Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
-
Case Reports
Benign surgical emphysema of the hand and upper limb: gas is not always gangrene--a report of two cases.
Subcutaneous emphysema of the hand can result from benign causes. Differentiating this from emphysema caused by gas-forming organisms is essential in the acute stages of presentation as the management differs considerably. We present two cases of benign surgical emphysema and highlight the importance of distinguishing between this and gas gangrene. A considered history and the absence of systemic features associated with benign causes of subcutaneous air will prevent unnecessary surgical exploration.
-
To investigate the accuracy of assessment of burn surface area and depth using a basic camera-equipped mobile phone. ⋯ There are a number of implications for the use of mobile phone technology in hospitals and its potential use in the management of major in addition to minor burns, as well as other forms of trauma. The untapped potential for this technology in a hospital environment is highlighted.
-
Review Case Reports
Compartment syndrome as a complication of a stab wound to the thigh: a case report and review of the literature.
Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is a rare but potentially devastating condition, in which the pressure within the osseofascial compartment rises above the capillary perfusion gradient, leading to cellular anoxia, muscle ischaemia and death. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent long term disability. It is most often associated with crush injuries and femoral fracture. We present a previously unreported case of thigh compartment syndrome following a stab injury, treated by emergent fasciotomy.
-
Review Case Reports
Acute myocardial infarction in pregnancy: a case report and subject review.
Myocardial infarction in pregnancy is uncommon. Use of thrombolytic treatment is relatively contraindicated. Early recognition as well as a multidisciplinary approach to the management of these cases is important, as untreated there is a high maternal and fetal mortality. The case presented here highlights the importance of early transfer to a specialist centre for percutaneous coronary intervention.
-
A short cut review was carried out to establish whether warming local anaesthetic solutions reduced the pain on injection. A total of 758 papers were found using the reported search, of which 11 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are presented in table 4. The clinical bottom line is that warming local anaesthetics, either alone or in combination with buffering, significantly reduces pain of local infiltration.