Search

Objective Emergency department (ED) reduction of pediatric fractures occurs most commonly in the forearm and can be challenging if fluoroscopy is not available. We sought to assess the ability of point of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) to predict adequacy of reduction by fluoroscopy. Methods We prospectively enrolled ED patients 0–17 years of age with radial and/or ulnar fractures requiring reduction under fluoroscopic guidance. Post-reduction POCUS (probe dorsal, volar, and coronal) and fluoroscopic (AP and lateral) fracture images were recorded. Fracture angles were compared between blinded POCUS and fluoroscopic measurements and between POCUS measurements by a blinded emergency physician and a blinded radiologist, reporting mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of POCUS in the prediction of fluoroscopically detected post-reduction malalignment, as interpreted by a blinded pediatric orthopaedist. Results The 58 patients were 7.9 ± 3.5 years of age and had 21 radial (36%), 1 ulnar (2%), and 36 radioulnar (62%) fractures. Fluoroscopy and POCUS angles were within a mean of 0.1°–3.2°, depending on the site and surface measured. Radiologist- and emergency physician-interpreted POCUS measurements were within a mean of 1° in all dimensions. POCUS identified inadequate reductions with 100% sensitivity and 92–93% specificity. Conclusions Blinded emergency medicine and radiology interpretations of post-reduction POCUS fracture images agree closely. Post-reduction POCUS measurements are comparable to those obtained by fluoroscopy and accurately predict adequacy of reduction. POCUS can be used to guide pediatric fracture reduction when bedside fluoroscopy is not available in the ED.

In response to increasing violent attacks, the Stop the Bleed campaign recommends that everyone have access to both personal and public bleeding-control kits. There are currently no guidelines about how many bleeding victims public sites should be equipped to treat during a mass casualty incident. We conducted a retrospective review of intentional mass casualty incidents, including shootings, stabbings, vehicle attacks, and bombings, to determine the typical number of people who might benefit from immediate hemorrhage control by a bystander before professional medical help arrives. On the basis of our analysis, we recommend that planners at public venues consider equipping their sites with supplies to treat a minimum of 20 bleeding victims during an intentional mass casualty incident.

Objectives Medicine is a practice characterized by ongoing learning, and unique qualities of the operational learning environment (LE) may affect learner needs. When physicians move between differing practice environments learners may encounter situations for which they are unprepared. Using a conceptual framework specific to the LE, we therefore asked the following research question: what is the difference in LE for Navy emergency medicine (EM) physicians who practice in U.S. hospitals but serve an operational environment, and how do these differences shape their learning needs? Methods We interviewed Navy EM physicians who recently deployed to explore their perceptions of the deployed LE, how it differed from the LE they practice in stateside, and the perceived effect this difference had on their learning needs. We used the constant comparative method to gather and analyze data until thematic saturation was achieved. Results We interviewed 12 physicians and identified six interconnected themes consistent with the LE framework in the literature: 1) patient care is central to the learning experience; 2) professional isolation versus connectedness; 3) a sense of meaningful practice engages the learner in the LE; 4) physicians as educators shape the LE; 5) team trust impacts the LE; and 6) the larger military organization impacts the LE. Conclusions Our themes span the conceptual framework put forth by previous work and did not find themes outside this framework. These interconnected themes describe the difference in LE between the stateside and deployed setting and impact the learning needs of Navy EM physicians. These results inform strategies to position the deployed medical unit for success.

Background Although the survivability of military extremity hemorrhage is well documented, equivalent civilian data are limited. We analyzed statewide autopsy records in Maryland to determine the number of hemorrhagic deaths that might have been potentially survivable with prompt hemorrhage control. Similar analyses of battlefield deaths led to life-saving changes in military medical practice. Study Design This is a retrospective study of decedent records. The objective is to estimate the number of hemorrhagic deaths that might have been prevented by prompt placement of an extremity tourniquet. Maryland autopsy records from 2002 to 2016 were selected using the following search terms: amputation, arm/arms, avulsion, exsanguination, extremity/extremities, leg/legs. The records were analyzed by applying a checklist of previously developed military criteria to characterize deaths as potentially survivable or nonsurvivable with prompt use of a tourniquet. Suicides and decedents less than 18 years old were excluded. The study did not use information about living participants. Two expert reviewers independently evaluated and scored the death records. Deaths were classified as either potentially survivable or nonsurvivable. A third reviewer broke any ties. Results There were 288 full autopsy records included in the final analysis. Of the eligible decedents reviewed during the 14-year period, 124 of 288 had potentially survivable wounds; 164 had nonsurvivable wounds. Conclusions Over the 14-year study interval, 124 Maryland decedents—an average of 9 per year—might have been saved with prompt placement of a tourniquet. If extrapolated, approximately 480 people in the US might be saved per year. These results provide evidence to support educating and equipping the public to provide bleeding control.

Adolescent tibial tubercle avulsion fractures represent an uncommon, but clinically significant condition for emergency medicine physicians. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of this pediatric orthopedic diagnosis are important, as anterior compartment syndrome can occur in up to 10-20% of cases. Anterior tibial tubercle fractures are generally sport related injuries, occurring primarily in otherwise healthy adolescent males between the ages of 11-17. They account for less than 3% of all epiphyseal injuries in this age group and are rarely bilateral in nature. In this article, we present a case with two unique clinical features: bilateral sports related tibial tubercle avulsion fractures and subsequent development of bilateral clinical compartment syndrome. We briefly review the risk factors, presentation, and diagnosis of this rare but clinically important condition.