Is portable ultrasonography accurate in the evaluation of Schanz pin placement during extremity fracture fixation in austere environments?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ultrasonography to confirm Schanz pin placement in a cadaveric model, and the interobserver repeatability of the ultrasound methodology.

Design: This investigation is a repeated measures cadaveric study with multiple examiners.

Participants: Cadaveric preparation and observations were done by an orthopaedic traumatologist and resident, and two general surgery traumatologists.

Pulmonary contusions and critical care management in thoracic trauma.

Many victims of thoracic trauma require ICU care and mechanical ventilatory support. Pressure and volume-limited modes assist in the prevention of ventilator-associated lung injury. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a significant cause of posttraumatic morbidity and mortality.

A new method of continuous venovenous rewarming.

Purpose: Hypothermia is a significant problem in medicine and is part of a deadly triad, including hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy. Multiple methods of rewarming are used to treat moderate hypothermia. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of continuous venovenous rewarming (CVVR) using the FMS 2000 (Belmont Instrument Corp.

Complete occlusion after blunt injury to the abdominal aorta.

Background: Injury to the abdominal aorta after blunt trauma is uncommon. When this injury results in complete vessel occlusion, the presentation is dramatic. Timely intervention is essential.