Injury. 2025 Apr 12;56(6):112343. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112343. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Major trauma (MT) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with older adult patients facing unique challenges due to age-related vulnerabilities and higher risks of falls. This study aimed to investigate differences in trauma characteristics, injury mechanisms, and outcomes of older adults compared to all younger patients with MT on a national level.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analysed the national Major Trauma Audit data from 23,765 eligible patients with MT in Ireland of all ages and stratified into two age groups: those under 65 years (n = 12,620) and those aged 65 years or older (n = 11,145). The Major Trauma Audit follows the methodology of National Major Trauma Registry in the UK. Variables assessed included injury severity, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), and mortality rates. Statistical comparisons were made between the two age groups.

RESULTS: Older adults represent 47 % of the total Irish patient population with MT, with a significantly higher proportion of females (56 %) compared to younger patients (31 %) (P<0.001). Falls of less than two meters were the leading mechanism of injury for older adults (82 %), while road traffic accidents (RTA) were more common among younger patients (25 %). Severe injuries were observed in 34 % of both age groups, but <10 % of older adults were received by a trauma team. Comorbidities were significantly more prevalent in older adults (75 %) compared to 39 % in younger patients, (P<0.001). Median hospital LOS was twelve days for older adults, compared to seven days for younger patients. Mortality rates were significantly higher among the older patient population, who were also more likely to be discharged to long-term care, (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: In comparison to younger patients, the present study highlights that older adults who experience major trauma are frequently under-triaged as suspected MT, leading to delays in care, inadequate treatment, or worse clinical outcomes.

PMID:40273659 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112343

Injury. 2025 Apr 8;56(6):112332. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112332. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rapid population growth and urbanisation raise a critical need to better understand the burden of injuries in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the pattern of service demand for injuries at emergency department (ED) in urban areas of Mozambique.

METHODS: This prospective, multi-centric, observational study was conducted in EDs in southern (Maputo), central (Beira) and northern (Nampula) of Mozambique. We randomly selected 7809 cases (age ≥1 years) during the seasonally distinct months of April/2016-2017 and October/2017. Data on patients' demographics, nature of injury and clinical outcomes were collected.

RESULTS: Overall, 1881/7809 (26.2 %) emergency cases comprising 518 children (58.5 % male, aged 4.6 ± 2.5 years), 324 adolescents (64.8 % male, 14.7 ± 3.0 years) and 10,39 adults (60.8 % male, 34.5 ± 13.0 years) presented with injury. The arms, legs and head were most affected in both children (518 with 795 injuries) and adults (1039 with 1496 injuries). The diversity of injuries increased with older age. Injury cases predominantly presented during daylight hours (from 0900 to 1900) with age-differentials evident. There were proportionately more injury presentations in the hotter and wetter October than in colder and drier April. The most common mechanisms of injury were falls, physical violence and road traffic injuries. Overall, 9.1 % of injury cases were admitted to hospital and 0.2 % died.

CONCLUSIONS: Injuries corresponded to around one-quarter of all emergency admissions in urban Mozambique, and were predominantly caused by falls, physical violence, and road traffic injuries. Understanding distinctive variations in the pattern and timing of these presentations according to the age, location and season will assist in future planning for more efficient injury prevention and health care services in Mozambique.

PMID:40273658 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112332

Injury. 2025 Apr 17:112306. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112306. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The popularity of electric bicycles (E-bikes) in The Netherlands has surged in recent years. Simultaneously, bicycle-related traffic injuries in The Netherlands have reached record levels. Given the significant societal and individual impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) we investigated the relationship between E-bike usage and the occurrence of severe TBI.

METHODS: All bicycle crash victims aged twelve years and older admitted to the Isala Hospital from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022, were included from the National Trauma Registry. Data on bicycle type, anticoagulants, alcohol intoxication, and helmet use, was obtained from the hospitals' electronic patient record. The primary outcome variable was severe TBI verified on CT- or MRI-imaging. The secondary outcome variable was a skull fracture verified on X-ray or CT-imaging. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 %-confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable binary logistic regression analyses, adjusting for the risk factors alcohol intoxication, anticoagulant use, not wearing a helmet, health status before the accident, age and gender.

RESULTS: From 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022, a total of 1878 patients were admitted following a bicycle crash. This group consisted of 1359 (73.4 %) regular cyclists and 519 (27.6 %) E-bikers. Multivariable regression analyses resulted in an OR of 1.64 (CI 1.20-2.22) for severe TBI and an OR of 1.50 (CI 1.08-2.08) for skull fractures.

CONCLUSION: In our study sample, E-bike usage was found to be an independent predictor for severe traumatic brain injury and skull fractures following a bicycle crash.

PMID:40268590 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112306

Injury. 2025 Apr 15;56(6):112345. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Describing surgical wounds accurately poses challenges due to the diverse terminology used for complications. Existing evaluation methods do not cater specifically to surgical wounds from post-ankle fracture surgery with osteosynthesis. Given the unique anatomical challenges and treatment considerations (limited tissue coverage and blood supply as well as the surgical treatment with osteosynthesis), a targeted wound score is essential for ensuring consistent evaluation and high-quality care and thereby optimizing patient outcomes and satisfaction. The study aimed to develop a wound score specifically for evaluating surgical wounds following ankle fracture surgery.

METHOD: Development of the Wound after Osteosynthesis Kolding score (WOK) proceeded through three phases: 1) identifying WOK domains, 2) developing item and response options, and 3) pilot testing the WOK score.

RESULTS: Five domains were identified: erythema, swelling, dehiscence, exudate and warmth. Response options were derived from literature and clinical insights. Content validity was assessed with an S-CVI/Ave of 0.93 for nurses and 0.82 for orthopedic surgeons. Orthopedic surgeons perceived erythema and warmth as less relevant, while nurses considered all five domains to be fairly or very relevant. High agreement between scores was found, but varying kappa scores were observed when assessing intra-rater reliability. Inter-rater reliability was acceptable across all domains (κ = 0.44 to 1.00). Warmth was omitted from the final WOK score due to low content validity among orthopedic surgeons and poor inter-rater reliability. Additionally, assessing warmth in a clinical setting was challenging because ankle brace stabilization affects overall skin humidity and warmth.

CONCLUSIONS: The Wound after Osteosynthesis Kolding score (WOK) has proven to be a content-valid and reliable tool for assessing minor complications in surgical wounds following ankle fracture surgery.

PMID:40267859 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112345

Injury. 2025 Apr 17;56(6):112354. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112354. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

History - A 38yo man was injured in a rugby match. He suffered an isolated, Achilles tendon rupture. He immediately went to his local emergency department. He was keen on the best treatment so that he could get back into playing rugby with his community team. Past Medical History and Social History - He was a married man and lived with his wife. He was a nonsmoker. He had no medical problems that he saw a physician about. He worked as an executive with an oil company and was also involved in many sports year-round. He had had surgery for previous sports related broken bones with no complications. He had no allergies and took no medications. He was a regular beer drinker after sports matches.

PMID:40267858 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112354

Injury. 2025 Apr 12;56(6):112338. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of fasciotomy, including infection, amputation, and complications, in patients with crush injuries from the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Out of 210 patients presenting from the earthquake zone, 46 patients (23 male-23 female, mean age: 21 years) who underwent 52 extremity fasciotomies were included. Data collected included infection rates, need for grafts/flaps, amputation rates, creatinine, CK levels, need for dialysis, and neurologic injuries. Early fasciotomy was defined as ≤12 h and late as >12 h after the earthquake. Patients were categorized by fasciotomy timing and location (earthquake-zone or university hospital). Time to first debridement was also evaluated.

RESULTS: The median time to fasciotomy was 24 h (2-97 h, (IQR 12.5-65)). Fasciotomies performed in the earthquake zone had a higher infection rate (68 % vs. 25 %, p = 0.061), though this difference was not statistically significant, likely due to the small sample size. There was no significant difference in infection rates between patients who underwent early fasciotomy (8/13, 62 %) and those who underwent late fasciotomy (20/33, 61 %) (p = 1.0).Amputation was required in 7/46 patients (15 %), with 1/13 patient (8 %) in the early fasciotomy group and 6/33 patients (18 %) in the late fasciotomy group (p = 0.698). Skin grafting was performed for wound closure in 19 patients (42 %). In patients undergoing early fasciotomy, 75 % (9/12) required skin grafts for wound closure, whereas the rate in the late fasciotomy group was significantly lower at 30 % (10/33) (p = 0.019). The mean time to first debridement was significantly higher in infected patients [65.5 (SD 11.8) vs 57.8 (SD 11.4 h), p = 0034]. For wounds that required skin grafts, the average duration between the fasciotomy and initial debridement was significantly higher (68.5 vs 54 h), p = 0.001.

CONCLUSION: Fasciotomies performed in earthquake zones had higher infection rates compared to hospitals, though not statistically significant. Infections with potentially multi-drug resistant bacterias may increase the risk of complications like amputations. Timely debridement and efficient patient transfer remain essential to minimizing risks and improving outcomes.

PMID:40267857 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112338

Injury. 2025 Apr 14:112344. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112344. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as violence exposure, are linked with numerous long-term health consequences. Adult firearm and other injury survivors presenting to level I trauma centers frequently report having youth family members exposed to firearm violence and other traumatic life events. Few investigations have examined the demographic and familial characteristics, or cumulative trauma burden of exposed family members.

METHODS: The investigation was a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a 25-site national US level I trauma center randomized clinical trial (N = 635). Baseline characteristics of firearm injury survivors (n = 128) versus all other injury survivors (n = 507) were compared, including number of children, pre-injury trauma history, and post-admission recurrent traumatic and stressful life events. Analyses were conducted on baseline characteristics of firearm injury survivors, including trauma history, and compared to non-firearm injury survivors. For injury survivors with children, mixed model regression was used to assess whether firearm injury was independently associated with an increased risk of childhood injury leading to hospitalization over the course of the year after the index parental injury admission.

RESULTS: There were few demographic and clinical differences between firearm and non-firearm injury survivors. Approximately 70% of adult injury survivors had at least one child. Over 10% of adult injury survivors had a child hospitalized in the year after the index admission; firearm injury survivors were no more likely than all other injury survivors to have a child hospitalized after the index admission. For injury survivors with children, mixed model regression analyses revealed a significant association between pre-injury childhood exposure to life-threating illness/injury and child injury hospitalization in the year after the index parental injury admission (Relative Risk = 1.92, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.08, 3.42).

CONCLUSIONS: Over 10% of adult injury survivors reported that their children were hospitalized for an injury in the year after an index injury admission. Prehospital childhood illness or injury admission was significantly associated with childhood injury hospitalization in the year after parental injury. Trauma centers could be harnessed as a public health point-of-contact for screening, intervention, and referral of ACEs, such as childhood injury.

PMID:40263031 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112344

Injury. 2025 Apr 8;56(6):112315. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112315. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: In an increasingly frail population, simultaneous "fix and replace" surgery (fixation of the acetabulum to accommodate a press fit cup and total hip arthroplasty (THA)) is a novel alternative to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) alone in the management of acetabular fractures. We aimed to determine whether patients managed with "fix and replace" have comparable survivorship to those undergoing staged THA following previous open reduction and internal fixation for acetabular fracture.

METHODS: All Patients with acetabular fractures surgically managed within our Tertiary centre over a five year period (01/01/2018-30/05/2023) were identified. Thirty-four patients underwent simultaneous "fix and replace" surgery and 133 underwent acetabular ORIF alone. Twenty-one of these patients required staged THA (6 %).

RESULTS: Follow up mean was 2.7 years (SD ±1.7) for 'fix and replace' versus 3.3 years (SD ± 1.5) for staged THA. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regards to BMI or sex. The fix and replace group were older (p = 0.001), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (p = 0.006) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (p = 0.027), respectively. High energy mechanism of injury accounted for 56 % of the "fix and replace" group compared to 48 % in the ORIF to THA. 74 % of 'fix and replace' were associated/complex fractures (LeTournel) compared to 53 % of staged THA. Mean wait to surgery was 3 days in the 'fix and replace' group compared to 186 days from listing to operation in the staged THA group. Survival analysis demonstrated acceptable results for both groups with greater than 85 % survival at 2 years and no statistical significantly worse survivorship in the 'fix and replace' group (p = 0.13). Complications were comparable in both groups (41 % versus 43 %, p = 0.58).

CONCLUSIONS: 'Fix and replace' is a good option for the elderly, co-morbid patient. It enables early weight bearing and has acceptable survivorship compared to staged THA following acetabular ORIF.

PMID:40262410 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112315

Injury. 2025 Apr 8;56(6):112328. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112328. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Bone fractures are recognized as the second most prevalent cause of pain for patients seeking treatment in medical facilities. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal and intravenous ketamine in comparison to intravenous morphine in alleviating severe pain in patients presenting to emergency departments with various bone fractures.

METHOD & MATERIAL: The clinical trial was conducted on patients over the age of 18 who presented at the emergency department of Imam Reza Educational and Medical Center with bone fractures. These patients were divided into three groups for treatment: intranasal ketamine at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight, intravenous ketamine at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight, and intravenous morphine at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. The severity of pain experienced by patients was documented using the numerical pain rating scale at the time of admission, and then at 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min after drug administration.

RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of pain relief among the three study groups (p=0.77). The interaction of (time*type of drug) had no significant effect on pain intensity (p=0.58). There was no statistically significant difference in side effects reported by patients between the three study groups, with the intranasal ketamine group reporting only minor side effects.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed significant effects of intranasal ketamine and intravenous ketamine in reducing pain in patients with bone fractures. The findings further suggest that the analgesic effect of intranasal ketamine is comparable to that of intravenous ketamine and morphine, with no significant adverse effects observed.

PMID:40253928 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112328

Injury. 2025 Apr 9;56(6):112326. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112326. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify outcomes, in particular employment, >5 years following traumatic thoracic and/or lumbar fracture/s.

METHODS: 235 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 were identified from hospital radiology databases having sustained a traumatic thoracic and/or lumbar fracture on CT and/or MRI between 01/01/2013 and 31/12/2017. Questionnaires were sent via post and available emails, with a reminder letter and phone calls. Retrospective data was gathered about employment status pre-fracture and > 5 years post-injury.

RESULTS: 26 (11 %) patients died before follow-up, leaving 209 patients. 108 (52 %) were treated surgically and 101 (48 %) conservatively. 106 replies were received, with 85 (80 %) opting in and 21 (20 %) out. 68 (80 %) patients completed full questionnaires, and 17 (20 %) filled out a shortened questionnaire via phone conversation. Of the 85 enrolled patients, 52 (61 %) had undergone surgery, and 33 (39 %) had been treated conservatively. The mean follow-up time was 7.9 years (range 5-11 years). Prior to injury, 66 patients (78 %) were employed and 19 (22 %) unemployed (6 were full-time students, 8 retired). 49 (74 %) previously employed patients had returned to work at follow-up, with 35 (53 %) working the same or increased hours. Regarding employment, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups (p = 0.355) or the fracture classification (p = 0.303). 16 (19 %) patients reported back pain before their injury, whilst 69 (81 %) did not. There were 58 (68 %) cases of new pain, with the most affected area being the lumbar region in 43 (51 %) patients. 32 (38 %) patients reported neurological deficit post-injury: 19 with subjective symptoms, 9 objective symptoms and 4 suffered paralysis.

CONCLUSION: After 5 years or more following a traumatic thoracic and/or lumbar fracture, most individuals return to employment. There was no significant difference between the severity of the fracture or treatment on their employment outcomes.

PMID:40253927 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112326

Injury. 2025 Apr 3;56(6):112329. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112329. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40250091 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112329

Injury. 2025 Apr 8;56(6):112317. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112317. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Percutaneous screw osteosynthesis is the gold standard for managing sacral fragility fractures in geriatric patients with immobilizing pain. However, comparative evidence regarding the optimal type, length, or insertion position of sacroiliac screws remains limited.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare outcomes between long transsacral screws bridging both sacroiliac joints and short sacroiliac screws.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort single-center study.

PATIENT SAMPLE: Geriatric patients treated with percutaneous sacroiliac screws for sacral fragility fractures.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome: screw loosening at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES: surgical duration, postoperative pain, mobility improvement, and hospital stay length.

METHODS: Data from 122 patients (median age 81, 84 % female) treated between 2018 and 2021 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups [1]: two long transsacral screws [2], a combination of one long and two short screws, and[3] four short sacroiliac screws. Fracture characteristics, FFP classification, and risk factors for screw loosening were evaluated.

RESULTS: Fractures were bilateral in 73 %, with FFP classifications of type 2 (48 %), type 3 (12 %), and type 4 (40 %). Anterior pelvic fractures were present in 63 %, comminuted fractures in 34 %, and H-type fractures in 29 %. Loosening rates were 17 % in the long-screw group, 6 % in the combination group, and 4 % in the short-screw group. Surgical duration was shortest for long screws (mean 52.6 min) compared to the combination (61.8 min) and short-screw (83.4 min) groups. Pain scores decreased below 5 in 88 % of patients at 3 months and 92 % at 12 months. Screw length was a significant risk factor for loosening (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS: Long transsacral screws offer minimally invasive fixation with reduced surgical duration but higher loosening rates. Osteosynthesis with four short sacroiliac screws demonstrates superior long-term stability, making it a promising option for sacral fragility fractures.

PMID:40245455 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112317

Injury. 2025 Apr 9:112321. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112321. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multimodal pain control is the cornerstone of managing acute traumatic rib fractures. We employed surgeon-administered, ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis of intercostal nerves (USPCNIN) as an adjunct opioid-sparing analgesic modality at the bedside.

METHODS: This was a single-institution case series. Patients between 18-64 years of age who sustained traumatic rib fracture between ribs 3-9, deemed ineligible for surgical stabilization, and had pre-procedure numeric pain scores ≥5 underwent USPCNIN within 24 h of study enrollment by an attending chest wall surgeon. Primary outcomes were changes in daily narcotic use and numeric pain score from pre-intervention up to 30-day follow-up visits. Additional outcomes included hospital length of stay, procedure-related adverse events, and rib-specific readmission.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients were identified. Median (IQR) patient age was 52 (43, 58) years and four (27 %) were female. Median (IQR) number of rib fractures was 5 (4, 8). Median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 4 (3, 7) days. Daily opioid use (measured in morphine milligram equivalents, MME) and present pain intensity (PPI) decreased significantly from pre-intervention to hospital discharge (median MME 96.5 vs. 49.5, p = 0.043; median PPI 10 vs. 7, p = 0.020). Twelve patients completed 30-day follow-up and had significantly decreased MME and PPI from hospital discharge (median MME 62.3 vs. 5, p = 0.014; median PPI 6.5 vs. 3, p = 0.001). There were no complications directly attributable to the procedure. There were no rib-specific readmissions.

CONCLUSION: USPCNIN is a minimally-invasive, bedside procedure that can be safely performed by trauma surgeons and augment pain control for acute traumatic rib fractures.

PMID:40240230 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112321

Injury. 2025 Apr 7:112331. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112331. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emergency finger thoracostomy (EFT) has been implemented in several European prehospital settings for intubated and ventilated patients with chest injuries. The indication for intervention in cardiac arrest and peri‑arrest situations is clear. EFT may also be applicable in ventilated but macrohemodynamically compensated patients. This study aims to help prehospital providers understand the benefits and applicability of EFT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted consisting of 114 EFT cases over 53 months. All chest-injured patients had suspected intrapleural pathology and potential compensated obstructive shock state. Two groups were compared: I. Positive clinical finding after EFT: audible air (pneumothorax (PTX)) and/or blood (hemothorax (HTX)) (n = 85); II. Negative clinical finding: no audible air and/or blood escaping during the procedure (n = 29). The primary endpoint was the effect of EFT on the physiologic parameters. The secondary endpoint was the association between intrathoracic pathology observed during EFT and the physiologic effect.

RESULTS: In 75 % of all cases, after EFT, intrapleural pathology was detectable by on-site physical examination. After EFT SpO2 levels increased from 89.6 % (SD 10.7) to 94.9 % (SD 6.7) (p < 0.001). The other physiological parameters did not change significantly (p = 0.346 or higher). In subgroup analysis, there were appreciable increases in SpO2 for those with PTX or PTX with HTX, that were not seen in those with HTX alone or those with negative clinical findings (p < 0.001). No significant adverse effects of EFT were noted during the prehospital phase or in the hospital follow-up period.

DISCUSSION: EFT performed in ventilated patients with suspected compensated obstructive shock (and stable macrohemodynamic) resulted in audible air and/or blood escape and an improvement in oxygenation if PTX or PTX with HTX were the underlying pathology.

CONCLUSION: Performing an EFT should be considered not only for deteriorating obstructive shock state but also for potentially compensated shock. Even with diagnostic uncertainty, the benefits of an EFT may outweigh the risks.

PMID:40234110 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112331

Injury. 2025 Apr 12:112323. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112323. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neck reconstruction for burn sequelae can be effectively achieved through release procedures and lower abdomen skin transplantation. This article describes cases in which full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) from the lower abdomen were used as donor areas. Although the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for graft integration are known, its dual use for recipient site preparation and intraoperative graft fixation, specifically in the neck, has been scarcely described. This study evaluates both applications of NPWT-preoperative wound bed optimization and intraoperative graft fixation-highlighting their combined impact on graft take and patient outcomes.

METHODS: Patients treated at a referral burn center between March 2021 and October 2023 with severe neck contractures underwent scar release and FTSG transplantation. Two techniques for graft fixation were compared: the traditional tie-over method and NPWT. Graft integration rates, necrosis percentages, and postoperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS: The study included six patients (tie-over group: 2; NPWT group: 4). The NPWT group demonstrated clinically favorable graft integration rates (92.5 %) and lower necrosis rates (7.5 %) compared with the tie-over group (76.5 % and 23.5 %, respectively). The NPWT technique also resulted in shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of NPWT for recipient site preparation and intraoperative graft fixation clinically improves graft integration and reduces complications in neck burn reconstruction. These findings suggest that NPWT should be considered a standard of care in settings where resources allow.

PMID:40222842 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112323

Injury. 2025 Apr 1;56(6):112325. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112325. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Biologics, particularly platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have gained attention for promoting bone healing. This study assesses the efficacy of PRP-enhanced therapy in treating aseptic femoral shaft nonunion.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent femoral fracture nonunion revision surgery at a high-level trauma center between January 2021 and April 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (PRP-enhanced) and Group 2 (non-PRP). Group 1 received internal fixation with auxiliary plate reinforcement, PRP-enriched grafts, and bioactive center creation. The primary endpoint was bone healing rate and time to healing; secondary endpoints included lower limb function, pain scores, complications, and risk factors for nonunion at final follow-up.

RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included (25 in Group 1, 41 in Group 2). At final follow-up, all patients in Group 1 healed, while 80.49 % of Group 2 healed (p = 0.049). The average healing time was shorter in Group 1 (7.61 months) compared to Group 2 (11.19 months) (p < 0.001). Group 1 had superior lower limb function and pain scores (p < 0.001). Long-term smoking (OR = 9.47, 95 % CI 1.39-64.51, P = 0.022) and inappropriate post-operative weight bearing (OR = 7.62, 95 % CI 1.12-51.57, P = 0.038) were identified as risk factors for nonunion.

CONCLUSION: In nonunion revision surgery, PRP-enhanced therapy significantly improves bone healing rates, reduces healing time, and carries fewer safety risks than traditional bone grafting. It offers an effective approach for nonunion treatment and provides a standardized clinical application for PRP in fracture nonunion surgeries.

PMID:40222318 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112325

Injury. 2025 Apr 9:112336. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112336. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40221248 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112336

Injury. 2025 Apr 4;56(6):112314. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112314. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Wound healing is a complex and regulated process that involves the coordinated action of key signaling pathways. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a stress-inducible protein that has recently emerged as a critical modulator of cellular responses to injury, including those involved in wound healing.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the repurposing of existing pharmacological agents to activate ATF3 and evaluate their potential to enhance wound healing factors.

METHODS: We selected three compounds: retin-A, furosemide, and acrivastine based on their ability to modulate ATF3 expression and assessed their effects on wound healing processes in primary cell cultures. We evaluated wound healing-related genes such as LL-37, HBD-2, HBD-3, and VEGFA by qPCR, and a wound healing scratch assay using keratinocytes was conducted to evaluate cell migration.

RESULTS: Interestingly, retin-A induced the expression of key wound healing-related genes, including HBD-2, HBD-3, LL-37, and VEGF. Also, retin-A was the only compound showing wound healing effects, while furosemide and acrivastine did not exhibit any noticeable activity.

CONCLUSION: Our research highlights the potential of retin-A as therapeutic agents to improve wound healing, particularly in chronic wound models.

PMID:40220516 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112314

Injury. 2025 Apr 3;56(6):112318. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112318. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Transpubic screw fixation is a valuable option for stabilization of superior pubic ramus fractures. However, insertion of a transpubic screw can be challenging or sometimes even impossible due to a narrow or curved transpubic screw corridor, which is present in 38 % of cases. To overcome this problem, a modified technique for insertion of a transpubic screw by advancing a pre-bent guidewire in an ESIN-like fashion is described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, non-inferiority pilot study with patients, who received a transpubic screw, was performed to investigate potential procedure-associated complications as well as short-term radiological and clinical outcomes of the modified technique in comparison to the classical technique for insertion.

RESULTS: From 01/2021 to 04/2024, 24 transpubic screws were inserted at two major trauma centers, of which nine screws were inserted using the modified technique. Ten patients with a total of eleven transpubic screws (modified technique: 5; classical technique: 6) were available for this pilot study. One patient from the modified technique subgroup experienced a screw migration without affecting fracture healing and without necessitating hardware removal. The complication rate of the modified technique was not significantly inferior to the classical technique (p = 0.50). Residual displacement of the pubic ramus fracture was not significantly inferior using the modified technique compared to the classical technique (modified: 5.0 ± 2.2 mm; classical 4.4 ± 3.3 mm; p = 0.38). The clinical outcome was not significantly inferior using the modified technique compared to the classical technique regarding VAS pain (modified: 2.4 ± 4.3; classical 2.6 ± 2.5; p = 0.47), VAS satisfaction (modified: 8.8 ± 1.8; classical 9.0 ± 1.0; p = 0.42) and Majeed score (modified: 82.0 ± 12.6; classical 90.0 ± 12.5; p = 0.17).

CONCLUSION: The modified technique for insertion of a transpubic screw using a pre-bent guidewire is feasible in narrow and particularly curved transpubic corridors. It was not inferior compared to the classical technique regarding complications as well as short-term radiological and clinical outcomes.

PMID:40215699 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112318

Injury. 2025 Mar 27;56(6):112301. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112301. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In some multi-fragment tibial plateau fracture patterns, it may be more technically demanding to provide the appropriate support when using anatomic pre-contoured proximal tibial plates or other small fragment plates, especially when buttressing smaller apex-directed fracture fragments. The purpose of this study is to describe our surgical technique and highlight the potential role of low profile, mini fragment (2.0_2.7 mm) plates in the surgical management of different types of tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 45 cases (45 patients, 31 males, mean age of 43.5 years) who had unicondylar or multicondylar tibial plateau fractures and were surgically managed using mini fragment plates, either as supplementary or standalone implants. The clinical notes and radiographs were reviewed to determine performance and complications, with particular focus on bony union, loss of reduction, implant failure, and soft tissue complications.

RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were recorded, and after a mean of 50.7 months, all the fractures have united. Two cases had knee stiffness and required manipulation under anesthesia, while only one case of secondary mild joint space depression was noted in the follow-up radiographs. No cases of nonunion, implant failure, or other cases of loss of reduction were recorded at the last radiolographic follow-up. Two patients required plate removal, at 4 months (a skeletally immature patient) and 18 months (another patient presented with secondary wound infection) postoperatively after fracture union. At the last radiographic follow-up, the average postoperative knee flexion was 121 degrees (range, 100-140), and the average postoperative Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade was 1 (range, 0-4).

CONCLUSIONS: The low-profile mini fragment plates are effective implants that may be safely used, either in association with other proximal tibial anatomic plates or as standalone implants, depending on the fracture configuration, with overall good outcomes.

PMID:40209613 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112301