Low back pain is a frequent patient complaint in the emergency department. In fact, the same patients may visit the ED repetitively with the same complaint. It is easy to be assuaged into thinking that these patients are merely seeking drugs, but to make that assumption can lead a clinician to miss the cauda equina syndrome and may result in a malpractice action if efforts are not taken to identify any new symptoms and signs in a patient with low back pain. This issue provides the reader with a solid understanding of diagnosing and caring for patients with cauda equina syndrome in the ED and the medicolegal issues that arise from failing to diagnose and appropriately treat these patients.
Part II of this two-part series focuses on facial nerve palsies and oropharyngeal infections. The authors present a systematic approach to differential diagnosis and identification of etiologic agents responsible for such conditions as peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, and pharyngeal infections. Radiographic and bacteriologic findings are emphasized, and appropriate antibiotic therapy is presented. The authors have provided treatment tables that direct emergency practitioners toward outcome-effective therapy.
Parts I and II of this series discussed general facial wound repair, forehead and scalp trauma, eye trauma, nasal trauma, and midface fractures. This third and final part of the series covers mandible, mouth, ear, and pediatric trauma.
Although cervical spine injury is uncommon, the implications of a missed injury are profound and may result in many serious complications for the patient and the physician. This issue presents the physician with a thorough discussion of the imaging alternatives available and facilitates clinical decision-making for diagnostic imaging. The author also provides a comprehensive discussion of the evaluation of a patient with a potential ligamentous injury to the cervical spine.
