The American journal of emergency medicine
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This study focuses on clinically assigned prospective estimated pretest probability and pretest perception of legal risk as independent variables in the ordering of multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) head scans. Our primary aim is to measure the association between pretest probability of a significant finding and pretest perception of legal risk. Secondarily, we measure the percentage of MDCT scans that physicians would not order if there was no legal risk. ⋯ Physicians overestimated the probability that the computed tomographic scan would yield a significant result and indicated an even greater perceived medicolegal risk if the scan was not obtained. Physician test-ordering behavior is complex, and our study queries pertinent aspects of MDCT testing. The magnification of legal risk vs the pretest probability of a significant finding is demonstrated. Physicians significantly overestimated pretest probability of a significant finding on head MDCT scans and presumed legal risk.
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In this retrospective study, we reviewed our protocol consisting of early embolization without acute external fixation in patients with pelvic fracture. ⋯ Early pelvic embolization without external fixation may be useful for the initial treatment for patients with hemodynamic instability without nonpelvic hemorrhage or with extravasation of contrast in the pelvis by CT.