J Emerg Med
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Luxatio erecta (inferior glenohumeral dislocation) is an uncommon type of shoulder dislocation. Early recognition and reduction is important to prevent neurovascular sequelae. We report two cases of luxatio erecta in order to describe the clinical presentation and reduction technique in the Emergency Department.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Subarachnoid hemorrhage diagnosis by computed tomography and lumbar puncture: are fifth generation CT scanners better at identifying subarachnoid hemorrhage?
This study sought to determine the sensitivity and specificity of modern computed tomography (CT) scans for the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). No studies have been done recently with fifth generation CT scanners to look at the diagnosis of SAH. A retrospective chart review was done of Emergency Department (ED), laboratory, and hospital records at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina over 1 year from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. ⋯ There were 177 patients who presented to the ED with headache and went on to have a CT scan and an LP to rule out SAH. No patients who had a negative CT were found to have a subarachoid hemorrhage. It is concluded that fifth generation CT scanners are probably more sensitive than earlier scanners at detecting SAH.
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The object of this study was to derive a clinical decision rule for therapeutic laparotomy among adult blunt trauma patients with a positive abdominal ultrasound for trauma (FAST) examination. ⋯ In the absence of fluid in the RUQ, there are other clinical variables that may allow for the development of a clinical decision rule regarding the need for therapeutic laparotomy.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Patient attitudes toward emergency physician attire.
Previous studies have suggested that Emergency Department (ED) patient satisfaction is unaffected by physician attire. We conducted a before-and-after trial to test this hypothesis. A convenience sample of ED patients was surveyed during a 2-week period. ⋯ There were 111 patients surveyed. There were no significant differences between patients' evaluation of appearance (Delta=-.68 mm VAS, 95% confidence interval [CI] -5.5 to 4.1), satisfaction (Delta=.83 mm VAS, 95% CI -3.0 to 4.6), or professionalism (Delta=-.46 mm VAS, 95% CI -3.6 to 2.6) between the two dress styles. Emergency physician attire does not affect patient satisfaction.