23/02/2026

MONDAY | FEB 23, 2026

26

HEALTH

Every second matters in trauma cases W HILE festive travel is a time for celebration, it also coincides with an increase in road traffic o Prompt medical evaluation, intervention can be life-saving for victims of accidents, falls conditions, such as open fractures or compartment syndrome, demand urgent surgical intervention. Others, including cases involving children or high-risk elderly patients, may be managed conservatively. Sound clinical judgement is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment pathway.

circulation, disability, exposure – to rapidly identify and address life threatening conditions. Trauma care involves a multidisciplinary team comprising emergency physicians, general surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, anaesthetists and critical care specialists. The priority is always to save life first, followed by limb preservation. If airway obstruction, severe bleeding or internal injuries are detected, intervention begins immediately, sometimes even before imaging is completed. Once the patient is stabilised, the orthopaedic team proceeds with further assessment. Trauma management requires swift evaluation, timely imaging and decisive planning. Clear communication between departments ensures coordinated action at every stage of care. Trauma cases range from straightforward fractures to complex joint injuries, frequently involving motorcyclists. Certain

accidents, falls and preventable injuries. Many result in serious trauma and head injuries that can be life-altering if not treated quickly. In Malaysia, trauma remains a significant public health concern. According to a study, trauma is the sixth leading cause of hospital admissions and road traffic accidents are one of the top five causes of death nationwide. Beyond road traffic incidents, falls, workplace accidents and sports injuries further contribute to trauma cases nationwide. Many of these result in musculoskeletal injuries requiring urgent medical attention, even when they initially appear minor. Inside trauma bay When a trauma patient arrives at the emergency department, the emergency team applies the ABCDE approach – airway, breathing,

Patients may underestimate their injuries, as external appearances do not always reflect underlying internal damage. Prompt medical evaluation remains crucial and can be lifesaving. Imaging transforms trauma care Historically, trauma teams relied heavily on physical examinations and basic X-rays. Advances in imaging technology have since transformed clinical decision making. Diagnostic scans can now be performed within minutes, providing a comprehensive assessment before treatment plans are finalised. Most cases begin with standard X-rays, followed by CT scans to assess fracture complexity and MRI scans for soft tissue evaluation. Three-dimensional imaging enables more precise surgical planning, appropriate implant selection and reduced complication risks. Imaging also plays a therapeutic role. Interventional radiologists can control internal bleeding without the need for open surgery, improving patient stability and survival outcomes before definitive procedures are undertaken. Recovery journey Recovery from orthopaedic trauma extends beyond surgery. While the operation addresses structural damage, rehabilitation plays an equally important role in restoring mobility and strength. Physiotherapy helps prevent joint stiffness, muscle wasting and long term functional loss.

Only perform CPR if you are trained. Otherwise, keep the victim calm and stable, and call 999 immediately.

researchers conducted additional experiments on these samples and discovered that two chemotherapy treatments appeared very effective against tumors with this particular mutation. The results must be confirmed with further research. But they could quickly have benefits for women and cats, as these drugs are already approved for human and veterinary use, Van der Weyden said. Professor Harikrishna Nakshatri, who studies breast cancer at Indiana University, called the results “fascinating” and said the data could help scientists gain better understanding of how cancer develops. Specifically, Nakshatri said, the results could benefit our understanding of how genes interact with environmental factors, which are often considered prime suspects of triggering the disease. For Van der Weyden, the findings could result in a “win-win” for humans and our beloved pets. “We’re genomically so similar, the tumours we develop are so similar. What you learn in one species can be used to help the other,” she said. fastening seatbelts can significantly reduce injury severity, yet these safeguards are often neglected. The use of child car seats is equally important. Regular vehicle maintenance should not be overlooked, as faulty brakes or worn tyres can quickly lead to serious incidents. Cyclists and motorcyclists are encouraged to ride cautiously and avoid excessive speed. Higher speeds increase the likelihood and severity of trauma. Although accidents are unpredictable, coordinated teamwork, prompt emergency response and continuous quality improvement enable hospitals to deliver safer outcomes and improved patient experiences, transforming moments of crisis into recovery. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant orthopaedic and advanced musculoskeletal trauma surgeon Dr Mohamad Hafiz Mohmad Hassim and consultant emergency physician Dr Mohd Khalis Abdul Rahim.

Early is encouraged, often beginning within one or two days after surgery. Structured rehabilitation supports faster recovery and facilitates a return to daily activities. Skipping physiotherapy may compromise long-term outcomes. When witnessing an accident Bystanders can provide vital assistance in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Personal safety should always come first – individuals should move away from traffic and assess the environment before offering help. Calling 999 promptly is essential. In cases of heavy bleeding, firm pressure should be applied using a clean cloth or bandage. Those trained in CPR should administer it if the casualty is unconscious and not breathing. If untrained, keeping the injured person still, calm and breathing can still significantly improve their chances of survival. Prevention remains key Preventive measures remain the most effective form of trauma care. Wearing helmets properly and mobilisation

Recovery does not stop after surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation are crucial in helping patients get back on their feet.

Could insight from cats lead to breast cancer cures? OWNING a cat offers many health benefits, including reduced stress and emotional support, and new research suggests our feline friends might also offer clues to better treat certain cancers. the international research team analysed cancerous tumor samples from nearly 500 domestic cats across five countries.

They covered 13 types of cancer, including brain, breast, lung and skin. Since cancers develop from genetic mutations, researchers probed the DNA of cat tumour cells for markers already known in human medicine. Several similarities emerged, especially when it comes to breast cancer. In more than half of the feline mammary tumours analysed, the gene FBXW7, which has already been identified in humans, was found to have mutated. This type of mutation is not common in women with breast cancer, but when it does occur, it is particularly aggressive, Van der Weyden said. It is similarly aggressive in cats. “It’s a really good model for what you see in humans, in terms of the biology of it,” said Van der Weyden. The researcher said that for women who are impacted by this type of mutation, the discovery is “great” because it could pave the way

That is according to a new study published recently in the journal Science , which investigated cancers in cats and found significant parallels with how the disease plays out in humans. Previous studies had highlighted similar links between dogs and humans, but little research focused on cats, said co-author Louise van der Weyden, a scientist at the British Wellcome Sanger Institute. Cats, just like dogs, provide “a great model for us”, she told AFP, because they share an environment with humans that includes similar pollution, such as second-hand smoke. “They develop other illnesses that we do when you get cancer,” Van der Weyden told AFP, explaining that cancer can be accompanied by ailments such as diabetes or heart disease. Not infrequently, she said, the “animals will have that too”. With this principle as their guide,

The study’s findings could result in a ‘win-win’ for humans and our beloved pets. – 123RFPIC for new treatments.

Van der Weyden added with a smile that she personally would be more inclined to “take a drug based on it working in cats” rather than n mice. ‘Win-win’ Encouraged by this parallel, Swiss

Carrying out human clinical trials is difficult given the small number of affected patients. But because so many cats suffer this mutation, targeted treatments could be more broadly tested on them in veterinary clinics.