Journal of Trauma and Injury

Original Article

Outcomes of open neck injuries: Dongsub Noh, Jin Ho Choi; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(3):168-172. Published online June 29, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0056

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
The neck is a particularly critical region for penetrating injuries due to the close proximity of the trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, and the spinal cord. An open neck injury has the potential for serious morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the assessment and management of open neck injuries.
Methods
In this retrospective study, open neck injury patients who were admitted to NAME University Hospital Trauma Center between December 2015 and December 2017 were analyzed for epidemiology, the mechanism of trauma, the injured organ, complications, and mortality.
Results
Thirty-two patients presented with open neck injuries. All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography to evaluate their injuries once their vital signs stabilized. Among these patients, 27 required surgical treatment. The most commonly injured organ was the airway. There were five deaths, and the main cause of death was bleeding. Mortality was associated with the initial systolic blood pressure at the hospital and Glasgow Coma Scale.
Conclusions
Mortality from open neck injuries was associated with initial systolic blood pressure at the hospital and Glasgow Coma Scale.; Summary

Editorial

Tactical field management of penetrating arrow injuries in ancient Asia: Kun Hwang; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(4):229-231. Published online June 23, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0018

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Medieval (arrow) weapon injuries in contemporary surgical practice: Impaled posterior thoracic wall arrowhead leading to haemo-thorax: Management protocols. Case report
Ahmed Shabhay, Zarina Shabhay, Fabian Anaclet Massaga, Amri Salim Mwami, Samwel Chugulu
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports.2023; 111: 108866. CrossRef

Case Reports

Incidental traumatic right diaphragmatic rupture: a missed case after trauma: Fatima Alharmoodi, Shadin Ghabra, Salem Alharthi; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(1):56-59. Published online June 23, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0008

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Abstract PDF: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is among the most uncommon conditions after severe trauma, and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is difficult and might be missed, but a multimodal investigation might help in terms of diagnostic yield. In this case report, we present a missed right diaphragmatic rupture 14 years after the trauma.; Summary

Inhalation injury after a landmine explosion: a case report: Woojung Kim, Donghoon Kim, Sung Yub Jeong, Yoonhyun Lee, Hojun Lee; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(Suppl 1):S35-S39. Published online June 23, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0005

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Abstract PDF: Blast injuries are divided into four classes, and inhalation injuries are a quaternary class of blast injuries. An inhalation injury can be critical to the patient due to the possibility of related complications, such as airway obstruction resulting from upper airway edema and pneumonia. Once diagnosed, an inhalation injury should be treated with early intubation, aerosol therapy, and antibiotics as soon as possible. We should suspect this injury in circumstances involving fire and especially bomb attacks in a military setting. Antipersonnel landmines designed to damage the soldier by amputating the leg can cause blast injuries, but their power is limited to the lower extremity. However, we found an inhalation injury in a victim whose leg had been amputated by an antipersonnel landmine. As soon as we suspected an inhalation injury, we intubated the patient to preserve his airway and started acetylcysteine/heparin aerosol therapy. The patient also was treated with proper antibiotics for right lower lung pneumonia that developed as a sequela of inhalation injury. We could extubate the patient without any complications such as airway obstruction on the third day of intensive care, after which the patient was transferred to the general ward for active rehabilitation. This report presents the first known case of inhalation injury due to a landmine explosion.; Summary

Original Article

Usefulness of intraoperative transcranial sonography in patients with traumatic brain injuries: a comparison with postoperative computed tomography: Mahn Jeong Ha, Seung Han Yu, Jung Hwan Lee, Hyuk Jin Choi, Byung Chul Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(1):8-14. Published online June 20, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0093

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between intraoperative transcranial sonography (TCS) and postoperative computed tomog¬raphy (CT) in patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Methods
We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 35 patients who underwent TCS during surgery, among those who presented to a regional trauma center and underwent decompressive craniectomy between January 1, 2017 and April 30, 2020.
Results
The mean difference between TCS and CT in measuring the midline shift was –1.33 mm (95% confidence inter¬val, –2.00 to –0.65; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.96; P<0.001). An excellent correlation was found between TCS and CT in assessing contralateral subdural hematomas (ICC, 0.96; P<0.001) and focal hematoma lesions (ICC, 0.99; P<0.001). A very good correlation between TCS and CT was found for measurements of ventricle width (ICC, 0.92; P<0.001).
Conclusions
TCS during surgery is considered an effective diagnostic tool for the detection of intraoperative parenchymal changes in patients with traumatic brain injuries.; Summary

Case Reports

Humeral intramedullary nail bending following trauma: a case report: Siem A. Willems, Alexander P. A. Greeven; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(1):65-69. Published online June 17, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0002

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Abstract PDF: The surgical approach for humeral implant failure can be challenging due to neurovascular anatomy and the possible necessity of osteosynthesis removal. We present a rare case of humeral nail bending after secondary trauma in a patient with preexistent nonunion of the humerus after intramedullary nailing. During revision surgery, the nail was sawed in half and the distal part was removed, followed by plate osteosynthesis with cable fixation to achieve absolute stability. The patient regained a full range of motion 1 year after surgery, and complete healing of the fracture was seen on imaging.; Summary

Salvation of a solitary kidney in a patient with grade IV renal trauma: a case report: Hyuntack Shin, Ae Jin Sung, Min A Lee, Jayun Cho, Gil Jae Lee, Byungchul Yu, Kang Kook Choi; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(Suppl 1):S18-S22. Published online June 17, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0091

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Abstract PDF: There are many reasons for solitary kidney. Congenital causes include renal agenesis and dysplasia. Acquired causes include nephrectomy performed for reasons including traumatic kidney injury, disease (e.g., renal cell carcinoma), and donation for kidney transplantation. According to the European Association of Urology, the World Society of Emergency Surgery, and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma guidelines, it is important to preserve the remaining renal function as much as possible when a solitary kidney patient has suffered a traumatic kidney injury. The authors present a case of kidney preservation in a solitary kidney patient with a traumatic grade IV renal injury through non-operative management involving superselective renal artery angioembolization.; Summary

A case report of field amputation: the rescue of an entrapped patient through the "doctor car" system: Byungchul Yu, Gil Jae Lee, Min A Lee, Kang Kook Choi, Jihun Gwak, Youngeun Park, Yong-Cheol Yoon, Jayun Cho, Seung Hwan Lee, Jungnam Lee; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(Suppl 1):S27-S30. Published online June 15, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0012

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Abstract PDF: In certain circumstances, invasive procedures such as creation of a surgical airway, insertion of a chest drain, intraosseous puncture, or amputation in the field are necessary. These invasive procedures can save lives. However, emergency medical service teams cannot perform such procedures according to the law in Korea. The upper arm of a 29-year-old male patient was stuck in a huge machine and the emergency medical service team could not rescue the patient. A doctor-car team was dispatched to the scene and the team performed the filed amputation to extricate the patient. He was brought to the trauma center immediately and underwent formal above-elbow amputation. Here we describe a case of field amputation to rescue a patient through a “doctor car” system, along with a literature review.; Summary

Original Articles

Initial assessment of hemorrhagic shock by trauma computed tomography measurement of the inferior vena cava in blunt trauma patients: Gun Ho Lee, Jeong Woo Choi; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(3):181-188. Published online June 10, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0066

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Inferior vena cava (IVC) collapse is related to hypovolemia. Sonography has been used to measure the IVC diameter, but there is variation depending on the skill of the operator and it is difficult to obtain accurate measurements in patients who have a large amount of intestinal gas or are obese. As a modality to obtain accurate measurements, we measured the diameters of the IVC and aorta on trauma computed tomography scans and investigated the correlation between the IVC to aorta ratio and the shock index in blunt trauma patients.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 588 trauma patients who were transferred to the regional trauma center (level 1) of Wonkang University hospital from March 2020 to February 2021. We included trauma patients 18 years or older who met the trauma activation criteria and underwent trauma computed tomography scans with intravenous contrast within 40 minutes of admission. The shock index was calculated from vital signs before trauma computed tomography scan, and measurements of the anteroposterior diameter of the IVC (AP), the transverse diameter of the IVC (T), and aorta were made 10 mm above the right renal vein in the venous phase.
Results
Overall, 271 patients were included in this study, of whom 150 had a shock index ≤0.7 and 121 had a shock index >0.7. The T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio were significantly different between groups. Cutoffs were identified for the T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio (2.37 and 0.62, respectively) that produced clinically useful sensitivity and specificity for predicting a shock index >0.7, demonstrating moderate accuracy (T to AP ratio: area under the curve, 0.71; sensitivity, 59%; specificity, 87% and AP to aorta ratio: area under the curve, 0.70; sensitivity, 55%; specificity, 91%).
Conclusions
The T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio are useful for predicting hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients.; Summary

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of posttraumatic hospitalized patients with symptoms related to venous thromboembolism: a single-center retrospective study: Hyung Su Park, Sung Youl Hyun, Woo Sung Choi, Jin-Seong Cho, Jae Ho Jang, Jea Yeon Choi; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(3):159-167. Published online June 10, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0052

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of trauma inpatients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) symptoms diagnosed using computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in Korea
Methods
In total, 7,634 patients admitted to the emergency department of Gachon University Gil Medical Center, a tertiary hospital, and hospitalized between July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 were registered for this study. Of these patients, 278 patients who underwent CTA were enrolled in our study.
Results
VTE was found in 120 of the 7,634 patients (1.57%), and the positive diagnosis rate of the 278 patients who underwent CTA was 43.2% (120 of 278). The incidence of VTE was statistically significantly higher among those with severe head and neck injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 3–5) than among those with nonsevere head and neck injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 0–2; P=0.038). In a subgroup analysis, the severe and nonsevere head and neck injury groups showed statistically significant differences in known independent risk factors for VTE. In logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio of severe head and neck injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 3–5) for VTE was 1.891 (95% confidence interval, 1.043–3.430).
Conclusions
Trauma patients with severe head and neck injuries are more susceptible to VTE than those with nonsevere head and neck injuries. Thus, physicians must consider CTA as a priority for the diagnosis of VTE in trauma patients with severe head and neck injuries who show VTE-associated symptoms.; Summary

Case Report

Penetrating liver injury caused by a metal fragment from a blast accident in a factory: a case report: Chan Hee Park, Jeong Woo Lee; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(Suppl 1):S8-S14. Published online June 3, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0085

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Penetrating abdominal injuries are rare in countries that do not allow legal possession of firearms by the public. We report a case of a 27-year-old male patient with a penetrating liver injury caused by metal fragments released in a blast accident. On the day of the accident, there was a metal explosion, and multiple fragments of the metal lodged in the patient’s abdomen. The metal fragments were widely distributed over the abdomen and limited to the subcutaneous layer. A computed tomography scan showed that one metal fragment had penetrated near the right upper quadrant. First, we tried exploratory laparoscopy to accurately locate and remove the presumed metal fragment under the liver, on the side of the gallbladder, and near the duodenum. However, we could not find the metal fragment and converted the procedure to open laparotomy. The metal fragment was found to be completely lodged in segment 4, the quadrate lobe to the left of the gallbladder. To remove the fragment, a 2-cm incision was made on the liver surface where the metal fragment was found. The patient’s general postoperative condition was satisfactory, with no findings of bile leakage or bleeding. In conclusion, clinicians who do not have experience with these injuries can still provide adequate treatment by selecting a treatment method based on the patient’s condition as well as the velocity of trauma. The laparoscopic approach, as a less invasive procedure, may be worthwhile for treating penetrating trauma. Additionally, laparoscopic exploratory laparotomy may be considered in selected cases.; Summary

Original Articles

Acute pain management in the trauma patient population: are we doing enough? A prospective observational study: Segni Kejela, Nebyou Seyoum; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(3):151-158. Published online June 3, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0068

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
There is a strong correlation between trauma and pain. Pain increases the rate of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and even mortality in trauma patients.
Methods
This institution-based, provider-blinded and patient-blinded, observational study was conducted among trauma patients treated at a specialized center . Over the course of 3 months, this study included patients who had no prior pain management at other hospitals before presentation, and who presented within 24 hours of the traumatic event.
Results
Of the 74 patients evaluated, none of the patients had their pain level scored. The researcher-provided pain scale showed a severe subjective pain score for 79.7% of the patients and a severe functional activity score for 59.5% of the patients. Analgesia was provided at an average of 55.4 minutes after presentation and all patients received either diclofenac or tramadol. Satisfactory pain reduction after analgesia was 28.8% for patients initially complaining of severe pain, 54.6% for moderate pain, and 66.7% for mild pain, with the difference being statistically significant (P<0.05). Forty percent of patients discharged home received no analgesia after the first dose provided upon presentation.
Conclusions
Pain scoring was nonexistent during the course of the study. The poor utilization rate of analgesia combination and opioids led to unsatisfactory pain outcomes in patients evaluated and followed for 24 hours after presentation.; Summary

National utilization of rib fracture fixation in the geriatric population in the United States: Jennifer M. Brewer, Leah Aakjar, Kelsey Sullivan, Vijay Jayaraman, Manuel Moutinho, Elan Jeremitsky, Andrew R. Doben; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(3):173-180. Published online May 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0076

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Abstract PDF

Purpose
The use of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has steadily increased over the past decade. Recent literature suggests that a larger population may benefit from SSRF, and that the geriatric population—as the highest-risk population—may receive the greatest improvement from these interventions. We sought to determine the overall utilization of SSRF in the United States.
Methods
The National Trauma Database was analyzed between 2016 and 2017. The inclusion criteria were all patients ≥65 years old with rib fractures. We further stratified these patients according to age (65–79 vs. ≥80 years old), the presence of coding for flail chest, three or more rib fractures, and intervention (surgical vs. nonoperative management). The main outcomes were surgical interventions, mortality, pneumonia, length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, ventilator use, and tracheostomy.
Results
Overall, 93,638 patients were identified. SSRF was performed in 992 patients. Patients who underwent SSRF had improved mortality in the 65 to 79 age group, regardless of the number of ribs fractured. We identified 92,637 patients in the age group of 65 to 79 years old who did not undergo SSRF. This represents an additional 20,000 patients annually who may benefit from SSRF.
Conclusions
By conservative standards and the well-established Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma clinical practice guidelines, SSRF is underutilized. Our data suggest that SSRF may be very beneficial for the geriatric population, specifically those aged 65 to 79 years with any rib fractures. We hypothesize that roughly 20,000 additional cases will meet the inclusion criteria for SSRF each year. It is therefore imperative that we train acute care surgeons in this skill set.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Incidence of adult rib fracture injuries and changing hospitalization practice patterns: a 10-year analysis
Sergio M. Navarro, Rafat H. Solaiman, Jilun Zhang, Ilitch Diaz-Gutierrez, Christopher Tignanelli, James V. Harmon
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Review Article

Evolution of trauma care and the trauma registry in the West Australian health system: Mayura Thilanka Iddagoda, Maxine Burrell, Sudhakar Rao, Leon Flicker; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(2):71-75. Published online May 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0060

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Abstract PDF

Trauma care is evolving throughout the world to meet the demand resulting from rapidly increasing rates of mortality and morbidity related to external injuries. The State Major Trauma Service was designated to Royal Perth Hospital in 2004 to provide comprehensive care for trauma patients in Western Australia (WA), which is the largest state by area in the country. The State Major Trauma Unit, which was established in 2008, functions as a level I center and admits over 1,000 major trauma patients per year, making it the second busiest trauma center in Australia. The importance of recording data related to trauma was identified by the trauma service in WA to inspire higher standards of patient care and injury prevention. In 1994, the service established a trauma registry, which has undergone significant changes over the last two decades. The current State Trauma Registry is linked to a statewide database called the Data Linkage System. The linked data are available for policy development, quality assurance, and research. This article discusses the evolution of the trauma service and the registry database in the WA health system. The State Trauma Registry has enormous potential to contribute to research and quality improvement studies along with its ability to link with other databases.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Development of a standardized minimum dataset for including low‐severity trauma patients in trauma registry collections in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
Grant Christey, Jacelle Warren, Cameron S. Palmer, Maxine Burrell, Kirsten Vallmuur
ANZ Journal of Surgery.2023; 93(3): 572. CrossRef

Editorial

New horizons of Flaubert: from a barber-surgeon to a modern trauma surgeon: Kun Hwang; J Trauma Inj. 2022;35(Suppl 1):S1-S2. Published online May 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2021.0081

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