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Multiple trauma and scapula fractures: so what?

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND Scapula fractures are rare and are presumed to indicate severe underlying trauma. We studied injury patterns and overall outcome in patients with multiple injuries with scapula fractures. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of patients with multiple injuries (Injury Severity Score [ISS] > or = 16) with chest and musculoskeletal injuries admitted to our institution between 1993 and 1999 to investigate whether the presence of a scapula fracture is a marker of increased morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: There were 1,164 patients admitted with multiple trauma. Seventy-nine (6.8%) of the 1,164 sustained a scapula fracture, forming the study group. The remainder of the patients (n = 1,085) formed the control group of the study. Both groups of patients were similar with regard to age and Glasgow Coma Scale score (age, 42 +/- 17.8 [+/- SD] vs. 40 +/- 22; GCS score, 11.2 +/- 5.1 vs. 11 +/- 5 in the study and control groups, respectively). The overall ISS was significantly higher in those with scapula fractures (27.12 +/- 15.13 vs. 22.8 +/- 14.4, p = 0.01). Patients with scapula fractures also had more severe chest injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale score of 3.46 +/- 1.1 vs. 3.1 +/- 1.0, respectively), but not significantly so. However, the incidence of rib fractures was significantly higher in the patients with scapula fractures (p < 0.05). The incidence and severity of head and abdominal injuries were similar in the two groups. The severity of extremity injuries in patients with scapula fractures was significantly lower (2.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.7, p = 0.001). The rate of admission, the length of intensive care unit stay, and the overall length of hospital stay were similar in the two groups. The overall mortality rate was 11.4% in patients with scapula fractures and 20% in those without scapula fractures (p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: Patients with scapula fractures have more severe underlying chest injuries and overall ISS. However, this did not correlate with a higher rate of intensive therapy unit admission, length of hospital stay, or mortality.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗

A study of rib biopsy.

A retrospective study of one decade of rib biopsy in four hospitals in Nashville, Tenn, showed 61 biopsies were done in 60 patients. The typical patient was a male in his seventh decade. Preferred operative technique was open biopsy with general anesthesia. One half of the patients had metastatic malignancy; most of the known primary tumors were lung cancer. About one fifth of specimens were normal ribs. Biopsy was done in nine of these because of false-positive scintigraphy. Accurate preoperative chest wall localization is critical in order to minimize intraoperative decision-making problems. Yield of rib biopsy should be increased by more careful clinical observation, including critical evaluation of bone scans, avoiding overinterpretation of physical findings and observing for healing of possible rib fractures.

Adolescent↗

Management of acute traumatic pain by peripheral transcutaneous electrical stimulation.

Peripheral transcutaneous electrical stimulation has been used in an attempt to relieve the pain associated with fractured ribs. Sixty-two per cent of the patients considered their pain to be greatly relieved by this electro-analgesic technique and a further 28% gained some relief. Pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale. In most of the patients there was a clinical improvement in their condition, the degree of which correlated well with the pain relief. This trial indicated that transcutaneous electro-analgesia is a useful technique for producing analgesia in patients suffering from acute trauma, without some of the side-effects inherent in more conventional forms of therapy.

Acute Disease↗

Post-mortem radiological examination in infants: evidence of child abuse?

We examined the value of post-mortem radiological examination of infants who were brought in for medico-legal autopsy. Twenty children between the age of 1 month and 15 months died under the picture of SIDS. No radiological or other signs of previous child abuse were seen in our autopsy material. A fatal case of child abuse with several metaphyseal fractures is reported. Some fractures were not visible on gross examination, but could be demonstrated by radiography and histology. In our material no association between SIDS and child abuse was found. In suspected cases of child abuse, particularly rib fractures and metaphyseal fractures should be sought. We recommend that post-mortem radiography is performed in such cases. If fractures are demonstrated, they should be verified by histologic examination.

Autopsy↗

Fracture risk among patients with Paget's disease: a population-based cohort study.

Localized disruption of bone architecture leads to an increased risk of pathological fractures in patients with Paget's disease, but the impact of the disease on overall fracture risk is unknown. We addressed this issue among 236 Olmsted County, Minnesota residents (107 women and 129 men) first diagnosed with Paget's disease from 1950 through 1994. These subjects (mean +/- SD age at diagnosis, 69.6+/-12.2 years) were followed subsequently for 2798 person-years. During this period of observation, 33 pathological fractures were attributed to Paget's disease (1 skull, 11 vertebra, 1 shaft/distal humerus, 1 pelvis, 6 proximal femur, 2 shaft/distal femur, and 11 tibia/fibula). Excluding the fractures through pagetic bone, there was no increase in overall fracture risk in this cohort (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9-1.4). However, there was a statistically significant increase in the risk of subsequent vertebra (SIR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.2-4.1) and rib fractures (SIR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4) but not fractures of the proximal femur (SIR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3-1.1) or distal forearm (SIR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.7-2.5). Thus, unselected patients with Paget's disease in the community, who mostly have mild disease, have a significantly increased risk of vertebral fractures, although this may relate partly to increased surveillance. Additional work is needed to clarify the relationship between Paget's disease and vertebral fractures and to identify individuals at increased risk for more aggressive therapy.

Adult↗

Fractures of first and second ribs: predictive value for arterial and bronchial injury.

Fractures of the first and second ribs had a very low association with ruptured bronchus (2%) and ruptured aorta or brachiocephalic vessel (8%) in a series of 50 patients. Radiographic abnormalities indicative of ruptured bronchus include massive pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and lobar or whole lung collapse which may fall to the dependent part of the thorax on erect views. Abnormalities pointing to a laceration of the aorta or one of the brachiocephalic vessels include widening of the superior mediastinum, shift of the trachea or nasogastric tube to the right, enlargement or indistinctness of the aortic knob, and widening of the right paraspinal line. One or more of these abnormalities indicates the need for thoracic aortography. In the absence of these abnormalities, aortography is not indicated solely by the presence of a first or second rib fracture on the chest radiograph.

Aorta, Thoracic↗

Sternal fractures: a red flag or a red herring?

We reviewed the records of 28 patients with sternal fractures. Seat belts were used by 79% of the patients. Pain and tenderness were the most common complaints. Forty-six percent of patients had associated injuries, which were all evident in the emergency room. Seven patients had rib fractures, six had myocardial contusion, and five had pulmonary contusions. The associated injuries determined the outcome: 2 patients died, 2 required rehabilitation, the rest recovered uneventfully. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 8.17 +/- 1.78 days, but the median LOS was 4 days, and 75% stayed a week or less. The sternal fracture was treated with rest and analgesics. We conclude that sternal fractures are benign and do not require special treatment or an expensive work-up. It is possible that the seat belt and the sternal fracture absorb a substantial part of the energy transfer, and prevent greater damage.

Adolescent↗

The prevalence and significance of missed scapular fractures in blunt chest trauma.

Recent concepts regarding surgical management of fractures of the glenoid and scapular neck provide a new imperative to their early recognition. The initial routine supine chest radiograph obtained in patients with major blunt chest trauma provides the earliest opportunity to identify scapular fractures. A retrospective analysis of 100 patients with major blunt chest trauma who were discharged with the diagnosis of scapular fracture was performed to determine (1) the frequency with which the diagnosis of scapular fracture was made on the initial chest radiograph and (2) the prevalence and type of regional injuries that could serve to identify which of these patients are most likely to have sustained scapular fracture(s). The scapular fracture was diagnosed on the initial chest radiograph in only 57 (57%) of 100 patients and, although present, was not recognized in 43 (43%) of 100. In the group in which the fractures were not recognized, the fracture was visible and frankly overlooked in 31 (72%) of 43. The fracture was not included on the examination in eight (19%) of 43; and it was obscured by superimposed structures or artifacts in four (9%) of 43. Ipsilateral regional injuries were present in 88 (88%) of 100. These included multiple upper rib fractures in 40 (40%), clavicular fractures in 17 (17%), acromioclavicular separation in six (6%), and "other" in 26 (26%). "Other" included subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and pulmonary contusion. The presence of ipsilateral regional skeletal injuries and soft-tissue injuries after major blunt chest trauma should prompt a diligent search for concomitant scapular fractures.

Female↗

Anesthesia in the emergency setting: Part II. Head and neck, eye and rib injuries.

Anesthesia for procedures of the head and neck includes ear field blocks, supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve blocks, infraorbital, mental, mandibular and posterosuperior alveolar nerve blocks. Topical ophthalmic anesthesia is useful in treating a variety of ocular injuries, including corneal abrasion and laceration, chemical/thermal burns, and injuries caused by foreign bodies and contact lenses. The intercostal nerve block is used to manage the pain of rib fractures, thus improving patient comfort, tidal volume and ventilation, and pulmonary toilet.

Craniocerebral Trauma↗

Pathologic study of thoracic impact injury involving a movable impact pattern.

The left thoracic walls of 28 rabbits were subjected to lateral blunt impact in a movable impact pattern. The impact velocities ranged from 7.95 m/s to 16.13 m/s, and the compression response ranged from 15.69% to 46.14% of the thoracic width. The surviving animals were sacrificed at 6 hours after trauma and were autopsied. Injury scores were assigned according to the hemorrhage area and the injury type (e.g., rupture or rib fracture). When compared with the pathologic characteristics of the thoracic injury involving a relatively static impact pattern, the severity of thoracic injury involving a movable impact pattern was milder. Also there were more significant differences in the severity of injury to lungs and ribs on the left as compared with the right sides. The viscous criterion is still a good parameter reflecting the severity of injury to lungs and heart. The severity of rib injury was mainly related to compression response.

Animals↗

Thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma in dogs sustaining fractures as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

The records of 267 dogs seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital for fractures resulting from motor vehicle accidents were examined to determine the prevalence and types of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma associated with such cases. Results were analyzed for type and prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary injury, and for the prevalence of such injury in dogs with and without extrathoracic injury, in dogs with fractures of single vs multiple bones, in dogs with single fractures of specific bones, in dogs with fractures in the cranial vs the caudal one half of the body, and in dogs with fractures ipsilateral vs contralateral to thoracic injury. The overall prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was 38.9%; pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, and fractured ribs were the most common injuries. More than 1 type of thoracic wall or pulmonary injury was diagnosed in 57.7% of the cases. Of the dogs with thoracic injury, 24% also had extrathoracic injuries; 16.5% of dogs without thoracic injury had extrathoracic injuries, not including fractures. Of the dogs with fractures of 1 bone, 36.3% had thoracic injuries. Of the dogs with fractures of more than 1 bone, 42.3% had thoracic injuries. The prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was significantly associated with the site of the fracture (cranial vs caudal and ipsilateral vs contralateral); significant association with the specific bone fractured was also seen for some fractures.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures: technical aspects.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for percutaneous vertebroplasty of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures and to report early results of its use. METHODS: The technique was used over a 3-year period in 29 patients with 47 painful vertebral fractures. The technique involves percutaneous puncture of the involved vertebra(e) via a transpedicular approach followed by injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the vertebral body. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in all patients, with an average injection amount of 7.1 mL PMMA per vertebral body. Two patients sustained single, nondisplaced rib fractures during the procedure; otherwise, no clinically significant complications were noted. Twenty-six patients (90%) reported significant pain relief immediately after treatment. CONCLUSION: Vertebroplasty is a valuable tool in the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures, providing acute pain relief and early mobilization in appropriate patients.

Adult↗

Osteomalacia in a patient with severe anorexia nervosa.

A 27-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa since adolescence was referred to our unit for generalized bone pain most severe at the pelvis and an inability to stand. She reported a pelvic fracture diagnosed one year earlier, which had failed to heal. Laboratory tests showed low serum phosphate, normal total serum calcium corrected for serum albumin, and very low urinary calcium excretion. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone levels were elevated, whereas 25-hydroxy-vitamin D was severely decreased. Multiple vertebral and rib fractures were seen on plain radiographs. Radiographic images consistent with osteomalacia were pseudofractures of the left inferior pubic ramus, a bilateral complete fracture of the superior pubic ramus, and a characteristic pseudofracture (Looser zone) in the lateral margin of the right scapula. Vitamin D-deficient osteomalacia with secondary hyperparathyroidism was strongly suspected at this point, but it was decided not to confirm this diagnosis by bone biopsy with histomorphometry and osteoid labeling because of the emotional instability of the patient. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry disclosed severe demineralization. After two months on calcium and vitamin D supplements, the bone pain had abated and the patient was able to stand. Serum calcium had increased; serum phosphate, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone had returned to normal, and the pseudofractures showed evidence of healing. Osteoporosis is a well-known complication of anorexia nervosa. This case shows that osteomalacia can also occur. Vitamin D status should be assessed in patients with long-standing severe anorexia nervosa.

Adult↗

[Vertebroplasty].

Vertebroplasty is the polymethylmetacrilate (PMMA) injection into a vertebral body. It may be used for patients with compression fractures due to osteoporosis, metastatic tumors, or benign tumors. Vertebroplasty is performed to provide pain relief or to produce bone strengthening. The contraindications of the intervention are lack of patient consent, coagulopathy, infection, radiculopathy and extensive vertebral destruction. Vertebroplasty may be performed with transpedicular or extrapedicular approaches. The main complications are lamina pedicle or rib fractures, pneumothorax, and cement leakage into vessels, epidural space or disc.

Bone Cements↗

Slipping Rib Syndrome in a Collegiate Swimmer: A Case Report.

Objective: To present the unique case of a collegiate swimmer who experienced nearly 9 months of unresolved rib pain.Background: A 20-year-old collegiate swimmer was jumping up and down, warming up before a race, when she experienced pain in the area of her left lower rib cage. She completed the event and 2 additional events that day with moderate discomfort. The athlete was evaluated by a certified athletic trainer 3 days postinjury and followed up over the next 9 months with the team physician, a chiropractor, a nonsurgical sports medicine physician, and a thoracic surgeon.Differential Diagnosis: Intercostal strain, oblique strain, fractured rib, somatic dysfunction, hepatosplenic conditions, pleuritic chest pain, slipping rib syndrome.Treatment: The athlete underwent 4 months of conservative treatment (eg, activity modification, ice, ultrasound, hot packs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) after the injury, independently sought chiropractic intervention (12 treatments) 4 to 6 months postinjury, was referred to physical therapy (10 visits) by a nonsurgical sports medicine physician 6 to 8 months postinjury, and finally underwent surgical intervention 9 months after the onset of the initial symptoms.Uniqueness: Slipping rib syndrome was first described in 1919. However, many health care professionals who are involved with diagnosing and treating athletes and active individuals (eg, athletic trainers, physicians) are relatively unfamiliar with this musculoskeletal condition.Conclusions: It is important for clinicians and team physicians to familiarize themselves with and consider the diagnosis of slipping rib syndrome when assessing and managing individuals with persistent abdominal and/or thoracic pain.

Journal Article↗

CT in blunt chest trauma: indications and limitations.

Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice in the assessment of patients with clinical or radiographic findings suggestive of aortic injury, bone fracture, or diaphragmatic tear following blunt chest trauma. Contrast material-enhanced spiral CT allows detection of both subtle and more obvious aortic tears. CT has overall greater sensitivity than radiography in the detection of pulmonary lacerations and pneumothoraces. CT may be indicated in cases of suspected tracheobronchial injury. CT is of limited use in the assessment of rib fractures because such injuries are of limited clinical significance and can usually be identified at radiography; however, CT provides optimal visualization of thoracic spine fractures and superior assessment of suspected sternal fractures or sternoclavicular dislocation. Targeted spiral CT with sagittal and coronal reformatted images has increased sensitivity and specificity over that provided by conventional axial CT in the detection of diaphragmatic injury. Optimal CT assessment requires careful attention to technique, including the use of intravenously administered contrast material and multiplanar reconstructed images, as well as an awareness of potential pitfalls. Although in many cases diagnosis can be made with confidence on the basis of CT findings, further investigation is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Aorta, Thoracic↗