Clinical News - Trauma

May 2012

ATV boom leads to more injuries, deaths

The boom in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) over the past two decades has led to more injuries, especially in children. Two Mayo Clinic experts discuss why ATV accidents occur, how injuries should be handled and how they can be prevented. Read more.

Managing trauma pain is essential but complicated

Poorly treated pain results in increased morbidity and mortality, yet many trauma patients don't receive adequate pain relief. One emergency medicine specialist says the reasons are more complicated than you may think. Read more.

Trauma course improves performance in rural hospitals

The American College of Surgeons' Rural Trauma Team Development Course helps rural trauma providers develop the expertise and teamwork to save lives, in spite of limited resources and personnel. Read more.

January 2012

Snowmobile injuries are up in Minnesota, but not fatalities

Increased ridership and faster machines have led to a threefold increase in snowmobile-related injuries. Although some patients incur long-term orthopedic or cognitive disabilities, mortality is relatively low, thanks to Minnesota's trauma system. Read more.

Helmets decrease risk, severity of snow sports injuries

Increased helmet use has led to fewer serious head injuries among skiers and snowboarders, but not always fewer fatalities. Transporting patients with potentially serious head trauma to a higher level of care can save lives and prevent long-term disability. Read more.

Hypothermic trauma patients have lower thresholds for treatment and transfer

Hypothermic patients with multiple injuries are at high risk of morbidity and mortality, but rapid intervention or transfer to a higher level of care can reduce both. Read more.

Some patients with traumatic coagulopathy may be overlooked

Early recognition and treatment of trauma-induced coagulopathy is essential, but identifying high-risk patients can be challenging. Mayo Clinic's pediatric trauma coordinator explains what to look for and when. Read more.

October 2011

Step-by-step protocol gets student athletes back in the game — safely

Mayo Clinic's comprehensive sports concussion program ensures that young players receive timely evaluation and treatment for concussions and return to play only when fully recovered. Read more.

Study examines number, severity of pediatric motocross injuries

A seven-year Mayo Clinic study showed that a significant number of children are hospitalized or need surgery after motocross injuries. Studies are under way to determine why injuries happen and how they can be prevented. Read more.

Pediatric trauma centers prove better for seriously injured kids

Injury is the leading cause of mortality in children, claiming more lives than the next four causes of death combined. But outcomes improve significantly when gravely injured children are evaluated and treated at Level I pediatric trauma centers. Read more.

Presuming shock in severely injured patients speeds treatment, saves lives

Hemorrhagic shock, a leading cause of death in trauma patients, is challenging to recognize and treat. A Mayo Clinic trauma manager says the key is to presume shock in all severely injured patients — even those who don't meet standard criteria. Read more.

Assessment of blood consumption (ABC) score highly predictive for diverse populations and settings

Mayo Clinic researchers have shown that the ABC model predicts the need for massive blood transfusion in 89 percent of patients, regardless of setting, severity of injury or method of transport. Read more.

Endoscopic treatment effectively manages grade V pancreatic injury

This case study describes the successful nonoperative management of a grade V pancreatic injury in a 15-year-old athlete transferred from an Iowa hospital to Mayo Clinic's Level I trauma center. Read more.

July 2011

Mortality for trauma patients at Mayo Clinic hospitals is less than 3 percent

Trauma specialists continually refine trauma activation criteria to ensure that the most seriously injured people receive the most appropriate care in the shortest possible time. Read more.

Guidelines prevent unnecessary CT scans for children

Most pediatric head injuries are mild and don't require neuroimaging. New guidelines help identify which children with head trauma need CT scans, so significant injuries are quickly diagnosed and kids with minor trauma avoid needless exposure to ionizing radiation. Read more.

Coordinated regional triage system saves time and lives

Mayo Clinic has adapted electronic file transfer and an integrated triage and interfacility transport system to improve overall trauma care. A case study of pediatric hematoma care illustrates that for severely injured patients, time is life. Read more.

Titanium plates stabilize broken ribs

For a growing number of people with broken ribs, including older adults with fragile bones, a procedure called rib stabilization offers drug-free pain relief and a quick return to normal life. Read more.

Exhibit simulates the dangers of distracted driving

Staff in Mayo's Texting and Driving booth delivered a strong message on the dangers of texting while driving to fans at Target Field. Read more.