Purpose The Korean War (1950–1953) significantly advanced military medicine, with foreign military surgeons playing a pivotal role in transforming trauma care under extreme conditions.
Methods Resources such as PubMed, JSTOR, and reports from participating nations formed the basis of this study. A thorough comparative analysis was performed to examine the similarities and differences in medical practices between the United Nations Command and North Korean forces.
Results The United States introduced Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals, revolutionizing trauma care by enabling rapid intervention near combat zones. Innovations such as helicopter evacuation, whole blood transfusions, and antibiotic treatments reduced mortality rates among treated soldiers to as low as 3%. British surgeons excelled in managing abdominal wounds and performing orthopedic surgery, often undertaking limb-saving procedures. Field hospitals provided comprehensive care for combat injuries and infectious diseases—a major concern given the inadequate sanitation. The Indian 60th Parachute Field Ambulance treated over 20,000 casualties, demonstrating adaptability in harsh environments. The Indian Field Hospital not only treated military casualties but also provided care to Korean civilians, offering life-saving medical interventions under challenging conditions. Denmark deployed the hospital ship MS Jutlandia, equipped with advanced surgical facilities, enabling a level of medical care that was not practical on land. The Swedish Red Cross Field Hospital in Busan delivered crucial medical aid to both military personnel and civilians; its staff focused on civilian outreach and controlling epidemics, with treatments targeting diseases such as typhoid and tuberculosis. Norwegian mobile surgical teams specialized in rapid interventions near combat zones, performing life-saving operations within hours of injury and thus minimizing complications and increasing survival rates.
Conclusions The lessons learned from these contributions continue to influence modern military and civilian healthcare systems, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and resilience in conflict settings.
Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare but serious complication most commonly associated with trauma, particularly long bone fractures. However, symptomatic FES remains a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present the case of a 20-year-old man who, after sustaining multiple long bone fractures in a motorcycle accident and initially appearing stable, experienced a rapid and fatal progression of FES. This case underscores the unpredictable course of FES even in young, previously healthy individuals and highlights the critical need for early recognition and intervention. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying risk factors that may predict severe outcomes and mortality.
A 60-year-old man presented with total avulsion of the right globe following a penetrating injury to the right orbit from a metal bicycle handlebar. There was no light perception in the right eye on presentation. External examination revealed a full-thickness, canalicular-involving, horizontal right upper eyelid laceration through which the luxated globe and other orbital contents extruded. The globe was intact. The patient underwent urgent surgical exploration. In the operating room the optic nerve and all extraocular muscles were found to be completely transected from the globe. The globe was enucleated, and the eyelid laceration was repaired with bicanalicular stent placement.
Purpose Hand and wrist injuries represent some of the most common traumatic conditions encountered in the emergency department (ED). Our study aimed to elucidate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients sustaining intentional punch injuries.
Methods This single-center retrospective study involved patients aged 16 years and older who presented to the ED with intentional punch injuries in 2023.
Results A total of 405 patients were included in the study. The median patient age was 30 years (interquartile range, 22–40 years), and 363 (89.6%) were male. Among the patients, a total of 389 fractures were identified in 362 patients (89.4%). Metacarpal bone fractures were the most common, with 372 fractures (95.6%). The fifth metacarpal was the most frequently injured (67.4%), followed by the fourth (10.0%) and third (7.7%) metacarpals. Although the most common base fracture occurred in the first metacarpal, shaft fractures were most prevalent in the second, third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals. Overall, 259 patients (71.5%) had nondisplaced fractures. Additionally, 31 patients (7.7%) had previously been admitted to the ED for punching, 17 (4.2%) had prior ED visits for trauma resulting in a fracture, and 63 (15.6%) reported a history of psychiatric drug use.
Conclusions Young men represent the majority of intentional punch injury patients. The fifth metacarpal and its shaft fractures were most commonly observed. A history of prior ED visits for punching or trauma, as well as psychiatric medication use, may serve as potential risk factors.
Purpose Pediatric neurotrauma (pNT) includes pediatric traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. The incidence and distribution of pNT by age and sex remain understudied, with several gaps in both epidemiological and clinical data. This study aimed to estimate the epidemiological parameters, clinical presentations, surgical interventions, and outcomes in our patient population with pNT.
Methods A multicentric, ambispective study was conducted at five tertiary care pediatric neurosurgical centers in Northern India from January 2011 to December 2022. The study included children under 16 years of age admitted with a history of head injury. Data on demographics, radiological findings, management, and outcomes were recorded.
Results A total of 2,250 children were admitted; 77.5% were male and 22.5% were female. The most common age group was 6 months to 2 years (37.3%). The primary mechanism of injury was fall from height (64.6%), followed by road traffic accidents (26.1%). Overall, 84.6% of children had mild head injury, 14.2% moderate, and 1.2% severe. The most common abnormality on computed tomography brain was contusion (9.2%). Surgical interventions were required in only 0.8% of children. A favorable outcome, as measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale, was achieved in 99.2% of patients, and the mortality rate was 0.1%.
Conclusions Our findings indicate that pNT is most common in children aged 6 months to 2 years and predominantly affects boys. The most frequent cause was a fall from height, and the majority of patients sustained mild head injuries requiring only observation, which led to excellent outcomes. Surgical intervention was necessary in only a few cases, and mortality was rare. This study highlights the epidemiological pattern of pNT in our population and delineates various causes of such trauma.
Exposure to electrical current, whether through accidental contact in residential or industrial settings or via lightning strikes, represents a serious global health concern. Although numerous studies have been published on the differences between electrical and lightning injuries, they are often discussed together due to the similarities in their clinical presentations, management approaches, and outcomes. The question of whether electrical and lightning injuries should be studied together remains a matter of debate. Here, we present two cases: one of a lightning injury and another of an electrical injury. Our discussion aims to improve the understanding of lightning and electrical injuries as distinct entities. Vigorous resuscitative measures are recommended and given the complexity of electrical and lightning injuries and their long-term sequelae, patients should be managed in a multidisciplinary burn center. Furthermore, the knowledge and awareness of the general population must be improved to reduce the incidence of such injuries.
Veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often used as a life-saving therapy for lung injuries; however, it presents challenges, including bleeding risks and potential reductions in ECMO flow. This case report details the intricate management of a 16-year-old boy who suffered severe thoracoabdominal trauma following a nine-floor fall. The patient sustained severe lung injury and damage to multiple solid organs, including liver lacerations, and was placed on VV-ECMO. When initiating ECMO, it is crucial to carefully consider anticoagulation to avoid potential bleeding complications. Therefore, despite the usual risks associated with ECMO, such as bleeding and reduced flow rates, anticoagulation was withheld due to the risk of hemorrhage from the liver injury. While on ECMO support, the patient experienced a sudden decrease in flow and blood pressure, suggesting an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. An immediate decompressive laparotomy revealed a significant hemoperitoneum, primarily caused by oozing from the liver laceration. The prompt recognition of abdominal distension and the timely decision to proceed with surgery without further imaging were key to the successful treatment. Postoperatively, the patient showed good recovery, with gradual weaning from ECMO, extubation, and eventual discharge. In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring for patients with complex trauma who are on ECMO. External factors, including elevated intra-abdominal pressure, can impair ECMO performance. Meticulous management and a multidisciplinary approach are essential in these intricate cases, which involve the nonsurgical treatment of solid organ damage accompanied by severe lung injury.
Purpose The diagnosis and management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries pose significant challenges in emergency settings due to the rapid onset of life-threatening complications. This paper presents a narrative review to better describe the etiology, presentation, and management of penetrating cardiac trauma, offering insights and experiences related to performing emergency surgery for such cases.
Methods We compiled cases of traumatic cardiac rupture and penetrating cardiac injuries accompanied by severe hemorrhagic shock that necessitated emergency surgery. Data were collected regarding the type of injury, causative agents, specific clinical features observed during emergency admission, intraoperative parameters, and treatment outcomes.
Results Twenty-one patients (16 men, 5 women) with cardiac rupture or penetrating cardiac injuries were recorded. All patients presented in severe shock, and six cases (28.6%) experienced cardiac arrest upon arrival in the operating room. Cardiac rupture due to blunt chest trauma occurred in two cases (9.5%), and one case (4.8%) involved right atrial perforation due to complex open chest trauma. Penetrating injuries accounted for cardiac perforation in 18 cases (85.7%). Associated injuries were present in 11 cases (52.4%). The intraoperative mortality rate was 9.5%, and there was one postoperative death on the 11th day due to multiorgan failure.
Conclusions Cardiac trauma and penetrating injuries are usually fatal unless promptly diagnosed and surgically treated. The timing and rapidity of emergency surgery—often foregoing ancillary tests and administrative procedures—are critical for patient survival. Emergency sternotomy, swift control of bleeding, and aggressive resuscitation are essential operative measures in saving lives. Factors that influence prognosis include the extent of blood loss, duration of cardiac arrest, acid-base imbalances, coagulopathy, multiorgan failure, and postoperative infections.
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.
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.
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.
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Association of early enoxaparin prophylactic anticoagulation with ICU mortality in critically ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a machine learning-based retrospective cohort study Shan Lin, Jing Zhang, Xin Dang, Qingyuan Zhan Frontiers in Pharmacology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Purpose 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.
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Nerve injury: the role of electroneuromyography and ultrasound in diagnostics A. V. Klimkin, M. A. Irikova, V. B. Voitenkov, E. Yu. Skripchenko Russian neurological journal.2025; 30(1): 51. CrossRef
Stab wounds, particularly those affecting multiple body regions, present considerable challenges in trauma care. This report describes a case of sustained self-inflicted stab injuries to the abdomen and thighs of a 23-year-old male patient. Although the patient’s vital signs were stable and bleeding was minimal from thigh wounds without overt signs of vascular injury, the patient experienced a sudden, profound hemorrhage from the right thigh, leading to cardiac arrest. Successful resuscitation was followed by surgical repair of a right superficial femoral arterial injury accompanying a resuscitative endovascular balloon of the aorta. Subsequent lower extremity computed tomography angiography revealed no additional vascular abnormalities. The patient was discharged in stable condition on the 12th postoperative day. This case underscores the unpredictability of stab wound trajectories and the potential for hidden vascular injuries, even in the absence of immediate life-threatening signs. It also emphasizes the critical role of advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography angiography, in identifying concealed injuries, and the importance of strategic intraoperative techniques, including resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, in achieving favorable patient outcomes.
Purpose Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) implementation improves clinical outcomes of the patient’s resuscitation with hemorrhagic trauma. Various predictive scoring system have been used and studied worldwide to improve clinical decision. However, such research has not yet been studied in Korea. This systematic review aimed to assess the predictors of MTPs activation in patients with trauma in Korea.
Methods The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Research Information Sharing Service databases, KoreaMed, and KMbase were searched from November 2022. All studies conducted in Korea that utilized predictors of MTPs activation in adult patients with trauma were included.
Results Ten articles were eligible for analysis, and the predictors were assessed. Clinical assessments such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, shock index (SI), prehospital modified SI, modified early warning system (MEWS) and reverse SI multiplied by the Glasgow Coma Scale (rSIG) were used. Laboratory values such as lactate level, fibrinogen degradation product/fibrinogen ratio, and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) were used. Imaging examinations such as pelvic bleeding score were used as predictors of MTPs activation.
Conclusions Our systematic review identified predictors of MTPs activation in patients with trauma in Korea; predictions were performed using tools that requires clinical assessments, laboratory values or imaging examinations only. Among them, ROTEM, rSIG, MEWS, SI, and lactate level showed good effects for predictions of MTPs activation. The application of predictors for MTP’s activation should be individualized based on hospital resource and skill set, also should be performed as a clinical decision supporting tools.
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A Case Study on Simulation Training for Operational Improvements in the Massive Transfusion Protocol Sooin Choi, Jongbin Wee, Haeri Jung, Young Soon Cho The Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion.2024; 35(2): 113. CrossRef
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.
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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