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Injury Patterns (injury + pattern)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	85%

Selected Abstracts

The Effect of Seatbelt Use on Injury Patterns, Disposition, and Hospital Charges for Elders

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2002
Andrew Coley MD
Objective: To study the relationships between seatbelt use and injury patterns, hospital charges, morbidity, and mortality in elder motor vehicle crash victims. Methods: A retrospective review of individuals at least 65 years old presenting to an urban emergency department (ED) after a motor vehicle crash. Results: Over a two-year period, 339 patients had documentation of seatbelt use or non-use at the time of the crash. Of these, 241 (71%) patients had been wearing a seatbelt and 98 (29%) had not. Elders not using seatbelts were more likely to require hospitalization (29% unbelted vs. 17% belted) and had a higher mortality rate. Injury patterns were different in the two groups. Emergency department charges were significantly different between belted and unbelted elders ($351 vs. $451, p = 0.01) and head computed tomography (CT) utilization was higher in the unbelted group (25.6% vs 12.7%, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Improved seatbelt compliance in elders can reduce injuries, hospitalization rates, ED charges, and mortality resulting from motor vehicle crashes. [source]

Disruption of cleft palate repair following the use of the laryngeal mask airway

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 4 2004
N. S. Somerville
Summary A 55-year-old man was admitted for routine examination of ears with insertion of grommets under general anaesthesia. At 2 years of age he had undergone successful repair of cleft lip and palate. A reinforced laryngeal mask airway was employed to maintain the airway. Postoperatively, it was evident he had suffered complete disruption of the soft palate repair, leading to velopharyngeal insufficiency with nasal regurgitation of fluids. We discuss the possible aetiology, having found no such reported injury pattern documented in the literature. [source]

COST, DEMOGRAPHICS AND INJURY PROFILE OF ADULT PEDESTRIAN TRAUMA IN INNER SYDNEY

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2006
Timothy J. Small
Background: Pedestrian accidents are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and cost; however, there has been very little published work on this topic in Australasia over recent years. The objective of this study was to examine the demographics, injury profile, outcomes and cost of pedestrian versus motor vehicle accidents in a central city hospital in Sydney. Methods: Consecutive pedestrians injured by motor vehicles and admitted as inpatients during the years 2002,2004 were identified from our prospective trauma registry. A retrospective review included patient profiles (age, sex, time of injury and blood alcohol), injury pattern, cost, morbidity and mortality. Results: A total of 180 patients (64% men and 36% women) with a mean age of 46 and mean injury severity score of 14.1 were identified. Two peak injury periods were observed: one between 17.00 and 18.00 hours (P < 0.01) and the other between 20.00 and 22.00 hours (P < 0.01). Significantly more injuries occurred on Friday (P < 0.01) and during autumn months (P < 0.05). Musculoskeletal (34.3%), head (31.8%) and external (20.2%) injuries predominated. Forty-nine per cent of patients tested positive for consuming alcohol, with an average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.22%. Alcohol consumption was associated with a worse outcome in terms of hospital and intensive care unit stay, morbidity and mortality. The average length of stay was 13.4 days costing $A16320 per admission. Sixteen patients died (mortality rate of 8.9%), with the highest rate in the elderly group (22.7%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Pedestrian accidents in inner Sydney are common with injuries predominating in intoxicated adult males. Mortality was higher in the elderly group. Injuries to the head and lower extremities predominate. Hospital stays are lengthy, resulting in a high cost for each admission. [source]

Comparative Analysis of Adult versus Adolescent Sexual Assault: Epidemiology and Patterns of Anogenital Injury

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2003
Jeffrey S. Jones MD
Abstract Objectives: To compare the characteristics of sexual assault in pubertal girls (<18 years old) and adults in a community-based population of women presenting to an urban sexual assault clinic. Methods: This case-series analysis evaluated consecutive female patients presenting to a sexual assault clinic during a three-year study period. The clinic is associated with a university-affiliated emergency medicine residency program and is staffed by forensic nurses trained to perform medicolegal examinations using colposcopy with nuclear staining. Patient demographics, assault characteristics, and injury patterns were recorded using a standardized classification system. Data from the two patient groups (adolescents vs. women ,18 years of age) were analyzed using chi-square test and t-test. Results: A total of 766 cases were identified: 43% of the victims were 13 to 17 years old (mean 15.0 years old), and 57% were older than 17 years old (mean 30.8 years old). Adolescents were more likely to be assaulted by an acquaintance or relative (84% vs. 50%, p < 0.001) and to delay medical evaluation (17 hours vs. 12 hours, p < 0.001) than were older women. Adolescent sexual assault was less likely to involve weapons or physical coercion (29% versus 57%, p < 0.001) and was associated with fewer nongenital injuries (33% vs. 55%, p < 0.001). Adolescents had a greater frequency of anogenital injuries (83% vs. 64%, p < 0.001), however, compared with older women. Common sites of injury in adolescents were posterior, including the fossa navicularis, hymen, fourchette, and labia minora. The injuries showed consistent topologic features, varying with the site and nature of tissue. Adult victims of sexual assault had a less consistent pattern of anogenital injuries with fewer hymenal injuries, greater injury to the perianal area, and widespread erythema. Conclusions: Of women presenting to an urban sexual assault clinic, 43% were adolescents. The epidemiology of sexual trauma and the pattern of anogenital trauma in this age group are unique and may pose special challenges to emergency health care providers. [source]

Geographic Variation of Pediatric Burn Injuries in a Metropolitan Area

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 7 2003
Kristine G. Williams MD
Objectives: To use a geographic information system (GIS) and spatial statistics to describe the geographic variation of burn injuries in children 0,14 years of age in a major metropolitan area. Methods: The authors reviewed patient records for burn injuries treated during 1995 at the two children's hospitals in St. Louis. Patient addresses were matched to block groups using a GIS, and block group burn injury rates were calculated. Mapping software and Bayesian analysis were used to create maps of burn injury rates and risks in the city of St. Louis. Results: Three hundred eleven children from the city of St. Louis were treated for burn injuries in 1995. The authors identified an area of high incidence for burn injuries in North St. Louis. The filtered rate contour was 6 per 1,000 children at risk, with block group rates within the area of 0 to 58.8 per 1,000 children at risk. Hierarchical Bayesian analysis of North St. Louis burn data revealed a relative risk range of 0.8771 to 1.182 for census tracts within North St. Louis, suggesting that there may be pockets of high risk within an already identified high-risk area. Conclusions: This study shows the utility of geographic mapping in providing information about injury patterns within a defined area. The combination of mapping injury rates and spatial statistical analysis provides a detailed level of injury surveillance, allowing for identification of small geographic areas with elevated rates of specific injuries. [source]

The Effect of Seatbelt Use on Injury Patterns, Disposition, and Hospital Charges for Elders

Road traffic accidents and the elderly

GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009
Suzan Abou-Raya
Aim: To identify and evaluate the causes and characteristics of road traffic accidents (RTA) and to analyze injury patterns in elderly road traffic victims in order to apply appropriate measures for the prevention of RTA in the elderly. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-eight elderly road traffic victims admitted to the Emergency and Traumatology Departments of our institution were enrolled. Complete data about the circumstances surrounding the accident, mechanism of injury, specific injury, comorbid conditions and drug history were recorded. All subjects underwent a physical and mental function examination. Results: The majority of road traffic victims were pedestrians. Most elderly pedestrian accidents were due to falls. Accidents by elderly car drivers occurred frequently at intersections. Craniocerebral and extremity injuries formed the majority of the injuries in pedestrian and cyclist victims whereas chest injuries were commoner in car accident victims. Medical problems and medication usage was common among RTA victims. Conclusion: The fragility of elderly car occupants and pedestrians should be taken into consideration and strategies aimed at the road-user safety including periodic medical screening, improvement of road structure and facilities, and the improved design of motor vehicles should be implemented. [source]

Trauma in the city of Kerma: ancient versus modern injury patterns

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
M. Judd
Abstract Injuries, whether accidental or intentional, have incapacitated humans and their primordial ancestors throughout time, although the injury mechanisms have become increasingly more technologically sophisticated. Interpretation of injury aetiology among past peoples is challenging, and often impossible, however, clinical research from developing countries provides a useful analogy with which to evaluate trauma or health patterns of an ancient society. This paper presents a systematic analysis of cranial and postcranial skeletal trauma among 223 adults who were excavated by George Reisner in 1923 from the city of Kerma (1750,1550 BC), Egypt's ancient nemesis in the struggle for control of the Nile River trade route. A total of 156 injuries (fractures, dislocations and muscle pulls among the skull, long bones, extremities and torso) were observed among 88 individuals, 48 of whom had one injury only. The skull was the most frequently traumatized element (11.2%) followed by the ulna (8.3%); 2.4% (48/2029) long bones were fractured. The modal distribution of the Kerma fractures was compared to the fracture distributions of two samples from India and Nigeria where falls were the most common cause of injury. Some characteristics of the three injury patterns were shared: males suffered the greatest frequency of injury, the economically active people (25 to 50 years of age) presented the most injuries among adults, and a small proportion of the victims had more than one major injury. However, the Kerma distribution of the fractured bones varied dramatically from the clinical injury distributions: the ulna and skull were among the least frequently injured bones in the modern samples, while the radius, humerus and lower leg were the most commonly traumatized elements among the modern people, but rare among the ancients. The configuration of the ulna and skull injuries at Kerma was characteristic of those associated with blunt force trauma in other clinical assessments and the absence of these specific lesions from the modern samples where accident was the primary injury mechanism presents a persuasive argument for interpersonal violence among the ancient Kerma people. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Surgical treatment of "terrible triad of the elbow": technique and outcome

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2010
Yu-xing Wang MD
Objective:, To describe the authors' surgical technique and to evaluate the final functional outcome of surgical treatment of the "terrible triad of the elbow". Methods:, Eight patients identified with "terrible triad" injury patterns, including posterior elbow dislocation, radial head fracture and coronoid fracture, were available for a minimum of 11 months follow-up. Evaluation of functional outcome was based on Mayo elbow performance, Broberg-Morrey scores, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Complications were also recorded. Results:, Five elbows redislocated while in a splint after manipulative reduction. Three had residual subluxation after operative treatment. The final mean extent of forearm movement was as follows: 21° of extension deficit (range, 5° to 45°), 126° of flexion (range, 110° to 140°), 75° of supination (range, 45° to 90°), and 71° of pronation (range, 30° to 90°). The mean Mayo, Broberg-Morrey, and DASH scores were 78.0 ± 13.4, 76.0 ± 14.0, and 28.0 ± 24.7, respectively. Conclusions:, When an elbow joint is affected by the terrible triad, it is very unstable and prone to numerous complications. With operative treatment, the surgeon should attempt to perform internal fixation of the coronoid fracture, to regain normal radiocapitellar contact (either by preserving the radial head with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or by replacing it with a prosthesis), and to repair the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Thus early functional recovery and a successful final functional outcome can be achieved. [source]

Fijian seasonal scourge of mango tree falls

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 12 2009
Anuj Gupta
Abstract Background:, Mango tree falls are a frequent presentation at any health facility in the South Pacific. This study aims to identify (i) the number of admissions because of falls from mango trees; (ii) epidemiology; (iii) seasonal trend; (iv) injury profile; and (v) hospital care provided. Methods:, Retrospective case review on all mango tree falls related injuries resulting in admissions at the Lautoka Hospital, Fiji during a 1-year period (2007). Patient records were analysed to identify specific injury patterns such as upper/lower limb fractures, spinal cord injury and head injury, caused by mango tree falls. Results:, Thirty-nine cases were identified. Eighty-two percent (n= 32) of the falls occurred in the mango season (June,November). Seventy-two percent (n= 28) of the patients were males and 28% (n= 11) were females. Seventy-six percent were aged 5,13 and only 21% were adults. Also, 77% (n= 30) of the patients were ethnic Fijians and 23% (n= 9) were Fijian-Indians. Sixty-four percent (n= 25) had closed fractures and 17% (n= 7) had open fractures. Fifty-six percent (n= 22) of the fractures were of the fore arm. There were two cases of spinal cord injury, four cases of head injury, one ICU admission and one death. Average hospital stay was 7.56 days. Conclusion:, All these injuries were recreational and the majority in the urban setting. They were all avoidable. [source]

Injuries in Youth Football: National Emergency Department Visits during 2001,2005 for Young and Adolescent Players

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009
Michael J. Mello MD
Abstract Objectives:, Limited research exists describing youth football injuries, and many of these are confined to specific regions or communities. The authors describe U.S. pediatric football injury patterns receiving emergency department (ED) evaluation and compare injury patterns between the younger and older youth football participants. Methods:, A retrospective analysis of ED data on football injuries was performed using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System,All Injury Program. Injury risk estimates were calculated over a 5-year period (2001,2005) using participation data from the National Sporting Goods Association. Injury types are described for young (7,11 years) and adolescent (12,17 years) male football participants. Results:, There were an estimated total of 1,060,823 visits to U.S. EDs for males with football-related injuries. The most common diagnoses in the younger group (7,11 years) were fracture/dislocation (29%), sprain/strain (27%), and contusion (27%). In the older group (ages 12,17 years), diagnoses included sprain/strain (31%), fracture/dislocation (29%), and contusion (23%). Older participants had a significantly higher injury risk of injury over the 5-year study period: 11.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.2 to 12.8) versus 6.1 (95% CI = 4.8 to 7.3) per 1,000 participants/year. Older participants had a higher injury risk across all categories, with the greatest disparity being with traumatic brain injury (TBI), 0.8 (95% CI = 0.6 to 1.0) versus 0.3 (95% CI = 0.2 to 0.4) per 1,000 participants/year. Conclusions:, National youth football injury patterns are similar to those previously reported in community and cohort studies. Older participants have a significantly higher injury risk, especially with TBI. [source]