In the Emergency Department, we frequently encounter patient's with facial fractures and associated lacerations. The orthopedic surgery literature strongly supports the use of antibiotics for open fractures. The facial surgery literature, however, does not have extensive publications addressing the use of antibiotics in open facial fractures. So what are we to do? Does every fracture get antibiotics? If not, which fractures?
Read MoreNSAIDs are excellent analgesics that can decrease the use of opiatess for pain, but might lead to poor healing from orthopedic injuries.
In vitro studies and rat models since the early 80s showed delayed fracture healing with NSAIDs, and the effects appeared to be dose-related. These findings have been re-demonstrated in future in vitro and rat studies as well. In humans however, the data has been, to say the least, mixed...
Read MoreMore specifically, it may be subdivided into Massive and Non-Massive hemoptysis. And while the definitions of massive vary from paper to paper, it is generally agreed that increasing volume over 24 hours is associated with increased mortality. However, the literature consistently concludes that patients and providers are poor, at best, at estimating volume. Thus, the simplest and most effective definition for massive hemoptysis is as such: expectoration of blood causing hemodynamic instability or abnormal gas exchange / airway obstruction.
Read MoreEmpiric antibiotics for pneumonia in the Emergency Department is complex, and the choice only gets harder when it’s 3:00 am with 15 patients in the lobby. Fear not, the Suspected Pneumonia Protocol is here to help. Here are the highlights:
Read MoreSRU (pronounced "shrew") = Shock Resuscitation Unit
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
