J Emerg Med
-
Shoulder dislocation is the most frequent dislocation treated in the Emergency Department (ED). Orthopedic literature cites up to a 55% incidence of fracture, vascular or neurologic injury associated with this injury, but these studies suffer from referral bias. No large ED series has been reported. ⋯ The finding that, despite the presence of a fracture, all underwent successful closed reduction is important, as one-third of these patients will have this condition. Neurologic deficits in 12% is significantly lower than the 21-65% reported in the orthopedic literature. Although complications associated with shoulder dislocation were relatively common, they did not significantly affect ED management.
-
The study objectives were to ascertain historical and clinical criteria differentiating intracranial injury (ICI) in elderly patients with minor head trauma (MHT), and determine applicability of current head computed tomography (CT) scan indications in this population. A 12-month retrospective chart review was performed at a community teaching hospital with 34,000 annual Emergency Department (ED) visits. Included were patients > or = 65 years old sustaining MHT with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13-15 who had a CT scan performed during their hospital stay. ⋯ In this study, no useful clinical predictors of intracranial injury in elderly patients with MHT were found. Current protocols based on clinical findings may miss 30% of elderly ICI patients. Head CT scan is recommended on all elderly patients with MHT.
-
This study identifies factors associated with mode of transport to rural hospitals. We evaluated 11,541 trauma patient visits that came by ground ambulance or private vehicle to the Emergency Department of one of six northwest Iowa rural hospitals. We performed univariate analyses and logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with mode of transport for each severity level (fatal, major and minor). ⋯ We conclude that for major/fatal injuries, older persons, those injured from high velocity causes, and those with hip fractures are more likely to use an ambulance. Emergency Medical Services may improve the community's ambulance utilization by providing public education (e.g., proper use of 911 and injury severity recognition), and by collaborating with dispatch, the local community and health care providers. Further study of the community's and individuals' decision-making factors determining mode of transportation is needed.
-
An adult patient presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with abdominal pain caused by intussusception. The diagnosis had not been made despite several prior evaluations for episodes of similar symptoms. ⋯ The discussion reviews and compares clinical aspects of intussusception in adults and children. Sonographic findings of intussusception and their pathological basis are described, and the accuracy of sonography in the diagnosis of intussusception is reviewed.
-
Ruptures of the extensor mechanism of the knee are rare, when compared with other knee injuries, and are frequently misdiagnosed. The outcome after surgical repair may be compromised if surgery is delayed. A case of quadriceps tendon rupture that was misdiagnosed for 2 months and a review of the literature are presented. Including extensor mechanism disruption in the differential diagnosis, and careful attention to key physical findings in the examination of all acutely injured knees, will ensure that this important injury is not overlooked.