Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury-related Ocular Injury and Vision Dysfunction: Vision Rehabilitation Utilization

SIGNIFICANCE

Visual dysfunction is frequently associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although evidence regarding the prevalence of symptoms of this population has been published, little is known about health care utilization. A retrospective review of the data derived from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-mandated "Traumatic Brain Injury Specific Ocular Health and Visual Functioning Examination for Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center Patients" provided a unique opportunity to investigate vision rehabilitation utilization.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to understand (a) the frequency of vision rehabilitation follow-up visits at 6, 12, and 24 months; (b) the association between follow-up and demographic, comorbidity, and severity of TBI covariates as well as ocular and visual symptoms, geographic access, and evaluating facility; and (c) why some veterans did not follow up with recommendations.

METHODS

Retrospective and survey designs were used. The sample included 2458 veterans who served in the Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom conflicts and received care at one of the five VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017. Quantitative and qualitative descriptive analyses and stepwise logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

About 60% of veterans followed up with recommended vision rehabilitation with visits equally split between VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers and community VA facilities. For each 10-year increase in age, there was a corresponding reduction of 12% in the odds of follow-up. Veterans with decreased visual field had 50% greater odds of follow-up than those who did not. Veterans with difficulty reading had 59% greater odds of follow-up than those who did not. Those who had a double vision had 45% greater odds of follow-up than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the need for vision rehabilitation may extend as long as 2 years after TBI. Access to vision rehabilitation is complicated by the paucity of available neuro-optometric services.

Successful use of pessary for uterine prolapse after pelvic trauma in a nulliparous young female: A case report

RATIONALE

To date, sporadic studies have shown that a relationship exists between delayed pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and pelvic trauma, and these cases have all been managed with surgical procedures.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 29-year-old, nulliparous (Gravida 0) woman without sexual experience was referred to our gynecology outpatient clinic, complaining of a protruding vaginal mass 5 years after a traffic accident (hit by a truck when she was walking) that caused serious multiple injuries.

DIAGNOSES

Stage 2 cystocele, stage 3 uterine prolapse, and stage 2 rectocele, pelvic trauma history.

INTERVENTIONS

The woman was successfully managed with the Gellhorn size 2 pessary use.

OUTCOMES

The short-term effect of pessary use was significant improvement.

LESSONS

This is the first case report of the successful use of a pessary for POP after pelvic trauma in a nulliparous young female.

Long-Term Functional Outcomes in Military Service Members and Veterans After Traumatic Brain Injury/Polytrauma Inpatient Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of the established polytrauma/traumatic brain injury (TBI) infrastructure on immediate posttreatment functional gains, the long-term sustainability of any gains, and participation-related community reintegration outcomes in a baseline cohort of patients 8 years postadmission.

DESIGN

Retrospective review and prospective repeated measures of an inception cohort.

SETTING

Polytrauma rehabilitation center (PRC).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients consecutively admitted to the PRC inpatient rehabilitation unit during its first full fiscal year, 2006 (N=44).

INTERVENTIONS

The PRC infrastructure and formalized rehabilitation for polytrauma/TBI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

FIM scores at admission, discharge, 3 months, and 8 years postdischarge; participation-related socioeconomic factors reflecting community reintegration 8 years after admission.

RESULTS

Functional gains were statistically significantly increased from admission to discharge. Improvements were maintained at both 3 months postdischarge and 8 years postdischarge. The socioeconomic data collected at 8-year follow-up showed >50% either competitively employed or continuing their education and 100% living in a noninstitutionalized setting.

CONCLUSIONS

This study addresses a concern regarding the long-term functional outcomes of rehabilitation patients treated by the established infrastructure of the Polytrauma System of Care inpatient rehabilitation centers. The results suggest that polytrauma/TBI rehabilitation care using a comprehensive, integrated approach is effective and durable in achieving functional gains and successful community reintegration within our initial PRC cohort. Follow-up of subsequent fiscal year cohorts would add to the validity of these outcome findings.

Effects of an Integrated 'Fast Track' Rehabilitation Service for Multi-Trauma Patients: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial in the Netherlands

Objectives

The effects on health related outcomes of a newly-developed rehabilitation program, called ‘supported Fast Track multi-trauma rehabilitation service’ (Fast Track), were evaluated in comparison with conventional trauma rehabilitation service (Care as Usual).

Methods

Prospective, multi-center, non-randomized controlled study. Between 2009 and 2012, 132 adult multi-trauma patients were included: 65 Fast Track and 67 Care as Usual patients with an Injury Severity Score ≥16, complex multiple injuries in several extremities or complex pelvic and/or acetabulum fractures. The Fast Track program involved: integrated coordination between trauma surgeon and rehabilitation physician, shorter stay in hospital with faster transfer to a specialized trauma rehabilitation unit, earlier start of multidisciplinary treatment and ‘non-weight bearing’ mobilization. Primary outcomes were functional status (FIM) and quality of life (SF-36) measured through questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-trauma. Outcomes were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects regression model.

Results

The FIM scores significantly increased between 0 and 3 months (p<0.001) for both groups showing that they had improved overall, and continued to improve between 3 and 6 months for Fast Track (p = 0.04) and between 3 and 9 months for Care as Usual (p = 0.03). SF-36 scores significantly improved in both groups between 3 and 6 months (Fast Track, p<0.001; Care as Usual, p = 0.01). At 12 months, SF-36 scores were still below (self-reported) baseline measurements of patient health prior to the accident. However, the FIM and SF-36 scores differed little between the groups at any of the measured time points.

Conclusion

Both Fast Track and Care as Usual rehabilitation programs were effective in that multi-trauma patients improved their functional status and quality of life. A faster (maximum) recovery in functional status was observed for Fast Track at 6 months compared to 9 months for Care as Usual. At twelve months follow-up no differential effects between treatment conditions were found.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN68246661

Which factors influence the need for inpatient rehabilitation after severe trauma?

INTRODUCTION

Despite the importance of rehabilitation in the treatment of patients with severe trauma or even of severely injured patients, the cooperation between acute and rehabilitation hospitals is often inadequate. The present study aims to identify factors that make it probable that a severely injured patient requires inpatient rehabilitation following the acute treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 75.357 cases from the TraumaRegister DGU^® (TR-DGU) was performed. All cases from 2002 until 2013 with an ISS≥9, who were taken to the ICU were included. Regarding the discharge destination the subgroups "at home" and "rehabilitation hospital" were analyzed in detail. Finally, we performed a multivariate regression analysis based on the parameters previously collected.

RESULTS

24.208 patients (32.1%) were transferred to a rehabilitation clinic. In the multivariate regression analysis the most relevant independent parameters for discharge in a rehabilitation hospital were age (18-54: OR 1.65; 55-74: OR 2.86 and 75 and older: OR 5.07, all p≤0.001), AIS pelvis≥2 (OD 1.94), AIS legs (OR 2.02), AIS spine (AIS 4: OR 5.78 and AIS 5-6: OR 6.36) and the AIS head (AIS 3: OR 1.88; AIS 4: OR 3.11 and AIS 5-6: OR 7.55) (all p≤0.001). The length of stay in the ICU (3-7 days: OR 1.88; 8-28 Days: OR 5.42 and 29 and more days: OR 14.7, all p≤0.001) was also a relevant parameter. The overall ISS presented no relevant influence with an OR of 1.02 (p=0.03).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Knowing independent factors for a required inpatient rehabilitation helps the treating physicians to identify the patients at an early stage in acute hospitals. So the transfer to a rehabilitation clinic can be organized faster and more selective in future.

One-year development of QOL following orthopaedic polytrauma: a prospective observational cohort study of 53 patients

INTRODUCTION

Most studies of polytrauma examined highly mixed patient groups. The objective of the present study was to report the development of patient-reported quality of life (QOL), in a patient group with musculoskeletal polytrauma, excluding patients with major thoracic, abdominal, and brain injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study design was a 1-year cohort follow-up study. Recordings of injury severity were measured with the ISS and NISS. Patient-reported QOL was measured with the questionnaires Eq5d-5L and SF-36 and compared to age-matched reference populations. Moreover, patients return to work status was measured. Data were collected prospectively at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

53 patients were included. The mean age was 42.3 years, ranging from 17 to 78 years. Twelve months after trauma admission, the mean Eq5d-5L index was 0.601 (95 % CI 0.546-0.657). A progressive increasing Eq5d-5L index and SF-36 PCS was observed between the discharge and the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The development in QOL from 6 to 12 months almost shows identically scores. Throughout the study period, patients reported significant worse QOL compared with the established reference population. 32 % of patients have resumed earlier employment status at 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Throughout the 12-month observational period, patients reported worse QOL compared to the age-matched reference population. The development of QOL from 6- to 12-month time points almost showed identically scores with only little improvement. At the end of 1-year follow-up, 32 % of patients had resumed prior employment status.

Aftercare Services for Child Victims of Sex Trafficking: A Systematic Review of Policy and Practice

OBJECTIVE

To explore aftercare services provided to child victims of sex trafficking globally based on the results of a systematic review of published and unpublished research, organizational policy, and current practice. This systematic review serves as a first step toward developing best practices for aftercare service providers.

METHOD

A systematic search was conducted of four English language databases, two human trafficking resource libraries, and one Internet search engine for journal articles and "grey" literature published between January 2000 and May 2013 on the services offered to child sex trafficking victims globally. The search yielded 15 documents for inclusion in the review.

RESULTS

The 15 documents emphasized the need for aftercare service provision to be founded on children's rights and trauma-informed service provision. They recommended delivery practices such as case management and multidisciplinary, multiagency and multinational coordination to ensure the child victims benefit fully from the services. The systematic review revealed that there are three phases to aftercare service provision: rescue, recover, and reintegration. Each of these phases is characterized by different needs and types of services provided. The recovery phase received the most attention compared to recovery and reintegration phases.

CONCLUSION

The literature highlighted that aftercare service provision for child sex trafficking victims is a new area that needs an evidence base from which policy and practice can be formed. There is great need for further research and better documentation of service provision. While this research provides insight into this area, the gap in literature remains wide. The area of aftercare service provision for children who have been trafficked has experienced phenomenal growth within the last 10 years, and with more research and resources being directed to the area, the achievement of international minimum standards of care provision is possible.

Efficacy of an occupational therapy driving intervention for returning combat veterans

Polytrauma, including mild traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and orthopedic conditions, is common among combat veterans (CVs) from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Medical conditions, coupled with deployment-related training, may affect CVs' fitness to drive and contribute to post-deployment crash and injury risks. However, empirical interventions are lacking. Therefore, the study purpose was to examine the efficacy of an occupational therapy driving intervention (OT-DI) with pre and post testing of CVs. Using a DriveSafety 250 simulator, Occupational Therapy-Driver Rehabilitation Specialists recorded driving errors. Eight CVs (mean age = 39.83, SD = 7.80) received three OT-DI sessions, which incorporated strategies to address driving errors and visual search retraining. We determined baseline driving errors (mean = 31.63, SD = 8.96) were double the number of posttest errors (mean = 15.38, SD = 9.71). At posttesting, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease was noted for total errors and lane maintenance. Despite study constraints, preliminary data support the efficacy of the OT-DI.

Polytrauma in veterans: what does it mean for the medical-surgical nurse?

Polytrauma in veterans has increased because improvements in medicine and technology have led to improved survival rates for individuals injured in armed conflicts. Medical-surgical nurses caring for today's veterans are faced with new patient needs. Rehabilitation using a multidimensional approach seems to be most effective in helping patients with polytrauma.

[AN ANALYSIS OF THE INDICATIONS FOR, AND ASSESSMENT OF THE OUTCOMES OF SECONDARY SURGERY AFTER PRIMARY REPAIR OF INJURIES WITHIN THE UPPER LIMB]

INTRODUCTION

The objective of the study was the analysis of the indications for, and assessment of the outcomes of secondary interventions after primary repair of injuries within the upper limb in the authors' institution--Department of General and Hand Surgery of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (a tertiary care unit).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Answers on questionnaires (including DASH) mailed to 33 patients were the subject of the analysis. The group consisted of 27 men and 6 women, mean age 36 years, in whom secondary interventions were performed at a mean of 8 months after primary surgery.

RESULTS

Injuries were grouped in five categories: tendon lacerations, hand or finger amputations, nerve sections, complex tissue injuries, and isolated finger fractures. The most common cause of secondary intervention was incomplete finger movement and lack of opposition of the thumb. The most common operations included tenolysis, arthrolysis and opponensplasty. The outcomes of secondary surgery from patients' perspective were overall good: 13 (39%) patients reported significant improvement, 16 (48%) moderate, and only 4 (13%) patients had no benefit. Twenty-five patients regained full, or almost full hand function (DASH scores 2-39), and 8 (24%) had moderately to severely impaired function (DASH 40-80). Twenty-eight patients returned to work.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary repair of upper limb injuries (even severe) in the tertiary institution was adequate, and secondary interventions rarely necessary. The most common indication was incomplete finger movement caused by ineffective postoperative mobilization. The important role of rehabilitation for the final outcome of the treatment of hand injuries was emphasized.

Massive rotator cuff tear associated with acute traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation: report of two cases and literature review

A massive rotator cuff tear in association with acute traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation is rare. To our knowledge, only four documented cases have been reported in the literature. We present two additional cases of such injury secondary to the traffic accident. The first patient had an unsuccessful closed reduction due to the posterior instability while the second developed the profound shoulder weakness following the reduction. From the findings of our cases together with the previous reports, every patient had a unique injury mechanism of high-energy directed axial loading on an outstretched, adducted, and internally rotated arm. The glenohumeral capsule and rotator cuff were uniformly avulsed from the humeral attachment, and the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were always involved. However, the clinical presentations were variable based on the severity of the associated rotator cuff tear. The outcomes of operative treatment in this type of injury with the open repair were favorable.

Psychiatric disorders in patients suffering from an acute cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury, and their effects on rehabilitation: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The presence of a post-traumatic psychiatric disorder in patients with acute injuries may have adverse effects on outcomes.

AIM

In this study our aims were: (1) to assess the frequency of psychiatric disorders after a cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury requiring rehabilitation; (2) to examine whether there was any correlation between psychiatric disorders and patients' baseline demographic and clinical variables.

DESIGN

The study consisted of two phases: the first was cross-sectional and the second prospective with a 12-month follow-up. The period of recruitment was two years. The results of the first phase are presented here.

SETTING

The study sample consisted of a consecutive series of patients admitted to hospital because of an acute cerebrovascular accident or a traumatic injury and referred for a rehabilitation program. Two inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals were involved in the study.

POPULATION

The sample consisted of 230 consecutive patients with a recent cerebrovascular accident or trauma included in a rehabilitation program.

METHODS

The sample included: 89 men (39%) and 141 women (61%) aged 20-97 years. Psychiatric disorders and motor disabilities were assessed through psychiatric interview and the mini-international neuropsychiatric interview plus (MINI Plus) and, respectively, with the functional independent measure (FIM). In case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severity was assessed through the Davidson's Trauma scale. Psychiatric disorders were correlated to demographic and clinical variables through univariate and multivariate analyses, the latter with logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The most frequent entry diagnoses were traumatic fracture (41.3%) and stroke (37.0%). Ninety-three patients (40.4%) had one or more psychiatric disturbances at study entry, the commonest being depression (56 cases, 24.7%) and anxiety (23 cases, 10.0%). PTSD was present in 8 cases (3.5%). A history of psychiatric disorder was reported by 55 patients (24.2%) Compared to the rest of the study population, these subjects had more psychopathologic complaints (P<0.001). Mean total FIM score was 54.4 (SD=17.8) and 61.2 (SD=19.6) in patients with and without psychopathology (P<0.01) Independent predictors of psychopathology included past psychiatric history, lower total FIM scores, and limb amputation. Depression was predicted by history of psychiatric disorders and lack of partner.

CONCLUSION

History of psychiatric disorders is the most relevant factor associated with psychopathology in patients with an acute cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury, followed by lower total FIM scores, and type of pathologic event.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The presence of psychiatric disorders may potentially influence the rehabilitation process and outcomes; thus their recognition and management are key factors during a rehabilitation program.

A case study of a multiply injured patient

Initial evaluation of severely injured patients requires an organized, rapid, and thorough evaluation of the patient where life-threatening injuries are identified and treated simultaneously. A case study provides the basis for discussion of the management of the multiply injured trauma patient. The ultimate goal in rehabilitation of a multiply injured patient is to return each patient to as much independent function and ability to contribute to society as possible.

[Emergency anesthesia, airway management and ventilation in major trauma. Background and key messages of the interdisciplinary S3 guidelines for major trauma patients]

Patients with multiple trauma presenting with apnea or a gasping breathing pattern (respiratory rate  < 6/min) require prehospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) and ventilation. Additional indications are hypoxia (S(p)O(2)  < 90% despite oxygen insufflation and after exclusion of tension pneumothorax), severe traumatic brain injury [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)  < 9], trauma-associated hemodynamic instability [systolic blood pressure (SBP)  < 90 mmHg] and severe chest trauma with respiratory insufficiency (respiratory rate  > 29/min). The induction of anesthesia after preoxygenation is conducted as rapid sequence induction (analgesic, hypnotic drug, neuromuscular blocking agent). With the availability of ketamine as a viable alternative, the use of etomidate is not encouraged due to its side effects on adrenal function. An electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure measurement and pulse oximetry are needed to monitor the emergency anesthesia and the secured airway. Capnography is absolutely mandatory to confirm correct placement of the endotracheal tube and to monitor tube dislocations as well as ventilation in the prehospital and hospital setting. Because airway management is often complicated in trauma patients, alternative devices need to be available preclinical and a fiber-optic endoscope should be available within the hospital. Use of these alternative measures for airway management and ventilation should be considered at the latest after a maximum of three unsuccessful endotracheal intubation attempts. Emergency medical service (EMS) physicians should to be trained in emergency anesthesia, ETI and alternative methods of airway management on a regular basis. Within hospitals ETI, emergency anesthesia and ventilation are to be conducted by trained and experienced anesthesiologists. When a difficult airway or induction of anesthesia is expected, endotracheal intubation should be supervised or conducted by an anesthesiologist. Normoventilation should be the goal of mechanical ventilation. After arrival in the resuscitation room the ventilation will be controlled and guided with the help of arterial blood gas analyses. After temporary removal of a cervical collar, the cervical spine needs to be immobilized by means of manual in-line stabilization when securing the airway.

Advanced rehabilitation techniques for the multi-limb amputee

Advances in combat casualty care have contributed to unprecedented survival rates of battlefield injuries, challenging the field of rehabilitation to help injured service members achieve maximal functional recovery and independence. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the care of the multiple-limb amputee. Specialized medical, surgical, and rehabilitative interventions are needed to optimize the care of this unique patient population. This article describes lessons learned at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda in providing advanced therapy and prosthetics for combat casualties, but provides guidelines for all providers involved in the care of individuals with amputation.

[Long-term results after polytrauma]

Rehabilitation treatment, which is necessary in the majority of polytrauma patients, is long-lasting and even after several years the final result is frequently not reached yet. Our study is the first in which a population of 510 patients were followed up for 10 years and more and in which many clinical and social parameters were determined. Our study showed that even after a period of 10 years and more the quality of life in several patients is still obviously impaired, according to the parametes "financial losses", "decreased net income", "loss of social services", "credit loan" and "loss of friends". In our study, differences according to financial and professional perspectives between injuries of the lower and upper extremities or combination injuries of the extremities were statistically significant. For the everyday clinic it is important to reintegrate children and young patients into a strong social network because there is a higher percentage of young patients who are socially impaired, even many years after trauma. Adult patients should get strong support to return to their original profession and financial status.

[Surviving multiple trauma--what comes next? The rehabilitation of seriously injured patients]

The survival chances of multiple trauma patients have improved continuously over the last decades. Therefore, not only the question of whether the patient survives a serious accident arises, but rather how the patient survives it. The after effects of trauma are seen not only physically, but also psychologically and socially. These affect quality of life and are evident years after the accident. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a system to classify the after effects of trauma, which can be measured with the help of assessment instruments. Knowing which parameters can influence trauma after effects is essential for the planning, organization, and implementation of a rehabilitation programme following severe injury. The requirements of an optimal rehabilitation process place high demands on the rehabilitation facility and on the rehabilitation team, which ultimately can only be fulfilled by specialized facilities.

The multiply injured trauma patient: resuscitation, rehabilitation, recovery

The care of the acutely injured patient requires a multidisciplinary approach from the moment of injury through rehabilitation and reintegration into society. In addition to the doctors and nurses providing many aspects of the acute and chronic medical care, the rehabilitation component is delivered by several skilled specialists focused on maximizing functional outcomes.

Health-related quality of life two years after injury due to terrorism

BACKGROUND

During the past few decades, terrorist acts have been an unfortunate reality worldwide. There is a striking paucity of research investigating the multitude of long-term outcomes after severe physical injury due to terrorist attacks, a unique subgroup of trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to provide a profile of the long-term health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) after injury due to terrorist attacks and to explore the relationships between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), occupational status and injury severity with HR-QOL.

METHODS

We included 35 survivors of terrorist attacks living in the community, two years on average after the injury, mean age at follow-up = 32.1 (±13.8), mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) = 27 (±14.2). The subjects were recruited from consecutive admissions to a rehabilitation department in a tertiary care center between September 2000 - June 2004. Most of the subjects suffered multiple trauma. The main outcome measures were the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Post Traumatic Diagnostic Scale and return to work rates.

RESULTS

The mean scores on 6/8 of the SF-36 subscales were significantly lower among the survivors compared to normative population norms. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was found in 39% of the sample and 43% did not resume their main occupation two years after the injury. Multivariate analysis of variance of PTSD and occupational status (returned vs. did not return to work) on quality of life scores revealed significant main effects for both PTSD (p=. 000) and occupational status (p=. 005) with no interaction effect (p=. 476). No significant correlations were found between injury severity and the SF-36 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the long-term impact of injury due to terrorism. Results showed independent effects of PTSD and occupational status on health related quality of life, two years after injury. These findings suggest that this group may benefit from intervention focusing on their emotional and occupational status in order to improve their quality of life.

Pain and combat injuries in soldiers returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: implications for research and practice

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) have resulted in a growing number of seriously injured soldiers who are evacuated to the United States for comprehensive medical care. Trauma-related pain is an almost universal problem among these war-injured soldiers, and several military and Department of Veterans Affairs initiatives have been implemented to enhance pain care across the continuum of medical services. This article describes several innovative approaches for improving the pain care provided to OEF and OIF military personnel during acute stabilization, transport, medical-surgical treatment, and rehabilitation and presents summary data characterizing the soldiers, pain management services provided, and associated outcomes. We also identify some of the pain assessment, classification, and treatment challenges emerging from work with this population and provide recommendations for future research and practice priorities.

Concurrent fractures of the hip and wrist: a matched analysis of elderly patients

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporotic fractures involving the hip and wrist are common in the elderly. The incidence of coincident hip and wrist fractures in the same patient is small but may represent a unique subpopulation of elderly with osteoporotic fragility fractures and little information has been published about these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review studying a series of 33 elderly patients who were admitted with concurrent hip and wrist fractures and matched them with patients of similar age, race, gender and co-morbidities with isolated hip fractures analysing their pre-morbid functional status, degree of osteoporosis by the Singh's index, length of stay and re-admission rate.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 33 matched pairs, location of fall in the study group consisted of 21 at home and 26 in the control group. The median duration of stay in hospital was 23 days versus 18 days in the control group. Bone density assessment of our study group revealed 18 patients with severe osteoporosis with Singh's index and 21 severe osteoporosis in the control group. The 1-year re-admission rate for the patients in the study group was 7 and 12 in the control group. Ambulatory status at discharge in the study group was 12 and in the control group 21.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our study population demonstrated a higher proportion of community ambulators with fewer 1-year re-admission rates and a high cervical:trochanteric ratio of 2.7, all of which signify that they belong to a physiologically younger and more active cohort than our control group of isolated hip fractures. Patients with concurrent hip and wrist fractures were not significantly more osteoporotic, and showed a trend toward longer stay in hospital and incurred a higher cost of stay. The confluent upper limb injury was the likely reason for their post-discharge impaired ambulatory status. The most common location of injury in both groups of patients is at home.

One-bone forearm reconstruction procedure as salvage operation after severe upper extremity trauma: a case report

An industrial worker in his early 20s sustained a severe injury to the right dominant upper extremity: fracture, inversion, and complete devascularization of the ulna; transection of the median nerve, the radial artery, and almost all flexor tendons of the hand and fingers; loss of all extensor muscles; and transection of the biceps and brachialis muscles at the elbow. Treatment consisted of conversion to one-bone forearm, immediate reconstruction of the biceps and brachialis muscles and of all flexor tendons of the hand, repair of the radial artery and median nerve and late tendon transfer for extension of the wrist and fingers. Two and a half years after injury, the patient had full flexion and extension of the elbow, full extension but limited flexion of the wrist, and full flexion and extension of the fingers.

Quality of life as a result of multiple injury in the aspect of limitations of handicaps--social roles

Aim of the study was the comparison of quality of life after multiple injury using limitations of handicaps--social roles, ICIDH (World Health Organization). The study group comprised 1259 patients in the years 1989-2003 whose degree of injuries amounted to at least 18 scores in the Injury Severity Scores. Patients were evaluated during a 5 year period. The prospective study in the period to three years (to the end of 2006 year) included 827 (65.9%) patients. The results were compared and statistically analyzed. In the first 5 years--72.5% persons presented limitations on handicaps. In the second 5-years period--48.8% were found to have limitation on social roles and in the third 5-years period 50.3% of people. The most common limitations referred to physical activity--50.5% patients, economic self dependence--49.3% and carrying out of everyday routine--45.7% patients. The highest quality of life improvement and the decrease in the amount of people with limitations on social roles was noted in the second 5-year period and was statistically significant related to the first 5 years. The improvement of quality of life was not significant in the third 5-year period related to second 5-year period. The increase of injuries severity and age was one of the reasons of reduction of positive changes in the last 5-year period.

[Vertigo and falls in the elderly: Part 2: Fall diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapy]

In many acute or chronic vestibular diseases in old age, the risk of falling is increased. A fear of falling often develops together with further limitations to physical activity and subsequent physical and psychological consequences. Falls represent a substantial health-related risk factor. A regular balance, walking and muscle training is an effective prophylaxis. Components of the treatment of vestibular diseases in old age are counselling and encouragement (psychotherapy), treatment of the specific organic disease, specific vestibular rehabilitation and a symptomatic medication therapy. Vertigo in old age is a multifactorial process. The differential diagnosis of disorders of the equilibrium function in old age represents a challenge which can only be overcome by interdisciplinary cooperation.

Health-related quality of life during the first year after severe brain trauma with and without polytrauma

OBJECTIVE

The increasing number of patients surviving severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) but with significant sensorimotor and neuropsychological deficits is a challenge to rehabilitation medicine. So far, most research initiatives have focused on mortality rates, physiological or economic parameters to estimate therapeutic effects of rehabilitation strategies. Investigations on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after TBI with and without concomitant polytrauma are rare compared to other disorders.

DESIGN/PATIENTS

A prospective study was conducted to investigate HRQoL using the SF-36 questionnaire in 49 patients with sTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale < 9 for more than 24 hours) with and without concomitant polytrauma 6 and 12 months after injury.

RESULTS

The SF-36 score profiles 6 and 12 months after trauma were similar. Scores 12 months after trauma, however, were higher in 7/8 dimensions indicating an improvement over time. Similar observations were made for physical and mental sum scores. There was no difference in the SF-36 scoring pattern between the patients with isolated TBI and the patients with concomitant polytrauma, except for physical functioning after 12 months.

CONCLUSION

While there is significant overall improvement of HRQoL over time, sTBI appears to bear major influence on post-traumatic HRQoL and outcome.

Provider perspectives on rehabilitation of patients with polytrauma

OBJECTIVES

To describe, from the perspective of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) polytrauma rehabilitation providers, (1) patients with combat-related polytrauma and their rehabilitation, (2) polytrauma patient family member involvement in rehabilitation, and (3) the impact on providers of providing polytrauma rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Qualitative study based on rapid assessment process methodology, which included semistructured interviews, observation, and use of a field liaison.

SETTING

The 4 VA polytrauma rehabilitation centers (PRCs).

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-six purposefully selected PRC providers and providers from consulting services.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Provider self-report of polytrauma patient characteristics, polytrauma patient family member involvement in rehabilitation, and the impact of polytrauma rehabilitation on providers themselves.

RESULTS

According to PRC providers, polytrauma patients are younger than VA rehabilitation patients. Strong military identities affect rehabilitation needs and reactions to severe injury. The public and the media have particular interest in war-injured patients. Patients with blast-related polytrauma have unique constellations of visible (including amputations, craniectomies, and burns) and invisible (including traumatic brain injury, pain, and posttraumatic stress disorder) injuries. Providers have adjusted treatment strategies and involved services outside of rehabilitation because of this clinical complexity. Family members are intensely involved in rehabilitation and have service needs that may surpass those of families of rehabilitation patients without polytrauma. Sources of provider stress include new responsibilities, media attention, increased oversight, and emotional costs associated with treating severely injured young patients and their families. Providers also described the work as deeply rewarding.

CONCLUSIONS

The VA should prioritize the identification or development and implementation of strategies to address family member needs and to monitor and ensure that PRC providers have access to appropriate resources. Future research should determine whether findings generalize to patients injured in other wars and to people who sustain polytraumatic injuries outside of a war zone, including victims of terrorist attacks.

[Comprehensive management of a child with a post-traumatic brain stem and spinal cord injury. A case study and presentation of current therapeutic modalities]

Less than twenty years ago, a high spinal cord injury accompanied by paralysis of the diaphragm and the resulting apnea and tetraplegia led to certain death within a short time after the trauma, mostly due to respiratory complications associated with ventilatory therapy in hospitals. The objective of this paper is to present the case of a paediatric brain stem trauma with spinal cord injury, consisting of spinal cord rupture in the upper cervical segment. Thanks to appropriate management at all treatment stages (prompt, fully professional assistance in the ambulance, followed by appropriate management at ICU), the child survived. Owing to currently available technical solutions, the boy has achieved considerable self-dependence and an opportunity of having post-traumatic complications treated using a diaphragm pacing stimulator and a baclofen pump. The report presents therapeutic problems encountered in children with post-traumatic spinal cord injury, emphasizing technical opportunities of managing diaphragm paralysis, as exemplified by the five-year treatment and rehabilitation process of a boy with spinal cord injury at C1 level managed at the University Children's Hospital of Cracow, Poland, in whom phrenic nerve stimulation was employed. The implanted stimulator and a specially constructed controller have allowed the boy to achieve mobility using a wheelchair, being able to use a PC and being taught by an individual teacher at home despite his tetraparesis. Recurrent respiratory tract infections and occasional decubitus required periodic hospitalizations. As the patient grew, in consequence of uncontrolled sudden increases of muscle tone of the trunk spine. Increased muscle tone was increasingly resistant to pharmacotherapy and negatively affected the effectiveness of home rehabilitation. In consequence, a decision was made to implant an intraspinal baclofen pump.

Determinants of long-term functional consequences after major trauma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term functional consequences from major trauma and to quantify the effect of sociodemographic, injury-related, and physical determinants of its outcome.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was performed at the University Medical Center Utrecht (Level I trauma center) in the Netherlands during 1999 and 2000. All severely (injury severity score [ISS] >or=16) injured adult (age >or=16) trauma survivors (n = 359) were selected for follow-up. Between 12 and 18 months after trauma, outcome was assessed by means of Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), EuroQol (EQ-5D), and cognitive complaints.

RESULTS

Follow-up assessments (overall response rate 93%) were obtained of 335 patients (249 men, 86 women) with a mean age of 38 years (SD = 17) and a mean ISS of 25 (SD = 10.6). The mean visual analog scale score on the EuroQol (EQvas) was 73.5 (SD = 17.8) and the mean utility score (EQus) was 69.1 (SD = 29.9), both below the norm. Patients reported limitations of mobility (48%); self-care (18%); daily activities (55%); pain and discomfort (63%); anxiety or depression (28%); and cognitive complaints (65%). In multivariate analyses, injury localization (spinal cord injury, lower extremity injury, or brain injury) was significantly associated with EQvas, EQus, and other outcome measures. Educational level was significantly associated with EQvas, anxiety/depression, and cognitive complaints. Comorbidity was significantly associated with EQvas, EQus, all dimensions of the EQ-5D (except anxiety/depression), and cognitive complaints.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the injury localization, educational level and comorbidity were identified as important independent predictors of long-term functional consequences after major trauma. These determinants need further attention in outcome research and clinical practice.

Long-term outcome in patients with combined spinal and pelvic fractures

The outcome of 30 patients with combined spinal and pelvic fractures (C group) was retrospectively investigated and compared with matched group of similar number of isolated spinal fractures (S group) and isolated pelvic fractures (P Group), admitted to our institution between Jan 1998 and May 2002, following a high-energy trauma. After a mean follow-up of 57 months their outcomes were studied using EuroQol questionnaire and return to work status. The EQ-5D scores for patients in the S group were 0.71 (SD 0.29) compared to 0.60 (SD 0.14) for patients in the P group and 0.63 (SD 0.23) for patients in the C group. The EQ-VAS scores were similarly favourable towards patients in the S group. Seventy percent of patients in the S group returned to their previous level of employment after a mean duration of 5.3 months compared to 55% in the P group and 57% in the C group after a mean duration of 9.4 months and 12.8 months, respectively. Patients with isolated spinal fractures had an overall satisfactory outcome compared with patients in the other 2 groups. However, no difference was noted while analysing the outcomes in the later 2 groups (p<0.05), suggesting that the pelvic fracture contributes to the poor outcome, and the presence of a spinal fracture does not influence the long-term outcome. However, problems related to associated injuries and motor neurological deficits have profound confounding effect on the outcome in all 3 groups.

Rehabilitation Outcomes of Terror Victims With Multiple Traumas

OBJECTIVES

To describe the rehabilitation outcomes of terror victims with multiple traumas, and to compare those outcomes with those of patients with nonterror-related multiple traumas treated in the same rehabilitation facility over the same time period.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart reviews.

SETTING

Rehabilitation department in a university hospital in Jerusalem, Israel.

PARTICIPANTS

Between September 2000 and September 2004, we treated 72 victims of terrorist attacks who had multiple traumas. Among them, 47 (65%) had multiple traumas without central nervous system involvement (MT subgroup), 19 (26%) had multiple traumas with traumatic brain injury (TBI subgroup), and 6 (8%) had multiple traumas with spinal cord injury (SCI subgroup). We matched, according to their types of injury and demographic data, each terror victim with a control patient treated in the same period in our rehabilitation department.

INTERVENTION

Interdisciplinary inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hospital length of stay (LOS) in acute care departments, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation departments, functional outcome (FIM instrument score), occupational outcome (returning to previous occupation), and psychologic outcome (Solomon PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] Inventory).

RESULTS

The mean LOS of terror victims was 218+/-131 days; for the nonterror group it was 152+/-114 days (P<.01). In comparison with the control subgroups, the MT subgroup of terrorist victims had significantly longer LOS in the acute care and outpatient rehabilitation departments (P=.06) and the terror TBI subgroup had a longer LOS in outpatient department only (P<.05). The LOS of the SCI patients, both terror victims and control patients, was significantly longer than that of the other 2 subgroups. The difference between FIM value at entry and discharge (DeltaFIM) was significantly higher for terror victims than for the controls (41.1+/-21.6 vs 30.8+/-21.8, P=.002). This difference was mainly the result of the significantly higher DeltaFIM achieved by the terror MT subgroup than by the MT controls. The rate of PTSD was higher among terror victims than among controls (40.9% vs 24.2%, P=.04). The rate of return to previous occupations was similar between terror victims and nonterror patients (53% vs 46.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Victims of terror spent longer periods in rehabilitation than the nonterror group; however, they regained most activity of daily living functions similar to the nonterror group. Despite the higher rate of PTSD, terror victims succeeded in returning to their previous occupations at a similar rate to that of the nonterror group.

[Hannover-Polytrauma-Longterm-Study HPLS]

From the period of September 2000 to March 2006 Hannover Reinsurance and the Department of Traumatology of the Hanover Medical School conducted a retrospective observational study of the long-term outcome of patients after polytrauma. The follow-up period was on average 17 +/- 5 years. The goal of the study was to determine the social, financial, medical and psychological long-term outcome after a severe accident. Of the 1560 enrolled patients 519 patients died in the observed period, 397 patients were followed up but could not be examined, 637 patients (female n = 158, male n = 479) were examined and answered detailed questionnaires concerning their social, financial medical and psychological situation. 6 patients did not fullfil the input criteria and one patient had two polytraumata. The average age at the time of accident was 26.5 years (+/- 12.3).

RESULTS

Financial losses were observed in 41.1% of all males and 44.4% of females. 21.7% of all male (female 18.4%) had no financial protection at all. Due to the accident 30.1% of all men were unemployed and 19.8% permanently disabled (women 27.4% and 27.6% respectively). Psychological treatment almost doubled after discharge from rehabilitation centres. Even 20 years after the accident extra-mortality was substantially increased by 79%.

CONCLUSION

Ten to twenty years after polytrauma significant financial, social and medical impairments are still present.

Return to work and quality of life in severely injured patients

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the long-term consequences of severe injuries in terms of return to productivity and quality of life.

METHODS

In this study we focused on the return to work status and quality of life in 53 severely injured patients (AIS/ISS > or = 16, mean ISS 24, range 16 - 54), mean age 37 years, one to two years after the injury. Questions were asked concerning employment in the past and at present. Quality of life was measured by means of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) questionnaire. Injury-related parameters were analysed in order to study their relation with disablement.

RESULTS

Of those patients who survived their injuries, 87% had resumed their former work. Only 10% of the patients received disability benefits. A mean SIP-total score of 6.7 was found, the mean SIP-physical score was 5.9 and the mean SIP-psychosocial score was 6.9. "No disability" (SIP score < or = 3) was found in 55% of the patients, whereas 11% of the patients reported "severe disability" (SIP score > or = 20). Age was a significant predictor of disablement (odds ratio 1.07). The Injury Severity Score (ISS), the length of hospital stay and the number of diagnoses did not predict disablement.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the results were obtained in a relatively small sample size, the return to work rate in the surviving severely injured patients appears to be excellent. The quality of life is good; the majority of patients are not disabled. Age (and not the ISS) seems to be a significant predictor of disablement.