Trauma Commons^™

Characteristics Of Pediatric Patients With Sports-Related Concussions: A Single Site Retrospective Review, Jose A. Cruz Ayala, Shahrukh Khan, Holly Monk, Emma Cole, Alison Smith, Scott Schultz, Lindsay Elliott, Jessica Zagory

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: Sports-related concussion (SRC) cases have increased among children in the last decade. Differences in concussion symptoms, presentation, and follow-up care exist when comparing demographics. The aim of this study was to explore SRC within the pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients ≤ 18 years old diagnosed with SRC at a New Orleans stand-alone children's hospital from January 2007 to December 2021 was performed. T-test and Fisher's exact test were used for relationship between outcomes and sports, demographics, setting, insurance, and follow-up care. RESULTS: Children who sustained SRC at practice were more likely to be male (p …

Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris

Adultspan Journal

This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.

The Lasting Legacy Of Dr. Fritz Smith And Dr. Aminah Raheem: Founders Of Zero Balancing And Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure, Deanna Waggy Otr

Journal of Transformative Touch

Dr. Fritz Smith and Dr. Aminah Raheem were pioneers in the field of holistic bodywork. Their innovative techniques, Zero Balancing (ZB) and Insight Acupressure (formerly Soul Lightening International), helped shape integrative medicine practitioners around the globe. Their marriage not only symbolized a personal union but also a professional synergy, with their complementary therapies offering a yin-yang approach to mind-body healing. Their legacy continues through the many practitioners trained in Zero Balancing and Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure and the various organizations that uphold their commitment to research, education, and professional standards.

A New Approach: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Artificial Intelligence Developments For Trauma Triage In The Emergency Department, William C. Anoka

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Triage in emergent situations occurs when patients are assigned to areas of the hospital with different levels of care according to the perceived risks determined by their signs and symptoms. The variability of current triage protocols substantially increases the proportion of lower acuity patients who die unexpectedly due to improper risk stratification. However, recent artificial intelligence (AI) developments have been applied to trauma triage situations to improve accuracy and patient outcomes. To further evaluate the effectiveness of this new tool, this study used various AI models to assess the presenting assessments of multiple situations and determine the appropriate level of …

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.

The Development Of A Trauma Interventional Radiology Alert Protocol Reduces Time To Vessel Puncture In Cases Of Active Hemorrhage., Aahad Khan, Akhil Gangisetty, Steve Mitchell, Nick Daughtery, Brent Goslin, William B Devoe, John Bach

Trauma and Acute Care Articles

Introduction Trauma continues to be a major cause of death in the United States, with uncontrolled bleeding contributing to a significant portion of trauma-related fatalities. In recent years, the management of hemorrhagic trauma patients has expanded to include interventional radiology (IR). The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma recommends that Level 1 and 2 trauma centers ensure IR availability within 60 minutes of the decision to proceed with angiography. Delays in IR intervention are associated with poorer outcomes and increased mortality. To address this, our Level 2 trauma center developed and implemented an institutional protocol involving trauma surgeons, interventional …

From Trauma To Treatment: Chronic Neurobehavioral Consequences And Emerging Treatments, Moriah E. Mcguier

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Severe trauma exposure related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) or psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) leads to neurobehavioral and physiological impairments that reduce the quality of life of individuals and remain difficult to treat with current therapeutic options. Further, these conditions are highly comorbid, notably in PTSD with blast-traumatic brain injury (bTBI) commonly experienced by military members via explosive forces, leading to complex and heterogenous outcomes. To address this, preclinical models have been developed to recapitulate aspects of TBI and PTSD. This thesis utilizes two such models in rats, bTBI and the single prolonged stress (SPS) model for …

Evaluating Surge Capacity In The Emergency Department: A Comprehensive Literature Review On Preparedness And Response Frameworks, Tanner J. Riscoe

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Medical surge capacity in emergency departments is influenced by four critical factors: staff, stuff, space, and systems. Understanding these factors and the interplay between them is critical. Emergency departments are increasingly encountering issues with overcrowding, patient boarding, and medical surge events causing interruptions in care and depleting critical resources. Coordination of medical surge is challenging during normal operations but is intensified during times of crisis. This comprehensive literature review seeks to better understand the current state of the literature surrounding surge preparedness and response in emergency departments across the United States, identify gaps in the current literature, and ultimately recommend …

Portable Head Computed Tomography Protocol For Trauma, Christian Quinones, Alexander Bolufer, Cory Hewitt, Sagun Tuli

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The use of portable computed tomography (CT) scanners has been shown to reduce risks associated with intrahospital transport and to expedite imaging in critically ill patients. While their use is established in intensive care units, their utility on intraoperative trauma patients remains underexplored. This paper reviews existing literature on portable CT use, defines appropriate clinical indications, outlines contraindications, and identifies quality metrics and implementation challenges. It also presents a proposed protocol for integrating portable head CT imaging into trauma workflows, focusing on early identification of intracranial or spinal injuries in the operating room. The development and analysis of standardized protocols …

College Healthcare Providers: Are They Prepared To Treat Students Following A Disclosure Of Sexual Assault?, Torrie Piasecki, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Sexual assault is happening on university and college campuses. This study aims to explore the gap in care relative to how on-campus healthcare providers respond to college students following a disclosure of sexual assault and the access to resources provided to them. A sample of seven providers from two major college campuses in Stockton, CA responded to a questionnaire about formal disclosures of sexual assault. Each participant self-reported their knowledge of trauma-informed care (TIC) and what they understand about their campus resources for survivors of sexual assault. Results from participants who completed the survey indicated that although most knew where …

Calling The Burn Center: Why Do Our Referring Hospitals Call Us?, Moon Usman Md, Alisa Savetamal

Posters

This study seeks to analyze and evaluate referral data received by a single state burn center, focusing on the allocation of resources for referrals and consultations, and determining the proportion of these that result in patient admissions.

A Heart Full Of Nails: Complex Management Of Multiple Nail Gun Cardiac Injuries, Shaun Abid Md, Stuart Zarich

Posters

A 54-year-old male presented after a suicide attempt, suffering severe cardiac and extracardiac injuries from firing a nail gun into both temples (Figure 1A) and his chest. Imaging showed six 5cm nails embedded in his heart: two in the left ventricle, two in the right ventricle, one traversing the ascending aorta into the left atrium, and one entering the right ventricle from the left parasternal chest wall (Figure 1B, C, D). These injuries resulted in hemorrhagic pericardial effusion with tamponade, acute aortic regurgitation, mitral valve/pulmonary artery perforations, and a ventricular septal defect.

The Profound Role Of An Adult Survivor Program Adaptive Sports Retreat On Quality Of Life And Self Perception For Adult Burn Survivors, Roselle E. Crombie Md/Mph, Facs, Faba, Theresa E. Abrams Lcsw, Phd, Cindy Rutter Bsn, Lmft, Josh Mishell Ba, Philip E. Fidler Md

Posters

Mental health struggles amongst adult burn survivors has recently been documented as an ongoing need for therapy in peer reviewed journals.1 Although there are many robust programs, camps, reintegration programs and support systems through child life for children, the analogous programs for adults are lacking in comparison to the pediatric ones. Ten years ago, a subset of this author group ran an adult adaptive sports survivor program in conjunction with a national burn meeting. At that time, all the participants, mental health providers and participating surgeons were able to experience the profound impact a program like this can have on …

Discussion Of “Biggest” Problems Facing Burn Units Today; A Survey Based Analysis And Discussion From Our Aba Burn Surgeon Forum Workgroups 2024, Roselle E. Crombie Md/Mph Facs Faba, Alexandra Lacey Md, Facs, Faba, Kathleen Romanowski Md, Facs, Faba

Posters

Burn Units are a unique environment and microcosm of patients. Additionally, there have been certain factors contributing to what burn care providers consider the most important challenges facing optimal delivery of care. Formally exploring these issues may elucidate solutions by gathering different perspectives.

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.

Stop The Bleed! Acute Epistaxis Management, Christopher R. Cannell

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Epistaxis, the most common Otolaryngology-related emergency, is responsible for one in 200 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (US) and one-third of otolaryngology visits.^1,11 Up to 60% of the population will experience epistaxis during their lifetime, and 6% -10 % will require medical intervention.^2,3 Epistaxis occurs in children and adults and has a seasonal variation. Although 85% of nosebleeds are idiopathic, they are more frequent in those on supplemental oxygen, anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, and in those with other conditions that may predispose them to bleeding. Most clinicians will encounter patients with acute epistaxis; therefore, it is …

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 …