Trauma Commons^™

Predicting Trauma Admission In Anticoagulated Geriatric Patients Presenting With A Ground Level Fall, Y-Nhi H. Bui Ms, Trevor Glad Bmus, Dylan Jack Bs, Michael Martyak

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Our study undertook a rigorous investigation into an expanding trauma patient population, tackling some of the significant challenges with this patient population in trauma triage. Our research has not only addressed key questions, but has also paved the way for future inquiries by offering innovative perspectives. This presentation is particularly important given the current advancements and interests in geriatric trauma. We hope that our findings will influence ongoing projects and spark collaborations among diverse research communities.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation In Trauma Before And After Covid-19: Associations Of Utilization, Timing, And Outcomes, Ryan Mancoll, William Rice, Theodore Chin, Grayson Mast M.D, Samantha Olafson M.D.

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic expanded and altered general ECMO utilization and provider experience; however, any impact on trauma-specific ECMO practice following this shift remains unclear. We hypothesize that trauma ECMO utilization patterns, timing of initiation, and outcomes have differed following COVID-19.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of trauma patients receiving ECMO (2017-2024) using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) Participant Use Files. The primary exposure was the COVID era (2017-2019 vs. 2021-2024). Primary outcomes included ECMO utilization, time to initiation, and in-hospital mortality; secondary outcomes included discharge disposition, major complications, and length of stay …

Intracranial Pressure Monitor Insertion In Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury: Does Timing Matter?, Michael Gaziano, Peter Aziz, Alison Muller, Anthony Martin, Christopher Lawson, Eugene Reilly, Christopher Butts, Thomas Geng, Adrian Ong

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Differences In Emergency Department Imaging Modalities For Femur Fractures Based On Insurance And Demographics, Patrick De La Torre Schutz, Bryce M. Bellon, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Baker, Hamaad Gohar

Research Colloquium

Insurance status and race have been significant predictors of delayed care and reduced imaging utilization in emergency settings, particularly among minority and Medicaid-insured populations (Moser, Shan). The reasoning for the disparities in treatment for these underserved populations is still not well understood. To further analyze these claims, this study examined whether demographic factors such as ethnicity, sex, age, insurance type, and fracture classification were associated with differences in imaging modality among patients with femur fractures. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services Trauma Registry (2018–2022) was analyzed using logistic regression to determine the odds ratios of receiving CT, …

The Use Of Intramedullary Screw For Fixation Of Distal Ulnar Fractures, Adam Lencer, John Pignataro, Justin Le, Joyce Daniel Suarez, Michael Rivlin

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Distal ulna fractures frequently accompany distal radius fractures but are often underappreciated in both clinical and research contexts. While conservative management is frequently employed, particularly following volar locking plate (VLP) fixation of the radius, certain indications, such as distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, comminution, or high-energy trauma, may necessitate surgical fixation. This study evaluates patient-reported outcomes among patients with distal radius fractures treated operatively, comparing those with and without concomitant distal ulna fractures, and further stratifying based on the method of ulna fixation.

Methods

This retrospective review included 477 patients treated operatively for distal radius fractures by a single …

Traumatic Cavernous Carotid Fistula Following A Motor Vehicle Accident, Alec Mirchandani

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Traumatic cavernous carotid fistulas are a rare but serious complication following blunt trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, where the internal carotid artery is damaged, creating an abnormal connection with the cavernous sinus. This case report describes a 32-year-old female who presented with pulsatile proptosis, conjunctival chemosis, and visual disturbances following a motor vehicle accident. Imaging confirmed the presence of a traumatic cavernous carotid fistula. The patient underwent successful endovascular embolization, resulting in resolution of her symptoms. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention, particularly through endovascular techniques, as the treatment of choice is to prevent …

A Review Of Sutures And The Prospective Applications Of Nanofiber Technology In Suture Engineering, Hanna Brancaccio, Dominique Hassinger, Vincent Beachley

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Suturing is a method to close surgical or traumatic wounds to promote healing. The ideal suture should have high tensile strength that loses strength at the same rate as the healing tissue gains strength, be easy to handle and form secure knots, induce minimal inflammation, and stretch/recoil according to wound contraction. While there are suture materials available for use in various procedures that fulfill most requirements, no one suture possesses every desirable characteristic, and limitations are still prevalent. Nanofiber geometry has a well-known ability to modulate cell morphology, attachment, gene expression, extracellular matrix production, and macrophage polarization in …

Case Report: Heating Pad Usage Leading To Rhabdomyolysis And Acute Kidney Injury, Meghna Kurup, Swet Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 26-year-old male with a significant psychiatric and substance use history who came to the emergency department (ED) with deep partial second degree burns to his back subsequent to using a heating pad for unknown periods of time prior to presentation. Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury that occurred in this patient due to his burns. It is important to understand that although beneficial, if heating pads are misused or overused, they can cause injury.

Do Cervical Spine Injuries Require Airway Monitoring In The Surgical Intensive Care Unit?, Nikki Rimlinger, Tom Parker, Sujay Deshpande, Kyle Yang, Alison Muller Msph, Mls, Anthony Martin Rn, Bsn, Tcrn, Adrian Ong Md, Eugene F. Reilly Md, Mhci, Christopher A. Butts Phd, Do

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Patterns And Outcomes In Urotrauma: An Analysis Of Fatality Trends And Contributing Factors, Neharika Penmetcha, Aun Bangash, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Urotrauma, involving injuries to the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, represents a critical subset of trauma cases, significantly impacting patient morbidity and mortality. Renal and urogenital injuries account for 10–20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Understanding urotrauma's epidemiology is vital for improving care protocols and resource allocation. Despite its impact, data on injury mechanisms, intent, and care modalities specific to urotrauma remain limited. This study investigates patterns in injury mechanisms, intent, transport modalities, and facility transfer status to identify factors influencing patient outcomes and inform trauma care improvements.

Methods: A retrospective review analyzed 3,492 trauma cases, filtered for …

Staged Reconstruction And Salvage Of 5th Finger With Corticocancellous Distal Radius Autograft: A Case Report, Emmanuel Franco, Zayd Ayas, Frank Gerold

Research Symposium

Background: Finger reconstruction in the aftermath of severe trauma poses significant challenges in restorative surgery, particularly when addressing extensive soft tissue damage, comminuted fractures, and simultaneous neurovascular complications. This study presents a case of a patient with a complicated distal phalangeal fracture that pursued digit salvage.

Case Presentation: Patient is a 31-year-old woman who sustained a severe injury to her right 5th digit during an ATV rollover. The trauma resulted in an exposed and comminuted fracture of the proximal phalanx with associated loss of soft tissues, flexor tendon, radial nerve injury, and vascular compromise. She elected to pursue digit salvage …

Intraoperative Imaging In Orthopedic Settings: An Assessment Of Changes In Adherence To Imaging Guidelines, Emmanuel Franco, Tabitha Abraham, Zayd Ayas, Frank Gerold

Research Symposium

Background: High-quality intraoperative photography is vital for treatment planning, patient counseling, and surgical education. Inconsistencies in image quality are prevalent in orthopedic literature due to the absence of formalized criteria specific to orthopedic settings. In 2014, "Medical Photography: Principles for Orthopedics" introduced guidelines intending to standardize protocols for capturing clinical images. By comparing the quality of images taken both before and after these proposed guidelines, this project aims to evaluate whether this has influenced a trend toward standardization and consistency in intraoperative orthopedic photography.

Methods: To assess quality differences in orthopedic images before and after the 2014 guidelines, 60 intraoperative …

Impact Of Diabetes On Fall Related Lower Limb Fractures, Bryce M. Bellon, Daniel Salinas, Patrick De La Torre Shutz, Hunter Butler, Sean Corcoran, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Diabetes is a disorder that affects many Americans, characterized primarily by hyperglycemia due to either insulin resistance or lack of insulin secretion. This condition not only impacts blood sugar levels but also has significant effects on bone health. In diabetes, bone density is often decreased due to reduced osteoblast activity, which is responsible for bone formation, and increased osteoclast activity, which leads to bone resorption. This imbalance accelerates the breakdown of bone. Additionally, diabetics frequently suffer from lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD), which results in poor vascularization of the lower limbs. These factors contribute to an increased risk of …

Simplicity Is The Ultimate Sophistication: Ume Lessons From Trauma-Focused Simulation, Victoria-Marie Berlandi-Short, Kelsey Yang, Jonmark Dolendo, Grace Hwang, Brianna Kuhse, Samuel Blees, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Simulation-based training has become essential in preparing medical professionals to manage high-stakes situations effectively before encountering them in real-life clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cut Suit Week (CSW), a high-stress, trauma-focused simulation training for second-year military medical students hosted by Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine in San Diego, California. As members of the 2024 cohort, our team from Touro University Nevada (TUN) and Touro University California (TUC) sought to address three questions: (1) Does CSW improve confidence in managing stressful situations? (2) Does it enhance clinical and leadership skills? (3) Would similar training …

Evaluation Of Sleep Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury In Children Using Questionnaires And Actigraphy, Connie Tran, Sydney Weese, Cydni Williams Md

Student Research Symposium

Traumatic brain injuries are the result of a sudden external blunt force to the brain and can result in long-term complications or death. In pediatrics, it is the leading cause of acute and chronic sleep wake disturbances, as well as cognitive deficits, which can lead to a reduction in the quality of life. These impairments can later result in lowered performance in work and school settings or decreased psychosocial function. Although there is sufficient evidence that traumatic brain injuries contribute to is that it is unknown whether or not sleep wake disturbances contribute to an increase in the mentioned cognitive …

Management Strategies For Traumatic Injuries In Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Jaylyn D. Thompson, Jenna Zappetti, Clarence Julian Clark Ii

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Traumatic injuries in pregnant women are the leading cause of non-obstetric death and affect 6% to 8% of all pregnancies. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain updated guidelines to construct a framework for the optimal management strategies for traumatic injuries in pregnant women, considering the perspectives of obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine, and orthopedics.

Methods: To conduct this study, research was done via a database search through the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine’s research library. PubMed was the sole database used to review 8 peer-reviewed sources. Articles that were published within the last 10 years were chosen.

Results: Every woman with …

The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injury On Noradrenergic Innervation Of The Prefrontal Cortex, Jil P. Modi, Christopher P. Knapp, Rachel L. Navarra

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability in the United States, and it can occur due to varied reasons including motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, and falls. Following TBIs, patients are often left with lifelong disabilities and cognitive problems that can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors. The main goal of my research was to understand the neural mechanisms that drive increased risk-taking behaviors due to TBIs. The specific areas of the brain I was interested in looking at were the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and/or anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the prefrontal …

An Atypical Mechanism Of Thyroid Cartilage Fracture, Jack Grossweiler, Andrew Friedman, Michael Scharf, Matthew K. Nguyen, Jory P. Parson, Alexander Axelrad

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Investigating Markers For Intracranial Hemorrhage Severity: Insights From Cbc Changes And Beyond, Mckenzie Locker, Kasey Chelemedos, Nataly Apollonsky

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

A Case Report On A Personal Watercraft Induced Large Traumatic Rectal Injury, Sujay Deshpande, Jakob Nypaver, Bernice Yu, Abigail Coots, Adrian W. Ong, Christopher A Butts

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Probabilistic Workflow Modeling Of Transfused Injured Children And Adolescents At A Level 1 Trauma Center, Megan Krentsa, Travis M. Sullivan, Keyi Li, Elizabeth Matison, Waverly Gestrich-Thompson, Genevieve J. Sippel, Randall S. Burd, Aleksandra Sarcevic

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Trauma Center Designation Effects On Clinical Outcomes In Pediatric Dog Bites: A Retrospective Study, Jessy Feng, Sabrina Orta, Alejandro Aquino, Lori Berry, Demba Fofana, Paul Berry

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Clinical outcomes associated with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) trauma center designation have been examined for many conditions. However, we sought to analyze the association between ACS pediatric trauma center designation and outcomes following pediatric dog bite trauma cases, which has rarely been studied.

Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank was queried to identify pediatric (0-19y) dog bite trauma patients admitted to ACS pediatric level I or II trauma centers from 2007-2016. Chi-Squared and Odds Ratio statistical analyses were used to compare the outcomes.

Results:We identified 6,196 pediatric dog bite trauma patients treated at ACS level …

The “Cushion Effect” Revisited:, George A. Flores, Annelyn Torres-Reveron, Raul Barreda

Research Symposium

Background: It is known the pattern and severity of injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident depend on many variables. An interesting avenue for research is obesity as a positive or negative modifier for injury distribution patterns in MVA. We hypothesize that body mass index (BMI) will influence MVC related injury patterns.

Methods: We queried STRAC data for DHR - Edinburg for the years 2014 to 2018 using CPT codes for MVC/MVA, IS > 8, age 15 - 64. Interactions between injury location, BMI, seatbelt and gender were analyzed.

Results: We had 191 detailed crashes, we found increasing age to be …

Diaphragmatic Rupture Due To Closed Thoracobdominal Trauma: A Case Report, Juan Rosales Martínez, Manlio F. Lara Duck, Antonio Gutiérrez Sierra, Netzahualcoyotl Mayek Pérez

Research Symposium

Background. Diaphragmatic injuries (DI) represent less than 1% of traumatic injuries; they are a marker of severe trauma due to associated injuries, although they often go undiagnosed as they remain hidden. If undetected, delayed herniation and strangulation of the abdominal organs into the chest cavity will result as the defect in the diaphragm is not repaired. DI occurs from penetrating or blunt trauma. The former occurs in approximately 67% of cases; direct injury to the diaphragm caused by automobile accidents has been reported. The remaining third is due to falls and crush injuries. Blunt trauma causes larger tears, even bilateral. …

Pediatric Facial Fractures In Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Annie Glenney, Zhazira Irgebay, Meeti Mehta, Joseph Mocharnuk, Janina Kueper, Lucas A. Dvoracek, Justin Schreiber, Joseph Losee, Jesse Goldstein

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Maximizing Patient Benefit In Interfacility Transfer For The Management Of Pediatric Hand Trauma, Annie Glenney, Zainab Balogun, Meeti Mehta, Shirley Liu, Vivian Wang, Lucille Cheng, Darya Fadavi, Alexander Davit Iii

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Institutional Outcomes Of Blunt Liver & Splenic Injury In The Atomac Era, Shai Stewart Md, James Fraser, Rebecca M. Rentea, Pablo Aguayo, David Juang, Jason D. Fraser, Charles L. Snyder, Richard J. Hendrickson, Shawn D. St.Peter, Tolulope A. Oyetunji

Research Days

Background: The Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium (ATOMAC) practice management guideline (PMG) was created to standardize management of blunt liver or spleen injury (BLSI) across pediatric trauma centers. Evaluations of institutional outcomes after its adoption remain scarce. We describe our outcomes since PMG adoption at our institution.

Objectives/Goal: The purpose of this study was to assess patient outcomes and resource utilization after implementation of this protocol. We hypothesized there is no difference in length of stay (LOS) or complications regardless of grade of isolated injuries to the liver or spleen. In addition, there is limited guidance on the management of concurrent injuries to …

A Comparison Of Large Tbsa Scald Versus Flame Burns In Young Children, Ashley Daniel

Research Days

Background: It is generally accepted that of children with the same total body surface area of burns, those with flame burns seem to have longer lengths of stay and more complications than those with scald burns. Anecdotally we have seen the opposite to be true. Among a consortium of five US pediatric burn centers participating in the Pediatric Injury Quality Improvement Collaborative (PIQIC), young children with scald burns seem to experience disproportionately more frequent and severe complications compared to their older counterparts and compared to patients of a similar age with flame burns.

Objectives/Goal: In this multi-institutional study, we compared …

Management And Considerations In The Usage Of Txa In Hemorrhagic Trauma Patients, Matthew Petterson, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic reversible competitive inhibitor that exerts its action on plasminogen, preventing plasmin formation and deterring fibrinolysis.1 Current FDA-approved indications of TXA include heavy menstrual bleeding and short-term blood loss prevention in patients with hemophilia following tooth extraction.1 TXA has more recently been utilized in the management of massive hemorrhagic trauma patients despite this being an off-label use. While TXA has shown promise as a hemostatic agent for this patient population, considerations in the pre-hospital and hospital settings must be examined for its integration into massive hemorrhage protocols.

The Effect Of Graft Selection On Patients’ Subjective Readiness To Return To Sport After Acl Reconstruction, Adeeb Hanna, William Johns, Emma Johnson, Bryson Kelmer, Gabriel Onor, Kevin Freedman, Christopher Dodson, Michael Ciccotti

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Patients who undergo ACL reconstruction with allografts may have an easier functional recovery compared to autograft patients. This is due to decreased donor site morbidity and less muscle atrophy compared to autograft patients. This “easier” recovery may be perceived by patients and may result in a subjective earlier readiness for return to sports.

Hypothesis/Purpose: To determine if there is a difference in perceived readiness to return to sport (RTS) in the first year postoperative period between individuals who undergo ACL reconstruction utilizing bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autografts or allografts.

Study Design: Prospective Cohort Study, Level II Methods: This was a …