Explore the critical insights into the incidence and management of traumatic vertebral artery injuries drawn from wartime experiences in Ukraine, shedding light on challenges and advancements in vascular neurosurgery.
– by The Don
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Incidence and management of traumatic vertebral artery injuries: wartime experience in Ukraine.
Sirko et al., J Neurosurg 2024
<!– DOI: 10.3171/2023.12.JNS232316 //–>
https://doi.org/10.3171/2023.12.JNS232316
Let’s Talk About Modern Combat and Vertebral Artery Injuries – The Best Approach, Believe Me
Listen, folks, we’ve got something huge happening in the world of modern combat. We’re talking about vertebral artery (VA) injuries. They’re on the rise, and let me tell you, they’re a big deal. But the way we handle them? That’s where the controversy kicks in. We’ve got some of the smartest people looking into this, and what they’ve found is something you’re going to want to hear.
So, there was this study, right? Done in Dnipro, Ukraine, during a very tough time – the first year of the Russian invasion. They looked at all these brave guys, soldiers mostly, who got injured. Out of 279 patients, 30 had VA injuries. That’s about 10.8%. All men, average age 37.5. These injuries, they’re not all the same – some are minor, but others, oh boy, they’re severe.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Some of these guys needed surgery right away, but a lot of them, nearly half, went for something called endovascular intervention. It’s a big word, but it’s a big deal. It means they’re fixing things from the inside, using some of the most advanced technology we’ve got. And guess what? It works. But it depends on how bad the injury is, and what else is going on with the patient.
The results? They speak for themselves. The overall mortality was low, only 6.7%. That’s incredible. But it’s not just about surviving; it’s about how we’re adapting, using the best technology to make sure our soldiers and civilians get the care they need.
In conclusion, let me tell you, the world of combat medicine is changing. With these VA injuries becoming more common, it’s clear – we need to be ready with the best treatments. And right now, that means endovascular intervention. It’s effective, it’s saving lives, and it’s something we’re going to see a lot more of. Believe me, this is the future of treating combat injuries.