Brit J Hosp Med
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While use of mechanical circulatory support is increasing, knowledge of its fundamental role and limitations remains poorly understood by many medical professionals. This article summarises the main types of mechanical circulatory support and how they work, particularly focusing on the key information medical professionals should know should they encounter them in hospital. ⋯ Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can provide both respiratory and circulatory support to patients. Ventricular assist devices can provide support for not only patients with acute cardiogenic shock, but also for ambulant patients in the community setting.
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Radial head fractures are a common fracture involving the elbow joint. Patients typically present after a fall onto an outstretched hand with elbow pain and swelling. Without adequate treatment, this can lead to long-term complications, including loss of elbow motion and pain. ⋯ It is therefore imperative that hospital clinicians understand the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The plain radiograph is the optimum method to diagnose a radial head fracture. These fractures can be managed using a variety of techniques, from non-surgical conservative methods for the undisplaced fracture through to surgical fixation, radial head replacement and excision for the more complex, displaced fracture.
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Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that provides a range of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It continues to expand and evolve, and has had a marked impact on clinical care in many settings, in some cases averting the need for major surgery and hospital admission. While its role in the setting of trauma is relatively well established, with arterial embolisation a valuable option in the management of haemodynamically unstable patients, it is less prominent in the elective setting. This article provides an overview of emerging applications of interventional radiology in the elective treatment of orthopaedic conditions.
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Metastatic spinal cord compression is compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina as a result of metastatic deposits in the spinal column. It affects approximately 4000 cases per year in England and Wales. ⋯ Survival of patients with common malignancies has improved significantly with the ongoing development of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as improved surgical treatment of resectable primary tumours. This article outlines the clinical approach to presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management.