Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2019 11 7;163. Epub 2019 Nov 7.

Emma Kinderziekenhuis, Amsterdam UMC, locatie AMC-UvA, Afd. Kinder-mdl, Amsterdam.

Foreign body ingestion occurs frequently in children and may lead to severe complications and mortality. In this article, three cases are presented. A 2-year-old boy swallowed a plastic toy helmet. Read More

Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2019 Oct;37(10):623-634

CNDD, Hanover, Pennsylvania.

A review of photobiomodulation (PBM) in Alzheimer's dementia is submitted. The addition of PBM in neurodegenerative diseases is a dual modality that is at present gaining traction as it is safe, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory for treating neurodegeneration with photons that stimulate mitochondria increasing adenosine triphosphate and proteasomes increasing misfolded protein removal. Neurofeedback provides neural plasticity with an increase in brain-derived nerve factor mRNA and an increase in dendrite production and density in the hippocampus coupled with overall growth in dendrites, density, and neuronal survival. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2019 09;69(Suppl 3):S214-S220

Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta Department of Medicine.

Background: The safe removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) can limit transmission of serious communicable diseases, but this process poses challenges to healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: We observed 41 HCWs across 4 Ebola treatment centers in Georgia doffing PPE for simulated patients with serious communicable diseases. Using human factors methodologies, we obtained the details, sequences, and durations of doffing steps; identified the ways each step can fail (failure modes [FMs]); quantified the riskiness of FMs; and characterized the workload of doffing steps. Read More

Sensors (Basel) 2019 Aug 15;19(16). Epub 2019 Aug 15.

Department of Electrical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.

By the standard of today's image-guided surgery (IGS) technology, in order to check and verify the progress of the surgery, the surgeons still require divert their attention from the patients occasionally to check against the display. In this paper, a mixed-reality system for medical use is proposed that combines an Intel RealSense sensor with Microsoft's Hololens head-mounted display system, for superimposing medical data onto the physical surface of a patient, so the surgeons do not need to divert their attention from their patients. The main idea of our proposed system is to display the 3D medical images of the patients on the actual patients themselves by placing the medical images and the patients in the same coordinate space. Read More

World Neurosurg 2019 Aug 24;128:506-513. Epub 2019 May 24.

Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy; Head and Neck Surgery & Forensic Dissection Research Center, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.

Objective: To describe a novel bilaterally pedicled pericranial flap for anterior cranial base reconstruction after removal of complex frontobasal cancers extending to the frontal region, thus precluding the use of standard reconstructive techniques.

Methods: In selected oncologic cranial base surgeries, the use of the standard galea frontalis pericranial flap for reconstructive purposes may be precluded by tumor infiltration. In such cases, dura mater reconstruction and exclusion of frontal sinuses from the intracranial space can be performed using a large superficial temporal artery bilaterally pedicled pericranial flap obtained from both temporoparietal regions. Read More

Ir Med J 2018 04 19;111(4):727. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Aims Despite no previous research, it is anecdotally reported that hurling and camogie players modify their helmet and faceguard, which is against GAA regulations and can potentially increase injury risk. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and rationale behind modifications in hurling and camogie. Methods An online questionnaire was completed by 304 players aged over 18 (62% hurlers, 38% camogie players) which consisted of 27 questions. Read More

BMJ Mil Health 2020 Jun 9;166(3):161-166. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Department of laboratory diagnosis, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, China

Purpose: To describe the combat-related injuries cured by Chinese Level 2 medical treatment facility (CHN L2) in Mali from 1 March 2016 to 1 March 2018, including type of weapon, mortality, nature of injuries, degree and location of injuries and surgical procedures. METHODS : A retrospective, descriptive study of 176 injured cases that met the terrorist attacks was conducted. The medical data were collected by an electronic database system. Read More

J Neurosurg Pediatr 2018 Dec;22(6):610-615

1Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and.

OBJECTIVEMany infants with sagittal craniosynostosis undergo effective surgical correction with endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) and postoperative helmet therapy (PHT). While PHT is essential to achieving optimal cosmesis following ESC, there has been little comprehensive analysis of the ideal PHT duration needed to attain this goal.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of infants undergoing ESC and PHT for sagittal synostosis at our institution between 2008 and 2015. Read More

Surgery 2018 Nov 30;164(5):921-925. Epub 2018 Jul 30.

Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.

Background: Recommendations of the Joint Commission discourage the use of surgical skull caps in favor of bouffant or helmet headwear; however, data supporting such recommendations are limited and have been questioned in recent studies, as well as by our departmental and hospital leadership. At the end of December 2015, surgical caps were removed from our institution with the theoretic goal of decreasing surgical site infections. We aimed to assess the impact of this intervention on surgical site infection occurrence at our institution. Read More

Cureus 2018 May 14;10(5):e2622. Epub 2018 May 14.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.

Sporting event emergencies are common among both spectators and players, with unique sets of challenges associated with patient extrication in unfamiliar and chaotic environments. It is critical for sports physicians and trainers to deliberately train and prepare for emergent situations with limited resources during athletic events. One of the most difficult, yet commonly encountered challenges is determining when and how to safely remove an injured player's helmet and sporting equipment, particularly if a spinal injury is highly suspected. Read More

Trauma Case Rep 2018 Apr 2;14:11-19. Epub 2018 Feb 2.

Department of Neurosurgery, Second floor, College building, LTMG Hospital, Sion, Mumbai 22, India.

Civilian perforating head injury is rare. Because rarity of this injury, there is no standard management protocol. We report a case of perforating head injury with iron rod, review the literature on the subject and discuss the challenges in the management of such case. Read More

Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2018 Apr 24;81(2):99-105. Epub 2018 Jan 24.

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Acute exacerbation(s) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) tend to be critical and debilitating events leading to poorer outcomes in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment modalities, and contribute to a higher and earlier mortality rate in COPD patients. Besides pro-active preventative measures intended to obviate acquisition of AECOPD, early recovery from severe AECOPD is an important issue in determining the long-term prognosis of patients diagnosed with COPD. Updated GOLD guidelines and recently published American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society clinical recommendations emphasize the importance of use of pharmacologic treatment including bronchodilators, systemic steroids and/or antibiotics. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 04 16;158(4):637-640. Epub 2018 Jan 16.

1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.

Standard KTP laser (potassium titanyl phosphate) wavelength-specific protective eyewear often impairs visualization of tissue changes during laser treatment. This sometimes necessitates eyewear removal to evaluate tissue effects, which wastes time and poses safety concerns. The objective was to determine if "virtual" or "electronic" chromoendoscopy filters, as found on some endoscopy platforms, could alleviate the restricted visualization inherent to protective eyewear. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2017 Dec 20;5(12):2325967117744757. Epub 2017 Dec 20.

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

Background: The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) advocates for cervical spine immobilization on a rigid board or vacuum splint and for removal of athletic equipment before transfer to an emergency medical facility.

Purpose: To (1) compare triplanar cervical spine motion using motion capture between a traditional rigid spine board and a full-body vacuum splint in equipped and unequipped athletes, (2) assess cervical spine motion during the removal of a football helmet and shoulder pads, and (3) evaluate the effect of body mass on cervical spine motion.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Read More

Br J Sports Med 2018 Jun 27;52(11):741-746. Epub 2017 Sep 27.

Combat Sports Performance, Braintree, Essex, UK.

Objectives: The effect of the rules change in 2013 on amateur boxing strategy, technique and safety in comparison with pre-2013 is unknown.

Methods: Pre-2013 and post-2013 3×3 min elite level amateur boxing was compared from video footage of 29 Olympic (pre-2013) and 50 World Championship bouts (post-2013) totalling 99 male boxers (mean±SD) age: 24.3±3. Read More

Emergencias 2017 07;29(4):249-252

Facultad de Enfermería de la UCAM, Murcia, España. Gerencia de Urgencias y Emergencias 061 de la Región de Murcia, Murcia, España.

Objectives: To measure cervical spine movement during removal of a motorcycle helmet by health care professionals.

Material And Methods: Observational study using biomechanical inertial sensors to detect movement in the spinal column during removal of helmets.

Results: Thirty-four emergency medicine specialists and nurses participated. Read More

Wilderness Environ Med 2017 Sep 3;28(3):168-175. Epub 2017 Jul 3.

University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Duluth Campus (Mr Murray) and St. Luke's Hospital, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Whiteside Institute for Clinical Research and the Spirit Mountain Ski Partol, Duluth, MN (Dr Rust). Electronic address:

Objective: Current protocols for spine immobilization of the injured skier/snowboarder have not been scientifically validated. Observing changes in spine alignment during common rescue scenarios will help strengthen recommendations for rescue guidelines.

Methods: Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (18 men, 10 women) age 47±17 (range 20-73) (mean ±SD with range) underwent a mock rescue in which candidate patrollers completing an Outdoor Emergency Care course performed spine immobilization and back boarding in 3 scenarios: 1) Ski helmet on, no c-collar; 2) helmet on, with c-collar; and 3) helmet removed, with c-collar. Read More

J Glaucoma 2016 10;25(10):860-864

*Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil †Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Centre, New York, NY.

Purpose: To evaluate changes in the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and investigate factors associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation due to periorbital compression during swimming goggles (SG) use.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 35 eyes of 35 healthy volunteers during the wearing of a drilled SG. OPP calculation, Goldman applanation tonometry, and OPA measurements (using Pascal dynamic contour tonometer) were performed before, during, and after SG use. Read More

JBJS Rev 2016 03;4(3)

1Department of Health Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia 2Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital & Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 3Department of Kinesiology (J.E.R.), Spine Division, Spine Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (F.S.), Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences (D.K.B.), Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine (W.B.), Orthopedic Inpatient Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (A.S.), Division of Sports Medicine (M.D.M.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 4College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 5University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 6Albemarle County Fire Rescue, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Sport-related concussion treatment includes three major phases: initial evaluation at the time of the injury, treatment while the patient is symptomatic, and evaluation of the readiness for a gradual return to participation. Each concussion evaluation should include similar elements: assessment of symptoms, assessment of cognitive ability, assessment of coordination (of the eyes, upper extremities, and lower extremities), and assessment for additional injuries. The spine-boarding recommendations from the American College of Emergency Physicians, National Association of EMS Physicians, and National Athletic Trainers' Association have changed. Read More

J Neural Eng 2016 10 3;13(5):056003. Epub 2016 Aug 3.

Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK. Laboratory of Movement Control and Neuroplasticity, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.

Objective: Accurate knowledge about the positions of electrodes in electroencephalography (EEG) is very important for precise source localizations. Direct detection of electrodes from magnetic resonance (MR) images is particularly interesting, as it is possible to avoid errors of co-registration between electrode and head coordinate systems. In this study, we propose an automated MR-based method for electrode detection and labeling, particularly tailored to high-density montages. Read More

J Hosp Infect 2016 Sep 13;94(1):75-9. Epub 2016 May 13.

University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Clinic for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Lübeck, Germany; BG Trauma Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.

Background: Operating theatres and surgical clothing are designed to protect the patient from surgical site infections. However, there is still a risk of infection of the surgical team with blood-borne pathogens via ocular or mucocutaneous exposure. Whereas conventional surgical clothing provides some protection against contamination, surgical helmet systems (SHS) are intended to provide a high level of protection by forming a barrier for particles, aerosols and fluids between surgeon and surgical field of work. Read More

Clin J Sport Med 2017 Jan;27(1):86-88

*AIBA Medical Commission, International Boxing Association, Lausanne, Switzerland; †Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, University College Hospital London, London, United Kingdom; ‡AIBA Scientific Commission, International Boxing Association, Lausanne, Switzerland; and §NorthShore Neurological Institute, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois.

Objective: This study looks at the changes in injuries after the implementation of a new rule by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to remove head guards from its competitions.

Design: A cross-sectional observational study performed prospectively. This brief report examines the removal of head guards in 2 different ways. Read More

Ultraschall Med 2016 Apr 8;37(2):137-9. Epub 2016 Apr 8.

Vaginal ultrasound probes are semi-critical Group A medical products which must be disinfected following the manufacturer's instructions after every patient examination. According to the "Essential Requirements for Medical Devices (Directive 93/42/EEC, Annex I, paragraph 13)" the manufacturer's instructions for use for reusable products must contain suitable instructions for preparation processes. This presumes both an effective and material-compatible method. Read More

Prehosp Emerg Care 2016 Sep-Oct;20(5):578-85. Epub 2016 Mar 17.

Objective: Airway access recommendations in potential catastrophic spine injury scenarios advocate for facemask removal, while keeping the helmet and shoulder pads in place for ensuing emergency transport. The anecdotal evidence to support these recommendations assumes that maintaining the helmet and shoulder pads assists inline cervical stabilization and that facial access guarantees adequate airway access. Our objective was to determine the effect of football equipment interference on performing chest compressions and delivering adequate ventilations on patient simulators. Read More

J Neurosurg 2016 09 2;125(3):661-6. Epub 2016 Feb 2.

Department of Otolaryngology, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

In cases of penetrating injury with implantation of small arms ammunition, it can often be difficult to tell the difference between simple ballistics and ballistics associated with unexploded ordnances (UXOs). In the operative environment, where highly flammable substances are often close to the surgical site, detonation of UXOs could have catastrophic consequences for both the patient and surgical team. There is a paucity of information in the literature regarding how to evaluate whether an implanted munition contains explosive material. Read More

J Athl Train 2015 Jul 14;50(7):681-7. Epub 2015 May 14.

New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute, Manchester.

Context: American football has the highest rate of fatalities and catastrophic injuries of any US sport. The equipment designed to protect athletes from these catastrophic events challenges the ability of medical personnel to obtain neutral spine alignment and immobilization during airway and chest access for emergency life-support delivery.

Objective: To compare motion, time, and difficulty during removal of American football helmets, face masks, and shoulder pads. Read More

J Neurosurg Pediatr 2015 Jun 6;15(6):589-98. Epub 2015 Mar 6.

1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, and.

OBJECT Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a major public health problem. Approximately 90% of SRCs in high school athletes are transient; symptoms recover to baseline within 1 week. However, a small percentage of patients remain symptomatic several months after injury, with a condition known as postconcussion syndrome (PCS). Read More

Am J Emerg Med 2015 Jan 26;33(1):127.e5-7. Epub 2014 Jun 26.

Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. Electronic address:

Patients with acute abdominal or acute thoracic events occasionally develop a curious electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation, where the upward shift of the baseline starts before the onset of the QRS complex. The shape of the complexes resembles a German military spiked helmet. It has been previously postulated that the “spiked helmet” sign is the result of an acute rise in intraabdominal or intrathoracic pressure causing pulsatile epidermal stretch that is in concert with the cardiac cycle. Read More

J Acoust Soc Am 2014 Mar;135(3):1433-44

Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de technologie supérieure, 1100 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3C 1K3, Canada.

A linear three-dimensional (3D) elasto-acoustic finite element model was used to simulate the occlusion effect following mechanical vibration at the mastoid process. The ear canal and the surrounding soft and bony tissues were reconstructed using images of a female cadaver head (Visible Human Project(®)). The geometrical model was coupled to a 3D earplug model and imported into comsol Multiphysics (COMSOL(®), Sweden). Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014 Apr 7;150(4):512-9. Epub 2014 Jan 7.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Objective: To review information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) issues for commonly used otologic implants.

Data Sources: Manufacturing companies, National Library of Medicine's online database, and an additional online database (www.MRIsafety. Read More

J Athl Train 2014 Jan-Feb;49(1):42-8. Epub 2013 Dec 30.

Sportsmedicine Department, Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA.

Context: The National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement on acute management of the cervical spine-injured athlete recommended the all-or-nothing endeavor, which involves removing or not removing both helmet and shoulder pads, from equipment-laden American football and ice hockey athletes. However, in supporting research, investigators have not considered alternative protocols.

Objective: To measure cervical spine movement (head relative to sternum) produced when certified athletic trainers (ATs) use the all-or-nothing endeavor and to compare these findings with the movement produced using an alternative pack-and-fill protocol, which involves packing the area under and around the cervical neck and head with rolled towels. Read More

Spine J 2014 Jun 8;14(6):996-1004. Epub 2013 Nov 8.

New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute, 35 Kosciuszko St, Manchester, NH 03101, USA.

Background Context: In cases of possible cervical spine injury, medical professionals must be prepared to achieve rapid airway access while concurrently restricting cervical spine motion. Face mask removal (FMR), rather than helmet removal (HR), is recommended to achieve this. However, no studies have been reported that compare FMR directly with HR. Read More

Childs Nerv Syst 2013 Dec 3;29(12):2195-9. Epub 2013 Oct 3.

Department of Neurosurgery, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey,

Purpose: Endoscopic treatment of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis has been used in recent decades. The aim of this study is to present the results of endoscope-assisted surgery of the patients with metopic synostosis.

Methods: Nineteen patients with metopic synostosis underwent endoscope-assisted surgery between 2005 and 2012. Read More

J Athl Train 2013 Jan-Feb;48(1):47-56

Lynchburg College, VA 24501, USA.

Context: Facemask removal (FMR) is required to access the airway of a catastrophically injured football or ice hockey athlete. However, the best method of caring for the helmeted lacrosse athlete with suspected catastrophic injury remains unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of sex and grip strength on the speed and ease of use of various FMR methods across different lacrosse helmet types. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2012 Dec 26;40(12):2808-14. Epub 2012 Oct 26.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Background: In Major League Baseball (MLB), helmet hit-by-pitch (H-HBP) incidents are a leading cause of concussion. However, not all H-HBPs result in diagnosed concussion.

Purpose: This study was designed to (1) quantify batter concussion risk as a function of H-HBP pitch velocity, time duration batter spent on the ground post-H-HBP, first responder assessment time duration, and number of days missed post-H-HBP and (2) estimate H-HBP impact locations on the helmet with respect to current National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) helmet test standards and correlate impact locations with concussion diagnosis. Read More

J Athl Train 2012 Jul-Aug;47(4):428-34

Department of Athletic Training, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, 118 Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.

Context: Whereas many researchers have assessed the ability to remove loop straps in traditional face-mask attachment systems after at least 1 season of use, research in which the effectiveness of the Riddell Quick Release (QR) Face Guard Attachment System clip after 1 season has been assessed is limited.

Objective: To examine the success rate of removing the QR clips after 1 season of use at the Football Championship Subdivision level. We hypothesized that 1 season of use would negatively affect the removal rate of the QR clip but repeated clip-removal trials would improve the removal rate. Read More

J Athl Train 2012 Jul-Aug;47(4):421-7

DeVos Fieldhouse, Hope College, 222 Fairbanks Avenue, Holland, MI 49423, USA.

Context: In the National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement, "Acute Management of the Cervical Spine-Injured Athlete," the technique recommended for face-mask (FM) removal is one that "creates the least head and neck motion, is performed most quickly, is the least difficult, and carries the least chance of failure." Industrial and technological advances in football helmet design and FM attachment systems might influence the efficacy of emergency FM removal.

Objective: To examine the removal times and success rates of the Quick Release (QR) Face Guard Attachment System (Riddell Sports, Inc, Elyria, OH) throughout and at the conclusion of 1 season of play by a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III football team competing in the Midwest. Read More

Childs Nerv Syst 2012 Sep 8;28(9):1353-8. Epub 2012 Aug 8.

Division of Neurosurgery, National Medical Center for Children and Mothers, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, 157-8535.

Background: The authors described their surgical technique for scaphocephaly in relatively older infants who are 5 months old or over. The technique is a kind of hybrid of distraction osteogenesis utilizing skull expanders and a traditional cranial reconstruction procedure.

Surgery: The surgery usually consists of four procedures. Read More

HNO 2012 Apr;60(4):343-7

Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland.

Introduction: In addition to trauma, risk factors for the formation of auricular hematomas include the influence of tangential shearing forces upon the auricle. Thus far, no data are available concerning the impact of these forces as caused by the putting on and removal of motorcycle helmets.

Material And Methods: In a retrospective observational study, all patients presenting with auricular hematoma and auricular seroma at a German Department of Otolaryngology between January 2005 and March 2011 were analyzed as to a possible connection with the wearing of motorcycle helmets. Read More

Am J Emerg Med 2012 Sep 24;30(7):1163-8. Epub 2011 Oct 24.

Athletic Training Education Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA.

Purpose: The purpose was to compare head kinematics between the Eject Helmet Removal System and manual football helmet removal.

Basic Procedures: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. Thirty-two certified athletic trainers (sex, 19 male and 13 female; age, 33 ± 10 years; height, 175 ± 12 cm; mass, 86 ± 20 kg) removed a football helmet from a healthy model under 2 conditions: manual helmet removal and Eject system helmet removal. Read More

J Burn Care Res 2012 Jan-Feb;33(1):152-6

Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.

Approximately 100 firefighters suffer fatal injuries annually and tens of thousands receive nonfatal injuries. Many of these injuries require medical attention and restricted activity but may be preventable. This study was designed to elucidate etiology, circumstances, and patterns of firefighter burn injury so that further prevention strategies can be designed. Read More

Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2012 Apr;37(8):654-9

New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute, Manchester, NH 03101, USA.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Objective: To determine whether the placement of padding beneath the occiput after helmet removal is an effective intervention to maintain neutral sagittal cervical spine alignment in a position comparable with the helmeted condition.

Summary Of Background Data: Current on-field recommendations for managing football athletes with suspected cervical spine injuries call for face mask removal, rather than helmet removal, because the combination of helmet and shoulder pads has been shown to maintain neutral cervical alignment. Read More

Int J Sports Phys Ther 2011 Jun;6(2):142-9

Since the inception of the term Sports Medicine Athletic Trainers, Sports Physical Therapists, Paramedics, and Emergency Room Physicians have faced a number of challenges when it comes to providing care to an equipment laden athlete suspected of having a cervical spine or serious head injury. The same equipment that is designed to protect the player may significantly impede the medical team when it comes to diagnosing and treating cervical spine and head injuries. Incorrectly removing the helmet and shoulder pads from a football player with a cervical spine injury, may lead to unwanted motion of the cervical spine during removal. Read More

J Miss State Med Assoc 2011 Apr;52(4):103-5

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA.

Background: American football is the source of a significant number of cervical spine injuries. Removal of the helmets from these individuals is often problematic and presents a potential for exacerbation of the injury. There are two widely recognized helmet removal techniques that are currently in practice. Read More

Clin Orthop Relat Res 2011 Nov;469(11):3065-9

The Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 925 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.

Background: Bacteria shed by operating room personnel is a source of wound contamination and postoperative infections. The personal protection system (PPS) was designed to decrease airborne bacteria and intraoperative contamination in total joint arthroplasty.

Questions/purposes: We determined the microbial contamination rate of the PPS and incidence of contamination with key pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Read More

Pediatr Emerg Care 2011 May;27(5):409-10

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.

Background: All-terrain vehicle (ATV) injury is a serious problem in children and adolescents. We report an unusual case of a child with cranial impalement in a rollover ATV crash.

Case: An 8-year-old, reportedly helmeted, was driving an ATV uphill when it rolled over causing cranial impalement of the brake handle just above the left ear. Read More

Prehosp Emerg Care 2011 Apr-Jun;15(2):166-74. Epub 2011 Feb 4.

Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA.

Objective: To compare the Eject Helmet Removal (EHR) System with manual football helmet removal.

Methods: This quasiexperimental counterbalanced study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. Thirty certified athletic trainers (17 men and 13 women; mean ± standard deviation age: 33. Read More

J Occup Environ Hyg 2011 Jan;8(1):10-2

Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.

This study evaluated the potential for disposable filtering facepiece respirators (hereafter termed masks) contaminated with 1-μ m particles to release particles as a result of lateral tension applied to the mask. The lateral tension was designed to simulate the removal of a contaminated mask from a user's head. Four brands of filtering facepieces were loaded with approximately 20 million 1. Read More

J Occup Environ Hyg 2011 Jan;8(1):1-9

Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA.

In late 2001, some U.S. Postal Service workers and a few members of Congress were exposed to anthrax spores. Read More