Journal of Trauma and Injury

Original Articles

Patients with intentional punch injuries in the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study: İbrahim Toker, Ömer Salt, Taner Şahin, Mükerrem Altuntaş, İrfan Gökçek, Murat Eşlik, İbrahim Tüysüz, Baycan Kuş, Muhammed İslam Özer; J Trauma Inj. 2025;38(1):32-37. Published online March 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2025.0022

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Hand and wrist injuries represent some of the most common traumatic conditions encountered in the emergency department (ED). Our study aimed to elucidate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients sustaining intentional punch injuries.
Methods
This single-center retrospective study involved patients aged 16 years and older who presented to the ED with intentional punch injuries in 2023.
Results
A total of 405 patients were included in the study. The median patient age was 30 years (interquartile range, 22–40 years), and 363 (89.6%) were male. Among the patients, a total of 389 fractures were identified in 362 patients (89.4%). Metacarpal bone fractures were the most common, with 372 fractures (95.6%). The fifth metacarpal was the most frequently injured (67.4%), followed by the fourth (10.0%) and third (7.7%) metacarpals. Although the most common base fracture occurred in the first metacarpal, shaft fractures were most prevalent in the second, third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals. Overall, 259 patients (71.5%) had nondisplaced fractures. Additionally, 31 patients (7.7%) had previously been admitted to the ED for punching, 17 (4.2%) had prior ED visits for trauma resulting in a fracture, and 63 (15.6%) reported a history of psychiatric drug use.
Conclusions
Young men represent the majority of intentional punch injury patients. The fifth metacarpal and its shaft fractures were most commonly observed. A history of prior ED visits for punching or trauma, as well as psychiatric medication use, may serve as potential risk factors.; Summary

Clinical profile, management, and outcome of pediatric neurotrauma: a multicentric observational study: Sanat Kumar Khanna, Anil Kumar, Anand Kumar Katiyar, Kundan Mishra; J Trauma Inj. 2025;38(1):22-31. Published online March 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0080

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Pediatric neurotrauma (pNT) includes pediatric traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. The incidence and distribution of pNT by age and sex remain understudied, with several gaps in both epidemiological and clinical data. This study aimed to estimate the epidemiological parameters, clinical presentations, surgical interventions, and outcomes in our patient population with pNT.
Methods
A multicentric, ambispective study was conducted at five tertiary care pediatric neurosurgical centers in Northern India from January 2011 to December 2022. The study included children under 16 years of age admitted with a history of head injury. Data on demographics, radiological findings, management, and outcomes were recorded.
Results
A total of 2,250 children were admitted; 77.5% were male and 22.5% were female. The most common age group was 6 months to 2 years (37.3%). The primary mechanism of injury was fall from height (64.6%), followed by road traffic accidents (26.1%). Overall, 84.6% of children had mild head injury, 14.2% moderate, and 1.2% severe. The most common abnormality on computed tomography brain was contusion (9.2%). Surgical interventions were required in only 0.8% of children. A favorable outcome, as measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale, was achieved in 99.2% of patients, and the mortality rate was 0.1%.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that pNT is most common in children aged 6 months to 2 years and predominantly affects boys. The most frequent cause was a fall from height, and the majority of patients sustained mild head injuries requiring only observation, which led to excellent outcomes. Surgical intervention was necessary in only a few cases, and mortality was rare. This study highlights the epidemiological pattern of pNT in our population and delineates various causes of such trauma.; Summary

Changes in the clinical features and demographics of donors after brain death, before and after the establishment of a regional trauma center: 20 years of experience at a single center in Korea: Myung Jin Jang, Sang Tae Choi, Gil Jae Lee, Doo Jin Kim, Won Suk Lee; J Trauma Inj. 2025;38(1):14-21. Published online March 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0068

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Organ transplantation is considered the definitive treatment for end-stage organ disease. However, the scarcity of donor organs compared to the number of patients awaiting transplants is a major barrier. This study aimed to assess the impact of a regional trauma center on organ procurement and to provide a basis for future collaboration between regional trauma centers and transplant centers.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed organ donors after brain death over a 20-year period from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2022. It compared patients before and after the establishment of the regional trauma center, as well as trauma and nontrauma patients. The study investigated general patient characteristics and the number and types of donated organs.
Results
The average age of patients significantly increased from 37.75 years before the trauma center was established to 46.72 years after (t=–4.32, P<0.001). The organ acquisition rate significantly increased from 3.03 before to 3.47 after (t=–2.96, P=0.003). Suicide (t=6.52, P=0.011) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation cases were more common among nontrauma patients than among trauma patients (t=8.34, P=0.004). However, the organ acquisition rate was significantly higher among trauma patients than among nontrauma patients (3.53 vs. 3.21; t=2.04, P=0.004).
Conclusions
This study identified changes in the characteristics and donor organs of patients diagnosed with brain death after the establishment of a regional trauma center. Given the increase in the proportion of trauma patients and the rate of organ acquisition per capita post-establishment, efforts should be made to encourage organ donation from patients diagnosed with brain death through close collaboration between regional trauma centers and organ transplant centers.; Summary

Vitamin D levels and bone mineral density: a prospective cross-sectional analysis of young orthopedic trauma patients at a rural United States trauma center: Michael Booth, Kenneth Sabacinski, Colleen Watkins, Erin Butcho, Emilie Kramer, Lukas Meadows, Michelle A. Bramer; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):276-280. Published online December 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0038

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
The goal of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in young orthopedic trauma patients and its impact on bone mineral density (BMD) measured through computed tomography imaging of the lumbar spine.
Methods
Conducted at a level I trauma center, this prospective cross-sectional analysis included 100 patients aged 18 to 50 years with non-fragility fractures. Vitamin D levels and Hounsfield units of the lumbar spine were recorded from computed tomography scans. Exclusion criteria included fragility fractures, lumbar surgery history, or lumbar bony/metastatic lesions. The correlation between vitamin D levels and BMD was assessed; vitamin D deficiency was defined as below 30 ng/mL.
Results
Among the participants, 75% were vitamin D–deficient, with an average vitamin D level of 25.0 ng/mL. No patients had osteoporosis based on Hounsfield units; however, 5% of patients were in the osteopenic range. In patients with normal vitamin D levels, there was an inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and BMD measured by Hounsfield units (P=0.025). Higher lumbar spine Hounsfield unit measurements correlated with lower vitamin D levels in this nondeficient population.
Conclusions
This study highlights a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in young orthopedic trauma patients, and it suggests a potential inverse relationship with BMD in patients with vitamin D levels >30 ng/mL. The absence of osteoporosis in our population raises questions about the influence of vitamin D on BMD in this young trauma patient demographic. Future research should explore the impact of vitamin D replacement on fracture union and investigate the interaction between vitamin D levels and bone health in the younger orthopedic trauma population.; Summary

Management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries with severe hemorrhagic shock: a 5-year experience: Tran Thuc Khang; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):268-275. Published online December 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0063

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
The diagnosis and management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries pose significant challenges in emergency settings due to the rapid onset of life-threatening complications. This paper presents a narrative review to better describe the etiology, presentation, and management of penetrating cardiac trauma, offering insights and experiences related to performing emergency surgery for such cases.
Methods
We compiled cases of traumatic cardiac rupture and penetrating cardiac injuries accompanied by severe hemorrhagic shock that necessitated emergency surgery. Data were collected regarding the type of injury, causative agents, specific clinical features observed during emergency admission, intraoperative parameters, and treatment outcomes.
Results
Twenty-one patients (16 men, 5 women) with cardiac rupture or penetrating cardiac injuries were recorded. All patients presented in severe shock, and six cases (28.6%) experienced cardiac arrest upon arrival in the operating room. Cardiac rupture due to blunt chest trauma occurred in two cases (9.5%), and one case (4.8%) involved right atrial perforation due to complex open chest trauma. Penetrating injuries accounted for cardiac perforation in 18 cases (85.7%). Associated injuries were present in 11 cases (52.4%). The intraoperative mortality rate was 9.5%, and there was one postoperative death on the 11th day due to multiorgan failure.
Conclusions
Cardiac trauma and penetrating injuries are usually fatal unless promptly diagnosed and surgically treated. The timing and rapidity of emergency surgery—often foregoing ancillary tests and administrative procedures—are critical for patient survival. Emergency sternotomy, swift control of bleeding, and aggressive resuscitation are essential operative measures in saving lives. Factors that influence prognosis include the extent of blood loss, duration of cardiac arrest, acid-base imbalances, coagulopathy, multiorgan failure, and postoperative infections.; Summary

Injuries from blank cartridge shots in suicide attempts within the South Korean military: a case series of five patients: Jeong Il Joo, Changsin Lee, Kyungwon Lee; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):262-267. Published online December 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0037

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Blank cartridges are designed to produce the sound and gas flare of a gunshot without firing a bullet. However, blank cartridge shots (BCS) can still cause injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Within the South Korean military, most BCS-related injuries have occurred during suicide attempts. This study documents a case series of patients who sustained injuries from BCS during such attempts.
Methods
We examined the medical records of Korean soldiers at a military trauma center between April 2022 and April 2024 who had sustained injuries from BCS during suicide attempts. The analyzed data included general characteristics, injury site, surgical and psychiatric interventions, and length of hospitalization.
Results
The case series included five patients between 19 and 20 years old (mean age, 19.6±0.55 years). Four of these patients sustained self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the submandibular area, while one targeted the right temporal area. Although initial vital signs and laboratory findings were unremarkable, computed tomography scans revealed injuries from projectile gas and gunpowder, including burns, subcutaneous emphysema, and major structural damage. Cases 1 and 2 required emergency surgery for foreign body removal and debridement. The average length of hospitalization was 35.2±12.11 days. Patients were first admitted to the trauma surgery department for BCS injury management, and then transferred to the psychiatry department for emotional support. The average stay was 15.6±15.87 days in trauma surgery and 19.6±14.99 days in psychiatry.
Conclusions
This study highlights the consequences of BCS from suicide attempts in the South Korean military and provides valuable insights for medical personnel who may encounter patients with BCS injuries.; Summary

The causes and numbers of hospital admissions and deaths during the Korean War: Kun Hwang, Hun Kim, Chan Yong Park; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):214-219. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0067

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Evaluating chemical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients at a single Australian center: Natalie Quarmby, Minh Tu Vo, Sean Weng Chan; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):209-213. Published online September 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0020

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Trauma patients are at an elevated risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), with the subsequent mortality in patients requiring intensive care unit admission ranging from 25% to 38%. There remains significant variability in clinical practice related to VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients due to the frequent presence of contraindications impacting the timing and consistency of application. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the current practice of chemical VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients at a single Australian center. Methods: A prospective review was conducted on patients admitted to the ACT Trauma Service (Canberra, Australia) from July to November 2022. The included patients were 18 years or older, without a direct contraindication to anticoagulation, who received chemical VTE prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) for at least three doses and underwent subsequent testing of anti-factor Xa (aFXa) levels. Results: During the study period, 187 patients were admitted, of whom 63 were included in the study. Of these, 47 patients achieved therapeutic levels of anticoagulation as determined by their aFXa levels, while 16 were subtherapeutic. The only statistically significant difference between the two groups was in weight, with patients in the subtherapeutic group weighing an average of 91.9 kg compared to 79.1 kg in the therapeutic group (P<0.05). Conclusions: A fixed-dose enoxaparin regimen was utilized, with limited individualization based on patient factors, such as injuries, comorbidities, and other biological factors. Sixteen patients (25%) had subtherapeutic VTE prophylaxis, as measured by aFXa levels. Higher weight was significantly correlated with inadequate VTE prophylaxis dosing. While age, sex, and smoking status might play important roles in clinical decision-making, weight-based dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin may be more effective in achieving adequate VTE prophylaxis.; Summary

Predicting 30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma in Korea using machine learning algorithms: a retrospective study: Jonghee Han, Su Young Yoon, Junepill Seok, Jin Young Lee, Jin Suk Lee, Jin Bong Ye, Younghoon Sul, Se Heon Kim, Hong Rye Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):201-208. Published online August 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0024

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
The number of elderly patients with trauma is increasing; therefore, precise models are necessary to estimate the mortality risk of elderly patients with trauma for informed clinical decision-making. This study aimed to develop machine learning based predictive models that predict 30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma and to compare the predictive performance of various machine learning models. Methods: This study targeted patients aged ≥65 years with an Injury Severity Score of ≥15 who visited the regional trauma center at Chungbuk National University Hospital between 2016 and 2022. Four machine learning models—logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were developed to predict 30-day mortality. The models’ performance was compared using metrics such as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, F1 score, as well as Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values and learning curves. Results: The performance evaluation of the machine learning models for predicting mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma showed AUC values for logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and XGBoost of 0.938, 0.863, 0.919, and 0.934, respectively. Among the four models, XGBoost demonstrated superior accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1 score of 0.91, 0.72, 0.86, 0.92, and 0.78, respectively. Analysis of important features of XGBoost using SHAP revealed associations such as a high Glasgow Coma Scale negatively impacting mortality probability, while higher counts of transfused red blood cells were positively correlated with mortality probability. The learning curves indicated increased generalization and robustness as training examples increased. Conclusions: We showed that machine learning models, especially XGBoost, can be used to predict 30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma. Prognostic tools utilizing these models are helpful for physicians to evaluate the risk of mortality in elderly patients with severe trauma.; Summary

Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries in young Korean soldiers: a recent 10-year retrospective study: Chul Jung, Jae-hyun Yun, Eun Jin Kim, Jaechan Park, Jiwoon Yeom, Kyoung-Eun Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(3):192-200. Published online August 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0001

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Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (PNI), which occurs in up to 3% of trauma patients, is a devastating condition that often leads to permanent disability. However, knowledge of traumatic PNI is limited. We describe epidemiology and clinical characteristics of traumatic PNI in Korea and identify the predictors of traumatic complete PNI. Methods: A list of enlisted soldier patients who were discharged from military service due to PNI over a 10-year period (2012–2021) was obtained, and their medical records were reviewed. Patients were classified according to the causative events (traumatic vs. nontraumatic) and injury severity (complete vs. incomplete). Of traumatic PNIs, we compared the clinical variables between the incomplete and complete PNI groups and identified predictors of complete PNI. Results: Of the 119 young male patients who were discharged from military service due to PNI, 85 (71.4%) were injured by a traumatic event; among them, 22 (25.9%) were assessed as having a complete injury. The most common PNI mechanism (n=49, 57.6%), was adjacent fractures or dislocations. Several injury-related characteristics were significantly associated with complete PNI: laceration or gunshot wound, PNI involving the median nerve, PNI involving multiple individual nerves (multiple PNI), and concomitant muscular or vascular injuries. After adjusting for other possible predictors, multiple PNI was identified as a significant predictor of a complete PNI (odds ratio, 3.583; P=0.017). Conclusions: In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of enlisted Korean soldiers discharged due to traumatic PNI and found that the most common injury mechanism was adjacent fracture or dislocation (57.6%). Patients with multiple PNI had a significantly increased risk of complete injury. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of traumatic PNI, which directly leads to a decline in functioning in patients with trauma.; Summary

Clinical predictors of therapeutic laparotomy in anterior abdominal stab injuries: a multicenter study from low-income institutions in Ethiopia: Segni Kejela, Abel Hedato, Yeabsera Mekonnen Duguma, Meklit Solomon Gebremariam; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):140-146. Published online June 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0009

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Despite the high incidence of abdominal stab injuries, the rate of nontherapeutic laparotomies and the predictors of therapeutic laparotomies have rarely been studied in low-income settings.
Methods
This multicenter retrospective study involved three of the largest academic medical centers in central Ethiopia. All patients who sustained an anterior abdominal stab injury and underwent exploratory laparotomy, regardless of the intraoperative findings, were included over the 3-year course of the study.
Results
Of the 117 patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy, 35 patients (29.9%) underwent nontherapeutic laparotomies. Three factors predicted therapeutic laparotomy: hollow viscus evisceration (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–28.64; P=0.032), localized and generalized peritonitis (AOR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.90–11.93; P=0.001), and white blood cell count ≥11,500/mm3 (AOR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.002–7.650; P=0.049). The overall positive predictive value of the therapeutic predictors was 80.2%, while the negative predictive value of all predictor-negative patients was 58.1%. The predictors would have prevented 51.4% of the nontherapeutic laparotomies.
Conclusions
Close to one-third of the patients had a nontherapeutic laparotomy. The clinical predictors of therapeutic laparotomy were shown to have a high positive predictive value despite a lower negative predictive value. Further prospective studies that involve all patients who sustain anterior abdominal stab injuries are needed to potentially improve on the negative predictive value of the predictors suggested by our study.; Summary

Implementation of structured trauma training for first-year surgical residents in Ethiopia: a novel pilot program in a low income country: Segni Kejela, Meklit Solomon Gebremariam; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):132-139. Published online June 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0010

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Curricula for surgical residents should include training in trauma care; however, such training is absent in many low income countries. At the largest surgical training institution in Ethiopia, a trauma training program was developed, integrated into the existing surgical curriculum, and implemented. This study was conducted to evaluate the trainees’ response to the new program.
Methods
Over a 5-month period, 35 first-year surgical residents participated in weekly trauma care training sessions. The program included journal clubs, practical sessions, didactic sessions, and case-based discussions. Six months after the conclusion of the training, changes in knowledge, attitude, and practices were evaluated through a self-report survey.
Results
For knowledge-based items, the survey data revealed reported improvements in 83.8% to 96.8% of students. Furthermore, 90.3% to 93.5% of participants indicated improvements in practice, while 96.7% exhibited a change in attitude. Respondents reported that attending didactic courses improved their presentation skills and facilitated the acquisition of knowledge. They suggested the inclusion of additional practical sessions.
Conclusions
Training structures that are simple to implement are crucial for residency programs with limited resources. Such programs can be developed using existing academic staff and can aid residents in delivering improved care to trauma patients.; Summary

A predictive nomogram-based model for lower extremity compartment syndrome after trauma in the United States: a retrospective case-control study: Blake Callahan, Darwin Ang, Huazhi Liu; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):124-131. Published online May 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0077

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
The aim of this study was to utilize the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database to identify risk factors associated with developing acute compartment syndrome (ACS) following lower extremity fractures. Specifically, a nomogram of variables was constructed in order to propose a risk calculator for ACS following lower extremity trauma.
Methods
A large retrospective case-control study was conducted using the TQIP database to identify risk factors associated with developing ACS following lower extremity fractures. Multivariable regression was used to identify significant risk factors and subsequently, these variables were implemented in a nomogram to develop a predictive model for developing ACS.
Results
Novel risk factors identified include venous thromboembolism prophylaxis type particularly unfractionated heparin (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33–3.05; P<0.001), blood product transfusions (blood per unit: OR 1.13 [95% CI, 1.09–1.18], P<0.001; platelets per unit: OR 1.16 [95% CI, 1.09–1.24], P<0.001; cryoprecipitate per unit: OR 1.13 [95% CI, 1.04–1.22], P=0.003).
Conclusions
This study provides evidence to believe that heparin use and blood product transfusions may be additional risk factors to evaluate when considering methods of risk stratification of lower extremity ACS. We propose a risk calculator using previously elucidated risk factors, as well as the risk factors demonstrated in this study. Our nomogram-based risk calculator is a tool that will aid in screening for high-risk patients for ACS and help in clinical decision-making.; Summary

Validation of chest trauma scoring systems in polytrauma: a retrospective study with 1,038 patients in Korea: Hongrye Kim, Mou Seop Lee, Su Young Yoon, Jonghee Han, Jin Young Lee, Junepill Seok; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(2):114-123. Published online May 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0087

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
Appropriate scoring systems can help classify and treat polytrauma patients. This study aimed to validate chest trauma scoring systems in polytrauma patients.
Methods
Data from 1,038 polytrauma patients were analyzed. The primary outcomes were one or more complications: pneumonia, chest complications requiring surgery, and mortality. The Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS), Chest Trauma Score, Rib Fracture Score, and RibScore were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in patients with or without head trauma.
Results
In total, 1,038 patients were divided into two groups: those with complications (822 patients, 79.2%) and those with no complications (216 patients, 20.8%). Sex and body mass index did not significantly differ between the groups. However, age was higher in the complications group (64.1±17.5 years vs. 54.9±17.6 years, P<0.001). The proportion of head trauma patients was higher (58.3% vs. 24.6%, P<0.001) and the Glasgow Coma Scale score was worse (median [interquartile range], 12 [6.5–15] vs. 15 [14–15]; P<0.001) in the complications group. The number of rib fractures, the degree of rib fracture displacement, and the severity of pulmonary contusions were also higher in the complications group. In the area under the ROC curve analysis, the TTSS showed the highest predictive value for the entire group (0.731), head trauma group (0.715), and no head trauma group (0.730), while RibScore had the poorest performance (0.643, 0.622, and 0.622, respectively)
Conclusions
Early injury severity detection and grading are crucial for patients with blunt chest trauma. The chest trauma scoring systems introduced to date, including the TTSS, are not acceptable for clinical use, especially in polytrauma patients with traumatic brain injury. Therefore, further revisions and analyses of chest trauma scoring systems are recommended.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Clinical prediction models for the management of blunt chest trauma in the emergency department: a systematic review
Ceri Battle, Elaine Cole, Kym Carter, Edward Baker
BMC Emergency Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Changes in interpersonal violence and utilization of trauma recovery services at an urban trauma center in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective, comparative study: Kevin Y. Zhu, Kristie J. Sun, Mary A. Breslin, Mark Kalina Jr., Tyler Moon, Ryan Furdock, Heather A. Vallier; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(1):60-66. Published online February 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0064

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study investigated changes in interpersonal violence and utilization of trauma recovery services during the COVID-19 pandemic. At an urban level I trauma center, trauma recovery services (TRS) provide education, counseling, peer support, and coordination of rehabilitation and recovery to address social and mental health needs. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted considerable changes in hospital services and increases in interpersonal victimization.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted between September 6, 2018 and December 20, 2020 for 1,908 victim-of-crime patients, including 574 victims of interpersonal violence. Outcomes included length of stay associated with initial TRS presentation, number of subsequent emergency department visits, number of outpatient appointments, and utilization of specific specialties within the year following the initial traumatic event.
Results
Patients were primarily female (59.4%), single (80.1%), non-Hispanic (86.7%), and Black (59.2%). The mean age was 33.0 years, and 247 patients (49.2%) presented due to physical assault, 132 (26.3%) due to gunshot wounds, and 76 (15.1%) due to sexual assault. The perpetrators were primarily partners (27.9%) or strangers (23.3%). During the study period, 266 patients (mean, 14.9 patients per month) presented before the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency on March 13, 2020, while 236 patients (mean, 25.9 patients per month) presented afterward, representing a 74.6% increase in victim-of-crime patients treated. Interactions with TRS decreased during the COVID-19 period, with an average of 3.0 interactions per patient before COVID-19 versus 1.9 after emergency declaration (P<0.01). Similarly, reductions in length of stay were noted; the pre–COVID-19 average was 3.6 days, compared to 2.1 days post–COVID-19 (P=0.01).
Conclusions
While interpersonal violence increased, TRS interactions decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting interruption of services, COVID-19 precautions, and postponement/cancellation of elective visits. Future direction of hospital policy to enable resource and service delivery to this population, despite internal and external challenges, appears warranted.; Summary

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