Tamingthesru
Joint Fluid Analysis in the ED
Not all swollen joints are the same and our dogmatic definitions of septic joints are changing with each new study, so how do we use synovial fluid to define our differential of the swollen joint? Join Dr. Harty in delving through the latest in synovial fluid studies in his asynchronous intern diagnostics post on joint fluid analysis.
ESR, CRP, & Procalcitonin: Acute Inflammatory Markers in the ED
Working in the ED one day you seem to hit a run of patients in whom consultants have asked you to order an ESR, CRP. First, podiatry asked for them for a patient with 1st metatarsal osteomyelitis. Spine surgery wanted the same for a patient with diskitis. And, ortho wanted them for a possible septic. You think to yourself, “what am I or my consultant going to do with these test results?” “What are these inflammatory markers anyhow?” And, “what patient’s should I be ordering them in.”
Ode to the FOOSH
Hand and wrist radiographs are some of the most common and most challenging x-rays to read. Take 10 minutes to watch a video and freshen up on both the anatomy and technical factors associated with wrist radiographs.