Mendelow et al 1983 - Risks of intracranial haematoma

Question 1

Summarise Mendelow et al 1983

Answer 1

Published in the BMJ
Scotland and Teeside

Aimed to determine the risk of intracranial haematoma in adult patients to aid decision-making around investigation/admission

Retrospective observational
Three arms
- Admitted to ED (>1500 patients)
- Admitted to surgical ward (>1100 patients)
- Operated on (>500 patients)

Examined incidence of skull fracture, altered consciousness and their relationship with surgically significant intracranial haematoma

Calculated relative risk (presence of haematoma if one or both features present vs none) and absolute risk (frequency of a traumatic haematoma among the study population).

Conclusion:
If both skull fracture and impaired consciousness present - risk of intracranial haematoma much higher - 1 in 4 and need urgent CT scanning

Question 2

What does figure 2 show in Mendelow et al 1983

Answer 2

Annual incidence of haematomas depending on population

Per 1 million - 33

Unable to interpret otherwise