1/41. Post-traumatic distal nerve entrapment syndrome.Eleven patients with paralysis of muscle groups in the upper or lower extremity were clinically diagnosed after previous proximal direct trauma to the corresponding peripheral nerves, without complete nerve disruption. patients were seen within an average of 8 months after trauma (minimum 3 months and maximum 2 years after). Nerve lesions were caused either by gunshot, motor-vehicle accident, and other direct trauma or, in one case, after tumor excision. All patients presented with complete sensory and motor loss distal to the trauma site, but demonstrated a positive Tinel sign and pain on testing over the "classic" (distal) anatomic nerve entrapment sites only. After surgical release through decompression of the nerve compression site distal to the trauma, a recovery of sensory function was achieved after surgery in all cases. Good-to-excellent restoration of motor function (M4/M5) was achieved in 63 percent of all cases. Twenty-five percent had no or only poor improvement in motor function, despite a good sensory recovery. Those patients in whom nerve compression sites were surgically released before 6 months after trauma had an improvement in almost all neural functions, compared to those patients who underwent surgery later than 9 months post trauma. A possible explanation of traumatically caused neurogenic paralysis with subsequent distal nerve compressions is provided, using the "double crush syndrome" hypothesis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = compression (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/41. Transcranial doppler detection of fat emboli.BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The fat embolism syndrome (FES) is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary and neurological symptoms as well as skin and mucosal petechiae in the setting of long-bone fractures or their surgical repair. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood, and effective treatments are lacking. We present 5 patients with long-bone fractures in whom in vivo microembolism was detected by transcranial Doppler. methods: Five patients with long-bone fractures were monitored with transcranial Doppler for microembolic signals (MESs) after trauma. Two patients also had intraoperative monitoring. A TC-2020 instrument equipped with MES detection software was used. Detected signals were saved for subsequent review. Selected signals satisfied criteria defined previously and were categorized as large or small. RESULTS: Cerebral microembolism was detected in all 5 patients and was transient, resolving within 4 days of injury. Intraoperative monitoring revealed an increase in MESs during intramedullary nail insertion. The characteristics of MESs after injury varied among patients, with large signals being more frequent in the only patient with a patent foramen ovale. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral microembolism after long-bone fractures can be detected in vivo and monitored over time. These findings may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 20.799515481462keywords = fracture (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/41. The platform transfer splint: 2 case reports of a mobility aide for persons with arm injuries or conditions.Limited or impaired mobility is a major obstacle to maximizing length of stay efficiency for inpatient rehabilitation. Trauma patients and others with multiple limb impairments present a mobility challenge to all rehabilitation centers. Of particular concern are patients with forearm fractures who are nonambulatory. With shorter inpatient stays, patients are being discharged home or to other settings with continued weight-bearing restrictions. These patients put great demands on their caregivers as a result of their limited mobility. The Platform Transfer Splint (PTS) has been developed to overcome limitations seen in this patient population. It is an upper extremity splint that allows weight bearing through the humerus for patients with impairments of the forearm or hand. With use of the PTS, patients can become independent in transfers and wheelchair propulsion. Two case studies are presented to show the impact of the PTS on patient mobility and discharge disposition. Fabrication of the splint is also discussed.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 5.1998788703655keywords = fracture (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/41. Early decompression fasciotomy in the treatment of high-voltage electrical burns of the extremities.Based on a knowledge of electropathophysiology, a recommended treatment has been proposed for the management of extensive high-voltage electrical burns. Early, aggressive, surgical intervention consisting of adequate decompression fasciotomy and wound debridement has been emphasized as the first line of treatment. Frequent redebridements under general anesthesia are important to the preservation of viable tissue. Early coverage procedures or attempts at primary closure following decompression are contraindicated in high-voltage injuries. This method of treatment in eight cases of high-voltage, electrical injury has preserved viable tissue, decreased the incidence of fatal sepsis and renal shutdown, decreased patient morbidity, and generally facilitated patient rehabilitation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.5keywords = compression (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/41. The use of manual edema mobilization for the reduction of persistent edema in the upper limb.Management of persistent edema with the common treatment methods reported in the literature is not always successful. Manual edema mobilization (MEM) is a relatively new treatment regimen derived from established European and Australian lymphedema reduction regimens. It includes the use of exercises, light skin-tractioning massage techniques following the lymphatic pathways, and the use of low-compression garments. The typical patient who may benefit from the use of MEM has a presumed healthy lymphatic system, is an active participant, and performs some of the techniques independently between therapy sessions. This case report describes the use of MEM on a patient with multiple trauma, which resulted in a significant reduction--78%--of the persistent edema in the affected upper limb. A theoretic rationale is offered for each MEM technique.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.25keywords = compression (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/41. Volkmann's ischemia. A volar compartment syndrome of the forearm.In a series of 19 patients with Volkmann's iscemia, 63 per cent had suffered skeletal trauma, whereas 38 per cent had received non-skeletal trauma. Non-specific trauma may trigger an ischemia-edema cycle, producing increased intracompartmental pressure. This cycle, if unrelieved, can involve all of the muscles in the compartment, via cyclic propagation and reinforcement of arterial spasm. The volar compartmental syndrome is not an all or none phenomenon. Localized ischemia may trigger a gradually spreading arterial spasm which results in slowly progressive clinical changes as late as 3-4 months after onset. decompression not only of the compartment but of each individual muscle which shows evidence of vascular compromise, may reverse this destructive cycle even as late as 3-4 months but it should be performed promptly with the onset of symptoms, when its effect is rapid and dramatic. Induration of the compartment is pathognomonic of the compartmental syndrome. As long as it is present, benefit can be expected from decompression procedures. regeneration of necrotic ischemic muscle is possible following restoration of circulation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = compression (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/41. Facial fractures and related injuries: a ten-year retrospective analysis.A retrospective analysis of 828 patients with significant midface or mandibular fractures was undertaken to illustrate the multisystem nature of traumatic injuries associated with fracture of the facial skeleton, covering the period from 1985 to 1994. Special emphasis was placed on determining associated injuries sustained as well as epidemiological information. The experience presented differs from other large series in the literature in that the predominant mechanism of injury is motor vehicle accidents (67%) rather than assaults. Of the patients reviewed, 89% sustained significant associated injuries. Closed head trauma with documented loss of consciousness was noted most frequently (40%), followed by extremity fractures (33%), thoracic trauma (29%), and traumatic brain injuries (25%). Only 11% of patients sustained facial fractures without concomitant injury.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 41.599030962924keywords = fracture (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/41. Vascular surgery of the upper limb: the first year of a new vascular service.Upper limb vascular reconstruction represents a small part of the vascular surgical workload (5%). The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of upper limb vascular reconstruction in a Regional Hospital. During the first year of a new vascular surgical service in Waterford Regional Hospital, upper limb vascular problems were prospectively analysed. Upper limb vascular reconstruction comprised seven of the total 92 major vascular procedures performed. Three cases were emergencies and four elective. There was one case of penetrating injury, two injuries due to blunt trauma, three patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and one chronic ischaemia. The male:female ratio was 4:3 and the mean age was 42 years. Six of the cases were arterial in nature only, and one was both venous and arterial. Two of the cases were associated with upper limb fractures and multiple trauma. Three patients had interposition reversed cephalic vein grafting. One patient had an embolectomy and endarterectomy. Procedures for TOS included excision of a cervical rib in two patients (one bilateral) and scalenectomy alone in one patient. Of these, one patient also had thrombolysis and thrombectomy of the axillary and brachial artery. All of the patients made a good functional recovery and all arteries remained patent but the patient with the brachial plexus injury is awaiting repair abroad. Upper limb vascular problems form a small but significant part (8%) of the workload. Many cases present as emergencies and maybe associated with multiple trauma. This emphasises the need for an emergency vascular surgery service in all trauma units.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 5.1998788703655keywords = fracture (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/41. Upper thoracic spinal cord injury without vertebral bony lesion: a report of two cases.STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To describe a rarely reported type of upper thoracic spinal cord injury without vertebral bony lesion in two cases with multiple trauma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Because it is supported by the stiffness of the rib cage, the upper thoracic spine has greater stability than the cervical and lumbar regions, and thus its fracture or fracture dislocation is less frequent. Nevertheless, when fracture or fracture dislocation of upper thoracic spine occurs, spinal cord involvement and severe concomitant injuries are frequently associated. methods: Two cases who were suspected to have thoracic spinal cord injuries were referred to our emergency center: a 19-year-old girl presented with paraparesis after her motorcycle collided with a truck, and a 63-year-old male involved in an industrial accident presented with paraplegia. RESULTS: Radiograph and computed tomography scan showed no abnormality or dislocation in the vertebral bodies in these two cases, although the upper thoracic spinal cord injuries were suspected by clinical features. Magnetic resonance images detected abnormal signals, suggesting spinal cord injuries, and these signals each emanated from levels that coincided with the observed clinical features. CONCLUSIONS: Transient subluxation or displacement might have caused the upper thoracic spinal cord injuries after the support of the rib cages was temporarily lost on application of excessive force, although such findings could not be confirmed by imaging procedures.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 20.799515481462keywords = fracture (Clic here for more details about this article) |
10/41. Archery-related injuries of the hand, forearm, and elbow.The five patients reported herein had various archery-related injuries of the upper extremities. Acute injuries included arrow laceration of a digital nerve and artery, contusion of forearm skin and subcutaneous tissue, and compression neuropathy of digital nerves from the bowstring. Chronic injuries included bilateral medial epicondylitis and median nerve compression at the wrist, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, and median nerve compression at the elbow. Essential measures for archery safety include use of archery protective gear, use of a light-weight bow, conditioning of the forearm flexor muscles, and modifications in drawing the bowstring.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.75keywords = compression (Clic here for more details about this article) |
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