Articles: trauma.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Evaluating accuracy of cervical spine computed tomography interpretation by emergency trainees with the use of a structured protocol.
Radiological evaluation of cervical spine injury with computed tomography (CT) scanning is a fundamental component of the assessment of major trauma. Accurate interpretation of scans is essential for safe clearance or diagnosis of injuries. However, delays in radiologist reporting often result in prolonged spinal immobilisation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a simple, structured reporting tool to improve assessment of CTs of the cervical spine by emergency medicine trainees. ⋯ Interpretation of cervical spine CT scans by trainees was inferior compared to radiologists and did not improve with a structured reporting template. Other innovative strategies towards timely reporting of CT scans by radiologists of the cervical spine are indicated for earlier definitive diagnosis.
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We compare the treatment and outcomes of penetrating and blunt splenic trauma at Major Trauma Centres (MTC) within the UK. ⋯ A trend is seen towards the use of operative management in penetrating splenic trauma. There is a high splenic embolisation failure rate (32.0 %) in penetrating trauma although mortality for those embolised was similar to the blunt injury group.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2024
The Use of POCUS to Identify Subgaleal Fluid Collections and Intracranial Infections.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been useful in describing soft tissue infections, such as cellulitis and abscesses. There has been limited use of ultrasound to describe findings of intracranial infections, such as Pott's puffy tumor, in cases of forehead prominence and signs of infection. ⋯ Ultrasound findings revealed subgaleal fluid collections with associated periosteal lifting of the frontal bone in cases of Pott's Puffy tumor and intracranial infection, but no bony disruption or periosteal lifting in the patient with traumatic soft tissue edema. As pediatric intracranial infections may continue to have uncharacteristic seasonal peaks, POCUS may be considered as a first-line imaging technique for patients presenting with forehead swelling for differentiating infectious and traumatic etiologies as well as judging the need for further imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
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Fluid resuscitation choices in prehospital trauma care are limited, with most Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies only having access to crystalloids. Which solution to use, how much to administer, and judging the individual risks and benefits of giving or withholding fluids remains an area of uncertainty. To address the role of crystalloid fluids in prehospital trauma care, we reviewed the available relevant literature and developed recommendations to guide clinical care. ⋯ Risks of IV fluid use, or restriction, in trauma resuscitation should be weighed against possible benefits. Strategies to reduce the need for IV fluids should be considered. A standard trauma resuscitation curriculum for prehospital providers should be developed to improve evidence-based delivery of IV fluids in trauma.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Dec 2024
A randomized clinical trial comparing different combination of peripheral nerve blocks for intraoperative analgesia in patients on antithrombotic drugs undergoing hip fracture surgery: pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block versus femoral and obturator nerve block.
Locoregional anesthesia is commonly used in orthopedic trauma surgery, particularly in elderly patients. We conducted a prospective, monocentric, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the anesthetic and analgesic efficacy of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block in patients on antithrombotic drugs undergoing hip fracture surgery, comparing it with femoral and obturator nerve block (FNB+ONB). ⋯ Our results suggest that PENG block is not inferior to FNB + ONB as anesthetic and analgesic technique in patients on antithrombotic drugs undergoing hip fracture surgery.