Ugeskrift for laeger
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Feb 2018
Case Reports[Acupuncture-induced bilateral pneumothorax in a 16-year-old boy].
Acupuncture is a well-known form of alternative medicine, it is becoming increasingly popular in Denmark for a wide variety of uses, and is also practiced on children. However, there is a risk of serious complications. ⋯ Treatment included a unilateral chest tube in the left lung and conservative treatment in the right lung. Physicians must be aware of pneumothorax as a serious complication of acupuncture in the thoracic region.
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Pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain is associated with side effects and limited efficacy. Recently, the interest in cannabis-based medicine has led to legalisation of medical cannabis in some countries. ⋯ Conclusions were limited by design of studies and short duration of treatment. Overall, the reduction in pain was minimal.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Feb 2018
Case Reports[Surgical stabilization of multiple rib fractures can shorten inpatient stay].
Flail chest is a common complication in patients with blunt chest wall traumas resulting in high mortality rates. In this case report a 43-year-old woman was stepped on by a horse, thereby receiving multiple rib fractures and pneumohaemothorax. ⋯ In opposition to the non-operative management previously preferred, a surgical stabilization was then performed in the patient, who was discharged only five days later. Thus, surgical fixation of multiple rib fractures may reduce inpatient stay.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Feb 2018
Review[Osteosynthesis of rib fractures, unstable chest wall, pseudoarthroses, and acquired defects of the chest wall].
Several patients suffer from rib fractures after traumas, and in severe cases it can be life-threatening. Until recently, attempts to perform surgical fixation in patients with instability have been unsuccessful. Chronic non-union causes persistent pain, disability and loss of quality of life. Implementation of surgical stabilization of rib fractures with tailored plates seems to improve pain relief, especially in cases of non-union but also in patients with instability of the chest wall after severe traumas, where advanced pain treatment (epidural catheter) is insufficient or weaning off fails.