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The Journal of Surgical Research Aug 2022Multiple rib fractures and flail chest are common in trauma patients and may result in significant morbidity and mortality. While rib fractures have historically been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple rib fractures and flail chest are common in trauma patients and may result in significant morbidity and mortality. While rib fractures have historically been treated conservatively, there is increasing interest in the benefits of surgical fixation. However, strong evidence that supports surgical rib fixation and identifies the most appropriate patients for its application is currently sparse.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines was performed to identify all peer-reviewed papers that examined surgical compared to conservative management of rib fractures. We undertook a subgroup analysis to determine the specific effects of rib fracture type, age, the timing of fixation and study design on outcomes. The primary outcomes were the length of hospital and ICU stay, and secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation time, rates of pneumonia, and mortality.
RESULTS
Our search identified 45 papers in the systematic review, and 40 were included in the meta-analysis. There was a statistical benefit of surgical fixation compared to conservative management of rib fractures for length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation, mortality, pneumonia, and tracheostomy. The subgroup analysis identified surgical fixation was most favorable for patients with flail chest and those who underwent surgical fixation within 72 h. Patients over 60 y had a statistical benefit of conservative management on length of hospital stay and mechanical ventilation.
CONCLUSIONS
Surgical fixation of flail and multiple rib fractures is associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality outcomes compared to conservative management. However, careful selection of patients is required for the appropriate application of surgical rib fixation.
Topics: Flail Chest; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Length of Stay; Pneumonia; Retrospective Studies; Rib Fractures; Ribs; Spinal Fractures
PubMed: 35390577
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.055 -
The Bone & Joint Journal Apr 2022The aim of this study was to review the current evidence surrounding curve type and morphology on curve progression risk in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
Curve type, flexibility, correction, and rotation are predictors of curve progression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing conservative treatment : a systematic review.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to review the current evidence surrounding curve type and morphology on curve progression risk in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted by two independent reviewers on PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science to obtain all published information on morphological predictors of AIS progression. Search items included 'adolescent idiopathic scoliosis', 'progression', and 'imaging'. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were carefully defined. Risk of bias of studies was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool, and level of evidence for each predictor was rated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. In all, 6,286 publications were identified with 3,598 being subjected to secondary scrutiny. Ultimately, 26 publications (25 datasets) were included in this review.
RESULTS
For unbraced patients, high and moderate evidence was found for Cobb angle and curve type as predictors, respectively. Initial Cobb angle > 25° and thoracic curves were predictive of curve progression. For braced patients, flexibility < 28% and limited in-brace correction were factors predictive of progression with high and moderate evidence, respectively. Thoracic curves, high apical vertebral rotation, large rib vertebra angle difference, small rib vertebra angle on the convex side, and low pelvic tilt had weak evidence as predictors of curve progression.
CONCLUSION
For curve progression, strong and consistent evidence is found for Cobb angle, curve type, flexibility, and correction rate. Cobb angle > 25° and flexibility < 28% are found to be important thresholds to guide clinical prognostication. Despite the low evidence, apical vertebral rotation, rib morphology, and pelvic tilt may be promising factors. Cite this article: 2022;104-B(4):424-432.
Topics: Adolescent; Conservative Treatment; Humans; Kyphosis; Retrospective Studies; Rotation; Scoliosis
PubMed: 35360948
DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.104B4.BJJ-2021-1677.R1 -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Feb 2023Multiple rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients. There is growing interest in surgical stabilization in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients. There is growing interest in surgical stabilization in this subgroup of patients. This systematic review compares conservative treatment to surgical fixation in elderly patients (older than 60 years) with multiple rib fractures. The primary outcome is mortality. Secondary outcomes include hospital and intensive care length of stay (HLOS and ILOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV) and pneumonia rates.
METHODS
Multiple databases were searched for comparative studies reporting on conservative versus operative treatment for rib fractures in patients older than 60 years. Both observational studies and randomised clinical trials were considered.
RESULTS
Five observational studies (n = 2583) were included. Mortality was lower in operatively treated patients compared to conservative treatment (4% vs. 8%). Pneumonia rate and DMV were similar (5/6% and 5.8/6.5 days) for either treatment modality. Overall ILOS and HLOS of stay were longer in operatively treated patients (6.5 ILOS and 12.7 HLOS vs. 2.7 ILOS and 6.5 ILOS). There were only minimal reports on perioperative complications. Notably, the median number of rib fractures (8.4 vs. 5) and the percentage of flail chest were higher in operatively treated patients (47% vs. 39%).
CONCLUSION
It remains unknown to what extent conservative and operative treatment contribute individually to reducing morbidity and mortality in the elderly with multiple rib fractures. To date, the quality of evidence is rather low, thus well-performed comparative observational studies or randomised controlled trials considering all confounders are needed to determine whether operative treatment can improve a patient's outcome.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Rib Fractures; Flail Chest; Length of Stay; Fracture Fixation; Spinal Fractures; Pneumonia; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35137253
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-022-04362-z -
Cancer Imaging : the Official... Jan 2022To demonstrate and analyze the relatively common imaging findings in this rare primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA).
BACKGROUND
To demonstrate and analyze the relatively common imaging findings in this rare primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA).
CASE PRESENTATION
Three cases of PPA, proven by video-assisted thoracic surgery biopsies are retrospectively reviewed. Patients were all male. Age ranges from 65 to 75 years old age (mean; 69). Major chief complaints were dyspnea and chest pain. One has a history of colon cancer, the other has a tuberculosis history and the other has no known history. Multidetector chest CT and PET CT were all done. Immunohistochemical studies were performed including CD31, CD34, or factor VIII-related antigen, vimentin, and cytokeratin. We also review the literatures on recently published PPA. All masses were from 1 to 10 cm. All three patients had multiple pleural based masses, which were ovoid in shape with relatively sharp margin in unilateral hemithorax. Multiple small circumscribed pleural masses are limited in the pleural space in two patients, whereas two, huge lobulated masses about up to 10 cm were present with pleural and extrapleural involvement in one patient. In two patients with pleural mass only, multiple pleural masses were only seen in parietal pleura in one patient and were in both visceral and parietal pleura in one patient. Pleural effusion were found in one side in one patient and in both sides in one patient. One angiosarcoma was arised from chronic tuberculotic pleurisy sequelae. All pleural masses are heterogenous with irregular internal low densities in all patients. Hematogenous metastases were found in liver, vertebra, rib in one patient, and were in lungs with mediastinal lymph node metastases in the other patient. Three patients survived for longer than 3months after diagnosis, but continued to deteriorate rapidly. Two patients underwent chemotherapy after surgical excision, and the other one with multiple metastases treated chemotherapy after CT-guided biopsy, but eventually all died. As a result of comparative analysis of a total of 13 patients' images including 10 cases previously published, there was pleural effusion in all except 2 cases.
CONCLUSIONS
PPA were all necrotic without any vascularized enhancing nature, and manifested as unilateral circumscribed or localized pleural-based masses.
Topics: Aged; Hemangiosarcoma; Humans; Male; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35022068
DOI: 10.1186/s40644-021-00435-1 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Apr 2022Multiple traumatic rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The last decade has seen a significant increase in rates of surgical fixation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Multiple traumatic rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The last decade has seen a significant increase in rates of surgical fixation for both flail and non-flail rib fractures; the evidence for this has come from largely retrospective studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of this approach with that of non-operative management.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgical stabilisation to non-operative management. Both flail and non-flail injuries were included.
RESULTS
Five RCTs reported the results of 286 patients. Only one study assessed non-flail fractures. The studies were heterogenic in nature and of mixed quality. Surgical stabilisation was associated with a reduction in pneumonia (RR 0.46, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.29 to 0.73, I=42%, =0.001). The duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference (MD) -6.3, 95% CI -12.16 to -0.43, I=95%, =0.05) and critical care length of stay was also shorter after surgery (mean difference -6.46 days, 95% CI 9.73 to -3.19, <0.001); however, the overall length of stay in hospital was not (MD -7.18, 95% CI -15.63 to -1.28, I=94%, =0.1). No study demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.8, I=0%, =0.28).
CONCLUSIONS
Surgical stabilisation of rib fractures is associated with some improved clinical outcomes. Further large RCTs are still needed to confirm if there is also a survival benefit.
Topics: Flail Chest; Humans; Length of Stay; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiration, Artificial; Rib Fractures; Wounds, Nonpenetrating
PubMed: 34928718
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0148 -
Physical Therapy Jan 2022The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy on lung volumes and health outcomes in adults with chest trauma and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy on lung volumes and health outcomes in adults with chest trauma and to investigate any adverse effects and optimal dosages leading to the greatest positive impact on lung volumes and recovery.
METHODS
Data sources were MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL, Open Access Thesis/Dissertations, EBSCO Open Dissertations, and OpenSIGLE/Open Grey. Randomized controlled trials investigating PEP therapy compared with usual care or other physical therapist interventions were included. Participants were >18 years old and who were admitted to the hospital with any form of chest trauma, including lung or cardiac surgery, blunt chest trauma, and rib fractures. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale, and the level of evidence was downgraded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS
Eleven studies involving 661 participants met inclusion eligibility. There was very low-level evidence that PEP improved forced vital capacity (standardized mean difference = -0.50; 95% CI = -0.79 to -0.21), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (standardized mean difference = -0.38; 95% CI = -0.62 to -0.13), and reduced the incidence of pneumonia (relative risk = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.85). Respiratory muscle strength also significantly improved in all 3 studies reporting this outcome. There was very low-level evidence that PEP did not improve other lung function measures, arterial blood gases, atelectasis, or hospital length of stay. Both PEP devices and dosages varied among the studies, and no adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSION
PEP therapy is a safe intervention with very low-level evidence showing improvements in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, respiratory muscle strength, and incidence of pneumonia. It does not improve arterial blood gases, atelectasis, or hospital length of stay. Because the evidence is very low level, more rigorous physiological and dose-response studies are required to understand the true impact of PEP on the lungs after chest trauma.
IMPACT
There is currently no strong evidence for physical therapists to routinely use PEP devices following chest trauma. However, there is no evidence of adverse events; therefore, in specific clinical situations, PEP therapy may be considered.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Lung Injury; Lung Volume Measurements; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Therapy; Thoracic Injuries
PubMed: 34723337
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab254 -
Spine Deformity Mar 2022The management of scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis in patients with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis (NF-1) among spinal surgeons is still challenging due to the severity of the...
PURPOSE
The management of scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis in patients with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis (NF-1) among spinal surgeons is still challenging due to the severity of the deformity especially in dystrophic deformity types. This rapid and progressive condition is likely to be associated with dislocated rib heads into the spinal canal, hence representing a real dilemma on the decision making between its resection versus not resection during the corrective surgery, especially in patients with normal neurological status. The objective of this publication is to discuss the management options in this patient population through a literature review.
METHODS
A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed for relevant studies using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Previous publications depicting neurologically intact patients with NF-1 and rib dislocation into the canal were reviewed. Articles reporting individual cases or case series/cohorts with patient-discriminated findings were included.
RESULTS
The data collection retrieved a total of 55 neurologically intact patients with NF-1 dystrophic scoliosis and rib penetration into the canal who underwent spinal surgery. Among them, 37 patients underwent surgery without head rib resection and 18 patients with rib excision. No patient presented postoperative neurological deficit except for one case of late postoperative neurological deterioration reported in a patient within situ fusion in which the surgeons ignored the presence of previous spinal cord compression.
CONCLUSION
Corrective surgery for patients with NF-1 and rib penetration into the canal in neurologically intact patients can be safely performed without the resection of the dislocated rib heads without a higher risk of neurological compromise.
Topics: Humans; Joint Dislocations; Kyphosis; Ribs; Scoliosis; Spinal Canal
PubMed: 34705252
DOI: 10.1007/s43390-021-00422-3 -
Resuscitation Dec 2021Summarise the evidence regarding the safety of mechanical and manual chest compressions for cardiac arrest patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
Summarise the evidence regarding the safety of mechanical and manual chest compressions for cardiac arrest patients.
METHODS
Two investigators separately screened the articles of EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central databases. Cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the safety of mechanical (LUCAS or AutoPulse) and manual chest compressions in cardiac arrest patients were included. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome was the rate of overall compression-induced injuries. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of life-threatening injuries, skeletal fractures, visceral injuries, and other soft tissue injuries.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 11 trials involving 2,818 patients. A significantly higher rate of overall compression-induced injuries was found for mechanical compressions than manual compressions (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.41), while there was no significant difference between the two groups in respect of the rate of life-threatening injuries. Furthermore, both modalities shared similar incidences of sternal fractures, vertebral fractures, lung, spleen, and kidney injuries. However, compared to mechanical compressions, manual compressions were shown to present a reduced risk of posterior rib fractures, and heart and liver lesions.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggested that manual compressions could decrease the risk of compression-induced injuries compared to mechanical compressions in cardiac arrest patients. Interestingly, mechanical compressions have not increased the risk of life-threatening injuries, whereas additional high-quality RCTs are needed to further verify the safety of mechanical chest devices.
TRIAL REGISTRY
INPLASY; Registration number: INPLASY2020110111; URL: https://inplasy.com/.
Topics: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Heart Arrest; Heart Massage; Humans; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Pressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thoracic Injuries; Thorax
PubMed: 34699924
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.10.028 -
The European Respiratory Journal Apr 2022Our purpose was to summarise the prognostic associations between various clinical risk factors and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Our purpose was to summarise the prognostic associations between various clinical risk factors and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following traumatic injury.
METHODS
We conducted this review in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and CHARMS (Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modeling Studies) guidelines. We searched six databases from inception through December 2020. We included English language studies describing the clinical risk factors associated with development of post-traumatic ARDS, as defined by either the American-European Consensus Conference or Berlin definition. We pooled adjusted odds ratios for prognostic factors using the random effects method. We assessed risk of bias using the QUIPS (Quality in Prognosis Studies) tool and certainty of findings using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology.
RESULTS
We included 39 studies involving 5 350 927 patients. We identified the amount of crystalloid resuscitation as a potentially modifiable prognostic factor associated with development of post-traumatic ARDS (adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.15-1.24 for each additional litre of crystalloid administered within the first 6 h after injury; high certainty). Non-modifiable prognostic factors with a moderate or high certainty of association with post-traumatic ARDS included increasing age, non-Hispanic White race, blunt mechanism of injury, presence of head injury, pulmonary contusion or rib fracture and increasing chest injury severity.
CONCLUSIONS
We identified one important modifiable factor, the amount of crystalloid resuscitation within the first 24 h of injury, and several non-modifiable factors associated with development of post-traumatic ARDS. This information should support the judicious use of crystalloid resuscitation in trauma patients and may inform development of risk stratification tools.
Topics: Crystalloid Solutions; Humans; Odds Ratio; Prognosis; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34625477
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00857-2021 -
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2021Suspension trauma syndrome is a life-threatening event that occurs when a person is "trapped" in a prolonged passive suspension. It is most commonly seen in people who... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Suspension trauma syndrome is a life-threatening event that occurs when a person is "trapped" in a prolonged passive suspension. It is most commonly seen in people who engage in occupational or sport activities that require harness suspension. The aim of this study is to identify the predisposing factors, pathophysiology, and management of suspension trauma.
METHODS
A review and analysis of the literature published in English and Spanish from 1972 to 2020 on suspension trauma were performed. Search sources were PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, MeSH, UpToDate, and Google Scholar. Articles referring to suspension trauma associated with other injury mechanisms (traumatic impact injuries, drowning, asphyxiation, or bleeding), case reports, and pediatric population were excluded.
RESULTS
Forty-one articles were identified. Of these, 29 articles related to mechanism, pathophysiology, and management of individuals who suffered prolonged suspension trauma without associated traumatic injuries were included in the study. We encountered several controversies describing the putative pathophysiology, ranging from blood sequestration in the lower extremities versus accumulation of metabolic waste and hyperkalemia to dorsal hook-type harness as a trigger cause of positional asphyxia; to vascular compression of femoral vessels exerted by the harness causing decreased venous return. Pstients suspended in a full-body harness with dorsal hook showed more hemodynamic alterations in response to the compressive effect on the rib cage, causing a reduction in perfusion by presenting a decrease in pulse pressure. Management strategies varied across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Progress has been made in individualizing the population at risk and in the management of suspension trauma. We recommend the formation of consensus definitions, larger cohort or registry studies to be conducted, and experimental animal models to better understand the mechanisms in order to develop management and life support guidelines from a trauma and emergency medicine perspective.
PubMed: 34512820
DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2021.04.001