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Dysphagia and Cervical Spine Injury

The Trauma Pro

Patients with cervical fractures more commonly need a tracheostomy for ventilatory support and/or have a head injury , and these are well known culprits in dysphagia Normal soft tissue (<6mm at C2, <22mm at C6) A study in the Jan 2011 Journal of Trauma outlined the dysphagia problem seen with placement of a halo vest.

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Preperitoneal Packing Vs Angioembolization: Part 1

The Trauma Pro

Years ago, we tried to pack the pelvis from the inside (peritoneal cavity), but it never worked very well. But the patient may not be ready, so time to procedure may increase significantly. Preperitoneal packing of the pelvis (PPP) has now become popular. PPP entails making a lower midline incision but not entering the peritoneal cavity.

Fractures 147
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Pelvic Fracture Intervention And Venous Thromboembolism Risk

The Trauma Pro

Authors from several well-known trauma centers collaborated to re-analyze data from the CLOTT study. Here are the factoids: The original data were derived from a 17-center study conducted from 2018-2020; this study only included 1,387 patients who had pelvic fractures (as well as other injuries).

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REBEL Cast Ep122 – Delayed vs Rapid Sequence Intubation in Agitated Trauma Patients

RebelEM

The potential for soiled airways, cervical spine injuries, maxillofacial injuries and head injuries combined with agitation/delirium, altered mental status and hypoxemia can make securing a definitive airway both an anatomic and physiologic challenge. that would not be possible in an agitated/combative patient.

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Pediatric Cervical Spine Injury Risk Stratification: Rebaked Morsel

Pediatric EM Morsels

risk of C Spine injury) Altered Mental Status (GCS 3-8 or U on AVPU) Abnormal ABCs on exam Focal Neurologic Deficits (paresthesia, numbness, weakness) Not Negligible Risk (2.8% Moral of the Morsel Anatomy Matters: Pediatric patients have unique C-spine anatomy, which predisposes them to different injury patterns than adults.

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SGEM#411: Heads Won’t Roll – Prehospital Cervical Spine Immobilization

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

Background: We have covered head injuries including concussions multiple times on the SGEM. This has included looking at the Canadian CT Head Rules/Tools ( SGEM#106 , SGEM#266 , and SGEM#272 ). This has evolved due to recognition of some of the adverse effects of immobilization as well as limitations to its benefits.

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SGEM#266: Old Man Take a Look at the Canadian CT Head Rule I’m a Lot Like You Were

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

Case: It’s a busy night in the emergency department, your next patient is a well appearing 70-year-old man, presenting after a mechanical fall from standing with loss of consciousness. The Canadian CT Head Rule [2] is a clinical decision instrument to help you decide if a patient with a mild head injury requires a CT head.