The effect of mirror therapy on joint movement, pain and functionality in acute upper limb burns

OBJECTIVE

Mirror therapy is aimed at developing a normal proprioceptive perception for the area with pain or movement restriction by making use of the person's monitoring of the healthy side movements thanks to the mirror's reflective feature. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of mirror therapy on joint range of motion, pain and functionality in acute upper extremity burn injuries.

METHODS

Demographic and burn-specific data of individuals with upper extremity burns were recorded. Individuals were divided into two groups. Standard treatment was applied to the first group, and mirror treatment in addition to the standard treatment was applied to the second group for 30 sessions, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. In the standard treatment program, passive, active-assisted and active ROM, strengthening, stretching, resistant and functional exercises were applied. In the mirror therapy group, active exercises were performed on the healthy side by covering the burn area in the mirror box. Before and after the treatment, joint range of motion(ROM) was evaluated with Universal Goniometer, pain intensity was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale and upper extremity functions were evaluated with QuickDASH.

RESULTS

A total of 32 (23 Male, 9 Female) individuals between the ages of 18-65 were included. The mean total burn surface area was 12.93 ± 9.80 in the standard treatment and 6.12 ± 2.96 in the mirror treatment. The groups were similar in terms of ROM change (p > 0.05). The pretest/posttest pain scores of both the standard therapy and mirror therapy groups were similar (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of pretest and posttest QuickDASH scores according to the groups (p > 0.05). The difference between the pretest/posttest QuickDASH scores of both Standard treatment and Mirror treatment groups was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the standard physiotherapy and rehabilitation program applied in the acute period in upper extremity burns and the mirror treatment applied in addition to this program provide similar improvements in joint range of motion and pain.

A comparison of efficacy, efficiency, and durability in novel tourniquet designs

BACKGROUND

Exsanguination due to extremity hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable traumatic deaths. Extremity tourniquet use has been shown to be safe and improve survival. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy, efficiency, and durability of the Generation 7 Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT; North American Rescue, Greer, SC), the Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet (TMT; Combat Medical Systems, Harrisburg, NC), and the SOF Tactical Tourniquet-Wide (SOFTT-W; Tactical Medical Solutions, Anderson, SC).

METHODS

This study was a three-phase randomized, cross-over trial. In successive trials, subjects were timed during the application of each tourniquet to the upper and lower extremity. Following successful lower extremity application, subjects low crawled 25 ft and then were dragged 25 ft, after which effectiveness was reassessed, as defined by the cessation of distal pulses by Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS

In arm application, both the CAT and TMT had significantly less failure rates than the SOFTT-W (5.56%, 19.44%, 58.33%), with the CAT being the fastest tourniquet when compared with TMT and SOFTT-W (37.8 seconds, 65.01 seconds, 63.07 seconds). In leg application, the CAT had significantly less rates of failure when compared with the SOFTT-W, but there was no other significant difference between the tourniquets (27.78%, 44.44%, 61.11%). In addition, the CAT was significantly faster than both the TMT and SOFTT-W when applied to the leg (8.33 seconds, 40.96 seconds, 34.5 seconds). There was no significant difference in tourniquet failure rates between the three tourniquets after subject maneuvers in phase 3 (34.29%, 42.86%, 45.45%).

DISCUSSION

The CAT is as effective as the TMT and significantly more effective than the SOFTT-W. In addition, the CAT demonstrated shorter application times than either the TMT or SOFTT-W. However, there was no significant difference between the three tourniquets in their ability to maintain pulselessness after subject maneuvers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Care management, level II.

Is Social Deprivation Associated with PROMIS Outcomes After Upper Extremity Fractures in Children?

BACKGROUND

We previously found that social deprivation was associated with worse perceived function and pain among children presenting with upper extremity fractures. We performed the current study to determine whether this differential in outcome scores would resolve after children received orthopaedic treatment for their fractures. This was needed to understand whether acute pain and impaired function were magnified by worse social deprivation or whether social deprivation was associated with differences in health perception even after injury resolution.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Comparing patients from the least socially deprived national quartile and those from the most deprived quartile, we asked: (1) Are there differences in age, gender, race, or fracture location among children with upper extremity fractures? (2) After controlling for relevant confounding variables, is worse social deprivation associated with worse self-reported Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores before and after the treatment of pediatric upper extremity fractures? (3) Is social deprivation associated with PROMIS score improvements as a result of fracture treatment?

METHODS

In this this retrospective, comparative study, we considered data from 1131 pediatric patients (aged 8 to 17 years) treated nonoperatively at a single tertiary academic medical center for isolated upper extremity fractures between June 2016 and June 2017. We used the Area Deprivation Index to define the patient's social deprivation by national quartiles to analyze those in the most- and least-deprived quartiles. After excluding patients with missing zip codes (n = 181), 18% (172 of 950) lived in the most socially deprived national quartile, while 31% (295 of 950) lived in the least socially deprived quartile. Among these 467 patients in the most- and least-deprived quartiles, 28% (129 of 467) were excluded for lack of follow-up and 9% (41 of 467) were excluded for incomplete PROMIS scores. The remaining 297 patients were analyzed (107 most-deprived quartile, 190 least-deprived quartile) longitudinally in the current study; they included 237 from our initial cross-sectional investigation that only considered reported health at presentation (60 patients added and 292 removed from the 529 patients in the original study, based on updated Area Deprivation Index quartiles). The primary outcomes were the self-completed pediatric PROMIS Upper Extremity Function, Pain Interference, and secondarily PROMIS Peer Relationships computer-adaptive tests. In each PROMIS assessment, higher scores indicated more of that domain (such as, higher function scores indicate better function but a higher pain score indicates more pain), and clinically relevant differences were approximately 3 points. Bivariate analysis compared patient age, gender, race, fracture type, and PROMIS scores between the most- and least-deprived groups. A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the final PROMIS scores.

RESULTS

Between the two quartiles, the only demographic and injury characteristic difference was race, with Black children being overrepresented in the most-deprived group (most deprived: white 53% [57 of 107], Black 45% [48 of 107], other 2% [2 of 107]; least deprived: white 92% [174 of 190], Black 4% [7 of 190), other 5% [9 of 190]; p < 0.001). At presentation, accounting for patient gender, race, and fracture location, the most socially deprived quartile remained independently associated with the initial PROMIS Upper Extremity (β 5.8 [95% CI 3.2 to 8.4]; p < 0.001) scores. After accounting for patient gender, race, and number of days in care, we found that the social deprivation quartile remained independently associated with the final PROMIS Upper Extremity (β 4.9 [95% CI 2.3 to 7.6]; p < 0.001) and Pain Interference scores (β -4.4 [95% CI -2.3 to -6.6]; p < 0.001). Social deprivation quartile was not associated with any differential in treatment impact on change in PROMIS Upper Extremity function (8 ± 13 versus 8 ± 12; mean difference 0.4 [95% CI -3.4 to 2.6]; p = 0.79) or Pain Interference scores (8 ± 9 versus 6 ± 12; mean difference 1.1 [95% CI -1.4 to 3.5]; p = 0.39) from presentation to the conclusion of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Delivering upper extremity fracture care produces substantial improvement in pain and function that is consistent regardless of a child's degree of social deprivation. However, as social deprivation is associated with worse perceived health at treatment initiation and conclusion, prospective interventional trials are needed to determine how orthopaedic surgeons can act to reduce the health disparities in children associated with social deprivation. As fractures prompt interaction with our health care system, the orthopaedic community may be well placed to identify children who could benefit from enrollment in proven community health initiatives or to advocate for multidisciplinary care coordinators such as social workers in fracture clinics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Psychosocial reactions to upper extremity limb salvage: A cross-sectional study

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional survey study.

INTRODUCTION

Limb salvage spares an extremity at risk for amputation after a major traumatic injury. Psychosocial recovery for individuals with lower extremity limb salvage has been discussed in the literature. However, to date, psychosocial reactions for individuals with upper extremity (UE) limb salvage have not been examined.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To determine which factors may influence psychosocial adaptation to UE limb salvage.

METHODS

Participants (n = 30; 28 males) were adults (mean, 30.13; range, 18-61) who sustained an UE limb salvage from a traumatic event. Adaptation was measured using a modified version of the Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory.

RESULTS

A linear mixed-effects regression found that worse psychosocial adaptation was associated with having less than a college degree, being less than 6 months post-injury, being older than 23 years, and having more pain. Dominant hand injuries were found to influence poor adaptation on the denial Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory subscale only.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study indicate that there is potential for nonadaptive reactions and psychological distress with certain variables in UE limb salvage. Therapists may use these results to anticipate which clients may be at risk for poor psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates the need for early consideration to factors that affect psychological prognosis for the UE limb salvage population. However, future research is indicated to better understand the unique psychosocial challenges and needs of these individuals.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

The assessment of psychological factors on upper extremity disability: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this scoping review was to describe the nature and extent of the published research that assesses the relationship between psychological features and patient-reported outcome following surgery or rehabilitation of upper extremity disease or injury.

METHODS

Twenty-two included studies were examined for quantitative study design, outcome measure, inclusion/exclusion criteria, follow-up and recruitment strategy. Patient population and psychological assessment tools were examined for validity.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. Only 7 of the 22 studies were longitudinal and the rest were cross sectional studies. Depression was the most common psychological status of interest and was included in 17 studies. Pain catastrophizing was the psychological status of interest in 5 of the studies. Four studies considered anxiety, 3 considered pain anxiety, 3 considered distress, 2 considered coping, 2 considered catastrophic thinking, and 2 considered fear avoidance beliefs.

DISCUSSION

The majority of studies in this review were cross-sectional studies. Cross-sectional studies may not provide conclusive information about cause-and-effect relationships. This review encourages clinicians to be mindful of the psychological implications found in rehabilitation of individuals with upper extremity disease or injury along with being cognizant of choosing appropriate measurement tools that best represent each patient's characteristics and diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

The nature of the research addressing psychological factors affecting outcomes after hand injury focus on negative traits and have limited strength to suggest causation as most have used cross-sectional designs. Stronger longitudinal designs and consideration of positive traits are needed in future studies.

The term "floating" used in traumatic orthopedics

BACKGROUND

The term "floating" is used in orthopedic literature to describe certain patterns of skeletal injuries that share one common character which is disruption and discontinuity of bones above and below a joint. The first time used in orthopedic literature being in late 1970 to describe a type of elbow injury. Later the word was used increasingly and applied to a variety of injuries affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, forearm, hand, and ankle. Currently, there are about 12 different skeletal injuries described as floating.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article was to define the term "floating" used in traumatic orthopedics and to discuss its history, mechanism of injury in each region, treatment and outcomes based on the currently available literature. As there were many separate articles describing different sites of floating injuries, this review aimed to summarize all floating injuries into 1 article.

Does a Brief Mindfulness Exercise Improve Outcomes in Upper Extremity Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness-based interventions are useful in reducing psychologic distress and pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. However, most mindfulness-based interventions are resource-intensive, lengthy, and not feasible for busy orthopaedic surgical practices.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to determine if a 60-second personalized mindfulness-based video exercise is (1) associated with improved pain intensity, emotional distress, and state anxiety compared with an attention placebo control (a time-matched educational pamphlet about pain and stress); and (2) feasible and acceptable for patients with upper extremity injury in an orthopaedic practice.

METHODS

This was a single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial of the mindfulness-based video exercise (60 seconds duration, free online) versus an attention placebo control (an educational pamphlet about pain and stress presented to patients to read over 60 seconds). One hundred forty-nine patients presenting for a new or followup appointment at the office of one of two orthopaedic hand and upper extremity outpatient surgical practices at an urban academic hospital were invited to participate between September 2016 and December 2016. Of 149 patients screened, 125 patients were randomized and completed a demographic questionnaire, the Numeric Rating Scale to assess pain intensity, the State Anxiety subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess state anxiety, and Emotion Thermometers to assess anxiety, anger, and depression before and after the interventions. Postintervention, patients also completed the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire Scale-3 to assess the acceptability. A mean score of 21 or higher is considered acceptable. Feasibility was determined based on number of patients approached who refused participation. The intervention was defined as feasible if refusal rate was lower than 25%. Analysis of covariance was used to test comparative improved pain intensity on the NRS, psychologic distress on the Emotion Thermometers, and state anxiety on the State Anxiety Subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Index after controlling for respective baseline scores. A 1-point minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used on the NRS for pain intensity.

RESULTS

Adjusted for the baseline means, compared with patients who received the attention placebo control, patients who participated in the mindfulness-based video exercise demonstrated improved pain intensity (mindfulness-based video exercise: 3.03 ± 0.12; control: 3.49 ± 0.12; mean difference: 0.46 [0.12-0.80]; p = 0.008); state anxiety (mindfulness-based video exercise: 32.35 ± 0.59; control: 35.29 ± 0.59; mean difference: 2.94 [1.29-4.59]; p = 0.001); anxiety symptoms (mindfulness-based video exercise: 1.49 ± 0.19; control: 2.10 ± 0.19; mean difference: 0.61 [0.08-1.14]; p = 0.024); depression (mindfulness-based video exercise: 1.03 ± 0.10; control: 1.47 ± 0.11; mean difference: 0.44 [0.15-0.73]; p = 0.004); and anger (mindfulness-based video exercise: 0.76 ± 0.12; control: 1.36 ± 0.12; mean difference: 0.60 [0.26-0.94]; p = 0.001). However, the observed differences in pain intensity were below 1 point on the NRS, which is the MCID established in patients with chronic pain. No MCID is available for the other measures. The mindfulness-based video exercise was feasible based on a dropout rate of 0%, and acceptability reached the medium range with similar scores in both groups (mindfulness-based video exercise: 20.70 ± 5.48; control: 20.52 ± 6.42).

CONCLUSIONS

A 60-second mindfulness-based video exercise is feasible to implement and acceptable to patients in busy orthopaedic practices. This video exercise is also effective in improving momentary pain, anxiety, depression, and anger in this population, but it is unclear whether these improved pain and distress levels are meaningful to patients who present with low levels of pain and psychologic distress. Future studies should seek to discern whether the improved pain and distress levels we observed are clinically important or whether the intervention delivers larger effects in subgroups of patients experiencing greater pain intensity and if the improved pain and distress levels are durable. Such studies might also assess cost-effectiveness, because this mindfulness-based tool takes little time and few resources to use, and the effects and durability of multiple sessions of a mindfulness-based video exercise.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Optimizing implementation of interventions in agriculture for occupational upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders: Results of an expert panel

BACKGROUND

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSD) is reported worldwide as the second-largest occupational musculoskeletal disorder in agriculture.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to identify facilitators and barriers for employers and workers for implementing interventions to reduce work-related risk factors associated with occupational UEMSD in the agricultural sector, according to health and safety consultants.

METHODS

An expert panel was used comprising nine health and safety consultants from the Dutch agricultural sector.

RESULTS

Facilitators and barriers for employers and workers were categorized in the following themes: knowledge, skills, attitude, culture, costs, loss of income, facilitation and employability. There were no differences in facilitators and barriers between UEMSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Facilitators and barriers for implementing preventive interventions in agriculture were on organizational level, like diversity in choice of preventive devices, and personal level such as willingness if there is no work disability.

Pediatric orthopedic injuries: evidence-based management in the emergency department

Upper and lower extremity injuries are common in children, with an overall risk of fracture estimated at just under 1 in 5 children. Pediatric bone anatomy and physiology produce age specific injury patterns and conditions that are unique to children, which can make accurate diagnosis difficult for emergency clinicians. This issue reviews the etiology and pathophysiology of child-specific fractures, as well as common injuries of the upper and lower extremities. Evidence-based recommendations for management of pediatric fractures, including appropriate diagnostic studies and treatment, are also discussed.

[Posttraumatic nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper extremities]

Nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper extremities are common clinical disease patterns, less often as direct results of accidents. The most frequent compression syndrome is the carpal tunnel syndrome followed by the cubital tunnel syndrome. If the cause of the compression cannot be eliminated by conservative treatment options, an operative therapy is necessary. As the prognosis becomes worse with the duration of the nerve compression, it is important to initiate therapy at an early stage.

Experiences of Participants in a Self-Management Program for Employees with Complaints of the Arm, Neck or Shoulder (CANS): A Mixed Methods Study

Purpose To investigate the experiences of participants of a self-management program for employees with complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder (CANS). The program consisted of six group sessions combined with an eHealth module. Methods Semi-structured interviews with the first 31 consecutive participants of the intervention group participating in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were interviewed after their last group session. Semi-structured interviews were guided by an interview guide and audio-recorded. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the emerging themes were discussed. All participants in the intervention group were asked about their experiences with a questionnaire at three (n = 58) and 12-months (n = 53) follow-up. Results Most participants appreciated the diversity of the program and benefited from the interaction with their peers. The eHealth module, although not used by everyone, was generally experienced as positive, especially the section with the physical exercises. Participants obtained more insight into their complaints and increased awareness, which contributed to the acceptance of and coping with the complaints. There was also criticism about the content of the program and the lack of a follow-up session. Results of the questionnaires showed that participants had a high level of satisfaction. Conclusions In general, the intervention fitted the needs of employees with CANS. Participants obtained more knowledge and insight into their complaints, as well as increased awareness; all this contributed to a behavioral change and improved coping. Many participants made changes at work and during their leisure time, whereas some felt that continuing their 'changed' behavior would be a challenge.

Upper Extremity Injuries in Tennis Players: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management

Upper extremity tennis injuries are most commonly characterized as overuse injuries to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The complex anatomy of these structures and their interaction with biomechanical properties of tennis strokes contributes to the diagnostic challenges. A thorough understanding of tennis kinetics, in combination with the current literature surrounding diagnostic and treatment methods, will improve clinical decision-making.

Mortality following snake bite envenomation by Bitis arietans in an HIV positive child: A case report

Snake bites occur commonly in the rural areas of South Africa. Hospitals where snake bites are uncommon should always have protocols on standby in the event of such cases presenting. This is the first reported case documenting the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on snake bite in South African children.A case report and review of relevant information about the case was undertaken.We present a case of a 1-year-old child referred from a peripheral hospital following a snake bite to the left upper limb with a compartment syndrome and features of cytotoxic envenomation. The patient presented late with a wide area of necrotic skin on the arm requiring extensive debridement. The underlying muscle was not necrotic. Polyvalent antivenom (South African Institute of Medical Research Polyvalent Snakebite Antiserum) administration was delayed by 4 days after the snake bite. The patient was also diagnosed with HIV and a persistent thrombocytopenia possibly due to both HIV infection and the snake bite venom. Lower respiratory tract infections with subsequent overwhelming sepsis ultimately resulted in the child's death.The case highlights the challenge of treating a snake bite in a young child with HIV and the detrimental outcome of delayed treatment. A protocol is essential in the management of snake bites in all hospitals.Level IV, Case report.This case highlights the interaction of snake bite envenomation and HIV infection on thrombocytopenia.

[Characterization of the seriously injured cyclist : An evaluation of the injury and treatment focus areas of 2817 patients]

BACKGROUND

Transport statistics classify bicyclists in a separate road user collective. For medical reasons, this differentiation is applied as well. Much literature is published in this field. Nevertheless there is a lack of literature regarding the overall injury patterns in a defined injury severity collective. Most literature is about isolated injured regions in combination with a heterogeneous injury severity. Further parameters, such as injury patterns, epidemiological aspects, treatment focal points and characteristic outcomes, have also been studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and characterize injury patterns in a standardized and representative collective of severely injured bicyclists. Methods We analysed data from the Traumaregister DGU® from 2002 to 2010. In total, 2817 severely injured (ISS ≥ 9 and additional intensive/intermediate care unit) bicyclists were included. The primary endpoint was evaluation of injury patterns and injury focal points. In addition to that we analysed parameters like epidemiological aspects, circumstances of accident, treatment focal points and outcome.

RESULTS

The mean age was 50.3 ± 20.9 years. Males accounted for 68.9 % (n = 1940). The mean ISS was 23.7 ± 12.6. The mean AIS regions were the head 71.9 % (n = 2025), the chest with 44.9 % (n = 1264) and the upper extremities 33.6 % (947). In 68.2 % of all cases an ISS ≥ 9 was achieved by a traumatic brain injury; 21.1 % of all cases were mono-injuries. A characteristic distribution of age and a characteristic prevalence of the accidents in relation to the weekday and the month could be shown.

CONCLUSION

The present study analysed the largest ever published collective of severely injured bicyclists. Traumatic brain injury could clearly be shown as the main injury in this collective. Moreover, one of five cases achieved the state "severely injured" due to mono-injury.

Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major Injuries in Major League Baseball Pitchers: A Systematic Review

Injuries to the upper extremity in baseball pitchers are not uncommon, with extensive literature on shoulder and elbow pathology. However, there is minimal literature on isolated teres major (TM) and latissimus dorsi (LD) injuries. As a result, there is no consensus on an optimal treatment method. An extensive Medline search on studies focusing on the treatment of isolated LD and TM injuries in professional baseball pitchers was performed to explore this topic. Of the 20 retrieved articles, 5 met our inclusion criteria. There were a total of 29 patients who underwent conservative treatment and 1 who underwent surgical treatment. The average time required to return to pitching was 99.8 days in the conservative group and 140 days in the surgically treated group. Five patients in the conservative group suffered from complications and/or setbacks during their treatment and rehabilitation. The lone surgical patient suffered no complications, returned to preinjury form, and was elected an all-star the following year. The goal of this review is to provide a concise summary of the current literature in order to assist physicians when discussing treatment options with their patients.

Embedded Fragment Removal and Wound Debridement in a Non-US Partner Force Soldier

Review application of telemedicine support for removal of fragment and wound management. Clinical context: Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha deployed in Central Command area of responsibility operating out of a small aid station ("house" phase of prolonged field care) Organic expertise: 18D Special Operations Combat medic Closest medical support: Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) surgeon located in another country; thus, all consults were either via telephone or over Secret Internet Protocol Router e-mail. Earliest evacuation: NA.

Safety and effectiveness of intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) for outpatient management of forearm trauma

Objective:

To assess the safety and effectiveness of intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) in the management of forearm injuries (i.e., forearm, wrist or hand) by primary care physicians at a diagnostic and treatment facility.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients at a single centre who underwent a Bier block for forearm injuries between September 2000 and March 2005.

Results:

1816 Bier blocks were performed on 1804 patients (64% male) during the study period. Patient age ranged from 4–70 (mean 25) years. Wrist fractures requiring reduction were the most common diagnosis. Adverse events were recorded in 9 cases (0.50%, 95% confidence interval 0.23%–0.94%): 1 case of medication error (0.06%); 3 of improper cuff inflation (0.17%); and 5 of inadequate analgesia (0.28%). None of the adverse events resulted in failure to complete the procedure or in serious morbidity or mortality.

Conclusion:

Bier block anesthesia is a safe, effective and reliable technique in an outpatient primary care setting. This technique is a useful modality for physicians who manage acute upper-extremity injuries.

Vascular injuries in the upper extremity in athletes

Repetitive, high-stress, or high-impact arm motions can cause upper extremity arterial injuries. The increased functional range of the upper extremity causes increased stresses on the vascular structures. Muscle hypertrophy and fatigue-induced joint translation may incite impingement on critical neurovasculature and can cause vascular damage. A thorough evaluation is essential to establish the diagnosis in a timely fashion as presentation mimics more common musculoskeletal injuries. Conservative treatment includes equipment modification, motion analysis and adjustment, as well as equipment enhancement to limit exposure to blunt trauma or impingement. Surgical options include ligation, primary end-to-end anastomosis for small defects, and grafting.

[Children's limb fractures]

Children's limb fractures are commonly seen in general practice and emergency departments. Diagnostics relies on relevant clinical examination and good quality radiographs and will be supplemented with CT scanning, when necessary. The treatment of fracture must not interfere with the child's normal bone growth. Conservative treatment with reduction under anesthesia is the treatment of choice. With operative treatment, rigid fixation of the fracture is not necessary; K-wires and elastic intramedullary nails are widely used. Although the aim of the treatment is exact positioning of the fracture, growing bone has a great capacity of remodeling, which may correct malposition.

Ultrasound and shockwave therapy for acute fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

The morbidity and socioeconomic costs of fractures are considerable. The length of time to healing is an important factor in determining a person's recovery after a fracture. Ultrasound may have a therapeutic role in reducing the time to union after fracture. This is an update of a review previously published in February 2012.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of low-intensity ultrasound (LIPUS), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFUS) and extracorporeal shockwave therapies (ECSW) as part of the treatment of acute fractures in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (2 June 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1946 to May Week 3 2014), EMBASE (1980 to 2014 Week 22), trial registers and reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating ultrasound treatment in the management of acute fractures in adults. Studies had to include participants over 18 years of age with acute fractures, reporting outcomes such as function; time to union; non-union; secondary procedures such as for fixation or delayed union or non-union; adverse effects; pain; costs; and patient adherence.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data from the included studies. Treatment effects were assessed using mean differences, standardised mean differences or risk ratios using a fixed-effect model, except where there was substantial heterogeneity, when data were pooled using a random-effects model. Results from 'worst case' analyses, which gave more conservative estimates of treatment effects for time to fracture union, are reported in preference to those from 'as reported' analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 12 studies, involving 622 participants with 648 fractures. Eight studies were randomised placebo-controlled trials, two were randomised controlled trials without placebo controls, one was a quasi-randomised placebo-controlled trial and one was a quasi-randomised controlled trial without placebo control. Eleven trials tested LIPUS and one trial tested ECSW. Four trials included participants with conservatively treated upper limb complete fractures and six trials included participants with lower limb complete fractures; these were surgically fixed in four trials. The remaining two trials reported results for conservatively treated tibial stress fractures.'Risk of bias' assessment of the included studies was hampered by the poor reporting of methods, frequently resulting in the risk of bias of individual domains being judged as 'unclear'. Both quasi-randomised studies were at high risk of bias, including selection and attrition bias. Three studies were at low risk of selection bias relating to allocation concealment the majority of studies were at low risk of performance bias as they employed a form of intervention blinding.Only limited data were available from three of only four studies reporting on functional outcome. One study of complete fractures found little evidence of a difference between the two groups in the time to return to work (mean difference (MD) 1.95 days favouring control, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.18 to 6.08; 101 participants). Pooled data from two studies found LIPUS did not significantly affect the time to return to training or duty in soldiers or midshipmen with stress fractures (MD -8.55 days, 95% CI -22.71 to 5.61; 93 participants).We adopted a conservative strategy for data analysis that was more likely to underestimate than to overestimate a benefit of the intervention. After pooling results from eight studies (446 fractures), the data showed no statistically significant reduction in time to union of complete fractures treated with LIPUS (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.47, 95% CI -1.14 to 0.20). This result could include a clinically important benefit or harm, and should be seen in the context of the highly significant statistical heterogeneity (I² = 90%). This heterogeneity was not explained by the a priori subgroup analyses (upper limb versus lower limb fracture, smoking status). An additional subgroup analysis comparing conservatively and operatively treated fractures raised the possibility that LIPUS may be effective in reducing healing time in conservatively managed fractures, but the test for subgroup differences did not confirm a significant difference between the subgroups.Pooled results from five of the eight trials (333 fractures) reporting proportion of delayed union or non-union showed no significant difference between LIPUS and control (10/168 versus 13/165; RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.24 to 2.28). Adverse effects directly associated with LIPUS and associated devices were found to be few and minor, and compliance with treatment was generally good. One study reporting on pain scores found no difference between groups at eight weeks (101 participants).One quasi-randomised study found no significant difference in non-union at 12 months between internal fixation supplemented with ECSW and internal fixation alone (3/27 versus 6/30; RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.01). There was a clinically small but statistically significant difference in the visual analogue scores for pain in favour of ECSW at three month follow-up (MD -0.80, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.37). The only reported complication was infection, with no significant difference between the two groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

While a potential benefit of ultrasound for the treatment of acute fractures in adults cannot be ruled out, the currently available evidence from a set of clinically heterogeneous trials is insufficient to support the routine use of this intervention in clinical practice. Future trials should record functional outcomes and follow-up all trial participants.

Pediatric upper-extremity fractures

Upper-extremity fractures account for more than half of childhood bony injuries. The frequency of injury increases with increasing mobility. The most common mechanism is a fall on an outstretched hand while playing. Optimal management requires knowledge of the normal anatomy and variants unique to pediatric bones. The physician needs to maintain a high level of suspicion for growth plate injuries because if unrecognized, these may result in growth arrest. Although the vast majority of pediatric upper-extremity fractures will heal rapidly with minimal intervention, physicians should be aware of the complications that can arise from these injuries.

Extremity injuries as predictors of emergency care resource needs among blunt trauma patients in Japan

This study aimed to exhaustively examine associations between prehospital variables and emergency care resource needs among blunt trauma patients. The study included blunt trauma patients aged 15 years or older who were admitted to a tertiary care medical center in Osaka, Japan, from January 2005 to December 2009. The primary end point was a composite measure of overall emergency care resource needs. Predictive variables were easily detectable upper and lower extremity injuries. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify associations between the predictive variables and the end point; this model included other covariates known to be associated with emergency care resource needs (demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, and physiological parameters). Of 982 blunt trauma patients, 81 died, and 573 required overall emergency care resources. Upper extremity injury (odds ratio [OR], 2.60) and lower extremity injury (OR, 4.50) were significantly associated with overall emergency care resource needs after controlling for other covariates. The results of this study suggest that easily detectable extremity injuries may be useful predictors of the emergency care resource needs of trauma patients. Further studies are needed to validate the predictive values of these injuries and to determine ways to use information about extremity injuries to improve triage decisions.

Axillary nerve block in comparison with intravenous midazolam/fentanyl for painless reduction of upper extremity fractures

The painful nature of fractures has made it inevitable to use various anesthetic techniques to reduce or immobilize fractured parts. In the present study, axillary nerve block was compared with intravenous midazolam/fentanyl to induce anesthesia for Painless Reduction of Upper Extremity Fractures. The subjects in the present clinical trial consisted of 60 patients with upper extremity fractures. They were randomly divided into two equal groups of intravenous sedation (IVS) with midazolam/fentanyl and axillary nerve block (ANB). Rate of anesthesia induction, recovery time, and pain intensities at baseline, during the procedure and at the end of the procedure were recorded in both groups. Data was analyzed and compared between the two groups with SPSS 18 statistical software using appropriate tests. Demographic data, vital signs and means of pain intensities at the beginning of the procedure were equal in the two groups. In the IVS group, the overall duration of the procedure was shorter with more rapid onset of anesthesia (P<0.05). In contrast, the recovery time was much shorter in the ANB group (P<0.001). No life or organ threatening complications were observed in the two groups. Axillary nerve block can be considered an appropriate substitute for intravenous sedation in painful procedures of the upper extremity.

[Rescue procedures in the major trauma of upper extremities - the role of the Polish medical air rescue in the therapeutic process]

BACKGROUND

Due to the growing use of various types of industrial and agricultural machinery, occupational accidents are among the most serious ones and quite frequently result in the permanent posttraumnatic disability of the injured person. In Poland, a replantation service has been operating since 2010. Each day, one out of six centres provides emergency replantation service accepting amputation calls from across the country. Patients qualified for replantation often need to be transported from places located even several hundred kilometres from the target hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The analysis covered 174 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) missions and 112 interhospital transports. The data were obtained as a result of a retrospective analysis of the air and medical documentation of 23 460 missions carried out by the Polish Medical Air Rescue (Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe - SP ZOZ LPR) aircrafts in the years 2011-2013.

RESULTS

In the period under study, the Polish Medical Air Rescue helicopters dressed 135 patients with upper extremity amputations at the scene and transported them to hospitals as part of HEMS missions. At the same time, SP ZOZ LPR aircrafts made 102 interhospital transports. Ninety patients were qualified for treatment in replantation service centres. The average air transport time was 76 min, while the total transport time was 172.3 min. With transport exceeding 300 kin, the average time advantage over the ground transport was approximately 1.5 h.

CONCLUSIONS

In justified cases, the use of helicopters and airplanes is an optimal method of transporting patients with the major trauma to upper extremities.

Evaluation of differences in health-related quality of life during the treatment of post-burn scars in pre-school and school children

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the research was an assessment of the differences in the self-evaluation of health-related quality of life during the treatment of post-burn scars on the upper limbs of pre-school and school children.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

a group of 120 children were examined--66 boys and 54 girls, divided into a pre-school group of 60 children (average age 4.3±1.7) and a primary school group of 60 children (average age 10.4±1.2). The structured interview and an adopted Visual Analog Anxiety Scale and Visual Analog Unpleasant Events Tolerance Scale were used to evaluate the level of plaster tolerance, and anxiety caused by the removal of dressings during treatment.

RESULTS

In the first test, In both groups, a low tolerance was noted to the pressure plaster, with the pre-school aged children obtaining worse results (x=18.9±SD 10.16) than those of school age (x=33.65±SD 13,21), regardless of gender. Pre-school children were afraid (x=47.5±SD 24.26), while school-aged children were not afraid of having the plaster removed (x=20.5±SD 9.46). The differences between the groups were statistically significant. In the fourth and final test on pre-school aged children, the tolerance of plasters had improved (x=23.24±SD 15.43) obtaining a value somewhat lower than for school-aged children (32.4±SD 6.45), as well as a noted fall in the anxiety level (30.83±SD 23.38) with an average value insignificantly higher than that recorded for the children of school age (15.83±SD 6.19).

CONCLUSIONS

The tests confirmed the appearance of differences in the self-evaluation of health-related life quality in pre-school and school-aged children.

Another civilian life saved by law enforcement-applied tourniquets

Increasing data and anecdotal operational reports are supporting the early, aggressive, prehospital application of tourniquets in potentially life-threatening extremity trauma. Especially in the civilian urban setting where transport times are short, the benefit in terms of lives saved far outweighs the potential risk to the extremity. The popular press has reported frequently on law enforcement-applied tourniquets, but to date, no group has published a scientific review of any of these cases. This case report suggests that law enforcement personnel can be trained to safely identify indications for tourniquet application, properly apply them with limited training, and function as effective first care providers.

Adherence to the AAOS upper-extremity clinical practice guidelines

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently developed several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) involving upper-extremity conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adherence to these CPGs by members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). An e-mail containing a brief study description and access to the survey was sent to ASSH current and candidate members. The survey contained questions involving the existing upper-extremity AAOS CPGs: diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment of distal radius fractures, and treatment of glenohumeral arthritis. Overall, 469 responses were obtained, for a response rate of 32%. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the responses. Members of ASSH do not universally adhere to the AAOS CPGs. For patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, 53% of respondents wait the recommended time to change nonoperative treatment after failure of a given modality, and 32% of respondents always order electrodiagnostic testing when considering surgery. Furthermore, 30% of respondents immobilize the wrist postoperatively. In regard to distal radius fractures, 11% of respondents always prescribe vitamin C after treatment, and 49% respondents never do so. However, ASSH members follow some of the recommendations. These include nighttime splinting (98%) and corticosteroid injections (85%) in the nonoperative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. For distal radius fractures, almost 85% of respondents consider the suggested postreduction criteria when determining operative versus cast treatment. Further study is warranted to understand the reasons for and possible solutions to the inconsistent adherence to the AAOS CPGs.

Sideswipes injuries of upper limbs: a case series report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Sideswipe injuries are consequent to object striking an elbow on the window edge of a moving vehicle. It often results in severe soft tissue and bony injuries or partial amputation of the upper limb. Functional outcome in most patients is poor. The aim is to highlight the occurrence and functional outcome of these injuries.

METHOD

In our series we report three cases which presented to us in succession within four weeks.

RESULTS

Two of the patients were passengers of commercial buses while one patient is the driver of a private car. Two were males. All were protruding their arm from the open vehicle window at the time of impact. All presented within five hours of injury. All sustained open fracture-dislocations. All were managed with external fixation and soft tissue cover. They all had poor outcome as evidenced by joint stiffness.

CONCLUSION

The functional outcome of such injuries is usually poor especially if the dominant limb is involved. Therefore the need for prevention cannot be overemphasized. Simple measures like ensuring that no part of the limb is Sticking outside a moving vehicle, winding up glass up to mid window level etc will greatly reduce the occurrence of these injuries.

Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC). Arm and shoulder conditions, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2003-2012

This analysis estimated the incidence and health care burden of acute and chronic conditions of the arm and shoulder among active component service members of the Armed Forces from 1 January 2003 through 31 December 2012. There were 196,789 diagnosed incident cases of acute arm and shoulder conditions for a rate of 13.7 cases per 1,000 person-years. The annual incidence rates of sprains, the most common acute condition, nearly doubled during the period. Diagnoses of chronic conditions (overall rate of 28.8 per 1,000 person-years) increased 25 percent during the period, mainly associated with a doubling of the incidence of diagnoses of joint pain. Incidence rates of chronic disorders were progressively higher among successively older age groups of service members. The health care burden of all arm and shoulder conditions together steadily increased during the period, as indicated by numbers of health care encounters, individuals affected, and lost work time. The most commonly documented causes associated with acute and chronic conditions are described.

The overutilization of resources in patients with acute upper extremity trauma and infection

PURPOSE

To compare patients with acute upper extremity injuries and infections presenting initially to the emergency department with patients transferred from outside institutions, and to evaluate triage guidelines for the appropriate transfer of these patients.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 1,172 consecutive patients with acute upper extremity injuries or infections presenting to 2 level 1 trauma centers over 3-month periods. We analyzed demographics, transfer details, injury characteristics, intervention received, follow-up, and complications. Triage guidelines were established by a board of academic upper extremity and emergency physicians and retrospectively applied to patient data.

RESULTS

Of 1,172 patients, 155 (13%) arrived via transfer from outside facilities. Transferred patients had more complex injuries by our guidelines, but many did not require level 1 emergent care. The receiving emergency department discharged 26% of the transferred patients without upper extremity specialist evaluation, and 24% of the transferred patients received no procedural intervention at any point. Only 10% went to the operating room emergently. Implementing our guidelines for appropriate triage, we found that 53% of transfers did not require emergent transfer to a level 1 facility. These nonemergent transfers spent an average of 15.2 hours from the time of initial evaluation at the outside facility to discharge from the level 1 emergency department, compared with 3.1 hours in patients who arrived primarily. Retrospectively, our triage guidelines had a 2% undertriage rate and a 3% overtriage rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Over half of the patients transferred with upper extremity injuries and infections for specialized evaluation may be transferred unnecessarily. Guidelines for the care and transfer of patients with acute upper extremity injuries or infections may lead to better use of resources.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic III.

Ultrasound and shockwave therapy for acute fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

The morbidity and socioeconomic costs of fractures are considerable. The length of time to healing is an important factor in determining a patient's recovery after a fracture. Ultrasound may have a therapeutic role in reducing the time to union after fracture.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of low intensity ultrasound (LIPUS), high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFUS) and extracorporeal shockwave therapies (ECSW) as part of the treatment of acute fractures in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (December 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (in The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1950 to November Week 3 2011), EMBASE (1980 to 2011 Week 49), trial registers and reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials evaluating ultrasound treatment in the management of acute fractures in adults. Studies including participants over 18 years of age with acute fractures, reporting functional outcomes, time to union, non-union, secondary procedures such as for fixation or delayed or non-union, adverse effects, pain, costs or patient adherence were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data from the included studies. Treatment effects were assessed using mean differences or risk ratios and, where there was substantial heterogeneity, pooled using a random-effects model. Results from 'worst case' analyses, which gave more conservative estimates of treatment effects for time to fracture union, are reported in preference to those from 'as reported' analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve studies, involving 622 participants with 648 fractures, were included. Eight studies were randomised placebo-controlled trials, two studies were randomised controlled trials without placebo controls, one study was a quasi-randomised placebo controlled trial and the remaining study was a quasi-randomised controlled trial without placebo control. Eleven trials tested LIPUS and one trial tested ECSW. Four trials included participants with conservatively treated upper limb complete fractures and six trials included participants with lower limb complete fractures; these were surgically fixed in four trials. The remaining two trials reported results for conservatively treated tibial stress fractures.Very limited data from two complete fracture studies showed no difference between ultrasound and placebo control in functional outcome. Pooled estimates from two studies found LIPUS did not significantly affect the time to return to training or duty in soldiers or midshipmen with stress fractures (mean difference -8.55 days, 95% CI -22.71 to 5.61).Based on a 'worst case' analysis, which adjusted for incomplete data, pooled results from eight heterogeneous studies showed no statistically significant reduction in time to union of complete fractures treated with LIPUS (standardised mean difference -0.47, 95% CI -1.14 to 0.20). This result could include a clinically important benefit or harm, and should be seen in the context of the highly significant statistical heterogeneity (I² = 90%). This heterogeneity was not explained by the a priori subgroup analyses (upper limb versus lower limb fracture, smoking status). An additional subgroup analysis comparing conservatively and operatively treated fractures raised the possibility that LIPUS may be effective in reducing healing time in conservatively managed fractures, but the test for subgroup differences did not confirm a significant difference between the subgroups.Pooled results from eight trials reporting proportion of delayed union or non-union showed no significant difference between LIPUS and control. Adverse effects directly associated with LIPUS and associated devices were found to be few and minor, and compliance with treatment was generally good. One study reporting on pain scores found no difference between groups at eight weeks.One quasi-randomised study (59 fractures) found no significant difference between ECSW and no-placebo control groups in non-union at 12 months (risk ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.01). There was a clinically small but statistically significant difference in the visual analogue scores for pain in favour of ECSW at three month follow-up. The only reported complication was infection, with no significant difference between the two groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

While a potential benefit of ultrasound for the treatment of acute fractures in adults cannot be ruled out, the currently available evidence from a set of clinically heterogeneous trials is insufficient to support the routine use of this intervention in clinical practice. Future trials should record functional outcomes and follow-up all trial participants.

Electromagnetic field stimulation for treating delayed union or non-union of long bone fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Delayed union and non-union of fractures are a considerable cause of morbidity to patients. Laboratory studies have shown that electromagnetic fields can stimulate the formation of new bone, indicating a potential role for electromagnetic stimulation in the treatment of fractures that have failed to heal.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of electromagnetic stimulation for treating delayed union or non-union of long bone fractures in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (May 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (in The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2010) and EMBASE (1980 to 2010 Week 20), trial registers and reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials evaluating electromagnetic field stimulation for the treatment of delayed union or non-union of long bones in adults.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies and performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Treatment effects were assessed using risk ratios and, where appropriate, data were pooled using a random-effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

Four studies, involving 125 participants, were included. Three studies evaluated the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields and one study, capacitive coupled electric fields. Participants with delayed union and non-union of the long bones were included, but most data related to non-union of the tibia. Although all studies were blinded randomised placebo-controlled trials, each study had limitations.The primary measure of the clinical effectiveness of electromagnetic field stimulation was the proportion of participants whose fractures had united at a fixed time point. The overall pooled effect size was small and not statistically significant (risk ratio 1.96; 95% confidence interval 0.86 to 4.48; 4 trials). There was substantial clinical and statistical heterogeneity in this pooled analysis (I(2) = 58%). A sensitivity analysis conducted to determine the effect of multiple follow-up time-points on the heterogeneity amongst the studies showed that the effect size remained non-significant at 24 weeks (risk ratio 1.61; 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 3.54; 3 trials), with similar heterogeneity (I(2) = 57%).There was no reduction in pain found in two trials. No study reported functional outcome measures. One trial reported two minor complications resulting from treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Though the available evidence suggests that electromagnetic field stimulation may offer some benefit in the treatment of delayed union and non-union of long bone fractures, it is inconclusive and insufficient to inform current practice. More definitive conclusions on treatment effect await further well-conducted randomised controlled trials.

[Fracture stabilization in polytraumatized children]

Polytrauma is a rare diagnosis in childhood. Even after high-energy accidents isolated injuries of the skull and brain or extremities are more common. Injury is still the most frequent cause of death in childhood in industrialized countries. The lethality of polytraumatized children is about 19%. Injuries of the extremities do not play such an important role for the survival of polytraumatized children but for the definitive outcome. The diagnostic algorithm for polytraumatized children is related to adults and includes spiral computed tomography in the emergency room. Plain radiographs are still the gold standard for the diagnostic workup of fractures. Generally therapeutic approaches in the treatment of fractures in children are often conservative. Because of the special situation in polytrauma with ICU care and the need for venous catheters, fast mobilization and positioning in bed, indications for operative treatment and definitive stabilization of fractures are required for polytraumatized children.

[Optimization of the diagnostics and treatment of the comminuted intraarticular fractures]

The diagnostic and treatment algorithm of the comminuted intraarticular fractures of the long tubular bones was worked out. It included laser Doppler flowmetry, thermography, artroscopy, osteoreplacing and external fixation methods. Bench tests of the innovated external fixation apparate proved the possibility of early postoperative rehabilitation of patients.

Management of severe crush injury in a front-line tent ICU after 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China: an experience with 32 cases

INTRODUCTION

The experience on management of crush injury after a devastating earthquake is lacking, and there are even less reports on the front-line critical care of these patients. A front-line intensive care unit (ICU) was set up in a tent after the disastrous Wenchuan earthquake (May, 12, 2008, China), where 32 patients suffering from crush injury were treated from May 12 to May 26. This study summarized our experience on management of 32 crush injury patients in a front-line tent ICU.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 32 crush injury patients treated in our frontline tent ICU. Using limited equipment, we observed the arterial blood gas parameters, blood routine, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine protein of patients. We also closely watched for changes in crush injury symptoms, urine output, and the dangerous complications of crush injury.

RESULTS

Eighteen of the 32 patients developed traumatic shock, 9 had acute renal failure, 6 had acute heart failure, 2 had stress ulcers and 4 had multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The symptoms of 17 patients met the criteria of crush syndrome; hemodialysis and prompt surgical intervention were given to them when necessary. Prompt treatment in our tent ICU improved the symptoms of patients to different degrees. The limb distension and sensory dysfunction were improved and the urine output was increased or even restored to the normal level in some patients. Serological parameters were improved in most patients after admission. Five (15.63%) patients underwent amputation due to severe infection in our group. Six (18.75%) patients died, 4 due to MODS and 2 due to acute renal failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe crushing injuries and life-threatening complications are major causes of death after major disasters like earthquakes. Prompt treatment and close monitoring of the severe complications are of great importance in saving patients' lives. Establishment of a well-equipped front-line ICU close to the epicentre of the earthquake allows for prompt on the spot rescue of critical patients with crush injury, greatly decreasing the mortality rate and complications and avoiding amputation. There should be sufficient equipment to meet the needs of more patients.

T IME TO A NALGESIA FOR P ATIENTS WITH P AINFUL E XTREMITY I NJURIES T RANSPORTED TO THE E MERGENCY D EPARTMENT BY A MBULANCE

OBJECTIVE

To measure the time to analgesia for patients with painful, isolated extremity injuries brought to the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services (EMS).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with isolated, painful extremity injuries during an 18-month period to a Level 1 trauma center. Medical records were reviewed by diagnostic codes for extremity injuries.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

patients 18 years or older transported to the ED by EMS; isolated, painful extremity injuries; received parenteral analgesia in the ED or by EMS. Excluded: multiple trauma patients, interfacility transfers, hemodynamically unstable patients, head-injured patients, intoxicated patients, and patients with mental status changes. Data elements: age, sex, EMS arrival time, EMS medication time, hospital triage time, and ED medication time. All "times to analgesia" were calculated from the EMS arrival time on scene.

RESULTS

Extremity injuries were identified in 706 patients. Of these, 104 patients with painful, isolated, extremity injuries met all inclusion criteria. Thirteen (12.5%) of 104 received analgesia by EMS during prehospital care. Ninety-one patients (88%) first received parenteral analgesia in the ED. The mean time to analgesia for EMS treated patients was 23 minutes (95% CI 16.7-30.2). Mean time to analgesia for patients treated in the ED was 113 minutes (95% CI 99.2-128.1). Mean time to analgesia after triage in this group was 75 minutes (95% CI 60.8-89.7).

CONCLUSION

In this study, patients received analgesia sooner when administered by EMS during prehospital care. There was a significant time delay after triage for patients first medicated in the ED.

Acute spinal cord injury in pregnancy: an illustrative case and literature review

Acute trauma is not all that uncommon in pregnancy. It accounts for 15% of non-obstetric maternal deaths. Moreover, about 15% of acute spinal cord injuries involve young women of childbearing age (Gilson et al., 1995). Most of the existing literature on spinal cord injury in pregnancy is concerned with the management of patients with pre-existing lesions; very few articles deal with acute injuries. We report the management of a case of acute spinal cord injury in the third trimester of pregnancy and review the major clinical issues associated with such cases.

Principles of casting and splinting

The ability to properly apply casts and splints is a technical skill easily mastered with practice and an understanding of basic principles. The initial approach to casting and splinting requires a thorough assessment of the injured extremity for proper diagnosis. Once the need for immobilization is ascertained, casting and splinting start with application of stockinette, followed by padding. Splinting involves subsequent application of a noncircumferential support held in place by an elastic bandage. Splints are faster and easier to apply; allow for the natural swelling that occurs during the acute inflammatory phase of an injury; are easily removed for inspection of the injury site; and are often the preferred tool for immobilization in the acute care setting. Disadvantages of splinting include lack of patient compliance and increased motion at the injury site. Casting involves circumferential application of plaster or fiberglass. As such, casts provide superior immobilization, but they are more technically difficult to apply and less forgiving during the acute inflammatory stage; they also carry a higher risk of complications. Compartment syndrome, thermal injuries, pressure sores, skin infection and dermatitis, and joint stiffness are possible complications of splinting and casting. Patient education regarding swelling, signs of vascular compromise, and recommendations for follow-up is crucial after cast or splint application.