Clinical significance of isolated intraperitoneal fluid on computed tomography in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma

Purpose

The finding of isolated free intraperitoneal fluid (FIPF) on computed tomography of the abdomen (CTA) in children after blunt trauma is of unclear clinical significance and raises suspicion for a solid or hollow viscus injury. In our institution, pediatric blunt trauma patients presenting with isolated FIPF on CTA who are hemodynamically stable and have no peritoneal signs on initial physical examination (iPE) have been historically approached nonoperatively. We reviewed our level 1 trauma center experience with this subset of the trauma population and sought to (1) justify an initial nonoperative approach and (2) identify early predictors of the eventual need for surgical exploration.

Methods

Data on all trauma patients less than 14 years of age admitted to our hospital from 2001 to 2006 after Blunt Abdominal Trauma (BAT) whose screening CTA showed FIPF and no other radiographic signs of solid or hollow viscus injury were retrieved from the local trauma registry. Clinical progress, operative findings, and follow-up were obtained by hospital and office chart review, as well as telephone contact. Mechanism of injury (MOI); Injury Severity Score (ISS); Revised Trauma Score; Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS); the presence of abdominal tenderness or external signs of injury on iPE; and quantity, location, and density of the FIPF were statistically analyzed as possible early predictors of the eventual need for surgical exploration.

Results

A total of 670 children admitted to our institution after blunt trauma were evaluated with CTA during the time of enrollment. Isolated FIPF was found in 94 individuals (14%). Mean age was 9.7 (±SD 3.2) years; 52% were males. Motor vehicle crash was the most common MOI. Mean PTS was 10.6 (±SD 1.8). Mean ISS was 10.2 (±SD 7.2). Free intraperitoneal fluid was most commonly found in only one intraperitoneal region (93%). Most patients (97%) were discharged home without undergoing a surgical procedure. Three other patients developed peritonitis on serial physical examination and were surgically explored. Hollow viscus injuries were found in 2 of these individuals and treated with primary repair or segmental bowel resection. All surgical patients enjoyed a full recovery, with no postoperative complications. The presence of abdominal tenderness on iPE and the quantity of FIPF on initial CTA were the only studied variables to reach statistical significance as predictors of the eventual need for operative intervention. Follow-up after hospital discharge was obtained in 46.8% (44/94) and averaged 124.9 weeks.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of pediatric blunt trauma patients with isolated FIPF on CTA ever reported. Our findings justify an initial nonoperative approach for the management of these individuals. Abdominal tenderness on iPE and the quantity of FIPF on initial CTA were predictors of the eventual need for operative intervention.     

Incidental findings in brain computed tomography scans of 3000 head trauma patients

BACKGROUND: Limited reports exist about intracranial incidental findings on computed tomography (CT) imaging. We studied the frequency of incidental findings on 3000 brain CT scans of trauma patients. METHODS: Three thousands standard brain CT scans of trauma patients were evaluated for some incidental findings. Cisterna magna was evaluated in 1500 CT scans. RESULTS: In this study we found 30 incidental abnormalities that include 8 cases of tumor: 3 meningioma, 2 craniopharyngioma, 1 oligodendroglioma, 1 low-grade astrocytoma, and 1 medulloblastoma. Suspect osteoma was found in 3 cases. In 3 cases, abnormal calcification was found in pineal region, basal ganglia, and temporal horn area. Three suspect lipomas were found in midline and near midline of the brain. Arachnoid cyst was found in 7 cases and hydrocephaly in 3 cases. Large cisterna magna (>10 cm(3)) was found in 11 cases. CONCLUSION: Cisterna magna enlargement was the most common incidental finding and brain tumor and arachnoid cyst were next in frequency.     

The use of chest computed tomography versus chest X-ray in patients with major blunt trauma

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) scans are often used in the evaluation of patients with blunt trauma. This study identifies the clinical features associated with further diagnostic information obtained on a CT chest scan compared with a standard chest X-ray in patients sustaining blunt trauma to the chest. METHODS: A 2-year retrospective survey of 141 patients who attended a Level 1 trauma centre for blunt trauma and had a chest CT scan and a chest X-ray as part of an initial assessment was undertaken. Data extracted from the medical record included vital signs, laboratory findings, interventions and the type and severity of injury. RESULTS: The CT chest scan is significantly more likely to provide further diagnostic information for the management of blunt trauma compared to a chest X-ray in patients with chest wall tenderness (OR=6.73, 95% CI=2.56, 17.70, p<0.001), reduced air-entry (OR=4.48, 95% CI=1.33, 15.02, p=0.015) and/or abnormal respiratory effort (OR=4.05, 95% CI=1.28, 12.66, p=0.017). CT scan was significantly more effective than routine chest X-ray in detecting lung contusions, pneumothoraces, mediastinal haematomas, as well as fractured ribs, scapulas, sternums and vertebrae. CONCLUSION: In alert patients without evidence of chest wall tenderness, reduced air-entry or abnormal respiratory effort, selective use of CT chest scanning as a screening tool could be adopted. This is supported by the fact that most chest injuries can be treated with simple observation. Intubated patients, in most instances, should receive a routine CT chest scan in their first assessment.     

Tracheobronchial injury diagnosed by computed tomography scan: a case report

Tracheobronchial injuries are uncommon after pediatric blunt trauma. Because they are easily missed and potentially life-threatening, surgeons caring for pediatric patients with trauma should be aware of this spectrum of injuries. We present a case of tracheobronchial injury in a 10-year-old girl caused by blunt trauma sustained during an all-terrain vehicle collision. This injury was diagnosed in a timely fashion with computed tomography scan, and operative repair was accomplished. A discussion of the management of tracheobronchial injury with brief literature review follows.     

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of CT scan with oral and intravenous contrast versus CT scan with intravenous contrast alone in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma

PurposeAbdominal CT scan using oral and intravenous (IV) contrast is helpful in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal injuries. However, the use of oral and IV contrast delays the process of diagnosis and increases the risk of aspiration. It has also been shown that CT scan with IV contrast alone is as helpful as CT scan with oral and IV contrast and rectal CT scan in detecting abdominal injuries. Therefore, the present study aims to prospectively compare the diagnostic value of CT scan with oral and IV contrast versus CT scan with IV contrast alone in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma (BAT).MethodsAltogether 123 BAT patients, 60 (48.8%) women and 63 (51.2%) men with the mean age of (40.4 ± 18.7) years who referred to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Educational and Medical Center in Sari, Iran (a tertiary trauma center in north of Iran) from November 2014 to March 2017 and underwent abdominal CT scans + laparotomy were investigated. Those with penetrating trauma or hemodynamically unstable patients were excluded. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups: abdominal CT scan with oral and IV contrast (n = 63) and CT scan with IV contrast alone (n = 60). No statistically significant difference was found between two groups regarding the hemodynamic parameters, age, gender, injury mechanisms (all p > 0.05). The results of CT scan were compared with that of laparotomy results. The collected data were recorded in SPSS version 22.0 for Windows. Quantitative data were presented as mean and SD.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of CT scan using oral and IV contrast in the diagnosis of BAT were estimated at 96.48 (95% CI: 90.73 – 99.92) and 92.67 (95% CI: 89.65 – 94.88), respectively; while CT scan with IV contrast alone achieved a comparable sensitivity and specificity of 96.6 (95% CI: 87.45 – 99,42 and 92.84 (95% CI: 89.88 – 95.00), respectively.ConclusionCT scan with IV contrast alone can be used to assess visceral injuries in BAT patients with normal hemodynamics to avoid diagnostic delay.     

Admission lactate level and the APACHE II score are the most useful predictors of prognosis following torso trauma

BACKGROUND: Markers of dysoxic metabolism and scoring systems for triage have been widely used in critically injured patients. However, so far, no model is sufficiently reliable to predict the outcome in trauma victims. The purposes of the present study, therefore, were to determine whether a correlation exits between the main trauma scoring systems and the markers of dysoxic metabolism. Moreover, to assess if any of the admission parameters can be used to indicate outcome. METHODS: Sixty-four patients were included in this study. Admission data, including arterial lactate level, base deficit (BD), pH, revised trauma score (RTS), injury severity score (ISS), shock index (SI), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), were collected and analysed by logistic regression analysis. Degree of association between continuous variables were calculated by either Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficient, where applicable. The dependence of lactate on two or more other variables was evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that the fatal outcome following major torso trauma was principally associated with the APACHE II score and lactate. The specificity and the sensitivity of this logistic regression model was 94.6 and 79.2%, respectively. According to standardised linear regression coefficients, BD was the best single predictor of lactate, and APACHE II added a small amount of predictive power. The proportion of total variation in lactate level explained by base deficit, APACHE II and age is R2=85.2%. CONCLUSION: APACHE II score and the arterial lactate level are the most important determinants of clinical outcome in critically injured patients. A correlation exits between lactate and APACHE II and between lactate and base deficit.     

Radiation exposure from head computed tomography scans in pediatric trauma

Background

We have previously reported that children receive significantly less radiation exposure after abdominal and/or pelvis computed tomography (CT) scanning for acute appendicitis when performed at our children's hospital (CH) rather than at outside hospitals (OH). In this study, we compare the amount of radiation children receive from head CTs for trauma done at OH versus those at our CH.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all children transferred to our hospital after receiving a head CT for trauma at an OH between July 2012 and December 2012. These children were then blindly case matched based on date, age, and gender to children at our CH.

Results

There were 50 children who underwent head CT scans for trauma at 28 OH. There were 21 females and 29 males in each group. Average age was 7.01 ± 0.5 y at the OH and 7.14 ± 6.07 at our CH (P = 0.92). Average weight was 30.81 ± 4.69 kg at the OH and 32.69 ± 27.21 kg at our CH (P = 0.81). Radiation measures included dose length product (671.21 ± 22.6 mGycm at OH versus 786.28 ± 246.3 mGycm at CH, P = 0.11) and CT dose index (53.4 ± 2.26 mGy at OH versus 49.2 ± 12.94 mGy at CH, P = 0.56).

Conclusions

There is no significant difference between radiation exposure secondary to head CTs for traumatic injuries performed at OH and those at a dedicated CH.     

Diagnostic performance of isolated orbital CT scan for assessment of globe rupture in acute blunt facial trauma

ObjectivesWe determine the diagnostic performance of emergent orbital computed tomography (CT) scans for assessing globe rupture in patients with blunt facial trauma.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study based on prospectively collected trauma registry and acute care surveillance data in a tertiary-care hospital. Patients aged at least 18 years who underwent isolated orbital CT scanning for assessing potential ocular trauma were examined. Analyses were performed to evaluate the magnitude of agreement between diagnosis by CT scanning and ophthalmic assessment, including globe rupture.ResultsOur study cohort comprised 136 patients, 30% of whom (41 patients) sustained orbital wall fractures. Concordance for orbital CT diagnosis and the ophthalmic assessment of globe rupture was substantial (k = 0.708). The relative risk of globe rupture was 0.692 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.054–8.849) for superior wall fractures, 0.459 (95% CI: 0.152–1.389) for inferior wall fractures, 2.286 (95% CI: 1.062–4.919) for lateral wall fractures, and 0.637 (95% CI: 0.215–1.886) for medial wall fractures. According to multivariate analysis, lateral wall fractures were an independent risk factor for globe ruptures (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 12.01, P = 0.011), and medial or inferior wall fracture was a protective factor (adjusted OR = 0.14, P = 0.012). In the stratified analysis of diagnostic performance of CT scan, specificity was highest among patients with orbital wall fractures (97.2%), followed by negative predictive volume (NPV, 97%), and accuracy (95.1%).ConclusionAmong patients with blunt facial trauma who underwent isolated orbital CT scanning as part of ocular trauma assessment, the diagnostic performance of CT in detecting globe rupture is more accurate in patients with orbital wall fractures. Nevertheless, isolated orbital CT alone does not have a sufficiently high diagnostic performance to be reliable to rule out all globe ruptures. Lateral orbital wall fractures in blunt facial trauma patients, in particular, should prompt thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist.     

Determining the need for laparotomy in penetrating torso trauma: a prospective study using triple-contrast enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The nontherapeutic laparotomy rate in penetrating abdominal trauma remains high and the morbidity rate in these cases is approximately 40%. Selective management, rather than mandatory laparotomy, has become a popular approach in both stab wounds and gunshot wounds. The advent of spiral technology has stimulated a reassessment of the role of computed tomography (CT) in many aspects of trauma care. We prospectively investigated the current utility of triple-contrast CT as a diagnostic tool to facilitate initial therapeutic management decisions in penetrating torso trauma. METHODS: We studied hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating injury to the torso (abdomen, pelvis, flank, back, or lower chest) without definite indication for laparotomy, admitted to our trauma center during the 1-year period from 7/99 through 6/00. Patients underwent triple-contrast enhanced spiral CT as the initial study. A positive CT scan was defined as any evidence of peritoneal violation (free air or fluid, contrast leak, or visceral injury). Patients with positive CT, except those with isolated solid viscus injury, underwent laparotomy. Patients with negative CT were observed. RESULTS: There were 75 consecutive patients studied: mean age 30 years (range 15-85 years); 67 (89%) male; 41 (55%) gunshot wound, 32 (43%) stab wound, 2 (3%) shotgun wound; mean admission systolic blood pressure 141 mm Hg (range 95-194 mm Hg); 26 (35%) had positive CT and 49 (65%) had negative CT. In patients with positive CT, 18 (69%) had laparotomy: 15 therapeutic, 2 nontherapeutic, and 1 negative. Five patients had isolated hepatic injury and 2 had hepatic and diaphragm injury on CT and all were successfully managed without laparotomy. Of these seven patients, three had angioembolization and two had thoracoscopic diaphragm repair. In patients with negative CT, 47/49 (96%) had successful nonoperative management and 1 had negative laparotomy. The single CT-missed peritoneal violation had a left diaphragm injury at laparotomy. CT accurately predicted whether laparotomy was needed in 71/75 (95%) patients. CONCLUSION: In penetrating torso trauma, triple-contrast abdominopelvic CT can accurately predict need for laparotomy, exclude peritoneal violation, and facilitate nonoperative management of hepatic injury. Adjunctive angiography and investigation for diaphragm injury may be prudent.     

Anthropometric study of the hip joint in Northeastern region population with computed tomography scan

Background:

Anthropometric study of the hip joint has important clinical implications and is largely unknown for the northeastern region of India. The purpose of this study is to determine the anatomic variation of the normal hip joint among the people of the northeastern region and to statistically compare them with the available data worldwide.

Materials and Methods:

We evaluated 104 individuals with normal hip joints and of different ethnic backgrounds (Caucasoid and Mongoloids) clinically and by plain x- ray. One topogram of the hip joint, one axial section of the femoral head and femoral condyles of the individual was taken on CT scan. Twelve cases had center edge angle (CE) angle less than 20° (unilateral/bilateral), were considered to be dysplastic and were excluded from the study. Thus the present study includes 92 individuals (184 normal hips, Mongoloids = 45; Caucasoid = 47) between 20-70 years of age. We calculated the mean of the CE angle, acetabular angle, neck shaft angle, acetabular version, femoral neck anteversion, acetabular depth and joint space width in both sexes.

Results:

The mean parameters observed were as follows: acetabular angle 39.2°, centre edge angle 32.7°, neck shaft angle 139.5°, acetabular version 18.2°, femoral neck anteversion 20.4°, acetabular depth 2.5 cm and joint space width 4.5 mm.

Conclusion:

The parameter and its values in our series shows differences when compared to the other western literatures. The neck shaft angle and the femoral neck anteversion in our individuals was 5-6° more than the western literature. The remaining parameters were less or equal to the western literature.     

Thoracic computed tomography is an effective screening modality in patients with penetrating injuries to the chest

BackgroundThe precise role of thoracic CT in penetrating chest trauma remains to be defined. We hypothesized that thoracic CT effectively screens hemodynamically normal patients with penetrating thoracic trauma to surgery vs. expectant management (NOM).MethodsA ten-year review of all penetrating torso cases was retrospectively analyzed from our urban University-based trauma center. We included hemodynamically normal patients (systolic blood pressure ≥90) with penetrating chest injuries that underwent screening thoracic CT. Hemodynamically unstable patients and diaphragmatic injuries were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated.ResultsA total of 212 patients (mean injury severity score = 24, Abbreviated Injury Score for Chest = 3.9) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 84.3% underwent NOM, 9.1% necessitated abdominal exploration, 6.6% underwent exploration for retained hemothorax/empyema, 6.6% underwent immediate thoracic exploration for significant injuries on chest CT, and 1.0% underwent delayed thoracic exploration for missed injuries. Thoracic CT had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 90%, a negative predictive value of 99%, and an accuracy of 99% in predicting surgery vs. NOM.ConclusionsThoracic CT has a negative predictive value of 99% in triaging hemodynamically normal patients with penetrating chest trauma. Screening thoracic CT successfully excludes surgery in patients with non-significant radiologic findings.     

Supplemental emergent chest computed tomography in the management of blunt torso trauma

The efficacy of conventional chest X-ray (CXR) in comparison to chest computed tomography (CCT) in acutely injured blunt trauma patients was examined. Over a 21-month period, 50 patients underwent CXR and CCT according to a standard protocol, and their films and records were reviewed retrospectively. Hemo- and/or pneumothorax (HPTX) was noted in 12 patients (five by CXR, 12 by CCT). Pulmonary contusion (PC) was identified in ten patients (four by CXR, ten by CCT). Three additional false positive PC were diagnosed by CXR. Therapy changes based upon CCT findings occurred in seven of seven HPTX and five of six PC. The two imaging techniques were complementary in detecting fractures. Atelectasis was a common CCT finding (58% incidence). Chest X-ray is less sensitive than chest computed tomography in the detection of HPTX (42% vs. 100%) and PC (40% vs. 100%). Emergent chest computed tomography is recommended in stable patients with: 1) blunt high-energy torso trauma, 2) "cross-body" injury pattern, and/or 3) a mechanism of injury suggestive of chest trauma.     

Discovery of thoracic meningioma with cord compression on a screening “total body” computed tomography scan

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The use of "total body" screening computed tomography (CT)scans has increased dramatically, although the procedure is controversial, and its benefit to the patient is unproven. When a screening CT scan of the chest is performed, the major areas of interest are the heart and lungs. However, significant portions of the spinal column are also included in the examination. PURPOSE: To describe a case in which a screening CT scan of the chest revealed clinically important findings within the spinal column. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Case report. METHODS: Summary of clinical course and imaging studies, with literature review. RESULTS: A healthy 72-year-old woman without neurologic symptoms was self-referred for a screening "total body" CT examination. The chest portion of the study showed a calcified meningioma with cord compression at the T4 level. Within 2 months of the examination, the patient developed a progressive thoracic myelopathy and required excision of the tumor. Definitive management of the tumor was delayed because the patient was not referred for neurologic or neurosurgical consultation at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates two important points. First, clinically significant pathology within the spinal column may be identified on a screening CT scan of the chest. Such lesions may have major neurologic implications for the patient. Second, because most patients undergo-ing screening radiology examinations do not have a referring physician, it is critically important for the radiologist to make prompt referral to a neurologist or neurosurgeon at the time of diagnosis.     

Repeat abdominal computed tomography scans after pediatric blunt abdominal trauma: missed injuries, extra costs, and unnecessary radiation exposure

Purpose

We hypothesized that pediatric blunt trauma patients, initially evaluated at nontrauma centers with abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans, often undergo repeat scans after transfer. This study was designed to quantify this phenomenon, assess consequences, and elucidate possible causes.

Methods

This article is an institutional review board-approved, retrospective chart review of pediatric blunt abdominal trauma patients transferred to a level I trauma center from 2002 to 2007 and evaluated with abdominal CT at the trauma center or at a referring facility.

Results

A total of 388 patients met the study criteria, with 6 patients being excluded because of inability to verify outside records resulting in study group of 382 patients. Of those 382 patients, 199 (52%) underwent abdominal CT before transfer. Thirty-six (18%) of those 199 patients underwent repeat CT scanning at our level I trauma center. Of these 36 patients, 19 (53%) were transferred without their outside CT scans, with 10 (53%) of these 19 having significant abdominal injuries. Of the remaining 17, 6 (17%) had repeat scans to assess changes in vital signs, or patient condition, or because of inadequate outside imaging. The remaining 11 (30%) were repeated despite an acceptable outside CT and no change in patient condition. Only 2 of 11 resulted in changed management. Additional radiation delivered from these repeat scans totaled 180 mSv, and additional patient charges totaled more than $110,000. There was an apparent trend toward increased repeat scanning (from 6.7% in 2002 to 16.7% in 2007).

Conclusions

Abdominal CT scans, for evaluation of pediatric blunt trauma, are frequently repeated after transfer from outside hospitals. In many cases, repeat scans provide useful diagnostic information. However, more than 80% of repeat scanning is potentially preventable with better education of transport personnel (paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and nurses) and emergency department physicians.     

Systematic review & meta-analysis of positron emission tomography/computed tomography and bone scan in the diagnosis of prostate lesions

BackgroundTo date, the results of studies into the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT) and bone scan (BS) in the diagnosis of malignant prostate lesions have been inconsistent, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods cannot be accurately judged.MethodsArticles were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Wan Fang Medical Network, PubMed, Excerpta Medica data BASE (EMBASE), Medline, and Cochrane database. The keywords used in the search were: ⁶⁸Ga-prostate specific membrane antibody (⁶⁸Ga-PSMA), PET/CT, prostate lesions, prostate adenocarcinoma, bone metastasis, and BS.ResultsUltimately, 3 publications were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A total of 215 patients were considered in the 3 articles that met the inclusion criteria. All of the included articles were small sample studies, with sample sizes ranging from 28 to 113 cases. In this study, from the 3 randomized controlled trials, only 2 (66.67%) randomized controls described the correct randomized allocation method, and only 1 (33.33%) described the hidden allocation scheme in detail. The highest sensitivity for ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT was 0.96, with 95% CI: 0.87, 1.00, and the highest specificity was 1.00, with 95% CI: 0.96, 1.00. The highest sensitivity and specificity of BS were 0.92 with 95% CI: 0.81, 0.98 and 0.96 with 95% CI: 0.78, 1.00, respectively. The results of meta-analysis of ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT diagnosis with confirmation by surgical and histopathological examination showed that the area under the summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve (AUC) =0.826 and standard error (SE) (AUC) =0.0425. The results of meta-analysis of BS diagnosis with confirmation by surgical and histopathological examination showed that the area under the SROC curve (AUC) =0.714 and SE (AUC) =0.0034.DiscussionThe meta-analysis showed that ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT has clear advantages over BS in the diagnosis of bone metastases of malignant prostate tumors, and could improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastases.     

Morphology of the posteromedial fragment in pertrochanteric fractures: A three-dimensional computed tomography analysis

BackgroundIn this study we describe the morphology of the posteromedial fragment in pertrochanteric fractures using 3D CT scans and answer two questions 1) Do differences exist between the 3D CT appearances of posteromedial fragments and the depictions made in the AO classification 2) Does the posteromedial fragment affect stability in pertrochanteric fractures, in terms of fracture collapse?MethodsPreoperative CT scans of eight 31-A1 and fifty 31-A2 fractures were analysed. The presence of PM fragment, its fragmentation, greater trochanter (GT) involvement, lesser trochanter (LT) fragment size (in terms of its posterior and medial extent as well as LT length), LT fragment displacement (in terms of medial displacement and rotation) were determined. All fractures were treated with a DHS. Fracture collapse was determined on postoperative radiographs. The relationship between fracture collapse and patient factors including age, gender, fracture type (A1 versus A2), characteristics of the posteromedial fragment, and the presence of a lateral wall fracture were determined.ResultsThree out of eight 31-A1 fractures demonstrated a separate GT fragment (three part fracture). Out of the 50 31-A2 fractures, 12 had a single PM fragment, which included the LT and GT in continuity. The more common four part fractures seem to form by further fragmentation of this basic form. In A2 fractures, the GT was almost always broken and the broken fragment comprised a mean 56% of normal GT. The LT fragment involved an average of 74% of the posterior wall, and an average of 36% of the medial wall of the proximal femur. Larger LT fragments were less displaced as compared to smaller fragments. Univariate regression analyses revealed that fracture collapse was significantly correlated with fracture type (A1 versus A2, p 0.036), GT size (p 0.002) and the presence of a lateral wall fracture (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study revealed some important differences between the 3D CT appearances and AO classification of pertrochanteric fractures. Further, neither fragmentation of the posteromedial fragment, nor the size of the lesser trochanter fragment was found to predict stability in pertrochanteric fractures. A perioperative lateral wall fracture is the main determinant of stability in these fractures.     

Visceral torso computed tomography for clearance of the thoracolumbar spine in trauma: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Accurate screening of the thoracolumbar spine (TLS) remains problematic in the care of trauma patients. The current standard of care for TLS screening is not clearly defined. In trauma patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) of the chest and or abdomen, compelling supportive evidence for reformatting and reusing this CT data to clear the thoracolumbar spine has accumulated over the last 3 years. The objective of this review was to identify and review all published studies comparing reformatted CT to traditional plain radiography for TLS clearance. METHODS: A Medline search for all English language articles published on this subject since 1980 identified seven studies. Each was classified according to the levels of evidence classification of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. The methodology of each study was reviewed for the CT protocol, utilization of radiologist blinding and whether historical dictated reports or de novo image readings were used for comparison. The sensitivity and specificity of each study and the gold standard utilized in its calculation was noted. Where available, detailed information regarding the missed injuries and their clinical relevance was abstracted for each study. RESULTS: All evaluated studies demonstrated superior sensitivity and interobserver variability for reformatted CT compared with plain radiographic screening. CT was also more accurate in localizing, classifying, and delineating the age, bony intrusion, and soft-tissue damage associated with the fracture. For studies with time-motion components, a protocol utilizing CT clearance was not only more accurate but faster and more economical. Screening with reformatted visceral CT data required no additional scan time or radiation exposure. CONCLUSION: The evidence to date demonstrates the superior sensitivity of reformatted visceral CT for detecting thoracolumbar spine injury. With no further patient movement, radiation exposure, cost, or time, trauma patients undergoing visceral CT can have their thoracolumbar spine promptly evaluated. Further prospective evaluation of the CT protocols to optimize visualization of both the viscera and the bone is warranted.