trauma Flashcards
what are the zones of the neck
zone 1: clavicle to cricoid cartilage
zone 2: cricoid cartilage to angle mandible
zone 3: angle of mandible to base of skull
what are the “hard signs” of clinical exam of neck penetration that necessitate immediate surgery
- expanding hematoma
- active/pulsatile bleeding
- bruit
- thrill
- airway compromise/obstruction
- refractory shock
- pulse deficit
- neurologic deficit
What are the indications for TTA in Calgary
Activate if any of these conditions are met:
- Suspected shock: BP LT 90 or HR GT120
- Hypothermia LT 30C
- Patients intubated for respiratory compromise or airway obstruction
- Patients GCS LT 8 with known or suspected traumatic mechanism
- Penetrating trauma head, neck, torso
- Need for PRC transfusion en route or on arrival to the ED
What factors determine the extend of injury in GSWs
- kinetic engery (determined by mass and velocity)
- Bullet weight (caliber)
- Velocity (determined by weapon): high velocity (rifle), low velocity (handgun)
- Distance from target
How do GSW cause injury
- Direct laceration
- Crush injury
- Cavitation
primary: bullet path
secondary (shock wave)
In what patients can a pelvic x ray be omitted?
- No altered LOC
- No complaints of hip pain
- No pelvic tenderness
- No distracting injuries
- Not clinically intoxicated
- Stable patients undergoing CT (can get reformats of pelvis)
What is the mortality reduction with TXA and when must it be given
Mortality reduction 1.5%
Greatest effect if given within 1 hr and some effect up to 3 hrs
List 4 contraindication to resuscitation and transport in trauma patients:
- Blunt trauma with no vital signs on scene
- Penetrating trauma who are apneic or pulseless without other signs of life
- Trauma patients with >15min CPR
Transport time >15min after arrest
List indications for ED thoracotomy in penetrating chest trauma
- Loss of vitals at any point with initial signs of life in the field
- Severe shock and signs of tamponade
(relative) Persistent shock (SBP
List indications for ED thoracotomy in blunt chest trauma
- Blunt thoracic trauma with vitals and SBP 1500cc blood from thorocastomy immediately after placement
- (Relative) blunt arrest with previously witnessed vitals
List 6 therapeutic maneuvers that can be performed during EDT:
- Heart:
o Pericardotomy to relieve tamponade
o Suture cardiac injuries
o Foley or finger in hole to control bleeding
o Open cardiac massage - Vascular:
o Cross clamp aorta à maximize blood flow to brain, reduce blood flow to hemorrhaging abdomen or extremities - Pulmonary:
o Compression or cross clamping of hilum to control major pulmonary bleed
List the most common causes of trauma in pregnancy
- MVCs
- Assault
Falls
- Assault
What % of women of child bearing age admitted to a trauma centre do not yet know they are pregnant?
Up to 8% in studies
List 10 physiologic changes of pregnancy
Cardiovascular: - Increased HR (10bpm) - Decreased BP (DBP > SBP, return to normal by T3) - Increased CO - Decreased CVP - Increased blood volume - Reduced hematocrit - Venous congestion in pelvis - Systolic flow MM - Pericardial effusions common Gastrointestinal: - Reduced GE sphincter tone - Reduced gastric motility - Increased acid production - GERD - ALP doubles in pregnancy - Slight increase in Albumin - Increased Gall stones - Hemorrhoids Metabolism: - Insulin resistance and gestational DM - Water retention and edema - Enlargement of hormone sensitive tumors (ie pituitary)
Pulmonary: - Reduction in FRC (diaphragm elevation) - Increased O2 consumption (fetus, uterus, placenta) - Less time to desaturation - Increased Mv (volume of gas inhaled or exhaled per minute) - Hypocapnea (progesterone stimulation of respiratory centre) --? pathophys Hematological: - Physiologic anemia of pregnancy à 48-58% increase in plasma volume with only 18% increase RBC results in hematocrit of 34% at 34wks - Overall increased O2 carrying capacity - Fe deficiency - Slight immunosuppressed state - Increased coagulation factors - Physiologic leukocytosis MSK · Laxity of symphysis pubis · Incr SI joints
List 8 anatomic changes in pregnancy
- Position of uterus:
- Intrapelvic à 12 wks
- Umbilicus à 20wks
- Costal margins à 23-26wks, vulnerable to direct injury - Diaphragm rises during pregnancy à More rapid tension PTx development
- Abdominal viscera displaced upwards à altered pain patterns
- Stretching peritoneum à blunted response to peritoneal irritation
- Bladder displaced into abdomen after 12 wks à more vulnerable to injury
- Bladder becomes hyperemic à more blood loss if injured
- Ureteric dilation, hydronephrosis
- Laxity of SI and symphysis ligaments
- Large breast tissue and abdomen à difficult BVM and laryngoscopy
What is management of vena caval obstruction (supine hypotension syndrome)?
- Pelvic tilt to the left >15-30º (as far over a possible may be required)
- Tilting to right is less effective
- Manual displacement of uterus up and to left
What magnitude of effect can the gravid uterus have on cardiac output and BP in the supine position?
- CO: 28% reduction
SBP: 30mmHg decrease
What is the normal PCO2 and bicarb of third trimester pregnancy?
- Normal PCO2 = 30mmHg
Normal HCO3 = 21mE1/L leads to lowering of HCO3 slightly reduces the blood buffering capacity
In third trimester pregnancy, what landmarks are used for chest tube insertion?
- 3rd or 4th interspace versus usual 5th
- Diaphragm can rise > 4cm
What are the typical ECG changes of pregnancy?
- L axis deviation
- Q waves in III and aVF
What are risk factors for fetal death?
- Ejections
- MBC
- Pedestrian collisions
- Maternal death
- Maternal tachycardia
- Abnormal FHR
- Lack of restraints, or improperly applied restraints
- ISS >9 (injury severity score)
o ISS: correlates with mortality, morbidity and hospitalization time after trauma. It is used to define the term major trauma. A major trauma (or polytrauma) is defined as the Injury Severity Score being greater than 15
What is the pathophysiology of abruption in trauma? (chip in a tennis ball)
nelastic placenta shears way from the elastic uterus (myometrium) during deformation
- Direct blunt trauma and deceleration are equal risk factors
- Sustained contractions from intrauterine hemorrhage can also inhibit uterine blood flow, further contributing to fetal hypoxia
What are the classical clinical findings of abruption?
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal cramps
- Uterine tenderness
- Maternal hypovolemia (up to 2L of blood can accumulate in uterus!)
- Fetal distress
How does a uterine rupture present?
- Most often from severe MVC where pelvic fractures stroke against the uterus
- Signs:
o Maternal shock
o Abdominal pain
o hemoperitoneum
o Easily palpable fetal parts
o Fetal demise - DDx: fractures spleen, liver
List indications to extend to fetal monitoring to > 4 hours in trauma
- > 3 contractions / hr
- Persistent uterine tenderness
- Worrisome FHR strip
- Vaginal bleeding
- ROM – rupture of membranes
- Any serious maternal injury
What are indications for C/S after trauma?
- Fetal distress
- Uterine rupture
- Placental rupture and bleeding
- Fetal malpresentation during PTL
- Situations where uterus impairs maternal treatment
List indications to perform a perimortum c-section.
- Loss of maternal vital signs
What is the time goal to complete the perimortum c-section?
LT 5 minutes
List anatomic differences between adults and children that have implications in trauma assessment and management. Box 38-1.
- CNS:
o Larger head to body ratio
o Brain less myelinated
o Cranial bones thinner
- Mechanics: more susceptible to injury
o More anterior liver and spleen
o Less protective musculature and SQ fat
o Kidneys more mobile, less protected à susceptible to deceleration injury
o Chest wall more elastic à pulmonary contusions without rib #s
- CVS:
o Compensate for reduced CO by increased HR
o HR and slow CR are signs of shock
- MSK:
o Growth plates mot closed à SH #, limb shortening
o More tenuous spinal cord blood supply
o greater elasticity of vertebral column
o SCIWORA more common
List anatomic differences between adults and children relevant in airway management. Table 36-1.
Relatively large tongue
Large adenoids – NTI more difficult
Floppy epiglottis
Anterior and cephalad larynx
Narrow cricoid ring – uncuffed tube (now questionable)
Narrow tracheal diameter and distance between rings
Short tracheal length – R mainstem intubation
Narrow airways (R α 1/radius4) – more resistance
Laryngoscopy more likely to cause vagal stimulation
Large occiput
Higher tracheal opening – C1 infants, C3 7yo, C5 adults
Large teeth generally not a concern
Neck mobility generally not a concern
List indications for intubation in pediatric trauma.
- Inability to ventilate be bag valve mask
2. GCS
What is the lower limit of normal for blood pressure?
- 70 mmHg plus 2 times the age (5th percentile)
What volume aliquots are crystalloid and blood replacement given?
- Crystalloid 20cc/kg 1-3 and prn
Blood 10cc/kg prn
What is the volume of FFP given in massive transfusion?
15cc/kg
What is the volume of platelets given in massive transfusion?
· 10cc/kg with a goal of 50,000 plt/L
What is the volume of cryoprecipitate given in massive transfusion?
· 0.2 bag/kg to a fibrinogen goal of > 1g/L
What are indications for surgery in pediatric abdominal trauma? Box 38-11.
- Hemodynamic instability despite aggressive resuscitation
- Hemodynamic instability and positive FAST
- Transfusion GT 50% blood volume because of intraperitoneal bleeding
- Radiographic evidence of pneumoperitoneum, bladder rupture, Grade V renal injury
- GSW to abdomen
- Evisceration
- Signs of peritonitis
What chest tube drainage requires transport to the operative thoracotomy for massive hemothorax?
- Initial: >15cc/kg
- Ongoing >2-4cc/kg/hr for 3 hours
- Continued air leak
List 3 indications for imaging with post concussive syndrome:
- FND
2. Progressive worsening of symptoms
3. Failure of clinical resolution >2weeks
4. Severe HA
Where do hematomas form in the scalp of infants?
- Caput succendaneum: Bleeding in the connective tissue layer
- Subgaleal hematomas: Within the loose connective tissuelayer, above the periosteum
Cephalahematoma: Blood underneath the periosteum (does not cross midline)
List 8 anatomic differences in the pediatric vs. adult cervical spine. Box 38-10
- Falcrum changes from C2-3 in toddlers to C5-6 by age 8
2. Large heads therefore more extension / flexion injuries
3. Large occiputs LT2yo leads to flexion of cs-pine without board under scapula and pelvis
4. Smaller neck muscles
5. Ligamentous injuries more common than fractures
6. Anterior wedge shape of vertebral bodies
7. Flatter facet joints
8. Ossificaiton centres therefore can be mistaken for fractures
9. pseudosubluxtion of C2 on C3 in 40% children age 8-12
10. Predental space LT5mm in LT8yo, then LT3mm GT8yo
11. Prevertebral space size varies with respiration
12. Adult fracture patterns not seen until 15yo
13. Other more obscure ossification stuff that I can reference later
What are high risk and mediumrisk criteria for significant head injury in the CATCH study?
HIGH RISK
- suspected open or depressed skull fracture
- H/A worsening on Hx
- Irritability on exam
- GCS
What is the SN and Sp of the CATCH rule?
Sn 98%, Sp 50% if medium risk
High risk: 100% Sn and 70.2% Sp
Would CT 51.9% of all comers
What are the low risk criteria for clinically important TBI from the PECARN rule
AGE 3ft)
- no palpable skull #
- No LOC or LOC 5ft)
- no palpable skull #
- No LOC
- No severe H/A
- No vomiting
List indications for plain skull x rays
- skeletal survey in suspected child abuse
- interrogation of VP shunt
- penetrating scalp wounds
- suspected FB
List 8 anatomic differences in the pediatric vs adult cervical spine
- Falcrum changes from C2-3 in toddlers to C5-6 by age 8
2. Large heads cause more extension / flexion injuries
3. Large occiputs LT2yo cause flexion of cs-pine without board under scapula and pelvis
4. Smaller neck muscles
5. Ligamentous injuries more common than fractures
6. Anterior wedge shape of vertebral bodies
7. Flatter facet joints
8. Ossificaiton centres: can be mistaken for fractures
9. pseudosubluxtion of C2 on C3 in 40% children age 8-12
10. Predental space 8yo
11. Prevertebral space size varies with respiration
12. Adult fracture patterns not seen until 15yo
How can true subluxation be differentiated from pseudosubluxation?
Line of Swischuck: draw a line along anterior cortical margin of C1 to C3. A normal line will be less than 2mm away from the anterior cortical line of C2
What are the normal prevertebral measurements in pediatrics
C2 LT 7mm
C6 LT 14 mm
How is atlanto occipital instability assessed
Power’s ratio
List 6 RF for falls in elderly
- sedative use
- cognitive impairement
- visual impairement
- Hx of stroke
- arthritis
- underlying comorbidities
Why are epidural hematomas rare and sub-dural hematomas common in geritraics
as brain atrophies,the dura is adherent to the skull decreasing risk of epidural . it stretches epidural vessels making them more likely to break.
what is the most common spinal fracture in geriatrics
odontoid type 2 fracture
common to see central cord sympotms
C1-C3
compression fractures of thoracic and lumbar spine common
What 3 components are essential to injury control
- prevention
- acute care
- rehabilitation
what are the 3 components of the Hadon matrix (Injury triangle)
- agent
- host
- vector/environment
Define mild, moderate and severe TBI
mild: GCS 14-15
moderate GCS 9-13
Severe GCS LT8
What are the 5 layers of the scalp
s: skin C: connective tissue A: aponeurosis (galea) L: loose areolar tissue P: pericranium
What are the bones of the skull
frontal temporal parietal occipital sphenoid ethmoid
Describe the flow of CSF through brain
- produced at choroid plexus
- lateral ventricles
- foramen of Monroe to 3rd ventricle
- aqueduct of Sylvius to 4th ventricle
- Foramen of Magdie and Luschka to subarachnoid space
- drainage through venous system
List 3 factors that result in cerebral vasoconstriction
- Hypoocarbia
- HTN
- Alkalosis
List 4 factors that result in cerebral vasodilation
- Hypootension
- acidosis
- Hypercarbia
- Hypoxia
What is the difference between direct and indirect brain injury?
Direct injury: from direct blow from another object or from compression of head
Indirect injury: from brain being in motion without direct contact b/w object and skull
What is the difference b/w primary and secondary TBI
Primary: mechanical damage such as contusion/bleeding/ischemia/avulsion caused by inciting event which is irreversible
Seconday: propagation of injury from lack of physiologic optimization eg. hypoxia
List 4 critically important secondary systemic insults.
- Hypoxia (PO2 38.5C)
4. Anemia (Hct
List 5 causes of hypoxia in the TBI patient.
- Transient or prolonged apnea caused by brainstem compression or injury
- Partial airway obstruction – blood, vomitus, debris
- Injury to chest wall
- Pulmonary injury
- Ineffective airway management – inability to BMV or intubate
What is the definition of increased ICP?
o CSF pressure greater than 15mmHg (or 195mm H2O)
o Uncontrollable ICP is >20mmHg or refractory to treatment
What are the types of brain swelling after trauma?
- Congestive brain swelling: increased intracranial blood volume from vasodilation
- Cerebral edema: increased brain tissue volume from increase in cerebral water content
o Vasogenic à transvascular leak due to mechanical failure of the BBB
o Cytotoxic à membrane pump failure from post traumatic tissue ischemia and hypoxia
What are 4 common CT findings of cerebral edema?
- Bilateral compression of ventricles
- Loss of definition of cortical sulci
- Effacement of basal cisterns
- Focal edema: adjacent to traumatic lesions à decreased density or mass effect
What is the cushings reflex?
o Associated with lifethreatening levels of raised ICP o Triad seen in only 1/3 of cases: o Bradycardia o Hypertension o Respiratory irregularity
List the 6 herniation syndromes
- Uncal
- Central transtentorial
- Upwards transtentorial
- Cerebellotonsillar herniation
- Subfalcine herniation
- Transcavaliar herniation
What is Kernohan’s notch syndrome:
compression of contralateral cerebral peduncle with uncal herniation. Causes ipsilateral motor deficits. Pupuil will still blow on ipsilateral side of mass effect therefore we use the pupil for guiding bore hole
List 4 factors that can make the GCS less reliable in the acute stage.
- Hypoxia, hypotension, and intoxication can all falsely lower the score
- Intubation removes one component
- Periorbital edema may affect eye opening
- Extremity fractures or spinal cord injury may affect motor exam
- Misses subtle mental status changes
- Does not assess brainstem or papillary reflexes
What is decorticate posturing? What is the pathophysiology?
o Abnormal flexion of the upper extremity and extension of the lower extremity. The arm, wrist, and elbow slowly flex, and the arm is adducted.
o The leg extends and internally rotates, with plantar flexion of the foot.
o Decorticate posturing implies injury above the midbrain
What is decerebrate posturing? What is the pathophysiology?
o Decerebrate posturing is the result of a more caudal injury and therefore is associated with a worse prognosis.
o The arms extend abnormally and become adducted.
o The wrist and fingers are flexed, and the entire arm is internally rotated at the shoulder.
o The neck undergoes abnormal extension, and the teeth may become clenched. The leg is internally rotated and extended, and the feet and toes are plantar flexed.
How can brainstem function be assessed in the acute setting?
o Oculocephalic reflexes – dolls eyes
o Occulovestibular response – cold water calorics
o Cranial Nerves
o Pupillary responses (CN III)
o Gag reflex (CNs IX and X)
o Corneal reflex (CNs V and VII)
o Facial symmetry (CN VII) can be assessed if the patient grimaces
What are the findings of basal skull fractures (Box 41-1)?
Blood in ear canal Hemotympanum Rhinorrhea Ottorhea Battle’s sign (retrauricular hematoma) Raccoon sign (periorbital ecchymosis) Cranial Nerve deficits: - Facial paralysis - Decreased auditory acuity - Dizziness - Tinnitus - Nystagmus