Gunshot wounds and blast injuries to the face are associated with significant morbidity and mortality: results of an 11-year multi-institutional study of 720 patients.

Background: Gunshot wounds and blast injuries to the face (GSWBIFs) produce complex wounds requiring management by multiple surgical specialties. Previous work is limited to single institution reports with little information on processes of care or outcome. We sought to determine those factors associated with hospital complications and mortality.

Pneumomediastinum in the injured patient: inconsequential or predictive?

Free air in the peritoneum is a portent of significant pathology in the patient with abdominal trauma. The finding of a pneumomediastinum (PM) on a thoracic computed tomography scan (CT) of a trauma patient is, however, not clinically well-defined. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence, pattern, and outcome of CT-diagnosed PM in a cohort of injured patients.

Acetabular and isolated pelvic ring fractures: a comparison of initial assessment and outcome.

The purpose of this study was to describe the comparative outcomes of patients with pelvic ring fractures, acetabular fractures, and combinations of the same. Patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures were identified in the Hospital Trauma Registry, and all appropriate data were collected by reviewing the patients' medical records, the hospital operative logs, transfusion records, and the records of surgical morbidity conferences. Patient management was consistent over the time period of the study.

Effect of DHEA on the hemodynamic response to resuscitation in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock.

Background: Hemorrhagic shock is a major cause of death from trauma. Pharmacologic treatment has not been satisfactory. The objective of this study was to use a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation to access the hemodynamic effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal steroid hormone reported to improve cardiac function in patients.