Key Points Print Section Listen Use the NEXUS criteria and/or Canadian C-Spine rules to determine which patients require radiographic imaging. Forego plain films and proceed directly to computed tomography imaging…

Key Points Print Section Listen Splinting a fracture is useful to permit healing, relieve pain, and stabilize bony fragments. In acute injuries, splints are preferable to circumferential casts to limit…

Key Points Print Section Listen When assessing a painful extremity, vascular compromise must be excluded first. A patient who has fallen on an outstretched hand and has tenderness in the…

Key Points Print Section Listen Thoracic trauma is the second leading cause of traumatic death in the United States. All patients require a rapid primary survey focused on patient airway,…

Key Points Print Section Listen If a hip fracture is suspected in an elderly patient, but plain radiographs are negative, obtain a computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Delay…

Key Points Print Section Listen History and physical examination alone will lead to the diagnosis in most patients presenting with acute visual loss. The most important first step in addressing…

Key Points Print Section Listen A normal physical examination cannot be used as the sole means to exclude significant injury in patients with abdominal trauma. Hemodynamically unstable patients with penetrating…

Key Points Print Section Listen Dental caries are the most common dental emergency and can lead to pulpitis. Tooth fractures are categorized and treated according to the Ellis classification. Clean…

Key Points Print Section Listen Compartment syndrome occurs when tissue pressure in a closed space rises, compromising perfusion to nerves and muscles. The leg and forearm compartments are most commonly…

Key Points Print Section Listen The diagnostic approach to lower back pain is facilitated by classifying back pain into (1) nonspecific low back pain, (2) back pain associated with radiculopathy,…