Physiotherapy management of patients with trunk trauma: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

Background Trauma injury remains a significant health risk for all on a global level. Patients with trunk trauma suffer blood loss, inflammation and hypoxia and are at risk of developing respiratory and musculoskeletal complications during their recovery. Physiotherapists are an integral part of the interprofessional team that manages patients who sustain trunk trauma. Objectives To describe the physiotherapy management of adult patients with trunk trauma, their quality of life, post-discharge rehabilitation service provision, and outcome measures used in the physiotherapy management. Method A non-systematic narrative review of published literature was performed. Results Mobilisation, functional exercises, deep breathing exercises and active coughing are used to optimise patients’ respiratory and musculoskeletal functioning. Some physiotherapists educate patients on the use of pain management strategies to reduce discomfort from rib fractures, surgical sites and intercostal drainage bottle tubing. Survivors of trunk trauma experience limitations in physical function up to two years. Little is known about post-discharge rehabilitation service provision to these patients after discharge. Few physiotherapists use outcome measures as part of their daily clinical practice. Conclusion Physiotherapy management of patients with blunt or penetrating trunk trauma during hospitalisation and after discharge is a field of clinical practice that is rich for high-quality research related to service provision, cost analysis and interventions used. Clinical implications Physiotherapy clinicians and researchers can use the findings of this review as a guide to their management of adult patients recovering from trunk trauma.

Building consensus on inpatient discharge pathway components in the management of blunt thoracic injuries: An e-Delphi study amongst an international professional expert panel

“…Unfortunately, in many areas of major trauma care, where the development of the evidence base is an ever-evolving continuum, there are components of care which are embedded in practice despite low levels of evidence [3] . An example of this can be seen in the implementation of Incentive Spirometry in BTI patients in some centres, without the support of specific trauma related evidence of effectiveness [18] .…”

“…As decision-making surrounding the management of BTI varies substantially between trauma centres and clinician groups, it is important that in the development of patient pathway-based interventions that clinicians' opinions are explored, and a consensus is achieved prior to intervention development [18] . The aim of this study was to identify components of care that are important in the effective dischar ge process for patients with BTI and furthermore, by using the Delphi method to identify core and optional components of a novel discharge pathway for BTI.…”

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on functional and mental health outcomes after trauma

“… 2 Conversely, trauma patients who receive physical rehabilitation demonstrate improved functional outcomes. 3 Additionally, reports of the social impacts of COVID-19 have shown increased reports of loneliness and isolation. 4 Poor perceived social support, social isolation, and loneliness are associated with higher morbidity and mortality and adverse functional outcomes after trauma.…”

Design and Analysis of Electrodes for Electrostimulation (TENS) Using the Technique of Film Printing and Embroidery in Textiles

“…Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) has been used successfully in acute and chronic pain for several decades. TENS causes a light touch and pressure sensation on the skin and has been applied in reducing both chronic (such as osteoarthritis, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain syndromes) and acute pain (such as lacerations, fractures, hematomas, contusions, and postoperative pain) [ 15 ].…”