The Lever Test for Diagnosing ACL Injuries

The Lever Test for Diagnosing ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured knee ligaments, with nearly 200,000 injuries annually in the US, with ~100,000 requiring reconstruction. The ACL prevents anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur and is a secondary restraint to tibial and varus/valgus rotation. Accurately diagnosing ACL injuries in the ED after an acute knee injury remains difficult. The diagnosis is complicated because clinical tests are performed on an acutely injured knee, which is likely swollen and painful, leading to muscle contractures and patient apprehension. As Emergency Medicine physicians, we must have some confidence in suspicion of an ACL tear because not all patients can or should be referred for prompt orthopedic follow-up. 

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Grand Rounds Recap 8.30.2017

Grand Rounds Recap 8.30.2017

This week Dr. Gorder led us off with August's M&M cases, followed by Dr. Betz giving us great in-depth example of a proper joint exam from the perspective of sports medicine. Dr. Makinen gave us a talk of accidental hypothermia, Dr. Ludmer examined the link between chronic pain and depression and how concurrent treatment can help our patients quality of life. Dr. Wright gave us an update on UCEM Global Health and Dr. Colmer gave us a look into the critical care management of a DKA case.

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Evaluating Blunt Trauma Patients

Evaluating Blunt Trauma Patients

A quick and thorough evaluation of patients with traumatic injuries is extremely important.  The ideal approach is regimented, practiced, expeditious, and flexible to the environment in which it is performed.   Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses do a great job of teaching the guiding principles to the approach to the trauma patient.  However, while it is relatively simple to become facile with the exam of victims of trauma in the (relatively) controlled setting of the trauma bay, it can be especially challenging to examine the same patient in the field.

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