Timing matters: Early versus late rib fixation in patients with multiple rib fractures and pulmonary contusion.

Background: Recent literature has shown that surgical stabilization of rib fractures benefits patients with rib fractures accompanied by pulmonary contusion; however, the impact of timing on surgical stabilization of rib fractures in this patient population remains unexplored. We aimed to compare early versus late surgical stabilization of rib fractures in patients with traumatic rib fractures and concurrent pulmonary contusion.

Methods: We selected all adult patients with isolated blunt chest trauma, multiple rib fractures, and pulmonary contusion undergoing early (<72 hours) versus late surgical stabilization of rib fractures (≥72 hours) using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program 2016 to 2020.

Evaluating the impact of timing to rib fixation in patients with traumatic brain injury: A nationwide analysis.

Background: Early surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is associated with improved inpatient outcomes in patients with multiple rib fractures. However, there is still a paucity of data examining the optimal timing of SSRF in patients with concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to assess whether earlier SSRF was associated with improved outcomes in patients with multiple rib fractures and TBI.

Timing of regional analgesia in elderly patients with blunt chest-wall injury.

Background: Rib fractures represent a typical injury pattern in older people and are associated with respiratory morbidity and mortality. Regional analgesia modalities are adjuncts for pain management, but the optimal timing for their initiation remains understudied. We hypothesized that early regional analgesia would have similar outcomes to late regional analgesia.

Outcomes of a Colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Modified for a Diverse and Urban Community.

Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) colorectal programs have been shown to improve the length of stay (LOS) without increasing hospital resource utilization at academic centers worldwide. A multidisciplinary ERAS protocol that includes preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management guidelines was recently implemented at our urban, racially diverse, and academically affiliated community hospital. A delivery option was provided to reduce barriers to care.

Bicyclists injured by automobiles: helmet use and the burden of injury.

Background: Given the widespread use of bicycles on public roadways, bicyclists injured in automobile collisions present a familiar problem to trauma centers worldwide. The aims of this study are to characterize the current injury patterns and to quantify independent risk factors for preventable injury and death, with a focus on helmet utilization and traumatic brain injuries.

Methods: This is a retrospective study using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database for the period 2010 to 2016.

Group A emergency-release plasma in trauma patients requiring massive transfusion.

Background: Both groups A and AB plasma have been approved for emergency-release transfusion in acutely bleeding trauma patients before blood grouping being performed. The safety profile associated with this practice has not been well characterized, particularly in patients requiring massive transfusion.

Methods: This secondary analysis of the Pragmatic, Randomized, Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios trial examined whether exposure to group A emergency-release plasma (ERP) was noninferior to group AB ERP.

Rib fixation in geriatric trauma: Mortality benefits for the most vulnerable patients.

Background: Rib fractures in the geriatric trauma population are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The outcomes of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) have not been well defined in this population.

Methods: Data from the 2016 to 2017 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database were analyzed.

Is VTE Prophylaxis Necessary on Discharge for Patients Undergoing Adrenalectomy for Cushing Syndrome?

Background: Patients with Cushing syndrome (CS) have an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it is unclear whether patients undergoing adrenalectomy for CS are at increased risk for postoperative VTE. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of postoperative VTE in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for CS.

Pediatric trauma-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Background/purpose: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) results in significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric trauma victims. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors and outcomes specifically related to pediatric trauma-associated ARDS (PT-ARDS).

Methods: A retrospective cohort (2007-2014) of children ≤18 years old from the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was used to analyze incidence, risk factors, and outcomes related to PT-ARDS.

Nonoperative management of penetrating abdominal solid organ injuries in children.

Background: Nonoperative management (NOM) of penetrating solid organ injuries (SOI) has not been well described in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiology, injury patterns, and factors associated with trial and failure of NOM.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank for the period of 2007-2014.

Outcomes after traumatic injury in patients with preexisting psychiatric illness.

Background: Patients with psychiatric illness have been shown to experience higher rates of traumatic injury. Injury patterns, treatment decisions, and outcomes have not been well characterized in patients with psychiatric illness after injury, in particular those who undergo acute surgical intervention. The purpose of this analysis was to determine mortality, complications, and surgical intervention rates in patients with psychiatric illness after traumatic injury.

Severe injuries associated with skiing and snowboarding: A national trauma data bank study.

Background: Injuries after skiing and snowboarding accidents lead to an estimated 7,000 hospital admissions annually and present a significant burden to the health care system. The epidemiology, injury patterns, hospital resource utilization, and outcomes associated with these severe injuries need further characterization.

Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for the period 2007 to 2014 for admissions with Injury Severity Score > 15 and International Classification of Diseases Codes-9th Revision codes 885.