Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 1994
ReviewRadiographic evaluation of cervical spine trauma. Procedures to avoid catastrophe.
A cervical spine series that includes three views (ie, lateral, open-mouth odontoid, and anteroposterior) is usually adequate to exclude unstable injuries that have the potential for producing spinal cord injury. The films should be of the highest quality and need to be carefully and systematically viewed. ⋯ Conventional tomography, computed tomography, and flexion and extension lateral views may be helpful when findings on the three-view series are equivocal. In patients with neurologic deficits, further radiographic evaluation is also warranted.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 1994
ReviewMassive blood loss in trauma patients. The benefits and dangers of transfusion therapy.
In acutely injured patients, recognition of profound shock may be difficult initially. Ensuring adequate oxygenation, restoring intravascular volume, and controlling ongoing blood loss are key principles of treatment in these patients. Additionally, an appreciation for and recognition of the possible adverse consequences of massive transfusion (ie, hypothermia, coagulopathy, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, and hemolysis) enable physicians to prevent them or at least lessen their effects.