Femoral vessel injuries

Early diagnosis, expeditious vascular repair, and aggressive management of complications have resulted in an amputation rate of less than 9%. Repair rather than ligation of an associated femoral vein injury is commonly practiced by experienced trauma surgeons. In most circumstances, a reversed autogenous saphenous vein graft from the contralateral extremity is the conduit of choice; however, if a saphenous vein cannot be used because of size discrepancies, multiple associated trauma, or extensive contamination, polytetrafluoroethylene can be used with good results. If vein ligation is performed, early fasciotomy is indicated for close and meticulous monitoring of the compartmental pressures. Clearly, the most crucial components for a successful outcome are a thorough evaluation, early operation, and a flawless vascular repair.     

Femoral vessel injuries; high mortality and low morbidity injuries

Femoral vessel injuries are amongst the most common vascular injuries admited in busy trauma centers. The evolution of violence and the increase in penetrating trauma from the urban battlefields of city streets has raised the incidence of femoral vessel injuries, which account for approximately 70% of all peripheral vascular injuries. Despite the relatively low mortality associated with these injuries, there is a high level of technical complexity required for the performance of these repairs. Similarly, they incur low mortality but are associated with significantly high morbidity. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are the keys to successful outcomes with the main goals of managing ischemia time, restoring limb perfusion, accomplishing limb salvage and instituting rehabilitation as soon as possible.     

Blunt vascular neck injuries: diagnosis and outcomes of extracranial vessel injury

BACKGROUND: Blunt vascular neck injuries (BVNIs) are rare, often occult, and potentially devastating injuries. The purpose of this study was to identify a high-risk group, which would benefit from screening. METHODS: Patients with BVNIs were identified from our trauma registry and charts were reviewed. Potential risk factors for BVNI were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Thirty-one BVNIs were identified in 22 patients. The stroke rate was 60% and the mortality rate was 25%. Univariate analysis showed Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 8, head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score > or = 3), basal skull fracture, facial injury, other neck injury, thorax injury (AIS score > or = 3), abdominal injury, and cervical spine injury to be significant (p < 0.05). The multivariate predictive model had two predictors remaining significant: thorax injury (AIS [thorax] score > or = 3) and Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 8. CONCLUSION: Screening should be undertaken for patients at increased risk for BVNI: those with risk factors identified in our regression analysis and factors previously reported.     

Shank vessel injuries: the forgotten vascular injuries

Introduction

Vascular injuries in branch vessels of the popliteal artery, such as the tibioperoneal trunk, and shank vessels, such as anterior, posterior tibial, and peroneal vessels, occur in both blunt and penetrating trauma. Their management has evolved significantly in the past few decades. While their incidence is variable, limb loss and morbidity remain significant.

Material and methods

Physical examination, along with measuring an Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI), is still sometimes all that is required for diagnosis and can expeditiously triage those that require urgent operation. Despite our technological advancements and newer algorithms for lower extremity vascular trauma, operative intervention and exposure still remain difficult and pose a great challenge for surgeons that normally do not operate on this area.

Conclusions

Shank vessel injuries still comprise a significant proportion of combat and civilian vascular injuries, and modern advances have led to a dramatic decrease in amputation rates.     

Analysis of 185 iliac vessel injuries: risk factors and predictors of outcome

HYPOTHESIS: Iliac vascular injuries incur high mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective 100-month study (January 1, 1992, through April 30, 2000). PATIENTS: One hundred forty-eight patients with 185 iliac vessel injuries. OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival and mortality, analyzed by univariate and logistic regression. RESULTS: Admission mean +/- SD systolic blood pressure was 81 +/- 42 mm Hg, mean Revised Trauma Score was 6.0 +/- 2.8, and mean Injury Severity Score was 20.0 +/- 9.5. The mechanism of injury was penetrating in 140 patients (95%) and blunt in 8 (5%). The mean estimated blood loss was 6246 +/- 6174 mL. Of the 185 injured vessels, 71 (99%) of 72 iliac arteries were repaired, 101 (89%) of 113 iliac veins were ligated, and 12 (11%) of 113 iliac veins were repaired. Overall survival was 51% (76/148). Mortality was 82% (49/72) in patients with exsanguination. Survival by vessel: iliac artery, 57% (20/35); iliac vein, 55% (42/76); and iliac artery and vein, 38% (14/37). Significant predictors of outcome were thoracotomy in the emergency department, associated aortic injury, inferior vena cava injuries, iliac artery and vein injury, intraoperative arrhythmia, and intraoperative coagulopathy. On logistic regression, independent risk factors for survival were absence of thoracotomy in the emergency department, surgical management, and arrhythmia. Mortality by grade on the Organ Injury Scale of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST-OIS) was as follows: grade III, 35% (33/95); grade IV, 71% (24/34); and grade V, 79% (15/19). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality remains high. Associated vessel injuries and intraoperative complications predict mortality. AAST-OIS grade for abdominal vascular injuries correlates well with mortality.     

Iliac vessel injuries

Trauma to the iliac vasculature continues to pose a significant challenge to management. In several large series, mortality for penetrating injuries is reported as approaching 40%. Uncontrollable hemorrhage originating from an anatomically inaccessible source and multiple associated injuries often contribute to this high mortality rate. This article discusses the current existing management strategies and the controversial role of PTFE in vascular reconstruction within a contaminated field. Concomitant injuries to the enteric viscera and genitourinary system are also addressed. Postoperative management including anticoagulation and the complications of liberal fasciotomy are mentioned. The evolving role of endovascular therapy as an adjunctive modality in the armamentarium of the trauma surgeon is also presented briefly.     

Shank vessel injuries

The management of lower extremity vascular injuries has undergone dramatic changes over the last century. With the optimal management of femoral and popliteal injuries established, controversy still exists with respect to management of vascular injuries below the popliteal fossa, in the shank arterial vessels. These injuries are uncommon, often limb threatening, and usually require complex management decisions. Incidence of shank vessel injuries, imaging studies required for accurate and expedient diagnosis, determinants influencing the decision for repair or amputation, and details of techniques in surgical intervention are discussed.     

Iliac vessel injuries: difficult injuries and difficult management problems

Introduction

Injury to the iliac vessels poses a serious and frustrating treatment dilemma for all trauma surgeons. Generally, patients present in profound shock secondary to severe hemorrhage from either iliac arterial, venous, or combined injuries. Despite improvements in our emergency medical services (EMS), rapid transport, standard training of trauma surgeons, and improved technology, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, ranging from 25 to 40?%.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of the literature, with emphasis placed on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of these injuries, incorporating the author’s experience.

Conclusions

Injuries to the iliac vessel remain a daunting task, even after great advances in anatomic injury grading and damage control as well as advances in surgical techniques and critical care. Despite all the advances in treatment and appropriate management strategies, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, demonstrating the complex challenge their treatment presents to even the modern-day trauma surgeon.     

Brachial vessel injuries: high morbidity and low mortality injuries

Introduction  

Reports of arterial injuries from both the civilian and military arenas report the brachial artery as the most frequently injured vessel, accounting for approximately 25–33% of all peripheral arterial injuries. The brachial artery is surrounded by important peripheral nerves —the median, ulnar and radial, and also parallels the humerus and associated veins. Due to its close proximity to these structures, associated nerve and osseous injuries are frequent with residual neuropathy from such nerve injuries, often the main sources of permanent disability.     

Perianesthetic dental injuries: frequency, outcomes, and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Dental injury is well-recognized as a potential complication of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. However, the frequency, outcomes, and risk factors for this problem have not been documented in a well-defined patient population. METHODS: The authors analyzed the dental injuries of 598,904 consecutive cases performed on patients who required anesthetic services from 1987 through 1997. Dental injuries were defined as perianesthetic events (those occurring within 7 days) that required dental interventions to repair, stabilize, or extract involved dentition or support structures. A 1:3 case-control study of 16 patient and procedural characteristics was performed for cases that occurred during the first 5 yr of the study. Conditional logistic regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were 132 cases (1:4,537 patients) of dental injury. One half of these injuries occurred during laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The upper incisors were the most commonly involved teeth, and most injuries were crown fractures and partial dislocations and dislodgements. Multivariate risk factors for dental injury in the case control study included general anesthesia with tracheal intubation (odds ratio [OR] = 89), preexisting poor dentition (OR = 50), and increased difficulty of laryngoscopy and intubation (OR = 11). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these data from a large surgical population at a single training institution, approximately 1:4,500 patients who receive anesthesia services sustain a dental injury that requires repair or extraction. Patients most at risk for perianesthetic dental injury include those with preexisting poor dentition who have one or more risk factors for difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.     

Transfusion requirements in hip fractures: analysis of predictive factors

Background

The primary objective of this study was to identify factors which determine blood transfusion requirements in patients with hip fractures. Predicting a target population at a higher risk of requiring blood transfusion would enable a selective cross-matching policy and also help to establish the appropriate prophylactic measures.

Methods

It was a retrospective study including the time period between February 2003 and February 2005. All patients admitted with fracture neck of femur were included in the study. The following variables were noted perioperative Hb levels, type of fracture and surgery, age and gender and blood transfusion in the perioperative period.

Results

There were 238 female and 72 male patients. The mean age was 82.7 years; range 53–100. Out of a total of 310 patients, 49 patients required a postoperative blood transfusion. The mean preoperative Hb of patients who required transfusion was 11; S.D.1.49 while those who did not require a transfusion it was 12.5; S.D.1.42. There were 168 hemiarthroplasties and 142 DHS fixations. Patients undergoing a DHS had a mean preoperative Hb level of 12.1 and a mean postoperative Hb of 9.1. Transfusion was required in 33 (23%) patients. Patients having hemiarthroplasty had a mean preoperative Hb level of 12.4 and a mean postoperative Hb of 10. Transfusion was requried in 16 (9.5%) patients. The univariate analysis showed a significant relationship between postoperative transfusion and the preoperative Hb level (P = 0.0001) and the type of fracture (P = 0.001). However no relationship was found between transfusion and the age (P = 0.423) and the gender of the patient (P = 0.611). Preoperative Hb and type of fracture were found to be statistically significant on multivariate analysis as well.

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that the most important factor in the prediction for blood transfusion in fracture neck of femur is the preoperative level of haemoglobin although the type of fracture is also important. Restrictive cross-matching for the high risk cases would improve costs in healthcare delivery and prevent unnecessary use of blood resources     

女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸支具治疗效果和影响因素评估

目的 评估女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者支具治疗效果及影响因素.方法 2003年7月至2009年7月,完成支具治疗或因侧凸进展而行手术治疗的女性AIS患者142例,初诊时平均年龄为(13.1±1.5)岁,平均主弯Cobb角29.6°±5.4°,平均Risser征为(2.0±1.5)级.定义侧凸畸形进展为末次随访Cobb角大于初诊6°以上或治疗期间建议行矫形手术(Cobb 角＞45°),其余为非进展.根据侧凸进展或需手术治疗的比率来评估支具治疗效果.运用卡方检验和Logistic回归分析探讨影响支具治疗效果的因素.结果 平均支具治疗时间为(2.5±1.0)年.按照侧凸进展的定义,进展组为27例(19%),非进展组115例(81%);手术组病例18例(13%),因支具治疗而避免手术病例124例(87%).卡方检验发现侧凸进展组和手术组中以初诊年龄10.0～12.9岁、月经初潮未至、Risser征0～1级、初诊Cobb角＞30°以及胸弯型居多.Logistic回归分析发现月经初潮未至(P=0.000)和胸弯型(P=0.012)是支具治疗后侧凸进展的独立预测因素,而初诊Cobb角＞30°(P=0.022)是支具治疗期间因侧凸进展而需手术治疗的另一独立预测因素.结论 支具治疗可有效控制多数AIS患者的侧凸进展,而生长发育状态、侧凸严重程度和侧凸类型是影响支具疗效的重要因素.

Abstract：

Objective To analyze the outcomes of bracing treatment for girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to investigate the predictive factors of the protocol. Methods This study included 142 girls with AIS who finished standardized bracing treatment from July 2003 to July 2009. These patients had a mean age of 13.1±1.5 years, a mean main curve of 29.6°±5.4°, and a mean Risser grade of 2.0±1.5 before bracing treatment. Curve progression was defined that Cobb angle was greater than 6° compared to bracing initiation or was aggravated to more than 45° (indicative for surgery). The outcomes of bracing treatment were assessed based on the ratio of curves of progression or indicative for surgery. Chi-square and Logistic regression Analyses were performed to investigate the predictive factors of bracing treatment. Results The duration of bracing treatment averaged 2.5±1.0 years. Twenty-seven girls with curve progression (19%)and 115 girls (81%) with non-progression were found. Final curve which was greater than 45° was found in 18 girls (13%) who need a correction surgery, the remaining 124 girls (87%) had completed bracing treatment and avoided surgery. Chi-square analyses revealed that curve progression were more common in younger girls with lower Risser grade, with initial larger Cobb angle and with a main thoracic curve pattern.Logistic regression analyses found that premenarchal status and a main thoracic curve pattern were the independent risk factors of curve progression despite bracing. While initial Cobb angle which was greater than 30° was the additional independent risk factor of progression requiring surgery. Conclusion Bracing treatment could effectively prevent curve progression in most girls with AIS. The degree of growth maturity, the pattern and grade of curve are the influencing factor for bracing treatment.     

Brachial and forearm vessel injuries

Upper extremity vascular injuries are common in trauma. The mortality rate from these injuries is quite low; however, the morbidity rate is quite significant. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the amputation rate for these injuries to minimal. Furthermore, morbidity from late complications of chronic ischemia, restenosis, and cold intolerance can be decreased as well. Fasciotomy, although less frequently required than in lower extremity injuries, should be used in all cases of suspected compartment syndrome.     

Wartime major venous vessel injuries

The aim of this study is to declare our experience and to identify the important factors that influence the mortality and morbidity in patients with combat-related penetrating wounds of the abdomen (CR-PWA) with major venous vessel injuries. Twenty-six wounded with combat-related injuries of major abdominal venous vessels, admitted in the University Clinic cardiovascular surgery department during the period from 1 August 1991 through 30 October 1995, were analyzed. Patients with concomitant injured arteries and extra-abdominal injuries (n=150; 85.2%) were excluded from this study. The Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (PATI) score for each patient was calculated. Fifteen patients (57.69%) sustained with PATI score greater than 25 died. The mean duration of hospitalization was 16 days (range 0-86). The average hospitalization time for those surviving their complications was 17 days with a PATI of 25 or less, and 43 days with a score more than 25. Three clinical assessments of the long-term outcome were performed after a median of about 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Surviving patients (42.31%) were symptom free and had normal Duplex scans as well as no other surgical related complications. Higher PATI scores, postoperative complications and reoperations exert an unfavorable effect on patient outcome.     

Penetrating cardiac injuries: predictive model for outcomes based on 2016 patients from the National Trauma Data Bank

Background

Penetrating cardiac injuries are uncommon and lethal. The objectives of this study are to examine the national profile of cardiac injuries, identify independent predictors of outcome, generate, compare and validate previous predictive models for outcomes. We hypothesized that National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) given its large number of patients, would validate these models.

Methods

The NTDB was queried for data on cardiac injuries, using survival as the main outcome measure. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing univariate and stepwise logistic regression. The stepwise logistic regression model was then compared with other predictive models of outcome.

Results

There were 2016 patients with penetrating cardiac injuries identified from 1,310,720 patients. Incidence: 0.16%. Mechanism of injury: GSWs—1264 (63%), SWs—716 (36%), Shotgun/impalement—19/16 (1%). Mean RTS 1.75, mean ISS 27 ± 23. Overall survival 675 (33%). 830 patients (41%) underwent ED thoracotomy, 47 survived (6%). Survival stratified by mechanism: GSWs 114/1264 (10%), SWs 564/717 (76%). Predictors of outcome for mortality—univariate analysis: vital signs, RTS, ISS, GCS: Field CPR, ED intubation, ED thoracotomy and aortic cross-clamping (p < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression identified cardiac GSW’s (p < 0.001; AOR 26.85; 95% CI 17.21–41.89), field CPR (p = 0.003; AOR 3.65; 95% CI 1.53–8.69), the absence of spontaneous ventilation (p = 0.008; AOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14), the presence of an associated abdominal GSW (p = 0.009; AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.26–5.26) need for ED airway (p = 0.0003 AOR 1386.30; 95% CI 126.0–15251.71) and aortic cross-clamping (p = 0.0003 AOR 0.18; 95% CI 0.11–0.28) as independent predictors for mortality. Overall predictive power of model—93%.

Conclusion

Predictors of outcome were identified. Overall survival rates are lower than prospective studies report. Predictive model from NTDB generated larger number of strong independent predictors of outcomes, correlated and validated previous predictive models.