[Effect of primary fracture management on craniocerebral trauma in polytrauma. An animal experiment study]

Severe head trauma (BI) associated with long bone fractures is present in about 60% of polytraumatized patients admitted to hospital. However, there is no consensus regarding early fracture stabilization in such patients. In an experimental sheep study, the influence of intramedullary nailing of the femur (IMNF) on a cold-induced, vasogenic brain edema (method of Klatzo) in combination with traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS) was investigated. Three animal groups (n = 6) were explored: group A, only BI; group B, BI and THS; group C, BI, THS and IMNF. The animals remained intubated, on controlled ventilation, sedated and received analgesia during the whole experiment. For a period of 6 h after the cold-induced brain injury the hemodynamic changes were measured and the intracranial pressure (ICP) was recorded in the left and the right hemisphere continuously. The hemorrhagic shock (MAP = 60 mm Hg) was maintained over 1.5 h. At the end of the reperfusion period (2 h) the nailing of the femur was performed. The animals were killed and the percentage water content of the brain was determined and compared with the brain water content of a control group (n = 6). There were no significant differences in ICP between groups A, B and C before or after IMNF, but in group C the ICP increased significantly after nailing. Brain water content in group C was significantly higher than in the control group and slightly significantly higher than in groups A and B. Brain edema and ICP are increased by IMNF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)