Does the presence of an upper extremity injury affect outcomes after major trauma?

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is a paucity of information about the impact of upper extremity (UE) injuries on patient outcomes, particularly after major trauma.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from a statewide trauma registry. Cases were defined as major trauma cases (Injury Severity Score > 15) with (UE group) and without (no-UE group) an associated upper extremity injury. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of outcome.

RESULTS:

Major trauma patients with UE injury were 1.5 times (p = 0.011) more likely than the no-UE group to have a length of stay greater than 7 days. After adjusting for age, mechanism of injury, and Injury Severity Score, UE injury was not an independent predictor of discharge destination.

CONCLUSION:

In major trauma patients, the presence of an upper extremity injury is a significant predictor of length of stay, indicating a greater complexity and cost of care associated with this group of major trauma patients.

• Authors: Adam S Dowrick, Belinda J Gabbe, Owen D Williamson
• Journal: The Journal of trauma (J Trauma) Vol. 58 Issue 6 Pg. 1175-8 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 0022-5282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15995466 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Accidental Falls
• Accidents, Traffic
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Injury Severity Score
• Length of Stay
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Multiple Trauma (therapy)
• Wounds, Nonpenetrating (therapy)