This study hypothesized that cervical spine immobilization (CSI) in penetrating cervical trauma is associated with increased central neurologic injury rather than prevention. Data abstraction proceeded from a previously constructed patient database formed via retrospective chart analysis of the trauma registries of two independent American College of Surgeons verified Level 1 Trauma centers. Neurologic injuries were categorized as peripheral or central. Central neurologic injuries were further subdivided into spinal cord and brain injuries. Patients were grouped according to the presence and type of neurologic injury, the presence and type of cervical spine fracture, death, and the presence or absence of respiratory and vascular injury. Vascular injury was further subdivided into major and minor categories. Groups were compared statistically. Significance was accepted for p<0.05. Cervical spine fracture (CSFx) was a significant risk factor for cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) (p<0.00001; RR 20.56; 95% CI 8.44-26.47) but all patients with unstable CSFx presented with complete spinal neurologic devastation. Major vascular injury was associated with brain injury (p=0.01; RR 10.21; 95% CI 6.67-15.65) but was not associated with CSCI (p=0.99) or CSFx (p=0.67). Hypoperfusion was a strong independent risk cervical cord and brain injury (p<0.00001; RR 38.4; 95% CI 16.17-91.2). CSI was a significant risk factor for indirect central neurologic injury (p<0.001; RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.23-1.95). Brain injury was not associated with CSFx (p=0.35) or CSCI (p=0.08). No benefit of CSI in penetrating cervical trauma could be determined from this study. CSI entailed an absolute risk increase for central neurologic injury of 18.69% with a 5.3 number needed to harm (NNH).

Variations in skin thickness and contours pose significant challenges to reconstruction of the lower third of the nose. Human amniotic membrane allograft offers a potential alternative to tissue transfer in reconstruction of the lower third of the nose. We reviewed the procedure and photographs of a healthy 56-year-old male with a 22 × 18 mm lower third nasal defect involving full thickness skin and subcutaneous tissue. Following preparation for grafting, dehydrated human amniotic membrane was fashioned to the dimensions of the defect and applied. No further surgical intervention was provided for 3 months. Complete re-epithelialization of the nasal and adjacent defects was achieved with minimal scar formation. Human amniotic membrane allograft provides an efficacious and cosmetically acceptable alternative to local and regional tissue transfer.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a known complication of laparotomy; however, the literature is lacking in regards to treatment of this entity in pregnant patients. We present a case of acute perforated appendicitis in a second trimester primagravida, complicated by gangrenous necrosis of the contiguous bowel with subsequent development of ACS and intra-abdominal sepsis. This was treated with a novel approach, using non-commercial negative pressure wound therapy and open abdomen technique. Gestational integrity was preserved and the patient went on to experience a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. At 5 years post-delivery the patient has had no surgical complications and her baby has met all developmental milestones.

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