Rhode Island medical journal (2013)
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Forefoot and midfoot injuries are relatively common and can lead to chronic disability, especially if they are not promptly diagnosed and appropriately treated. A focused history and physical examination must be coupled with a thorough review of imaging studies to identify the correct diagnosis. ⋯ While most metatarsal fractures can be treated with some form of immobilization and protected weight-bearing, this article will distinguish these more common injuries from those requiring surgical intervention. We will review relevant anatomy and biomechanics, mechanisms of injury, clinical presentation, imaging studies, and diagnostic techniques and treatment.
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There is a high prevalence of anemia detected in the preoperative work-up of elective surgical patients preparing for total joint replacement. The impact of anemia in this population has significant implications due to elevations in postoperative morbidity and mortality. By using current clinical guidelines and medical evidence, clinicians can improve outcomes for these patients by employing a three-phase approach, focused on preoperative assessment, intraoperative hemostasis, and postoperative blood product management. Strategies to optimize preoperative hemoglobin levels, reduce intraoperative blood losses, and decrease postoperative transfusion rates can independently and collectively improve overall patient care and surgical outcomes following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty.
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Descriptive study of opioid-acetaminophen prescription patterns at the providence VA Medical Center.
Prescription opioid-acetaminophen products account for the majority of cases of acetaminophen-related acute liver failure in the United States. We sought to examine the frequency of opioid-acetaminophen overuse at the Providence VA Medical Center and improve the quality and safety of opioid-acetaminophen prescription practices in a system employing electronic health records and e-prescribing. ⋯ The Providence VAMC appears to have a low rate of prescription acetaminophen misuse, in contrast to rates seen in previous studies. The VHA electronic health record, accessible to all healthcare providers, appears to offer considerable benefit in reducing the overuse of acetaminophen containing opioid products.