Brit J Hosp Med
-
Trauma affecting the chest wall, even in isolation, can carry a significant morbidity and mortality and thus appropriate management is vital. Consequences of chest wall trauma may include significant pain, altered chest wall mechanics, hypoventilation, infection and respiratory failure. In order to best determine the appropriate management, risk stratification tools have been developed to identify patients at highest risk of complications who would most benefit from more invasive management strategies. ⋯ The analgesic options range from multimodal oral analgesia to invasive regional anaesthetic techniques such as thoracic epidurals, paravertebral catheters, intercostal nerve blocks and fascial plane blocks. Other important considerations include provision of appropriate oxygen therapy, ventilation support and physiotherapy. For a selected group of patients with the most significant injuries, surgical rib fixation may be appropriate if chest wall mechanics are sufficiently impaired.
-
Management of trauma has been tackled at a national level to improve patient care and mortality. Decision making through a multidisciplinary team approach has resulted in improved patient outcomes through a complex combination of changes. While the focus of trauma care delivery has been towards establishing an effective multidisciplinary trauma service, there are still improvements which can be made. This article reviews the history of trauma care in the UK, and the impact that multidisciplinary teams have had on the management of the multiply injured patient.
-
Acute angle closure is an emergent ophthalmic condition that develops as a result of an obstructed outflow of aqueous humour between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, leading to a sudden rise in intraocular pressure and secondary optic neuropathy if left untreated. The most common primary cause is a pupillary block in patients with pre-existing narrow angles, such as those who are long-sighted. However, awareness should be raised to identify secondary causes of angle closure, including the use of commonly prescribed medications. ⋯ Basic examination of the eye should include assessment of the anterior segment with a bright light, measurement of intraocular pressure and a full neurological exam. Immediate treatment must be initiated whenever there is high clinical suspicion of acute angle closure, with the administration of systemic ocular hypotensive therapy to prevent damage to the optic nerve and limit visual loss. An urgent referral to the ophthalmologist is mandatory to dictate definitive management.