TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2010//
TI  - "Cut and run". Rapid life saving amputation using fire service hydraulic cutting equipment in entrapped trauma victims
JO  - Injury extra
A1  - Robinson, Simon
A1  - McNicholas, M.j.
A1  - Polyzois, I.
A1  - Dunbar, I.
A1  - Payne, A.p.
A1  - Forrest, M.
SP  - 142
EP  - 142
VL  - 41
IS  - 12
N2  - Background: We investigated the potential to utilise fire service hydraulic cutting equipment to effect life saving amputations in entrapped trauma victims.  Materials and methods: After a successful pilot study using four cadaveric porcine hind-leg models; three fresh frozen bequeathed cadaveric lower limb specimens each underwent five guillotine amputations using the hydraulic cutting equipment and conventional war surgical techniques. Video-documentation of each guillotine amputation was studied to define the: (i) number of cutting actions required to complete the amputations without the need for other cutting instruments, (ii) total time to achieve a completed amputation, (iii) quality of cut and (iv) proximal extent of fracture propagation.  Results: Our study confirms that this equipment would enable extrication from immediately life threatening circumstances between two and seven times quicker than conventional amputation techniques.  Conclusion: The equipment allows effective access to facilitate maximal stump length preservation and protects attending staff and the injured patient from the dangers of conventional amputation techniques in these difficult circumstances.Keywords: Life saving; Amputation; Hydraulic; Cutting; Equipment<p /> 
LA  - 
SN  - 1572-3461
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/16/j.injury.2010.07.440
ID  - ref1
ER  -