 patients, 3,268 fractures), MCCs (165 patients, 1,505 fractures), automobile-pedestrian collisions (70 patients, 713 fractures), and bicycle collisions (59 patients, 507 fractures). The most commonly injured rib was the sixth rib, and the most common fracture location was lateral. Statistically significant differences in the location and patterns of fractures were identified comparing each MOI, except for MCCs versus bicycle collisions.
Conclusions
Different mechanisms of injury result in distinct rib fracture patterns. These different patterns should be considered in the workup and management of patients with thoracic injuries. Given these significant differences, future studies should account for both fracture location and the MOI to better define what populations benefit from surgical versus nonoperative management.; Summary

Radiologic assessment of the optimal point for tube thoracostomy using the sternum as a landmark: a computed tomography‐based analysis: Jaeik Jang, Jae-Hyug Woo, Mina Lee, Woo Sung Choi, Yong Su Lim, Jin Seong Cho, Jae Ho Jang, Jea Yeon Choi, Sung Youl Hyun; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):37-47. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0058

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
This study aimed at developing a novel tube thoracostomy technique using the sternum, a fixed anatomical structure, as an indicator to reduce the possibility of incorrect chest tube positioning and complications in patients with chest trauma.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed the data of 184 patients with chest trauma who were aged ≥18 years, visited a single regional trauma center in Korea between April and June 2022, and underwent chest computed tomography (CT) with their arms down. The conventional gold standard, 5th intercostal space (ICS) method, was compared to the lower 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 of the sternum method by analyzing CT images.
Results
When virtual tube thoracostomy routes were drawn at the mid-axillary line at the 5th ICS level, 150 patients (81.5%) on the right side and 179 patients (97.3%) on the left did not pass the diaphragm. However, at the lower 1/2 of the sternum level, 171 patients (92.9%, P<0.001) on the right and 182 patients (98.9%, P= 0.250) on the left did not pass the diaphragm. At the 5th ICS level, 129 patients (70.1%) on the right and 156 patients (84.8%) on the left were located in the safety zone and did not pass the diaphragm. Alternatively, at the lower 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 of the sternum level, 139 (75.5%, P=0.185), 49 (26.6%, P<0.001), and 10 (5.4%, P<0.001), respectively, on the right, and 146 (79.3%, P=0.041), 69 (37.5%, P<0.001), and 16 (8.7%, P<0.001) on the left were located in the safety zone and did not pass the diaphragm. Compared to the conventional 5th ICS method, the sternum 1/2 method had a safety zone prediction sensitivity of 90.0% to 90.7%, and 97.3% to 100% sensitivity for not passing the diaphragm.
Conclusions
Using the sternum length as a tube thoracostomy indicator might be feasible.; Summary

Angioembolization performed by trauma surgeons for trauma patients: is it feasible in Korea? A retrospective study: Soonseong Kwon, Kyounghwan Kim, Soon Tak Jeong, Joongsuck Kim, Kwanghee Yeo, Ohsang Kwon, Sung Jin Park, Jihun Gwak, Wu Seong Kang; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):28-36. Published online January 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0076

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Recent advancements in interventional radiology have made angioembolization an invaluable modality in trauma care. Angioembolization is typically performed by interventional radiologists. In this study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of emergency angioembolization performed by trauma surgeons.
Methods
We identified trauma patients who underwent emergency angiography due to significant trauma-related hemorrhage between January 2020 and June 2023 at our trauma center. Until May 2022, two dedicated interventional radiologists performed emergency angiography at our center. However, since June 2022, a trauma surgeon with a background and experience in vascular surgery has performed emergency angiography for trauma-related bleeding. The indications for trauma surgeon–performed angiography included significant hemorrhage from liver injury, pelvic injury, splenic injury, or kidney injury. We assessed the angiography results according to the operator of the initial angiographic procedure. The term “failure of the first angioembolization” was defined as rebleeding from any cause, encompassing patients who underwent either re-embolization due to rebleeding or surgery due to rebleeding.
Results
No significant differences were found between the interventional radiologists and the trauma surgeon in terms of re-embolization due to rebleeding, surgery due to rebleeding, or the overall failure rate of the first angioembolization. Mortality and morbidity rates were also similar between the two groups. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluating failure after the first angioembolization, pelvic embolization emerged as the sole significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio, 3.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–10.33; P=0.041). Trauma surgeon–performed angioembolization was not deemed a significant risk factor in the multivariable logistic regression model.
Conclusions
Trauma surgeons, when equipped with the necessary endovascular skills and experience, can safely perform angioembolization. To further improve quality control, an enhanced training curriculum for trauma surgeons is warranted.; Summary

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