Pattern and mechanism of traumatic limb amputations after explosive blast: experience from the 07/07/05 London terrorist bombings.

Background: Traumatic amputation of limbs caused by bomb blast carries a high mortality; we present our experience of 07/07 London terrorist bombing that resulted in a large number of survivors with amputated limbs. We think that the unique underground bombing, the shape of the carriages, and the enclosure by the underground tunnel caused amputation of the limb by the channeling of the blast wave as a result of the device being floor based, which resulted in lower-limb amputation without other fatal primary blast injuries. We present our results of the traumatic amputation in the fatalities and survivors as well as the possible mechanism and protective measure that could save lives.

Role of MRI in the diagnosis and management of patients with clinical scaphoid fracture.

Purpose: The American College of Radiologists (ACR) recognises the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the investigation of choice in patients with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture but normal plain radiographs. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) in the UK produces no similar guidelines, as evidenced by the inconsistent management of such cases in hospitals around the UK. In discussion with our musculoskeletal radiologists, we implemented new guidelines to standardise management of our patients and now report our findings.

Impact of London's terrorist attacks on a major trauma center in London.

During the morning rush hour on Thursday, 07 July 2005, a series of four bombs exploded, affecting London's public transport system. These terrorist attacks killed 52 people and injured > 700. A major incident was declared, and the Royal London Hospital (RLH) was a primary receiving hospital.