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Beaulieu-Jones BR, Zhu M, Shaikh SP, Brahmbhatt TS, Scantling D, Sanchez SE. Re-thinking the value of cross-sectional torso imaging for ground-level fall patients with altered mental status: Outcomes from a level 1 trauma center. Injury 2024; 55:111239. [PMID: 38071125 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.111239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with altered mental status (AMS) are often excluded from studies evaluating the utility of computed tomography of the torso (CTT) after ground level falls (GLF). It is not known whether CTT identifies otherwise undetectable injuries in patients with AMS after GLF. We sought to describe the value of performing CTT in patients with AMS after GLF, and hypothesized that CTT would not identify new, clinically significant injuries in patients with a normal torso physical exam (PE) and normal chest and pelvic radiographs (CXR/PXR). METHODS Single-institution retrospective cohort study of GLF patients (≤1 m) with and without AMS (GCS <15, blood alcohol level >150 mg/dL, intubation prior to hospital evaluation), 2015-2019. Traumatic injury identification on CTT was evaluated in the context of normal/abnormal torso PE (based on provider documentation) and normal CXR/PXR. RESULTS 1195 patients met inclusion criteria; 344 had AMS, of which 129 (37.5 %) underwent CTT. A further 851 patients had normal mental status, of which 180 (21.2 %) underwent CTT. Patients with a normal PE with AMS (N = 79) and without AMS (N = 38) had a similar rate of new injury discovery on CTT (6.3% vs. 7.9 %, p = 1.00). Negative PE had a negative predictive value (NPV) for identification of a new, acute traumatic injury of 92.4 % (95 % CI: 0.84-0.96) in patients with AMS while normal PE, CXR, and PXR had a NPV of 96.0 % (95 % CI: 0.80-0.99). Among patients with CTT, patients with AMS had a significantly lower rate of acute traumatic injury on CTT compared to alert patients (26.4 % vs. 48.9 %, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, AMS was not positively associated with likelihood of identifying acute traumatic injury on CTT. CONCLUSIONS In patients sustaining GLFs who present with AMS and who otherwise have a negative PE, CXR, and PXR, CTT is very unlikely to identify new traumatic injuries. Strong consideration should be given to forego cross-sectional imaging in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendin R Beaulieu-Jones
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Max Zhu
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shamsh P Shaikh
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tejal S Brahmbhatt
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dane Scantling
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sabrina E Sanchez
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
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Jao S, Wang Z, Mukhi A, Chaudhary N, Martin J, Yuan V, Laskowski R, Huang E, Vosswinkel J, Singer AJ, Jawa R. Radiographic cervical spine injury patterns in admitted blunt trauma patients with and without prehospital spinal motion restriction. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2023; 8:e001092. [PMID: 38020851 PMCID: PMC10668292 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2023-001092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Selective prehospital cervical spine motion restriction (C-SMR) following blunt trauma has increasingly been used by emergency medical service (EMS) providers. We determined rates of prehospital C-SMR and concomitant radiographic injury patterns. Methods A retrospective trauma registry and chart review was conducted for all adult blunt trauma patients who were transported by EMS and hospitalized with radiographic cervical spine injuries from 2011 to 2019 at a level 1 trauma center. Results Of 658 admitted blunt trauma patients with confirmed cervical spine injury by imaging, 117 (17.8%) did not receive prehospital C-SMR. Patients without prehospital C-SMR were significantly older (76 vs 54 years), more often had low fall as mechanism of injury (59.8% vs 15.9%) and had lower Injury Severity Score (10 vs 17). Patients without C-SMR (Non-SMR) experienced the full array of cervical spine injury types and locations. While the non-SMR patients most often had dens fractures,C-SMR patients most often had C7 fractures; frequencies of fractures at the remaining vertebral levels were comparable. On MRI, cervical spinal cord (8.5% vs 19.6%) and ligamentous injuries (5.1% vs 12.6%) occurred less often in non-SMR patients. Approximately 8.5% of non-SMR patients and 20% of C-SMR patients required cervical spine surgery. Conclusion Patients without prehospital C-SMR demonstrate a broad array of cervical spine injuries. While the rates of certain cervical injuries are lower in prehospital non-SMR patients, they are not insignificant. Level of evidence Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Jao
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Zhe Wang
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Ambika Mukhi
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Emily Huang
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | - Adam J Singer
- Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Randeep Jawa
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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Kishawi SK, Adomshick VJ, Halkiadakis PN, Wilson K, Petitt JC, Brown LR, Claridge JA, Ho VP. Development of Imaging Criteria for Geriatric Blunt Trauma Patients. J Surg Res 2023; 283:879-888. [PMID: 36915016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current decision tools to guide trauma computed tomography (CT) imaging were not validated for use in older patients. We hypothesized that specific clinical variables would be predictive of injury and could be used to guide imaging in this population to minimize risk of missed injury. METHODS Blunt trauma patients aged 65 y and more admitted to a Level 1 trauma center intensive care unit from January 2018 to November 2020 were reviewed for histories, physical examination findings, and demographic information known at the time of presentation. Injuries were defined using the patient's final abbreviated injury score codes, obtained from the trauma registry. Abbreviated injury score codes were categorized by corresponding CT body region: Head, Face, Chest, C-Spine, Abdomen/Pelvis, or T/L-Spine. Variable groupings strongly predictive of injury were tested to identify models with high sensitivity and a negative predictive value. RESULTS We included 608 patients. Median age was 77 y (interquartile range, 70-84.5) and 55% were male. Ground-level fall was the most common injury mechanism. The most commonly injured CT body regions were Head (52%) and Chest (42%). Variable groupings predictive of injury were identified in all body regions. We identified models with 97.8% sensitivity for Head and 98.8% for Face injuries. Sensitivities more than 90% were reached for all except C-Spine and Abdomen/Pelvis. CONCLUSIONS Decision aids to guide imaging for older trauma patients are needed to improve consistency and quality of care. We have identified groupings of clinical variables that are predictive of injury to guide CT imaging after geriatric blunt trauma. Further study is needed to refine and validate these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami K Kishawi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Victoria J Adomshick
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Penelope N Halkiadakis
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Keira Wilson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
| | - Jordan C Petitt
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Laura R Brown
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey A Claridge
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Vanessa P Ho
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland, Ohio.
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McCallum J, Eagles D, Ouyang Y, Ende JV, Vaillancourt C, Fehlmann C, Shorr R, Taljaard M, Stiell I. Cervical spine injuries in adults ≥ 65 years after low-level falls - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 67:144-155. [PMID: 36893628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults ≥ 65 are at risk of cervical spine (C-spine) injury, even after low-level falls. The objectives of this systematic review were to determine the prevalence of C-spine injury in this population and explore the association of unreliable clinical exam with C-spine injury. METHODS We conducted this systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews to include studies reporting on C-spine injury in adults ≥ 65 years after low-level falls. Two reviewers independently screened articles, abstracted data, and assessed bias. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate overall prevalence and the pooled odds ratio for the association between C-spine injury and an unreliable clinical exam. RESULTS The search identified 2044citations, 138 full texts were screened, and 21 studies were included in the systematic review. C-spine injury prevalence in adults ≥ 65 years after low-level falls was 3.8% (95% CI: 2.8-5.3). The odds of c-spine injury in those with altered level of consciousness (aLOC) v/s not aLOC was 1.21 (0.90-1.63) and in those with GCS < 15 v/s GCS 15 was 1.62 (0.37-6.98). Studies were at a low-risk of bias, although some had low recruitment and significant loss to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Adults ≥ 65 years are at risk of cervical spine injury after low-level falls. More research is needed to determine whether there is an association between cervical spine injury and GCS < 15 or altered level of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica McCallum
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Debra Eagles
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Yongdong Ouyang
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jamie Vander Ende
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Christian Vaillancourt
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Christophe Fehlmann
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland.
| | - Risa Shorr
- Learning Services, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Monica Taljaard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ian Stiell
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Zhu M, O'Brien M, Shaikh SP, Brahmbhatt TS, LeBedis C, Scantling D, Sanchez SE. Utilization of torso computed tomography for the evaluation of ground level falls: More imaging does not equal better care. Injury 2023; 54:105-111. [PMID: 36470767 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computed tomography (CT) of the chest (CTC), abdomen, and pelvis (CTAP) is common when assessing trauma patients in the emergency department. However, unnecessary imaging can expose patients to unneeded radiation and increase healthcare costs. Here, we characterize the use of torso CT imaging for the evaluation of ground level falls (GLF) at a single level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of all patients ≥18 years old presenting to a single level 1 trauma center with a GLF (1m or less) in 2015-2019. Data were obtained through chart review. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors leading to patients obtaining torso CT imaging. The utility of CT imaging in identifying injuries that changed management was also evaluated. RESULTS Of the 1,195 patients captured during the study period, 492 patients had a positive torso physical exam (PE), and 703 had a negative torso PE. Of patients with a negative torso PE, 127 CTC and 142 CTAP were obtained, with only 5.5% CTC identifying traumatic injuries not previously diagnosed on chest radiograph (CXR), and only 0.7% CTAP identifying new injuries not identified on pelvic radiograph (PXR). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that only a positive PE was significantly associated with the identification of abnormal imaging findings on torso CT. A negative PE, CXR, and PXR have a negative predictive value of 98%. DISCUSSION These data suggest that patients with a negative PE, even if intoxicated, intubated, or with a decreased GCS, are highly unlikely to have new, clinically relevant findings on torso CT imaging. CONCLUSION Using PE, CXR, and PXR as a screening tool in patients sustaining GLF, which if negative close to obviates the need for torso CT, may reduce healthcare costs and radiation exposure without compromising patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Zhu
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States
| | - Mollie O'Brien
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, United States
| | - Shamsh P Shaikh
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States
| | - Tejal S Brahmbhatt
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States; Boston Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, United States
| | - Christina LeBedis
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States; Boston Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, United States
| | - Dane Scantling
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States; Boston Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, United States
| | - Sabrina E Sanchez
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, United States; Boston Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, United States.
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Foster SM, Muller A, Jones P, Engle L, Sherwood A, Geng TA, Ong AW. External signs of trauma: A poor predictor of injury in found down and ground level falls. Am J Surg 2020; 220:1300-1303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lepkowsky E, Simcox T, Rogoff H, Barzideh O, Islam S. Is There a Role for CT Pan-Scans in the Initial Workup of Fragility Fracture Patients? Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil 2020; 11:2151459320916937. [PMID: 32313714 PMCID: PMC7153176 DOI: 10.1177/2151459320916937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) pan-scans have become increasingly commonplace as part of the initial diagnostic workup for patients sustaining traumatic injuries. They have proven effective in improving diagnostic accuracy in those with high-energy mechanisms of injury. However, the utility of pan-scans in the geriatric population sustaining low-energy traumatic injuries remains unproven. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who sustained a fragility fracture at a level-1 trauma center over a 15-month period. Radiologist interpretations of any CT pan-scans were reviewed for acute findings, and charts were reviewed for resulting changes in orthopedic and nonorthopedic management. Additionally, mechanism of injury, definitive management, time to surgery, length of stay, level of care at discharge, and demographic data were compared against similar patients who did not receive a pan-scan. Results: Of the 109 patients who underwent a CT pan-scan, 1 (0.92%) had a change in orthopedic treatment. Twelve (11.01%) patients had changes to their nonorthopedic management. In addition, 14 other patients had one or more consultations obtained based on pan-scan results that did not result in any change in management. Discussion: This study found that only 1 of the included patients had a change in orthopedic management and 12 had a change in nonorthopedic management, despite over half of the study population being found to have additional findings. Furthermore, patients who underwent a pan-scan did not have expedited surgical intervention or earlier discharges compared to those who were not pan-scanned. Conclusion: This study demonstrates whole-body CT imaging provides little benefit in geriatric patients who sustain fragility fractures and should be utilized judiciously and in a targeted fashion instead of as a routine part of trauma surgery or emergency department protocol in this patient population. Level of Evidence: Level III Retrospective Study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lepkowsky
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Trevor Simcox
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Rogoff
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Omid Barzideh
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Shahidul Islam
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY, USA
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