Journal of Trauma and Injury

“Most viewed” articles are those published within the last 2 years (2023– ). The following are the most frequently accessed articles from Journal of Trauma and Injury.

Original Article

Outcomes and physiologic responses associated with ketamine administration after traumatic brain injury in the United States and Canada: a retrospective analysis: Austin J. Peters, Saad A. Khan, Seiji Koike, Susan Rowell, Martin Schreiber; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(4):354-361. Published online November 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0034

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Purpose
Ketamine has historically been contraindicated in traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to concern for raising intracranial pressure. However, it is increasingly being used in TBI due to the favorable respiratory and hemodynamic properties. To date, no studies have evaluated whether ketamine administered in subjects with TBI is associated with patient survival or disability.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of data from the multicenter Prehospital Tranexamic Acid Use for Traumatic Brain Injury trial, comparing ketamine-exposed and ketamine-unexposed TBI subjects to determine whether an association exists between ketamine administration and mortality, as well as secondary outcome measures.
Results
We analyzed 841 eligible subjects from the original study, of which 131 (15.5%) received ketamine. Ketamine-exposed subjects were younger (37.3±16.9 years vs. 42.0±18.6 years, P=0.037), had a worse initial Glasgow Coma Scale score (7±3 vs. 8±4, P=0.003), and were more likely to be intubated than ketamine-unexposed subjects (88.5% vs. 44.2%, P<0.001). Overall, there was no difference in mortality (12.2% vs. 15.5%, P=0.391) or disability measures between groups. Ketamine-exposed subjects had significantly fewer instances of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) compared to ketamine-unexposed subjects (56.3% vs. 82.3%, P=0.048). In the very rare outcomes of cardiac events and seizure activity, seizure activity was statistically more likely in ketamine-exposed subjects (3.1% vs. 1.0%, P=0.010). In the intracranial hemorrhage subgroup, cardiac events were more likely in ketamine-exposed subjects (2.3% vs. 0.2%, P=0.025). Ketamine exposure was associated with a smaller increase in TBI protein biomarker concentrations.
Conclusions
Ketamine administration was not associated with worse survival or disability despite being administered to more severely injured subjects. Ketamine exposure was associated with reduced elevations of ICP, more instances of seizure activity, and lower concentrations of TBI protein biomarkers.

Summary

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Current Management and Future Challenges in the Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Larissa Russo, Aasim Kazmi, Nasim Ahmed
Medicina.2025; 61(4): 738. CrossRef

Editorial

Development of variolation and its introduction to Joseon-era Korea: Kun Hwang; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):247-249. Published online October 26, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0044

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Original Articles

Proximally based sural artery flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the knee and proximal third of the leg in India: a clinical study: Palukuri Lakshmi, Sreedharala Srinivas, Dharmapuri Madhulika, Sanujit Pawde, Ajo Sebastian, Swathi Sankar, Sandeep Reddy Chintha; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(4):369-375. Published online November 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0042

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Abstract PDF

Purpose
The reconstruction of defects around the knee and the proximal third of the leg necessitates thin, pliable skin with a stable and sensate soft tissue cover. This study analyzed the use of a proximally based sural artery flap for the coverage of such defects.
Methods
This prospective clinical interventional study involved 10 patients who had soft tissue defects over the knee and the proximal third of the leg. These patients underwent reconstruction with a proximally based sural artery flap. The study analyzed various factors including age, sex, etiology, location and presentation of the defect, defect dimensions, flap particulars, postoperative complications, and follow-up.
Results
There were 10 cases, all of which involved men aged 20 to 65 years. The most common cause of injury was trauma resulting from road traffic accidents. The majority of defects were found in the proximal third of the leg, particularly on the anterolateral aspect. Defect dimensions varied from 6×3 to 15×13 cm2, and extensive defects as large as 16×14 cm could be covered using this flap. The size of the flaps ranged from 7×4 to 16×14 cm2, and the pedicle length was 10 to 15 cm. In all cases, donor site closure was achieved with split skin grafting. This flap consistently provided a thin, pliable, stable, and durable soft tissue cover over the defect with no functional deficit and minimal donor site morbidity. Complications, including distal flap necrosis and donor site graft loss, were observed in two cases.
Conclusions
The proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flap serves as the primary method for reconstructing medium to large soft tissue defects around the knee and the proximal third of the leg. This technique offers thin, reliable, sensate, and stable soft tissue coverage, and can cover larger defects with minimal complications.

Summary

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Local or regional flaps in developing country: Experience from Eastern Bhutan
Kinzang Dorji
International Wound Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Traumatic degloving injuries: a prospective study to assess injury patterns, management, and outcomes at a single center in northern India: Divij Jayant, Atul Parashar, Ramesh Sharma; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(4):385-392. Published online November 17, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0032

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Purpose
This study investigated the epidemiology, management, outcomes, and postoperative disabilities of degloving soft tissue injuries (DSTIs) treated at a tertiary care center in northern India.
Methods
A prospective study of patients with DSTIs was conducted over 15 months. The type of degloving injury, the mechanism of injury, and any associated injuries were analyzed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 along with the management, outcomes, and disabilities at a 3-month follow-up.
Results
Among 75 patients with DSTIs, the average age was 27.5 years, 80.0% were male, and 76.0% had been injured in traffic accidents. The majority (93.3%) were open degloving injuries. Lower limbs were affected most often (62.7%), followed by upper limbs (32.0%). Fractures were the most commonly associated injuries (72.0%). Most patients required multiple procedures, including secondary debridement (41.3%), split skin grafting (80.0%), flap coverage (12.0%), or vacuum-assisted closure (24.0%), while five patients underwent conservative management for closed degloving injuries. Postoperative complications included surgical site infections (14.7%) and skin necrosis (10.7%). Two patients died due to septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.5±8.1 days, with injuries affecting the lower limbs and perineum requiring longer hospital stays. The mean WHODAS 2.0 disability score at 3 months was 19. Most patients had mild disabilities. Time away from work depended largely upon the site and severity of the injury. Approximately 75% of patients resumed their previous job or study, 14% changed their job, and 8% stopped working completely due to residual disability.
Conclusions
Closed degloving injuries may be missed in the primary survey, necessitating a high index of suspicion, thorough clinical examination, and protocol-based management. Primary preventive strategies (e.g., road safety protocols, preplacement training, and proper protective equipment in industries) are also needed to reduce the incidence of these injuries.

Summary

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Lower extremity degloving soft tissue injuries: Patterns, treatment, and short-term Outcome in Sudan: A Sub-Saharan African setting
Ammar Ahmed Hassan, Osama Murtada Ahmed, Talal Mohammed Geregandi, Mohammed Yousof Bakhiet
Orthoplastic Surgery.2024; 17: 1. CrossRef

Case Reports

An unstable patient with a large sucking chest wound managed with gauze packing for preventing tension and bleeding control before surgery in Korea: a case report: Chang-Sin Lee, Min-Jeong Cho, Tae-Wook Noh, Nak-Jun Choi, Jun-Min Cho; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):147-150. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0066

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Abstract PDF: This case report describes the management of a 51-year-old female patient who arrived at the emergency room with a stab wound to the upper right chest. Immediate medical interventions were undertaken, including blood transfusions and endotracheal intubation. To prevent tension and control bleeding, gauze packing was applied directly through the large open wound. Further surgical exploration identified a laceration in the lung, necessitating a right upper lobe resection. Postoperatively, the patient’s vital signs stabilized, and she was subsequently discharged without complications. This case highlights the decision-making process in selecting between an emergency department thoracotomy and an operating room thoracotomy for patients with penetrating chest trauma. It also illustrates the role of gauze packing in managing tension and hemorrhage. In summary, gauze packing can be an effective interim measure for stabilizing patients with traumatic injuries, unstable vital signs, and large open chest wounds, particularly when a chest tube is already in place, to prevent tension and facilitate bleeding control prior to surgical intervention.; Summary

Treatment of placental abruption following blunt abdominal trauma: a case report: Jinjoo Kim, Seokyung Kim, Dongwook Kwak, Donghwan Choi; J Trauma Inj. 2025;38(1):61-65. Published online December 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0050

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Abstract PDF: Trauma during pregnancy poses a potentially tragic risk to both the fetus and mother, making its management particularly challenging. Here, we present the case of a 35-year-old woman at 34 weeks and 2 days gestation who was in a motor vehicle accident and subsequently suffered placental abruption and underwent an emergency cesarean section. We also present a review of traumatic placental abruption and its epidemiology. On arrival at the trauma bay, the patient showed no significant abdominal findings other than a seat belt sign. However, 2 hours after admission, the patient developed abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Ultrasonography revealed no clear evidence of placental abruption. This case demonstrates the necessity of close maternal and fetal monitoring with cooperation between the trauma and obstetric teams. Even in the absence of typical symptoms such as abdominal pain on initial presentation, a high-energy mechanism of injury should be suspected.; Summary

Review Article

Splenic artery embolization for trauma: a narrative review: Simon Roh; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):252-261. Published online December 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0056

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Abstract PDF: The management of traumatic splenic injuries has evolved significantly over the past several decades, with the majority of these injuries now being treated nonoperatively. Patients who exhibit hemodynamic instability upon initial evaluation typically require surgical intervention, while the remainder are managed conservatively. Conservative treatment for traumatic splenic injuries encompasses both medical management and splenic artery angiography, followed by embolization in cases where patients exhibit clinical signs of ongoing splenic hemorrhage. Splenic artery embolization is generally divided into two categories: proximal and distal embolization. The choice of embolization technique is determined by the severity and location of the splenic injury. Patients who retain functioning splenic tissue after trauma do not routinely need immunization. This is in contrast to post-splenectomy patients, who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections.; Summary

Original Article

Distally based lateral supramalleolar flap for reconstructing distal foot defects in India: a prospective cohort study: Raja Kiran Kumar Goud, Palukuri Lakshmi, Sanujit Pawde, Madhulika Dharmapuri, Swati Sankar, Sandeep Reddy Chintha; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(3):217-223. Published online September 18, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0005

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Defects involving the ankle and foot are often the result of road traffic accidents. Many such defects are composite and require a flap for coverage, which is a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Various locoregional options, such as reverse sural artery, reverse peroneal artery, peroneus brevis muscle, perforator-based, and fasciocutaneous flaps, have been used, but each flap type has limitations. In this study, we used the distally based lateral supramalleolar flap to reconstruct distal dorsal defects of the foot. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of the flap in reconstructing distal dorsal defects of the foot. The specific objectives were to study the adequacy, reach, and utility of the lateral supramalleolar flap for distal defects of the dorsum of the foot; to observe various complications encountered with the flap; and to study the functional outcomes of reconstruction.
Methods
The distal dorsal foot defects of 10 patients were reconstructed with distal lateral supramalleolar flaps over a period of 6 months at a tertiary care center, and the results were analyzed.
Results
We were able to effectively cover distal foot defects in all 10 cases. Flap congestion was observed in two cases, and minor graft loss was seen in two cases.
Conclusions
The distally based lateral supramalleolar flap is a good pedicled locoregional flap for the coverage of distal dorsal foot and ankle defects of moderate size, with relatively few complications and little morbidity. It can be used as a lifeboat or even substitute for a free flap.; Summary

Review Article

Biomechanics of stabbing knife attack for trauma surgeons in Korea: a narrative review: Kun Hwang, Chan Yong Park; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):1-5. Published online January 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0057

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Abstract PDF

The aim of this paper was to review the biomechanics of knife injuries, including those that occur during stabbing rampages. In knife stab attacks, axial force and energy were found to be 1,885 N and 69 J, respectively. The mean velocity of a stabbing motion has been reported to range from 5 to 10 m/sec, with knife motions occurring between 0.62 and 1.07 seconds. This speed appears to surpass the defensive capabilities of unarmed, ordinarily trained law enforcement officers. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a minimum distance of more than an arm's length from an individual visibly armed with a knife. In training for knife defense, particularly in preparation for close-quarter knife attacks, this timing should be kept in mind. Self-inflicted stab wounds exhibited a higher proportion of wounds to the neck and abdomen than assault wounds. Injuries from assault wounds presented a higher Injury Severity Score, but more procedures were performed on self-inflicted stab wounds. Wound characteristics are not different between nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidal self-wrist cutting injuries. Consequently, trauma surgeons cannot determine a patient's suicidal intent based solely on the characteristics of the wound. In Korea, percent of usage of lethal weapon is increasing. In violence as well as murders, the most frequently used weapon is knife. In the crimes using knife, 4.8% of victims are killed. Therefore, the provision of prehospital care by an emergency medical technician is crucial.

Summary

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Experimental investigation on dynamic stab resistance of high-performance multi-layer textile materials
Mulat Alubel Abtew, François Boussu, Irina Cristian, Bekinew Kitaw Dejene
Defence Technology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Case Reports

Delayed diagnosis of popliteal artery injury after traumatic knee dislocation in Korea: a case report: Chung-Eun Lee, In-Seok Jang, Sang-Yoon Song, Jung-Woo Lim, Kun-Tae Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(2):142-146. Published online December 6, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0064

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Abstract PDF: The popliteal artery damage is present to range from 1.6% to 64% of patients with knee dislocation, and it is crucial to evaluate vascular damage even if there are no prominent ischemic changes in the distal area. The injury of the popliteal artery by high-energy forces around the knee caused by a fall or traffic accident is a potentially limb-threatening complication in traumatic knee dislocation. The popliteal artery injury by blunt trauma has a high risk of limb amputation because the initial symptoms can show normal vascular circulation without urgent ischemia or obvious vascular injury signs. Since the collateral branches can delay the symptoms of decisive ischemia or pulseless extremity, the vascular damage is a major cause of limb amputation. In the present study, we describe a rare case of delayed diagnosis of popliteal artery injury after traumatic knee dislocation, requiring urgent limb revascularization surgery. After revascularization of the occluded popliteal artery, graft interposition was performed, and successful restoration was confirmed. This case illustrates that, even if ankle-brachial index >0.9 or equal pedal pulse to the uninjured extremity, serial vascular evaluation is required if there are soft signs such as diminished pulses, neurologic signs, or high-energy damage such as multiple ligament ruptures since delayed diagnosis of artery injury can be the major cause of limb amputation. The clinicians need to regard high-energy trauma such as multiple ligament rupture around the knee as a hard sign, and immediate computed tomography angiography can be helpful for accurate diagnosis and treatment.; Summary

A starry night: a case report of severe liver injury due to a close-range shotgun blast in Argentina: Rodrigo Antonio Gasque, José Gabriel Cervantes, Magalí Chahdi Beltrame, Marcelo Enrique Lenz-Virreira, Emilio Gastón Quiñonez; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):286-290. Published online October 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0036

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Abstract PDF: This report presents the case of a 20-year-old man who sustained a severe liver injury from a close-range shotgun blast. A prompt medical intervention, including damage control exploratory laparotomy and surgical debridement, was undertaken due to the extent of liver damage. Despite challenges such as a nondirected biliary fistula and extensive liver parenchymal injury, comprehensive surgical management led to successful treatment. Postoperative complications, including biloma and fungal infection, were managed appropriately, highlighting the importance of vigilant follow-up care. The case underscores the complexity of managing severe liver trauma and emphasizes the evolving role of trauma damage control strategies and minimally invasive procedures in achieving favorable outcomes.; Summary

Original Articles

Thoracolumbar spine fracture patterns, etiologies, and treatment modalities in Jordan: Ahmad Almigdad, Sattam Alazaydeh, Mohammad Bani Mustafa, Mu'men Alshawish, Anas Al Abdallat; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(2):98-104. Published online April 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0068

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Spine fractures are a significant cause of long-term disability and socioeconomic burden. The incidence of spine fractures tends to increase with age, decreased bone density, and fall risk. In this study, we evaluated thoracolumbar fractures at a tertiary hospital in Jordan regarding their frequency, etiology, patterns, and treatment modalities.
Methods
The clinical and radiological records of 469 patients with thoracolumbar fractures admitted to the Royal Medical Services from July 2018 to August 2022 were evaluated regarding patients’ age, sex, mechanism of injury, fracture level and pattern, and treatment modalities.
Results
The mean age of patients was 51.24±20.22 years, and men represented 52.3%. Compression injuries accounted for 97.2% of thoracolumbar fractures, and the thoracolumbar junction was the most common fracture location. Falling from the ground level was the most common mechanism and accounted for half of the injuries. Associated neurological injuries were identified in 3.8% of patients and were more common in younger patients. Pathological fractures were found in 12.4% and were more prevalent among elderly patients and women.
Conclusions
Traffic accidents and falling from height were the most common causes of spine fractures in patients younger than 40. However, 70% of spine fractures in women were caused by simple falls, reflecting the high prevalence of osteoporosis among women and the elderly. Therefore, traffic and work safety measures, as well as home safety measures and osteoporosis treatment for the elderly, should be recommended to reduce the risk of spine fractures.; 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

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Non-Completely Displaced Traumatic Rib Fractures: Potentially Less Crucial for Pulmonary Adverse Outcomes, Regardless of Classification
Hongrye Kim, Su Young Yoon, Jonghee Han, Junepill Seok, Wu Seong Kang
Medicina.2025; 61(1): 81. CrossRef
Radiological insights into costal margin rupture injuries: patterns of associated rib and costal cartilage fractures
K. Mattam, P. Wijerathne, J. N. Rao, S. Tenconi, L. Ventura, J. G. Edwards
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Epidemiology of Symptomatic Non-Union/Malunion Rib Fractures
Daniel Akyeampong, Alexander Hoey, Ronald Gross, Evert A. Eriksson
Surgeries.2025; 6(2): 32. CrossRef

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

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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

Comparison of mortality between open and closed pelvic bone fractures in Korea using 1:2 propensity score matching: a single-center retrospective study: Jaeri Yoo, Donghwan Choi, Byung Hee Kang; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):6-12. Published online January 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0063

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Abstract PDF

Purpose
Open pelvic bone fractures are relatively rare and are considered more severe than closed fractures. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of open and closed severe pelvic bone fractures.
Methods
Patients with severe pelvic bone fractures (pelvic Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥4) admitted at a single level I trauma center between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients aged <16 years and those with incomplete medical records were excluded from the study. The patients were divided into open and closed fracture groups, and their demographics, treatment, and clinical outcomes were compared before and after 1:2 propensity score matching.
Results
Of the 321 patients, 24 were in the open fracture group and 297 were in the closed fracture group. The open fracture group had more infections (37.5% vs. 5.7%, P<0.001) and longer stays in the intensive care unit (median 11 days, interquartile range [IQR] 6–30 days vs. median 5 days, IQR 2–13 days; P=0.005), but mortality did not show a statistically significant difference (20.8% vs. 15.5%, P=0.559) before matching. After 1:2 propensity score matching, the infection rate was significantly higher in the open fracture group (37.5% vs. 6.3%, P=0.002), whereas the length of intensive care unit stay (median 11 days, IQR 6–30 days vs. median 8 days, IQR 4–19 days; P=0.312) and mortality (20.8% vs. 27.1%, P=0.564) were not significantly different.
Conclusions
The open pelvic fracture group had more infections than the closed pelvic fracture group, but mortality was not significantly different. Aggressive treatment of pelvic bone fractures is important regardless of the fracture type, and efforts to reduce infection are important in open pelvic bone fractures.

Summary

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Severe soft tissue injuries in multiple trauma patients—a challenge we can meet? A matched-pair analysis from the TraumaRegister DGU®
Nora Kirsten, Georg Maximilian Franke, Rolf Lefering, Tim Klüter, Matthias Weuster, Michael Müller, Sebastian Lippross, Andreas Seekamp, Stefanie Fitschen-Oestern
Frontiers in Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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