Articles Tagged With: spine
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Tarlov Cysts of the Lumbosacral Spine
Tarlov cysts (root sleeve cysts) are common incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine. However, they rarely are correlated with electrophysiological findings or clinical symptoms. Undertake extreme care and caution before recommending surgical intervention for these common imaging abnormalities.
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Back Pain-Related Disability and Lumbar Spine Imaging Changes
A population-based, prospective cohort study of women in the United Kingdom found no association between the number of lumbar segments with radiographic pathology and severity of back pain-related disability.
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Certain Variables Can Lead Some Spine Patients to Report More Pain After Surgery
Spine surgery patients are most likely to control pain poorly after a procedure if they are female, younger than age 70 years, and record higher depression scores, according to a recent report.
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Advances in Pediatric Neck Trauma: What’s New in Assessment and Management?
Although rare, pediatric neck trauma may have devastating consequences. The author provides current information on recognizing and managing pediatric neck trauma.
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Pooled Malpractice Data Show True Prevalence of ED Claims
A decade’s worth of malpractice claims data allowed three Phoenix-based ED groups to improve care of spinal epidural abscess patients.
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Trauma Mythology: Looking Beyond the ABCD and ATLS
This article examines some commonly held assumptions related to the emergency care and stabilization of trauma patients. It provides the practicing clinician with information needed to inform important clinical decisions about spinal immobilization, thromboelastography, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and the Focused Abdominal Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam.
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Does This Older Patient Have a Spinal Fracture? Evaluation and Management of Spinal Fractures in Older Adults
Older adults present unique challenges for the clinician. Missing a spinal fracture can have devastating consequences for this more fragile population. The authors review the clinical presentation, injury patterns, and unique considerations for imaging and management of spinal fractures in older adults.
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Cervical Spinal Injury
Although spinal injuries are uncommon, they should be considered when children have sustained head or neck trauma or multiple severe injuries. Children with severe or multisystem trauma are more likely to suffer a spinal injury. Thus, emergency department providers should have a lower threshold to immobilize and image such patients to prevent morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the most common pediatric spinal fractures and injuries and optimal management practices.
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Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord, although well protected, can be injured in a variety of ways, including motor vehicle collisions and sporting events. The inability of the neurons to regenerate, and their sensitivity to anoxia and hypoperfusion, makes the timely diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injury imperative to preserve as much function as possible. This article will cover the basic epidemiology, physiology, and treatments for spinal cord injury in an attempt to prepare the reader to manage these complex injuries.
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The Initial Evaluation and Clearance of Spinal Injuries in Emergency Medical Practice
The initial evaluation and management of patients with potential spinal injuries in emergency medicine practice is in evolution. The authors thoughtfully explore the evidence available and its limitations.