Patterns and implications of lower extremity injuries in a community level I trauma center.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-2004

Abstract

This study examined specific types of lower extremity injuries, their treatment, and trends in length of stay (LOS) as seen in an academic community hospital. The authors' trauma registry was queried for lower extremity injuries requiring surgical intervention from 1992 to 2000. A total of 5567 patients were identified. A total of 574 patients with 857 injuries met the criteria. The only significant difference in injury severity score among various injury types was found between traumatic amputations and open fractures (P = 0.006). However, there was no statistical difference between these 2 groups with regard to LOS. Patients requiring 1 or 2 procedures had a significantly shorter LOS than those requiring 3 procedures (P = 0.002 and P = 0.021 respectively). In this population of patients, it was not the manner of initial reconstruction, but the number of reconstructive procedures required that had an impact on LOS. LOS reduction might be possible when patients with lower injury severity scores can be treated in a more efficient manner.

Volume

53

Issue

4

First Page

373

Last Page

377

ISSN

0148-7043

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Medical Specialties | Surgery

PubMedID

15385774

Department(s)

Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty

Document Type

Article

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