The American journal of emergency medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Point-of-care ultrasound for the diagnosis of shoulder dislocation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Shoulder dislocations are a common injury causing patients to present to the emergency department. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has the potential to reduce time, radiation exposure, and healthcare costs among patients presenting with shoulder dislocations. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound compared with plain radiography in the assessment of shoulder dislocations. ⋯ POCUS is highly sensitive and specific for the identification of shoulder dislocations and reductions, as well as associated fractures. POCUS may be considered as an alternate diagnostic method for the management of shoulder dislocations.
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Meta Analysis
Optimal sequence of surgical procedures for hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fracture: A network meta-analysis.
The mortality rate of patients with hemodynamic instability due to severe pelvic fracture remains substantial and massive transfusion happens frequently. Angio-embolization, external fixation and preperitoneal pelvic packing of the pelvis are the main managements used to control bleeding in these patients. In this paper, we aimed at characterizing the rationale of these surgical managements, and placed them in optimal management algorithm to compose a new guideline. ⋯ Clinical protocols for guidelines of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patients have been multidirectionally developed. We strongly support the initial application of an external fixator. Provided that patients remain hemodynamically unstable after application of an external fixation, pelvic packing is the next procedure to consider. Angio-embolization is the complementary but not alternative method of choice subsequently.
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Meta Analysis
Diagnostic performance of emergency physician-performed point-of-care ultrasonography for acute appendicitis: A meta-analysis.
To assess the sensitivity and specificity of emergency physician-performed point-of-care ultrasonography (EP-POCUS) for diagnosing acute appendicitis (AA). ⋯ The diagnostic performances of EP-POCUS and RADUS were excellent for AA, with EP-POCUS having even better performance for pediatric AA. Accurate diagnoses may be achieved when the attending EP is the initial POCUS operator and uses a 7-mm cut-off value.