Biomechanical validation of the field-expedient pelvic splint.

Introduction: Morbidity and mortality from pelvic ring injuries can be mitigated by early and effective external pelvic stabilisation. The field-expedient pelvic splint (FEPS) is a recently described technique to improvise an effective pelvic binder for an austere environment. This technique has not been biomechanically validated.

Lumbopelvic fixation in the treatment of spinopelvic dissociation: union, complications, and neurologic outcomes of a multicenter case series.

Purpose: To review outcomes of spinopelvic dissociation treated with open lumbopelvic fixation.

Methods: We reviewed all cases of spinopelvic dissociation treated at three Level-I trauma centers with open lumbopelvic fixation, including those with adjunctive percutaneous fixation. We collected demographic data, associated injuries, pre- and postoperative neurologic status, pre- and postoperative kyphosis, and Roy-Camille classification.

Percutaneous Posterior Pelvic Fixation of Spinopelvic Dissociation: A Multicenter Series of Displaced Patterns.

Objective: To characterize the success and complications of percutaneous posterior pelvic fixation in the treatment of displaced spinopelvic dissociation patterns.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Three Level I trauma centers.

Neurologic injury after spinopelvic dissociation: Incidence, outcome, and predictors.

Background: Traumatic spinopelvic dissociation is a rare injury pattern resulting in discontinuity between the spine and bony pelvis. This injury is associated with a known risk of neurologic compromise which can impact the clinical outcome of these patients. We sought to determine incidence and characteristics of neurologic injury, outcomes following treatment, and predictive factors for neurologic recovery.

Risk of Infection Following Gunshot Wound Fractures to the Foot and Ankle: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

The purpose of this multicenter retrospective chart review was to describe demographics, fracture and wound characteristics, and treatments for foot and/or ankle fractures caused by gunshot wounds (GSWs) and identify factors that increase risk of infection in adults treated at 5 urban level 1 trauma centers in South and Midwest regions of the United States. A total of 244 patients sustained GSW-related fractures of the foot/ankle during 2007-2017, of whom 179 had ≥30 days of follow-up data after the initial injury. Most patients were male (95.

Single dose IV Antibiotic for Low-Energy Extremity Gunshot Wounds: A Prospective Protocol.

Objective: To prospectively determine infection rate following low-energy extremity GSWs with a single dose IV antibiotic protocol.

Summary Background Data: Previous work suggests that a single IV antibiotic dose, without formal surgical debridement, mitigates infection risk.

Methods: Over 35 months 530 adults with low-energy GSWs to the extremities were included.

A Novel USMLE Step 1 Projection Model Using a Single Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment Taken During a Brief Intense Study Period.

Background: Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessments (CBSSAs) offered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) are used by students to gauge preparedness for the United States Medical Licensing (USMLE) Step 1. Because residency programs value Step 1 scores, students expend many resources attempting to score highly on this exam. We sought to generate a predicted Step 1 score from a single CBSSA taken several days out from a planned exam date to inform student testing and study plans.

Prevertebral Soft-Tissue Swelling at C7 Is Highly Sensitive for Cervical Spine Ligamentous Injury Study Type: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Unlabelled: To determine the diagnostic potential of prevertebral soft-tissue (PVST) swelling in cervical spine ligamentous injury (LI).

Background: PVST swelling in the cervical spine is a historical indicator of cervical spine injury; however, at present, there are no limited objective criteria to use PVST swelling to guide clinical decision-making regarding cervical spine LI. This study investigates PVST thickness as a screening measure for cervical spine LI with a potential to identify indications for advanced imaging.

Leaving the Skin Incision Open May Not Be as Beneficial as We Have Been Taught.

Background: Currently, various methods of skin closures are used in contaminated and dirty abdominal wounds without solid, evidence-based guidance. This study investigates whether closure methods affect surgical site infection (SSI) and other incisional complications. We hypothesize that open management of the skin would have the lowest complications, including SSI.

Infection Rates and Treatment of Low-Velocity Extremity Gunshot Injuries.

Objectives: To determine the rates of infection in low-energy gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the extremity.

Design: Retrospective review.

Setting: Level I trauma center.

Infection and Complications After Low-velocity Intra-articular Gunshot Injuries.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to characterize the demographics, interventions, infection rates, and other complications after intra-articular (IA) gunshot wounds.

Design: Retrospective review.

Setting: Level I trauma center.

Preclinical characterization of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 small molecule inhibitors for primary and metastatic brain cancer therapy.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been implicated as a hub for multiple oncogenic pathways. The constitutive activation of STAT3 is present in several cancers, including gliomas (GBMs), and is associated with poor therapeutic responses. Phosphorylation of STAT3 triggers its dimerization and nuclear transport, where it promotes the transcription of genes that stimulate tumor growth.