J Emerg Med
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Emergency departments (EDs) face increasing patient volumes and economic pressures. These problems have been attributed to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). ⋯ Many patients know that the law requires hospitals to provide care. This knowledge is associated with more frequent ED use. EMTALA changes might reduce ED use, but broader policy implications should be considered.
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Case Reports
Bilateral simultaneous traumatic upper arm compartment syndromes associated with anabolic steroids.
Acute compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency, is defined as increased pressure in an osseofascial space. The resulting reduction of capillary perfusion to that compartment requires prompt fasciotomy. Treatment delay has a poor prognosis, and is associated with muscle and nerve ischemia, resultant infarction, and late-onset contractures. ⋯ We suggest consideration of a history of anabolic steroid use when evaluating patients with extremity trauma.
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Review Case Reports
Bilateral anterior dislocation of the shoulder: review of seventy cases and proposal of a new etiological-mechanical classification.
Although anterior shoulder dislocation is common in everyday practice in Emergency Departments, bilateral presentation is a rare entity. ⋯ The bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation may not be as rare as previously thought and must be taken into account in emergency services. The authors propose a new etiological-mechanical classification. Also, the importance of radiologic diagnosis must be highlighted.