Articles: trauma.
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ABSTRACTTraumatic dislocation of the elbow is rare in children and can most often be managed in the emergency department using procedural sedation and closed reduction with good functional outcome. Radiographs must be evaluated for associated avulsions and fractures around the elbow. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl who sustained a fracture of the radial neck subsequent to repeated attempts at closed reduction of a pure posterior elbow dislocation that was missed on postreduction radiographs. Careful use of reduction techniques and avoidance of repeated forceful manipulations is emphasized.
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ABSTRACTObjective:To assess the prevalence of an unfavourable outcome among children leaving without being seen by a physician in the emergency department (ED). Method:This was a prospective cohort study conducted over a complete year in a pediatric tertiary care ED. A random sample of all children younger than 19 years of age who left without being seen by a physician was contacted by phone 4 to 6 days following the ED visit. ⋯ Thirty-eight (2.4%; 95% CI 1.7-3.2) patients fulfilled the criteria for an unfavourable outcome. On multiple logistic regression, chief complaints related to trauma and absence of nurse counseling had higher risks of unfavourable outcome. Conclusions:Approximately 2% of children who left without being seen by a physician at a tertiary care pediatric ED had an unfavourable outcome.
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ABSTRACTObjective:Despite evidence that patients suffering major traumatic injuries have improved outcomes when cared for within an organized system, the extent of trauma system development in Canada is limited. We sought to compile a detailed inventory of trauma systems in Canada as a first step toward identifying opportunities for improving access to trauma care. Methods:We distributed a nationwide online and mail survey to stakeholders intended to evaluate the extent of implementation of specific trauma system components. ⋯ Conclusion:There is significant variability in the extent of trauma system development in Canada. Although all provinces have designated trauma centres, opportunities exist in many systems to implement additional components to improve the inclusiveness of care. In future work, we intend to quantify the strength of the relationship between different trauma system components and access to definitive trauma care.