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Cardiac dysfunction is a major consequence that contributes to the high mortality of trauma-hemorrhage (TH) patients. Recent evidence suggests that innate immune and inflammatory responses mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of acute organ dysfunction during TH. This study investigated the role of TLR4 in cardiac dysfunction following TH. Toll-like receptor 4-deficient (TLR4-/-, n = 7/group) and age-matched wild-type (WT, n = 8/group) mice were subjected to TH that was induced by soft tissue injury and blood withdrawal from the jugular vein to a mean arterial pressure of 35 ± 5 mmHg. Cardiac function and mean arterial pressure were measured with a Millar system before, during, and after blood withdrawal. Sham surgical-operated mice served as control (WT, n = 9/group; TLR4-/-, n = 10/group). Cardiac function in WT mice was significantly reduced following TH. However, cardiac function was well preserved in TLR4-/- mice. Administration of a TLR4 antagonist (3 mg/kg) to WT mice also significantly attenuated TH-induced cardiac dysfunction. Western blot showed that either TLR4-/- or TLR4 antagonist markedly attenuated TH-induced decreases in the levels of phosphorylated-Akt in myocardium. In addition, inhibition of TLR4 attenuated TH-induced myocardial nuclear factor κB-binding activity as well as lung myeloperoxidase activity and tumor necrosis factor α production. The data indicate that TLR4 plays a central role in TH-induced cardiac dysfunction. Toll-like receptor 4 deficiency or TLR4 inhibition attenuated cardiac dysfunction following TH, which may involve activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling and decrease in nuclear factor κB-binding activity. Toll-like receptor 4 antagonism may be a new and novel approach for the treatment and management of cardiac dysfunction in TH patients.

Anterior knee pain is the most common knee complaint. It may be due to a variety of soft tissue or osseous abnormalities. Knowledge of the radiologic appearance of the abnormalities allows more accurate diagnosis of the cause of the pain including chondral abnormalities, patellar instability and dislocation, femoral trochlear dysplasia, abnormal patellar location, bipartite patella, various tendinopathies, bursal inflammation, traction apophysitis in pediatric and adolescent patients, and miscellaneous diseases including mediopatellar plica syndrome and Hoffa's disease. Radiographs are often obtained to exclude acute osseous abnormalities, such as fractures. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers superior soft tissue contrast resolution and allows for more accurate evaluation of the underlying etiology and therefore may improve treatment and possible surgical planning.

Background: The purpose of this study was to suggest a strategic approach to the management of anteromedial coronoid facet (AMCF) fracture that is related to posteromedial rotational instability of the elbow through investigation of the surgical outcome of diverse combinations, including internal fixation of AMCF fractures and repair of collateral ligament injury., Methods: The study enrolled 18 patients. On the basis of the size of the coronoid fracture and the degree of the soft tissue injuries that were evaluated with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and varus stress test under anesthesia, these fractures were managed differently. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the visual analog scale score, modified Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Plain radiographs were used to evaluate the degree of arthrosis., Results: There were 2 cases of O'Driscoll type 2, subtype 1 fractures; 14 cases of type 2, subtype 2 fractures; and 2 cases of type 2, subtype 3 fractures. Seven cases were managed with only AMCF fracture fixation, 4 cases with only lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) repair, 6 cases with concomitant repair of the LUCL and AMCF fracture, and 1 case with a conservative method. There were no significant differences among O'Driscoll types and among the subgroups of type 2-2 (P > .05). When the elbow showed instability on the varus stress test after AMCF fracture fixation, the soft tissue injuries of the lateral elbow were more severe (P =. 015). Arthrosis was not correlated with the patient's symptoms (P > .05)., Conclusion: AMCF fracture can be treated by only AMCF fracture fixation, only LUCL repair, or a combination of these techniques, depending on the size of the AMCF fracture fragment and the degree of the lateral soft tissue injuries., (Copyright © 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a soft tissue bacterial-derived infection characterised clinically by fulminant tissue destruction of the poorly blood-supplied muscle fascia and overlying subcutaneous fat. Although these infections first appear as minor superficial manifestations, they are capricious in nature and often lead to sepsis, organ failure and high mortality. We report a case of type II necrotising fasciitis in a 39-year-old Caucasian female patient who presented to the emergency department with cellulitis of her right foot and lower leg that rapidly developed into tissue necrosis. The patient course is of unique interest due to progressive history over a 104 days time frame with complications following surgical treatments and outpatient follow-up. We highlight the importance of early detection and pertinent clinical awareness from a wide range of medical specialties that were involved in this case, and how this process is critical, in order to properly diagnose and treat NF-derived tissue infections., (2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

High-pressure water injuries of the oropharynx are uncommon but can cause significant injury and airway compromise when they occur. A small number of cases of high-pressure water injury of the oropharynx have been presented in the literature, detailing a range of effects and outcomes. We describe the first reported case of high-pressure water injury of the oropharynx associated with peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) requiring surgical drainage.

Scar ulcers that spread over the Achilles tendon and posterior heel disturb patients by causing pain, impeding hygiene, and creating difficulty in finding appropriate shoe wear. As this region undergoes pressure, effective reconstruction is based on the flap use. The most popular flaps currently used are distally based sural fasciocutaneous flap, calcaneal artery skin flap, and free flaps. These flaps, however, are insensate, can create soft-tissue excess, and cause donor site morbidity. Ulcerous soft-tissue defects over Achilles tendon and posterior heel after burns, frost, and trauma were studied and reconstructed in 16 patients, using proximally based sural adipose-cutaneous flap, the anatomy of which was studied on lower extremities of 27 cadavers. Ulcerous soft-tissue defect consists of two parts: ulcer and surrounding pathologic scars that should be excised in one block. Resulting soft-tissue defects with exposed tendon and calcaneal bone varied from 6 to 20 cm in length and 6 cm in width. For such wound resurfacing a flap was developed that was sensate, thin, large, and having steady blood circulation. The flap was harvested from the lower third of the leg and lateral foot, consisting of skin and subcutaneous fat layer (without fascia), including the sural nerve and lesser vein. The blood supply was ensured through peroneal and anterior tibial artery perforators, which formed a vascular net in the flap. In 14 of 16 cases excellent and stable functional and good cosmetic results with acceptable donor site morbidity were achieved. In two patients the distal flap loss took place because of arteriitis obliterans (one case) and because of the cross-cutting of the sural nerve and vessels during previous surgeries (another case). Proximally based sural adipose-cutaneous/scar flap is the only flap that satisfies all requirements for Achilles tendon and posterior heel region resurfacing. The author believes that this technique, based on this flap use, is anatomically justified, clinically profitable, and should be considered as the first choice operation.

There are no large series comparing the distally based perforator-plus sural fasciocutaneous flap used in pediatric and adult populations. The flaps were divided into two groups: the children (patient's age<14 years) group (n=53) and the adults (patient's age ≥ 18 years) group (n=148). We compared flap-viability-related complications and their potential risk factors. In the patients with at least 12-month postoperative follow-up, the reconstruction outcomes, donor-site morbidities, and transitory and permanent swelling of the affected lower limb were compared. Partial necrosis, marginal necrosis, and overall complication rates were 13.2, 3.8, and 17.0% in the pediatric group, and 12.2, 1.4, and 13.6% in the adult group, respectively; the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Incidences of hypertrophic scar and pruritus at the donor site were significantly higher, while incidence of transitory swelling of the affected lower limb was significantly lower in the pediatric group. This flap in children is similar to that in adults in the reliability., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Current approaches to managing soft tissue injuries often rely upon the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The use of NSAIDs in this manner is contentious, and some believe that the risks of using NSAIDs can outweigh any potential benefit. In this article the issues of toxicity, pain masking and return to full activity are reviewed, and an alternative strategy for the management of inflammation in soft tissue injuries is proposed. We consider that a multi-targeted approach has the potential to improve healing, reduce additional injury from premature return to full activity as a consequence of pain masking, and improve prognosis for many patients with soft tissue injuries.

Background: The Ilizarov external fixator (IF) is an immediate and definitive treatment option for severe tibial fractures compromised by extensive soft tissue damage. The aim of this study was to assess the general performance of the IF and especially the impact on patient quality of life., Method: A postal questionnaire including an SF-12 health survey and questions about various other aspects of quality of life was sent to all patients who received an IF for primary fracture treatment at a level 1 trauma centre between January 2000 and June 2009., Results: A total of 48 completed questionnaires were received from patients treated with IF for severe tibial fractures. The median time to removal of the IF was 154 days (range 70-614 days). The mean SF-12 mental component score (MCS) was 52 (SD±12) and the mean physical component score (PCS) was 38 (SD±11). Of the patients 100 % answered that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment and 91 % would choose the same method of treatment under similar circumstances., Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high performance of IF in the treatment of severe tibial fractures with compromised soft tissue where more standard forms of treatment are contraindicated.

Background: Osteochondral fractures are often seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of acutely injured knees, but their existence has gained little interest because of a lack of knowledge of their relation to treatment options and outcome. It is not clear whether acute phase synovial fluid (SF) concentrations of cartilage and bone markers and proinflammatory cytokines are different between traumatically injured knees with or without osteochondral fracture., Hypothesis: Acutely injured knees with an osteochondral fracture, particularly fractures with disrupted cortical bone, have higher concentrations of bone markers and cytokines than do knees without an osteochondral fracture., Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3., Methods: Synovial fluid (hemarthrosis) was aspirated (median 1 day after injury) and 1.5-T MRI was performed (median 8 days after injury) in the acutely injured knee of 98 individuals (26% women; mean age, 23 years). As visualized on MRI, 39% knees had an osteochondral fracture with disrupted cortical bone, 30% had an osteochondral fracture with intact cortical bone, and 32% did not have an osteochondral fracture. Concentrations of sulfated glycosaminoglycan, ARGS aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, osteocalcin, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), osteopontin and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) were analyzed., Results: After adjusting for days between injury and SF aspiration, age at injury, and sex, knees with any osteochondral fracture (with or without disrupted cortical bone) had significantly higher SF concentrations of TNF-α (median [interquartile range (IQR)] = 9 [7-12] pg/mL vs. 7 [5-14] pg/mL; P = .013), whereas knees with an osteochondral fracture with disrupted cortical bone had significantly higher SF concentrations (medians [IQRs]) of SPARC (492 [328-754] ng/mL vs. 407 [140-685] ng/mL; P = .030), IL-8 (278 [148-628] pg/mL vs. 138 [67-413] pg/mL; P = .028), and TNF-α (11 [7-15] pg/mL vs. 7 [5-14] pg/mL; P = .004) compared with knees without an osteochondral fracture., Conclusion: In acutely injured knees with hemarthrosis, a concomitant osteochondral fracture with disrupted cortical bone is associated with a higher degree of joint inflammation.

Objective: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with multiple soft tissue contusion., Methods: A total of 513 patients diagnosed as multiple soft tissue contusion in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics, clinical data and laboratory examinations before and after AKI were collected and analyzed., Results: The age of all subjects was 31.30(12-78) years old with the male to female ratio of 2.1: 1. AKI occurred in 74 cases with an incidence rate of 14.4%. No AKI was observed in patients with assault injuries, while AKI was found in 27 cases (36.5%) with car accident injuries and 4 cases (5.4%) with other injuries. AKI showed in 1 case(1.4%) with damaged area under 1%, in 4 cases (5.4%) with damaged area ranged from 1% to <3%, 10 cases (13.5%) with damaged area ranged from 3% to 5% and 19 cases (25.7%) with damaged area over 5% with significant difference among the groups (P < 0.01). Incidence rate of AKI was significantly higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than those without CKD (54.5% vs 20.3%, P < 0.01). Two of the AKI cases died, with a mortality rate of 2.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the followings were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI in patients with multiple soft tissue injuries: age (OR = 1.996), basic serum creatinine (OR = 0.976), basic evaluated GFR (eGFR) (OR = 0.964), serum potassium (OR = 2.117), myoglobin (OR = 0.950) and damaged area (OR = 1.811)., Conclusions: Incidence rate of AKI is quite high in multiple soft tissue contusion. Age, basic serum creatinine, basic eGFR, serum potassium, myoglobin and damaged area are the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI in patients with multiple soft tissue injury.

The patient was a 21-year-old male cadet at a military academy who was evaluated by a physical therapist in a direct-access capacity for a chief complaint of low back pain that began the previous day after falling directly onto his back while snowboarding. Given the patient's history of trauma, worsening low back pain, and enlarged soft tissue mass in the lumbar region, the physical therapist ordered magnetic resonance imaging. The findings were consistent with a Morel-Lavallée lesion of the lumbar region.

It was done the comparative analysis of treatment results of casualties with open injuries of limbs in emergency situations in peacetime. It was determined that traditional approach of field surgery is unacceptable for this group of casualties. It is connected with limitations of evacuation and high frequency of complications. The developed modified surgical protocol permits not only to provide specialized care to casualties with soft tissue trauma and open fracture of limbs but also to reduce frequency of deep suppuration in 1.9 times. Also it allows to decrease number of dressings for one patient and period of the wound defect preparation to reconstructive plastic surgeries in 2.6 and 1.5 times respectively.

Open anterior dislocation of the hip is a very rare injury, especially in adults. It is a hyperabduction, external rotation and extension injury. Its combination with open posterior dislocation of the elbow has not been described in English language-based medical literature. Primary resuscitation, debridement, urgent reduction of dislocation, and adequate antibiotic support resulted in good clinical outcome in our patient. At 18 months follow-up, no signs of avascular necrosis of the femoral head or infection were observed.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the antithrombotic agents enoxaparin and rivaroxaban on tissue survival following skin degloving injury in an experimental rat tail model., Methods: The study included 24 rats divided into three equal groups of 8; the enoxaparin group (Group 1), the rivaroxaban group (Group 2) and the saline control group (Group 3). A degloving injury was created by making a circular incision 5 cm distal to the base of the tail; manual traction was applied to the tail skin distal to the incision. After 15 minutes, the ends of the incision were sutured back in place. Antithrombotic agents were administered immediately after suturing and repeated once a day for 15 days. At the end of Day 15, the experiment was terminated. Gross morphological tissue survival and histopathology were evaluated., Results: Histopathological examination of the enoxaparin and rivaroxaban groups revealed that the skin was mostly normal or intact with minimal inflammation. The mean length of necrotic area was significantly higher in the saline group compared to the enoxaparin and rivaroxaban groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were noted between the rivaroxaban and enoxaparin groups (p=0.451). The mean extent of skin necrosis was significantly higher in the control group than the study groups (p<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the length of necrotic area between Group 1 and 2 (p=0.722)., Conclusion: Rivaroxaban and enoxaparin improved tissue survival in skin degloving injuries in terms of gross morphological and histopathological findings in a rat tail model.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is considered to be an effective wound treatment, yet research has highlighted a clear need for its improvement, particularly in reducing pain. This is important not only for patient well-being and treatment satisfaction but also for the healing process. In parts 1 and 2, wound care clinicians were invited to share their views on patients' experiences of NPWT. Part 3, presented here, explores the views of patients who have had NPWT, through use of a questionnaire survey and interview (n = 50). Findings show that the majority of patients felt that NPWT had a positive impact on their wound (94%) and that their overall experience was positive (88%). However, respondents identified a number of challenges associated with NPWT, such as reduced mobility, noise issues, and sleep disturbance. Respondents also identified a number of areas for improvement with NPWT, including greater training for nurses, practical alterations to the equipment, and methods of minimising pain and skin damage during NPWT. Taken together with the findings from part one and two, this study highlights several key considerations for future research and clinical practice with NPWT.

Objective: To analyze the general and forensic pathological characteristics of death due to fat embolism syndrome (FES) and to provide reference data for forensic identification., Methods: Twenty autopsy cases due to FES were selected from the forensic center of a medical college from 1999 to 2012. The general and forensic pathological characteristics such as the ways and types of injuries, clinical manifestation and the pathological changes were summarized., Results: Fat embolism mainly occurred after long bone fracture or a large area of soft tissue injury with the majority of cases being fat embolism of lung and occasional cases being combined embolisms of lung and brain as well. The onset of symptoms appeared shortly after the injury or surgery. Lipid droplets could be observed within small pulmonary vessels and verified by special staining., Conclusion: There are particular characteristics in death due to FES in concern with types of injuries, onset of symptoms and pathological findings. In order to find out the direct evidence of FES, special staining (oil red O staining) can be used in the forensic identification.

Surgical approaches used in accessing the facial skeleton for fracture repair are often the same as or similar to those used for cosmetic enhancement of the face. Rarely does facial trauma result in injuries that do not in some way affect the facial soft-tissue envelope either directly or as sequelae of the surgical repair. Knowledge of both skeletal and facial soft-tissue anatomy is paramount to successful clinical outcomes. Facial soft-tissue deformities can arise that require specific evaluation and management for correction. This article focuses on revision and correction of these soft-tissue-related injuries secondary to facial trauma., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Hip fracture depends on various anthropometric parameters such as trochanteric soft tissue thickness, body height and body weight. The objective was to evaluate the responses to the variations in anthropometric parameters during sideways fall, and to identify the most dominant parameter among them., Method: Seven finite element models were developed having anthropometric variations in trochanteric soft tissue thickness (5-26 mm), body height (1.70-1.88 m), and body weight (63-93.37 kg). These were simulated for sideways fall with ANSYS-LS-DYNA® code., Findings: Significant effect of trochanteric soft tissue thickness variation was found on 'normalized peak impact force with respect to the body weight' (p=0.004, r²=0.808) and strain ratio (p=0.083, r²=0.829). But, variation in body height was found to be less significant on normalized peak impact force (p=0.478, r²=0.105) and strain ratio (p=0.292, r²=0.217). Same was true for the variation in body weight on normalized peak impact force (p=0.075, r²=0.456) and strain ratio (p=0.857, r²=0.007). The risk factor for fracture was also well correlated to the strain ratio for the inter-trochanteric zone (p<0.0007, r²=0.917) where the most fractures are clinically observed to happen., Interpretations: Trochanteric soft tissue thickness was found likely to be the most dominant parameter over body height and body weight, signifying that a slimmer elderly person, taller or shorter, with less trochanteric soft tissue thickness should be advised to take preventive measures against hip fracture under sideways fall., (© 2013.)

Management of severe limb trauma continues to challenge surgeons. Suitable treatment should be individualised for each patient, taking into consideration not only the wound extremity but also the associated injuries, age and socioeconomic status of the patient with the goal to recover function and to improve patient quality of life. The aim of this report is to present a severe degloving multiplane lower limb injury case in which a conservative treatment of the wound was performed with negative pressure therapy and dermal substitute, avoiding amputation and restoring limb function., (© 2012 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Medicalhelplines.com Inc.)

Pressure sores (PSs) and wounds in immunocompromised children are rather rare conditions. No doubt, their management is often complex and difficult, even for experienced pediatric plastic surgeons. As there are no algorithms for standard care, the therapeutic approach is individual.Successful PS management always implies primary and secondary prevention. With a PS present, rapid relief of pressure is crucial. If local wound care fails to restore skin integrity within a short period of time, surgical defect closure is mandatory. Overall, full-thickness skin grafts and local flap surgery are the most suitable methods regarding result quality, procedure complexity, and risks. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) plays an instrumental role in wound bed preparation before definitive coverage. Recurrence rate is high (the complication). It does not much depend on the surgical technique employed, but rather depends on whether the various pathogenic factors leading to PS can be eliminated or alleviated.In both temporarily and permanently immunocompromised children, wound healing is significantly impaired. At the same time, these patients have no or low host defense activity. Thus, they are at high risk not only for local wound infection but also for potentially life threatening septic complications. Rapid and definitive wound closure is therefore essential. When conservative therapy fails, simple surgical techniques granting rapid and definitive wound closure should be used., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The optimal management sequence to treat avulsion injuries in children is particularly difficult because of the following problems: (1) Assessment of these rare but frequently massive injuries can be very difficult and treacherous, as the extent of the injury is often underestimated and treatment therefore considered inappropriate; (2) Avulsion injuries have a high risk of infection: lesions are always contaminated due to the mechanism of injury (mostly vehicle accidents) and subsequent long-term hospitalization adds an additional risk for nosocomial infections; (3) Children with avulsion injuries have an increased risk to develop functional deficits: although the body grows, scars and reconstructed tissues may not adapt sufficiently and this may lead to serious constraints. Because of these problems, avulsion injuries may lead to a high morbidity and even mortality, especially if the injury is mismanaged. Reviewing the most recent data regarding the management of avulsion injuries yields the following key points: (1) A scoring system may help to assess the primary dimension of the defect; (2) Innovative techniques such as the use of a Vacuum Assisted Closure system may lower the risk of infection; (3) Choosing a comprehensive, reconstructive approach taking the growth of the child into consideration, may reduce the development of serious functional deficits and improve cosmetic outcome., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Blood cultures are often obtained in children hospitalized with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Because little evidence exists to validate this practice, we examined the yield of blood cultures in the evaluation of immunocompetent children with SSTIs., Methods: Medical records were reviewed for all children admitted between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009 after emergency department evaluation and diagnosis of cellulitis or abscess. We compared patients with SSTIs (n = 482) with those with complicated SSTIs (cSSTIs; n = 98). A cSSTI was defined as surgical or traumatic wound infection, need for surgical intervention, or infected ulcers or burns. The SSTI group included patients without complicating factors., Results: None of the patients in the SSTI group had a positive blood culture. In the cSSTI group, 12.5% of blood cultures were positive. The mean length of hospital stay (LOHS) of children with SSTIs was shorter than that of those with cSSTIs (P < .001). In the SSTI group, obtaining a blood culture was associated with a higher mean LOHS (P = .044)., Conclusions: Blood cultures are not useful in evaluating immunocompetent children who are admitted to the hospital with uncomplicated SSTIs, and they are associated with a nearly 1-day increase in mean LOHS.

The fascia lata, or deep fascia of the thigh, is a complex anatomic structure that has not been emphasized as a potential source of pelvic and hip pain. This structure represents a broad continuum of fibrous tissue about the buttock, hip, and thigh that receives contributions from the posteriorly located aponeurotic fascia covering the gluteus medius muscle and from the more laterally located iliotibial band (ITB). At the pelvis and hip, the ITB consists of three layers that merge at the lower portion of the tensor fasciae latae muscle. The gluteal aponeurotic fascia and ITB merge at the buttock and hip before extending inferiorly to the Gerdy tubercle at the anterolateral tibia. Injuries to these anatomic structures are an underdiagnosed cause of pain and disability and may clinically mimic more common processes affecting the hip and proximal thigh. Categories of disease include overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, degenerative lesions, and inflammatory lesions. Familiarity with the anatomy and pathologic conditions of the fascia lata and its components is important in their recognition as a potential source of symptoms. This article illustrates the anatomy of this complex fascia through anatomic-pathologic correlation and describes the magnetic resonance imaging appearances of the pathologic conditions involving it.

Plantar hindfoot and midfoot pain is a common orthopedic condition. Plantar fasciopathy is the most common cause of plantar foot pain, and sonographic evaluation can easily show the characteristic pathologic changes. In addition, sonography is well suited to evaluate other potential causes of plantar foot pain. We present a review of the sonographic findings of plantar fasciopathy and other potential causes of plantar hindfoot and midfoot pain.

The appropriate treatment of a distal tibia fracture in multimorbid patients with poor soft tissue and skin conditions, poor peripheral blood supply and osteopenic bone is challenging. In this case report we present two patients with these characteristics. Given these exceptional conditions none of the conventional therapies (e.g. cast, internal plate fixation, external fixation, anterograde intramedullary nailing) appeared feasible. To achieve sufficient fracture healing, we chose an unconventional treatment approach of retrograde tibial nailing with inclusion of the ankle and subtalar joint.

Neurofibroma is a benign neoplasm derived from peripheral nerves whose etiology is still unclear. It may present as a solitary lesion or be associated with other diseases such as neurofibromatosis type I and II syndrome. This paper aims to report an extremely rare case of a solitary giant neurofibroma of the mental nerve whose etiology was related to a local trauma. A 14-year-old female patient presented an extensive left facial mass with a size of 7 × 5 × 4 cm, located between the teeth 33 and 37 in the mandible region. It has begun to grow 3 months after a local trauma. Imaging studies were suggestive of a soft-tissue lesion, with minimal bone changes and maintaining the integrity of the mandibular canal and mental foramen. Histopathological tests showed spindle cells with undulated and hyperchromatic nuclei, and sparse cytoplasm in a stroma composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression for the proteins S-100 and vimentin, confirming the diagnosis of neurofibroma. The patient underwent surgical removal of the lesion by intraoral approach and evolved with an excellent cosmetic result and no signs of recurrence after 2 years of follow up. We report a rare case of solitary giant neurofibroma whose etiology was related to a local trauma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a mental nerve neurofibroma. Although the etiology remains unclear, we suggest the investigation of local trauma as a possible etiologic factor for solitary neurofibromas of the jaw.

Z-plasty is one of the most widely employed techniques in plastic surgery and mainly serves the following purposes: elongation along the axis of the scar, dispersal of the scar followed by breaking up the straight-line scar and realigning the scar within the lines of minimal tension. It is useful especially to release linear-scar contracture, yet difficult for wide scars. This report describes a novel technique to release contracture effectively for any wide scars using a new design called double combined Z-plasty. The design is simple. The main limb is set to incise the wide scar, and this main limb is shared as a peripheral limb by two other Z-plasty designs. From the main limb, each central limb is designed along the margin of the scar in the opposite direction. The main and central limbs have 90° between them. Other peripheral limbs are then designed facing laterally to the intact skin to make 60° for the central limb. After skin incision, two triangular intact skin flaps could be inserted into the wide scar from both sides, making it possible to release contracture. We performed this technique on eight patients. All wounds healed well and scar contracture was satisfactorily released. This procedure is very useful for wide-scar contracture, compared to conventional Z-plasty., (Copyright © 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Compartment syndrome usually occurs in the muscles of an extremity as a consequence of trauma or reperfusion. However, it can also occur from minor injuries with resulting hematoma.We reviewed the charts of 5 individuals who presented to the emergency department after minimal or no known trauma and were ultimately diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome. None sustained fractures, and 2 had documented muscle tears. All patients were found to have hematomas in the affected compartment at the time of surgery. Low-impact trauma can cause acute compartment syndrome in the lower extremities. These cases could be the result of muscle hemorrhage and subsequent hematoma formation, rather than muscle swelling itself. Anticoagulation therapy can increase the risk of hemorrhage.

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcome of the treatment of type C pilon fractures by using an external fixator combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation., Patients and Methods: Twenty-five type C pilon fractures, including 4 open fractures, were included in this retrospective study. The procedure of first-stage manipulation and external fixation spanning the ankle joint was conducted as early as possible. For the second stage, the tibial and fibular fractures were reduced and fixed with absorbable screws or rods through a limited incision. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score (AOFAS) was obtained for evaluation of function. Twenty-one patients were followed postoperatively for a minimum of 18 months., Results: The mean time of union was 4.8 months. Delayed union of the distal tibia occurred in 1 patient. Minor infection occurred in 8 patients and deep infection in 1 patient. No skin necrosis, malunion, loss of reduction, nonunion, or fixation failure was observed during the follow-up period. No hardware removal was needed, nor was adverse tissue reaction to the implants observed. An excellent or good AOFAS outcome was obtained in 81% (17/21) of the patients., Conclusions: External fixator combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation was a reliable treatment for closed and open AO/OTA type C pilon fractures of the distal tibia.

Objective: Workplace injuries may be implicated in the causation of fibromyalgia (FM), hence linking FM to compensation. We examined the appeals by workers directed to an appeals tribunal for causation of FM following soft-tissue injury sustained in the workplace., Methods: One hundred fifty tribunal decisions relevant to FM were examined using a predetermined protocol. New-onset FM was appealed in 123, and aggravation of preexisting FM in 15., Results: All injuries were of a soft-tissue type, without persistent physical findings to explain continued symptoms. The tribunal accepted 67% of appeals for aggravation of FM, and 59% for new-onset FM. Time from injury to FM diagnosis was 4.3 ± 4.1 years, with 6.3 ± 2.8 physicians cited for each worker, and with previous health status not reported for 26%. Injuries were a single event in 68%, with location in low back for 44%, and shoulder/upper limb in 40%. The FM diagnosis was based on a rheumatologist report in 74%., Conclusion: Over half of appeals for aggravation or causation of FM following a work-related soft-tissue injury were accepted by the tribunal, with importance ascribed to a rheumatologist diagnosis. Concerns are raised regarding lengthy duration from injury to diagnosis, claimants' high healthcare use, and neglect of mention of previous health status. The attribution of causation of FM to a soft-tissue workplace traumatic event is contentious and requires further examination.

Various methods have been used for soft tissue coverage of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open fractures. These injuries are often contaminated and, by definition, are associated with extensive periosteal stripping and inadequate soft tissue coverage. These characteristics predispose the patient to infection, delayed union, nonunion, and the likelihood of multiple surgeries to achieve durable soft tissue coverage. Although free tissue transfer and rotational flap coverage are the mainstay of treatment for Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fractures, these procedures typically require additional modalities, such as local wound care, negative-pressure wound therapy, and skin grafting, to expedite wound coverage. Numerous undesirable aspects of these tissue coverage techniques exist, including the requirement for repeated application, potential anesthesia complications, near-constant surveillance, patient compliance, graft failure, and cost. External tissue expanders offer the surgeon a device that can rapidly facilitate closure of full-thickness soft tissue defects. This technique offers the benefit of a 1-time application that is easy to apply and cost-effective and can significantly improve fracture coverage options with a cosmetically acceptable result. Although this technique has been previously described for fasciotomy and ulcer coverage, to the authors' knowledge, continuous external expansion has never been reported in open fracture wound management, specifically in converting type IIIB to type IIIA open fractures. The authors' early success with this method indicates that it may be a valuable tool in the management of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open fractures., (Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.)

Open fracture-dislocation of the lower extremity poses a serious risk, has a high incidence of complications, and necessitates prompt surgical intervention. Patients need to be evaluated on presentation to the emergency department for neurovascular injury, soft-tissue insult, stability of the fracture, concomitant injuries, and overall medical/nutritional status. Implementation of a specific treatment protocol will decrease time to operative management and increase the overall success rate. Success after treatment of lower-extremity trauma should be defined as a noninfected, functional limb with optimal tissue preservation allowing ambulation. We present a case of open fracture-dislocation of the first ray treated with prompt debridement, skeletal stabilization, and immediate soft-tissue reconstruction.

Our aim was to describe the effects of soft tissue injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), to analyse possible reasons for it, and to evaluate the results of treatment. Eight patients (12 joints) who developed disorders of the TMJ after trauma to the mandible without fracture of the condyle were treated in our department from 2009 to 2010. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were used to check the condition of the joint. Five patients had their joints explored to relieve pain and improve mouth opening. MRI showed all 12 joints had displaced discs. CT showed that the surface of the condylar bone was "intact" immediately after injury but destroyed later in 8 joints. Exploration showed fibrous ankylosis in 5, osteoarthritis with intra-articular adhesions in 2, and internal derangement in 1. Four were treated by costochondral graft (CCG) with 7 symptomatic joints. The disc was repositioned in 1 case with 1 affected joint. The mean maximal incision opening at follow-up were significantly better than the one before treatment (mean 34 compared with 23 mm, p=0.02). Pain in the TMJ was relieved by operation in all patients so treated. The other 3 patients (4 joints) had no treatment because their symptoms were minor and mouth opening was not restricted. Soft tissue injuries of the TMJ can potentially lead to internal derangement, osteoarthrosis, and possibly fibrous ankylosis, which should be considered during follow-up. Displacement of the disc and damage to the condylar cartilage seem to be the causes of these complications. Surgical management is effective in the short term., (Copyright © 2012 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Post-traumatic cysts of soft tissue usually occur at the junction of the subcutaneous fat and deep fascia, most often filled with serosanguinous fluid and lined with fibrous tissue. It appears as complication after severe injuries when crushing and shearing forces cause separation of the skin and subcutaneous fat from the deep fascia and muscle, creating a cavity filled with hematoma and liquefied fat. This rare condition calls Morel-Lavallee lesion, which was first described by this French physician in 1853 (Sterling et al., 1977; Tull and Borrelli, 2003). Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice for detection and revealing the exact size and location of these lesions. The best method of treatment is surgical excision with complete resection.

Background: Negative-pressure wound therapy has been commonly used for treating chronic wounds and recently applied for treatment of traumatic wounds. We investigated the potential hemostatic benefit of negative-pressure wound therapy for control of refractory hemorrhage in a soft tissue wound model in swine., Methods: Coagulopathy was induced in pigs (n = 38, 36 kg) by hemodilution and hypothermia. Next, a large soft tissue wound (diameter, approximately 20 cm) was created by slicing the gluteus maximus muscle. Free bleeding was allowed for 1 minute, and wounds were then randomly dressed with either laparotomy gauze (G) alone or TraumaPad (TP, a kaolin-coated dressing) alone or in combination with negative pressure (NP, approximately -500 mm Hg). All wounds were sealed with adhesive drapes. Fluid resuscitation was administered and targeted to mean arterial pressure of 60 mm Hg. Pigs were observed for 150 minutes or until death after which tissues were sampled for histologic examination., Results: Induced coagulopathy as measured by increases in prothrombin time (12%) and activated partial thromboplastin time (22%) and decreases in fibrinogen (48%) were similar in all groups. There were no differences in initial bleeding rates (4.5 mL/kg/min). Dressing the wounds with G or TP produced hemostasis only in one pig (1 of 18 pigs). Addition of NP to these dressings secured hemostasis in 70% (G) and 90% (TP) of animals with average hemostasis time of 34 minutes and 25 minutes, respectively. Blood losses and fluid resuscitation requirements were significantly less, and survival times were significantly longer in NP adjunct groups than in the other groups. Survival rates were 80% (G+NP) and 90% (TP+NP) versus 0% (G) and 10% (TP) in the respective groups. Histologic examination showed similar superficial myofibril damages in all groups., Conclusion: To our knowledge, the present data provide the first evidence that NP serves as an effective hemostatic adjunct and when combined with standard hemostatic dressing it is able to stop lethal coagulopathic bleeding in large soft tissue wounds.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the role of a normal elbow active range of motion (ROM) in predicting low fracture risk and avoiding elbow X-ray in patients with acute elbow injuries. Lack of any approved rules for this purpose led us to evaluate simple physical examination methods to predict elbow fractures., Methods: In this observational study, all patients with elbow injury who presented to two emergency departments were enrolled according to specific criteria. Patients were examined by emergency or orthopedics residents. Elbow radiographs were reviewed by a radiologist for fractures and soft tissue injuries. Results of the clinical examination and radiographs were recorded for statistical analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated., Results: Elbow fractures were identified in 10 of the 102 enrolled patients (9.8%). Nine of the 10 had limited ROM in all movements. Limited active elbow ROM in predicting elbow fracture revealed a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 92%, and positive and negative predictive values of 56% and 98%, respectively. Individuals with limitation in one or two directions had no signs of fracture in the X-rays., Conclusion: Patients with elbow injury and a limited ROM in all directions of flexion, extension, supination and pronation require further X-ray investigations.

Introduction: The acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the lower leg is a rare but serious complication following either fractures or soft tissue injuries. An acute intervention consisting of fasciotomy is indicated as ACS may cause muscle and nerve damage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cause, the incidence, the time to fasciotomy and the outcome of ACS of the lower leg following fractures in a paediatric population., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients with ACS following a fracture of the lower leg treated from 1998 to 2010 was performed. The time from admission to occurrence of the ACS, the kind of fracture and surgical treatment was evaluated. Accident mechanisms were recorded., Results: A total of 1028 fractures of the lower leg were treated. 31 patients (3%) with a median age of 14.6 years (range 7.3-17.1 years) developed an ACS. In the group of patients younger than 12 years the incidence was even lower (1.3%). 81% of injuries leading to ACS were caused by high-energy trauma, with motorcycle accidents being the most common (45%). External fixation was used in 45%, including all open fractures. The diagnosis of an ACS was primarily based on clinical symptoms. In 23 cases an intracompartmental pressure of median 55mmHg (range 40-100mmHg) were measured. ACS was diagnosed after 19h mean (range: 1.5-65h). There was a tendency that the ACS occurred earlier after high-energy trauma than after low energy trauma (mean 16.9 vs. mean 28h). No complications linked to the compartment syndrome were observed., Discussion: ACS can occur up to 65h after an accident and therefore clinical monitoring is fundamental in order to be able to surgically intervene as soon as possible when needed. With early decompression complications can be prevented., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Serious soft tissue lesions in patients with high energy trauma are usually underdiagnosed. They are considered as true surgical emergencies that, without an early diagnosis and treatment, lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. We report herein the case of a patient who sustained a high energy lesion and developed compartmental syndrome of the thigh associated with a Morel-Lavallée lesion, including the therapeutic approach used and the results obtained.

Massive haemorrhage from facial fractures is rare but the associated mortality rate is high. Here, we describe a case in which thromboelastometry [rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM)]-guided administration of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate was effective in correcting coagulopathy in a 68-year-old man with serious craniofacial trauma and massive haemorrhage. The patient, a cyclist who collided with a car, was transferred to the emergency department of our hospital with signs of shock and significant bleeding from multiple fractures and soft tissue injuries to the face. Blood gas analysis and standard laboratory tests revealed the presence of anaemia and acidosis, and our massive haemorrhage protocol was initiated. E-FAST and total-body computed tomography scans excluded the possibility of bleeding from other sites. All efforts were directed towards stopping bleeding from craniofacial lesions, but the surgeon experienced difficulty in maintaining haemostasis. ROTEM analysis revealed severe coagulopathy and was indispensable in guiding transfusion: 2 g tranexamic acid, followed by 1000 IU prothrombin complex concentrate, 5 g fibrinogen and 2 U platelet concentrate. Two hours later, ROTEM analysis showed that coagulopathy had been corrected, and haemostasis was confirmed by cessation of bleeding. This report highlights the potential for using ROTEM to guide treatment with fibrinogen and prothrombin complex concentrates in the presence of profuse multifocal bleeding and severe coagulopathy.

Objective: The aims of this study were: (i) to determine whether the severity of post-hemiplegic shoulder subluxation in stroke patients correlates with soft-tissue injury; and (ii) to determine the shoulder subluxation measurement cut-off points that are indications for further ultrasound examination for soft-tissue injuries in these patients., Design: Cross-sectional study., Patients: A total of 39 stroke patients with shoulder subluxation., Methods: Shoulder subluxation was evaluated by physical examination, radiography and ultrasound. Soft-tissue injuries were assessed by ultrasound. Subluxation parameters were entered into stepwise logistic regression analyses to predict biceps and supraspinatus tendonitis. With the assumption that shoulder subluxation can be a predisposing factor for tendonitis, receiver operating characteristic curves for shoulder subluxation parameters of the affected side were used to determine cut-off points for optimal sensitivity and specificity of biceps and supraspinatus tendonitis., Results: Shoulder subluxation lateral distance, measured by physical examination, is a predictor for supraspinatus tendonitis (odds ratio = 34.9, p = 0.036). Further ultrasound investigation for soft-tissue injury is indicated when subluxation lateral distance, measured by physical examination is ≥ 2.25 cm or, measured by radiographic examination, ≥ 3.18 cm for lateral distance, ≥ 3.08 cm for vertical distance, or ≥ 2.65 cm for horizontal distance., Conclusion: When post-hemiplegic shoulder subluxation measurements exceed the above-mentioned cut-off points in physical or radiographic examinations, further ultrasound evaluation for soft-tissue injury is recommended.

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the feasibility of using the "iliac wing sign (IWS)" as an indicator of bone and/or soft-tissue injury of the pelvis and hips on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. IWS means edema of the iliacus muscle attachment entering the iliac wing that is visualized as a linear high signal intensity on fat-suppressed T2-weighted MR images., Methods: Consecutive 106 patients who complained of hip pain were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the correlation between IWS and bone and/or soft-tissue injury of the pelvis and hips using Fisher's exact test. Further, performance parameters of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, the positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of IWS were calculated., Results: Thirty-eight of the 106 (36%) patients had bone and/or soft-tissue injury. Twenty-seven of these 38 (71%) patients with injury showed a positive IWS, while only 11 of 68 (16%) patients without injury showed a positive IWS (p<.0001). IWS, thus, yielded a sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 84%, accuracy of 79%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 71%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 84%., Conclusion: In cases with a positive IWS, the careful interpretation of MR images is needed because injury presence is highly likely, as suggested by the relatively high sensitivity and PPV. IWS absence may mean a low probability of injury because of the high specificity and NPV., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cardiovascular collapse is the major factor contributing to the mortality of trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) patients. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in T-H-induced cardiac dysfunction. This study evaluated the role of TLR9 agonist, CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) 1826, in cardiac functional recovery after T-H. Trauma-hemorrhage was induced in a murine model by soft tissue injury and blood withdrawals from the jugular vein to a mean arterial pressure of 35 ± 5 mmHg. Mice were treated with CpG-ODN 1826 (10 μg/30 g body weight) by intraperitoneal injection 1 h before T-H (n = 5-8/group). Hemodynamic parameters were measured before, during hemorrhage, and at 60 min after T-H. Trauma-hemorrhage significantly decreased the mean arterial pressure and left ventricular pressure compared with sham controls. In contrast, CpG-ODN administration significantly attenuated the decrease in arterial pressure and left ventricular pressure due to T-H. Trauma-hemorrhage markedly decreased myocardial levels of phosphorylated Akt by 57.9%. However, CpG-ODN treatment significantly blunted the decrement in phospho-Akt by activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 partially abolished CpG-induced cardioprotection, indicating that additional signaling pathways are involved in the protective effect of CpG-ODN after T-H. We observed that CpG-ODN treatment also significantly attenuated the decrease in myocardial phospho-ERK levels after T-H. Inhibition of ERK by U0126 also partially abolished the cardioprotective effect of CpG-ODN after T-H. Our data suggest that CpG-ODN significantly attenuates T-H-induced cardiac dysfunction. The mechanisms involve activation of both PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways. The TLR9 agonist, CpG-ODN 1826, may provide a novel treatment strategy for preventing or managing cardiac dysfunction and enhancing recovery in T-H patients.