Trauma Care

Purpose: MRI is a valuable tool in evaluating select acute spine trauma cases, offering superior assessment of soft tissue, ligament, and spinal cord injuries compared to CT and radiographs. Although the ACR Appropriateness Criteria advises MRIs be performed without gadolinium-based IV contrast, guidelines utilized by ordering physicians do not clarify the role of contrast. The downsides of IV contrast should be balanced against potential benefits. This study examined the frequency and value of contrast-enhanced MRI in acute spine trauma. Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective chart review of spine MRIs ordered for trauma between 2020 and 2022 was conducted at a level 1 trauma, academic medical center. Contrast-enhanced studies were reviewed by a neuroradiologist for clinically significant findings (fractures, ligamentous injuries, epidural hematoma, cord injury) visible only or more clearly on postcontrast imaging. Patient demographics, clinical and operative notes, ordering provider specialty, and preceding imaging were reviewed. Results: Of 729 eligible patients receiving MRIs (608 adult, 121 pediatric), 16.2% of studies were performed with contrast. Pediatric patients were more likely to have radiographs and less likely to have CTs performed before MRI. Pediatric patients were more likely to undergo contrast-enhanced MRIs than adults (32.2% vs. 13.0%). Hospitalists ordered contrast more frequently (61.5%) than surgery (14.2%), emergency medicine (12.6%), or internal medicine (21.2%) providers. No cases were identified where postcontrast imaging provided findings missed or less visible on precontrast imaging. Conclusions: The absence of added value from contrast-enhanced imaging supports ACR guidelines against routine contrast use in MRI assessment of spine trauma. Heterogeneous ordering practices highlight the need for provider education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric trauma resuscitation requires rapid, coordinated interdisciplinary teamwork; however, communication and organizational challenges frequently impede effective performance. This study aimed to characterize cross-disciplinary perceptions of barriers encountered during pediatric trauma activations and to contextualize these findings within an evidence-based quality improvement framework. Methods: We conducted a single-center, cross-sectional, anonymous electronic survey at a Level II pediatric trauma center within a tertiary adult hospital. Participants included attending and resident physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, technicians, and ancillary staff involved in pediatric trauma activations. A 22-item survey assessed leadership, audibility, closed-loop communication, role clarity, crowding, and overall coordination. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, and free-text responses were reviewed thematically. Results: Sixty-seven team members responded (attending physicians n = 12, residents n = 15, nurses n = 22, respiratory therapists/technicians n = 18). Overall, 82% reported that crowding interfered with resuscitations, while only 6% rated leaders as very effective at managing crowding. Difficulty hearing the team leader (60%) and peers (66%) was common. Roles were always defined for 16% of respondents, and consistent use of closed-loop communication was reported by 24%; 3% were unfamiliar with the concept. More than half of respondents (54%) reported excessive personnel during activations. Conclusions: Pediatric trauma team members identified crowding, poor audibility, role ambiguity, and inconsistent structured communication as barriers to effective resuscitation. These findings support targeted quality improvement strategies, including team-size management, reinforcement of closed-loop communication, checklist use, and recurring in situ simulation with structured debriefing. Full article

Background: Non-operative management (NOM) is the standard of care for haemodynamically stable patients with blunt splenic injury; however, failure of NOM remains clinically significant, particularly in settings where adjunctive interventions such as splenic artery embolisation are not routinely utilised. This study aimed to evaluate NOM outcomes and identify predictors of failure at a South African Level I trauma centre. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of adult patients with blunt splenic injury over a 5-year period (2020–2025) was conducted. Patients were stratified according to their initial management strategy into operative and non-operative groups. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test, and continuous variables using the Mann–Whitney U test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of NOM failure. Results: A total of 136 patients were included. Twelve patients (8.8%) underwent immediate operative management, while 124 (91.2%) were initially managed non-operatively. NOM was successful in 112 patients (90.3%), with 12 patients (9.7%) requiring delayed operative intervention. Overall mortality was 4.4% (6/136), with all deaths attributable to associated injuries rather than isolated splenic trauma. Increased admission heart rate was independently associated with NOM failure (OR 1.04 per beat increase; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; p = 0.009). Higher Injury Severity Scores and severe traumatic brain injury were more frequent in patients with NOM failure but were not independently predictive. Splenic artery embolisation was not utilised in this cohort. Conclusions: Non-operative management is safe and effective for blunt splenic injury, with high rates of splenic preservation. Admission tachycardia predicts NOM failure and may guide early clinical decision-making. These findings support the use of NOM in low- and middle-income settings where interventional radiology is not routinely available. Full article

Background: Despite standardization of treatment for ankle fractures, postoperative complications continue to pose a challenge. Previous studies focused on the association between patient-specific factors and early complications; less is known about fracture- and treatment-related factors. This study aimed to identify independent predictors of early postoperative complications in ankle fractures by including patient, fracture, and treatment-related factors. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center analysis of consecutive patients with surgically treated ankle fractures at a Level 1 trauma center (2013–2019). The main outcome was the time to the occurrence of an early post-operative complication, defined as an event requiring emergency medical consultation within the first 90 days after definitive fracture stabilization, deviating from the hospital’s standard aftercare protocol. Four different Cox regression analyses were performed to identify significant independent risk factors with the best fit. Results: Around 25% of the patients with ankle fractures developed an early postoperative complication. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed the following predictors of early complications: diabetes, substance abuse, older age, type of fracture, and insufficient/missing plaster reduction. Conclusion: Nearly one quarter of our patients developed an early postoperative complication. While some of the predictors of early complications cannot be modified, others might serve as targets for improving outcomes and reducing morbidity of ankle fracture surgeries. Full article

Background: While ibuprofen is a widely used non-opioid analgesic with growing evidence in surgical settings, its safety and efficacy in acute burn care remain poorly characterized. This review aims to address this gap. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR (September 2025) across PubMed, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Scopus for original, English-language studies evaluating the safety and/or efficacy of ibuprofen, distinguishable from multimodal regimens, for acute burn analgesia. Results: Of 136 studies, six met inclusion criteria (5 adult, 1 pediatric). Populations primarily consisted of second- and third-degree burns; only two studies included >10% total body surface area (TBSA). Study designs were heterogeneous, all with moderate to high risk of bias, including one retrospective study (oral ibuprofen), two experimental double-blind placebo randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (topical; oral), and three clinical RCTs (intravenous; topical; topical and oral). No study reported associations with increased adverse events; a retrospective study found no increased bleeding risk with perioperative ibuprofen in skin graft patients. Analgesic outcomes were not directly comparable across studies due to heterogeneity. Experimental models found that ibuprofen did not reduce acute burn pain, but attenuated pain within hyperalgesic skin. Among clinical studies, both oral and dressing ibuprofen formulations demonstrated reduced procedural pain. One topical study noted faster wound healing, though this was confounded by less frequent dressing changes. Conclusions: The available studies were insufficient to draw definitive conclusions, limited by sample size, heterogeneity, bias, and exclusion of high-risk patients. Nonetheless, no study reported increased adverse events across diverse ibuprofen protocols. These findings underscore the need for adequately powered, agent-specific trials in clinically representative burn populations to inform evidence-based multimodal compositions amidst growing advocacy for opioid-sparing analgesia. Full article

Background: Renal trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among trauma patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where penetrating injuries are common. Although international evidence increasingly supports selective non-operative management (SNOM) for haemodynamically stable patients, data from resource-limited settings remain scarce. This study sought to assess the management outcomes of patients with traumatic renal injury at a South African tertiary trauma centre, describing management patterns and outcomes and identifying predictors of in-hospital death. Methods: A retrospective audit was carried out on all consecutive trauma patients presenting with renal injuries at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) between July 2021 and June 2024. Patient demographics, injury mechanism and grade, admission physiological parameters, management strategies, complications, and outcomes were documented. Associations with in-hospital mortality were analysed using bivariate methods and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Of 161 patients included, 91.3% were male, with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range [IQR] 26–38). Penetrating trauma accounted for 80.1% of cases, predominantly gunshot wounds (GSWs; 49.7%). Most injuries were classified as American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grades III–V (74.5%), and 68.3% required surgical intervention, although direct renal procedures were necessary in only 42.7% of operated patients. Nephrectomy accounted for 80.9% of renal-specific surgical interventions (38 of 47 patients who underwent a direct renal procedure). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 17.4%. On multivariable analysis, admission lactate (hazard ratio [HR] 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.18; p = 0.049), admission creatinine (HR 1.56; 95% CI 1.29–1.89; p < 0.001), and blood product transfusion within 24 h (HR 3.27; 95% CI 1.14–9.41; p = 0.028) were independently associated with mortality in the adjusted model. Conclusions: Admission lactate, creatinine, and early blood transfusion requirements were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in the adjusted model in this high-acuity cohort. These readily available physiological markers may facilitate early identification of high-risk patients in resource-limited settings; however, in the absence of ISS data, these variables may partly reflect the global burden of physiological insult from polytrauma rather than renal-specific predictors of death. A proportion of patients were managed non-operatively; however, given the inherent selection bias in management allocation and the absence of SNOM-specific outcome data stratified by AAST grade, no conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of non-operative management can be drawn from this descriptive audit. Full article

Background: Recreational motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt and motor bikes, snowmobiles, and e-scooters, are an increasingly recognized source of severe trauma among children. Adult provincial data from Alberta demonstrate high morbidity, mortality, and more than $6 million in acute care costs from ATV-related injuries over a decade; however, pediatric injury patterns remain under-characterized despite rising exposure. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients presenting with major trauma (Injury Severity Score > 12) to the Stollery Children’s Hospital between December 2019 and June 2023. Recreational motorized vehicle-related cases were analyzed for demographics, injury mechanisms, injury severity, hospital resource utilization, and clinical outcomes. Available Abbreviated Injury Scale data were reviewed descriptively for a subset of ATV-related injuries. Results: Of 345 pediatric major trauma cases, 55 (16%) involved recreational motorized vehicles, accounting for 17% of major blunt trauma presentations. ATVs were the most common mechanism (58%), followed by dirt/motor bikes (23.6%), snowmobiles (14.5%), and e-scooters (3.6%). Patients were predominantly male (72.7%) with a mean age of 13.1 years. Operative intervention was required in 58.2% of cases, 30.9% required pediatric intensive care unit admission, and mortality was 5.5%. Helmet status was incompletely documented; only 36.4% of patients were recorded as wearing helmets. Children from rural regions accounted for 43.6% of injuries. In the ATV subset with available AIS data, head, facial, and extremity injuries were most common, and all patients sustained at least one serious injury (AIS ≥ 3). Conclusions: Recreational motorized vehicles represent a substantial and preventable cause of severe pediatric trauma in Alberta. When contextualized with adult provincial data demonstrating significant mortality and healthcare costs, these findings support strengthened injury-prevention strategies, improved safety enforcement, and evidence-informed policy approaches. Full article

Background: The management of persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) is limited by the absence of objective biomarkers to guide treatment. We examined the early effects of a mild hyperbaric oxygen protocol on serum biomarkers of neuronal injury (neurofilament light chain, NfL), astrogliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), acute neuronal injury (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1, UCH-L1), and axonal stability (total tau) in patients with PPCS. Methods: In this single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled adults with PPCS lasting from 3 months to 5 years after mild traumatic brain injury. Participants received 40 sessions of either active treatment (≥99% O₂ at 1.5 atmospheres absolute, ATA) or a true chamber placebo (21% O₂ with simulated pressure changes). Serum samples were collected at baseline and 13 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome was the difference between groups in serum NfL levels. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis using a two-way ANOVA with Šídák’s multiple comparison test. Findings: Of 84 individuals assessed, 20 were randomized (Placebo, n = 9; Intervention, n = 11). Eight from each group received their respective interventions. At 13 weeks, one participant from each group was lost to follow-up, leaving seven per group for analysis. We found no significant differences in serum levels of GFAP, NfL, total tau, or UCH-L1 between the intervention and placebo groups from baseline to 13 weeks. Conclusions: A 40-session mild hyperbaric oxygen protocol at 1.5 ATA did not significantly change serum biomarkers of neuronal injury, astrogliosis, or acute neuronal damage at 13 weeks post-treatment in individuals with PPCS. This early-phase analysis, at the highest point of participant retention, provides no evidence of a treatment effect on these pathophysiological markers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traumatic injury in adults can result in decreased physical function, reduced health-related quality of life, and persisting mental health problems. Enhanced rehabilitation in the acute setting may support recovery. Although prior reviews have investigated enhanced rehabilitation across multiple care settings, there remains limited emphasis on interventions implemented specifically within the acute phase of care. This narrative review aimed to examine the current evidence evaluating the effect of enhanced rehabilitation delivered by physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy on physical function following traumatic injury. Methods: A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL was conducted to identify experimental and quasi-experimental studies that delivered enhanced unidisciplinary or multidisciplinary rehabilitation immediately following traumatic injury. Key findings from relevant studies were synthesised narratively. Results: Three randomised controlled trials were included. Due to heterogeneity in population presentations, interventions, outcomes, and timing of measurement, qualitative synthesis was not feasible. There was no significant difference in acute length of stay or discharge destination between intervention and control groups. The effect of enhanced rehabilitation on physical function was inconclusive, and the optimal dosage remains unclear due to inadequate reporting. Conclusions: Evidence for enhanced rehabilitation after traumatic injury is limited. Further research is needed to determine the effect of enhanced rehabilitation on physical function in this population. Pragmatic study designs with standardised reporting and patient-centred outcome measures to capture traumatic injury populations are needed to improve synthesis of findings and guide clinical practice. Full article

Background: Firearm injuries are the leading cause of mortality among youth in the United States and legislation is a key strategy in reducing youth firearm injuries and deaths. Maryland recently enacted a stronger child access prevention (CAP) law known as Jaelynn’s Law, which mandates secure firearm storage and imposes stricter penalties for violations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine firearm storage practices and beliefs in a pediatric and adult emergency department in Baltimore before and after the implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Method: This descriptive study recruited 396 adult participants from pediatric and adult EDs at Johns Hopkins Hospital before and after the implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Participants completed a survey on demographics, firearm ownership, and storage practices. Those with unsafe storage practices were provided educational pamphlets and safe storage devices. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 28, with descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Chi-square analyses used to assess differences pre- and post-law implementation. Results: Of the participants, 29% owned firearms, with 86% of firearm owners having children in the home. Firearms were primarily stored locked and unloaded. No significant differences in storage practices were observed after implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Participants cited quick access for personal protection as a key barrier to safe storage. Conclusions: We found no significant change in safe storage practices post-implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Concerns about personal safety continue to be of primary concern and public health campaigns, legislative measures, and community investment are necessary to enhance safety and safe storage compliance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects more than 50 million people annually worldwide. Challenges in managing moderate-to-severe TBI include high rates of hospital-acquired infections and substantial variability in discharge disposition, and these combined challenges contribute significantly to the cost and trajectory of health recovery. Although current strategies such as antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drains (EVDs) offer some benefit in controlling infections, they remain limited by high cost and inconsistent implementation. A clearer understanding of clinical and demographic factors associated with infection risk and discharge disposition are essential for improving care pathways. This study aims to identify and quantify key determinants of infection and discharge outcomes in patients with TBI. Methods: The National Trauma Database (NTDB) was queried using structured query language (SQL) based on predefined inclusion criteria (adult patients with ICD-coded TBI), input variables (basic demographics, injury location and severity, and vital signs), and specified outcome variables (emergency department discharge disposition, infection, and sepsis) to identify and filter the eligible patient cohort. A set of machine learning models were trained for each outcome (e.g., Emergency Department (ED) discharge, types of infections, and sepsis). Results: Data from 310,494 patients were extracted. The prediction model we developed, the Predictive TBI-Disposition Model (PTDM), was able to predict the outcome of a patient’s discharge with 96% accuracy. The accuracy of the models for infection and sepsis was 93% and 94%, respectively. Conclusions: Demographic and clinical factors significantly influence the discharge disposition and infection risk among TBI patients. Machine learning models demonstrated strong predictive performance, suggesting their utility in early risk stratification and targeted clinical decision-making. Full article

Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) frequently coexists with polytrauma and often necessitates damage control neurosurgery (DCNS), where rapid decompression and temporary stabilization take precedence over definitive reconstruction. Within this context, anesthetic management must balance cerebral protection with ongoing resuscitation, yet high-quality DCNS-specific evidence remains limited. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2015–2025) was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords related to neurotrauma, anesthesia, intracranial pressure, and perioperative management. Studies were included if they examined anesthetic or hemodynamic strategies in severe TBI or DCNS and reported relevant clinical or physiologic outcomes. Results: Nineteen articles addressing perioperative strategies for optimizing DCNS outcomes were analyzed. Discussion: Preoperative care emphasizes hemodynamic stabilization and permissive hypertension, damage control resuscitation including massive transfusion protocols, optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and neuromonitoring, and the use of hyperosmolar therapy. Transexamic acid can be used in sTBI safely but with unclear improvement in outcomes. Intraoperatively, propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia is generally preferred over volatile agents due to favorable effects on intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), autoregulation, and emergence. While historically contraindicated, ketamine and etomidate are now increasingly used as hemodynamically protective induction agents. Analgesic and sedative strategies prioritize dexmedetomidine and carefully titrated opioids to minimize respiratory depression and reduce postoperative complications. CPP and ICP-directed management relies on individualized blood pressure targets, vasopressor selection, lung-protective ventilation, and strict temperature control. Conclusions: Emerging evidence has suggested the benefit of DCNS for patient survival. Overall, perioperative care is guided largely by physiology and extrapolation, highlighting the need for standardized protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the past few decades, there have been advancements in surgical techniques, improved understanding of spinal biomechanics, and awareness of complications associated with halo vest (HV) use with resultant surgical treatment of various pathologies that cause acute or chronic atlantoaxial instability. The purpose of this study was to see how HV usage has changed over time. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the North American Clinical Trials Network database. Patients with cervical spinal cord injury from 2006 through 2019 were identified and the trend of HV use was analyzed. Results: The mean age of patients who received HV was 37.4 years and 50 for those treated with other options, p < 0.0001. Its use consistently declined after 2009. After 2015 this decline reached nil in the database (p < 0.0001). Patients between 45 and 59 years (3.4%) and Above 60 years (2.8%) group had the least treatment using HV. Fall accident (4.7%, p = 0.0295) and central cord syndrome (4.6%, p = 0.0004) were associated with low HV use. Pulmonary complications were higher (89.4%) with HV use (vs. 65.9% with no HV), p = 0.0008. Pulmonary complications with HV decreased after 2012. Conclusions: HV as treatment option for conditions involving the cervical spine has decreased. This declining trend is attributable to decreased use in older individuals due to higher rates of complications and unfavorable outcomes with its use. The decreasing trend appears to coincide with published data showing better outcomes with surgical treatment and unfavorable outcomes with HV use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury in elderly patients is a significant public health concern, particularly for those on antithrombotic therapy. A clearer understanding of how different antithrombotic agents affect the likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage in elderly patients with TBI is needed to guide clinical management. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of preinjury antithrombotic agents on the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in elderly patients with traumatic brain injury. Methods: The design was a retrospective cohort study set in a regional Australian hospital emergency department. The study evaluated elderly patients (≥65 years) with head injury cases identified from the integrated electronic medical record using SNOMED codes. Data on patient demographics, antithrombotic use, computed tomography imaging, and outcomes were collected. Results: A total of 152 elderly TBI patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 90.1% had falls leading to TBI. Among the patients, 30.3% were on antiplatelet agents, 23% were on direct oral anticoagulants, 7.2% were on vitamin K antagonists, and 39.5% were not on any antithrombotic agents. Intracranial hemorrhage was found in 26.5% of patients, with both direct oral anticoagulants (aOR 4.87, 95% CI 1.42–16.67, p < 0.01) and vitamin K antagonists (aOR 4.95, 95% CI 1.04–23.55, p < 0.04) demonstrating statistically significant associations with increased odds of ICH. Conclusions: Both vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants were associated with a higher odds of intracranial hemorrhage in elderly patients with TBI, while antiplatelet therapy did not show this effect. Full article

Goring during bullfights represents a penetrating trauma with a high risk of muscular, vascular, and vital injuries. Despite its frequency and severity, limited information is available on the immediate physiological response of the bullfighter at the moment of trauma. This case report describes the heart rate of a professional bullfighter who was gored during a bullfight, underwent surgery, and returned to fight the next bull. During the first fight, the bullfighter suffered a penetrating goring wound to the inner side of the lower third of his right thigh and a fracture of the ninth rib with intercostal rupture. Upon standing, he experienced a marked drop in heart rate and a feeling of loss of consciousness, possibly associated with vasovagal presyncope. He was transferred to the infirmary in hemodynamically stable condition. He was given local anesthesia, followed by surgical exploration, cleaning, and layered closure of the wound. After surgery, the bullfighter experienced a gradual increase in heart rate upon standing, possibly due to postural changes and postoperative sympathetic activation. He then returned to the bullring to resume activity. This case report highlights a possible vasovagal response to penetrating trauma, which may be relevant for trauma care, as a vasovagal or parasympathetic-predominant autonomic response could influence early clinical assessment. Full article

Background: To compare the biomechanical strength of three fixation techniques for the elbow anterior capsule and coronoid process using a synthetic ulna model. We hypothesize that a cortical suture button would be equivalent to the bone tunnel model but inferior to a screw-post construct. Methods: A biomechanical study was conducted using a composite ulna bone model to simulate coronoid process fixation with three techniques: traditional trans-osseous bone tunnel repair, suspensory fixation using a cortical button, and a screw-post construct using a 3.5 mm cortical screw. All constructs were assembled using high-strength suture. Each specimen underwent axial loading on an Instron machine until failure, defined as loss of fixation through the dorsal cortex. Peak ultimate strength was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. Results: The suture button construct demonstrated the highest mean ultimate strength at 490.3 ± 125.2 N, significantly greater than both the bone tunnel (328.8 ± 86.4 N, p < 0.01) and screw-post constructs (273.4 ± 54.5 N, p < 0.001). While the bone tunnel construct exhibited a 20.3% higher strength than the screw-post construct, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). The screw-post construct showed the least variability in strength to failure but the lowest overall strength. The suture button demonstrated the greatest mechanical strength but also the most variability. Conclusions: Suspensory fixation using a titanium cortical suture button provides significantly greater mechanical strength compared to traditional bone tunnel and screw-post techniques in a synthetic ulna model. While variability was greatest with the suture button construct, its superior load-bearing capacity suggests potential advantages in stabilizing the elbow through anterior capsule and coronoid fracture repair. These findings support further clinical investigation of suture button fixation as a viable technique in complex elbow injuries. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are critical in upper extremity (UE) compartment syndrome to prevent irreversible muscle necrosis or amputation. Despite its prevalence, there remains limited literature guiding surgical management or predictors of complications. This study aims to characterize risk factors and outcomes following UE fasciotomies. Methods: A 14-year (2010–2024) retrospective review was conducted of adult patients undergoing fasciotomies for UE compartment syndrome at a level 1 trauma center. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, incomplete records, or fasciotomies not performed for compartment syndrome. Data collected include demographics, injury mechanism, presenting symptoms, and diagnostic methods. Intraoperative details obtained include incision type, number of interventions, closure method, presence of muscle necrosis, and amputation. Results: Fifty-five patients (58 extremities) met the inclusion criteria (median age 42 years; 85% male). Mechanisms included fractures (29.3%), prolonged pressure (“found-down”) (25.9%), vascular injuries (13.8%), ballistic trauma (8.6%), crush (6.9%), and other (15.5%). Common symptoms were pain (72.4%), paresthesias (48.3%), and motor dysfunction (43.1%). Isolated fasciotomy incisions included volar forearm (41.4%), hand (8.6%), dorsal forearm (3.4%), and upper arm (1.7%), with the remaining being combinations thereof. Among the 40 total volar forearm fasciotomies, none developed postoperative dorsal forearm muscle necrosis. Muscle necrosis (19%) was associated with pallor (p = 0.05) and pulselessness (p < 0.001). A prolonged pressure mechanism was associated with increased muscle necrosis (p = 0.02) and amputation (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the fracture mechanism was associated with decreased muscle necrosis (p < 0.001) and higher DPC rates (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Pain, paresthesias, and motor dysfunction were most common symptoms in UE compartment syndrome; pallor and pulselessness correlated with muscle necrosis, indicating advanced compartment syndrome. The prolonged pressure mechanism was associated with greater muscle necrosis and amputation, while fracture-related mechanisms were associated with decreased muscle necrosis and higher DPC rates. Full article

External fixation is widely used in trauma care for managing bone and soft tissue injuries. These devices are often associated with psychological challenges and are often not followed up with sufficient psychological support for the patient. The specific psychological impact of external fixation following traumatic injuries remains underexplored. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the current literature on the psychological impact of external fixation in trauma patients. A systematic search of CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and EBSCO identified ten studies (2006–2024), from the USA, Europe, Asia, and Oceania to be included based on inclusion criteria of using the device for traumatic injuries (excluding limb lengthening procedures) and assessing psychological outcomes using validated tools. Data extracted included injury type, fixator application, survey type, and mental health outcomes. Common measures included HADS, SF-36/SF-12, PedsQL, CRIES-13, EQ-5D-5L, and patient-reported questionnaires. The findings showed that elevated psychological distress was greatest during early recovery (~1 month). Body image concerns were frequently reported with the fixator in place; however, partial recovery of mental health scores was seen by 12–24 months. These findings emphasize the need for additional research and a greater integration of mental health resources in trauma care protocols involving external fixation. Full article

Background: Quality of life is a foundational component of overall health and is negatively impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the last decade, acupuncture treatment has become a popularized treatment option for PTSD, especially for Veterans. Research evidence is needed to provide support for acupuncture as a treatment for PTSD which leads to an enhanced quality of life. Objectives: This paper investigated the changes in health-related quality of life in Veterans with combat PTSD who enrolled in a 5-year randomized (two-arm, parallel-group, prospective, single-blinded) clinical trial, completing either a control (Sham) or acupuncture (Verum) treatment (N = 93). Methods: Health-related quality of life was measured by the Veterans RAND 12-item Health Survey (VR-12). Paired t tests between and among participants’ differences were calculated for the Verum acupuncture group, Sham acupuncture group, and Total group. Results: Veterans who completed acupuncture treatment in either randomized arm (Verum and Sham) had a self-perceived improvement in quality of life when assessing physical and mental health symptoms. Specifically, those who were randomized and completed Verum acupuncture treatment reported the greatest improvement in mental health quality of life. Conclusions: Study results support prior foundational findings that acupuncture has a positive effect on self-reported quality of life by reducing PTSD symptoms in Veterans with combat PTSD, with Verum acupuncture eliciting the greatest improvement on mental health symptoms. Full article