• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제54권1호
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• pp.38-41
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• 2013

Objective : Density of the chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is variable. It often appears to be mixed density. Multiple densities of cSDH may result from multiple episodes of trauma. We investigated the frequency of mixed density and the causes of head injuries representing each density. Methods : We could collect 242 cases of chronic SDH. The cSDHs were classified into four groups; hypodensity, homogeneous isodensity, layered type, and mixed type on the basis of CT scans. Results : The density of cSDH was isodense in 115 patients, hypodense in 31 patients, mixed in 79 cases, and layered in 17 cases. The cSDH was on the left side in 115 patients, on the right side in 70 patients, and bilateral in 40 patients. The history of trauma was identifiable in 122 patients. The etiology could be identified in 67.7% of the hypodense hematomas, while it was obscure in 59.5% of the mixed hematomas. Conclusion : Mixed density of cSDH results from multiple episodes of trauma, usually in the aged. It is hard to remember all the trivial traumas for the patients with the mixed density cSDHs. Although there were membranes within the mixed density hematomas, burr-holes were usually enough to drain the hematomas.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제43권5호
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• pp.227-231
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• 2008

Objective : Earlier reports have revealed that the incidence of posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is higher among patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC). The aim of this study was to determine the influencing factors for the development of PTH after DC. Methods : A total of 693 head trauma patients admitted in our hospital between March 2004 and May 2007 were reviewed. Among thee, we analyzed 55 patients with severe traumatic brain injury who underwent DC. We excluded patients who had confounding variables. The 33 patients were finally enrolled in the study and data were collected retrospectively for these patients. The patients were divided into two groups: non-hydrocephalus group (Group I) and hydrocephalus group (Group II). Related factors assessed were individual Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), age, sex, radiological findings, type of operation, re-operation and outcome. Results : Of the 693 patients with head trauma, 28 (4.0%) developed PTH. Fifty-five patients underwent DC and 13 (23.6%) developed PTH. Eleven of the 33 study patients (30.3%) who had no confounding factors were diagnosed with PTH. Significant differences in the type of craniectomy and re-operation were found between Group I and II. Conclusion : It is suggested that the size of DC and repeated operation may promote posttraumatic hydrocephalus in severe head trauma patients who underwent DC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제49권5호
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• pp.361-365
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• 2016

Background: Sternal fractures are relatively rare, and caused mainly by blunt anterior chest wall trauma. In most cases, sternal fractures are treated conservatively. However, if the patient exhibits problematic symptoms such as intractable chest wall pain or bony crepitus due to sternal instability, surgical correction is indicated. But no consensus exists regarding the most appropriate surgical method. We analyzed the results of surgical fixation in cases of sternal fracture in order to identify which surgical method led to the best outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with sternal fractures from December 2008 to December 2011, and found 19 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the sternum with a longitudinal plate (L-group) or a T-shaped plate (T-group). We investigated patients' characteristics, clinical details regarding each case of chest trauma, the presence of other associated injuries, the type of open reduction and fixation, whether a combined operation was performed, and postoperative complications. Results: Of the 19 patients, 10 patients (52.6%) were male, and their average age was 56.8 years (range, 32 to 82 years). Seven patients (36.8%) had isolated sternal fractures, while 12 (63.2%) had other associated injuries. Seven patients (36.8%) were in the L-group and 12 patients (63.2%) were in the T-group. Three patients in the L-group (42.9%) showed a loosening of the fixation. In all patients in the T-group, the fracture exhibited stable alignment. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped plate in sternal fractures is a safer and more efficient treatment method than treatment with a longitudinal plate, especially in patients with a severely displaced sternum or anterior flail chest, than a longitudinal plate.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.257-266
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the content of nursing interventions applied to patients with thoracic injury who visited a trauma emergency room (TER) or an emergency room (ER). Methods: Of 3,938 trauma patients admitted to this hospital between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020, 320 adult patients with thoracic injury (94 to TER, 226 to ER) who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Patients' data were acquired from their electronic medical records. General and clinical characteristics of these subjects along with nursing interventions were analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the length of stay, treatment outcome, and level of consciousness between thoracic injury patients who visited TER and ER. Average thoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale score and average Injury Severity Score of thoracic injury patients who visited TER were 3.13 and 13.54, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of patients who visited ER. The numbers of nursing actions applied was 4,819 for TER and 3,944 for ER, which were classified into five domains, 18 classes, and 56 interventions. The most domain of interventions carried out in both TER and ER was physiological: complex. Classes including Crisis management and Thermoregulation were not carried out in ER. On average, 16 more types of interventions were carried out in TER than in ER. Conclusion: This study demonstrated characteristics of thoracic injury patients and nursing interventions by emergency room type. Based on results of this study, standardized nursing interventions need be applied to thoracic injury patients visiting TER and ER.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.175-179
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• 2010

Purpose: Sternal fractures after blunt thoracic trauma can cause significant pain and disability. They are relatively uncommon as a result of direct trauma to the sternum and open reduction is reserved for those with debilitating pain and fracture displacement. We reviewed consecutive 11 cases of open reduction and fixation of sternum and tried to find standard approach to the traumatic sternal fractures with severe displacement. Methods: From December 2008 to August 2010, the medical records of 11 patients who underwent surgical reduction and fixation of sternum for sternal fractures with severe displacement were reviewed. We investigated patients' characteristics, chest trauma, associated other injuries, type of open reduction and fixation, combined operations, preoerative ventilator support and postoperative complications. Results: The mean patient age was 59.3years (range, 41~79). The group comprised 6 male and 5 female subjects. Among 11 patients who underwent open reduction and fixation for sternal fracture with severe displacement, 6 cases had isolated sternal fractures and the other 5 patients had associated other injuries. Sternal fractures were caused by car accidents (9/11, 81.8%), falling down (1/11, 9.1%) and direct blunt trauma to the sternum (1/11, 9.1%), respectively. 3 of the 7 patients (42.9%) who underwent sternal plating with longitudinal plates showed loosening of fixation. Otherwise, none of the 4 patients who underwent surgical fixation using T-shaped plate had stable alignment of the fracture. Conclusion: Sternal fractures with severe displacement need to be repaired to prevent chronic pain, instability of the anterior chest wall, deformity of the sternum, and even kyphosis. In the present study, a T-shaped plate with a compression-tension mechanism constitutes the treatment of choice for displaced sternal fractures.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제49권5호
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• pp.262-269
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• 2023

Objectives: Anterior maxillary sinus wall fractures are common in all types of maxillofacial trauma. They can result in various complications, including injury to the surrounding nerves. Owing to its anatomy, trauma to the maxillary antrum can result in injury to the middle superior alveolar nerve (MSAN) and the anterior superior alveolar nerve (ASAN). The purpose of this study is to evaluate neurosensory deficits (NSD) present in maxillary gingiva, incisors, and premolars after injury to the anterior wall of the maxillary antrum. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 39 patients sustaining unilateral fractures of the anterior maxillary sinus wall. Clinical neurosensory tests including two-point discrimination and fine touch discrimination were performed to classify the extent of nerve injuries as mild, moderate, severe, or anesthetic. Additional temperature discrimination and pulpal sensibility tests (electric pulp testing and cold testing) were carried out. A comparison of radiographic fracture patterns and severity of nerve injury was done. Testing was carried out immediately after trauma and at 2-month follow-up. Results: More than half of the patients assessed in the study group presented with NSD of the teeth and gingiva after trauma. The incidence of deficits varied with the type of test used to measure them. Most frequently, patients presented with both loss of two point as well as fine touch discrimination thresholds. Severe nerve injuries were associated with loss of temperature discrimination clinically and displaced fractures radiographically. There was no significant relationship between the recovery of pulpal and gingival sensation. The patterns of injury and recovery in ASAN and MSAN were similar. Conclusion: NSD after trauma to the maxillary antrum is relatively common. Clinical loss of temperature discrimination and radiographic signs of fracture lines passing through the canalis sinuosus are predictors of persistent and severe oral NSD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권3호
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• pp.370-379
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• 2022

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the most severe form of physical abuse in children. Such injury involves traumatic damage to the head and/or spine of infants and young children. The term AHT was introduced to include a wider range of injury mechanisms, such as intentional direct blow, throw, and even penetrating trauma by perpetuator(s). Currently, it is recommended to replace the former term, shaken baby syndrome, which implicates shaking as the only mechanism, with AHT to include diverse clinical and radiological manifestations. The consequences of AHT cause devastating medical, social and financial burdens on families, communities, and victims. The potential harm of AHT to the developing brain and spinal cord of the victims is tremendous. Many studies have reported that the adverse effects of AHT are various and serious, such as blindness, mental retardation, physical limitation of daily activities and even psychological problems. Therefore, appropriate vigilance for the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT is highly recommended to stop and prevent further injuries. The aim of this review is to summarize the relevant evidence concerning the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT. To recognize this severe type of child abuse early, all health care providers maintain a high index of suspicion and vigilance. Such suspicion can be initiated with careful and thorough history taking and physical examinations. Previously developed clinical prediction rules can be helpful for decision-making regarding starting an investigation when considering meaningful findings. Even the combination of biochemical markers may be useful to predict AHT. For a more confirmative evaluation, neuroradiological imaging is required to find AHT-specific findings. Moreover, timely consultation with ophthalmologists is needed to find a very specific finding, retinal hemorrhage.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.71-80
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics and appropriateness of the Korean-type severity classification by ambulance based on the medical records of 43,561 emergency patients who were brought to the emergency medical center via ambulance between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Methods: This study analyzed the classification characteristics of the Korean severity classification tool by applying them to emergency patients who visited the emergency medical center. Results: As a result of the study first, among the categories of home hospitals according to the results of visits, "other," "low consciousness," and "dyspnea" in the order of 129 ambulances were statistically significantly higher. In the order of "low consciousness" and "trauma," the "trauma" category was 5.3% higher than that of 129 ambulances. Conclusion: Among the classification items, "others," "low consciousness," and "dyspnea" were significantly higher in the group of patients who boarded 129 ambulances, and "others," "low consciousness," and "traumatic" were significantly higher in the 119 ambulances.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.131-138
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• 2022

Other than gunshot injuries, sacral penetrating injuries with a foreign body exiting to the other side are extremely rare. We encountered a case of sacral injury in which a long metallic pipe penetrated from the anus into the lower back of a patient. Since the pelvis contains various organs, management of a penetrating injury requires multidisciplinary treatment involving several medical specialties. Due to the infrequency of this type of injury, there are no definitive guidelines for effective management. We described our experience surgically treating a sacral penetrating injury and conducted a literature review. On this basis, we suggest a surgical strategy for treating this type of injury.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.54-58
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• 2006

Purpose: The committee on trauma of the american college of surgeons, in its manual resources for optimal care of the injured patients involved in falls from less than 20 feet need not be taken to trauma centers. Because triage criteria dictate less urgency for low-level falls, this classification scheme has demerits for early detection and treatment of serious problems in the emergency room. Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted of 182 patients treated for fall-related trauma from June 2003 to March 2004. Falls were classified as group A (<3 m), group B (${\geq}3m$, <6 m), and group C (${\geq}6m$). Collected data included the patient's age, gender, site and height of fall, surface fallen upon, body area of first impact, body regions of injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Results: The 182 patients were classified as group A (105) 57.7%, group B (61) 33.5%, and group C (16) 8.8%. There was a weak positive correlation between the height of fall and the patients' ISS in the three groups (p<0.001). There were significant differences in GCS (p=0.017), RTS (p=0.034), and ISS (p=0.007) between group A and B. In cases that the head was the initial impact area of the body, the GCS (p<0.001) and the RTS (p=0.002) were lower, but the ISS (p<0.001) was higher than it was for other type of injuries. Hard surfaces as an impact surface type, had an influence on the GCS (p<0.001) and the ISS (p=0.025). Conclusion: To simply categorize patients who fall over 6 meters as severely injured patients doesn't have much meaning, and though patients may have fallen less than 6 meters, they should be categorized by using the dynamics (impact surface type, initial body - impact area) of their fall.