J Emerg Med
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Joint pain caused by acute osteoarthritis (OA) is a common finding in the emergency department. Patients with OA often have debilitating pain that limits their function and ability to complete their activities of daily living. In addition, OA has been associated with a high percentage of arthritis-related hospital admissions and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Safely managing OA symptoms in these patients can present many challenges to the emergency provider. ⋯ Emergency providers should be aware of the risks and benefits of all treatment options available for acute OA pain, including oral medications, topical preparations, corticosteroid injections, bracing, and physical therapy.
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The current literature suggests that emergency physician (EP)-performed limited compression ultrasound (LCUS) is a rapid and accurate test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). ⋯ A large heterogeneous group of EPs with limited training can perform LCUS with intermediate diagnostic accuracy. Unfortunately, LCUS performed by EPs with limited ultrasound training is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to rule out or diagnose DVT as a single testing modality.