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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Thoracic Trauma | Original Article

Shoulder injuries in polytraumatized patients: an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®

Authors: Thorben Briese, Christina Theisen, Benedikt Schliemann, Michael J. Raschke, Rolf Lefering, Andre Weimann

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Background

The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence, epidemiology and relevance of shoulder injuries in polytraumatized patients in a large national trauma database.

We hypothesize a high prevalence of shoulder injuries in traffic accidents and a high prevalence of concomitant injuries of the thorax leading to an aggravated clinical course and higher Injury Severity Score (ISS). Furthermore, we hypothesize an increased rate of surgical treatment with the severity of the injury.

Materials and methods

The retrospective analysis is based on the database (2002–2013) of the TraumaRegister DGU® and includes statistical data from 608 hospitals. The severity of injuries and trauma were scaled using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), and the Injury Severity Score (ISS), respectively. Patients with an ISS ≥ 16 were included in the study, and injuries were subdivided according to their anatomical involvement and analyzed with respect to the trauma mechanism and the resulting injuries.

Results

In this study, 54,076 cases of patients with an ISS ≥ 16 were analyzed. Shoulder injuries occurred in 15,115 patients (27.9%). Of these, 68.5% were caused by traffic accidents, especially in motorbike, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. We found more shoulder injuries in blunt trauma mechanisms. Moreover, patients with shoulder injuries spent on average 1.7 more days on the intensive care unit (ICU), or intermediate care unit (IMCU), according to the severity of the injury, and had longer overall hospital stays (26.2 vs. 24.1 days) than patients without shoulder injuries. The overall ISS was increased in patients with shoulder injuries, whereas an increase of mortality could not be identified. Concomitant thoracic injuries occurred significantly more often in patients with shoulder injuries (82.9% vs. 69.6%). Injuries of the abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremity showed no correlation with shoulder injuries, whereas head and spine injuries showed a significant correlation.

Conclusion

Shoulder injuries are very common in polytraumatized patients. Together with their distinctive concomitant injuries, they have an aggravating impact on the clinical progress. Our data confirm the correlation with thoracic injuries. Furthermore, we identified an increased risk of shoulder injuries in motorbike, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. An increase in mortality could not be identified.

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Title: Shoulder injuries in polytraumatized patients: an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Thorben Briese
Christina Theisen
Benedikt Schliemann
Michael J. Raschke
Rolf Lefering
Andre Weimann
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Thoracic Trauma
Polytrauma
Thoracic Trauma
Polytrauma
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01340-1

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Springer Medicine

Shoulder injuries in polytraumatized patients: an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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