Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2010
Case ReportsAcute neck swelling: a diagnostic dilemma in a regional hospital.
This case study describes an incident of acute neck swelling in a patient presenting to the ED of a regional hospital after hours. Maintaining and securing her airway proved to be challenging, as did arriving at the correct cause of her airway obstruction and neck swelling.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2010
Manipulation of nasal fractures with local anaesthetic: a 'how to do it' with online video tutorial.
Nasal fractures are the most common facial fractures and displaced fractures may cause considerable cosmetic concern. Traditionally, displaced nasal fractures have been manipulated under general anaesthesia (GA) performed within 2 weeks of the injury. Despite evidence for the benefit of local anaesthesia (LA), nasal fractures are still most commonly reduced under GA. ⋯ A recent comprehensive systematic review of all the available evidence did not show any significant difference (in terms of cosmesis, pain or nasal obstruction) between using LA and GA methods and highlighted the evidence base to support LA. We describe our method of assessment and treatment of displaced nasal fractures and provide an online tutorial (http://sciencestage.com/v/22194/local-anaesthetic-nasal-fracture-reduction.html). It is important to keep in mind that any concerns should be referred to an otolaryngology specialist for further management and that practitioners attempting this technique should first receive training from an otolaryngologist.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2010
Use of sterile saline as a conduction agent for ultrasound visualization of central venous structures.
To determine whether sterile saline as a conduction agent provides adequate visualization of anatomic structures to attempt ultrasound-guided vascular access. ⋯ The use of sterile saline as a conduction agent allows adequate visualization of anatomic structures to attempt ultrasound-guided vascular access.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2010
Review article: Emergency department assessment and management of stab wounds to the neck.
A stab wound to neck is an infrequent but highly important presentation to the ED in Australasia. Injuries to the two large neurovascular bundles that are vital to life might occur with associated injuries to midline aerodigestive structures. A literature review was undertaken to discuss the assessment and management of this injury in the emergency medicine setting.